Search Results (90,737)

Let M be an Abelian monoid. A necessary and sufficient condition for the class $\mathcal{A}r{m}_M$ of all Armendariz rings relative to M to coincide with the class $\mathcal{A}rm$ of all Armendariz rings is given. As a consequence, we prove that $\mathcal{A}r{m}_M$ has exactly three cases: the empty set, $\mathcal{A}rm$, and the class of all rings. If N is an Abelian monoid, then we prove that $\mathcal{A}r{m}_{M\times N}=\mathcal{A}r{m}_M\bigcap \mathcal{A}r{m}_N$, which gives a partial affirmative answer to the open question of Liu in 2005 (whether R is $M\times N$-Armendariz if R is M-Armendariz and N-Armendariz). We also show that the other Armendariz-like rings relative to an Abelian monoid, such as M-quasi-Armendariz rings, skew M-Armendariz rings, weak M-Armendariz rings, M-$\pi$-Armendariz rings, nil M-Armendariz rings, upper nil M-Armendariz rings and lower nil M-Armendariz rings can be handled similarly. Some conclusions on these classes have, therefore, been generalized using these classifications. Full article

Elasmobranchs (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) are exposed to a variety of gastrointestinal parasites acquired through the ingestion of infected prey. An increasing amount of evidence suggests the usefulness of parasitological information to elucidate aspects of the biology and ecology of sharks and rays, to inform the correct management and conservation of their stocks and the appropriate husbandry of captive specimens. This study aims to identify at the morphological and molecular level the helminth parasites found in the stomachs and intestines of various elasmobranchs accidentally caught by Mediterranean fisheries, with the aim of updating and providing new information on the parasitic fauna of these species. Specimens of smooth-hound Mustelus mustelus, blackspotted smooth-hound Mustelus punctulatus, blue shark Prionace glauca, spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias, lesser-spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula, pelagic stingray Pteroplatytrygon violacea and Mediterranean starry ray Raja asterias were examined. The parasitological examination allowed us to identify the nematode Acanthocheilus rotundatus in the two species of smooth-hounds analyzed, the tapeworm species Scyphophyllidium exiguum, S. prionacis, Anthobothrium caseyi and Nybelinia indica in P. glauca, the nematodes Hysterothylacium aduncum and Proleptus obtusus in S. acanthias and S. canicula, respectively, and finally the nematode Pseudanisakis rajae and the tapeworm Nybelinia sp. in Raja asterias. Some observations represent new reports at a geographical level, in particular, those on A. caseyi in P. glauca and H. aduncum in S. acanthias from the Adriatic Sea, or first host records, such as S. exiguum and N. indica in P. glauca or P. rajae. in R. asterias. The results of this survey represent a contribution to broadening the knowledge of the parasitic fauna of these elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea. From more in-depth future studies, it will be possible to reach more solid evidence and general conclusions on aspects relating to the biology, ecology, and health of the investigated species, offering useful information for their conservation and management. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating the continuous evolution of therapeutic approaches. Despite advancements in early detection and localized treatments, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) poses significant challenges due to low survival rates and resistance to conventional therapies. This review highlights the current landscape of CRC treatment, focusing on chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Chemotherapeutic agents, including 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin, have significantly improved survival but face limitations such as systemic toxicity and resistance. Targeted therapies, leveraging mechanisms like VEGF, EGFR, and Hedgehog pathway inhibition, offer promising alternatives, minimizing damage to healthy tissues while enhancing therapeutic precision. Furthermore, future directions in CRC treatment include exploring innovative targets such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and TGF-β pathways, alongside IGF/IGF1R inhibition. These emerging strategies aim to address drug resistance and improve patient outcomes. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating molecular insights into drug development, advocating for a more personalized approach to combat CRC’s complexity and heterogeneity. Full article

The use of graphene oxide (GO) in combination with mesoporous materials has gained interest in the development of adsorbents. In this study, GO was impregnated into zeolite at three concentrations (ZGO2.5, ZGO5, and ZGO10) through a simple thermal process to enhance the adsorption of methylene blue (MB). Characterization of the resulting materials was performed using spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, and EDS, confirming the presence of GO on zeolite. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate their performance, analyzing contact time, pH effect, and adsorption kinetics. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich kinetic models were applied, and the adsorption mechanism was studied using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin II, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms at different temperatures. Optimal adsorption was achieved at 273 K, 100 mg L⁻¹ of MB, adsorbent mass of 100 mg, 250 rpm, and pH 5–9, with 90% removal efficiency after 70 min. The pseudo-second-order, Freundlich, and D-R models best described the process (R² > 0.98), suggesting a mixed physisorption–chemisorption mechanism. The maximum adsorption capacity from the D-R isotherm reached 119 mg g⁻¹ at 333 K. Thermodynamic studies showed that adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. These findings highlight the potential of GO-impregnated zeolite as an effective adsorbent for MB. Full article

The problem of increasing the tool durability (service life) when machining hard-to-machine materials is one of the major practical problems of modern mechanical engineering. This paper aims to improve the wear resistance of modular disk mills using the pre-processing method. Second-order rotatable planning was applied for the experimental study of the pre-processing of modular disk mills. Experimental research on the pre-processing of modular disk mills was carried out on a vertical milling machine XH950A when milling a workpiece made of steel 45. It was revealed that the increase in pre-processing modes up to specific values (f = 60 mm/min; 𝑣𝑐 = 17 m/min; t = 6 min) on the tool durability period has a positive effect. At the same time, the tool durability period was increased up to T = 155 min. Tests of the machined modular disk mills were carried out in the conditions of the laboratory base to determine the durability period. After pre-processing at different modes, each modular disk mill was used to machine the workpiece until wear signs appeared on the cutting edge. At the same time, the time was recorded to determine the durability period. It was found that the optimum mode of tool preliminary pre-processing provides the best deformation and thermal conditions for hardening the tool cutting part. As a result of modeling with the ANSYS 2024 R1 program, it was found that a hardened layer is indeed formed on the cutting part of the modular disk mill after pre-processing. The results obtained show the possibility of using the preliminary pre-processing method to improve the wear resistance of other metal-cutting tools. Full article

Background: Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by hip pain, reduced range of motion (ROM), and functional impairment, particularly in young and physically active individuals. While surgery is generally not performed in individuals under 18 due to skeletal immaturity, it remains a standard treatment option for adults presenting with persistent symptoms and functional limitations. However, the overall effectiveness of physiotherapy-based interventions remains unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative rehabilitation strategies for FAIS, assessing their impact on pain management, functional improvement, and quality-of-life outcomes, rather than directly comparing them to surgical interventions. Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they examined conservative rehabilitation for FAIS, assessing outcomes such as pain reduction, functional improvement, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and quality of life. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively. Results: Both conservative rehabilitation and surgical intervention resulted in significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life. Exercise-based physiotherapy, particularly programs incorporating core stability, progressive strengthening, and neuromuscular training, demonstrated positive outcomes. Surgery provided faster pain relief, ROM improvements, and earlier functional gains, particularly in activities requiring hip flexion. Given the variability in outcome measures, including pain, function, and quality of life, the interpretation of results must consider differences in treatment protocols across studies. Conclusions: Conservative rehabilitation should be considered a first-line treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS), as it provides significant improvements in pain relief, function, and quality of life while mitigating the risks associated with surgery. Exercise-based physiotherapy, particularly programs incorporating core stabilization, progressive strengthening, and neuromuscular training, has demonstrated positive clinical outcomes. Although surgery may offer faster symptom relief and greater short-term functional gains, long-term differences between surgical and conservative management appear minimal in selected patient populations. Structured physiotherapy interventions should be prioritized before surgical consideration, except in cases where symptoms persist despite adequate rehabilitation. Future research should aim to establish standardized rehabilitation protocols, define optimal intervention parameters, and identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit from conservative management. Additionally, longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to clarify the long-term effects of non-surgical treatments on joint health and functional outcomes. Full article

The rapid advancement of digital technologies in education is revolutionizing learning environments and influencing the future of educational methodologies. This study seeks to determine the parameters affecting students’ satisfaction with e-learning platforms utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, within a multimodal educational framework. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was used to examine the contributions of different components to students’ views of e-learning tools and the inter-relationships between them. Data were gathered from 314 students via a questionnaire, with the dependent variable being student satisfaction with e-learning platforms and the independent variables comprising the perceived benefits and disadvantages, ease of use, prior experience, perceptions of the platforms, perceived risks, and communication efficiency between students and professors. The results indicated that 78% of the variance in student satisfaction was explained by these parameters (R-squared = 0.78), underscoring the substantial impact of these features on the digital learning experience. This study enhances the comprehension of the influence of e-learning platforms within a multimodal educational framework on students’ learning experiences, especially with the challenges presented by the pandemic. The collected insights can guide the development of more effective, accessible, and user-focused educational tools. Full article

This study evaluated binocular visual function using automatic dual rotational Risley prisms (ADRRPs) to measure phoria and vergence ranges. Thirty-nine (mean age: 21.82 ± 1.10 years; age range: 20–24 years) healthy adults with normal binocular vision participated. Each underwent baseline refraction exams followed by phoria and vergence tests conducted using both a phoropter with Maddox rods and the ADRRPs. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between the two instruments for distance phoria (r = 0.959, p < 0.001) and near-phoria measurements (r = 0.968, p < 0.001). For vergence testing, positive fusional vergence (PFV) at distance showed a moderate-to-strong correlation for break points (r = 0.758, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation for recovery points (r = 0.452, p < 0.001). Negative fusional vergence (NFV) at distance demonstrated a strong correlation for break points (r = 0.863, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation for recovery points (r = 0.458, p < 0.01). Near-vergence testing showed moderate-to-strong correlations for break points (r = 0.777, p < 0.001) and recovery points (r = 0.623, p < 0.001). The inclusion of Bland–Altman analysis provides a more comprehensive evaluation of agreement between ADRRPs and the phoropter. While strong correlations were observed, systematic bias and LoA indicate that these methods are not perfectly interchangeable. The ADRRPs demonstrated potential for binocular vision assessment but require further validation for clinical application. Full article

Feeding HC diets has been found to induce metabolic dysregulation in the colon. However, the mechanisms by which changes in colonic flora and metabolites damage the colonic epithelium are poorly studied. Therefore, the present experiment used a multi-omics technique to investigate the mechanism of colonic injury induced by high-concentrate diets in lambs. Twelve male Dumont lambs were randomly split into two groups: a low-concentrate diet (LC = concentrate/forage = 30:70) group and a high-concentrate diet (HC = concentrate/forage = 70:30) group. The results showed that the HC group presented significantly increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in the colonic epithelium and significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels (p < 0.05), which led to cavities and inflammatory cell infiltration in the colonic epithelium. The HC group had significantly lower pH and less VFAs in colon contents, as well as a significantly increased abundance of bacteria of the genera [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Treponema, Clostridia_UCG-014, Alistipes, Ruminococcus, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, UCG-002, Bacteroidales_RF16_group and Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group compared to the LC diet group. These microorganisms significantly increased the level of metabolites of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, LysoPA (P-16:0/0:0), methapyrilene, and fusaric acid. A transcriptome analysis showed that cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, glutathione metabolism, and the peroxisome signaling pathway were downregulated in the colon epithelium of the lambs fed the HC diet. Therefore, the HC diet caused epithelial inflammation and oxidative damage by affecting the interaction between the microbial flora of the colon and metabolites and the host epithelium, which eventually disrupted colon homeostasis and had a negative impact on sheep health. Full article

Aeromonas salmonicida is a predominant pathogen that infects fish. The pathogen A. salmonicida subsp. masoucida (ASM) was isolated for the first time from diseased starry flounders (Platichthys stellatus). Our study aimed to isolate, characterize, and investigate the pathogenicity of ASM. Bacterial species were identified using 16s rRNA, gyrB, dnaJ, and vapA analyses. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the ASM strains were clustered with the ASM ATCC strain and other strains isolated from black rockfish. In the antimicrobial susceptibility test, the three ASM strains were considered non-wild types for enrofloxacin, florfenicol, flumequine, oxolinic acid, and oxytetracycline susceptibility. Histopathological analysis revealed bacterial colonies in the secondary lamella and heart, indicating that ASM strains are highly virulent in fish. Comparative analysis and annotation via genome sequencing revealed that, among the 1156 factors, adherence factors were the most prevalent putative virulence determinants, followed by the effector delivery system and adherence. ASM was found to possess 43 type III secretion systems, 22 type VI secretion systems, 11 antimicrobial resistance genes, 3 stress genes, and prophage regions. These findings provide new insights into the virulence profile of ASM and highlight the risk posed by emerging pathogenic strains to starry flounders. Full article

Soybeans are key in generating foreign currency for the world economy. Geotechnologies, through vegetation indices (VIs) generated by orbital images or remotely piloted aircraft, are essential tools for assessing the impact of climate on productivity and the ecoclimatic suitability of crops. This study aimed to correlate the growth indices from the CLIMEX model, previously validated, with VIs derived from orbital remote sensing and ecological niche modeling for soybean cultivation in six irrigated pivots located in the northwest of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVImax) and the maximum soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVImax) were extracted from Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS sensor images for the 2016 to 2019 harvests during the R1 to R3 phenological stages. The maximum NDVI values varied across the study regions and crops, ranging from 0.27 to 0.95. Similarly, SAVI values exhibited variability, with the maximum SAVI ranging from 0.13 to 0.85. The growth index (GI_w), derived from the CLIMEX model, ranged from 0.88 to 1. The statistical analysis confirmed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between NDVImax and GI_w only for the 2018/19 harvest, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.86, classified as very strong. Across all harvests, NDVI consistently outperformed SAVI in correlation strength with GI_w. Using geotechnologies through remote sensing shows promise for correlating spectral indices and climate suitability models. However, when using a valid model, all crops did not correlate. Still, our study has the potential to be improved by investigating new hypotheses, such as using drone images with better resolution (spatial, spectral, temporal, and radiometric) and adjusting the response of soybean vegetation indices and the phenological stage. Our results correlating the CLIMEX model of growth indices with vegetation indices have the potential for monitoring soybean cultivation and analyzing the performance of varieties but require a more in-depth view to adapt the methodology. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the concordance between estimated fetal weight (EFW) and birth weight among ultrasound examinations with fetal biometry considered adequate and inadequate according to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) guidelines, and its association with adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective and cross-sectional study carried out in two centers, involving parturients who delivered between 37 and 41 weeks. The following parameters were evaluated: biparietal (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) measurement; EFW; the interval between the ultrasound and delivery; and the discrepancy between EFW and birth weight. A minimum of 140 participants were required to assess the association between EFW and birth weight. Results: A total of 305 ultrasound examinations were selected and divided into two groups: adequate (Group I n = 115) and inadequate (Group II n = 190) fetal biometry. The measurements of the cephalic pole (BPD + HC), AC, and FL were inadequate in 69.5% (132/190), 91.6% (175/190), and 72.1% (137/190) of participants, respectively. Group I had a lower gestational age at ultrasound examination (38.4 vs. 39.9 weeks, p < 0.001), a larger BPD measurement (93.9 vs. 91.6 mm, p = 0.001), a longer interval between ultrasound examination and delivery (3.8 vs. 2.0 days, p < 0.001), and a smaller discrepancy between EFW and birth weight (7.2 vs. 9.5%, p = 0.002) than Group II. In Group I, EFW was a strong significant predictor (AUC:0.94, 95%CI 0.85–0.99, p = 0.032) for identifying birth weight >4000 g. An EFW cut-off value of 4019.0 g was found to be a correct identifier for 85.7% of newborns with a birth weight >4000 g, with a false-positive rate of 13.7%. Group I had a lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage (7.0% vs. 15.8%, OR:0.39, 95%CI 0.17–0.90, p = 0.024) and composite adverse perinatal outcomes (13.0 vs. 23.3%, OR:0.49, 95%CI 0.26–0.94, p = 0.030) than Group II. In Group I patients, undergoing an ultrasound 7 days before delivery was an independent predictor of composite adverse perinatal outcomes [x²(1) = 4.9, OR:0.49, 95%CI: 0.26–0.94, R² Nagelkerke:0.026, p = 0.030]. Conclusions: We observed a high rate of inadequate fetal biometry. There was poor concordance between EFW and birth weight. EFW was a strong significant predictor for identifying macrosomia. Ultrasound examination performed 7 days before delivery was an independent predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes. Full article

In this article, we examine a class of partially linear additive models (PLAM) defined via a measurable mapping $\mathsf{\Psi }:{\mathbb{R}}^q\to \mathbb{R}$. More precisely, we consider $\mathsf{\Psi }\left({\mathbf{Y}}_i\right):={\mathcal{Y}}_i={\mathbf{Z}}_i^{\top }\mathit{\beta }+{\sum }_{\mathcal{l}=1}^d{m}_{\mathcal{l}}\left(X_{\mathcal{l},i}\right)+{\epsilon }_i,i=1,\dots ,n,$ where ${\mathbf{Z}}_i={(Z_{i,1},\dots ,Z_{i,p})}^{\top }$ and ${\mathbf{X}}_i={(X_{1,i},\dots ,X_{d,i})}^{\top }$ denote vectors of explanatory variables. The unknown parameter vector is $\mathit{\beta }={({\beta }_1,\dots ,{\beta }_p)}^{\top }$, and $m_1,\dots ,m_d$ are real-valued functions of a single variable whose forms are not specified. The error terms ${\epsilon }_1,\dots ,{\epsilon }_n$ are identically distributed with mean zero and finite variance ${\sigma }_{\epsilon }$, and they fulfill the condition $\mathbb{E}(\epsilon \mid \mathbf{X},\mathbf{Z})=0$ almost surely. These models are broadly applicable in finance, biology, and engineering, where capturing intricate nonlinear effects is essential. We propose an estimation method that leverages marginal integration in conjunction with linear wavelet-based techniques to obtain estimators for the unknown components $m_1,\dots ,m_d$. Under suitable regularity conditions, we establish strong uniform convergence of these estimators, demonstrating that they achieve practically relevant convergence rates. Our theoretical results indicate that these estimators converge uniformly at rates that are favorable for practical applications, underscoring the adaptability and scope of this partially linear additive model. Full article

Proteus mirabilis is a significant foodborne opportunistic pathogen associated with various nosocomial infections. Chicken farms may serve as an important reservoir for P. mirabilis. However, research on antibiotic resistance and genomic features of P. mirabilis in China’s poultry industry is limited. This study isolates P. mirabilis from a breeder farm in China and investigates the dissemination of P. mirabilis and clinically significant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), including bla_NDM and bla_CTX-M. From 510 samples, 69 isolates were obtained, classified into 11 sequence types (STs), with ST135 and ST175 predominating. A total of 39 ARGs were detected, including fosA3, floR, bla_CTX-M-3, bla_CTX-M-65, and bla_NDM-1. Genetic analysis revealed that bla_NDM-1 was exclusively located on Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1), while bla_CTX-M was found in various mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including Tn7, SXT/R391 integrative conjugative elements (ICEs), Proteus mirabilis genomic resistance island 1 (PmGRI1), and SGI1. Notably, many isolates carried multiple MGEs, suggesting frequent horizontal transfer of ARGs in P. mirabilis. These findings underscore the role of P. mirabilis in carrying and spreading antibiotic resistance, posing significant risks to the poultry industry and public health. Full article

Morocco is geographically located between two distinct climatic zones: temperate in the north and tropical in the south. This situation is the reason for the temporal and spatial variability of the Moroccan climate. In recent years, the increasing scarcity of water resources, exacerbated by climate change, has underscored the critical role of dams as essential water reservoirs. These dams serve multiple purposes, including flood management, hydropower generation, irrigation, and drinking water supply. Accurate estimation of reservoir flow rates is vital for effective water resource management, particularly in the context of climate variability. The prediction of monthly runoff time series is a key component of water resources planning and development projects. In this study, we employ Machine Learning (ML) techniques—specifically, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and XGBoost—to predict monthly river flows in the Bouregreg basin, using data collected from the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (SMBA) Dam between 2010 and 2020. The primary objective of this paper is to comparatively evaluate the applicability of these three ML models for flow forecasting in the Bouregreg River. The models’ performance was assessed using three key criteria: the correlation coefficient (R²), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The results demonstrate that the SVR model outperformed the RF and XGBoost models, achieving high accuracy in flow prediction. These findings are highly encouraging and highlight the potential of machine learning approaches for hydrological forecasting in semi-arid regions. Notably, the models used in this study are less data-intensive compared to traditional methods, addressing a significant challenge in hydrological modeling. This research opens new avenues for the application of ML techniques in water resource management and suggests that these methods could be generalized to other basins in Morocco, promoting efficient, effective, and integrated water resource management strategies. Full article