Comprehensive Assessment Research Articles

Request for assisted suicide in older people with depressive disorders : Expression of a mental disorder or free and independent structuring of the end of life?

Depressive disorders in older people are often accompanied by thoughts of their own death and the specific wish to die. Therefore, it can be assumed that depressive older people will express the wish for assisted suicide more frequently if legal provisions have been made. The following aspects must be taken into account when examining the decision-making capacity of those affected: depressive disorders can be reversible. Severe depressive disorders can be accompanied by an impaired capacity for judgment and making decisions, which rules out the possibility of making decisions of one's own free will. Particularly in old age, somatic comorbidities and an increased risk of loneliness are often found, which can additionally promote suicidal ideation. Without comprehensive assessments it will not be possible to clarify the actual autonomy of the will and it will be difficult to assess the permanence of the decisions made. It is also conceivable that the legal expert opinion could come to adifferent conclusion than the treating physician, who has followed the course of the illness during various phases of the patient's life and observed many changes in the patients will. In summary, it is currently not clearly recognizable in what form the assessment of free will could be organized in connection with possible legal regulations on assisted suicide, as long observation periods would be required for an adequate assessment.

Orbital trauma mimicking globe rupture: A case report of preserved vision

This case report details a 38-year-old male who sustained significant orbital trauma after being struck by a wooden object. A CT scan initially raised concern for a possible rupture of the right eye (globe). However, during surgery, it was discovered that the injury involved an extraconal foreign body, while the eye itself remained intact. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive clinical assessment and meticulous surgical exploration when dealing with complex orbital injuries.

Conceptualisation and Measurement of Resilience of Adults With Cancer: An Umbrella Review.

To (1) clarify the key components of resilience of adults with cancer; (2) summarise and analyse the resilience measures used in this population; and (3) discuss future evaluation directions. An umbrella review. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library and Epistemonikos were searched in December 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines were followed for undertaking this umbrella review. Systematic and narrative reviews that defined resilience of adults with cancer and reported resilience measures, published in English, were included. The methodological quality was assessed using the JBI appraisal tool. Fourteen eligible reviews were included. Four key resilience components from various resilience conceptualisations were identified. Twenty resilience measures were used among cancer patients, with the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale providing a relatively comprehensive assessment of individual resilience. Recommended future research with cancer patients includes assessing these resilience components: (1) available individual resources-key psychological factors that enhance individual resilience; (2) access to social resources-close interpersonal relationships, family cohesion and social support; (3) adaptive coping ability-problem-solving skills, emotional management strategies and experiences in managing adversity; (4) ability to regain mental health and well-being-the capacity to recover a relatively stable psychological state and promote positive psychological functioning. The findings provide evidence for refining future resilience measurement in the adult cancer population. Examining the four key components of resilience with this population across cultures is warranted. Understanding the key components of resilience of cancer patients can help healthcare professionals identify individuals who may need further support and facilitate early intervention or referral to psychosocial support services. The 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale is recommended over other tools for use in the cancer population. Patient or public involvement is not applicable in this study.

Improving care experiences for premenstrual symptoms and disorders in the United Kingdom (UK): a mixed-methods approach

BackgroundPoor care experiences are reported for premenstrual disorders, which may result in negative outcomes such as distress, reduced healthcare engagement, and delays to diagnosis. This research aimed to explore healthcare experiences for premenstrual symptoms in the United Kingdom and identify areas for potential improvements based on participant responses.MethodAn online survey was delivered, with participants recruited via social media. Experiences of care were explored using quantitative and qualitative questions. Quantitative data were explored using descriptive statistics, with group differences investigated using Mann–Whitney U tests and chi-square tests as appropriate. Qualitative data regarding care improvements was explored using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThe sample included 339 participants who completed at least 97% of the survey, reported premenstrual symptoms in consecutive cycles, and had sought formal help for these symptoms. Mean age was 34.66 (SD = 5.88), with the majority identifying as women (n = 332, 97.94%) and white/Caucasian (n = 311, 91.74%). 75.22% (n = 255) felt that care was poor. 44.25% (n = 150) felt their symptoms were not taken seriously. 37.76% perceived a lack of healthcare professional knowledge (n = 128). The majority did not receive recommendations of non-formal sources of help (i.e., websites, support groups; 84.96%, n = 288) or lifestyle changes (74.63%, n = 253). Better care experiences were associated with healthcare professionals taking symptoms seriously (U = 1383.00, p < .001), higher perceived healthcare professional knowledge (U = 1370.50, p < .001), and receiving recommendations of non-formal sources of help (X2 = 48.251, df = 1, p < .001, Φc = .382) or lifestyle changes (X2 = 7.849, df = 1, p = .005, Φc = .152). Thematic analysis revealed 8 aspects of care improvement: Empathetic care provision; Healthcare professional education, understanding, and research; Comprehensive symptom assessment and investigations; Diagnosis; Professional support and treatment provision; Signposting or referral to additional resources or sources of help; Wider healthcare system improvements; and Patient role/voice and preferences.ConclusionsPoor care experiences for premenstrual symptoms in the UK are characterised by dismissive attitudes and perceived lack of knowledge. Improved training provision for healthcare professionals is required to address this and other aspects of care identified by qualitative analysis. However, research is needed to identify appropriate methods to deliver training. Utilisation of standardised screening tools and patient-centred communication will likely ensure comprehensive assessments and reduce self-advocacy burdens.

DNA methylation inhibitors adverse reaction characteristic analysis: an analysis based on the European spontaneous adverse event reporting system

IntroductionDNA methylation inhibitors have been approved for the prevention of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and their safety profile is not fully characterized. This study was aimed at evaluating the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of DNA methylation inhibitors by analyzing the individual case safety reports (ICSRs) collected in the EudraVigilance (EV) database.Materials and methodsThe EV database managed by the European Medicines Agency was adopted. The standardized medical terminology set MedDRA was utilized. The ICSRs data of DNA methylation inhibitors for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia originated from the EV database (2005–2024). A descriptive exploration of the combined data from EV was undertaken to assess the age, gender of patients, severity and outcome of ADR, event year, geographical origin and the qualification of the reporting source. A comprehensive assessment was made for severe ADR cases. By means of the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI), a non-proportional analysis was made for MedDRA® SOC in DNA methylation inhibitors. Statistical analysis was executed with SPSS version 23.0, and p &amp;lt; 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.ResultThe study reveals that reports related to AZACITIDINE increased from 2005 to 2023, with a slight decline in 2024, while those for DECITABINE have been on the rise since 2007. ICSRs were associated with a majority of males and individuals aged 65–85. Healthcare professionals frequently reported ICSRs related to DNA methylation inhibitors. A significant portion of these ICSRs were serious and completely resolved. The most common ADRs were identified, and certain ADRs had a higher reporting probability with AZACITIDINE (e.g., Febrile neutropenia, Anamia, etc.) and others with DECITABINE (e.g., Myelosuppression, Thrombocytopenia, etc.).ConclusionThe analysis regarding ADRs of DNA methylation inhibitors was consistent with the literature information disclosed. AZACITIDINE and DECITABINE each have ADRs with a high probability of being reported. Although the study has the advantage of using the database, it is limited by the spontaneous reporting system. Future improvements are needed to accurately evaluate the safety of the drugs.

Comparative analysis of PI and fuzzy logic controller for grid connected wind turbine under normal and fault conditions

This research is dedicated to improving the control system of wind turbines (WT) to ensure optimal efficiency and rapid responsiveness. To achieve this, the fuzzy logic control (FLC) method is implemented to control the converter in the rotor side (RSC) of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) and its performance is compared with an optimized proportional integral (PI) controller. The study demonstrated an enhancement in the performance of the DFIG through the utilization of the proposed FLC, effectively overcoming limitations and deficiencies observed in the conventional controllers, this approach significantly improved the performance of the wind turbine. Additionally, the selected membership functions were found to be highly compatible with the unique characteristics of wind energy. The optimization process is implemented for the controllers of both the grid side converter (GSC) and RSC. Through simulated analyses conducted using MATLAB/Simulink software, comprehensive assessments are carried out. The robustness of the FLC is evaluated compared to the optimized controllers across various wind profiles and challenging fault conditions. The results demonstrate satisfactory performance of the FLC in terms of steady-state time, stability, and precision under diverse wind speed profiles. The FLC achieves a significantly better settling time than the enhanced PI, improving by approximately 14–70% under normal conditions and 40–70% under various fault conditions. Additionally, the FLC outperforms the enhanced PI in fault conditions by reducing peak-to-peak oscillations by about 30–65%. It also delivers a smaller steady-state error, with improvements of around 2–4% under both normal conditions and most fault scenarios.

Seasonal dynamics of Herohalli Lake in North Bangalore, Karnataka, India: A limnological study of water stations and its impact on a vertebrate biological system

Aim: This study takes a novel approach, aiming to assess the seasonal dynamics of limnological variables and the ecological health of Herohalli Lake using the embryos of Danio rerio. Methodology: Water samples from three sampling sites, the open surface, deposit and inlet, were tested for physical, chemical, and biological parameters following the standard methods of APHA. This comprehensive assessment, conducted between June 2022 and July 2023, spanned the monsoon, autumn, winter, spring, and summer seasons. Developmental stages of D. rerio embryos were observed, and their heart rates were counted and compared between the sampling sites. Results: The study revealed significant limnological changes influenced by seasons at all sampling stations. The open surface water station showed superior results to deposit and inlet sites. Notably, the study found that the water quality in the three stations moderately influence the aquatic life. Interpretation: Herohalli Lake plays a crucial role in the region's microclimate. This study recommends sustainable management, strategic planning, and policy-making to conserve the aquatic ecosystems efficiently. Key words: Herohalli Lake, Heartbeat count, Limnology, Zebrafish

Data Intelligence Empowering Path for Evaluation of Teachers’ Ideological and Political Work in Higher Education

Monitoring and evaluating teachers’ ideological and political work in Chinese universities is critical, but there are practical challenges in evaluating it scientifically and efficiently. Big data and artificial intelligence technologies provide new ideas and methodologies to address these challenges. This study proposes a technical path empowered by data intelligence for evaluating university teachers’ ideological and political work. It conducted comprehensive profiling and assessment based on data by establishing an evaluation framework through Large Language Model (LLM) technology, data analysis, and visualization methods. This study provides references for the implementation path and methodological strategies to enable quality monitoring and evaluation of university teachers’ ideological and political work in the era of digital intelligence.

Ultrasound evaluation of snake bites: recent developments and future directions

Snake bites remain a public health problem worldwide; prompt and effective treatment is crucial in promoting the recovery of patients. Traditionally, physicians assessed patients’ conditions mainly through palpation and laboratory tests, which can be subjective and time-lagging. Conversely, ultrasound can visualize subtle changes in the lesion area and provide insight into tissue perfusion dynamics, making it an effective tool for comprehensive disease assessment. By analyzing recent cases, our study found that ultrasound is highly effective in detecting complications in snakebite patients, including subcutaneous edema, changes in limb hemodynamics, and organ damage. This enables clinicians to have a more comprehensive understanding of snakebite injuries, thereby facilitating precise patient treatment

Enhancing Food Security via selecting Superior Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) parents: a positive approach incorporating pheno-morphological traits, fatty acids composition, and Tocopherols Content

BackgroundPreserving plant genetic resources is essential for tackling global food security challenges. Effectively meeting future agricultural demands requires comprehensive and efficient assessments of genetic diversity in breeding programs and germplasm from gene banks. This research investigated the diversity of pheno-morphological traits, along with the fatty acid and tocopherol content and composition, in 135 double haploid lines of camelina.ResultsThe number of sub-branches, siliques number of main-branch and sub-branch, and seeds number in siliques of the main-branch displayed notable coefficients of variation with values of 33.19%, 30.32%, 29.23%, and 23.81% respectively. Within the current investigation, the measurements of height, sub-branch number, and thousand seed weight varied from 53.50 to 86.50 cm, 3.50 to 14, and 0.73 to 1.52 g, respectively. The analysis unveiled that the average content of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in the examined lines was approximately 33%, 20%, and 17%, respectively. The total tocopherol content varied between 675 and 877 ppm, predominantly consisting of gamma-tocopherol, which accounted for over 95% of the total content. The fatty acid C18:2 displayed a markedly strong positive correlation with alpha-tocopherol (0.99**), while C18:3 exhibited positive correlations with gamma-tocopherol (0.98**) and total tocopherol (0.98**). Furthermore, a positive correlation was evident between C20:1 and delta-tocopherol (0.98**). The scrutinized lines, specifically lines 35, 72, 94, and 126 demonstrated notable attributes regarding yield and yield components. Conversely, in the realm of biochemical traits, lines 35, 66, 47, 30, 65, 135, 83, 27, 4, 77, 62, 81, and 93 stood out for their elevated potential. The gene expression analysis related to the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway revealed distinct expression patterns. Specifically, the VTE1 gene exhibited the highest level of expression. In contrast, the VTE3 gene displayed the lowest level of expression compared to other genes.ConclusionsThe study’s findings hold great potential for improving food security by enabling the selection of superior camelina parent plants based on specific traits. This approach can drive the development of high-yielding varieties with enhanced nutritional value and better-quality camelina oil.

Association of Medial Temporal Lobe Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Memory Function in Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment.

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) represents the ability of cerebral blood vessels to regulate blood flow in response to vasoactive stimuli and is related to cognition in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. However, few studies have examined CVR in the medial temporal lobe, known to be affected early in Alzheimer disease and to influence memory function. We aimed to examine whether medial temporal CVR is associated with memory function in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this observational study, independently living older adults free of dementia or stroke were recruited from the community and underwent brain MRI, neuropsychological assessment, and blood draw in an academic research setting. pCASL MRI quantified medial temporal lobe cerebral perfusion during CVR response to hypercapnia. Hypercapnia was induced by visually guided breathing exercises (15 seconds breath holds) during capnographic monitoring. MCI diagnosis and memory performance were assessed through comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Aβ42/40 and pTau181 levels were quantified in blood plasma. Logistic and hierarchical linear regression examined medial temporal CVR in relation to MCI diagnosis and memory function. In a sample of 144 older adults (mean age = 69.6 years; SD = 7.4%; 34.7% male; mean education = 16.6 years, SD = 2.3), CVR to hypercapnia in the medial temporal lobe was attenuated in individuals with MCI after adjusting for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein ε4 carrier status, Aβ42/40 and pTau181 levels, and vascular risk factors (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.77-0.97], p = 0.013). Cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia was associated with verbal memory performance for stories (B = 0.33, 95% CI [0.09-0.57], p = 0.009), a word list (B = 0.10, 95% CI [0.001-0.20], p = 0.048), and visual memory (B = 0.33, 95% CI [0.09-0.57], p = 0.008). Deficits in medial temporal CVR are observed in older adults with MCI and are related to worse memory function. Findings suggest that medial temporal cerebrovascular dysfunction is related to cognition and memory before the onset of dementia, independent of changes in Alzheimer pathophysiologic markers. Limitations of the study include the cross-sectional design. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to examine whether early cerebrovascular changes can predict progressive memory decline.

The Future of Last-Mile Delivery: Lifecycle Environmental and Economic Impacts of Drone-Truck Parallel Systems

With rapid advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, its integration into logistics operations has emerged as a promising solution for improving efficiency and sustainability. Among the emerging solutions, a collaborative delivery model involving drones and trucks addresses last-mile delivery challenges by leveraging the complementary strengths of both modes of transport. However, evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of this transportation mode requires a systematic framework to capture its unique characteristics and minimize environmental impacts and costs. This paper investigates the Parallel Drone Scheduling Traveling Salesman Problem (PDSTSP) to evaluate the environmental and economic sustainability of a collaborative drone-truck delivery system. Specifically, a mathematical model for this delivery system is developed to optimize joint delivery operations. Environmental impacts are assessed using a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), including emissions and operational noise, while a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) quantifies economic performance across five cost dimensions. Sensitivity analysis explores factors such as delivery density, traffic congestion, and wind conditions. Results show that, compared to the electric vehicle fleet, the proposed model achieves an approximate 20% reduction in carbon emissions, while delivering a 20–30% cost reduction relative to the fuel truck fleet. Drones’ efficiency in short-distance deliveries alleviates trucks’ load, cutting environmental and operational costs. This study offers practical insights and recommendations for implementing drone-truck parallel delivery systems, particularly in high-demand density areas.

Fluid structure Interaction analysis for rupture risk assessment in patients with middle cerebral artery aneurysms

Accurate rupture risk assessment is essential for optimizing treatment decisions in patients with cerebral aneurysms. While computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has provided critical insights into aneurysmal hemodynamics, most analyses focus on blood flow patterns, neglecting the biomechanical properties of the aneurysm wall. To address this limitation, we applied Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis, an integrative approach that simulates the dynamic interplay between hemodynamics and wall mechanics, offering a more comprehensive risk assessment. In this study, we used advanced FSI techniques to investigate the rupture risk of middle cerebral artery bifurcation (MCA) aneurysms, analyzing a cohort of 125 patients treated for a MCA aneurysm at Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria. Multivariate analysis identified two significant rupture predictors: High Equivalent Stress Area (HESA; p = 0.049), which quantifies stress distribution relative to the aneurysm surface, and Gaussian curvature (GLN; p = 0.031), which captures geometric complexity. We also introduce the HGD index, a novel composite metric combining HESA, GLN, and Maximum Wall Displacement, designed to enhance predictive accuracy. With a threshold of 0.075, the HGD index exhibited excellent diagnostic performance; in internal validation, 24 of 25 ruptured aneurysms surpassed this threshold, yielding a sensitivity of 0.96. In a 5-fold cross validation the reliability of results was confirmed. Our findings demonstrate that the HGD index provides superior rupture risk stratification compared to conventional single-parameter models, offering a more robust tool for the assessment of complex aneurysmal structures. Further multicenter studies are warranted to refine and validate the HGD index, advancing its potential for clinical application and improving patient outcomes.

Cluster analysis of sarcopenia in older adults: significant factors contributing to disease severity.

The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) defines sarcopenia as a muscle disease (muscle failure) rooted in adverse muscle changes that accrue across a lifetime; sarcopenia is common among adults of older age. New findings on the hormonal and metabolic characteristics of patients with sarcopenia have aided in developing more targeted therapeutic strategies. However, treating older patients with sarcopenia still poses a number of challenges. Despite numerous studies on sarcopenia, no comprehensive phenotyping of older sarcopenic patients has yet to be offered. Cluster analysis has been successfully used to study various diseases. It may be extremely advantageous for collecting data on specific sarcopenia progressions based on a simultaneous assessment of a whole range of factors. To identify disease progression specific to older patients based on cluster analysis of blood biomarkers and lifestyle. This study included 1709 participants aged 90 and older. The median age was 92. Seventy-onepercent of participants were female. Participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment and had their metabolic, hormonal, andinflammatory blood biomarkers measured. The data were analyzed and clustered usingthe Rprogramming language. Seven sarcopenia clusters were identified. The most significant variables, indescending order, were malnutrition, physical activity, body mass index, handgrip strength, testosterone, albumin, sex, adiponectin, total protein, vitamin D, hemoglobin, estradiol, C-reactive protein, glucose, monocytes, and insulin. Handgrip strength measurements and free T3 levels increased linearly between the cluster with the lowest measurements and the cluster withthehighest measurements. The findings of this study may greatly aid in understanding the relationship between blood biomarkers, lifestyle and sarcopenia progression in older adults, and may help indeveloping better prevention and diagnostic strategies as well as more personalized therapeutic interventions.

The potential influence of clams on water quality improvement in mariculture ponds: a comprehensive assessment utilizing single-factor and water quality index (WQI) methods

The potential influence of clams on water quality improvement in mariculture ponds: a comprehensive assessment utilizing single-factor and water quality index (WQI) methods

Sustainable Campus Operations in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review

This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) to provide a comprehensive understanding of higher education literature focusing on the implementation of sustainable campus operations. The implementation of on-campus sustainable operations represents a pivotal path for promoting sustainability in the higher education context. Nonetheless, only a scarce number of studies provide a comprehensive assessment of the existing literature on the topic of sustainable campus operations in higher education institutions (HEIs). Accordingly, our research intends to fill this gap. Our review identified 130 focal articles that were predominantly published in high-impact journals. Key themes identified in the literature include carbon neutrality, energy use, waste management, environmental management, and circular economy, with a notable emphasis on the interconnectedness of these topics. The review also highlights the critical role of institutional leadership, governance structures, stakeholder engagement, and technological innovation in driving sustainability on campuses. Despite the growing body of literature, research gaps were identified, including the need for more comparative studies, exploration of funding mechanisms, and improvements in data collection and reporting practices. This study underscores the importance of adopting a structured, holistic approach to campus sustainability in HEIs, which can inform policy development, enhance decision-making, and pave the way for more effective sustainability strategies.

Comprehensive analysis of the cerebellar vasculature of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The current study performed a comprehensive assessment of blood supply in the cerebellum of dromedary camels. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide detailed information about the origins, routes, and complicated patterns of branching in the rostral and caudal cerebellar arteries of dromedary camels. In total, 55 heads from male dromedary camels aged 2–6 years were analyzed using advanced casting techniques. Based on the specific challenges of this study, arterial structures were accurately evaluated using these strategic techniques. Rostral and caudal cerebellar arteries and branches of the basilar artery gave rise to multiple cortical branches categorized as hemispheric (lateral, middle, and medial) and vermian (paramedian and median) branches, which supply blood to the cerebellum. This novel anatomical knowledge can significantly improve our understanding about the neurovascular system of dromedary camels, thereby holding potential implications for veterinary diagnostics, treatment of neurological disorders, and comparative neuroanatomy research.

Differences in the structure and prevalence of oral mucosal diseases across age groups

Relevance. In the Russian Federation, the population is witnessing a notable increase in the absolute number and proportion of elderly and senile individuals. Aging is recognized as a complex process involving multiple functional transformations in tissues and organs, often accompanied by a decline in the body’s adaptive capacities. With the growing proportion of older adults, the demand for dental care has significantly increased. Internal organ pathologies can alter the presentation of existing dental diseases or serve as triggers for the onset of oral conditions. A steady rise in oral mucosal diseases has been observed, linked to aging, environmental issues in specific regions, harmful habits, occupational hazards, and a tendency toward malignant transformation. Despite existing literature, the structure and prevalence of oral diseases, particularly mucosal pathologies in individuals over 60 years of age, remain underexplored. A personalized approach to diagnosing oral mucosal diseases (OMD) requires a comprehensive assessment of the clinical progression of primary, comorbid, and past conditions, while accounting for the patient’s age and sex.Materials and Methods. A primary examination was conducted at the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry and Periodontology of Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University to identify oral mucosal lesions. The study included 512 patients aged 18 to 89 years, comprising 167 men and 345 women. The assessment involved gathering patient complaints, medical histories, and general health status based on consultations with medical specialists. Visual evaluation of the oral mucosa was performed, along with autofluorescent stomatoscopy using the "AFS-D" device (Politron, Russia).Results. The study revealed a high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among the adult population. Lesions were observed in 40.8% of the 512 patients, with their frequency and types varying by age and sex. The most common conditions included denture-related stomatitis, traumatic lesions, periodontal diseases, and leukoplakia.Conclusion. The analysis of data from primary patient examinations demonstrated a significant increase in oral mucosal lesions with age. While periodontal diseases and traumatic lesions were more prevalent in younger individuals, older adults showed a rise in oral mucosal conditions associated with internal organ pathologies. Additionally, there was a notable increase in precancerous oral mucosal diseases among elderly and senile patients

Use of Light-Emitting Diodes on the In Vitro Rooting of Apple Tree Rootstocks

This study presents a pioneering investigation into the use of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for in vitro rooting of ‘Marubakaido’ apple tree rootstocks, marking the first report of this approach in the literature. The research evaluates the effects of four distinct light sources: blue LED (450 nm), red LED (660 nm), a combination of red and blue LEDs, and traditional fluorescent lamps as a control. Mini-cuttings were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with reduced nutrient concentrations, supplemented with indoleacetic acid (IAA) and sucrose. The explants were incubated under controlled conditions for 30 days, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the impact of different light sources on various growth metrics. The results revealed that blue LEDs significantly enhanced dry mass accumulation in seedlings compared to both red LEDs and fluorescent lamps, demonstrating their superior effectiveness in promoting plant growth. The use of LEDs not only improves seedling development but also offers economic advantages over fluorescent lamps. LEDs are characterized by high luminous efficiency, low energy consumption, and a long operational lifespan, which collectively reduce costs in plant production systems. This research advances the understanding of light-mediated effects on plant tissue culture and highlights the potential of combining blue and red LEDs as a viable alternative to fluorescent lighting. These findings could revolutionize practices in horticulture and plant propagation, providing a more efficient and sustainable approach to in vitro cultivation.

Securing Cyber Physical Systems: Lightweight Industrial Internet of Things Authentication (LI2A) for Critical Infrastructure and Manufacturing

The increasing incorporation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices into critical industrial operations and critical infrastructures necessitates robust security measures to safeguard confidential information and ensure dependable connectivity. Particularly in Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs), IIoT system security becomes critical as systems become more interconnected and digital. This paper introduces a novel Lightweight Industrial IoT Authentication (LI2A) method as a solution to address security concerns in the industrial sector and smart city infrastructure. Mutual authentication, authenticated message integrity, key agreement, soundness, forward secrecy, resistance to a variety of assaults, and minimal resource consumption are all features offered by LI2A. Critical to CPS operations, the approach prevents impersonation, man-in-the-middle, replay, eavesdropping, and modification assaults, according to a security study. The method proposed herein ensures the integrity of CPS networks by verifying communication reliability, identifying unauthorized message modifications, establishing a shared session key between users and IIoT devices, and periodically updating keys to ensure sustained security. A comprehensive assessment of performance takes into account each aspect of storage, communication, and computation. The communication and computing capabilities of LI2A, which are critical for the operation of CPS infrastructure, are demonstrated through comparisons with state-of-the-art systems from the literature. LI2A can be implemented in resource-constrained IIoT devices found in CPS and industrial environments, according to the results. By integrating IIoT devices into critical processes in CPS, it is possible to enhance security while also promoting urban digitalization and sustainability.