Comprehensive Protection Research Articles

Activation of the general stress response sigma factor SigB prevents competence development in Bacillus subtilis.

Bacillus subtilis exhibits a large number of different specific and general adaptation reactions, which need to be well balanced to sustain survival under largely unfavorable conditions. Under specific conditions, natural competence develops, which enables B. subtilis to actively take up exogenous DNA to integrate it into its own genome. In contrast to this specific adaptation, the general stress response is induced by a variety of exogenous stress and starvation stimuli, providing comprehensive protection and enabling survival of vegetative B. subtilis cells. In the present work, we reveal the molecular basis for the interconnection of these two important responses in the regulatory network. We describe that the master regulator of the general stress response SigB is activated by physiological stress stimuli, including daylight and ethanol stress, leading to the inactivation of the competence master regulator ComK by transcriptional anti-sense regulation, showing a strict hierarchy of adaptational responses under severe stress.

Comparative Outcomes of Unilateral vs Bilateral Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by progressive steno-occlusion of the internal carotid arteries, leading to compensatory collateral vessel formation. The optimal surgical approach for MMD remains debated, with bilateral revascularization potentially offering more comprehensive protection but involving more extensive surgery compared to unilateral revascularization. This study aims to compare bilateral revascularization and unilateral revascularization short-term safety profile in the treatment of MMD. This multicenter retrospective study included patients with MMD who underwent surgical revascularization at 13 academic institutions. Patients were categorized into unilateral and bilateral revascularization groups. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata (V.17.0; StataCorp). A total of 497 patients were included, including 90 who had bilateral revascularization and 407 who had unilateral revascularization. Bilateral revascularization was associated with more perioperative asymptomatic strokes (10% vs 2.4%; odds ratio [OR] 4.41, 95% CI 1.73 to 11.19, P = .002) and higher rates of excellent functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0-1) at discharge (92.2% vs 79.1%; OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.39 to 7, P = .006). After propensity score matching, 57 matched pairs were analyzed. There was a higher rate, though not statistically significant difference, of perioperative stroke in the bilateral revascularization group (15.7% vs 8.7%; OR 1.95, 95% CI 0.61 to 6.22, P = .26). No significant differences were noted in modified Rankin scale 0 to 1 and 0 to 2 scores at discharge, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at discharge, intraoperative complications, or length of hospital stay. The follow-up stroke rates were also not significantly different (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.39, P = .15). This study found no significant differences between bilateral and unilateral revascularization in MMD. Patients who had bilateral revascularization had higher tendency of perioperative stroke, though not statistically significant. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

Data ecosystem using smart home technology to support healthy aging

Abstract Background Smart home technology has been widely used to mitigate the challenges that population aging brings. However, the lack of a centralized data ecosystem has prevented these technologies from realizing their full potential. This project aimed to construct a data ecosystem compatible with smart home sensors to monitor healthcare for seniors, improving their quality of life. Methods The infrastructure was constructed using a user-centered design approach, allowing smart devices such as motion, temperature sensors to operate independently and communicate through a Wi-Fi mesh network. API technology provides a reliable channel for real-time data collection. To ensure data privacy and security, extracted data is hosted in a cloud environment that provides comprehensive data protection, and cloud computing is utilized for high-performance computation tasks. Analytical models such as Machine Learning can be implemented to recognize indoor activities, achieving the goal of remote monitoring. Results This data ecosystem advances in privacy and security, interoperability, accessibility, and data-sharing. Unified authentication mechanism ensures data is transmitted among heterogeneous devices with minimal vulnerability. Additionally, the common communication protocol provides the foundation of interoperability between devices. With unobtrusive devices, inhabitants are not burdened with operation, ensuring their accessibility and improving their user experience. Lastly, the data is exchanged in a standardized JSON data format, enabling efficient data-sharing board data integration. Conclusions This project developed a data ecosystem based on existing smart home environments. The ecosystem is compatible with smart devices that families already have, effectively reducing additional healthcare costs. Implications of this study include helping health policy and decision makers to adopt more smart home ecosystems to keep older people healthy at home. Key messages • Study constructed a data ecosystem compatible with smart home sensors, achieving remote monitoring of indoor activities and improving the quality of life for seniors. • The developed ecosystem offers promotion in privacy and security, interoperability, accessibility, and efficient data-sharing, reducing healthcare costs.

A comprehensive organ protection strategy in total arch replacement: a propensity-weighted analysis.

To report the outcomes and determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive organ protection strategy in total arch replacement. A total of 350 patients who underwent total arch replacement were enrolled. 54 patients underwent the comprehensive organ protection strategy with bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (bACP) and aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) technique (comprehensive strategy group) and 296 patients underwent the standard strategy with unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (standard strategy group). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance the baseline characteristics. After IPTW, the comprehensive strategy group had lower incidences of 30-day mortality (0.9% vs 4.9%, P = 0.002), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (0.6% vs 10.3%, P < 0.001), renal failure (4.6% vs 13.7%, P < 0.001), hepatic dysfunction (11.6% vs 21.1%, P = 0.001), and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation [16 (13, 31) vs 20 (14, 48) hours, P = 0.011]. Multivariable logistic analysis showed the comprehensive strategy was an independent protective factor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio (OR): 0.242, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.068-0.867, P = 0.029), CRRT (OR: 0.045, 95% CI: 0.008-0.264, P = 0.001), renal failure (OR: 0.351, 95% CI: 0.156-0.788, P = 0.011), and mechanical ventilation >20 hours (OR: 0.531, 95% CI: 0.319-0.883, P = 0.015). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed mid-term survival was comparable. The comprehensive organ protection strategy might improve early survival, reduce the use of CRRT, have protective effects on the kidney, and shorten mechanical ventilation time in total arch replacement. This strategy might be considered a viable alternative in total arch replacement.

Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity : Advancing Threat Modeling and Vulnerability Assessment

This article examines the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing cybersecurity practices, with a particular focus on threat modeling and vulnerability assessment. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, traditional security measures often fall short in providing comprehensive protection. We explore how AI and machine learning algorithms enhance the accuracy and efficiency of threat modeling by analyzing vast datasets to identify patterns and anomalies indicative of potential security risks. The article also investigates AI's contribution to vulnerability assessment, highlighting its capacity for continuous monitoring and real-time analysis of diverse data sources, including network traffic, system logs, and threat intelligence feeds. By simulating various attack scenarios and prioritizing security vulnerabilities, AI-driven tools enable organizations to adopt a more proactive and dynamic approach to cybersecurity. While acknowledging the challenges and ethical considerations associated with AI implementation in this domain, this article underscores the significant potential of AI in fortifying cyber defenses and safeguarding digital assets in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Measures to protect hemp from harmful organisms

Relevance. When cultivating seed hemp, comprehensive crop protection is necessary throughout the entire development cycle “from seed to seed”. A comprehensive system of environmentally oriented protective equipment during pre-sowing and foliar treatment of seeds and plants can provide a favorable phytosanitary environment.Methods. The research work was carried out in accordance with the methodological guidelines for conducting field and vegetation experiments with cannabis and the methodology of field experience with the basics of statistical processing of research results.Results. Etching with the insectofungicide “Celest Top, KS” in pure form and in tank mixtures showed a high degree of protection of seeds from infection during germination. The use of “Celest Top, KS” in its pure form and in combination with the growth regulator “Artafit, VRK” and the liquid fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” is most effective against hemp fleas. Etching “Artafit, VRK”, “Celest Top, KS” and mixtures with the fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” and foliar top dressing with the antistressant “Artafit, VRK” contributed to an increase in the indicators of the crop structure. A high yield of seeds and stems was obtained on variants with the “Megamix. Seeds” fertilizer, the increase in seed yield was 0.03 t /ha, stems — 0.16 t /ha relative to the control. The use of the fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” together with the growth regulator “Artafit, VRK” and the insectofungicide “Celest Top, KS” increased the yield of seeds by 0.28 and 0.17 t/ha, the yield of stems by 2.2 and 3.32 t/ha.

Research on Network Security Protection Technology Based on P2AEDR in New Low-Voltage Control Scenarios for Power IoT and Other Blockchain-Based IoT Architectures

In the construction of new power systems, the traditional network security protection mainly based on boundary protection belongs to static defense and still relies mainly on manual processing in vulnerability repair, threat response, etc. It is difficult to adapt to the security protection needs in large-scale distributed new energy, third-party aggregation platforms, and flexible interaction scenarios with power grid enterprise systems. It is necessary to conduct research on dynamic security protection models for IoT and other Blockchain-based IoT architectures. This article proposes a network security comprehensive protection model P2AEDR based on different interaction modes of cloud–edge interaction and cloud–cloud interaction. Through continuous trust evaluation, dynamic access control, and other technologies, it strengthens the internal defense capabilities of power grid business, shifting from static protection as the core mode to a real-time intelligent perception and automated response mode, and ultimately achieving the goal of dynamic defense, meeting the security protection needs of large-scale controlled terminal access and third-party aggregation platforms. Meanwhile, this article proposes a dynamic trust evaluation algorithm based on deep learning, which protects the secure access and use of various resources in a more refined learning approach based on the interaction information monitored in the system. Through experimental verification of the dynamic trust evaluation algorithm, it is shown that the proposed model has good trust evaluation performance. Therefore, this research is beneficial for trustworthy Power IoT and other Blockchain-based IoT architectures.

Abuse of Authority by Village Head in Cases of Sexual Violence against Women

The government's efforts to combat sexual violence in society are embodied in the Law on the Elimination of Sexual Violence, reflecting the State's responsibility to protect and improve the psychological well-being of victims, whether they have experienced physical or psychological harm. Protection of women in the workplace is crucial, and ensuring their rights is a legal imperative. The prevalence of sexual violence against women in work environments, often driven by power imbalances, highlights the urgent need for effective legal protection. This research aims to examine the influence of power relations on sexual violence crimes committed by regional officials and to identify optimal legal protections for women who are victims of sexual violence. Employing a normative juridical approach, the research finds that while existing laws are generally adequate for addressing sexual violence, their implementation falls short of expectations. Recommendations include enhancing legal protection to be more victim-centered, as current regulations primarily focus on penalizing perpetrators. There is a need for policies that provide comprehensive protection and justice for female victims of sexual violence.

Threats to the security of banking activities in modern Russian practice

Among other sectors of the Russian economy, the banking sector is one of the most dynamically developing. Consequently, its resistance to various shocks and possible threats will be one of the central points of support for the economic security of the state. Modern statistics show an increase in various types of incidents in the financial sector. Regular monitoring and detailed analysis of fraudulent schemes will minimize the possibility of criminal manipulation, thereby significantly reducing the number of risks and the amount of financial losses.The presented article provides a structural and geographical analysis of incidents in the financial sector recorded in 2023, and a sketch of the modern landscape of possible threats is compiled. The optimal approach to the formation of information and economic security of personal and financial data, in particular, and banking activities in general, involves comprehensive protection measures both from the point of view of the individual user and from the position of representatives of the banking community and the regulator.

Generation of canine neutralizing antibodies against canine parvovirus by single B cell antibody technology.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a significant threat to canines and is widely distributed worldwide. While vaccination is currently the most effective preventive measure, existing vaccines are not able to offer comprehensive and dependable protection against CPV infection. Hence, there is a need to explore alternative or complementary strategies to tackle this problem. In this study, we present an approach for the efficient screening of canine antibodies targeting CPV using a single B cell antibody technique. We sorted single IgM- IgG+ CPV+ B cells from canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and obtained the variable region genes of heavy and light chains (VH and VL) by nested PCR amplification. Canine monoclonal antibodies were expressed in HEK293 cells, and a total of 60 antibodies were obtained, five of which demonstrated neutralizing activity against CPV. Those findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the method for obtaining canine monoclonal antibodies, which in turn aids in the identification and screening of neutralizing antibodies against various canine pathogens.

Supervised and Revocable Decentralized Identity Privacy Protection Scheme

Decentralized identity represents an innovative approach based on blockchain to achieve effective identity management. This method utilizes decentralized identifiers and verifiable credential to enable trusted authentication, free circulation of identity information, and self-sovereign control over identity data functionalities. The current decentralized identity systems rely on entirely anonymous identifiers, lacking robust identity regulation. Furthermore, they face challenges such as identity attribute leakage during verifiable credential presentation and the issuers' struggle to reliably revoke credentials. To address these issues, efficient and practical schemes have been designed based on BBS signature, zero-knowledge proof, dynamic accumulator and blockchain technology: one for decentralized identifiers management and the other for verifiable credential privacy protection, both of which are supervised and revocable. The former ensures the privacy of subject identity while achieving regulatability and revocability of identity data by regulator. The latter facilitates selective disclosure of anonymous credentials and reliable revocation. A security analysis shows that the proposed scheme meets anonymity, non-forgeability, regulatory reliability, and revocability reliability, and offers comprehensive and effective privacy protection measures. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithms designed operate at a millisecond level, which satisfies the demands of blockchain identity management scenarios.

Chronic oral toxicity protocol for adult solitary bees (Osmia bicornis L.): Reduced survival under long-term exposure to a “bee-safe” insecticide

Pollinators are essential for crop productivity. Yet, in agricultural areas, they may be threatened by pesticide exposure. Current pesticide risk assessments predominantly focus on honey bees, with a lack of standardized protocols for solitary bees. This study addresses this gap by developing a long-term oral exposure protocol tailored for O. bicornis. We conducted initial trials to determine optimal container sizes and feeding methods, ensuring high survival rates and accurate syrup consumption measurements. A validation test involving five laboratories was then conducted with the insecticide Flupyradifurone (FPF). Control mortality thresholds were set at ≤ 15% at 10 days. Three laboratories achieved ≤10%, demonstrating the protocol's effectiveness in maintaining healthy test populations. The seasonal timing of experiments influenced control mortality, underscoring the importance of aligning tests with the natural flight period of the population used. Our findings revealed dose-dependent effects of FPF on syrup consumption, showing stimulatory effects at lower concentrations and inhibitory effects at higher ones. The 10-day median lethal daily dose (LDD50) of FPF for O. bicornis (531.92 ng/bee/day) was 3.4-fold lower than that reported for Apis mellifera (1830 ng/bee/day), indicating Osmia's higher susceptibility. Unlike other insecticides, FPF did not exhibit time-reinforced toxicity. This study introduces a robust protocol for chronic pesticide exposure in solitary bees, addressing a critical gap in current risk assessment. Based on its low risk to honey bees and bumblebees, FPF is approved for application during flowering. However, our results suggest that it may threaten Osmia populations under realistic field conditions. Our findings underscore the need for comparative toxicity studies to ensure comprehensive protection of all pollinators and the importance of accounting for long term exposure scenarios in risk assessment. By enhancing our understanding of chronic pesticide effects in solitary bees, our study should contribute to the development of more effective conservation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices.

Issues of personal data protection when using cloud technologies

It is indicated that in today’s digital world, where the amount of stored and processed data is growing at a frantic pace, issues of personal data protection are becoming increasingly important. With the proliferation of cloud technologies that allow companies and individuals to store and process information on remote servers, a new spectrum of threats to data privacy and security is emerging. The article examines the issue of personal data protection when using cloud technologies, in particular, the need to integrate legal and technological aspects to ensure comprehensive protection. The impact of international regulatory acts, such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Protection Act), on cloud data protection processes is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to problems arising from differences in the legal regimes of different countries, which complicate data management at the international level. The article examines in detail modern technical solutions, such as data encryption and multi­factor authentication, which are key elements in protecting confidential information. These technologies have been found to provide a high level of protection, but also have their vulnerabilities. Based on this, it is proposed to invest in the latest technologies, in particular quantum encryption and artificial intelligence, to improve the effectiveness of data protection. Practical cases of data leaks are separately considered, which emphasize the importance of proper configuration of security systems and regular monitoring. Analysis of the results of empirical research shows the need to adapt business processes to changes in the regulatory environment and introduce new technologies to reduce risks. Based on the received data, recommendations for organizations are formulated, which include reviewing data protection policies, investing in modern technologies and training employees. The conclusions of the article emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to ensuring the protection of personal data in cloud environments. This involves taking into account both modern technologies and current legal requirements to ensure adequate data protection and minimize possible risks.

СИСТЕМА "АЛЬТРА" ДІАГНОСТУВАННЯ СТАНУ ІЗОЛЯЦІЇ ЕЛЕКТРИЧНОЇ МЕРЕЖІ ТА ЗАХИС-ТУ ЇЇ ВІД ОДНОФАЗНИХ ЗАМИКАНЬ

One of the problems in an electrical network with an isolated (compensated) neutral is the selective determina-tion of a damaged element during a single-phase earth fault. Taking into account the negative impact of single-phase earth faults on the equipment of electrical networks with an isolated or compensated neutral, as well as improving the electrical safety conditions of people and animals, it is necessary to install selective protections with the of turning off of damaged element. Selective operation of protections against such damage can be en-sured on the basis of the analysis of zero-sequence currents, phase voltages and zero-sequence voltage of the bus section from which these feeders are powered. As operational experience has shown, selective operation of pro-tection against single-phase earth faults in such networks can be ensured only with the use of digital devices. The work considers the "Altra" system, designed for diagnosing the state of insulation, protecting feeders of 6-35 kV from single-phase earth fault, recording analog and binary signals of electrical installations. Altra digital protec-tion simultaneously covers up to 28 feeders, which provides comprehensive protection against single-phase earth faults of all substation feeders. The working algorithm of the developed protection against single-phase earth faults is based on the analysis of the transient process immediately after the occurrence of damage, which provides selective identification of the damaged feeder both in networks with an isolated neutral and in networks with a compensated. The system organizes the recording of oscillograms of emergency processes and infor-mation about damage by "Altra" devices, followed by their transfer to the dispatcher's automated workplace. This makes it possible to carry out a detailed analysis of accidents and diagnose the insulation of the electrical net-work.

Dispensasi Kawin dengan Alasan Sangat Mendesak di Mojokerto: Analisis Yuridis atas Perma No. 5 Tahun 2019

Ideally, the dispensation of marriage for urgent reasons is expected to provide a solution for couples caught in difficult situations, especially in the context of legal norms that protect individual rights. However, the implementation of marriage dispensation often faces challenges, particularly regarding the criteria and limitations set forth in Supreme Court Regulation No. 5 of 2019, leading to injustice for prospective brides and grooms. The aim of this research is to analyze the implementation of marriage dispensation at the Mojokerto Religious Court and assess the extent to which this regulation meets public expectations. This article is categorized as qualitative literature research, employing normative legal studies and comparative studies between classical scholars' thoughts and modern regulations. This research concludes two things: First, from a legal perspective, although challenges remain in its implementation in the field, Supreme Court Regulation No. 5 of 2019 provides clear guidelines for the dispensation of marriage. Second, the comparison between classical thought and modern regulations indicates a shift in focus from socio-cultural aspects to a more comprehensive protection of individual rights, reflecting the need for legal adaptation in response to evolving social dynamics.

Effect of Moniezia Benedeni infection on ileal transcriptome profile characteristics of sheep

BackgroundThe intestinal mucosal immune system, renowned for its precise and sensitive regulation, can provide comprehensive and effective protection for the body, among which the ileum is a critical induction site for regulating mucosal immune homeostasis. Moniezia benedeni parasitizes the small intestine of sheep and can cause serious pathological damage or even death to the host when the infection is severe. In this study, 5 sheep infected with Moniezia benedeni were selected as the infected group, and 5 uninfected sheep were selected as the control group. The ileal transcriptome profile characteristics of Moniezia benedeni infection were analyzed based on RNA-seq sequencing technology, aiming to lay a foundation for further exploring the perception mechanism of sheep intestines to Moniezia benedeni infection and formulating effective prevention and control strategies.ResultsThe results showed that a total of 3,891 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the ileum tissues of sheep between the infected and control groups with 2,429 up-regulated genes and 1,462 down-regulated genes. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differential genes, as well as Clue GO analysis showed that differential genes were significantly enriched in immune and metabolic-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Particularly, in immune-related signaling pathways, the B cell receptor signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated, while in metabolic regulation related signaling pathways, Bile secretion, Fat digestion and absorption and Vitamin digestion and absorption were notably up-regulated. On this basis, the differential core genes related to immune metabolism were verified by qRT-PCR method. The results showed that OVAR, CD3E, CD8A, CD4 and CD28 were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05), while CIITA, BLNK, BCL6 and CD79A were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05), which were consistent with transcriptome sequencing data.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that Moniezia benedeni infection significantly affected the immune and metabolic processes in sheep ileum, particularly, it significantly inhibited the activation process of host B cells, and also led to an overactive function of bile acid metabolism. This finding provides a solid foundation for further elucidating the response mechanism of Peyer's patches in sheep ileum to Moniezia tapeworm infection.

Vector geographic data commutative encryption and watermarking algorithm based on prediction differences

Commutative encryption and watermarking (CEW) is a seamless integration of encryption and watermarking technologies, overcoming the limitations of single security protection methods that may fail to provide comprehensive data protection. It is a research hotspot in the field of geographic information security. However, constructing or selecting stable features for vector point data to apply CEW algorithms remains a challenging problem. To address this, this paper utilizes space-filling curves to organize discrete points into line or polygon types and proposes a CEW algorithm for vector data based on prediction differences. Specifically, feature points are used to fit curves, providing independent operational spaces for watermarking and encryption. The segmented fitted curves are arbitrarily flipped to achieve perceptual encryption, while watermarks are embedded in the differences between the fitted curves and the actual data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively addresses the issue of existing algorithms being unsuitable for point data. In simulated real-world scenarios, the extracted watermark information achieved NC values above 0.75, indicating strong robustness. Under conditions using existing lossless algorithms, the watermark capacity of the proposed method is thousands of times higher than that of existing algorithms, and it exhibits excellent encryption security, providing a new perspective for further research on lossless CEW.

Toward effective protection of victims of human trafficking in mixed migration flows: referral mechanisms shaped on individual need. The Italian experience and the European perspective

An overview of emerging trends on trafficking of human beings in Italy shows not only an extremely heterogeneous phenomenon but also a complex overlapping of experiences and need of protection of every single victim. In the context of mixed migration flows, persons reaching Italy through the Central Mediterranean and the Balkan routes have often experienced or are at risk of trafficking, and they also apply for international protection upon arrival. Legal categories such as “victims,” “asylum seekers,” and “refugees” are increasingly interconnected and not exhaustive in describing individual experiences and multifaceted vulnerabilities. Against this background, ensuring early identification and assistance for victims of trafficking among asylum seekers is extremely relevant. In Italy, this has led to the development of good practices aimed at implementing the coordination between the asylum and the anti-trafficking systems. In particular, specific Guidelines for Asylum authorities have been adopted to preliminarily identify potential victims of trafficking within the asylum procedure and enable their effective access to protection measures. To comply with specific provisions of the European Trafficking Directive and its transposition into the Italian legal framework, the Guidelines have created a referral mechanism among the asylum authorities and the anti-trafficking system that is unique in the European context. For this reason, the present contribution aims at describing this good practice, its implementation and effects—also at the juridical level—and its limits. Indeed, after the adoption of the instrument, a higher recognition rate of international protection for victims of trafficking has been registered in Italy, both at the administrative and judicial levels; asylum seekers and refugees have also increased their access to the specific protection program for trafficking survivors. In general, the system has strengthened its capacity to fulfill the legal obligation of identifying victims through a multi-agency approach. On the other hand, the ability to conduct screening and preliminary identification of victims of trafficking among asylum seekers is still limited to the “victim model” in terms of gender (women) and form of exploitation (sexual), and to certain stages of the asylum procedure (the first instance before the asylum authorities). With reference to this latter, a comprehensive protection response at the borders is missing despite the political debate on sea and land arrivals to Italy and the recent introduction of border procedures for the assessment of asylum applications. Given the geographical and political centrality of the south-Mediterranean situation in the current migration agenda, the goal of this paper is to analyze the Italian experience on referral mechanisms among trafficking and asylum as an experience that would help to shape future European prospects. The ongoing evolution of mixed migration flows—with particular reference to secondary movement across European countries—and the revised European Directive on trafficking in persons impose the promotion of a reflection on referral mechanisms with a transnational perspective enabling effective protection and the meeting of specific human rights.

Trinitarian Design of Gradient Artificial Interphase Enables Colossal Granular Li Deposits for Stable Li-Metal Batteries.

The cycling lifespan of Li-metal batteries is compromised by the unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the continuous Li dendrites, restricting their practical implementations. Given these challenges, establishing an artificial SEI holds promise. Herein, a trinitarian gradient interphase is innovatively designed through composite coatings of magnesium fluoride (MgF2), N-hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), and polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (PVDF-HFP) on Li-metal anode (LMA). Specifically, the MgF2/CTAC/PVDF-HFP SEI spontaneously forms a lithium fluoride (LiF)-rich PVDF-HFP-based SEI, along with lithium-magnesium (Li-Mg) alloy substrate as lithiophilic electronic conductor and positively charged CTAC during plating. Noticeably, the Li-Mg alloy homogenizes the distribution of electric field and reduce the internal resistance, while the electronically insulated LiF/PVDF-HFP composite SEI offers fast ion-conducting and mechanical flexibility, accommodating the volumetric expansion and ensuring stable Li-ion flux. Additionally, CTAC at the dendritic tip is pivotal for mitigating dendrites through its electrostatic shield mechanism. Innovatively, this trinitarian synergistic mechanism, which facilitates colossal granular Li deposits, constructs a dendrite-free LMA, leading to stable cycling performances in practical Li||LFP, popular Li||NCM811, and promising Li||S full cells. This work demonstrates the design of multifunctional composite SEI for comprehensive Li protection, thereby inspiring further advancements in artificial SEI engineering for alkali-metal batteries.

A Novel Protection and Repair Skincare Regimen Shows Efficacy for Improving Environmental Skin Aging.

Skin aging is accelerated by environmental exposures including solar radiation and pollutants. Thus, protecting skin from environmental exposure and repairing ensuing damage is essential for keeping skin healthy and appearing youthful. To evaluate the clinical benefits of a novel skincare regimen designed to provide comprehensive environmental protection in the daytime and repair environmentally damaged skin at night. Thirty participants, including males and females, with mild-to-moderate extrinsic aging, were enrolled in a 12-week single-site study. Participants used the regimen (The Essential Six, RATIONALE, Victoria, Australia) comprised of 3 products to protect the skin in the morning and 3 products to repair the skin at night. Participants were seen at baseline and evaluated for efficacy and tolerability at weeks 2, 6, and 12. Non-invasive measurements to evaluate hydration, transepidermal water loss, skin tone, and elasticity were conducted. The dermatologist investigator noted across-the-board improvement in all evaluated parameters, except deep wrinkles. By week 12, there were statistically significant (P&lt;0.001) improvements in radiance (43%), tactile roughness (48%), visual roughness (44%), firmness (32%), clarity/even skin tone (21%), and overall appearance (29%). Fine lines improved 16% at week 12 (P=0.002). Participant self-assessment revealed statistically significant and progressive improvement in all evaluated parameters over time. No tolerability issues were identified by the investigator, while a small number of participants reported mild stinging and some dryness that resolved over time. This was likely due to the high concentration of active ingredients found in this regimen. Corneometry revealed improved skin hydration of 28% as early as week 2. The data presented confirms that this novel protection and repair regimen improves the appearance of environmentally aged skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(10):866-872. doi:10.36849/JDD.8274.