Potential Influence Research Articles

Autoantibody profiles in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations: A possible cause of mistaken autoimmunity diagnosis.

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs) derived from the pooled plasma of thousands of donors contain numerous types of IgG molecules, including autoantibodies commonly used to diagnose autoimmunity. While these autoantibodies can cause misinterpretation of serological tests for IVIg recipients, their profiles in IVIg preparations are not fully understood. Using binding-capability based immune assays, we measured 18 varieties of clinically relevant autoantibodies in domestic blood donor-derived IVIg products. In addition, we analyzed an IVIg product from a US brand to evaluate the influence of regional and racial differences. Based on the determined autoantibody titers, pharmacokinetics of passively acquired autoantibodies and their possible detection period in serum were estimated. Anti-thyroglobulin (Tg), anti-thyroidperoxidase (TPO), and anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (SS-A) antibodies were present in considerable amounts in IVIg products. Notably, these three autoantibodies can be detected in IVIg recipients' sera for up to 3 months after infusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that analyzed multiple autoantibody profiles in both pooled plasma and IVIg products and that further evaluated their potential influences on diagnosis of autoimmunity. Clinicians should keep in mind that IVIgs contain several autoantibodies and that their infusion can produce false-positive serology results. To establish an accurate diagnosis, serological tests must be carefully interpreted and clinical symptoms should be more purposefully considered if patients are receiving IVIg therapy.

Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip: A Review on ‘Brain-Reading’ Device

With its novel bidirectional communication method, Neuralink, the brain-reading gadget created by Elon Musk, is poised to transform human-machine relations. It represents a revolutionary combination of health science, neurology, and artificial intelligence. Neuralink is a potentially beneficial brain implant that consists of tiny electrodes placed behind the ear and a small chip. It can be used to treat neurological conditions and improve cognitive function. Important discussions are nevertheless sparked by ethical worries about abuse, privacy, and security. It is important to maintain a careful balance between the development of technology and moral issues, as seen by the imagined future in which people interact with computers through thinking processes. In order for Neuralink to be widely accepted and responsibly incorporated into the fabric of human cognition and connectivity, ongoing discussions about ethical standards, regulatory frameworks, and societal ramifications are important. Meanwhile, new advancements in Brain-Chip-Interfaces (BCHIs) bring the larger context into focus. By enhancing signal transmission between nerve cells and chips, these developments offer increased signal fidelity and improved spatiotemporal resolution. The potential revolutionary influence of these innovations on neuroscience and human-machine symbiosis raises important considerations about the ethical and societal consequences of these innovations.

The Efficiency of Economic Growth for Sustainable Development—A Grey System Theory Approach in the Eurozone and Other European Countries

This article builds upon the authors’ previous work on the Synthetic Efficiency Indicator for Economic Growth (SEI-EG), demonstrating the process of transforming economic-growth-related inputs into sustainable development outcomes. This innovative application of the SEI-EG provides a fresh perspective on the effects of eurozone membership on the sustainability efficiency of EU countries, thereby enriching the discourse on economic integration and sustainability efforts within the European Union. By integrating the economic dynamics of the euro area with environmental efficiency metrics, this study offers novel insights into the potential influence of currency union membership on achieving sustainable development goals. Covering the entire European Union, categorized by euro area and non-euro area membership, this study navigates through the risks to sustainability posed by global crises and the ongoing debate over the euro’s integration success and setbacks. Conducted from 2019 to 2021 using grey system theory, this research incorporates a revised set of seven indicators in the domain of industry, innovation, and infrastructure as recommended by the Europe 2020 project. The findings confirm the initial hypothesis that countries outside the euro area tend to exhibit higher efficiency as measured by the SEI-EG indicator. This article is composed of five parts. The first two parts present characteristic features of economies in the euro area and non-euro area, along with a critical trend in the latest literature on the benefits and risks of economic integration. The subsequent sections introduce the methodology for determining the indicator and the authors’ own corrections to it as well as the results of the research and a discussion.

Exploring the Relationship Between Diabetes and Breast Cancer in the United Arab Emirates.

Introduction This study delves into the complex interplay between diabetes and breast cancer within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a subject of considerable global health concern. Given the increasing incidence of both diseases worldwide, this research investigates explicitly the potential influence of diabetes on the staging of breast cancer. The UAE, mirroring global trends, has experienced a surge in both conditions attributed to a blend of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The core objective of this investigation is to explore the link between diabetes and the stage at which breast cancer is diagnosed in UAE patients. Material and method To conduct this study, data were extracted from an extensive medical database consisting of anonymized records about breast cancer patients and their comorbid conditions. The research encompassed adult patients of all genders, all of whom had been definitively diagnosed with breast cancer. The data was analyzed using a suite of Python libraries, including Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-learn, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed, focusing on the Chi-Square test and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between diabetes and the stages of breast cancer, considering other comorbidities as well. Results The analysis included 131 breast cancer patients, predominantly female (98.47%), with an average age of 54.2 years. Among these patients, 22.14% were diabetic. The prevalence of other comorbidities, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hypothyroidism, was also recorded. The Chi-Square test indicated no significant correlation between diabetes and the stages of breast cancer (χ² = 3.07, p = 0.381). Stage II was the most frequently diagnosed, irrespective of the presence or absence of diabetes. Conclusion In conclusion, this study finds no substantial link between diabetes and the stage of breast cancer diagnosis among patients in the UAE after adjusting for age and other comorbid conditions. These results underscore the need for early breast cancer detection approaches that are not exclusively dependent on the diabetic status of the patients. However, limitations such as the retrospective cohort design and the relatively small sample size highlight the necessity for further comprehensive studies. Such research would deepen the understanding of the relationship between diabetes and breast cancer and contribute to the advancement of breast cancer healthcare in the UAE.

Overexpression of circulating CD38+ NK cells in colorectal cancer was associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis.

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a critical prognostic factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to the potential influence of immune system on CRC progression, investigation into lymphocyte subsets as clinical markers has gained attention. The objective of this study was to assess the capability of lymphocyte subsets in evaluating the lymph node status and prognosis of CRC. Lymphocyte subsets, including T cells (CD3+), natural killer cells (NK, CD3- CD56+), natural killer-like T cells (NK-like T, CD3+ CD56+), CD38+ NK cells (CD3- CD56+ CD38+) and CD38+ NK-like T cells (CD3+ CD56+ CD38+), were detected by flow cytometry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the risk factors of LNM. The prognostic role of parameters was evaluated by survival analysis. The proportion of CD38+ NK cells within the NK cell population was significantly higher in LNM-positive patients (p <0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed in the proportions of other lymphocyte subsets. Poorer histologic grade (odds ratio [OR] =4.76, p =0.03), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (OR =22.38, p <0.01), and CD38+ NK cells (high) (OR =4.54, p <0.01) were identified as independent risk factors for LNM. Furthermore, high proportion of CD38+ NK cells was associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients (HR=2.37, p =0.03). It was demonstrated that the proportion of CD38+ NK cells was a marker overexpressed in LNM-positive patients compared with LNM-negative patients. Moreover, an elevated proportion of CD38+ NK cells is a risk factor for LNM and poor prognosis in CRC.

A Smaller Tibiotalar Sector Is a Risk Factor for Recurrent Anterolateral Ankle Instability after a Modified Broström-Gould Procedure.

Several demographic and clinical risk factors for recurrent ankle instability have been described. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential influence of morphologic characteristics of the ankle joint on the occurrence of recurrent instability and the functional outcomes following a modified Broström-Gould procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability. Fifty-eight ankles from 58 patients (28 males and 30 females) undergoing a modified Broström-Gould procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability between January 2014 and July 2021 were available for clinical and radiological evaluation. Based on the preoperative radiographs, the following radiographic parameters were measured: talar width (TW), tibial anterior surface (TAS) angle, talar height (TH), talar radius (TR), tibiotalar sector (TTS), and tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle. The history of recurrent ankle instability and the functional outcome using the Karlsson Score were assessed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Recurrent ankle instability was reported in 14 patients (24%). The TTS was significantly lower in patients with recurrent ankle instability (69.8 degrees vs 79.3 degrees) (P < .00001). The multivariate logistic regression model confirmed the TTS as an independent risk factor for recurrent ankle instability (OR = 1.64) (P = .003). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that patients with a TTS lower than 72 degrees (=low-TTS group) had an 82-fold increased risk for recurrent ankle instability (P = .001). The low-TTS group showed a significantly higher rate of recurrent instability (58% vs 8%; P = .0001) and a significantly lower Karlsson score (65 points vs 85 points; P < .00001). A smaller TTS was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrent ankle instability and led to poorer functional outcomes after a modified Broström-Gould procedure. Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Causal influences of neuropsychiatric disorders on Alzheimer’s disease

Previous studies have observed a significant comorbidity between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and some other neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the mechanistic connections between neuropsychiatric disorders and AD are not well understood. We conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis to appraise the potential influences of 18 neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders on AD. We found that four disorders are causally associated with increased risk for AD, including bipolar disorder (BD) (OR: 1.09), migraine (OR: 1.09), schizophrenia (OR: 1.05), and Parkinson’s disease (PD) (OR: 1.07), while attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was associated with a decreased risk for AD (OR: 0.80). In case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (OR: 1.04) and Tourette’s syndrome (OR: 1.05), there was suggestive evidence of their causal effects of on AD. Our study shows that genetic components predisposing to BD, migraine, schizophrenia, and PD may promote the development of AD, while ADHD may be associated with a reduced risk of AD. The treatments aimed at alleviating neuropsychiatric diseases with earlier onset may also influence the risk of AD-related cognitive decline, which is typically observed later in life.

Eukaryotes may play an important ecological role in the gut microbiome of Graves' disease.

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases worldwide has risen rapidly over the past few decades. Increasing evidence has linked gut dysbiosis to the onset of various autoimmune diseases. Thanks to the significant advancements in high-throughput sequencing technology, the number of gut microbiome studies has increased. However, they have primarily focused on bacteria, so our understanding of the role and significance of eukaryotic microbes in the human gut microbial ecosystem remains quite limited. Here, we selected Graves' disease (GD) as an autoimmune disease model and investigated the gut multi-kingdom (bacteria, fungi, and protists) microbial communities from the health control, diseased, and medication-treated recovered patients. The results showed that physiological changes in GD increased homogenizing dispersal processes for bacterial community assembly and increased homogeneous selection processes for eukaryotic community assembly. The recovered patients vs. healthy controls had similar bacterial and protistan, but not fungal, community assembly processes. Additionally, eukaryotes (fungi and protists) may play a more significant role in gut ecosystem functions than bacteria. Overall, this study gives brief insights into the potential contributions of eukaryotes to gut and immune homeostasis in humans and their potential influence in relation to therapeutic interventions.

The effect of psychedelics on the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent interest in the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics has led to investigations into their influence on molecular signaling pathways within the brain. Integrated review and analysis of different studies in this field. A systematic search was conducted across international databases including Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from inception to 9 July 2023. Eligibility criteria encompassed published and peer-reviewed studies evaluating changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels after psychedelic consumption. A total of nine studies were included in our study. The meta-analysis demonstrated significantly higher BDNF levels in psychedelic consumers compared to healthy controls, with a pooled standardized mean difference of 0.26 (95% CI: 0.10-0.42, I2 = 38.51%, p < 0.001). Leave-one-out analysis indicated robustness in results upon removal of individual psychedelics. No significant publication bias was observed. The results highlight the potential influence of psychedelics on neuroplasticity by altering BDNF levels. More precisely, the documented rise in BDNF levels indicates a neurobiological mechanism by which psychedelics could enhance synaptic plasticity and foster the growth of neurons. Given the limited data available on this topic, the conclusions remain uncertain. Consequently, we highly recommend additional research with more extensive sample sizes to yield more reliable evidence in this field.

Coupling of Surface Plasmon Polaritons and Hyperbolic Phonon Polaritons on the Near-Field Radiative Heat Transfer Between Multilayer Graphene/hBN Structures

ABSTRACT Near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT) between multilayer graphene/hBN heterostructures has been demonstrated to exceed the blackbody limit due to the coupling mechanism of surface plasmon polaritons and hyperbolic phonon polaritons, opening the door to applications in thermal management, thermophotovoltaics, and nanoscale metrology. Recent studies have shown that adding vacuum layers within multilayer structures can effectively promote surface modes and thus enhance NFRHT. However, the influence of vacuum layers on NFRHT between multilayer graphene/hBN heterostructures has not been investigated. Moreover, the influence of vacuum layers on coupled resonance modes excited in multilayer structures is worth discussing. In this work, we study the NFRHT based on multilayer graphene/vacuum/hBN/vacuum structures. The results show that as the gap distance increases from 20 nm to 100 nm, the NFRHT of three-cell and six-cell configurations is enhanced, while that of unit-cell configuration is suppressed. The potential mechanism can be identified as the excitation of surface plasmon-phonon polaritons (SPPPs) and hyperbolic plasmon-phonon polaritons (HPPPs) in multilayer structures. The enhancement factor of the six-cell configurations is up to 4.82 when the gap distance is 80 nm. Moreover, the influences of the chemical potential of graphene and the layer thickness on the NFRHT are discussed. The interesting results in this work indicate the perspectives for future near-field research involving coupling of SPPPs and HPPPs, and shed new light on high-performance devices introducing vacuum layers based on near-field radiative heat transfer.

Dreaming in patients with cancer and their partners-an underestimated factor for quality of life?

Sleep disorders are prevalent among patients with cancer and their caregivers as well, affecting their quality of life. But the relationship between sleep quality, dream experiences, and life satisfaction in patients with cancer and their partners is understudied. The present research aimed to quantitatively investigate the dream experiences of oncology patients and explore the interdependence between patients and their partners in terms of dream experiences and life satisfaction. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 101 dyads, completing a questionnaire assessing demographic and illness-related data, dream experiences, sleep quality, and life satisfaction. Inferential statistical tests and actor-partner interdependence models were used to analyse the data. Both patients with cancer and their partners reported on average a significant decrease in sleep quality since the cancer diagnosis and for both dyad members significant dreaming predictors for life satisfaction were found. Namely, a positive association for dream stability in patients, and a positive association for positive dream affect as well as a negative association for negative dream affect in partners. Regarding the question of interdependence, dream intensity exhibited a significant group-specific partner effect, but no overall partner effect, leading to inconclusive results that call for more studies in this field. The study suggests that dreaming may affect life satisfaction beyond sleep quality and underscores the significance of acknowledging dream experiences as potential influencers of quality of life in patients with cancer. Additionally, the study stands out for its examination of the role of partners in dyadic dependency, emphasising the importance of understanding their influence on patients' experiences.

Predicting phosphorus accumulation and proposing conditions needed for an algal-based phosphorus uptake process

ABSTRACT Algal-based waste stabilisation ponds (WSP) are a common wastewater treatment system for small communities but have poor phosphorus removal. Under certain conditions algae in WSPs will perform ‘luxury uptake’ increasing their phosphorus content to over 3% (gP/gSS) by storing polyphosphate. For the first time in the literature this paper presents a systematic study which determines the conditions needed to maximise phosphorus accumulation within WSP biomass taking into account the interactions between key variables. The key variables of temperature, phosphorus concentration, light intensity, mixing intensity, organic load, and pH were evaluated in 40 batch factorial experiments using a WSP algal culture. All six variables examined had significant main effects or interactions on the phosphorus content of the biomass. These were incorporated into a regression equation which was successfully validated against independent data sets from the literature. The conditions required to maximise the phosphorus content of the biomass were predicted for both summer (high light and high temperature) and winter (low light and low temperature) scenarios. The required conditions were revealed to be high phosphorus concentration, high mixing intensity, no supplementary CO2 addition, and low organic load. Interestingly, these conditions were consistent for both summer and winter suggesting that year-round treatment is possible. Practical methods of achieving these conditions were proposed. While further work will be needed to evaluate the effect of growth and potential influence of algal species, the findings presented provide a vital step towards developing a new phosphorus removal treatment process based on an enhanced understanding of environmental biotechnology.

Archeometrical Characterization of Rock Art Pigments from Puerto Roque Open-Air Rock Art Shelter (Valencia De Alcantara, Extremadura, Spain)

The study seeks to unravel the intricate operational sequence involved in preparing prehistoric pigments for rock art within the Puerto Roque rock art shelter. Sixteen pigment samples were meticulously collected from specific figurative representations. Additionally, three ochre samples were sourced from the shelter’s soil. Employing a comprehensive multi-analytical approach, including Raman microspectroscopy, X-ray microfluorescence (EDxrf), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), all nineteen samples underwent thorough analysis. Notably, darker pigments revealed a composition of hematite with the added presence of carbon. Meanwhile, one sample exhibited an orange hue primarily composed of goethite and bright red pigments predominantly characterised by hematite, as confirmed by Raman analysis. EDxrf analysis demonstrated an elemental composition akin to the three ochre pieces examined. Furthermore, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy suggested the potential influence of a heating process in enhancing red coloration, corroborated by spectral results from specific samples. This finding aligns with prior research, underscoring the technological sophistication embedded in early artistic endeavours.

Substance Abuse among Male Adolescents in Dhaka North City: A Comparative Study on Causes, Consequences, Knowledge, and Attitudes

Aims: This study aimed to assess the causes, consequences, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of substance abuse among male adolescents in Dhaka North City and compare the knowledge between male adolescents attending schools and colleges who do not use drugs and substance abusers from rehabilitation centers.&#x0D; Study Design: This was a comparative cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Dhaka North City, Bangladesh, from January to December 2023.&#x0D; Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional design was used to study substance abuse among male adolescents in Dhaka North City. Data were collected from two groups, drug addicts and non-addicts, using a pretested questionnaire. A two-stage sampling method was applied. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 365 and IBM SPSS Statistics 27, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The findings revealed the strong influence of peer relationships, family dynamics, parental education and occupation, and misconceptions and attitudes toward substance abuse among male adolescents. Drug addicts reported higher frequencies of parental conflict, secrecy, and hiding information from their parents, indicating a breakdown in communication and trust within the parent-child relationship. Drug addicts also had significantly higher monthly family income and higher education levels of their parents compared to non-addicts, suggesting that higher financial resources and education may play a role in the increased risk of substance abuse. Additionally, drug addicts had a higher proportion of deceased mothers compared to non-addicts, indicating a potential influence of maternal status on substance abuse. Preventive measures, such as counselling, treatment, religious education, and engagement in productive activities, were highly endorsed by both drug addicts and non-addicts.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study contributes valuable insights into drug addiction among male adolescents in Dhaka North City. The findings underscore the importance of addressing peer influence, strengthening family dynamics, dispelling misconceptions, providing accurate knowledge, and implementing evidence-based preventive measures. By adopting a comprehensive approach, stakeholders can work towards reducing the prevalence and impact of drug addiction among adolescents.

The moderating role of sector risk in the relationship between ESG and financial performance: Evidence from top companies in Malaysia

This paper delves into the role of contextual factors, specifically examining how sector risks interact with the relationship between ESG and financial returns in Malaysian companies. ESG practice integration into business strategies has gained momentum, but understanding the link between ESG and financial performance remains complex. Utilising ESG data from 2019 to 2021 and corresponding financial data lagged by one year, this study analysed the impact of overall and pillar-specific ESG scores on financial returns across sectors categorised as high, medium, and low risk. The findings highlight the critical role of sector risk as a moderating variable. The high-risk sector has strong governance initiatives that bolster financial performance, while social initiatives showed mixed effects. Governance efforts become strategic advantages in high-risk sectors by mitigating risks and attracting investors. Conversely, the medium-risk sector witnessed a positive association between social initiatives and returns, but other ESG factors exhibited varied impacts. Notably, the low-risk sector exhibited minimal links between ESG and financial performance, with certain factors displaying negative tendencies. This suggests that the financial impact of ESG practices is not uniform and instead varies dramatically depending on the risk profile of the sector. While the insights generated by this research are valuable, it is crucial to acknowledge certain limitations, such as a modest sample size and potential influences from the COVID-19 pandemic. By elucidating sector-specific variations, this study empowers companies to strategically align their ESG initiatives with their risk profiles and achieve optimal financial outcomes.

Assessment of factors affecting Filipino consumers’ purchasing intent towards processed meat during COVID-19

There is much to know about the impact of COVID-19 on purchasing patterns of processed meat. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting Filipino citizens' purchasing intent (PI) towards processed meat in Metro Manila. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is used to investigate the fundamental factors influencing changes in food-related lifestyles caused by the pandemic. Research constructs and the intention to purchase processed meat were correlated. Two phases of the study were conducted using factor analysis (n = 150) and structural equation modeling (n = 300). Sustainable Food Choices (SFC), Consumer Attitudes (ATT), and Subjective Norms (SN), were shown to have the most impact on purchasing intent (PI) for processed meat at 5% significance (p < 0.05) based on full model and selective path diagrams, while shopping pattern shifts (SPH) only demonstrated statistical significance in the selective path diagram focusing on lifestyle changes. Model fit indices improved upon separating the TPB constructs from the Lifestyle Changes as both latent variables' effects on purchasing intent for processed meat were assessed. A majority of the fit indices demonstrated at least acceptable values. SFC negatively influenced PI, while ATT, SN, and SPH demonstrated a positive effect. In general, this research offers valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumer behavior concerning food and its potential influence on the likelihood of purchasing processed meat in the Philippines.

Efficiency of the use of bulls of the Russian and imported selection of the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds at the farms of the Omsk region

The possibilities of increasing the genetic potential of the breeding stock of dairy cattle by using the seed of stud bulls belonging to Russian organizations for artificial insemination of farm animals and the imported ones have been studied. The use of the Holstein breed bulls' seed of the Russian and imported selection on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds in the conditions of the Omsk region farms has been analyzed. The obtained results of researches have revealed the improving ability of stud bulls of the Russian selection, used on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed, on the main productive indices of the first and the highest lactation. The milk yield of the first heifers by 150 kg, or 2.4%, exceeded the productivity level of the imported root counterparts, the excess in fat and protein amounted to 0.1 and 0.08%, respectively. The coefficient of stability of lactation activity in this group of animals was maximum among the whole livestock – 92%. The superiority of imported rootstock animals on the main productive indicators has been identified on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed: milk yield (+769 kg), fat and protein content (+0.04 and +0.13%, respectively), milk fat and protein yield (+13 and +17%). Also, in the process of research the improving influence of the genetic potential of stud bulls of the imported selection on the whole breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed and on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed with the level of productivity of 8000 kg has been determined. The improving effect on the milk yield of the bulls of the Russian selection when they are selected to the breeding stock with the level of productivity up to 7000 kg has been found.

Modulating adhesion strength in multi-ferroic composite materials: Insights from adhesive contact with arbitrary profile indenters

Adhesion control is a critical aspect of various applications, from industrial adhesion devices to the locomotion of insects on ceilings and walls. Multi-ferroic materials, which encompass mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties, offer approaches for reversible adhesion control. This study presents a comprehensive theoretical framework for adhesive contact in multi-ferroic composite materials when subjected to axisymmetric rigid indenters with arbitrary profiles. We analytically derive the physical fields for various contact models, including Hertz contact, Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR), and Maugis–Dugdale (MD) adhesive models. The obtained energy release rates indicate that the electric and magnetic potentials can modulate adhesion strength. The Griffith energy balance relation is employed to derive the indentation forces and penetration depths, which can be extended to a range of common indenters. Notably, the classical approximations fail when using small spherical indenters, but the study provides valid alternatives. The influence of amplitude and wavelength on contact behavior is explored, with greater effects observed for larger or smaller values. For cosine-shaped indenters, equivalence to flat-ended cylindrical punches is established under specific conditions. The study also reveals that the power indices for power-law-shaped indenters change the influence of electric and magnetic potentials on pull-off forces. These findings provide a theoretical fundament associated with the biomimetic and artificial adhesive systems and the modern testing techniques.

Vacuum energy of scalar fields on spherical shells with general matching conditions

In this work we analyze the spectral zeta function for massless scalar fields propagating in a D-dimensional flat space under the influence of a shell potential. The static nature of the potential, and the spherical symmetry, allows us to focus on the spatial part of the field which satisfies a one-dimensional Schrodinger equation endowed with a point potential. The shell potential is defined in terms of the two-interval self-adjoint extensions of the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation that describes the radial part of the scalar field. After performing the necessary analytic continuation, we utilize the spectral zeta function of the system to compute the vacuum energy of the field.

The Association Between Daily Intake of Dietary Supplements and Self-Reported Endometriosis: A NHANES-Based Study.

Dietary supplements are gaining recognition as potential influencers of female reproductive health, but their connection to endometriosis risk remains underexplored. This study addressed this gap, examining the impact of daily dietary supplement intake on the initiation and progression of endometriosis. To explore this, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 3950 participants representative of the US population from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Infertility was determined by a question on year-long attempts to become pregnant. Unweighted and weighted multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed the association between dietary supplements and endometriosis risk. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on the participants' body mass index (BMI). The results revealed intriguing patterns. Specifically, higher dietary fiber content (Q4 vs Q1: OR = 0.56, 95% CI = (0.37,0.84), P = 0.0062) and density (Q4 vs Q1: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = (0.38,0.81), P = 0.0035) were linked to reduced risk of endometriosis. Protein content (Q4 vs Q1: OR = 0.47, 95% CI = (0.31,0.74), P = 0.0011) and density (Q4 vs Q1: OR = 0.63, 95% CI = (0.45,0.88), P = 0.0096) similarly exhibited a negative association with endometriosis risk. Interestingly, when stratified by BMI, these effects were pronounced in normal-weight women, whereas they were not evident in the overweight and obese subgroup. Protein content and density showed no significant associations across subpopulations. In conclusion, this study established a negative relationship between dietary fiber and endometriosis, particularly notable in normal-weight women. Future research is essential to validate these findings and establish a causal link between dietary fiber and endometriosis.