Review Article Research Articles

Ion transport mechanisms in covalent organic frameworks: implications for technology.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising materials for ion conduction due to their highly tunable structures and excellent electrochemical stability. This review paper explores the mechanisms of ion conduction in COFs, focusing on how these materials facilitate ion transport across their ordered structures, which is crucial for applications such as solid electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells. We discuss the design strategies employed to enhance ion conductivity, including pore size optimization, functionalization with ionic groups, and the incorporation of solvent molecules and salts. Additionally, we examine the various applications of ion-conductive COFs, particularly in energy storage and conversion technologies, highlighting recent advancements and future directions in this field. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on ion-conductive COFs, offering insights into their potential to design highly ion-conductive COFs considering not only fundamental studies but also practical perspectives for advanced electrochemical devices.

A review of renal tubular acidosis.

To review the current scientific literature on renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in people and small animals, focusing on diseases in veterinary medicine that result in secondary RTA. Scientific reviews and original research publications on people and small animals focusing on RTA. RTA is characterized by defective renal acid-base regulation that results in normal anion gap hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Renal acid-base regulation includes the reabsorption and regeneration of bicarbonate in the renal proximal tubule and collecting ducts and the process of ammoniagenesis. RTA occurs as a primary genetic disorder or secondary to disease conditions. Based on pathophysiology, RTA is classified as distal or type 1 RTA, proximal or type 2 RTA, type 3 RTA or carbonic anhydrase II mutation, and type 4 or hyperkalemic RTA. Fanconi syndrome comprises proximal RTA with additional defects in proximal tubular function. Extensive research elucidating the genetic basis of RTA in people exists. RTA is a genetic disorder in the Basenji breed of dogs, where the mutation is known. Secondary RTA in human and veterinary medicine is the sequela of diseases that include immune-mediated, toxic, and infectious causes. Diagnosis and characterization of RTA include the measurement of urine pH and the evaluation of renal handling of substances that should affect acid or bicarbonate excretion. Commonality exists between human and veterinary medicine among the types of RTA. Many genetic defects causing primary RTA are identified in people, but those in companion animals other than in the Basenji are unknown. Critically ill veterinary patients are often admitted to the ICU for diseases associated with secondary RTA, or they may develop RTA while hospitalized. Recognition and treatment of RTA may reverse tubular dysfunction and promote recovery by correcting metabolic acidosis.

Harnessing the potential of agriculture biomass: reuse, transformation and applications in energy and environment.

Biomass, an organic matter, has gained worldwide attention due to the overconsumption of fossil fuels. Biomass has emerged as a new alternative resource with implications for efficient energy production, environmental benefits and socio-economic impacts. According to the World Bioenergy Association, biomass has accounted for 14% of the energy supply in 2016 and is expected to provide 44% of the energy demand by 2030. This literary endeavour comprises insights into past developments, including biomass types, characterization methods and conversion technologies. This review article aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of agriculture biomass utilization and its significance in achieving sustainable development goals by analysing the latest research findings. Moreover, the emerging role of biosensors in optimizing biomass utilization and monitoring environmental impacts has been documented. The scope embraces the vast realm of bioenergy production, environmental mitigation and the generation of valuable by-products. In conclusion, portraying biomass conversion technologies as the transition towards cleaner, renewable energy, the potential benefits and challenges extend beyond energy production, encompassing effective agricultural residue management and the creation of valuable by-products. This review will guide the researchers and stakeholders towards a deeper understanding of the transformative potential embedded in biomass conversion processes for a sustainable and cleaner energy future.

Point‐of‐Care Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Diagnosis Enhanced by Nanostructured Biosensors: Review Paper

AbstractUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common nosocomial infection in North America leading to over $12 billion in annual health care costs. UTIs can significantly reduce the quality of life and, in severe cases, result in sepsis and mortality. According to Public Health Ontario, over 80% of long‐term care home (LTCH) residents with asymptomatic bacteriuria are treated with antibiotics, however, less than 50% of the antibiotic treatments for UTIs show clinical benefit. Current confirmatory processes for UTIs are primarily dependent on the completion of urine cultures which can result in a delay of more than 24 h. Therefore, there is a need to develop new efficient diagnostic methods to provide timely test results and prevent multidrug resistance. Emerging nanomaterials with special physical and chemical properties have demonstrated great potential in rapid detection of UTI‐associated bacteria. This review paper provides a thorough analysis of current diagnostic tools for UTIs. Emerging nanostructured biosensors are reviewed to elucidate the most recent progress in the detection of uropathogens. It is believed that advanced biosensors integrated with nanotechnology will contribute to the timely diagnosis of UTIs and improve the accuracy of the results, which will lead to better treatment of this prevalent clinical condition.

Surgical Interventions In Children With Congenital Heart Disease: A Review Article

Congenital malformation of the heart stands as one of the most common congenital anomalies at birth. However, with the advancement in cardiovascular medicine and surgery, a majority of the children can nowadays still live for about 20 years. Unfortunately, the prolonged survival has its own consequences and many children face late complications among which heart failure and arrhythmias are predominant. The burden of congenital heart pathology looms large on the pediatric population mortality and morbidity statistics. While a number of endovascular procedures have been conceived as a substitute for surgical correction, percutaneous interventions have shown positive outcomes in many cases — all this without the stress and trauma associated with surgery especially for frail children. Our aim was to provide a review to look into possibility and effectiveness of endovascular procedures plus Internal prosthetics for managing pediatric patients with congenital malformation of the heart.

Review of neuromorphic computing based on NAND flash memory.

The proliferation of data has facilitated global accessibility, which demands escalating amounts of power for data storage and processing purposes. In recent years, there has been a rise in research in the field of neuromorphic electronics, which draws inspiration from biological neurons and synapses. These electronics possess the ability to perform in-memory computing, which helps alleviate the limitations imposed by the 'von Neumann bottleneck' that exists between the memory and processor in the traditional von Neumann architecture. By leveraging their multi-bit non-volatility, characteristics that mimic biology, and Kirchhoff's law, neuromorphic electronics offer a promising solution to reduce the power consumption in processing vector-matrix multiplication tasks. Among all the existing nonvolatile memory technologies, NAND flash memory is one of the most competitive integrated solutions for the storage of large volumes of data. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in neuromorphic computing based on NAND flash memory. Neuromorphic architectures using NAND flash memory for off-chip learning are presented with various quantization levels of input and weight. Next, neuromorphic architectures for on-chip learning are presented using standard backpropagation and feedback alignment algorithms. The array architecture, operation scheme, and electrical characteristics of NAND flash memory are discussed with a focus on the use of NAND flash memory in various neural network structures. Furthermore, the discrepancy of array architecture between on-chip learning and off-chip learning is addressed. This review article provides a foundation for understanding the neuromorphic computing based on the NAND flash memory and methods to utilize it based on application requirements.

Alternative therapeutics to control antimicrobial resistance: a general perspective

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, and in this review article, we examine the limitations of traditional therapeutic methods and the emerging role of alternative therapies. By examining the reasons behind the failure of conventional treatments, including the inadequacy of one-drug-one-enzyme approaches, the complex evolution of AMR, and the impact of drug biotransformation, we better understand why conventional treatments failed. Moreover, the review discusses several alternative therapies, including RNA-based treatments, aptamers, peptide-based therapies, phage therapy, and probiotics, discussing their applications, advantages, and limitations. Additionally, we discuss the obstacles to develop these therapies, including funding shortages, regulatory barriers, and public perception. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide insight into the future of AMR, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies and practical approaches.

Federated Learning Survey: A Multi-Level Taxonomy of Aggregation Techniques, Experimental Insights, and Future Frontiers

The emerging integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) has unlocked numerous opportunities for innovation across diverse industries. However, growing privacy concerns and data isolation issues have inhibited this promising advancement. Unfortunately, traditional centralized machine learning (ML) methods have demonstrated their limitations in addressing these hurdles. In response to this ever-evolving landscape, Federated Learning (FL) has surfaced as a cutting-edge machine learning paradigm, enabling collaborative training across decentralized devices. FL allows users to jointly construct AI models without sharing their local raw data, ensuring data privacy, network scalability, and minimal data transfer. One essential aspect of FL revolves around proficient knowledge aggregation within a heterogeneous environment. Yet, the inherent characteristics of FL have amplified the complexity of its practical implementation compared to centralized ML. This survey delves into three prominent clusters of FL research contributions: personalization, optimization, and robustness. The objective is to provide a well-structured and fine-grained classification scheme related to these research areas through a unique methodology for selecting related work. Unlike other survey papers, we employed a hybrid approach that amalgamates bibliometric analysis and systematic scrutinizing to find the most influential work in the literature. Therefore, we examine challenges and contemporary techniques related to heterogeneity, efficiency, security, and privacy. Another valuable asset of this study is its comprehensive coverage of FL aggregation strategies, encompassing architectural features, synchronization methods, and several federation motivations. To further enrich our investigation, we provide practical insights into evaluating novel FL proposals and conduct experiments to assess and compare aggregation methods under IID and non-IID data distributions. Finally, we present a compelling set of research avenues that call for further exploration to open up a treasure of advancement.

Candidiasis in Choloepus sp.—A Review of New Advances on the Disease

Candidiasis is a significant fungal infection caused by various species of the genus Candida, posing health challenges to a wide range of animals, including Choloepus species (two-toed sloths). This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of candidiasis in Choloepus sp., highlighting the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. This article begins by examining the causative agents, primarily focusing on Candida albicans, which is the most commonly implicated species in candidiasis. The epidemiological aspects are discussed, emphasizing the prevalence of candidiasis in wild and captive Choloepus populations and identifying predisposing factors, such as immunosuppression, stress, poor nutrition, and environmental conditions. Pathogenesis is explored, detailing the mechanisms through which Candida species invade host tissues and evade immune responses. Clinical manifestations in Choloepus sp. are described, including oral thrush, cutaneous lesions, and gastrointestinal infections, and their impact on the health and behavior of affected individuals. Diagnostic methods, including culture techniques, histopathology, and molecular assays, are reviewed to highlight their roles in accurately identifying Candida infections. This article also covers treatment options, focusing on antifungal therapies and supportive care tailored to the unique physiology of Choloepus sp. Finally, prevention and management strategies are discussed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal husbandry practices, regular health monitoring, and early intervention to reduce the incidence and impact of candidiasis in Choloepus populations. This review underscores the need for further research to enhance our understanding of candidiasis and improve health outcomes for these unique and vulnerable animals.

Complex optical systems for individualized correction of presbyopia

Amultitude of available intraocular lens (IOL) models enable apersonalized approach to presbyopia correction in order to meet each patient's needs. This review article discusses more complex approaches which can be useful in selected cases. The concept of reversible trifocality enables correction of presbyopia using asupplementary intraocular lens (IOL), which can be removed if necessary (e.g., intolerance to multifocal optics). The use of capsulotomy-fixated IOLs enables high precision for positioning of the lens and better stability compared to conventional capsular bag-fixated IOLs, which can be particularly advantageous in multifocal optics. The mix and match concept enables acombination of different IOLs with various optical principles to achieve the desired binocular effect. Binocular IOL systems, which consist of two complementary IOLs, can be seen as afurther development of the mix and match concept. Knowledge of the available options and their application can further improve correction of presbyopia.

Design and Manufacturing Challenges in PEMFC Flow Fields—A Review

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a prime choice for substitute electricity producers. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA), bipolar electrodes, and current collectors belong to only a limited number of primary parts of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Bipolar plates are among the most famous elements in the fuel cell; they are responsible for the electrochemical reaction, as well as the flow of gases from one bipolar plate to another. A bipolar plate is to be a good electro-conducting, non-corrosive, and a high mechanical strength product. The attainability of the specification is achieved by graphite and metallic materials, each one having its own merits and demerits that are discussed in this article. Likewise, making the second pass for the flow pattern is equally important for the cell to have good performance and efficiency. The emergence of innovative and new bipolar plate designs has caused the achievement of high performance of these plates. The present review article principally focuses on the experimental study of diverse flow fields in the design of PEMFC and on the influence of various geometrical properties on the general operation of fuel cells made of PEMFC, and also on the manufacturing procedure utilized for building contemporary fuel cells.

A modern view of pregnancy management tactics with a tendency to post-term pregnancy

This analytical review article compares elective induction of labor with expectant management for a tendency to post-term pregnancy and examines its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes and caesarean section rates. Currently, the issue of management tactics during pregnancy beyond 41 weeks remains hotly debated and requires further research.

The Role of Salary on Teacher Performance in Secondary School

Objectives: The primary objective of this review paper is to examine the impact of salary on teacher performance in secondary schools. Methodology: The research utilizes an in-depth analysis of existing literature to examine how teacher salaries impact their performance. It examines data from multiple sources to investigate the trends and results related to teacher pay in different educational settings. Results: The results show a clear connection between fair teacher wages and enhanced performance. Educators who are fairly paid are more inspired, content, and dedicated to their duties, leading to superior educational results for students. In contrast, inadequate salaries lead to a significant turnover of teachers, especially in rural and less developed areas, which worsens educational inequalities. Conclusion: The research indicates that teacher salaries play a crucial role in guaranteeing a high standard of education. Proper payment not only boosts the performance of teachers but also helps maintain the stability and efficiency of the education system. Recommendations: It is recommended that educational policymakers prioritize competitive salary structures for teachers to enhance their performance and retention. Additionally, further empirical research should be conducted to explore the nuanced impacts of teacher pay on educational outcomes across different contexts.

Production of Sustainable Liquid Fuels

As the world aims to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is becoming more urgent for heavy transportation sectors, such as shipping and aviation, to decarbonise in an economically feasible way. This review paper investigates the potential fuels of the future and their capability to mitigate the carbon footprint when other technologies fail to do so. This review looks at the technologies available today, including, primarily, transesterification, hydrocracking, and selective deoxygenation. It also investigates the potential of fish waste from the salmon industry as a fuel blend stock. From this, various kinetic models are investigated to find a suitable base for simulating the production and economics of biodiesel (i.e., fatty acid alkyl esters) and renewable diesel production from fish waste. Whilst most waste-oil-derived biofuels are traditionally produced using transesterification, hydrotreating looks to be a promising method to produce drop-in biofuels, which can be blended with conventional petroleum fuels without any volume percentage limitation. Using hydrotreatment, it is possible to produce renewable diesel in a few steps, and the final liquid product mixture includes paraffins, i.e., linear, branched, and cyclo-alkanes, with fuel properties in compliance with international fuel standards. There is a wide range of theoretical models based on the hydrodeoxygenation of fatty acids as well as a clear economic analysis that a model could be based on.

Metalloborospherene Analogs to Metallofullerene

Boron, the neighbor element to carbon in the periodic table, is characterized by unique electron deficiency that fosters multicenter delocalized bonding, contributing to its diverse chemistry. Unlike carbon cages (fullerenes), which preserve their structural integrity under endohedral or exohedral doping, larger boron cages (borospherenes) exhibit diverse structural configurations. These configurations can differ from those of pure boron cages and are stabilized by various metals through unique metal–boron bonding, resulting in a variety of metalloborospherenes. Due to boron’s electron deficiency, metalloborospherenes exhibit fascinating chemical bonding patterns that vary with cluster size and the type of metal dopants. This review paper highlights recent advancements in metalloborospherene research, drawing comparisons with metallofullerenes, and focuses on the use of transition metals, lanthanides, and actinides as dopants across various cage dimensions.

Enhancing Utility Sector Efficiency and Security: Integrating Digital Identity Systems Amidst Privacy and Ransomware Challenges

The integration of digital identity systems within gas and electric utilities has the potential to significantly enhance operational efficiency and customer service. However, this transformation brings forth critical challenges related to privacy and cybersecurity, including the rising threat of ransomware attacks. These attacks can severely disrupt operations and compromise data integrity, underscoring the need for both preventive measures and robust recovery strategies. This review paper delves into the intersection of these domains, analyzing the current landscape of digital identity systems in the utility sector, identifying key vulnerabilities, and evaluating existing regulatory frameworks. Through an examination of case studies and best practices, the paper offers recommendations to strengthen digital identity infrastructures, focusing on advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring, and effective ransomware recovery strategies. These insights aim to assist utility companies in safeguarding consumer data and ensuring the integrity of essential services

Biological Roles of Methionine and its Effect on Hatched Embryos and the Performance of Broiler: A Review Article

Biological Roles of Methionine and its Effect on Hatched Embryos and the Performance of Broiler: A Review Article

The impact of Intermittent Fasting on Weight Loss and Metabolic Health - a review of the latest research

Introduction and purpose Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary pattern that alternates between periods of fasting or reduced caloric intake and periods of unrestricted eating. There are three primary types of IF: Alternate Day Fasting (ADF), Time-Restricted Eating (TRE), and Periodic Fasting (PF). This review article summarizes the impact of IF on weight loss. Additionally, it examines the broader health effects of IF, including its influence on cardiovascular risk, diabetes management, and neurodegenerative diseases. Description of the state of knowledge Fasting, the practice of abstaining from or limiting food intake for a specified period, has been a cultural and religious tradition worldwide for centurie. Common IF methods alternating 24-hour periods of fasting with days of eating, TRE restricts eating to specific windows of time each day, and PF includes patterns such as the 5:2 diet, where fasting occurs on two days each week. Conclusions The analysis of the review article demonstrates that intermittent fasting (IF) leads to weight loss, aiding in the treatment of obesity. Moreover, IF reduces glycated hemoglobin levels and increases periods of normoglycemia, potentially benefiting diabetes patients. Nonetheless, there is a lack of sufficient research to confirm the safety of IF for diabetics, given the risk of hypoglycemia. Research also indicates that IF positively impacts cardiovascular risk factors by lowering total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, while IF might reduce the risk of certain cancers by addressing obesity, it is not advised for cancer patients due to inadequate scientific evidence. Furthermore, some studies indicate that IF could be advantageous in managing certain neurological diseases.

Progress of clinical research on fractional laser treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A review article.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent form of hair loss that affects both men and women, severely impacting patients' quality of life. Traditional treatments include oral medications, topical medications, and hair transplantation, but these methods have certain side effects and limitations. How to safely effectively and maximally promote hair growth has been a key issue in the treatment of AGA. In recent years, fractionated laser therapy, as a noninvasive method, has gradually gained attention due to its minimally invasive and highly effective nature. In this paper, we summarized the studies related to fractional laser treatment of AGA in the past 15 years, and discussed its therapeutic mechanism, clinical effect, future development direction, and advantages and disadvantages compared with traditional treatment methods in the treatment of AGA. An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus. All available articles studying fractional laser treatment of AGA were compiled in March 2024. Titles and abstracts were then screened for relevance and thoroughly examined for patient clinical outcomes. Prospective clinical trials, retrospective chart reviews, case series, and individual case reports were included in the literature review. Fractional laser treatment of AGA showed remarkable efficacy and high safety. Compared with traditional treatments, fractional laser has the advantages of minimally invasive, quick recovery, fewer side effects, and a wide range of population applicability, providing an effective treatment option for AGA patients. Further large-scale clinical studies will help optimize the laser parameters and treatment settings to improve the therapeutic effect.

Biotehnološki procesi kot sredstvo za povečanje dostopnosti in antioksidativne aktivnosti fenolnih spojin iz zrn krušne pšenice in pire

Cereal grains, especially bran, are a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. The potential positive effects of phenolics from whole grains of spelt and bread wheat on human health are limited by the poor bioaccessibility and bioavailability of their bound phenolics. Studies have shown that biotechnological processes (germination/fermentation/enzymatic treatment) are an effective strategy for improving the release of bound phenolics from the cell wall matrix of cereal grains. In this review article, the effects of biotechnological processes on the composition, antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolics from spelt and bread wheat grains are discussed in detail. Existing research indicates the presence of a different phenolics in spelt and bread wheat grains, making whole grains excellent for improving nutritional value of products. It has been shown that biotechnological processes can effectively increase the content of bioaccessible and bioavailable phenolics in cereal grains, which enables improved in vitro antioxidant activity. Currently, there is a lack of in vivo studies to confirm the findings obtained in vitro, so in vivo studies to determine the biological activity of phenolic compounds from pre-treated grains will be crucial in the future.