Significant Higher Values Research Articles

EU rules of origin, signalling and the potential erosion of the art market through generative artificial intelligence

Abstract Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) systems generate artwork likely to be copyrightable if made by human. In lieu of discussing whether machine-enabled artworks should be copyrighted, a question that has received a large attention in academic scholarship, this paper proposes to analyse the economic implications of GenAI. Although the valuation of their outputs is still mostly unknown, preliminary studies show that, all other things being equal, humans’ works are evaluated at a significant higher value than machine-enabled ones. Yet, to be properly valued, human-made and machine-enabled products must be distinguishable. They are not. This indistinguishability creates an asymmetry in information that in turn leads to a lemons problem, defined as a market erosion of good-quality products. Against that background, this paper proposes a solution in light of European Union rules of origin and the so-called substantial transformation test. This solution can then be used in copyright law to identify where the human author has been able to make free and creative choices (or lack thereof) required to satisfy the criterion of originality and, hence, copyrightability.

Structural Performance of GFRP-Wrapped Concrete Elements: Sustainable Solution for Coastal Protection

Protecting coastal regions is crucial due to high population density and significant economic value. While numerous strategies have been proposed to mitigate scouring and protect coastal structures, existing techniques have limitations. This paper introduces a novel approach, SEAHIVE®, which enhances the performance of engineered structures by utilizing hexagonal, hollow, and perforated concrete elements externally reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). Unlike conventional steel bars, GFRP offers superior durability and requires less maintenance, making it a sustainable solution for any riverine and coastal environment. SEAHIVE® aims to provide robust structural capacity, effective energy dissipation, and preservation of natural habitats. Although some research has addressed energy dissipation and performance in riverine and coastal contexts, the structural performance of SEAHIVE® elements has not been extensively studied. This paper evaluates SEAHIVE® elements reinforced with externally bonded GFRP longitudinal strips and pretensioned GFRP transverse wraps. Testing full-size specimens under compression and flexure revealed that failure occurred when the pretensioned GFRP wraps failed in compression tests and when longitudinal GFRP strips slipped in flexure tests. Strength capacity was notably improved by anchoring the GFRP strips at both ends. These findings underscore the potential of the SEAHIVE® system to significantly enhance the durability and performance of coastal and riverine protection structures. FEM simulations provided critical insights into the failure mechanism and validated the experimental findings. In fact, by comparing FEM model results for cases before and after applying GFRP wraps under the same compression load, it was found that maximum stresses at crack locations were significantly reduced due to compression forces resulting from the presence of pretensioned GFRP wraps. Similarly, FEM model analysis on flexure samples showed that the most vulnerable regions corresponded to the locations where cracks started during testing.

Integrated Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Provide Key Molecular Insights into Floral Stage-Driven Flavonoid Pathway in Safflower.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb renowned for its high flavonoid content and significant medicinal value. However, the dynamic changes in safflower petal flavonoid profiles across different flowering phases present a challenge in optimizing harvest timing and medicinal use. To enhance the utilization of safflower, this study conducted an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of safflower petals at different flowering stages. Our findings revealed that certain flavonoids were more abundant during the fading stage, while others peaked during full bloom. Specifically, seven metabolites, including p-coumaric acid, naringenin chalcone, naringenin, dihydrokaempferol, apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin, accumulated significantly during the fading stage. In contrast, dihydromyricetin and delphinidin levels were notably reduced. Furthermore, key genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, such as 4CL, DFR, and ANR, exhibited up-regulated expression with safflower's flowering progression, whereas CHI, F3H, and FLS were down-regulated. Additionally, exposure to UV-B stress at full bloom led to an up-regulation of flavonoid content and altered the expression of key flavonoid biosynthetic genes over time. This study not only elucidates the regulatory mechanisms underlying flavonoid metabolism in safflower but also provides insights for maximizing its medicinal and industrial applications.

Regenerative potentials of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes or its combination with zinc in recovery of degenerated circumvallate papilla following surgical bilateral transection of glossopharyngeal nerve in rats

BackgroundTaste buds’ innervation is necessary to sustain their cell turnover, differentiated taste buds and nerve fibers in circumvallate papilla (CVP) disappear following glossopharyngeal nerve transection. Normally, taste buds recover to baseline number in about 70 days. Bone marrow stem cell (BM-MSC) derived exosomes or their combination with Zinc chloride are used to assess their potential to speed up the regeneration process of CVP following bilateral deafferentation.MethodsTwenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups; Group I: subjected to sham operation followed by IP injection of saline. The other experimental groups (II, III and IV) were subjected to surgical bilateral transection of glossopharyngeal nerve. Group II received single IP injection of saline. Group III received single IV injection of BM-MSC-derived exosomes (100 µg). Group IV received single IV injection of BM-MSC-derived exosomes and single IP injection of zinc chloride (5 mg/kg). After 28 days, CVP was dissected and prepared for histological and histomorphometric analysis, RT-PCR for cytokeratin 8 gene expression, ELISA to assess protein level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, redox state analysis of malondialdehyde and glutathione content, followed by statistical analysis.ResultsHistopathologically, group II exhibited great tissue damage with marked reduction in taste buds and signs of degeneration in the remaining ones. Group III was close to control group with marked improvement in taste buds’ number and structure. Group IV showed inferior results when compared to group III, with many immature taste buds and signs of degeneration. Statistical results showed that groups I and III have significantly higher values than groups II and IV regarding taste buds’ number, cytokeratin 8, and reduced glutathione. However, malondialdehyde demonstrated high significant values in group IV compared to groups I and III. Regarding brain-derived neurotrophic factor, group III had significantly higher values than group II.ConclusionBM-MSC-derived exosomes have superior regenerative potentials in acceleration of CVP and nerve healing following bilateral transection of glossopharyngeal nerve in contrary to its combination with zinc chloride.Graphical

Comparison of angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance measurements between low and high frame-rate acquisitions: the prospective ADMIRAL-study

Abstract Background Angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR) is a novel, wire-free, angiography-based method (QFR-IMR®) to assess coronary microvascular dysfunction. If a frame-rate of 15 frames per second (fps) is recommended, there is an interest in decreasing this frame-rate to reduce X-ray exposure. However, the impact of frame-rate reduction on angio-IMR quantification has not been investigated. Purpose To compare angio-IMR at 7.5 fps (angio-IMRlow) to angio-IMR at 15 fps (angio-IMRhigh) in a multicentric study. Methods From October 2023 to February 2024, we conducted a multicentre prospective study including consecutive patients referred for an invasive coronary angiogram with a final diagnosis of ischemia with no obstructive coronaries arteries (INOCA) (positive stress test with normal coronary angiogram) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Main exclusion criteria were creatinine clearance<45ml/kg/1.73m2, factors that might substantially impact the coronary angiograms quality (e.g: aortic stenosis, supraventricular tachycardia), and TIMI flow <3. In ACS patients, angio-IMR was measured after revascularisation. The same two acquisitions with different angles (≥25°) were recorded at a rate of 7.5 fps and a rate of 15 fps to measure angio-IMR in the selected vessel (culprit coronary vessel in ACS patients or left anterior descending artery in patients with INOCA). Angio-IMR was measured with dedicated software (QFR-IMR® RE, Medis Medical Imaging). Correlation between angio-IMRlow and angio-IMRhigh was assessed by linear regression and Bland-Altman test. The diagnostic accuracy of angio-IMRlow to predict microcirculatory dysfunction (defined as angio-IMRhigh≥ 25 for INOCA and ≥ 40 for ACS) was also assessed. Statistical significance was awarded by p≤0.05. Results Of 87 consecutive eligible patients, 75 were included in the study, comprising 57 with ACS and 18 with INOCA (mean age 61±12 years, 72% male). Angio-IMRlow (median=35; [IQR:28-48]) was slightly but significantly higher (p=0.04) than angio-IMRhigh (median=34; [IQR:25-45]). Angio-IMRlow and angio-IMRhigh were significantly correlated (r=0.90; p<0.0001) (Figure 1). Using Bland-Altman analysis, mean difference between the two measurements was 2.2 (95% CI 0.1-4.4) with a significant higher value with angio-IMRlow (p=0.04). Moreover, as value of Angio-IMRhigh increases, the difference between angio-IMRlow and angio-IMRhigh becomes more significant (Figure 2). Using angio-IMRhigh to diagnose microcirculatory dysfunction as reference, angio-IMRlow achieved positive and negative predictive values of 83% and 85% respectively with 6 false positives, and 6 false negatives. Conclusion Correlation between angio-IMRhigh and angio-IMRlow is acceptable. Lowering frame acquisition rate reduces radiation exposure without relevantly impact on the diagnostic accuracy of angio-IMR, which can contribute to a widespread use of angio-IMR.Correlation between angioIMRlow and highBland-Altman plot

Ergonomic Risk Assessment for Manual Handling Activities in Automotive Workshop

Ergonomic risk assessment tools are tools that have been designed to solve the problem of ergonomics in the workplace from manual material handling activities. The objective of this study is to investigate Musculoskeletal Discomfort among workers related to manual handling activities using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ); to assess an ergonomics risk factor among workers related to manual handling activities using Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC), NIOSH Lifting Equation(NLE), and Key Indicator Method for Manual Handling Operation (KIM-MHO) method and; to compare the results between CMDQ and assessment tools. This case study was conducted in Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia involving 34 male mechanics workers. The tools used are as stated in the objective with the help of measurement tools such as a goniometer. The result of the CMDQ reveals that the body part with the highest discomfort level among the workers in the lower back, shoulder right and shoulder left with the percentage from the total discomfort score of 20.91%, 13.57%, and 13.36% respectively. From the result of the assessments, it is concluded that the highest risk factor contributing to the MSDs is the bad posture of the worker during the manual handling operation followed by the frequency of lifting and the weight of the load. By comparing assessment tools, the first comparison is made between the CMDQ versus KIM-MHO, MAC Tools and NLE. In this comparison that, it is highlighted the result type from CMDQ are different from the KIM-MHO, MAC Tools and NLE as its questionnaire result shows us the discomforts levels on the body of workers and the body parts affected on their body for the last seven days but the assessment tools results show us the risk factor that contributes to the MSDs. For the comparison between the three assessment tools, it can be said that the tools that have the highest correlation with CMDQ are MAC Tools. In conclusion, most workers suffer from MSDs in their lower back due to their bad posture during manual handling. KIM-MHO is the best assessment tool among the three as it has the highest significance value while being the easiest tool to be used.

The progressive Role of Dyslipidemia and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes in Iraqi Patients

Type II diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder that raises the risk of dyslipidemia and obesity. Inflammation is the primary factor in the pathogenesis of this disease and coincides with metabolic dyslipidemia. This work aims to predict the role of dyslipidemia and inflammatory markers in development type II DM by evaluating the levels of lipid profile, TNF-R2, systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) and related biochemical factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thirty samples were obtained from diabetic patients and 30 samples from non-diabetic individuals as a control. D10 apparatus (BIO-RAD, USA) used to measure hemoglobin A1c HbA1c, Enzymatic and colorimetric method used to measure biochemical parameter, ELISA technique used to estimate the TNF-R2 levels, and Complete Blood Count determine to calculate SII by the formula (neutrophil *platelet / lymphocyte count) . The results showed significant increase in most of lipid profile levels in patients than control except HDL has the verse results. Also, the results showed that HbA1C was significantly increased in patient compared to healthy group. Furthermore, TNF-R2 and SII appeared higher significant values in patients than control. Furthermore, the results indicated positive correlation between HbA1C and lipid profile (TC, TGs, VLDL and LDL), TNF-R2, SII, and BMI. It can be concluded that dyslipidemia and both TNF-R2 and SII inflammatory parameters have a cardinal role in the development of T2DM and can be served as early diagnostic factors to detect disease progression.

ANXA3 as a novel biomarker for sepsis diagnosis: Evidence from integrative WGCNA analysis

Sepsis is a dysregulated immune response to infection that comes with multiple organ dysfunction and high mortality. The management of sepsis relies heavily on early recognition and diagnosis, but current diagnostic methods have limitations in timeliness, sensitivity, and discriminability. This study aims to discover novel biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis. Four datasets from different regions were analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and genes with high Gene Significance values across these datasets were overlapped. Finally, two genes, CD177 and ANXA3, were identified. ANXA3 was validated as a potential sepsis biomarker by checking multiple datasets and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve Analysis. Of note, ANXA3 could distinguish not only between adult and child sepsis patients and healthy controls, but also between septic shock and cardiogenic shock. Moreover, a murine sepsis model was established and the results showed that the transcription of ANXA3 in peripheral blood of septic mice was significantly higher than that of healthy controls, while Escherichia coli infection alone did not significantly increase the transcription level of this gene. Subsequent studies of sepsis in mice revealed that the predictive effect of Anxa3 on sepsis could be observed as early as 6h post-modeling. Interestingly, ANXA3 expression was predominantly up-regulated in myeloid cells, up-regulated in spleen, down-regulated in lung, and not detected in liver after sepsis modeling. Taken together, this study provides a way for the discovery of biomarkers and finds that ANXA3 may be a novel diagnostic biomarker for sepsis.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF MEAT OBTAINED FROM BROILER CHICKENS GIVEN GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM) AND GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) IN DRINKING WATER

This study was carried out to evaluate the meat quality obtained from broiler chickens offered garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and their mixture in drinking water. Two hundred and forty (240) one-day old Arbor Acre breed of broiler chickens were randomly grouped into ten (10) treatments of three (3) replicates and 4 males and 4 females per replicate. A 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design was adopted. There were 3 sources of herbal supplement (garlic, ginger and 50:50 garlic and ginger) at 3 levels of supplementation (1.8, 2.3 and 2.8 g/l). The control treatment had no herbal supplement. At the end of the experiment, two birds (1male and 1 female) were randomly selected per replicate for meat quality assessment. Moisture content, cooking loss, oxidative stability and palatability scores were determined. The moisture contents of the meat were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the herbal treatments but were highly influenced (p<0.001) by muscle type with drumstick having the highest significant value (74.58±1.92%). Oxidative stability was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by muscle type, thigh muscle had the highest MDA concentration (1.88±0.23mgMDA/kg meat). Result for ginger aroma showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) due to herbal treatments. It was concluded that supplementation of garlic, ginger and their mixture in drinking water of broiler chickens up to 2.8g/L water had no adverse effect on their meat quality.

Assessing the Ecological Quality Status in tropical Indian estuaries: testing the applicability of benthic foraminiferal indices.

The ecological quality status (EcoQS) of Vellar and Uppanar estuaries (Southeast coast of India) has been monitored monthly, using a combination of foraminiferal (Foram Stress Index: FSI and exp(H'bc) indices and abiotic (Pollution Load Index: PLI, Dissolved Oxygen: DO, and Total Organic Carbon: TOC) parameters. The Uppanar Estuary shows relatively higher values of PLI and TOC and lower DO values than Vellar Estuary. The highest value of TOC and PLI are recorded during the monsoon season. These variations are well mirrored by the change in exp(H'bc) and FSI. The lowest values of exp(H'bc) are observed with the monsoon season and could be ascribed by an overall reduction of salinity, and to the highest level of TOC and PLI in response to enhanced river discharge. The FSI also exhibits great variability with significant higher values in the Vellar Estuary than in the Uppanar Estuary. The EcoQS evaluated by a combination of pollution- (i.e., PLI, TOC and DO) and foraminiferal-based [i.e., FSI and exp(H'bc)] indices are highly consistent (73.4%). The most frequent disagreement among indices is mostly associated to Uppanar Estuary and, particularly, in the inner stations. This difference might be related to a time-lag response of benthic foraminifera in terms of diversity and assemblages' compositions as well as of the pollution indicators in response to enhanced riverine input. This study further supports the application of foraminiferal-based indices in EcoQS assessment in transitional environments including tropical Indian estuaries. It also fills the gap of knowledge by providing a seasonal perspective on the variation of EcoQS based on a monthly-scale sampling.

Multiomics Analysis of Disulfidptosis Patterns and Integrated Machine Learning to Predict Immunotherapy Response in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Recent studies have unveiled disulfidptosis as a phenomenon intimately associated with cellular damage, heralding new avenues for exploring tumor cell dynamics. We aimed to explore the impact of disulfide cell death on the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We initially utilized pan-cancer transcriptomics to explore the expression, prognosis, and mutation status of genes related to disulfidptosis. Using the LUAD multi- -omics cohorts in the TCGA database, we explore the molecular characteristics of subtypes related to disulfidptosis. Employing various machine learning algorithms, we construct a robust prognostic model to predict immune therapy responses and explore the model's impact on the tumor microenvironment through single-cell transcriptome data. Finally, the biological functions of genes related to the prognostic model are verified through laboratory experiments. Genes related to disulfidptosis exhibit high expression and significant prognostic value in various cancers, including LUAD. Two disulfidptosis subtypes with distinct prognoses and molecular characteristics have been identified, leading to the development of a robust DSRS prognostic model, where a lower risk score correlates with a higher response rate to immunotherapy and a better patient prognosis. NAPSA, a critical gene in the risk model, was found to inhibit the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells. Our research introduces an innovative prognostic risk model predicated upon disulfidptosis genes for patients afflicted with Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This model proficiently forecasts the survival rates and therapeutic outcomes for LUAD patients, thereby delineating the high-risk population with distinctive immune cell infiltration and a state of immunosuppression. Furthermore, NAPSA can inhibit the proliferation and invasion capabilities of LUAD cells, thereby identifying new molecules for clinical targeted therapy.

EPOS-OHCA: Early Predictors of Outcome and Survival after non-traumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) poses significant challenges due to its complex pathomechanisms involving inflammation, ischemia, and reperfusion injury. The identification of early available prognostic indicators is essential for optimizing therapeutic decisions and improving patient outcomes. In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed real-world data from 463 OHCA patients with either prehospital or in-hospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), treated at the Cardiac Arrest Center of the University Hospital of Marburg (MCAC) from January 2018 to December 2022. We evaluated demographic, prehospital, and clinical variables, including initial rhythms, resuscitation details, and early laboratory results. Statistical analyses included logistic regression to identify predictors of survival and neurological outcomes. Overall, 46.9% (n=217) of patients survived to discharge, with 70.1% (n=152) achieving favorable neurological status (CPC 1 or 2). Age, initial shockable rhythm, resuscitation time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and early laboratory parameters like lactate, C-reactive protein, and glomerular filtration rate were identified as independent and combined Early Predictors of Outcome and Survival (EPOS), with high significant predictive value for survival (AUC 0.86 [95% CI 0.82-0.89]) and favorable neurological outcome (AUC 0.84 [95% CI 0.80-0.88]). Integration of EPOS into clinical procedures may significantly improve clinical decision making and thus patient prognosis in the early time-crucial period after OHCA. However, further validation in other patient cohorts is needed.

A VALIDATION STUDY OF THE TRANSLATED URDU VERSION OF THE ARTHRITIS IMPACT MEASUREMENTS SCALE ARTHRITIS IMPACT MEASUREMENT SCALES 2 IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Background of the Study: Language difficulties in the healthcare industry can cause misunderstandings or errors in care. Most of the Pakistani population communicates and comprehends in the Urdu language. Keeping this in mind, Urdu was chosen in the current study to gather information from patients with identified knee osteoarthritis in elderly individuals. To determine the validity of the translated version of Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 URDU in knee osteoarthritis patients in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 234 participants. The data were collected from knee osteoarthritis patients at the University of Lahore teaching hospital. Data were collected using the AIMS-2 URDU questionnaire and the KOOS questionnaire. The sample was collected using a non-probability-convenient sampling technique. Results: Out of the total, 116 (49%) were males and 118 (51%) were females. The mean age was 51.1 years. Overall test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Arthritis Impact scale were 0.990, excellent. The overall inter-item correlation of AIMS2-U was 0.981. For every subscale, the ceiling effect ranges from 5% to 10% and the floor effect ranges from 0% to 4%. The convergent validity between Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2—Urdu (arthritis pain, work) and KOOS (pain, symptom, ADLs, knee-related QOL) subscales when calculated through Pearson’s correlation coefficient was an excellent negative correlation. The highest factor loading demonstrated in arthritis pain was 0.960. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) degree of sampling adequacy confirmed a high significant value of 0.916. A value of 0.00 on Bartlett’s test is considered to be not significant. Conclusion: The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 Urdu Version portrays excellent test-retest reliability, excellent internal consistency, and strong positive correlation, i.e., excellent convergent validity.

Effects of microabrasion and bleaching on color and shear bond strength of simulated stained-remineralized caries lesions

This study investigated the effects of bleaching and microabrasion on the color and shear bond strength (SBS) of stained-remineralized caries-like lesions (s-RCLs). Human enamel specimens were demineralized, stained (coffee/tea), then remineralized (2% NaF and artificial saliva [AS]) to create s-RCLs. Specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n=18): G1, demineralized/AS; G2, s-RCLs/AS; G3, s-RCLs/at-home bleaching (15% carbamide peroxide [CP)], 6h/d×7)/AS; G4, s-RCLs/microabrasion (6.6% hydrochloric acid, [1min/3cycles]/AS; and G5, s-RCLs/microabrasion and at-home bleaching/AS. Color was spectrophotometrically measured at baseline, after demineralization, after staining, and after treatment. After two weeks, the SBS was tested using a universal testing machine. Outcomes were analyzed using ANOVA models followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). The mean colors (ΔE) for demineralization and staining were significant (ΔE≤5.9 and ≤14.4, respectively). G3 (ΔE 23.9) and G5 (ΔE 25.2) were significantly improved compared to G4 (ΔE 12.3). The SBS in G5 had the highest significant value (25.2MPa), followed by G4 and G3 (21.5-20.6MPa), which were significantly higher than G2 (16.8MPa). G2, in turn, was more significant than G1 (10.9MPa). At-home bleaching (15% CP) for seven days eliminated and improved organic stains on RCLs. Faster results were achieved when combined with microabrasion. All surface treatments resulted in high SBS.

Exploring the Impact of Excessive Internet Usage in Secondary School Students in Kirkuk City

Background: excessive internet use in secondary school students prolonged screen usage and unfettered web information might cause distractions, procrastination, and reduced study time, compromising academic achievement. Overuse of the internet can also disrupt sleep, impair time management, and reduce offline activity, which is essential for holistic development. Online content like social media, gaming, and streaming can also affect students' cognition, attention span, and learning motivation. The impact of excessive internet use on secondary school pupils depends on several aspects, including frequency and length, types of online activities, academic achievement measures, and socio-demographic variables. Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of excessive internet usage in secondary school student in kirkuk city. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study “Simple Random” sample was used for student at secondary school in Kirkuk. The study included (400) student. Data were analyzed inferential statistics. Results: the study finding shows the distribution the Internet Usage Pattern of the study sample, regarding to Most preferred method internet access, were about half of study sample (49.5%) using smart phone more than other access methods, while based on the reason of using internet, were near half (46.75%) of study sample using internet for Social Networking. Regarding to the parent’s awareness of internet use, about more than two thirds (65.75%) of the study sample were parents not aware about using internet. According to the preferred time of use of internet, about more than third (33.5%) were using internet after school hours. Finally, Using Internet in group or individually, near to half (47.3%) of the study sample use internet individually. the differences the Internet addiction regarding to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample by using Internet addiction score. There is a high significance value with the differences between the scores of the items of the Internet addiction with regards to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample at p. value 0.05. the differences the Internet addiction regarding to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample by using Internet addiction score. There is a high significance value with the differences between the scores of the items of the Internet addiction with regards to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample at p. value 0.05 by using Chi-square test. Conclusions: According to the report, most students have a proclivity to utilize mobile phones for Internet access. Students have a distinct inclination towards utilizing social media platforms instead of engaging in educational endeavors. The majority of students cited a lack of parental monitoring.

Analysis of gasoline quality by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate techniques

Analysis of gasoline quality by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate techniques

Correction to: selection and evaluation of FOPID criteria for the X-15 adaptive flight control system (AFCS) via Lyapunov candidates: Optimizing trade-offs and critical values using optimization algorithms

Correction to: selection and evaluation of FOPID criteria for the X-15 adaptive flight control system (AFCS) via Lyapunov candidates: Optimizing trade-offs and critical values using optimization algorithms

Identifying the sensory profiles of naturally fermented table olives and their application to industrially processed cultivars

Identifying the sensory profiles of naturally fermented table olives and their application to industrially processed cultivars

Spatial characteristics of non-communicable diseases and their associations to social conditions in a large urban cohort in Germany-Results from the Hamburg City Health Study.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for many deaths. They are associated with several modifiable and metabolic risk factors and are therefore prone to significant regional variations on different scales. However, only few intra-urban studies examined spatial variation in NCDs and its association with social circumstances, especially in Germany. Thus, the present study aimed to identify associations of personal risk factors and local social conditions with NCDs in a large German city. This study is based on a population-based cohort of the Hamburg City Health Study including 10,000 probands. Six NCDs were analyzed (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], coronary heart disease [CHD], diabetes mellitus, heart failure, depression, and hypertension) in 68 city district clusters. As risk factors, we considered socio-demographic variables (age, sex, education) and risk behaviour variables (smoking, alcohol consumption). Logistic regression analyses identified associations between the district clusters and the prevalence rates for each NCD. Regional variation was detected by Gini coefficients and spatial cluster analyses. Local social condition indexes were correlated with prevalence rates of NCDs on city district level and hot-spot analyses were performed for significant high or low values. The analyses included 7,308 participants with a mean age of 63.1 years (51.5% female). The prevalence of hypertension (67.6%) was the highest. Risk factor associations were identified between smoking, alcohol consumption and education and the prevalence of NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, and COPD). Significant regional variations were detected and persisted after adjusting for personal risk factors. Correlations for prevalence rates with the local social conditions were significant for hypertension (r = 0.294, p < 0.02), diabetes (r = 0.259, p = 0.03), and COPD (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). The study shows that regional differences in NCD prevalence persist even after adjusting for personal risk factors. This highlights the central role of both personal socio-economic status and behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco consumption. It also highlights the importance of other potential regional factors (e.g. the environment) in shaping NCD prevalence. This knowledge helps policy- and decision-makers to develop intervention strategies.

Insights into adsorbable organic halogen analysis: Two overlooked factors impacting water quality assessment

Adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) represents the total amount of halogenated organics that can be adsorbed on activated carbon (AC) from samples. Measuring AOX is crucial for assessing water quality, and any erroneous estimation of AOX risks misleading decision-makers. This study demonstrated two overlooked factors that may introduce biases to AOX measurement. The first one relates to impurities in the gas transfer tubes of AOX combustion system and in the pressurized gas of AOX separation system, which resulted in significant fluctuations and high blank values (8.5-118.0μg-Cl/L). The solutions of above issues are to warming up the combustor for several runs and replacing the pressurized air with argon gas in the separator, which could drop the blank AOX values to 9.1-10.0μg-Cl/L. The second one involves coexisting chloride ion (Cl-) during AOX analysis, which interfered with AOX measurements (T. test, p<0.05) even at low concentration levels (e.g., 10mg/L Cl- in samples with 100μg-Cl/L p-chlorophenol). Results show that AC captured 0.02-0.11% of Cl-, resulting in 17.7-24.5μg-Cl/L AOX responses in control samples containing 15-130mg/L Cl- only. Furthermore, a significant mass imbalance of Cl- (3.58-8.39%) during analysis process suggests a potential impact of residual Cl- on subsequent samples. By comparing synthetic and actual waters, samples with low dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were more susceptible to interference from Cl- on AOX measurement than those with high DOC. These findings underscore the pressing need to optimize existing AOX methods or develop alternative analytical methods to ensure accurate water quality assessment.