Unique Action Research Articles

The Real Cause of Global Warming: Infrared Radiation Emissions

For decades, efforts have been made to limit global warming. A unique action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is therefore insufficient. Indeed, the other direct but invisible cause, which combines with GHGs, was not taken into consideration during the various previous COPs. These are infrared emissions from the earth and particularly from artificial soils. The analogy is made between the greenhouse effect present in an agricultural greenhouse, a solar thermal collector and the Earth’s atmosphere. Significative Statement: The global warming due to the terrestrial green House Effect is effectively due to the Infrared Radiation emissions of soils of earth. The COP 28 do not indicate this important parameter. Thus, the exit from fossil fuels, carbon neutrality in 2050, and the use of nuclear power will not avoid the growth of global warming if we do not, at the same time, reduce the emissions of infrared radiation emissions from artificialized soils of the earth.

Multilingualism in metacognitive and self-regulation research: scoping review advocating for comprehensive representation of multilingual complexity

Metacognition and self-regulation play crucial roles in second language acquisition, but their roles in multilingual (L3+) contexts remain underexplored. This scoping review sought to examine how metacognition and self-regulation manifest in learning third or additional languages, particularly regarding how multilingualism was accounted for in the empirical research surrounding these constructs. Three inclusion criteria were: L3+ participants, variables related to metacognition and/or self-regulation, and empirical/experimental design. Studies on test or technology validations, or nonlanguage domains were omitted. A comprehensive search across three databases yielded 52 studies, which were analyzed to assess their exploration of multilingualism's impact on metacognitive and self-regulatory processes. Findings revealed that while these cognitive strategies are crucial for navigating complex linguistic environments, studies often conflated bilinguals with multilinguals, limiting insights into how varied linguistic repertoires influence metacognition and self-regulation. Future research must better differentiate between these groups and investigate how managing multiple languages fosters unique self-regulatory action in multilingual learners.

The Zebrafish Retina and the Evolution of the Onecut-Mediated Pathway in Cell Type Differentiation.

Onecut/Hnf6 (Oc) genes play an important role in the proper formation of retinal cells in vertebrates, in particular horizontal, retinal ganglion and amacrine cells. However, it is not fully known how the unique and combined action of multiple Oc gene copies leads to the induction and differentiation of specific retinal cell types. To gain new insights on how Oc genes influence retina formation, we have examined the developmental role of oc1, oc2 and oc-like genes during eye formation in the non-mammalian vertebrate zebrafish Danio rerio. By using single and multiple morpholino knockdown of three zebrafish Oc genes we provide evidence for the independent and redundant role of each gene in the formation of photoreceptors and other retinal tissues. Through comparison of Oc genetic pathways in photoreceptor differentiation among chordates we demonstrate their mechanism of action through a series of conserved target genes involved in neural transmission.

Clinical management of indeterminate thyroid nodules needs to be revisited. New evidence for a personalized approach to the problem.

Thyroid nodules diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as TIR3A or Class III subgroup "other types of atypia" (indeterminate thyroid nodules - ITNs), are the only ones without a unique clinical action indicated for management. This leads to multiple FNAC repetitions (FNAC-reps) and lifelong follow-up, with huge consumption of time and resources. The aims of the study were to inquire the usefulness of repeating FNAC in ITNs and perform an evaluation of a long-term follow-up of a large cohort of ITNs. The study was conducted in two Italian high-volume tertiary centres. We selected patients who underwent the first FNAC with subsequent diagnosis of ITN in a centre involved and who then repeated it in the same institute. We included 506 patients. The FNAC-rep determined the "change in management indications" (CMIs) in 30 cases. The binomial test showed that this proportion was not significant (p 0.36). The factors related to CMIs were age (OR = 0.97; 95%CI = 0.95-0.99; p = 0.04), margins (OR = 5.6; 95%CI = 1.7-18.1; p = 0.004), and echogenicity (hypoechoic vs. isoechoic: OR = 5.2; 95%CI = 1.87-14.5; p = 0.002| hypoechoic vs. iso-anechoic: OR = 5.9; 95%CI = 1.32-26.2; p = 0.02). Follow-up of cases without CMIs showed that 20 of 476 cases required surgery. Of these, only four were malignant and all occurred within the first 8 years of observation. The study demonstrated that FNAC-rep is useless for the most of cases, hence it should only be considered for young adults having nodules with suspicious characteristics. Furthermore, a 10-year follow-up for ITNs is safe enough rather than a long-life follow-up.

Empagliflozin-A Sodium Glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor: Overview ofits Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology.

Empagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that has gained significant attention in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding its chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology is crucial for the safe and effective use of this medication. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of empagliflozin, synthesizing the available literature to present a concise summary of its properties and implications for clinical practice. A systematic search of relevant databases was conducted to identify studies and articles related to the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of empagliflozin. Data from preclinical and clinical studies, as well as post-marketing surveillance reports, were reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Empagliflozin is a selective SGLT2 inhibitor that works by constraining glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, causing increased urinary glucose elimination. Its unique mechanism of action provides glycemic control, weight reduction, and blood pressure reduction. The drug's chemistry is characterized by its chemical structure, solubility, and stability. Pharmacologically, empagliflozin exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic properties with rapid absorption, extensive protein binding, and renal elimination. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in improving glycemic control, reducing cardiovascular risks, and preserving renal function. However, adverse effects, for instance, urinary tract infections, genital infections, and diabetic ketoacidosis have been reported. Toxicological studies indicate low potential for organ toxicity, mutagenicity, or carcinogenicity. Empagliflozin is a promising SGLT2 inhibitor that offers an innovative approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its unique action mechanism and favorable pharmacokinetic profile contribute to its efficacy in improving glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risks. While the drug's safety profile is generally favorable, clinicians should be aware of potential adverse effects and monitor patients closely. More study is required to determine the longterm safety and explore potential benefits in other patient populations. Overall, empagliflozin represents a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antidiabetic medications, offering significant benefits to patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study covers all aspects of empagliflozin, including its history, chemistry, pharmacology, and various clinical studies, case reports, and case series.

A unique mechanism of transfluthrin action revealed by mapping its binding sites in the mosquito sodium channel

Pyrethroid insecticides exert their toxic action by prolonging the opening of insect voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in the characteristic tail current during membrane repolarization in voltage clamp experiments. Permethrin (PMT) and deltamethrin (DMT), representative type I and type II pyrethroids, respectively, are predicted to bind to two lipid-exposed pyrethroid receptor sites, PyR1 and PyR2, at the lipid-exposed interfaces of repeats II/III and I/II, respectively. Transfluthrin (TF), a volatile type I pyrethroid and mosquito repellent, has received increased attention in the global combat of vector-borne human diseases. However, the electrophysiological and molecular bases of TF action on insect sodium channels remain unexplored. In this study we discovered that, unlike DMT and PMT, TF barely induces the characteristic tail current of the Aedes aegypti mosquito sodium channel (AaNav1-1) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Instead, TF induces a unique persistent current. We docked TF into the AlphaFold2 model of AaNav1-1 and found that the tetrafluorophenyl ring of TF binds to alpha helices S5, P1, and S6, but not to the linker helices S4-S5 within either PyR1 or PyR2. In agreement with the model, functional examination of 15 AaNav1-1 mutants demonstrated that substitutions of DMT/PMT-sensing residues in helices S5, P1, and S6, but not in the linker-helices S4-S5, altered channel sensitivity to TF. These results revealed the unique action of TF on channel gating and suggest a distinct subtype of type I pyrethroids with a previously uncharacterized pattern of interactions with residues at the dual pyrethroid receptor sites.

Enhancing tumor penetration: GSH-sensitive paclitaxel liposomes modified with Dermaseptin-PP

The dense structure of solid tumor tissues and the selective permeability of cell membranes impede the effective penetration of chemotherapeutic agent-loaded liposomes into tumors and their subsequent uptake by cells. Dermaseptin-PP, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, has demonstrated the ability to enhance the penetration and accumulation of drugs within solid tumors due to its unique membrane-breaking action. Based on this, we designed glutathione (GSH)-sensitive paclitaxel liposomes modified with Dermaseptin-PP. Dermaseptin-PP was modified through disulfide bonding, which could be broken at the tumor site due to high GSH levels. This cleavage resulted in the release of Dermaseptin-PP, thereby enhancing the permeability of the paclitaxel liposomes within the tumor. We found that the paclitaxel liposomes modified with Dermaseptin-PP were extensively distributed to the tumor site, and the Dermaseptin-PP modification significantly enhanced liposome penetration within the tumor. Our study significantly increased the anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel liposomes. Our study confirms that paclitaxel liposomes modified with Dermaseptin-PP is an effective anti-tumor therapy that enhances deep penetration into tumors. Additionally, this broadens the applications of cationic antimicrobial peptides.

Widespread Neuroanatomical Integration and Distinct Electrophysiological Properties of Glioma-Innervating Neurons.

We have developed a novel system utilizing rabies virus-based monosynaptic tracing to directly visualize neurons that synapse onto human glioma cells implanted in mouse brain. This approach enables the mapping and quantitative analysis of these glioma-innervating neurons (GINs) in the entire mouse brain and overcomes previous barriers of molecular and electrophysiological analysis of these neurons due to the inability to identify them. Our findings indicate that GINs integrate into existing neural networks in a location-specific manner. Long-range GINs are mostly glutamatergic, with a subset expressing both glutamatergic and GABAergic markers and local striatal GINs are GABAergic, highlighting a complex neuromodulatory profile. Additionally, GINs exhibit unique action potential characteristics, distinct from similarly selected neurons in non-tumor-bearing brains. This study provides new insights into neuronal adaptations in response to forming putative synapses onto glioma, elucidating the intricate synaptic relationship between GINs and gliomas.

Affordance norms for 2825 concrete nouns.

Objects are commonly described based on their relations to other objects (e.g., associations, semantic similarity, etc.) or their physical features (e.g., birds have wings, feathers, etc.). However, objects can also be described in terms of their actionable properties (i.e., affordances), which reflect interactive relations between actors and objects. While several normed datasets have been developed to categorize various aspects of meaning (e.g., semantic features, cue-target associations, etc.), to date, norms for affordances have not been generated. We address this limitation by developing a set of affordance norms for 2825 concrete nouns. Using an open-response format, we computed affordance strength (AFS; i.e., the probability of an item eliciting a particular action response), affordance proportion (AFP; i.e., the proportion of participants who provided a specific action response), and affordance set size (AFSS; i.e., the total number of unique action responses) for each item. Because our stimuli overlapped with Pexman et al.'s, Behavior Research Methods, 51, 453-466, (2019) body-object interaction norms (BOI), we tested whether AFS, AFP, and AFSS were related to BOI, as objects with more perceived action properties may be viewed as being more interactive. Additionally, we tested the relationship between AFS and AFP and two separate measures of relatedness: cosine similarity (Buchanan et al., Behavior Research Methods, 51, 1849-1863, 2019a, Behavior Research Methods, 51, 1878-1888, 2019b) and forward associative strength (Nelson et al., Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers, 36(3), 402-407, 2004). All analyses, however, revealed weak relationships between affordance measures and existing semantic norms, suggesting that affordance properties reflect a separate construct.

Postbiotic as Novel Alternative Agent or Adjuvant for the Common Antibiotic Utilized in the Food Industry.

Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem as it causes previously manageable diseases to become deadly infections that can cause serious disability or even death. Scientists are creating novel approaches and procedures that are essential for the treatment of infections and limiting the improper use of antibiotics in an effort to counter this rising risk. With a focus on the numerous postbiotic metabolites formed from the beneficial gut microorganisms, their potential antimicrobial actions, and recent associated advancements in the food and medical areas, this review presents an overview of the emerging ways to prevent antibiotic resistance. Presently, scientific literature confirms that plant-derived antimicrobials, RNA therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, vaccines, nanoantibiotics, haemofiltration, predatory bacteria, immunotherapeutics, quorum-sensing inhibitors, phage therapies, and probiotics can be considered natural and efficient antibiotic alternative candidates. The investigations on appropriate probiotic strains have led to the characterization of specific metabolic byproducts of probiotics named postbiotics. Based on preclinical and clinical studies, postbiotics with their unique characteristics in terms of clinical (safe origin, without the potential spread of antibiotic resistance genes, unique and multiple antimicrobial action mechanisms), technological (stability and feasibility of largescale production), and economic (low production costs) aspects can be used as a novel alternative agent or adjuvant for the common antibiotics utilized in the production of animal-based foods. Postbiotic constituents may be a new approach for utilization in the pharmaceutical and food sectors for developing therapeutic treatments. Further metabolomics investigations are required to describe novel postbiotics and clinical trials are also required to define the sufficient dose and optimum administration frequency of postbiotics.

Clinical use of 0.1% polyhexanide and propylbetaine on acute and hard-to-heal wounds: a literature review.

To summarise the findings on the effect of the clinical use of 0.1% polyhexanide-propylbetaine (PHMB/betaine) solution/gel on acute and hard-to-heal (chronic) wound healing. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and the CENTRAL Trials Registry of the Cochrane Collaboration. Paired reviewers conducted title and abstract screening and full-text screening to identify experimental, quasi-experimental and observational studies. Study quality and risk of bias were not formally evaluated. A total of 17 studies met the eligibility criteria. The findings from 12 studies indicated that the use of 0.1% PHMB/betaine solution/gel had: a low risk of contact sensitivity; could help debridement during wound cleansing; aided effective wound bed preparation; reduced wound size, odour and exudate; improved pain control; reduced microbial load; and enhanced wound healing. The results of three studies indicated that both 0.1% PHMB and saline solution were effective in reducing bacterial load, while another showed that adding 0.1% PHMB to tie-over dressings had no effect on reducing bacterial loads in wounds. Another study concluded that disinfection and granulation of pressure ulcers with hydrobalance dressing with 0.3% PHMB was faster and more effective than using 0.1% PHMB/betaine. The findings of this literature review showed that 0.1% PHMB/betaine solution/gel appeared to be useful and safe for wound cleansing, was effective in removing soft debris and slough from the wound bed, and created a wound environment optimal for healing. Although these actions cannot be attributed solely to this treatment modality, these results do highlight the unique action of this combined product. However, more robust studies are needed to confirm these results.

PROTECTION OF SOYBEAN AGAINST MAIN DISEASES

An analysis of the most common diseases of soybeans in the forest-steppe of Ukraine was carried out. It was determined that the most common diseases were alternaria, powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, septoriosis, white rot, bacterial burns, etc. The species composition of diseases and the degree of their development were largely influenced by the weather conditions of the growing period. The reasons for the decrease in plant productivity and the decrease in the productivity of soybean seeds have been established. It was noted that an important point in the soybean protection system is the time of treatments. When determining the treatment time, you should first of all focus on the growth phase of the plant, and only then on the spread, presence or absence of the disease. The effectiveness of the use of fungicides in soybean agrocenosis is justified. The main active substances that are effective and control the phytosanitary condition of soybean crops for certain types of diseases are considered. A comprehensive and effective solution for the protection of soybean crops was found, namely Vibrance® RFC and Merivon® Pro poisons. Vibrance® RFC - its chemical composition contains fludioxonil 25 g/l, metalaxyl M 37 g/l and sedaxan™ 50 g/l. The increased rate of metalaxyl M improves the effectiveness of the product in the fight against systemic infections, namely ascochitosis, peronosprosis, pythiosis; fludioxonil provides reliable control against Fusarium spp (F. graminearum) and enhances control against Ascochyta spp. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Cercospora spp., Colletotrichum spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Phomopsis spp.; Sedaxan™ is an active ingredient that is simply essential for soybean seeds, as it is quite effective in protecting against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Cercospora spp., Colletotrichum spp, Phomopsis spp., which caused significant damage to crops in 2022. Additional adjuvants in the composition, which are components of Formula M®, increase efficiency by maximally uniform application and reliable retention of the drug on the seed. Merivon® Pro is designed to control root rot (fusarium, rhizoctoniosis, pythiosis), anthracnose, peronosporosis, ascochitosis, phomopsis, seed mold. The drug combines fluxapiroxad, which has unique mobility and effective action, and pyraclostrobin, which prevents the growth of fungal mycelium and suppresses the respiration of the pathogen. The results on experimental plots with a high background of fusarium and rhizoctoniosis show that when applying the registered rate of the poison, an increase of 0.33 t/ha can be obtained. This is almost 20% more than the control plots. In addition, the special formulation of these products is designed for safe simultaneous application together with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This ensures that farmers can continue to use them to promote nitrogen fixation, a key factor in crop growth, while protecting the seed from disease.

A Novel Proximal Policy Optimization Approach for Filter Design

This paper proposes a proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm for coupling matrix synthesis of microwave filters. With the improvement of filter design requirement, the limitations of traditional methods such as limited applicability are becoming more and more obvious. In order to improve the filter synthesis efficiency, this paper constructs a reinforcement learning algorithm based on Actor-Critic network architecture, and designs a unique filter coupling matrix synthesis reward function and action function, which can solve combinatorial optimization problems stably.

Exploring indoor environmental perception through questionnaires, physiological monitoring, and facial expression recognition

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) has a profound impact on occupant health, comfort, and performance. Various methods are employed to collect feedback from building users, ranging from conventional questionnaires, increasingly utilized physiological monitoring, to recently developed automatic facial expression recognition. This study explores the feasibility of detecting environmental perception and satisfaction by continuous monitoring of facial expression and physiological parameters and compares the results with questionnaire results. Using independently controlled twin climate chambers, we established two distinct air pollution and noise exposure conditions and invited 25 participants to experience them in counter-balanced orders. They engaged in different activities including resting, taking cognitive tests, and watching a relaxing landscape video. Survey results suggested stark differences in self-reported environmental perceptions between the two conditions. Among the 31 unique facial action units (FAU) identified, some showed significant differences between the two air pollution and noise exposure conditions, especially during cognitive tests, while changes in physiological parameters were minor. We also established a model for predicting dissatisfaction with overall IEQ based on facial and physiological data and achieved an accuracy of 0.71, despite the weak correlation between individual FAUs and self-assessed perceptions. Our findings underscore the potential and the challenges of innovative methods for characterizing human responses to indoor environmental stimuli.

Synthesis and characterization of targeted 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 7 inhibitors

Sex steroid hormones such as estrogen estradiol (E2) and androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are involved in the development of hormone-dependent cancers. Blockade of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 7 (17β-HSD7), a member of the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily, is thought to decrease E2 levels while increasing those of DHT. Therefore, its unique double action makes this enzyme as an interesting drug target for treatment of breast cancer. The chemical synthesis, molecular characterization, and preliminary biological evaluation as 17β-HSD7 inhibitors of novel carbamate derivatives 3 and 4 are described. Like previous 17β-HSD7 inhibitors 1 and 2, compounds 3 and 4 bear a hydrophobic nonyl side chain at the C-17β position of a 4-aza-5α-androstane nucleus, but compound 3 has an oxygen atom replacing the CH2 in the steroid A-ring C-2 position, while compound 4 has a C17-spiranic E-ring containing a carbamate function. They both inhibited the in vitro transformation of estrone (E1) into E2 by 17β-HSD7, but the introduction of a (17 R)-spirocarbamate is preferable to replacing C-2 methylene with an oxygen atom since compound 4 (IC50 = 63 nM) is an inhibitor 14 times more powerful than compound 3 (IC50 = 900 nM). Furthermore, when compared to the reference inhibitor 1 (IC50 = 111 nM), the use of a C17-spiranic E-ring made it possible to introduce differently the hydrophobic nonyl side chain, without reducing the inhibitory activity.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF PTH THERAPY ON BONE REMODELING: A MATHEMATICAL INVESTIGATION

The regulatory influence of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) is exerted on bone, which serves as a vital reservoir of calcium within the body. While various aspects of bone growth, turnover, and mechanisms operate independently of gonadal hormones, a crucial role is assumed by sex steroids, particularly estrogen, in maintaining bone equilibrium in adults. In order to unravel the underlying mechanisms of bone remodeling mediated by PTH, a distinguished mathematical model of this intricate process is presented. Subsequently, the temporal effects of Plasma PTH and PTH external dosages are investigated using the proposed mathematical model. Among the limited repertoire of approved and accessible anabolic treatments for severe osteoporosis, daily injections of PTH stand out. This pharmaceutical marvel possesses a unique dual action, capable of acting either anabolically or catabolically, contingent upon the mode of administration. The study aims to accurately predict osteogenic responses to introduced and endogenous PTH, incorporating factors such as [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and bisphosphonates in osteoblast–osteoclast signaling, as well as considering PTH’s influence on the gland and the regulatory roles of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in osteoblast apoptosis and bone volume effects. Through diverse methods including illustrative depictions, numerical simulations, sensitivity analysis, and stability analysis, this work seeks to comprehend how PTH therapy impacts bone volume, enhancing its therapeutic relevance.

Next-generation neonicotinoid: The impact of cycloxaprid on the crustacean decapod Penaeus vannamei

Cycloxaprid, a new neonicotinoid pesticide, poses ecological risks, particularly in aquatic environments, due to its unique action and environmental dispersal. This study investigated the ecotoxicological effects of various concentrations of cycloxaprid on Penaeus vannamei over 28 days. High cycloxaprid levels significantly altered shrimp physiology, as shown by changes in the hepatosomatic index and fattening. Indicators of oxidative stress, such as increased serum hemocyanin, respiratory burst, and nitric oxide, as well as decreased phenol oxidase activity, were observed. Additionally, elevated activities of lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase indicated disrupted energy metabolism in the hepatopancreas. Notably, analyses of the nervous system revealed marked disturbances in neural signaling, as evidenced by elevated acetylcholine, octopamine, and acetylcholinesterase levels. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted significant effects on gene expression and metabolic processes in the hepatopancreas and nervous system. This study demonstrated that cycloxaprid disrupts neural signaling and oxidative balance in P. vannamei, potentially affecting its growth, and provides key insights into its biochemical and transcriptomic toxicity in aquatic systems.

A two-stage computational framework for identifying antiviral peptides and their functional types based on contrastive learning and multi-feature fusion strategy.

Antiviral peptides (AVPs) have shown potential in inhibiting viral attachment, preventing viral fusion with host cells and disrupting viral replication due to their unique action mechanisms. They have now become a broad-spectrum, promising antiviral therapy. However, identifying effective AVPs is traditionally slow and costly. This study proposed a new two-stage computational framework for AVP identification. The first stage identifies AVPs from a wide range of peptides, and the second stage recognizes AVPs targeting specific families or viruses. This method integrates contrastive learning and multi-feature fusion strategy, focusing on sequence information and peptide characteristics, significantly enhancing predictive ability and interpretability. The evaluation results of the model show excellent performance, with accuracy of 0.9240 and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) score of 0.8482 on the non-AVP independent dataset, and accuracy of 0.9934 and MCC score of 0.9869 on the non-AMP independent dataset. Furthermore, our model can predict antiviral activities of AVPs against six key viral families (Coronaviridae, Retroviridae, Herpesviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Flaviviridae) and eight viruses (FIV, HCV, HIV, HPIV3, HSV1, INFVA, RSV, SARS-CoV). Finally, to facilitate user accessibility, we built a user-friendly web interface deployed at https://awi.cuhk.edu.cn/∼dbAMP/AVP/.

Impact of a research-action on vaccination indicators in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Analyze the impact of the state research-action project on immunization indicators (vaccination coverage - VC, homogeneity of vaccination coverage - HVC, dropout rate - DR, and risk rating) before and after the intervention in municipalities and priority Regional Health Administrations/Regional Health Superintendencies (RHA/RHS). The state research-action project was a before-after community clinical trial conducted in 212 municipalities belonging to eight RHA/RHS in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study sample comprised RHA/RHS with a decreasing trend for routine vaccination coverage in children under one year from 2015 to 2020. This study used secondary VC and DR data from 10 immunobiologicals recommended for children younger than two years from January to December 2021 (pre-intervention period, prior to the state research-action project) and from January to December 2022 (post-intervention period). The categorical variables were presented in proportions, and initially, a comparison was made between those of DR, HVC, and the risk rating for the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the two periods (2021 and 2022), using the McNemar test. All immunization indicators increased after conducting the research-action project. In 2021, 80.66% of the state's municipalities had a risk rating for the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases as "high and very high." In 2022, the value reduced to 68.40%. Risk rating for the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases is an important mechanism to assist managers in defining priorities. The state research-action project used a method that enabled the construction and execution of unique action plans for each municipality, directing the improvement of immunization indicators in the state.

Energy Management for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Using Safe Hybrid-Action Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement learning has shown success in solving complex control problems, yet safety remains paramount in engineering applications like energy management systems (EMS), particularly in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). An effective EMS is crucial for coordinating power flow while ensuring safety, such as maintaining the battery state of charge within safe limits, which presents a challenging task. Traditional reinforcement learning struggles with safety constraints, and the penalty method often leads to suboptimal performance. This study introduces Lagrangian-based parameterized soft actor–critic (PASACLag), a novel safe hybrid-action reinforcement learning algorithm for HEV energy management. PASACLag utilizes a unique composite action representation to handle continuous actions (e.g., engine torque) and discrete actions (e.g., gear shift and clutch engagement) concurrently. It integrates a Lagrangian method to separately address control objectives and constraints, simplifying the reward function and enhancing safety. We evaluate PASACLag’s performance using the World Harmonized Vehicle Cycle (901 s), with a generalization analysis of four different cycles. The results indicate that PASACLag achieves a less than 10% increase in fuel consumption compared to dynamic programming. Moreover, PASACLag surpasses PASAC, an unsafe counterpart using penalty methods, in fuel economy and constraint satisfaction metrics during generalization. These findings highlight PASACLag’s effectiveness in acquiring complex EMS for control within a hybrid action space while prioritizing safety.