Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concurrent administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines enhances Spike-specific antibody responses

The bivalent COVID-19 mRNA boosters became available in fall 2022 and were recommended alongside the seasonal influenza vaccine. However, the immunogenicity of concurrent versus separate administration of these vaccines remains unclear. Here, we analyzed antibody responses in healthcare workers who received the bivalent COVID-19 booster and the influenza vaccine on the same day or on different days through systems serology. Antibody binding and functional responses were characterized at peak responses, and after 6 months following vaccination. IgG1 and neutralization responses to SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1. 5 were higher at peak and after 6 months following concurrent administration compared with separate administration of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. While similar results were not observed for influenza responses, no interference was noted with concurrent administration. These data suggest that concurrent administration of these vaccines may yield higher and more durable SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody responses while maintaining responses against influenza.
Development of Organ-on-a-Chip System with Continuous Flow in Simulated Microgravity

Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an innovative microfluidic device mimicking the structure and functionality of real tissue. OOCs typically involve cell culture with microfluidics to emulate the biological forces of different organ tissues and disease states, providing a next-generation experimental platform. When combined with simulated microgravity conditions, such as those produced by random positioning machines, they offer unique insights into disease processes. Microgravity has been shown to affect cellular behaviors, like proliferation and viability, though its influence on cell physiology is not fully explored. The primary objective of this study was to develop an OOC model with continuous flow under simulated microgravity. Cells cultured in static (non-continuous-flow) conditions exhibited clear growth reduction under microgravity conditions, showing more pronounced difference compared to continuous-flow conditions using an OOC setup. Although our results show that A549 cell viability under continuous flow decreased in microgravity compared to normogravity, this study demonstrates the successful development of a system capable of providing continuous flow in organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models within a random positioning machine.
Healthcare needs in elderly patients with chronic heart failure in view of a personalized blended collaborative care intervention: a cross sectional study

Introduction Few studies explored healthcare needs of elderly heart failure (HF) patients with comorbidities in view of a personalized intervention conducted by Care Managers (CM) in the framework of Blended Collaborative Care (BCC). The aims of the present study were to: (1) identify perceived healthcare needs/preferences in elderly patients with HF prior to a CM intervention; (2) investigate possible associations between healthcare needs/preferences, sociodemographic variables (age; sex) and number of comorbidities. Method Patients aged 65 years or more affected by HF with at least 2 medical comorbidities were enrolled in the study. They were assessed by structured interviewing with colored cue cards that represented six main topics including education, individual tailoring of treatment, monitoring, support, coordination, and communication, related to healthcare needs and preferences. Results Thirty-three patients (Italy = 21, Denmark = 7, Germany = 5; mean age = 75.2 ± 7.7 years; males 63.6%) were enrolled from June 2021 to February 2022. Major identified needs included: HF information (education), patients' involvement in treatment-related management (individual tailoring of treatment), regular checks of HF symptoms (monitoring), general practitioner update by a CM about progression of symptoms and health behaviors (coordination), and telephone contacts with the CM (communication). Regarding communication modalities with a CM, males preferred phone calls (χ2 = 6.291, p = 0.043) and mobile messaging services (χ2 = 9.647, p = 0.008), whereas females preferred in-person meetings and a patient dashboard. No differences in needs and preferences according to age and number of comorbidities were found. Discussion The findings highlight specific healthcare needs and preferences in older HF multimorbid patients, allowing a more personalized intervention delivered by CM in the framework of BCC.
The Concept of an Autonomous Mobile Robot for Automating Transport Tasks in High-Bay Warehouses

The progression of the industry, alongside the continuous enhancement of operational efficiency and the reduction of production costs, are paving the way for novel solutions in the realm of storage and transportation systems. The incorporation of new technologies and solutions, such as mobile robots, has culminated in the establishment of Smart Warehouses. It facilitates the reduction of non-value adding activities for companies. One of the methods of improving the efficiency of such systems is the more effective use of autonomous mobile robots. The article presented an inventive concept of an autonomous mobile robot capable of undertaking transport tasks both on the shop floor and within high-bay warehouses. The new concept of the drive mechanism enables it to navigate on surfaces and move along rail guides. By using an elevator, the robot can be lifted to higher levels within the warehouse. The well-conceived structural solution of the robot allows the elevator placement anywhere within the warehouse, eliminating the need for constructing a pit. The use of a mobile robot with the proposed structure will enable the execution of transport tasks without necessitating reloading. Such an approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce the costs of storage processes.
A Self-Adaptive Automatic Incident Detection System for Road Surveillance Based on Deep Learning

We present an automatic road incident detector characterised by a low computational complexity for easy implementation in affordable devices, automatic adaptability to changes in scenery and road conditions, and automatic detection of the most common incidents (vehicles with abnormal speed, pedestrians or objects falling on the road, vehicles stopped on the shoulder, and detection of kamikaze vehicles). To achieve these goals, different tasks have been addressed: lane segmentation, identification of traffic directions, and elimination of unnecessary objects in the foreground. The proposed system has been tested on a collection of videos recorded in real scenarios with real traffic, including areas with different lighting. Self-adaptability (plug and play) to different scenarios has been tested using videos with significant scene changes. The achieved system can process a minimum of 80 video frames within the camera’s field of view, covering a distance of 400 m, all within a span of 12 s. This capability ensures that vehicles travelling at speeds of 120 km/h are seamlessly detected with more than enough margin. Additionally, our analysis has revealed a substantial improvement in incident detection with respect to previous approaches. Specifically, an increase in accuracy of 2–5% in automatic mode and 2–7% in semi-automatic mode. The proposed classifier module only needs 2.3 MBytes of GPU to carry out the inference, thus allowing implementation in low-cost devices.
Basking shark movement ecology in the north-east Atlantic

3 Acknowledgements . 5 List of tables . 10 List of figures . 11 Author’s declaration . 12 Publications . 13 Definitions . 15 Chapter 1: General introduction . 17 Movement ecology . 19 Conservation status of chondrichthyans. 22 The basking shark . 23 Threats and conservation actions . 25 Device attachment effects . 27 Study area . 29 Thesis aims and outline . 32 Chapter 2: Testing the boundaries: Seasonal residency and inter-annual site fidelity of basking sharks in a proposed marine protected area . 33 Abstract . 35 Introduction . 36 Methods . 38 Results . 41 Discussion . 48. 35 Introduction . 36 Methods . 38 Results . 41 Discussion . 48
Anti-Crisis Methods of Renewal Tourist Image of Territory

This article is devoted to analysis of foreign experience of renewal attractive tourist image for countries and regions after military-political conflicts. Several approaches to defining the image of a territory were considered. In analysis of foreign experience the research focuses on instruments of crisis management in countries such as Turkey, Egypt and Thailand as a part of territory’s image-building that could use for restoring tourist image. Tourism is one of the main sources of income to the state budget in these countries. Also, all these countries have suffered from military-political conflicts that caused spontaneous formation of negative tourist image and a decline in tourist flow. We can observe a similar situation today in Ukraine. The research was briefly analyzed the negative consequences of the political crisis for Ukrainian tourism industry. In conclusion the basic directions to neutralize of negative tourist image of the territory are given. Also it was noted that without a deep analysis of the current tourist image, involvement of highly qualified specialists, investment and funds, close and trustful cooperation between public and private sectors to achieve the objectives for restoring the tourist image can become long-term and time-consuming process, that can adversely influence not only on the tourist activity in the country, but also on the whole economy.
Disturbance Hydrology: Preparing for an Increasingly Disturbed Future

This special issue is the result of several fruitful conference sessions on disturbance hydrology, which started at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco and have continued every year since. The stimulating presentations and discussions surrounding those sessions have focused on understanding both the disruption of hydrologic functioning following discrete disturbances, as well as the subsequent recovery or change within the affected watershed system. Whereas some hydrologic disturbances are directly linked to anthropogenic activities, such as resource extraction, the contributions to this special issue focus primarily on those with indirect or less pronounced human involvement, such as bark‐beetle infestation, wildfire, and other natural hazards. However, human activities are enhancing the severity and frequency of these seemingly natural disturbances, thereby contributing to acute hydrologic problems and hazards. Major research challenges for our increasingly disturbed planet include the lack of continuous pre and postdisturbance monitoring, hydrologic impacts that vary spatially and temporally based on environmental and hydroclimatic conditions, and the preponderance of overlapping or compounding disturbance sequences. In addition, a conceptual framework for characterizing commonalities and differences among hydrologic disturbances is still in its infancy. In this introduction to the special issue, we advance the fusion of concepts and terminology from ecology and hydrology to begin filling this gap. We briefly explore some preliminary approaches for comparing different disturbances and their hydrologic impacts, which provides a starting point for further dialogue and research progress.
The Perpetual Vector Mosquito Threat and Its Eco-Friendly Nemeses

Simple Summary Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles mosquitoes are the most prolific arthropod vectors of viral and parasitic agents of debilitating and lethal diseases in humans and animals. Despite some success in integrated pest management programs to control vectors, mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, West Nile, and Zika, and parasitic diseases, such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and river blindness, continue to threaten the health and well-being of half the world’s population, many of whom live in economically and medically challenged societies. The perpetual problem inflicted by vector-borne diseases is compounded by the selection for resistance to synthetic pesticides, globalization, and climate change. The latter appears to be the most significant factor implicated in the geographic expansion of mosquitoes. Here, we present a review of these challenges and highlight traditional vector control strategies that employ synthetic pesticides, and “green” eco-friendly technologies that include SIT, IIT, RIDL, CRISPR/Cas9/Cas13 gene drive systems, and biological control, with an emphasis on Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). Abstract Mosquitoes are the most notorious arthropod vectors of viral and parasitic diseases for which approximately half the world’s population, ~4,000,000,000, is at risk. Integrated pest management programs (IPMPs) have achieved some success in mitigating the regional transmission and persistence of these diseases. However, as many vector-borne diseases remain pervasive, it is obvious that IPMP successes have not been absolute in eradicating the threat imposed by mosquitoes. Moreover, the expanding mosquito geographic ranges caused by factors related to climate change and globalization (travel, trade, and migration), and the evolution of resistance to synthetic pesticides, present ongoing challenges to reducing or eliminating the local and global burden of these diseases, especially in economically and medically disadvantaged societies. Abatement strategies include the control of vector populations with synthetic pesticides and eco-friendly technologies. These “green” technologies include SIT, IIT, RIDL, CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive, and biological control that specifically targets the aquatic larval stages of mosquitoes. Regarding the latter, the most effective continues to be the widespread use of Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). Here, we present a review of the health issues elicited by vector mosquitoes, control strategies, and lastly, focus on the biology of Ls and Bti, with an emphasis on the latter, to which no resistance has been observed in the field.
Demographic, Sociocultural, and Behavioral Predictors of Modern Contraceptive Uptake Among Couples in Northern Ghana

Background Despite efforts to increase modern contraceptive use in Ghana, prevalence rates remain low; particularly in Northern Ghana. This study, therefore, sought to determine the predictors of modern contraceptive use among couples in Northern Ghana. This research was the baseline assessment for a broader study aimed at determining the effect of an intervention to improve outcomes of modern contraception. Methods The study was a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from 508 couples (1016 participants), using a multistage sampling technique; both members of each couple were interviewed separately. Univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors associated with modern contraceptive use. Qualitative data were analyzed to triangulate the findings from the quantitative data. Results More than 97% of couples were Muslims. Qualitative data indicates that Muslims are less inclined to use Modern Contraceptives. Most participants had no education. The regression model shows that all demographic characteristics were not significant in Model 3 for men. Socio-culturally, men who gave the reason of “unconcerned” for men’s non-involvement in contraceptive adoption, had less odds of using modern contraception (AOR=0.19). Men with high subjective norms were more than 15 times more likely to use modern contraception. Female farmers were less likely to use contraceptives (AOR= 0.45). Women who reported that “nothing prevented men” from getting involved in contraceptive adoption had greater odds of adopting modern contraception (AOR= 11.15). Women with good perceived behavioral control were more likely to use modern contraception (AOR=5.03). Women with high enacted stigma and men and women with high interspousal communication were more likely to adopt modern contraception. Conclusion Taking cognizance of demographic and sociocultural characteristics and behavioral constructs is needed when determining the predictors of modern contraceptive use among couples in Northern Ghana.
Implantes dentários: técnica All-on-Four

A busca constante por próteses fixas e tratamento por meio de implantes dentários, para devolver estética, função e conforto vem aumentando ao longo dos anos e com isso novas técnicas de instalação de implantes foram necessárias e adotadas na odontologia moderna. A técnica All-on-Four compreende na inserção de quatro implantes, onde dois centrais são instalados de forma paralela e outros dois distais com uma inclinação de até 45o e permite uma boa estabilidade primária dos implantes sem a necessidade de levantamento de seio na maxila, e no caso da mandíbula, sem interferência no forame mentoniano ou nervo alveolar inferior. O objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre a tecnica All-on-Four, avaliando sua eficácia na recuperação de pacientes edêntulos.
Socjoterapia w świetlicy socjoterapeutycznej Badanie świetlic socjoterapeutycznych w Gdańsku, Katowicach i Poznaniu

jako forma praktyki pomocowej rozwija się intensywnie. Świetlice socjoterapeutyczne są miejscem specjalnie dedykowanym do prowadzenia zajęć socjoterapeutycznych dla dzieci i młodzieży. Celem prowadzonych analiz jest więc skonfrontowanie definicji socjoterapii z tym jakie informacje na temat tej formy terapii może uzyskać osoba chcąca skorzystać z pomocy w świetlicy socjoterapeutycznej ze stron internetowych, profili w serwisach społecznościowych oraz rozmów telefonicznych z pracownikami/pracowniczkami. Metodą zbierania danych w tym projekcie jest analiza danych zastanych (desk research) uzupełniona o informacje z wypowiedzi osób pracujących w badanych placówkach, natomiast metodą analizy danych jest analiza szablonowa (template analysis). Analizy dotyczyły 40 świetlic socjoterapeutycznych w Gdańsku, Katowicach i Poznaniu. Informacje o tym jak placówki komunikują o swojej pracy pokrywają się w dużej części z tym, jak definiowana jest socjoterapia w literaturze przedmiotu. Uzyskane dane wskazują jednak, że socjoterapia rozumiana jako forma pracy z małą grupą oparta na procesie grupowym, nie jest jedyną r formą pomocy ealizowaną w świetlicach (i być może nie najważniejszą) oraz, że pogłębiona praca terapeutyczna nie we wszystkich placówkach może być realizowana ze względu na sposób organizacji pracy.
Climate Change in Himalayas: Research Findings and Complexities

Himalayas are important for its influence on the climate of much of Asia, and ecosystem services, which serve some 1.3 billion people living in 10 river basins that originate from the region. The region is warming rapidly and is highly vulnerable to climate change. This review (i) sheds light on some fairly well established facts about climate change in Himalayas, (ii) makes an attempt to give an integrated picture of its impact on various components, and (iii) discusses complexities in generalizing the findings. Himalayas are warming at 2-3 time higher rates than global average rate, at least in some areas. The rate of warming is increasing in time and with elevation. As for rainfall, uncertainty is high, but generally predictions are for more violent events. According to an analysis based on 75 glaciers, 63 glaciers are showing shrinkage and 12 growth, however, their (growing ones) measurements are of low confidence level. The contribution of glacier and snow melt to total river discharge varies from 5-60% from west to east. Violent extreme events and glacier melt lakes are predicted to generate more disasters. The intensification of pre-monsoon drought is likely to be a critical climate change factor, affecting several ecological processes and social behaviour. Its examples are drying of water springs, suppression of treeline and desiccation of seeds of the species in which seeds remain lying on ground for a relatively longer period before conditions for germination become favourable, and spread of forest fires. The intensified water shortage is a threat even to tourism supporting capacity of the region. Apple cultivation in the state of Himachal Pradesh is getting adversely affected by the lack of sufficient winter-chilling. Some interventions are possible to undertake to address climate change impact. They include addressing data gaps, particularly with regard to changes in glacier ice mass, volumes and timing of river flows, frequency and duration of extreme events, transboundary cooperation, and development of translational ecology research in which scientists work in a close partnership with stakeholders and administrators. The Himalayan region is disproportionately affected by climate change induced disasters and miseries, though the region's per capita fossil fuel consumption is ridiculously low, raising a issue of climate change justice.
Periglacial environment in Nepal Himalaya: Present contexts and future prospects

Periglacial environment in the Nepal Himalaya (80°04’ to 88°12’ E longitude and 26°22’ to 30°27’ N latitude) is a research field that has received a little scientific attention although the first reported periglacial research was in 1958. After the first periglacial research, only 22 studies are reported in Nepal (area: 147,181 km2), most of which is carried out by researchers outside the country. Studies mainly focus on periglacial landforms and determining the lower limit of the mountain permafrost. The mean lower limit of permafrost (LLP) and the size of rock glaciers indicate a decreasing trend of the permafrost limit from the eastern (5239 m a.s.l.) to the western part of Nepal (4513 m a.s.l.). The rate of change in the LLP in response to climate change in Nepal Himalaya is 1.3–2.6 m/yr. Model on the scenario of permafrost change based on the IPCC climate scenarios shows that the LLP would rise by 188 m between 2009 and 2039 with the rise in temperature. The periglacial landforms, like vegetated patterned ground (earth hummocks, turf banked terraces), sorted polygons, sorted stripes, solifluction lobes, striated ground, and rock glaciers are reported from the Nepal Himalaya. The spatial and temporal coverage of periglacial research in Nepal Himalaya is very low. The arena of periglacial researches, like permafrost distribution modelling, periglacial hazards, periglacial ecology, relationships between permafrost and rangeland, and implication on mountain livelihood, global warming and periglacial change are the potential areas of research in the coming days.
How has selection for residual feed intake (RFI) affected the grow-finish pig’s ability to cope with stress?

Feed is the largest cost in pork production; therefore, improving feed efficiency can increase producer profitability. Furthermore improved feed efficiency can support industry competitiveness, decrease the demand on global feed resources, and complement environmental sustainability. Genetically, selective breeding for residual feed intake (RFI) shows promise in meeting these increased demands. However, it is important to balance the benefits of feed efficiency selection with the pig’s ability to cope with stress and its welfare. Therefore, this factsheet will discuss physiological and behavioral stress research on swine selected on the basis of RFI.