Background: A doubt that occupational medicine specialists face is whether exposure to solvents is an independent risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Aim: The present study investigates the connection between the length of work experience (exposure) at workplaces that are exposed to organic volatile substances with eventual changes in the morphological structure of the liver parenchyma or laboratory parameters of liver function, and to investigate whether organic volatile substances, as an independent factor can lead to liver steatosis or changes in laboratory parameters of liver function.  Methods: A prospective study was conducted from January to April 2023. and included 62 coke industry workers who were divided into two groups of 31 workers each (experimental with workers exposed to organic volatile substances at the workplace and control with workers who were not exposed). Laboratory parameters of liver function were monitored, as well as ultrasound findings of liver parenchyma in coke industry workers undergoing examination. Exclusion criteria were known history of liver disease, blood transfusion, alcohol consumption and diabetes mellitus. Results: Changes in laboratory parameters of liver function and ultrasound findings of liver steatosis were found with high statistical significance in the workers of the experimental group, for which no statistically significant association with elevated values of lipid status was found. With diabetes as an exclusion factor and the insignificant prevalence of hypertension in the examined workers, it can be concluded that metabolic syndrome is not related to our results. During the correlation analysis, it can be concluded that organic volatile substances are an independent cause and trigger for fatty infiltration of the liver parenchyma and changes in the laboratory findings of liver function parameters. Conclusions: Exposure to organic volatile substances at the workplace as an independent factor causes liver steatosis with elevated values of laboratory parameters of liver function and it can be said that it is an independent cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

Understanding how water-quality models perform across different hydrological and biogeochemical contexts is essential for managing nutrient losses in agricultural catchments. This study evaluated SimplyP, a parsimonious phosphorus model, adapted to better represent Irish agricultural catchments and implemented within the flexible Mobius2 framework. Long-term, high-frequency monitoring data from the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) were used for two sites: Ballycanew, a grassland catchment dominated by surface runoff, and Castledockrell, an arable, groundwater-driven catchment. Model calibration and validation were performed for streamflow (Q), suspended sediment (SS), and multiple phosphorus (P) fractions, with performance assessed using Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE). In Ballycanew, the model reproduced Q, SS, and total P load well, with weaker agreement for total reactive phosphorus (TRP), likely reflecting unaccounted point sources during low flows. In Castledockrell, performance was moderate for Q and SS, but TRP and other P fractions were not adequately captured, highlighting the need for more detailed representation of subsurface P pathways in groundwater-dominated systems. Overall, SimplyP is well-suited to surface-runoff-dominated catchments with conventional phosphorus mobilisation. Its flexible implementation in Mobius2 allows relatively straightforward modifications, such as including groundwater-mediated P processes, to extend applicability to more complex systems. High-resolution ACP datasets were crucial for identifying model strengths and limitations, supporting refinement for improved nutrient management across diverse agricultural landscapes.

Background: Coxiella burnetii is a common zoonotic pathogen that can lead not only to acute or chronic Q fever but also to post-infectious syndromes, where autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction has been suggested as a contributing mechanism. This study aimed to assess autonomic function in patients presenting with polymorphic symptoms, dysautonomia, or ME/CFS who had serological evidence of acute infection with Coxiella burnetii. Methods: A total of 156 participants were evaluated, including 100 seropositive patients and 56 matched controls. All subjects underwent standardized cardiovascular reflex tests (CART), beat-to-beat analysis of heart rate and blood pressure with baroreflex indices, 24 h Holter ECG with HRV assessment, and, in the Coxiella group, head-up tilt testing (HUTT). Results: A significantly higher prevalence of autonomic dysfunction was observed in the Coxiella group, predominantly affecting parasympathetic regulation, with abnormal CART scores, reduced LF power and baroreflex effectiveness, and a high rate of positive HUTT findings characterized by extreme blood pressure variability. Although long-term HRV measures did not differ significantly between groups, short-term indices consistently indicated ANS impairment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Coxiella burnetii infection may trigger persistent autonomic dysfunction, potentially contributing to the development of ME/CFS and syncope in affected individuals. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications.

Introduction. Obesity is a significant public health issue and a prevalent preventable nutritional disor- der. It can result from hereditary factors, prenatal conditions, environmental influences, metabolism, and lifestyle choices. This condition leads to an accu- mulation of adipose tissue and increased body mass.Aim. This study aimed to identify participants’ life- style habits, determine their nutritional status, and assess potential predictors of obesity.Methods. The cross-sectional study included 354 students from the Sarajevo High School of Medicine, of whom 236 (approximately 70%) were female. Par- ticipants were aged 14 to 18 years, with a mean age of 16.32 ± 1.74 years. The study involved collecting anthropometric data from physical education class records and administering a structured questionnaire (socio-demographic characteristics and assessment of life habits) designed for this study.Results. It was found that approximately one quarter of the subjects were overweight/obese. Unhealthy eating habits were prevalent, with around 50% of re- spondents consuming fruits and vegetables every day, 80% consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, snacks and fast food. The Pearson correlation test and linear regression determined that inappropriate eating hab- its, lack of physical activity and pronounced sedentary habits significantly affect the occurrence of excessive body mass/obesity in the subjects.Conclusion. Research shows many adolescents have unhealthy habits and obesity, which pose serious health risks. Early screening and prevention are crucial to reduce these risks and promote long-term health.

Take Home Message Real-world treatment of synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma with nivolumab + ipilimumab yields encouraging overall survival. Exceptional responders show excellent survival, even without deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy. Currently recruiting trials of deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy are likely to underestimate eventual survival in their control arms.

Thermal insulation is essential in lowering the energy consumption of buildings. However, many fossil-based insulation and exterior cladding materials are derived from petrochemical components, which often have adverse ecological impacts. This study explores the effectiveness of integrating sustainable thermal insulation solutions into building design to reduce energy consumption and minimize ecological impact. Focusing on an energy-efficient breakfast house located in Van, Turkey, the project was modeled using Autodesk-Revit software (2023). A comprehensive analysis was conducted by generating eighty alternative scenarios, combining two distinct wall structures, eight fiber-based natural insulation materials, and five wood-based exterior cladding materials. The energy performance of each scenario was evaluated using IES-VE software (2024.1), focusing on annual total energy consumption and CO2 emissions, while accounting for regional climatic conditions and targeted indoor comfort levels. To further refine the selection of optimal materials, a hybrid evaluation was performed using multi-attribute decision approaches, including LODECI, MAXC, and DEPART. These methods provided a systematic framework for comparing the performance of wood-based insulation materials across multiple criteria. In order to verify the accuracy of the proposed multi-attribute decision models, a comparative analysis has been undertaken with other multi-attribute decision methods (COPRAS, ARAS and WASPAS). The study highlights the technical feasibility of incorporating cost-effective, eco-friendly fiber-based and wood-based materials into building envelopes, demonstrating their potential to significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By combining advanced simulation tools with robust decision-making methodologies, this research offers a scientifically grounded approach to sustainable architectural design, providing important outputs for future applications in energy-efficient construction.

STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It represents a broad educational focus aimed at developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and innovation. STEM education integrates these four disciplines to encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of how various fields interconnect. This study focuses on the static and kinematic analysis of a scissor lift STEM toy, utilizing both analytical methods and design software simulations. The first objective is to develop a detailed 3D model of the toy’s scissor lift mechanism based on physical measurements and observations. The model is then analysed using computer-aided design (CAD) software to evaluate its static equilibrium and motion characteristics. The results from the software simulations are compared with the analytical findings. The study contributes to understanding the mechanical behaviour of scissor lift mechanisms and demonstrates the advantages and limitations of different analysis approaches.

Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier but its storing is challenging. For that reason, alternative hydrogen storage approaches are being intensively researched. Solid state storing of hydrogen in the form of ammines offers certain advantages, such as high storage capacity and relatively low toxicity. Therefore, in this work hexaammine complexes of nickel chloride and nickel bromide were prepared and investigated. Ni(NH3)6Cl2 and Ni(NH3)6Br2, were obtained by precipitation synthesis. The prepared complexes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The prepared particles are polydisperse, agglomerated and show a characteristic octahedral morphology. The samples consist solely of pure, well-crystalline, corresponding hexaamine complexes. Ni(NH3)6Br2 shows somewhat weaker nitrogen bonds with the central cation and weaker hydrogen bonds with halogen compared to Ni(NH3)6Cl2. Thermal analyses have shown that under the experimental conditions used, ammonia is released from Ni(NH3)6Cl2 in three stages, while in the case of Ni(NH3)6Br2, decomposition occurs in two stages. This difference is a consequence of the kinetic parameters of the desorption process. The maximum of the first stage of desorption occurs for the Ni(NH3)6Cl2 sample at a slightly lower temperature than for the Ni(NH3)6Br2 sample, which is attributed to thermodynamic factors.

The biodiversity of the gut flora is widely accepted as a key indicator of human health. The diversity of gut flora depends on age, lifestyle, diet and the use of certain drugs, especially antibiotics. The normal flora is called the microbiota, and the entire genetic material of all microorganisms makes up the microbiome. Probiotics have functions from digesting food, absorbing nutrients to modulating immunity. The purpose of this review is to point out the importance of proper nutrition, as well as the importance of the rational use of antibiotics in order to preserve the biodiversity of the gut flora, which contributes to human health. Articles were retrieved from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO databases. The research was limited to articles published between 2010 and 2026. Irrational use of antibiotics disrupts the gut flora, which can cause inflammatory bowel diseases, increase intestinal permeability, impairing individual health. The use of oral probiotics with antibiotics can be important in preserving the gut microbiota, and can also help in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Taking probiotics helps build a diverse population of beneficial gut bacteria before infection occurs, so it is especially recommended to take them during the season of foodborne infections (like summer). The combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii has proven to be beneficial. After stopping oral probiotics, the microbiota continues to form depending on the diet. Biodiversity of gut flora is different in each person, although it is quite similar among family members with a common environment and diet. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fragments of two Roman limestone sarcorphagi decorated with a motif of mourning Eros and mourning shepherd/ Attis Tristis from Aureus Mons (today Seone), a Roman settlement on the Upper Moesian Limes in the immediate vicinity of Singidunum , are kept in the Museum in Smederevo. The study based on documentation and preserved fragments proposes a reconstruction of these sarcophagi, researching their typology, iconography, and closest Pannonian and Upper Moesian analogy. It aspires towards a better understanding of local sarcophagus production and the influences that came from Pannonia.

The complete set of one-loop anomalous dimensions for general Effective Field Theories (EFTs) is derived using on-shell methods. Combined with previous findings for the bosonic sector, the obtained results conclude the computation of the complete set of leading order Renormalization Group Equations (RGEs) in arbitrary gauge EFTs containing scalar and fermion fields. Renormalization effects are consistently taken into account at the order 1/Λ2 in the new physics scale Λ for all renormalizable and non-renormalizable couplings. The obtained template RGEs include operator mixing across different dimensions and are valid for arbitrary gauge groups.

The thermal stability and structural evolution of a GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) heterostructure grown on a Si (111) substrate were investigated using in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD), reciprocal space mapping (RSM), Raman spectroscopy, and rocking-curve (RC) analysis at varying temperatures. The heterostructure, consisting of a p-GaN cap, an AlGaN barrier, and a GaN channel supported by two AlGaN/AlGaN superlattice (SL) buffer layers, maintained clear and periodic satellite peaks up to a temperature of 1000 deg C, confirming excellent structural integrity. Symmetric and asymmetric RSM results reveal that both the Si and GaN diffraction peaks shift to lower angles with increasing temperature, consistent with thermal expansion, and show no significant broadening or relaxation throughout the heating process. The c-lattice constant follows the theoretical expansion predicted by the multi-frequency Einstein model, whereas the a-lattice expansion is slower due to in-plane strain constraints imposed by the underlying Si substrate and buffer layers. Rapid lattice contraction during the fast-cooling stage induces a residual compressive strain of approximately 0.3 percent in the GaN channel after cooling. Raman spectra further confirm this strain state through a blue shift of approximately 1.5 cm-1 of the GaN E2 (high) phonon mode, corresponding to an in-plane strain of about 0.2 percent. Rocking-curve analysis reveals an increase in both screw and edge dislocation densities by 28 percent and 12 percent, respectively. These results collectively demonstrate that the GaN HEMT heterostructure exhibits robust crystalline stability up to 1000 deg C, with only minor strain redistribution and limited dislocation activity, providing experimental evidence for GaN device applications under high-temperature conditions.

Let $X$ be an orbisurface, meaning a compact hyperbolic Riemann surface possibly with a finite number of elliptic points, and let $X_1$ denote its unit tangent bundle. We consider the twisted Selberg zeta function $Z(s;\rho)$ associated to a representation $\rho: \pi_1(X_1) \to \text{GL}(V_\rho)$. We prove a relation between the twisted Selberg zeta function $Z(s;\rho)$ and the regularized determinant of the twisted Laplacian associated to $\rho$. These results can be viewed as a generalization of a result due to Sarnak who considered the trivial character. Yet our proof is different, as it is based on evaluation of the Laplace-Mellin type integral transformations. Going further, we explicitly compute the multiplicative constant, which we call the torsion factor, and express its dependence on parameters which determine the representation. We study the asymptotic behavior of the constant for a sequence of non-unitary representations introduced by Yamaguchi and prove that the asymptotic behavior of this constant as the dimension of the representation tends to infinity is the same as the behavior of the higher-dimensional Reidemeister torsion on $X_1$ (up to an absolute constant).

Abstract.

Network slicing enables multiple virtual networks to share physical resources, allowing network operators to deliver highly customizable and efficient networking solutions that meet the diverse requirements of modern applications. Automating the deployment and runtime management of network slices is essential for supporting network scaling with minimal human intervention. With several applications with different performance requirements, the manual configuration of slices is infeasible. Different initiatives have investigated methods in which network operators define high-level Key Performance Indicators that a network must deliver to networked applications, while the details of how to achieve these goals are abstracted by underlying control systems. Many works in the literature present a top-down approach, focusing on the high-level decision processes and relying on abstracted infrastructure managers and simulation tools to apply/execute such decisions. In this work, we leverage components that we previously developed for network monitoring, traffic shaping, and Software-Defined Time-Sensitive Networking to create a bottom-up approach toward automated slice management driven by Quality of Service goals. We describe the intricate coordination of elements required for an automated control loop and present the results achieved with a proof of concept executed in a real testbed of wired and Wi-Fi nodes. The applications use the data models introduced in this work to inform their requirements to the control plane. The control plane correctly prepares the network by applying rules for monitoring, traffic classification, and traffic shaping, effectively creating slices with different performance profiles for each application. Lastly, we present results using our control loop that continuously monitors each flow, identifies issues affecting the network performance, and takes corrective actions to reestablish the intended performance level of the applications.