This research employs benthic diatom communities as bioindicators of the water quality of aquatic ecosystems. The study was conducted on a watercourse of the Gracanka River in Kosovo and Metohija that is exposed to different levels of anthropogenic pressure, including organic pollution, nutrient loading, and industrial mining impacts. Benthic diatom samples were collected from 10 locations. We assessed water quality using combined chemical and biological monitoring, including physicochemical parameters and diatom indices such as the IPS, CEE, and TDI. The diatom assemblage was composed of 93 species, dominated by the genera Navicula Bory, 1822 (14 spp.), Nitzschia Hassall, 1845 (13 spp.), and Gomphonema Ehrenberg, 1832 (9 spp.). Our study revealed that the combined effect of multiple pollutants significantly impacted diatom assemblages, as shown by spatial shifts in community structure that corresponded to anthropogenic water quality pressures at most investigated sites. Although diatom indices are useful for assessing ecological status, their reliability can be compromised in multi-stress environments. Consequently, integrating physicochemical data is essential for accurately interpreting the results of diatom-based bioassessments.
The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and differential-diagnosis quality of large language models (LLMs) for clinically realistic, text-only pediatric neuroradiology cases. This cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study included 100 fictional pediatric neuroradiology cases composed of a brief clinical presentation and a structured text-only CT/MRI report curated by an expert pediatric neuroradiologist and a pediatrist. For each case, a reference primary diagnosis and two acceptable alternatives were pre-specified. Seven LLM variants (ChatGPT-5.2 Instant/Auto/Thinking; Gemini 3 Pro/Thinking; Claude 4.5 Opus/Opus Thinking) and three radiologists (two general radiologists; one pediatric radiologist) each provided one primary diagnosis and two differentials. Primary outcome was top-1 accuracy (exact match or acceptable alternative). Secondary outcomes were Differential Diagnosis Score (DDxScore, 1-5) and response time. Paired accuracy differences were assessed with Cochran's Q and post-hoc McNemar tests; DDxScore and response time were compared using Friedman tests with post-hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and multiplicity correction. Top-1 accuracy ranged from 44-54% among radiologists (pediatric radiologist 54%) and 48-80% among LLMs (ChatGPT-5.2 Thinking/Auto and Gemini 3 Thinking 80%; Claude 4.5 Opus Thinking 76%). Overall accuracy differed across raters (Cochran's Q = 107.86, df = 9, p < 0.001). Median DDxScores were 4.0 (IQR 2.0-4.0) for the pediatric radiologist, 3.0 (2.0-4.0) for general radiologists, and up to 5.0 (4.0-5.0) for leading thinking-mode LLMs (p < 0.001). All LLMs were faster than radiologists (p < 0.001). In text-only pediatric neuroradiology cases, several contemporary LLMs matched or exceeded radiologists in top-1 accuracy and produced high-quality differentials with substantially shorter response times. These findings support further evaluation for education and audited decision-support workflows.
Situational analysis deals with verifying conditions of a geometric or physical nature during satellites' movement in their orbits. This analysis is applied to determine time intervals, optimal for the execution of specific satellite operations. Situational problems are solved at various stages of the preparation and operational phases of the satellite missions. The most interesting cases are when a situational problem contains multiple conditions. Each situational problem is solved by sequential verifications of the involved conditions. Verifications can be terminated when an unfulfilled condition is detected (Horner's rule) to improve the efficiency of the analysis. Calculations are repeated for subsequent time steps. Solving such a situational problem may be time-consuming when multi-variant and multi-satellite simulations are performed. A heuristic approach is proposed for the efficiency enhancement of situational analysis for problems including multiple conditions. This approach is based on the reordering of conditions checks. The approach is algorithmized and incorporated into the situational analysis solver that was previously developed. The efficiency of the proposed heuristics is evaluated based on examples with different numbers of situational conditions. This approach shows better efficiency than applying Horner's rule.
This article presents the first record of Exarmidium hemisphaericum in Bulgaria. The genus is also reported for the first time from the country. The observed colour reaction of the excipulum to nitric acid is documented here for the first time. Detailed descriptions of the morphological structures and colour reactions are provided. A lichen-like interaction between the fungus and a green alga is described. Additional comments on the systematic position of the genus within the fungal systematics are included.
The aim of this paper was to examine the developmental profile as well as the temporal and spatial distribution of neurotrophic factor persephin, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum, and hippo campus of male Wistar Albino rats at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks of age. The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Tu & uml;rkiye, from 01/03/2024 to 01/04/2025. Male Wistar Albino rats; 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks old, were used in this study. Persephin levels at the PFC, striatum, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum, and hippo campus were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. Data that were not found to be normally distributed were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's as post hoc test. The data that were found to be normally distributed were assessed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons post hoc test. Statistical analyses were conducted using the GraphPad Prism version 10.5. A biphasic temporal expression pattern for persephin was detected, with peak levels primarily observed at 1 and 6 weeks of age independently within the prefrontal cortex, striatum, cerebellum, hypothalamus, thalamus, and hippo campus. Our results demonstrate a temporal association between persephin levels and critical neurodevelopmental processes, suggesting a possible supportive role in neurogenesis, synaptic pruning, and maturation during the early postnatal and adolescent periods. The expression profile of persephin that we detected in our work highlights its potential involvement in the localized development of higher cognitive and sensory systems. So, dysregulation of persephin, as a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family, during these developmental phases may contribute to the formation of various neurodevelopmental disorders.
This study investigates monthly and spatial variations in maximum and minimum air temperatures across the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. Based on observations from five hydrometeorological stations covering 1961-2020, statistical methods were applied to quantify changes in temperature extremes between the reference periods 1961-1990 and 1991-2020. The analysis also establishes updated climatological norms and evaluates the influence of elevation and seasonal factors on the spatial distribution of temperature patterns.
The peach aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer is one of the most dangerous, widespread and economically important pests in tobacco, as well as a vector of various viruses. The species has the ability to develop resistance to various groups of insecticides, high reproductive potential and spread, which makes the control against it difficult. In a two-year period under field conditions with a natural infected background, experimental work was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of AFITEKEC, used to control M. persicae in tobacco. The data showed that the product demonstrated a strong initial efficacy against the aphid individuals, which allows effective control at high pest densities. The disadvantage is that after drying, the product does not work due to its specific characteristic, which would require subsequent treatment to regulate the density of M. persicae. AFITEKEC can be considered a reliable product for control, reducing the risk of mass multiplication and the emergence of resistance of M. persicae. The product does not demonstrate phytotoxicity on tobacco plants.
Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulphonic acid (PFOS), are persistent water contaminants known to interact with biological membranes. In this study, the effects of PFOA and PFOS on membrane interfacial properties were investigated using 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and Laurdan generalized polarization (GP) as a probe of membrane dipolar relaxation. Under control conditions, POPC vesicles exhibited a liquid-disordered phase (negative GP values). While PFOA did not induce significant changes in GP, PFOS caused a significant decrease, indicating enhanced interfacial hydration and dipolar relaxation. These differences are attributed to structural features of PFAS, with PFOS exhibiting stronger interfacial anchoring and membrane perturbation. Overall, the results demonstrate that PFOS more effectively disrupts membrane interfacial properties, suggesting a greater potential to affect membrane function and associated cellular processes.
The use of traditional methods and analyses in breeding and genetic research should be combined with the application of new models for the estimation of quantitative traits. The present study aimed at ecologo-genetic evaluation of the main quantitative traits in 12 varieties and hybrid lines of Cicer arietinum. The ecological-genetic model is based on the understanding of genotype-environment interaction and is an alternative to classical methods of breeding. The highest seed yield was demonstrated by hybrid lines D (370.29 kg da-1), XFKR (358.27 kg da-1) and XFKW (343.96 kg da-1). Garbanzo negro and line XD exhibited a good combination of genes for adaptability and attraction in terms of number of pods and seeds per plant. Regarding the module of seed yield, "strong" genes of the physiological system "attraction" were established in variety Balkan, and lines & KHcy;FKA and & KHcy;FKR retained good adaptation.
This study continues the presentation [1] of the results from long-term (June 2022-July 2023) observations in Varna lakes. The analysis focuses on data from in situ measurements taken with multiparameter sondes at two points, covering the following parameters: i) oxygen saturation, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, turbidity, and blue-green algae; these are continuous time series recorded at a depth of 1.5 m below the lake surface by anchored autonomous buoys; ii) OS and DO, turbidity, pH, chlorophyll-a, and BGA-vertical profiles of the water column from the surface to the bottom received during 11 periodic control measurements. As a result, the peculiarities of intraannual variability and the vertical distribution of the observed parameters have been identified, along with a number of cause-and-effect relationships. Oceanographic factors (temperature, salinity, and content of the two oxygen forms) play a key role in the analysis. Special attention is given to extreme situations. Cases of a strongly negative impact of the Provadiyska river on the ecological status have been identified. The unstable ecological condition is evidenced by recorded periods of high (up to 300%) OS or oxygen deficiency and hypoxia, high concentration of Chl-a, as well as turbidity (exceeding by two orders of magnitude the standard sensor calibration scale).
The codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) is a major pest in pome fruit and walnut orchards worldwide, causing significant economic losses due to fruit damage and quality deterioration. This study evaluates the impact of C. pomonella infestation on major commercial and physiological parameters of 'Jonagold' apples, with emphasis on the applicability of the Whiteness Index (WI) and Tissue Water Content Index (Tw) as indicators of biotic stress. Fruits from the first and second generations were classified as infested or non-infested and analyzed for weight, firmness, soluble solids (degrees Brix), colour coordinates (L, a, b*), WI, and Tw. Infested fruits exhibited significantly reduced weight and increased degrees Brix, WI, and Tw, particularly in the first generation (p < 0.05). ANOVA revealed significant effects of both generation and infestation status on weight, degrees Brix, and WI, including notable interactions. Tw showed strong sensitivity to infestation, reflecting alterations in tissue water balance, while firmness remained unaffected. The positive correlation between WI and Tw (r = 0.65) and their negative association with degrees Brix highlight their diagnostic potential. The results demonstrate that WI and Tw can serve as reliable, non-destructive indicators of physiological stress caused by C. pomonella, supporting early damage detection, postharvest quality assessment, and breeding programmes aimed at improving resistance.
This article presents the design features and general modelling of a Halleffect-based transducer for measuring the thickness of the ferromagnetic coatelement due to the influence of a static magnetic field, with the corresponding distribution of magnetic field strength, magnetic flux density, and voltage, has been performed. The simulation model was built in the Maxwell software based on the finite element method, which confirms the analytically obtained measuring the thickness of the heat-resistant metal film on turbine blades.
In this article, the authors construct a special reproducing kernel Hilbert space of mixed Korobov-Sobolev type. To address the main problems, an appropriate hybrid function system is employed. The arithmetic associated with this function system is used to define the notion of the mean square worst-case error of the integration in the considered space. An explicit formula for this error expressed in terms of the functions of the employed system is obtained.
The aim of this study was to explore the construction of hospital outpatient satisfaction scale and evaluation model, and to optimize outpatient satisfaction performance assessment indices. A satisfaction survey was conducted on 3988 outpatients in July-August 2024 using the ChatGPT artificial intelligence recall system with a structured human-computer interaction mechanism. On the basis of single-factor analysis, a binary unconditional logistic regression model was constructed to further screen the influencing factors and analyze the priority improvement areas through the importance matrix. The scale used in the survey was pre-validated by reliability and validity tests, and all statistical analyses were uniformly performed using SPSS 21.0 software. Satisfaction scores were high, with high scores for information technology convenience experience, consultation environment experience, and overall feeling experience, and low scores for service experience. Satisfaction influencing factors were gender, age, and department of consultation. Priority needs to be given to improving history inquiry and communication services, examination report interpretation services, and treatment plan and medication discussion services; and secondary improvements in privacy services, and respectful or comforting services. The outpatient satisfaction scale designed in this study has practical value, and the application of ChatGPT-based intelligent information follow-up system reduces the cost of follow-up, improves the efficiency of follow-up, and enhances the overall service level.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of pre-treatment apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI-MRI) for short-term therapeutic efficacy following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepato cellular carcinoma (HCC). We retrospectively analyzed 112 treatment-na & imath;& uml;ve HCC patients who underwent TACE. Pre-treatment mean ADC values of the largest tumour were measured. Shortterm tumour response was assessed at one month using mRECIST, categorizing patients into objective response (OR) or non-response (NR) groups. ROC analysis determined the optimal ADC cutoff, and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of OR. Of the 112 patients, 68 (60.7%) achieved an OR. The mean pre-TACE ADC value was significantly higher in the OR group (1.19 vs. 1.01 & times; 10(-3 )mm2/s; p < 0.001). ROC analysis identified an optimal ADC cutoff of 1.10 & times;10(-3) mm2/s (AUC = 0.81), yielding a sensitivity of 76.5% and specificity of 75.0%. Multivariate analysis identified ADC > 1.10 & times;10(-3) mm(2)/s (OR = 5.42), dense lipiodol deposition (OR = 3.07), and tumour size < 7 cm (OR = 2.38) as independent predictors of OR. The pre-treatment ADC value is a significant independent predictor of short-term TACE efficacy in HCC, with higher values strongly associated with improved tumour response. An ADC threshold of 1.10 & times; 10-3 mm2/s is a promising imaging biomarker for patient selection and treatment planning, though further prospective validation is needed.
Pigmentation skin disorders are common skin diseases, among which facial yellow brown spots are more common. The causes are complex, and the etiology is currently not fully understood. The histopathological classification of melasma is of great significance in guiding clinical treatment. Different methods are adopted for the treatment of melanin deposition sites in the skin in order to achieve better therapeutic effects. This article explores the impact of Q-switched laser combined with intense pulsed light on the aesthetic effect of skin in patients with melasma. Seventy-eight female patients with melasma admitted to the hospital from January 2023 to January 2025 were selected as the research subjects. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using the sticky note method, with 39 cases in each group. The control group was treated with intense pulsed light therapy, while the observation group was treated with Q-switched laser combined with intense pulsed light therapy. After 6 months of treatment, the skin melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. The melasma area and severity index (MASI) and skin barrier function were recorded before and after 6 months of treatment. After 6 months of treatment, the MASI, MI, and EI indices of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in skin barrier function indicators between the two groups of patients before and after 6 months of treatment (P > 0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups during treatment (P > 0.05). Q-switched laser combined with strong pulsed light can effectively improve facial melasma in patients, which is safe and effective. It can effectively reduce the level of melanocyte stimulating hormone, reduce oxidative stress damage, brighten the patient's skin colour, and has a good aesthetic effect without significant adverse reactions. It can significantly shorten the treatment time, promote rapid recovery of the condition, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
This study was conducted to determine the wool quality characteristics of sheep according to different age, sex, and live weight groups. The average wool quality parameters obtained in the Akkaraman sheep examined in the study were found to be as follows: wool yield 3.17 kg, ringlet length 10.00 cm, fibre length 15.48 cm, efficiency 57.33%, fineness 27.20 microns, elasticity 24.87%, and strength 19.95 Cn/Tex. Statistical analysis showed that wool yield, ringlet length, and fibre length were highly significantly affected by the sex factor (p < 0.001; p < 0.01). Live weight had a significant effect only on wool yield (p < 0.001), while it had no statistically significant effect on the other quality parameters. Age was found to have a significant effect on ringlet length and fibre length (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between fibre length and ringlet length was r = 0.819, and this relationship was found to be highly statistically significant (p < 0.01). This result indicates that fibre length increases in parallel with the increase in ringlet length, and therefore, ringlet length can be used as an effective and practical indicator of fibre length. This finding offers a significant advantage in terms of rapid and cost-effective assessment of wool quality. Wool is a valuable animal product with diverse industrial uses. Therefore, the factors affecting wool quality should be examined in detail through more comprehensive studies encompassing different environmental conditions.
This study investigates the corrosion resistance and wettability of selective plated copper-based coatings incorporating silver particles. The coatings were deposited onto 316L stainless steel substrates, and the effects of silver particle size and electrolyte composition on the surface topography and corrosion behaviour were examined. Changes in the wettability of the coatings were evaluated by measuring the water contact angle on the coated surfaces. The results revealed that coatings obtained from an alkaline electrolyte containing silver particles exhibited a lower corrosion rate, whereas those produced from an acidic electrolyte demonstrated a higher contact angle.
Gymnadenia frivaldii (Orchidaceae) is a sub endemic taxon of the Carpathians and the Balkans, growing mainly in fen habitats of the high mountain areas. Although it is known that this is a nectar-producing species which attracts insects, the pollinators of this species have not been known and sufficiently researched so far. The study was conducted in July 2023 in the Kopaonik Mountains (Serbia) and the Rila Mountains (Bulgaria). A total of five pollinators and three visiting insects were recorded. In the Kopaonik Mountains, representatives of the order Diptera (Empididae: Empis tessellata, E. dimidiata, E. discolor and Rhamphomyia magellensis) were pollinators, while in the Rila Mountains, the orchid pollinator was Coenonympha rhodopensis (ordo Lepidoptera). Additionally, one genus (Botanophila) and five species (ordo Diptera) were found for the fauna of Serbia for the first time during this study.
Orthodontic appliances may influence oral redox homeostasis through a combination of mechanical forces, biofilm alterations, inflammatory responses, and long-term exposure to dental materials and corrosion products. These factors may contribute to oxidative stress within the oral cavity, particularly during the initial phases of orthodontic treatment. F2-isoprostanes, and especially 8-iso-prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-iso-PGF2 alpha), are considered reliable biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in vivo. Saliva represents a practical and non-invasive biological matrix for monitoring local biochemical changes associated with orthodontic therapy [1-5]. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in salivary 8-iso-PGF2 alpha levels before orthodontic appliance placement (T0) and six months after placement (T1) in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. A prospective paired longitudinal study was conducted in patients receiving orthodontic appliances. A total of 137 participants provided baseline (T0) saliva samples, and 122 completed the 6-month follow-up with paired samples at T0 and T1. The planned one-month follow-up could not be included due to participant attrition associated with repeated saliva sampling and technical failure of the analytical equipment. Consequently, the present analysis focuses on paired baseline and six-month measurements. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected under standardized conditions. Salivary 8-iso-PGF2 alpha concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with selective reaction monitoring and internal standardization, following salt-assisted protein precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction [6]. Values below the analytical limit of detection were imputed as half the detection limit (LOD/2, 0.5 pg/mL). Data are presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). Paired comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effect size was calculated as r = |z|/root n. Median salivary 8-iso-PGF2 alpha concentration decreased from 6.42 pg/mL (IQR 4.23-10.14) at baseline to 4.60 pg/mL (IQR 2.94-7.05) six months after appliance placement. The reduction was statistically significant (Wilcoxon W = 1891, p < 0.001) and was associated with a moderate effect size (r = 0.43). In the paired cohort (n = 122), 35% were males and 65% females, with ages ranging from 8 to 63 years. Most participants (85/122; 69.7%) were treated with appliances containing metal elements. The decrease in 8-iso-PGF2 alpha remained statistically significant within age-and sex-based subgroups. Salivary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2 alpha concentrations were significantly reduced six months after orthodontic appliance placement compared with baseline. These findings indicate a decrease in oral lipid peroxidation over time. Measurement of salivary 8-iso-PGF2 alpha by LC-MS/MS represents a reliable and non-invasive approach for monitoring oxidative stress in orthodontic patients.
