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The Internet of Things (IoT) has risen from ubiquitous computing to the Internet itself. Internet of vehicles (IoV) is the next emerging trend in IoT. We can build intelligent transportation systems (ITS) using IoV. However, overheads are imposed on IoV network due to a massive quantity of information being transferred from the devices connected in IoV. One such overhead is the network connection between the units of an IoV. To make an efficient ITS using IoV, optimization of network connectivity is required. A survey on network optimization in IoT and IoV is presented in this study. It also highlights the backdrop of IoT and IoV. This includes the applications, such as ITS with comparison to different advancements, optimization of the network, IoT discussions, along with categorization of algorithms. Some of the simulation tools are also explained which will help the research community to use those tools for pursuing research in IoV.

Constructed wetland microcosms (CWMs) are artificially designed ecosystem which utilizes both complex and ordinary interactions between supporting media, macrophytes, and microorganisms to treat almost all types of wastewater. CWMs are considered as green and sustainable techniques which require lower energy input, less operational and maintenance cost and provide critical ecological benefits such as wildlife habitat, aquaculture, groundwater recharge, flood control, recreational uses, and add aesthetic value. They are good alternatives to conventional treatment systems particularly for smaller communities as well as distant and decentralized locations. The pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature are the key controlling factors while several other parameters such as hydraulic loading rates (HLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT), diversity of macrophytes, supporting media, and water depth are critical to achieving better performance. From the literature survey, it is evaluated that the removal performance of CWMs can be improved significantly through recirculation of effluent and artificial aeration (intermittent). This review paper presents an assessment of CWMs as a sustainable option for treatment of wastewater nutrients, organics, and heavy metals from domestic wastewater. Initially, a concise note on the CWMs and their components are presented, followed by a description of treatment mechanisms, major constituents involved in the treatment process, and overall efficiency. Finally, the effects of ecological factors and challenges for their long-term operations are highlighted.

Background The saccus vasculosus is a specialized ependymal organ, found exclusively in osteichthyes and chondrichthyes, and is located on the ventral surface of the diencephalon, posterior to the hypophysis. The structural details of the of saccus vasculosus of Piaractus brachypomus (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae: Colossomatinae) were studied using both light and electron microscopy. Results The saccus vasculosus was a highly vascularized structure, consisting of numerous loculi lined with stratified epithelium that contained characteristic coronet cells and supporting cells. Both cell types rested on a basement membrane, beneath which lay the vascular elements. The coronet cells exhibited distinct basal and apical regions. The spherical nucleus was situated in the basal part, whereas the apical cytoplasm formed a globular extension that protruded into the luminal cavity. The supporting cells were fewer in number and considerably smaller than the coronet cells, with nuclei positioned at the basal region. Unlike the coronet cells, they lacked apical protrusions. Abundant secretory material was observed within the lumen of the loculi, confirming the secretory nature of the saccus vasculosus. In addition, the contact of coronet cells with nerve terminals suggested a sensory function. Conclusions The various cell types of the saccus vasculosus in P. brachypomus were correlated with their possible physiological roles and functional significance.

Self-powered systems or self-powered devices belong to one of the most pivotal research topics that specifically aim toward the growth of portable and wearable electronic industries over the last few years. A sizeable number of self-powered systems have been established, utilizing the various modes of energy conversion (solar cells, mechanical energy harvester and thermal energy harvester) and storage technologies (batteries and supercapacitors). This review provides a summarized content regarding the research and development on the various types of self-charging supercapacitor power cells (SCSPCs) that have been developed since the past few decades. The selection of novel materials, device architecture and performance metrics are influential/critical for the evolution of SCSPCs for next-generation electronics applications. Integrating both the energy conversion and storage devices into a single system brings substantial challenges regarding the understanding of the underlying working mechanisms and its subsequent application for powering portable and wearable electronics. Up to date, state-of-the-art instances of SCSPCs fabrication technologies and performance matrices have been emphasized in this review. Furthermore, the key challenges encountered during SCSPCs fabrication, their useful applications in various fields and their possible solutions are discussed for future developments on SCSPCs.

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) remains to be one of the biggest burdens on healthcare systems and serves as a leading cause of disability and death. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is among the most common of such disorders, followed by Parkinson’s disease (PD). The basic molecular details of disease initiation and pathology are still under research. Only recently, the role of exosomes has been linked to the initiation and progression of these neurodegenerative diseases. Exosomes are small bilipid layer enclosed extracellular vesicles, which were once considered as a cellular waste and functionless. These nano-vesicles of 30–150 nm in diameter carry specific proteins, lipids, functional mRNAs, and high amounts of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs). As the exosomes content is known to vary as per their originating and recipient cells, these vesicles can be utilized as a diagnostic biomarker for early disease detection. Here we review exosomes, their biogenesis, composition, and role in neurodegenerative diseases. We have also provided details for their characterization through an array of available techniques. Their updated role in neurodegenerative disease pathology is also discussed. Finally, we have shed light on a novel field of salivary exosomes as a potential candidate for early diagnosis in neurodegenerative diseases and compared the biomarkers of salivary exosomes with other blood/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) based exosomes within these neurological ailments.

In contemporary power networks, short-term load forecasting (STLF) is essential for efficiently managing reserve requirements. During the power-balancing operation, it then helps the grid operator make wise and cost-effective decisions. This paper thoroughly examines STLF techniques including particle swarm optimization (PSO), enhanced particle swarm optimization (EPSO), and artificial neural network (ANN) methods. The benefits and drawbacks of these approaches are shown through in-depth mathematical and graphical analysis as well as a comparative assessment. In order to increase the model's effectiveness for temporal sequence prediction, a hybrid ANN-solar power model is proposed and is evaluated using extensive data from the Xingtai Power Plant in China. The investigation shows improved accuracy and performance in short-term load prediction in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), standard deviation (σ), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) in 24-h forecasting for the Xingtai Power Plant. Furthermore, the model demonstrates superiority in improving reserve management and balancing supply and demand in a contemporary electrical networks by outperforming earlier models using the Xingtai Power Plant dataset.

How does nonequilibrium activity modify the approach to a glass? This is an important question, since many experiments reveal the near-glassy nature of the cell interior, remodeled by activity. However, different simulations of dense assemblies of active particles, parametrized by a self-propulsion force, f₀, and persistence time, τp , appear to make contradictory predictions about the influence of activity on characteristic features of glass, such as fragility. This calls for a broad conceptual framework to understand active glasses; here, we extend the random first-order transition (RFOT) theory to a dense assembly of self-propelled particles. We compute the active contribution to the configurational entropy through an effective model of a single particle in a caging potential. This simple active extension of RFOT provides excellent quantitative fits to existing simulation results. We find that whereas f₀ always inhibits glassiness, the effect of τp is more subtle and depends on the microscopic details of activity. In doing so, the theory automatically resolves the apparent contradiction between the simulation models. The theory also makes several testable predictions, which we verify by both existing and new simulation data, and should be viewed as a step toward a more rigorous analytical treatment of active glass.

Cell shape is fundamental in biology. The average cell shape can influence crucial biological functions, such as cell fate and division orientation. But cell-to-cell shape variability is often regarded as noise. In contrast, recent works reveal that shape variability in diverse epithelial monolayers follows a nearly universal distribution. However, the origin and implications of this universality remain unclear. Here, assuming contractility and adhesion are crucial for cell shape, characterized via aspect ratio ( r ), we develop a mean-field analytical theory for shape variability. We find that all the system-specific details combine into a single parameter α that governs the probability distribution function (PDF) of r ; this leads to a universal relation between the standard deviation and the average of r . The PDF for the scaled r is not strictly but nearly universal. In addition, we obtain the scaled area distribution, described by the parameter μ. Information of α and μ together can distinguish the effects of changing physical conditions, such as maturation, on different system properties. We have verified the theory via simulations of two distinct models of epithelial monolayers and with existing experiments on diverse systems. We demonstrate that in a confluent monolayer, average shape determines both the shape variability and dynamics. Our results imply that cell shape distribution is inevitable, where a single parameter describes both statics and dynamics and provides a framework to analyze and compare diverse epithelial systems. In contrast to existing theories, our work shows that the universal properties are consequences of a mathematical property and should be valid in general, even in the fluid regime.

Peanuts are severely affected by harsh environments such as drought and high temperatures (Puppala et al., 2023). [...]to understand the role of temperature in lipid modulation the paper entitled “Lipid modulation contributes to heat stress adaptation in peanut” bySpivey et al.,was included in this Research Topic. The research paper entitled “Growth and fatty acid distribution over lipid classes in Nannochloropsis oceanica acclimated to different temperatures” byFerrer-Ledo et al.,studied the effect of temperature on growth, photosynthesis, and lipid class accumulation in microalgae. The KCS gene family is not well studied in soybean so far. [...]another research paper entitled “Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the KCS gene family in soybean (Glycine max) reveal their potential roles in response to abiotic stress” byGong et al., described the comprehensive study that explored the distribution, classification, and expression profiles of GmKCS genes, shedding light on their potential role in developmental processes and stress responses in soybean. [...]abiotic stresses still pose a great threat to sustainable agricultural production.

Despite increasing importance being laid on use of routine data for decision making in India, it has frequently been reported to be riddled with problems. Evidence suggests lack of quality in the health management information system (HMIS), however there is no robust analysis to assess the extent of its inaccuracy. We aim to bridge this gap in evidence by assessing the extent of completeness and quality of HMIS in Haryana state of India. Data on utilization of key maternal and child health (MCH) services were collected using a cross-sectional household survey from 4807 women in 209 Sub-Centre (SC) areas across all 21 districts of Haryana state. Information for same services was also recorded from HMIS records maintained by auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) at SCs to check under- or over-recording (Level 1 discordance). Data on utilisation of MCH services from SC ANM records, for a subset of the total women covered in the household survey, were also collected and compared with monthly reports submitted by ANMs to assess over-reporting while report preparation (Level 2 discordance) to paint the complete picture for quality and completeness of routine HMIS. Completeness of ANM records for various MCH services ranged from 73% for DPT1 vaccination dates to 94.6% for dates of delivery. Average completeness level for information recorded in HMIS was 88.5%. Extent of Level 1 discordance for iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation, 3 or more ante-natal care (ANC) visits and 2 Tetanus toxoid (TT) injections was 41%, 16% and 2% respectively. In 48.2% cases, respondents from community as well as HMIS records reported at least one post-natal care (PNC) home visit by ANM. Extent of Level 2 discordance ranged from 1.6% to 6%. These figures were highest for number of women who completed IFA supplementation, contraceptive intra-uterine device insertion and provision of 2nd TT injection during ANC. HMIS records for MCH services at sub-centre level in Haryana state were satisfactory in terms of completeness. However, there were significant differences in terms of reported and evaluated coverage of MCH services. Quality of HMIS needs to be improved in order to make it relevant for public health program planning and research.