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Analysing New Entropy Measures for Tries
No full textWe introduce new entropy measures for tries taking into account the distribution of the edge labels. To do that, we study the combinatorial problem of counting the number of tries with a given symbol distribution. We provide an alternative proof for the closed formula counting the tries belonging to such a class. This formula allows us to directly define the worst-case entropy for the aforementioned set of tries. Moreover, we propose a new notion of k-th order empirical entropy for tries and we show that the relationships between these two entropy measures are similar to those between the corresponding well-known measures for strings. Contrary to the label entropy [FOCS ’05], which was designed to compress the labels of a node-labeled ordered tree, our empirical entropy considers not only the labels, but the entire structure of the trie. Finally, we relate our empirical entropy to the repetitiveness measure r proposed by Prezza [SODA ’21], which counts the number of runs in the XBWT of the trie. We show that these measures exhibit relations analogous to those of their string counterparts
New frontiers of lymphangiogenesis
No full textThe history of the lymphatic system includes several scientists who contributed to the discovery of this network. In early times, only macroscopic components of the lymphatic system were described, including lymph nodes and lacteals. After Vesalius’ revolution, new observations were accumulated, and the 17th century is considered the golden age for the investigation of the lymphatic system. In the Enlightenment century, Ruysch described the lymphatic valves, and Mascagni provided a complete iconography of the human lymphatic network. In recent times, different methods to visualize lymphatics were designed and new concepts developed. The concept of lymphosome concerns the skin superficial lymphatic territory. The concept of lymphangion refers to the muscular lymphatic segment between two valves, which behaves like a pump that drives the transport of the lymph. More recently, several lymphatic growth factor/receptor systems were discovered. Two theories of lymphatic vessel development were proposed. The centrifugal theory suggested that lymphatic endothelium was derived by sprouting from venous endothelium. The centripetal theory suggested that lymphatic endothelium differentiates in situ from primitive mesenchyme and secondarily acquires connection with the vascular system. Apart from advances in molecular biology, gross anatomy discoveries still occur. In this respect, in the central nervous system, where the concept of lymphatics absence resists, a paravascular space was described and termed glymphatic (glial-lymphatic) pathway. New data provided evidence that Schlemm’s canal is a component of the lymphatic vascular network, with a unique profile. Another important issue is represented by the progress of medical techniques and devices. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Essential oils from underexplored Moroccan species Deverra scoparia and Ruta montana exhibit multifaceted insecticidal and behavioral effects against Sitophilus oryzae
No full textThis study aims to evaluate the chemical profile, insecticidal, repellent, and antifeedant effects of the essential oils (EOs) obtained from Deverra scoparia (stems and grains) and Ruta montana (aerial parts) against Sitophilus oryzae. The GC-MS analysis revealed a significant variability in the chemical composition of EOs of D. scoparia, where stems were dominated by geranyl acetate (41.3%), while myristicin (46.2%) was the predominant compound in grains. As for R. montana, 2-undecanone (40.9%) was detected as the major compound. In terms of the fumigant toxicity, R. montana EO displayed the most potent toxicity after 48h, with an LC50 value of 114.61 μL/L of air. Similarly, R. montana EO displayed the most potent toxicity in the topical application bioassay, where 0.143 and 0.100μL/insect were the LC50 obtained after 24 and 72 h, respectively.
Regarding the antifeedant effect, D. scoparia grain EO displayed the most pronounced disruption in the four nutritional indices. This EO exhibited the highest feeding deterrence index (FDI) (91%) and significant reduction in RGR (2-fold), RCR (7-fold), and ECI (19-fold) compared to the control at the highest concentration used (1.96μL/pellet). As for the repellent activity, all EOs exhibited a potent effect, where the percentage of repellency ranged between 98.0 and 90.0% at 0.156μL/cm2 after 24 h. Hence, this study highlights the chemical richness and diversity in both EOs, showing distinct levels of insecticidal, feeding deterrence, and repellent properties. Future research is required to domesticate these plants and incorporate their EOs into sustainable and eco-friendly uses in integrated pest management
Cryopreservation of chicken and duck tracheal rings and precision-cut lung slices: A promising tool for the rapid characterization of avian influenza viruses
No full textSince its emergence in 1996, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage have diversified into multiple clades, culminating in the 2020–2021 global panzootic caused by H5N1 viruses of the clade 2.3.4.4b. Further reassortment events have significantly diversified the phenotypes of these viruses, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and strain characterization to better adjust control measures and mitigate the impact of the disease in wild birds and poultry. Standardized, ready-to-use ex vivo tissue platforms for rapid phenotyping of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) offer a valid alternative to in vivo models that are financially, ethically and logistically demanding. We optimized explant production and cryopreservation protocols for chicken and duck tracheal organ cultures (cTOCs and dTOCs) and precision-cut lung slices (cPCLS and dPCLS), assessing post-thaw viability, histological integrity, and susceptibility to AIV infection. Trehalose supplementation of cryopreservation solutions based on dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) significantly improved tissue viability. Although cryopreserved tissues were less viable than the fresh explants, viral replication was similar and only a modest reduction in susceptibility to infection was observed. Finally, we used duck and chicken TOCs to assess the ability of cryopreserved explants to discriminate viruses based on their divergent fitness and host preference. These findings underscore the potential of cryopreserved TOCs and PCLS as additional tools for the phenotypic characterisation of emerging AIVs
VR Training for Corporate First Aid Responders
No full textThis paper presents the design and implementation of an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training system developed to enhance the preparedness of corporate first responders in managing medical emergencies. The training platform leverages wearable VR technology and multi-user interaction to simulate complex situations in the workplace, such as cardiac arrest and polytrauma, with high visual fidelity and emotional realism. Through a mixed-reality interface, trainees interact with virtual patients aligned to physical mannequins, facilitating procedural accuracy and spatial awareness. The system comprises two synchronized applications: one for trainees in VR and one for instructors on desktop, enabling real-time feedback, scenario control, and remote assessment. The development process includes iterative design based on expert feedback, field testing in industrial environments, and integration of both technical and non-technical skill assessments. The solution aims to overcome limitations of traditional training by offering scalable, repeatable, and emotionally engaging simulations that improve retention, decision-making under pressure, and operational readiness. Preliminary trials demonstrate the feasibility and pedagogical potential of immersive VR for occupational health and safety training
Surgical delays between indication and operating room access in patients undergoing glaucoma filtration surgery
No full text: Surgical delays between indication for surgery and access to the operating room in glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) are unknown. We reviewed medical charts of the first fifty patients' undergoing GFS from February 2017, 2019, and 2022 with the aim to: (i) measure waiting times between indication for surgery to pre-surgical workup, pre-surgical workup to surgery, and indication to surgery; (ii) identify factors affecting the pre-surgical path duration, and (iii) evaluate whether waiting times changed in the 2017-2022 quinquennium.633 patients, in four tertiary-care Italian Centers, were enrolled. At the indication for surgery, the mean deviation (MD) was - 13.4 dB (IQR: -21.2; -6.9), with an advanced glaucoma in 54.6% of cases (MD: -20.3 dB), and a median IOP of 24 mmHg (IQR: 20.0-28.0). Overall, patients waited 44.0 days (IQR: 21.0-72.0) between indication for GFS and surgery, with the interval between indication and pre-surgical workup being the most time consuming step (32.0 days (IQR: 8.0-51.8)). Patients living in South Italy, with primary glaucoma, an IOP less than 20 mmHg, scheduled for a first phaco-combined trabeculectomy, non-monocular, and with systemic comorbidities, waited more. Since glaucoma may continue to progress while waiting, efficient organizational strategies should be adopted to optimize the pre-surgical path duration
Calcium phosphate ceramics-loaded polysulfone scaffolds by additive manufacturing for bone repair
No full textPolysulfone (PSU) is a high-performance engineering polymer with great potential for bone reconstruction. PSU processing through additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a modern method to develop surgical implants for tissue repair. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of AM to fabricate PSU scaffolds loaded with bioactive ceramics, specifically synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) or β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) at two distinct concentrations (5 and 10 % wt). For this purpose, an AM protocol involving the extrusion and controlled deposition into an ethanol bath of a suspension of ceramic particles in a PSU/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solution was developed. The scaffolds fabricated had interconnected macroporous architecture, with fiber diameter increasing and pore size decreasing when HA or β-TCP was loaded at a 5 % wt concentration. The loading of the two ceramics did not affect the mechanical parameters of the scaffold, except for the case of β-TCP loading at 10 % wt, which resulted in decreased tensile and compressive modulus and strength. However, in vitro experiments revealed that β-TCP loading led to a more rapid increase in murine pre-osteoblast cell metabolic activity and differentiation, as well as a more extensive cell colonization of the scaffold . In-silico investigation was used to determine the binding energies of HA and β-TCP with Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the compounds were also determined using Pharmacokinetic Characteristics and Structure Modeling (pkCSM). Taken together, the findings obtained indicate that the PSU scaffold loaded with 5 % wt β-TCP is a promising candidate for future bone engineering research
Grey-Box RC Building Models for Intelligent Management of Large-Scale Energy Flexibility: From Mass Modeling to Decentralized Digital Twins
No full textManaging complex and large-scale building facilities requires reliable, easily interpretable,
and computationally efficient models. Considering the electrical-circuit analogy, lumpedparameter
resistance–capacitance (RC) thermal models have emerged as both simulation
surrogates and advanced tools for energy management. This review synthesizes recent
uses of RC models for building energy management in large facilities and aggregates. A
systematic review of the most recent international literature, based on the analysis of 70 peerreviewed
articles, led to the classification of three main areas: (i) the physics and modeling
potential of RC models; (ii) the methods for automation, calibration, and scalability; and
(iii) applications in model predictive control (MPC), energy flexibility, and digital twins
(DTs). The results show that these models achieve an efficient balance between accuracy
and simplicity, allowing for real-time deployment in embedded control systems and
building-automation platforms. In complex and large-scale situations, a growing integration
with machine learning (ML) techniques, semantic frameworks, and stochastic methods
within virtual environments is evident. Nonetheless, challenges persist regarding the
standardization of performance metrics, input data quality, and real-scale validation. This
review provides essential and up-to-date guidance for developing interoperable solutions
for complex building energy systems, supporting integrated management across district,
urban, and community levels for the future
User-Centric Aging-Aware Method for Electric Vehicle Charging Optimization
No full textElectric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a greener and more efficient alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, their adoption is still limited by reduced driving range and extended charging times. Nevertheless, EV charging can theoretically occur almost anywhere, enabling users to recharge while engaging in daily activities, thereby reducing the need for fast charging and improving overall user satisfaction. This work investigates this charging approach by introducing a novel classification of EV charging strategies within a “vehicle-centric” versus “user-centric” framework. A new methodology for “user-centric” strategies is proposed, which adapts the charging profiles to user requirements and the EV condition. In particular, the proposed method optimizes a default multistep constant current profile to satisfy time constraints imposed by user activities, such as the duration of a stay at a shopping mall or public office, while minimizing EV battery degradation. The method leverages a digital twin of the EV battery incorporating both electrothermal and aging models to simulate a given charging profile and assess its compliance with the constraints of the charging event. Then, a golden-search-based optimization algorithm is used to identify the most suitable profile. A realistic case study based on real-world charging data is used to assess the performance of the proposed method. Simulation results demonstrate strong alignment with user time preferences, acceptable battery health degradation, and improved charging equipment efficiency, making the approach appealing for both EV users and charging station operators