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Artificial Intelligence in Bio-Recovery of Noble Metals: A Sustainable Strategy for Circular Economy
Get PDFNoble metals (NMs) such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium are essential for various technological applications. Their traditional methods of extraction are resource-intensive and environmentally invasive challenging their prospective utilisation. As global demand for these metals are increasing with simultaneous e-waste generation, eco-friendly and sustainable recovery approaches are the need of hour. Bio-recovery is a method of extraction of metals from waste through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and bioreduction by utilizing microorganisms, algae, and fungi. This offers an alternative green and cost-effective strategy allowing efficient and optimum recovery of noble metals even at low concentrations. Further, the use of toxic chemicals or high energy inputs are minimised using this approach. This review explores the efficacy of various eukaryotes—microalgae (C. vulgaris and S. obliquus), fungi (A. niger and P. chrysogenum), plants (B. juncea and E.crassipes), protozoa, and invertebrates in the recovery mechanism of NMs from industrial waste, e-waste, and contaminated environments. Despite notable progress, challenges remain in scalability, metal recovery efficiency, downstream processing, and economic feasibility. Such bio-recovery process empowered with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning can complement the outcome by providing a cutting-edge, eco-friendly strategy for managing noble metal resources. This communication further highlights the different available approaches for recovery of various NMs and their amalgamation with AI tools and intelligent computing. AI tools such as machine learning, neural networks, and bioinformatics platforms can optimize process parameters (pH, temperature, and nutrient supply), predict microbial performance, and automate real-time monitoring to maintain ideal conditions for recovery. Our review would provide strategic insights into understanding the efficiency and scalability of noble metal recovery through the combination of AI and green biotechnology thereby contributing towards the circular economy. Future progress will depend on interdisciplinary collaborations and continued innovation at the intersection of microbiology, engineering, and artificial intelligence
Unilateral Absence of the Psoas Major and Iliacus Muscles and Downstream Effects of Surgical Intervention in a 96 year-old Female Donor
Get PDFLearning anatomy through donor dissection allows students the unique opportunity to explore variations in anatomical structures which may include or indicate pathological anomalies. Findings could reveal insights into the life of the donor, along with the downstream effects of clinical intervention. This case study discusses the findings of a group of first-year medical students during a full body dissection of a 96-year-old female. Among other anomalies, evidence of drastic surgical intervention, extreme scoliosis, and muscle atrophy were noted. Findings suggest that the donor’s right psoas major and iliacus muscles were removed, likely as part of a surgical resection of a retroperitoneal tumor. Distal to the resected muscles, notable muscle atrophy with fat infiltration in the anterior right thigh muscles suggests muscle wasting, which could be secondary to the removal of these muscles. In addition, extreme scoliosis was discovered, likely attributed to the imbalance in hip flexor muscles following surgical removal of the iliopsoas muscle. The theorized surgical removal of iliopsoas muscles along with the downstream effects of muscle atrophy and severe scoliosis depict the impact surgical intervention can have on a patient’s quality of life. Anatomical findings of the donor discovered during dissection and theorized surgical interventions based upon gross findings are discussed in detail within this case
Tirzepatide: The Most Effective Drug Therapy for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Get PDFObesity is a main trigger for development of type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist of glucagon-like 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and is a potent agent for controlling glycemic control and reducing body weight. Accordingly, tirzepatide was evaluated in addition to lifestyle changes to decrease incidence of type 2 diabetes in obese subjects with obesity and prediabetes in an extension study of the SURMOUNT-1 trial. The latter was a randomized, double-blind trial of 72 weeks to evaluate the effects of tirzepatide on weight reduction in 2,539 participants with obesity; 40% (n=1,032) of those subjects had prediabetes. The authors of SURMOUNT-1 study examined the frequency of new-onset type 2 diabetes in the 1,032 subjects with pre-diabetes from baseline to week 176 and week 193 after a 17-week off tirzepatide or placebo. After 176 weeks, type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 1.5% (n=4), 2.0% (n=5), 0.4% (n=1), and 13.3% (n=36) in subjects randomized to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg, and placebo, respectively. At 176 weeks, compared with placebo, risk of type 2 diabetes in the pooled tirzepatide groups, was decreased by 93%; hazard ratio (HR) 0.07, 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.1; P<0.001. This 93% reduction in incidence of type 2 diabetes was superior to that achieved by the maximum doses of the GLP-1 receptor agonists liraglutide (79% reduction) and semaglutide (73% reduction), and by the anti-obesity agent phentermine/topiramate (76% reduction). However, subjects’ characteristics in studies evaluating these 4 drugs were different. At 176 weeks, achievement of at least 5% of weight loss resulted in remission of prediabetes to normoglycemia in 96% and 83% of subjects with tirzepatide and placebo, respectively. Weight loss seems to be a main factor leading to prevention of type 2 diabetes in all previous drugs. Other mechanisms such as amelioration of beta-cell function and a decrease in insulin resistance may be involved in case of tirzepatide. Overall, tolerance to tirzepatide was satisfactory. Yet, 12.3% of individuals discontinued tirzepatide 15 mg due to adverse effects versus 5.9% in the placebo group. Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects were the main safety issue related to tirzepatide. In summary, tirzepatide is currently the most effective agent for diabetes prevention and reversion to normoglycemia in subjects with obesity and prediabetes. Further studies are needed to examine the long-term efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of tirzepatide for prevention of type 2 diabetes.  
Disease-Modifying Approaches Targeting Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Get PDFBackground: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin deficiency. While exogenous insulin therapy manages hyperglycemia, it does not address the underlying autoimmune pathology or halt disease progression.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapeutic agents in modifying disease progression in T1DM, focusing on glycemic control, β-cell preservation, and adverse events.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) involving immunotherapies such as anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies (e.g., teplizumab), interleukin-2 modulators, antigen-specific vaccines, and mesenchymal stromal cell therapies were included. Primary outcomes assessed were changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-peptide levels. Secondary outcomes included insulin dosage requirements and incidence of hypoglycemic episodes. Data were synthesized using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2statistic.
Results: Twenty-eight Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) encompassing diverse immunotherapeutic interventions were analyzed. Immunotherapies demonstrated a modest but statistically significant reduction in HbA1c levels (mean difference: –0.48%; 95% CI: –0.61 to –0.35; p<0.001; I2 = 72%). Additionally, there was a significant preservation of C-peptide levels (mean difference: +0.18 ng/mL; 95% CI: +0.05 to +0.31; p = 0.007; I2 = 58%), indicating maintained β-cell function. Subgroup analyses revealed greater efficacy in pediatric populations and studies utilizing continuous glucose monitoring. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate, with no significant increase in hypoglycemic episodes reported.
Conclusion: Immunotherapeutic interventions in T1DM are associated with improved glycemic control and preservation of endogenous insulin secretion, particularly in younger patients and when combined with advanced glucose monitoring technologies. Future large-scale, long-term RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings and to facilitate the integration of immunotherapies into standard clinical practice for T1DM management
Classification (Taxonomy) of Psychological Theories
Get PDFAll psychological theories can be classified by one or more of the dichotomies (pairs) enumerated in this paper
Hidden Markov Model-Based Multispecies Discrimination of Birds (Class Aves) Within and Across Breeding Seasons
Get PDFMonitoring of birds (Class Aves) through their vocalizations that potentially change over time has always been a challenging problem in bioacoustics. Machine learning methods have provided researchers in bioacoustics with many non-invasive ways to study vocalizations. For powerful methods like Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), the models have been deployed to study bird vocalizations but over a limited time period. Through the application of HMMs to Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus Collybita), Little Owl (Athene Noctua), and Tree Pipit (Anthus Trivialis), the three species of birds with varying degrees of complexity in their vocalizations and migration patterns are investigated during the same year and subsequent year. The models were able to successfully discriminate between the species of birds with recognition accuracies of 95.96% (Within-Year) and 96.74% (Across-Year) and demonstrate the feasibility of the long-term bioacoustics monitoring of migratory and non-migratory species using HMMs
Welfare Analysis of Voluntary Insurance as New Product in Bank-led Digital Banking Services: Winners and Losers of Digitized Banking Transactions
Get PDFToday humankind lives in a world of business-mentality with a technology-driven lifestyle where services are carried out in a multifaceted, competitive and rational manner. Banking services are no different. Accordingly, it has resulted in the usage of digital banking services. However, it is characterized by evolving many factors that are often unpredictable. It faces serious pitfalls, being it riskiness when it comes to choices using digital banking, particularly bank-led digital banking services. Customer here faces perceived risk such as psychological risk, social/privacy risk, hidden charges and account hacked risk etc. Adaptation of the VI as a new product in bank-led digital banking services can affect two groups of bank customers. They are: i) winners who benefit from accessing the VI product and ii) losers who supposedly worsen their relative position when the growth trends of digital-banking services will be in full swing, i.e., the cashless society in economy country-wise such as Bangladesh. Accordingly, it can be impetus for policy-design meeting the challenges of today’s digital-banking in economy country-wise such as Bangladesh. Regarding price or cost, a fixed price for insurance can have both positive and a minor negative implication depending on the market structure, which will overall reduce transaction cost and increase access to it. Welfare analysis ratifies that it increases consumer surplus, bank’s profit, economic growth, employment opportunities and social welfare by improving quality of life. Strategic tools like SWOT analysis ensured here a comprehensive understanding about the VI product and ratifies win-win prospects
Exploring the Impact of Diverse Parenting Styles on Child and Adolescent’s Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Parenting styles are crucial in shaping children's psychological health, including self-esteem, emotional regulation and overall well-being. Despite the substantial body of literature linking parenting styles to child and adolescent mental health outcomes, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews that synthesize this evidence holistically, including not only mental health but also physical well-being, self-esteem, behavioral issues, academic performance and social functioning.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of different parenting styles on child and adolescent’s mental health, including consequences related to physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem, behavioral problems, medical conditions, academic performance and social functioning, providing a comprehensive analysis of their overall impact.
Methodology: The study was registered with the OSF registries. Using specific keywords, a systematic literature search was conducted across three databases: PubMed, Psyc Articles and Cochrane. Duplicate articles were excluded and the search was restricted to peer-reviewed articles published in English. The remaining studies were screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Afterwards, the selected studies were assessed for quality and bias using different quality assessment tools as needed for the various types of studies included. The complete selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines given by the PRISMA 2020 checklist.
Results: A total of 67 studies comprising approximately 69,285 participants aged 2–18 years were included, representing data from around 22 countries. The majority were cross-sectional studies (n ≈ 35), followed by longitudinal designs (n ≈ 21), with additional correlational analyses, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and mixed-methods studies. This review highlights the significant impact of different parenting styles on various aspects of child and adolescent development. Authoritative parenting generally leads to better mental health, emotional stability, higher self-esteem and improved social skills, while authoritarian and neglectful styles are associated with poor mental health, lower self-esteem and behavioral issues.
In contrast, permissive and neglectful parenting often results in emotional instability, poor health outcomes and social difficulties. Cultural context plays a crucial role, as authoritarian parenting may have fewer negative effects in collectivist societies.
Conclusion: Authoritative parenting, in contrast to authoritarian and neglectful styles, is linked to better and more positive outcomes promoting resilience, competence and well-being in children.
Recommendations
Introduction of tailored parenting programs according to diverse cultural backgrounds promoting authoritative practices.
Future research to be directed towards exploring cultural and contextual factors, generational traumas and effects of co-parenting
Neurological Effects of Covid-19: Cluster B Personality Disorders?
No full textThe effects that Covid-19 has on the central nervous system and on the brain of patients with Covid-19. The clinical picture that emerges from neuro imaging of the brains of these patients indicates that: One, the damage to the central nervous system and the brain seems to be at this stage irreversible and the second thing is that the clinical picture resembles cluster B personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder
Does “Internet Plus” Lead to Stock Price Crash Risk? Evidence from China
Get PDFUsing a firm-level dataset of Chinese listed companies, this paper studies the effect of “Internet Plus” on stock price crash risk. The paper finds that the implementation of “Internet Plus” by traditional enterprise significantly increases stock price crash risk. “Internet Plus” increases a company's inherent risks and the motivation for managers to hide bad news, and thereby further increases stock price crash risk. Moreover, the positive impact of “Internet Plus” on stock price crash risk is less pronounced for private companies compared with that for state-owned enterprises, and survived after the endogeneity tests. This study enriches the research on the economic consequences of “Internet plus” and the factors affecting stock price crash risk, thereby contributing to efforts to understand “Internet plus” and control its risks