1. IntroductionAI tools for artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly common in our daily lives in education, work, and personal decision-making. However, it is not the same access to these tools. In this article, we will explore how unequal access to KIs can create new digital social classes. Those who can and cannot use AI effectively. These fragmentation is particularly visible in school, work, and personal development opportunities. By combining data from research and interviews, this study determines that access to AI provides clear benefits that deepen existing social and economic gaps. Visual data supports the argument that AI access has become a key factor in modern inequality.

In many real-world applications, learning a binary classifier relying solely on positive and unlabeled (PU) training sample data is an important and challenging task. The absence of negative training samples leads to the necessity for PU learning methods to extract effective additional information from unlabeled training samples. This paper proposes a method that combines Mean Teacher and Smooth Neighbors on Teacher Graphs (SNTG) to address the issue of model overfitting towards unlabeled data in PU learning, where unlabeled data is typically assigned a lower weight. The use of the Mean Teacher model ensures effective utilization of unlabeled data information. SNTG maps the data distribution from high-dimensional space to low-dimensional manifolds or clustering structures, ensuring that the model captures the complex local structures between data points. Moreover, when using the Mean Teacher for data augmentation of unlabeled data points, the intrinsic relationships between the data points are often overlooked, and SNTG helps to address this limitation. By combining the SNTG loss, consistency loss in the Mean Teacher, and non-negative PU loss, the effectiveness of the proposed framework is validated through experiments on three benchmark datasets (MNIST, Fashion-MNIST, CIFAR-10) and two real-world datasets (Avila, EGSS—Electrical Grid Stability Simulated). The results show accuracies of 95.03%, 95.18%, 89.73%, 81.12%, and 92.55%, surpassing the performance of most state-of-the-art PU learning algorithms.

Microtextural and chemical data from minerals in igneous rocks are critical for unpacking and developing understanding of processes in magmatic systems. Recent advancements leveraging unsupervised machine learning methods have shown a novel approach for phase classification with no prior knowledge required. The present work expands on this approach through a probabilistic framework to showcase a high-throughput approach which can result in significant improvements in segmentation of noisy EDS data collected during SEM mapping of rock specimoes. Using a separate linear matrix decomposition approach, such as PCA, we show that we can also study chemical zonation of mineral phases without prior knowledge of their chemistry. Utilizing the classified mineral phases, we also show a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach to scale high spatial resolution EDS data to high precision and accuracy electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) profiles. We use this technique to derive high quality chemical datasets across large spatial fields. The proposed method couples textural and chemical observations that allow petrologists to better interpret magmatic systems and understand crustal processes.

Addressing elderly health monitoring amid accelerating population aging, this study proposes a non-contact fall detection method using millimeter-wave radar and an improved HDC-RepLKNet network. The TI IWR1843 radar captures human motion echoes, with fused Range-Time Maps (RTM) and Doppler-Time Maps (DTM) providing comprehensive motion characterization. The enhanced network integrates an attention mechanism for refined feature extraction and reduces computational complexity for low-power devices. Tested on a dataset of six actions (three falls, three non-falls), the method achieves 99.92% detection accuracy with strong generalization. This work advances non-contact fall detection and posture recognition, offering a practical solution for elderly care.

The photosynthetic pathway of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is important for plants in stressful environments. Portulaca is one of the few genera that exhibit C 4-CAM photosynthetic transition under drought, but its timeline and ecophysiological changes during C 4-CAM transition under salinity are still lacking. Here, we monitored CAM activity in the leaves of P. grandiflora (strong CAM) and P. molokiniensis (weak CAM) under salinity and drought conditions and investigated their recovery after stress. According to the day/night fluctuation of traits related to CAM activity, CAM photosynthesis was initiated in P. grandiflora under high salinity and severe drought on day 6 and under medium salinity and moderate drought stress on day 8. Additionally, CAM photosynthesis was initiated in P. molokiniensis under high salinity on day 12 and under severe drought on day 10, and medium salinity and moderate drought on day 16. After stress, these plants decreased CO 2 uptake, Rubisco activity, chlorophyll fluorescence and soluble protein. We also found day/night changes in proline and malondialdehyde in P. grandiflora under both stresses, while P. molokiniensis remained unaffected. Root length, root volume and root surface area of P. grandiflora responded only under severe drought during C 4-CAM transition, while P. molokiniensis responded under high salinity and severe drought. During recovery, P. grandiflora completely switched from CAM to C 4 within a week, but only after one week in P. molokiniensis under moderate and severe drought and within two weeks in P. grandiflora, but only after two weeks in P. molokiniensis under high salinity. The results defined the transition and recovery phases of Portulaca based on their ecophysiological traits, which revealed the mechanisms underlying the adaptation during the C 4-CAM transition and to predict responses of C 4 plants to increasing drought and salinity under future climate change.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global healthcare systems while highlighting the potential of digital interventions to enhance crisis preparedness and response. In India, various digital interventions became crucial for improving healthcare delivery and optimizing the production, transportation, safe storage, and efficient distribution of medical oxygen- a critical resource during the pandemic. This study investigates the role of digital interventions in managing medical oxygen efficiently during the pandemic through an extensive literature review, secondary data analysis, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the oxygen ecosystem. The findings propose a framework based on elements from the ‘Penchansky Model of Access’—Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability—along with additional dimensions of Accountability, Implementation, and Scalability These dimensions are further categorized under three scenarios: Conventional, Contingency, and Crisis. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers on the effectiveness of digital initiatives in managing oxygen supply during public health emergencies.

This paper presents the experimental protein-ligand datasets used as benchmarks in the CASP 16 blind prediction challenge—the first CASP competition to incorporate targets from pharmaceutical discovery projects. We have assembled and characterized protein-ligand complexes for four proteins that are known or candidate drug targets: human chymase, human cathepsin G, human autotaxin, and the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The collection encompasses over 200 co-crystal structures at resolutions better than 2.7 Å, paired with binding measurements for approximately 160 compounds covering a broad affinity range (nanomolar to high micromolar). Many systems feature potentially challenging characteristics, including chymase’s electropositive surface and acidic ligands, which require proper handling of titratable ligand groups; autotaxin complexes with and without zinc coordination; and a SARS-CoV-2 protease crystal form exhibiting an unusually open active site conformation. We describe the experimental approaches—from protein production and crystallization to binding assay development—that yielded these reference data. Contributed by scientists at Hoffman LaRoche and Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, these datasets represent actual drug discovery projects and therefore represent a realistic testbed for assessing how computational methods perform on pharmaceutically relevant targets.

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to understand whether and how the Italian healthcare context has embraced the practice of sustainability accounting and reporting, by checking if the specific sector has developed institutional pressures that move organizations towards the adoption of sustainability disclosure. Design/methodology/approach – Document analysis was adopted as a qualitative research method of data collection and analysis. A total of 80 documents were included in the exploratory analysis, 10 related to regional programming phase and 70 related to the monitoring corporate phase. Findings – Italian organizations are lagging in adopting sustainability documents. Documents do not refer to SDGs as they are filled in according to a law that was designed far before the introduction of SDGs. The lack of pressures across public sector organizations has not fostered the culture of sustainability reporting in the public healthcare sector. Originality/value – The contribution of this research can be seen from a practical level: (1) this paper contributes to the accounting and reporting literature by studying the availability of accounting and sustainability reporting practices in the public sector; from a theoretical level (2) this paper analyzed the development and role of institutional pressures for sustainability reporting in Italian Public Hospitals.

Introduction: Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) improves patient–ventilator synchrony using diaphragmatic electrical activity. However, its long-term impact on neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants remains unclear. This study examined the association between NAVA management and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively compared infants born at ≤27 weeks’ gestation who were admitted before (2016–2017, n=38) and after (2019–2021, n=44) NAVA implementation. The primary outcome was the developmental quotient (DQ) at 18 months, assessed using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development. Results: Comparing the pre- and post-implementation groups: median gestational age, 25.5 vs. 25.9 weeks (p=0.67); postmenstrual age at extubation, 30.6 vs. 32.1 weeks (p<0.001); NAVA use, 0% vs. 91%; and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation use, 74% vs. 46% (p=0.013). No significant differences were observed between the groups in corticosteroid use, bronchopulmonary dysplasia incidence, postmenstrual age at discharge, or home oxygen therapy. At 18 months, DQ scores were as follows in the pre- and post-implementation groups: Full Scale (83 vs. 89; p=0.32), Gross Motor (81 vs. 86; p=0.45), Cognitive/Adaptive (83 vs. 90; p=0.56), and Language/Social (71 vs. 88; p=0.109). Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers score was 3 in both groups (p=0.86). Multivariable analysis revealed that NAVA use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–7.81) and gestational age (aOR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.08–2.33) were associated with Full Scale DQ ≥85; whereas sex and birth weight standard deviation were not. Conclusion: Despite the prolonged tracheal intubation period, NAVA management was associated with improved neurodevelopment outcomes at 18 months.

This paper proposes an innovative framework integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to advance predictive maintenance (PdM) in industrial systems. By leveraging edge computing, digital twins, and hybrid ML models, the framework enables real-time fault prognostics, energy optimization, and adaptive decision-making. Experimental results from hydropower turbines and solar-hydrogen systems demonstrate a 92% fault detection accuracy and 35% reduction in maintenance costs. Theoretical contributions include a dynamic RUL (Remaining Useful Life) prediction model and an AIoT architecture for scalable industrial deployments [2][5].

The protein-ligand component of the 16th Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP16) challenged participants to predict both binding poses and affinities of small molecules to protein targets, with a focus on drug-like compounds from pharmaceutical discovery projects. Thirty research groups submitted predictions for 229 protein-ligand pose targets and 140 affinity targets across five protein systems. Template-based pose-prediction methods did particularly well, with the best groups achieving mean LDDT-PLI values of 0.69 (scale of 0-1 with 1 best). For comparison, we also ran a set of automated baseline pose-prediction methods, including ones using deep neural networks. Of these, AlphaFold 3 did particularly well, with a mean LDDT-PLI of 0.8, thus outscoring the best CASP16 predictor. The CASP affinity predictions showed modest correlation with experimental data (maximum Kendall’s τ = 0.42), well below the theoretical maximum possible given experimental uncertainty. As seen in prior challenges, providing experimental structures did not improve affinity predictions in the second stage of the challenge, suggesting that the scoring functions used here are a key limiting factor. Overall, the accuracy achieved by CASP participants is similar to that observed in the prior Drug Design Data Resource (D3R) blinded prediction challenges. The present results highlight the progress and persistent challenges in computational protein-ligand modeling and provide valuable benchmarks for the field of computer-aided drug design.

Laser Lithography to Generate Antigens for Autologous Cancer Vaccination

Uncertain molecular targets and a complex immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) present significant challenges for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. This study develops a light-triggered biomimetic nanodelivery system that enables remotely controlled gene editing-assisted TME remodeling and enhanced cancer immunotherapy. The nanosystem integrates a semiconductor polymer with second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging capabilities and CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) targeting programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), linked via a singlet oxygen ( 1O 2)-cleavable thioketal (TK) linker. Photosensitizer Ce6 in the nanoparticles generates 1O 2 under irradiation, triggering TK linker cleavage and subsequent Cas9 RNP release. Concurrently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) by promoting tumor-associated antigen release. The combination of PDT-activated ICD and PD-L1 pathway blockade synergistically amplifies immune responses and reprograms the immune-suppressive TME. Utilizing tumor cell membrane camouflage, the nanoparticles achieve homologous tumor targeting under NIR-II imaging guidance while maintaining biocompatibility and precise tumor accumulation. This integrated platform demonstrates enhanced antitumor efficacy through coordinated immune activation and TME modulation, providing a safe and effective strategy for TNBC clinical management.

[1]¿p#1 Background and purpose β-agonists have been used in asthma for 120 years. There are two recent changes: ultra-long-acting agonists for COPD and new asthma guidelines recommending formoterol/ICS inhalers over short-acting salbutamol inhalers. Few studies directly compare the molecular pharmacological properties of short, long and ultra-long-acting β2-agonists. Experimental approach In vitro molecular pharmacological properties of affinity, selectivity, intrinsic efficacy and duration for β2-agonists at human β2 and β1-adrenoceptors and the 4 β2-polymorphisms were examined using radioligand binding, cAMP and gene transcription. Key results Whilst short-acting β2-agonists were similar, the variation for long and ultra-long-acting β2-agonsits was wide. Salmeterol and vilanterol were highly β2-selective (>1000-fold) whereas indacaterol was similar to salbutamol (40-fold). Formoterol and indacaterol were the most efficacious, whereas salmeterol and vilanterol were the longest acting. Salmeterol and vilanterol utilise a β2-specific exosite (β2-H296-K305) for high affinity and selectivity (that does not affect intrinsic efficacy or duration) whilst the β2-selectivity of formoterol and olodaterol resides elsewhere. Duration of action closely correlated with lipophilicity. β2-polymorphisms had no effect on β2-agonist properties. Conclusion and implications Whilst salbutamol and terbutaline are similar, there was huge variation and complete overlap in the molecular pharmacological properties of long and ultra-long-acting β2-agonists. Whilst affinity and duration could be improved further, given the very wide range of molecular pharmacological properties that are clinically effective and tolerable, non-pharmacological properties (physiochemical, patient factors, devices and combination inhaler availability) maybe as important in final clinical patient outcomes as the molecular pharmacological properties of the individual β2-agonist themselves.

Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, caused by various factors including obstructions, abnormal motility, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This study describes a case of obstructive colic in an 8-year-old Arabian mare, caused by an enterolith impaction in the small colon, which was treated successfully through surgical intervention. The article discusses the clinical signs, diagnostic approach, surgical treatment, and postoperative management, providing insight into this rare condition and its successful outcome.

Seed germination is critical for crop establishment, but storage conditions can significantly alter germination success. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been valuable for fiber, grain, and medicinal uses since its domestication in central Asia. Despite this, modern agronomic studies, particularly on seed germination, have been limited due to legal restrictions. We assessed 21 hemp cultigens (cultivated plant types, both registered cultivars and unregistered breeding lines) bred for grain, fiber, or dual-purpose uses, evaluating the influence of seed provenance and functional type on germination rates. We compared commercially sourced seeds with feral seeds collected in Wisconsin, United States. Germination rates declined markedly from 57% in year one to 12% in year two for commercial seeds, likely due to high humidity in storage. Significant variation occurred among cultigens, with grain-type seeds generally outperforming fiber-type seeds. Seed provenance influenced germination, with seeds from Canada exhibiting higher rates than those from Italy, Poland, and Serbia; Chinese cultigens showed variable performance across years, likely reflecting genetic adaptation and handling practices. Feral seeds, initially less viable, demonstrated comparable performance to commercial seeds in long-term trials, highlighting their potential value for breeding programs. Our study underscores the importance of optimal seed storage conditions and selecting high-germination cultigens for effective hemp cultivation. Enhanced storage practices and the inclusion of feral genetics could significantly improve seed viability and crop yield, aiding the development of robust hemp production systems.

Population genomics can reveal trends and drivers of biodiversity loss but it is still unclear how best to use measures of genome variation to understand population vulnerability in insects. Here we study genome variation in three species of Anthophora bees, that show contrasting population trends in northern Europe. Two species, Anthophora plagiata and Anthophora retusa, have experienced declines and recoveries of different magnitudes in the last fifty years whereas a third species, Anthophora quadrimaculata, has relative population stability. We generate highly-contiguous genome assemblies and use them to study genome variation in 136 samples of these species collected throughout Sweden. We find exceedingly low genetic variation in A. plagiata, which has experienced a severe recent bottleneck, but high genetic variation in A. retusa, despite a similar recent population trajectory. Fragmented populations of the threatened species A. plagiata appear isolated from each other, but in A. retusa there is a lack of deep population structure among geographically separated subpopulations. We infer population size in the distant past using MSMC2 and recent past using GONE. These methods are remarkably concordant, and indicate ancient fluctuations in population size dating back to the Pleistocene with moderate expansions in the past century in all three species. These results are comparable to some other studies of endangered insects, which have experienced population declines that predate the modern era. We detect long blocks of identity-by-state in A. plagiata, indicative of severe recent inbreeding. Translocations between isolated populations of this species could have a positive effect on their resilience.

[1]¿p#1 Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem functions and stability. However, the distribution patterns and underlying drivers of microbial communities remain poorly understood. By sampling along a latitudinal gradient (18.22 °N to 40.61 °N) in sandy intertidal zones of China, we examined the distribution patterns of bacterial and fungal communities. We applied general linear models, variation partitioning, and network analyses to high-throughput sequencing data. Our results revealed that bacterial α-diversity was significantly higher in the southern zone than in the middle and northern zones, primarily driven by mean annual temperature (MAT) and salinity. In contrast, fungal α-diversity showed no significant difference among the three zones and was predominantly influenced by beach index representing the physical conditions and beach width. Network analysis based on positive correlations revealed the lowest bacterial connectivity in the southern zone, likely due to intensified competition under higher MAT and reduced cooperation under stable climate. However, fungal connectivity was significantly higher in the middle zone than in the northern zone, primarily due to the increase in nutrients brought by the injection of fresh water from the Yangtze River, which potentially increased fungal cooperation and altered coexistence patterns. Moreover, bacterial communities exhibited a faster turnover rate than fungal communities with increasing local environmental heterogeneity, indicating that bacterial communities are more influenced by environmental selection. Overall, these findings underscore the distinct distribution patterns and environmental drivers of bacterial and fungal communities, deepening our understanding of predicting microbial community responses and stability in sandy intertidal ecosystems under environmental change.

Jacob MahlanguUniversity of PretoriaPhD: Political Sciences2025Topic:Classical realism and state of the art international relations: US hegemony under donald TrumpAbstractThis study asserts that there is a reemergence and relevance of classical realism in contemporary international relations by investigating U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. Extracting from the foundational principles of classical realism — such as the state-centric approach to international politics, imperial power, hierarchy and dominance, balance of power, the nature of war and conflict— the study interrogates the ”America First” agenda by Donald Trump, transactional diplomacy, the U.S acting unilaterally, leading and spearheading international politics. This study makes use of the theoretical overview of realism. This is a descriptive study making use of secondary sources such as newspaper and online articles, websites and journal articles. This is a qualitative study. It makes use of thematic analysis to analyse findings, draw meanings, identify trends, meaning and confirm initial assumptions. This is a desktop study. While often perceived as irregular and unexpected, Trump’s foreign policy, diplomacy, and conduct in international politics demonstrates a nostalgic return to the U.S hegemony in the international order rooted in ruthless self-interest, nationalism, and a rejection of liberal institutionalism. By comparing the U.S’ unilateral behaviour from intergovernmental organizations, anti-immigration policies, tariff impositions on other countries’ products or U.S’ imports, travel bans, aid withdrawal on development aid, military missions focused on tracing and eliminating terrorist networks posing a threat to the U.S, interest in space travel and technological leadership with the classical elements and key features of realism - the study makes an argument that the U.S under Trump is a return to the state of the art realism perspective of international relations with strategic methods of engaging in competition with other countries while avoiding war, prioritising protectionism or mercantilism, while attributing itself a watchdog role which holds other states accountable for not only their international conduct but also domestic politics.IntroductionFollowing the end of the world wars, the international order has been examined and analysed by using intergovernmental organizations and international institutions as a unit. This helped because such entities regulated the behaviour of states, ensured their actions are captured by them, regulated their behaviour, promoted democratic and collective decision-making, enforced legal frameworks, the rule of law and also transformed the classical state-centric approach from a violent, competitive, unstructured, unconventional, anarchical and rogue to promoting the ideals and values of peace and cooperation. This meant that states could be examined in a controlled setting guided by laws, rules, processes and structures. However, in today’s era these entities have become ineffective in reducing state actions to within their confines, though these entities are still in existence and states are still members with obligations from them, states tend to act outside these entities.Although these entities promoted cooperation, democratic participation in decision-making and states acting as a collective, they were and still attributed certain positions, power and privileges to powerful states based on their technology, wealth and military prowess. This was done so that such states would not find such entities to be an inconvenience and voluntarily agree to operate under such entities. This also ensured that the entities ideological ambitions, values and beliefs about international politics did not distort the true reality of international politics. Using the United States as an example, Donald Trump’s return to office has redirected the focus of examining international politics from intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations to a focus in powerful states. One may argue that it was actually Russia’s war with Ukraine which introduced this refocus as Russia acted disobedient to international law, acted unilaterally internationally and intentionally acted rebellious from the United Nations. However, the United States of America has cemented this refocus, because in Russia’s case, the intergovernmental organization superiority over a state prevailed while in the United States’ case, it seems the state is narrating international relations and dictating the behaviour of other states and therefore the international system apart fout of the intergovernmental organization.Trump’s U.S has reintroduced the realist approach to the international liberal order, premised and prioritising: nationalism and unilateralism. The U.S has withdrawn from international organizations and agreements such as the World Health Organization and Paris Climate Agreement. Demonstrated its influence and reasserted its hegemonic position by using its foreign aid as a tool. Attributed to itself a role of mediator in diplomatic affairs exemplified by its engagement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Engaging in unconventional warfare with other countries such as economic competition using trade and tariff policies. The U.S promotes nationalism, patriotism and discourages liberalisation exemplified by its immigration laws. This study argues that the current international system is rooted on the ideologies, ambitions and strategic decisions of powerful states. Despite progressive and left-leaning critical theories having been adopted and promoted in international politics with a major shift away from the dominant mainstream theories in the discipline and practice of international politics, current events, actions and behaviours of powerful states in the international politics has reinforced the idea that such theories remain dominant, persistent, the status quo and unaffected by all attempts to challenge them. Based on the premise and supposition that states are interested in power and operate on self-interest within an anarchic international order. Hegemonic powerful states in the hierarchy and balance of power of the international system tend to act in the manner which reintroduces and reinforces the existence and continuation of the realist school of thought and perspective regarding international politics either based on nostalgia or for other reasons. In recent years, Trump’s United States has spearheaded international politics through diplomacy, foreign policy focus to a renewed scholarly interest in the relevance of classical realism to eh study of international politics or modern international relations.Trump’s doctrine and Agenda of “America First” is made up of features that highlight Unilateral action. Transactional diplomacy, transactional diplomacy, and a move away from the norms of the international liberal order which reinvigorate, reinforce, and reflects an empirical case which describes the current international system by operationalising the central tenets of classical realist thought. From the U.S. opting out of multilateral agreements and international institutions to imposing tariffs, placing travel bans, and cutting development aid, the Trump’s United States portrays a strategic assertion of power and national interest. These actions suggest a new status, perspective and form of U.S. hegemony—one that embraces competition, prioritizes protectionism, and aims to reshape the global order in accordance with American priorities or which places the U.S as the global leader able to independently control, reward and punish other states’ conduct both internationally and domestically if the U.S finds them unsuitable.This study investigates the reemergence and contemporary relevance of classical realism by critically examining U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. Drawing from the foundational principles of classical realism—such as state-centrism, imperial dominance, the balance of power, and the inevitability of conflict—the research analyzes how Trump’s conduct on the global stage aligns with and reinvigorates realist theory. Through a qualitative, descriptive, and desktop-based methodology, the study employs thematic analysis to examine secondary sources, including journal articles, news reports, official statements, and policy documents. The aim is to uncover patterns and draw meaning from Trump-era policies that reflect a return to a realist mode of engagement in international affairs.By contextualizing the U.S.’s unilateral behavior—ranging from its disengagement with global institutions to militaristic strategies against non-state threats and an intensified interest in technological supremacy—within the framework of classical realism, the study argues that Trump’s foreign policy marks a significant shift in how American hegemony is projected and justified. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on realism in international relations by showing how a historical theory continues to shape and explain the strategic behavior of dominant powers in the 21st century.Theoretical FrameworkClassical RealismIn International Relations, the theory of realism is regarded as one of the dominant theories; under this theory international politics has a more forceful and competitive nature and is dedicated to a self-helping system (Lomia 2020 cited from Sleat 2016: Griffiths, Roach, & Solomon 2016). States are concerned with their own security, act with the intention of fulfilling their self-interest, and struggle for power (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy 2023). Realism argues that international politics is a domain that has no justice, is rooted in potential and active conflict among states where ethical standards do not apply (StanFord Encyclopedia of Philosophy 2023). Realism assumes that states operate in an anarchical environment, without any authority internationally (Antunes and Camisao 2018). Actions pursued by states are rooted on their relative power in relation to other states (Antunes and Camisao 2018). Realism is pessimistic and stresses on the reappearing trends of power politics as realised by reoccurring wars, rivalries and conflicts (Pashakhanlou 2009 cited from Jackson and Sorenson 2007: 60).Literature ReviewThe U.S’ usage of realism in international politicsAccording to Jones (2025) a blended liberal/realist internationalist foreign policy has been followed by American presidents since the end of the cold war. Trump’s foreign policy approach is rooted on the assumption that the global position of the US is decreasing due to its leadership enabling the country’s exploitation in recent decades by both its enemies and friends (Kohut 2025). Trump’s first term exposed his distrust of international institutions, global organisations and multilateral agreements and his choice for bilateral relations (Kohut 2025). An instance that confirms his lack of belief for globalism, multilateralism and international organizations is his withdrawal from the World Health Organization and climate change agreement (Ataman 2025). Trump’s foreign policy is isolationist as it promotes the imposition of tariffs in opposition to free trade in order to protect and isolate the American economy (McFaul 2025). In his first term Trump practiced and articulated a clear preference for unilateralism, isolationism and realism (McFaul 2025). While Trump’s “America first” agenda implies a realist perspective; his administration possesses features which match the realist paradigm such as: more mercantilism, less common causes (regional, global or continental), more government intervention, big power arrogance, less free trade (Ataman 2025).ResultsU.S’ return to state of the art International RelationsU.S hegemonyOnce the primary champion and architect of multilateralism, the U.S is now abandoning commitments, retreating behind its borders, and hindering trade agreement with its long-standing partners (Liy 2025). Trump’s view is simple: only the strong get to negotiate. Trump believes in applying pressure and having the existing order broken (Liy 2025).Anti-immigration policiesTrump has freezed the resettlement of refugees in their tens of thousands who have been vetted and approved already in their application of relocating to the United States; with this number including 15000 Afghans (Trevizo 2025). Humanitarian parole for immigrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela with 500 000 already living in the U.S in legal limbo (Trevizo 2025).Tariff impositionsTrump says tariffs will motivate US consumers to purchase American produced goods, increase the amount of tax raised, and also result in high levels of investment in the US (Clarke 2025).Development aidThe Rationale behind freezing funding is that the “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values (Cullinan 2025).DiscussionThe study investigated if Trump’s foreign policy reintroduces the realism perspective of international politics. The results suggest that there are certain actions taken by Trump which are intended for specific purposes aimed at advantaging the US in the global arena and also which portray its power. For instance, Realism is rooted in powerful states being dominated by weaker states, and the results suggest that Trump used aid withdrawal as a tool to manipulate weaker states to align to US priorities. Realism suggests that states are self-interested or are interested in their own security and the findings support this by providing the actions performed by the US such as imposing tariffs on imports for the intention of domestically raising tax, promoting locally produced goods, and attracting investment. Realism suggests there is no central authority internationally and that international politics is based on an anarchic system, the US actions that support this notion is how the US is acting rogue, breaking out of international organisations, agreements, retreating behind its borders, promoting nationalism, anti-immigration policies and mercantilism.BibliographyAntunes, S & Camisao, I. 2018. Introducing Realism in International Relations Theory. Online. Website: https://www.e-ir.info/2018/02/27/introducing-realism-in-international-relations-theory/ Date accessed: 25 April 2025Ataman, M. 2025. Alarm in West: Trumpian realism mingles friends and foes. Online. Website: https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/columns/alarm-in-west-trumpian-realism-mingles-friends-and-foes Date accessed: 25 April 2025Clarke, J. 2025. What are tariffs and why is Trump using them? Online. Website: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn93e12rypgo Date accessed: 25 April 2025Cullinan, K. 2025. As US Retreats from Global Health, Africa Looks for New Sources of Financial Support. Online. Website: https://healthpolicy-watch.news/as-us-retreats-from-global-health-africa-looks-for-new-financial-sources/ Date accessed: 25 April 2025Jones, W. J. 2025. Trump, Realism and the Multipolar World. Online. Website: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/02/07/trump-realism-and-the-multipolar-world/ Date accessed: 25 April 2025Kohut, A. 2025. 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Background: Clec9a (also named as DNGR-1), is a restricted DAMPs (Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns) receptor that recognizes cell death signals expressed on human BDCA3 +DC and mouse CD8α + and CD103 + DC. With the rapid advancement of immunology, numerous studies of Clec9a have been published. However, no relevant bibliometric studies have been published to date. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research and identify potential new research directions via a bibliometric analysis of Clec9a. Methods: Publications related to Clec9a from 2008 to 2024 were retrieved by the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The three software (VOSviewer, CiteSpace and Bibliometrix) are to assess the contribution and co-occurrence relationships of various countries, institutions, journals and authors, and to explore research hotspots and future trends in this field. Results: A total of 240 English articles from various countries published between 2008-2024 were identified, with an increasing trend in the number of publications each year. The top three contributing countries were USA, Australia, and UK, accounting for 22.50%, 21.25%, and 20.00%, Respectively. The University of Melbourne contributed the most with 32 papers (13.33%). Lahoud, Mireille H, with 32 articles, ranked first amongst authors in terms of publications and Sancho, D. with 188 co-citations, was the amongst co-cited authors. Frontiers in Immunology was influential academic journal in Clec9a research. The aggregation and identification of key nodes in the co-citation network revealed a shift in the focus of Clec9a research. Initially, the hotspot areas were primarily ”antibody formation,” ”systems biology,” ”BDCA3,” and ”langerin,” while in recent years, the focus has shifted to ”vaccines” and ”autophagy.” Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study to provide a comprehensive summary of the research trends and developments of Clec9a. Currently, the most active frontiers focus on better understanding the role and clinical applications of Clec9a in tumor immunotherapy and DC-targeted vaccination in viral diseases.

Synchronous hatching is defined as the adjustment, coordination, and control of development and hatching periods among embryos. To achieve synchronization, embryos modify their duration of incubation period and hatching periods, either by delaying or accelerating their embryonic development through "metabolic compensation". The heart rate may facilitate this communication, but its role in Caiman latirostris is unknown. This study evaluated whether intra- and inter-clutch hatching synchronization occurs through embryonic communication. Using eggs from four clutches at different developmental stages, we assessed the effects of mixed, individual, and control incubation treatments on heart rate, incubation period, hatching, and neonate fitness. Results revealed that mixed incubation accelerated metabolic rates, extending the incubation period without compromising hatchling development and health. Behavioral differences indicated possible some kind of exchange beyond metabolic adjustments. Also, these findings suggest heart rate as a mechanism for embryonic communication and development synchronization, though synchronous hatching was confined to eggs within the same clutch.

Purpose: This study used DIA mass spectrometry to identify novel plasma protein biomarkers for sepsis, aiming to find new diagnostic targets. Methods: A sepsis model in C57BL/6 mice, divided into Control and LPS groups, assessed survival post-LPS. Plasma samples measured inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and thrombi (sTM, D2D) markers via ELISA. Organ changes in lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen were evaluated via HE staining. DIA proteomics identified proteins, and ROC curve validation assessed the predictive value of combined protein detection for sepsis diagnosis. Results: Survival rates showed about 50% mortality in the LPS group 8-10 h post-administration, with all mice dying within 14 h. ELISA results showed higher levels of inflammatory and thrombotic markers in the LPS group. HE staining revealed organ damage and morphological changes in the LPS group. DIA quantitative proteomics identified 194 differentially expressed proteins (172 upregulated, 22 downregulated). GO terms included chemokine-mediated signaling and cellular response to interleukin-1. KEGG pathways showed enrichment in endocytosis and cytokine interactions. PPI network analysis and hub gene screening revealed key hub genes: IFNG, IL-6, IL-1β , and TIMP1. The ROC curves shows that compared to monitoring a single plasma protein indicator, the combined detection of these proteins are highly predictive for diagnosing sepsis.  Conclusion: IFNG, IL-6, IL-1β and TIMP1 hold potential as novel plasma biomarkers for the combined detection in sepsis patients. This study provides new insights into the diagnosis of plasma biomarkers for sepsis, although further research is needed to assess their functional significance and clinical applications.

Aquatic and terrestrial communities often co-occur at close distance, enabling biotic interactions across ecosystem boundaries. While such interactions in natural habitats contribute to complex, coupled food webs, their dynamics in engineered and fragmented urban habitats are hardly known. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding and a metaweb approach, we examined food web structure at 54 paired aquatic-terrestrial sites along an urbanization gradient in Zurich, Switzerland. We found that urbanization decoupled aquatic and terrestrial food webs, replacing high-trophic-level species reliant on cross-ecosystem resources by low-trophic-level specialists dependent on distinct aquatic or terrestrial basal resources (e.g. detritus). These changes subsequently led to simpler, less connected, more homogeneous, and less stable food webs. Conversely, enhancing habitat quantity and landscape connectivity bolstered predator diversity, promoting vertically diverse, connected, complex, and stable food webs. Our findings reveal that while urbanization can disrupt aquatic-terrestrial linkages, careful urban habitat planning can enhance biodiversity and food web stability.

[1]¿p#1 Objective: To determine whether epidural analgesia is associated with maternal and neonatal outcomes in preterm vaginal delivery. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Deliveries in Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, China. Population or Sample: Preterm parturients with singleton pregnancies and vaginal delivery in 2020-2024. Methods: The association of epidural analgesia with outcomes were examined. Propensity score matching and entropy balancing were used to eliminate potential confounders. Main Outcome Measures: Duration of first, second and third stages of labor, hemorrhage during vaginal delivery and postpartum hemorrhage (and ≥500mL), Apgar scores (and <7) at 1, 5 and 10 minutes, assisted ventilation, NICU admission, neonatal intraamniotic infection, neonatal sepsis, neonatal asphyxia and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Results: The study comprised 853 parturients, 564 (66.12%) received epidural analgesia. After propensity score matching, 567 parturients remained, 339 (59.79%) received epidural analgesia. Duration of first and second stages of labor were longer in epidural group than non-epidural group (difference: 6 [95% CI: 4 to 9], difference: 6 [95% CI: 4 to 9], respectively). Epidural analgesia was associated with Apgar score <7 at 1 minute (OR: 0.355 [95% CI: 0.161-0.783], P = 0.010), but not after adjusted covariates (OR: 0.453[ 95% CI: 0.166-1.233], P = 0.121). Conclusions: Use of epidural analgesia in preterm vaginal delivery may increase duration of first and second stages of labor, but associations with other outcomes were not observed.