Background: Neisseria meningitidis is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis and septicemia worldwide. The bacteriological culture was a widely used method for the detection of meningococcus, but it has low sensitivity and long waiting periods. Molecular detection targeting capsule transport gene was used, but over 16% of meningococcal carriage isolates lack ctrA and generate false-negative results due to sequence variations. The Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase gene ( sodC) is specific to N. meningitidis, not found in other Neisseria species, making it better able to identify encapsulated meningococci and useful for detecting non-group-able meningococci without intact ctrA. Objective: The objective of this study was the validation of sodC gene-based PCR assay and antimicrobial resistance profiling of N. meningitidis in asymptomatic carriers Methods: The sodC gene N. meningitidis detection method was developed using a pair of primers and optimized. A total of 137 archived samples that were collected from the asymptomatic carrier suspected of having meningococcal infection were used for validation of the assay. STATA version 14.0 was used for analysis of clinical and demographic data after the data was entered into Epi Info version 7. Graphs and frequency tables from descriptive statistics were used to summarize the outcome. Two-by-two tables were used to compare the sensitivity specifically between the sodC-based PCR assay and culture and ctrA-based PCR.  A Disk diffusion test was used to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity of the isolates against antimicrobial drugs. To determine the association between independent and outcome variables, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.   Result: The PCR assay targeting the sodC gene detected N. meningitidis DNA in 105 (76.6%) out of 137 clinical samples, while ctrA-based PCR detected the pathogen in 64 (46.7%) of the samples, and 49 samples (35.8%) of N. meningitidis were identified by culture. Then, the concordance of our in-house PCR assay targeting the sodC gene with ctrA PCR was performed using 137 clinical samples (Nasopharyngeal swabs). Among the 49 DNA samples from culture-positive N. meningitidis isolates used for validation, the sodC gene-based PCR accurately identified all 49 culture-confirmed isolates. In contrast, the ctrA gene-based PCR detected only 33 of these isolates. Out of the 49 N. meningitidis isolates by culture 43 (87.8%), 42 (83.7%), 32 (65.3%), 22 (44.9%), and 18 (36.7%), and 7 (15.2%) were resistant to amoxicillin, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and meropenem, respectively. Furthermore, the majority of N. meningitidis isolates 36 (73.5%) were sensitive to cefepime, 31 (63.3%) of them were sensitive to ceftriaxone and meropenem, and 26 (53.1%) of them were sensitive to ceftazidime. Conclusion: The sodC gene-based PCR assay demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting N. meningitidis in carriage specimens compared to ctrA gene-based PCR. The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance observed is alarming and highlights the urgent need to continue monitoring antibiotic resistance to inform treatment strategies effectively.

Invasive and highly virulent parasites are being transported to new locations and into novel hosts by anthropogenic activities. Repeated introductions lead to interactions amongst genetic lineages, resulting in competitive exclusion, coexistence, or cycling through a combination of the two. Here, we describe interactions between the same two lineages that demonstrate both ends of the exclusion/coexistence continuum. We report intra-lineage trait variation of the multihost amphibian parasite Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis driving contrasting outcomes of inter-lineage interactions on two continents. Trait variation in the global pandemic lineage, BdGPL, is responsible: In Europe, BdGPL competitively constrained the distribution of the other, BdCAPE, while in Africa, BdGPL and BdCAPE can mutually invade host populations when the other is already resident, leading to coinfections and recombination. That these contrasting outcomes are prolonged and contemporaneous illustrates how epidemiological models of invasive wildlife parasites need to account for trait variation both within and across lineages.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, soil physicochemical properties, and enzyme activities of Cinnamomum migao seedlings under drought stress

Genetic analysis of short tandem repeat (STR) loci using non-invasive fecal samples is currently the most widely used method in genetic surveys of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). However, Low-quality fecal DNA obtained from fecal samples may affects the correctness of short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping results and poses a challenge to accurately identify individuals. The aim of this study was thus to compare the efficiency of DNA extraction kits in obtaining high-quality fecal host DNA from giant panda fecal samples. In the present study, six commercial kits widely used in fecal DNA extraction, the QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit (Q kit), Beaver Beads™ Stool DNA Kit (H kit), Mag-MK Soil & Stool Genome DNA Extraction kit (S kit), Magnetic Soil And Stool DNA Kit (T kit), E.Z.N.A™ Mag-Bind Stool DNA Kit (O kit) and Mag Beads Fast DNA Kit for Feces (M kit), were compared to improve the efficiency of STR genotyping of giant panda fecal DNA samples. Fecal DNA concentration and purity were measured, and STR genotyping was performed using blood and fecal DNA from captive giant pandas to compare the genotype matches at 11 STR loci. Our results show that the most efficient extraction kits were the Q and T kits, and the Q kit had a greater ability to remove PCR inhibitors than other kits. However, different STR genotyping systems require different DNA extraction kits in order to achieve the highest possible genotyping correctness.

A considerable number of earthworm species reproduce by parthenogenesis. This is the case for the cosmopolitan earthworm species, Aporrectodea trapezoides, although sexual forms have been described sporadically. We analyse 30 individuals from four localities where both forms appear in order to understand the evolutionary mechanisms related to parthenogenesis. Heterozygosity levels were higher in parthenogens, which may indicate a hybrid origin of parthenogenesis in this species. Significant genomic and microbiome differences were found only between the two reproductive types in Algerian earthworms. This could be explained by the fact that individuals from this population are obligate parthenogens, while those from Spain could be facultative parthenogens, erasing the traces that parthenogenesis might leave behind. Individuals have been found to be tetraploid. The fact of having an even ploidy makes possible the theory of two parthenogenesis types in this species. The differential loci between sexual and parthenogenetic individuals from Algeria were interestingly related to gametogenesis and symbiont-like processes. On the other hand, it seems that the microbiome has a phylogenetic component for more generic taxonomic ranges, while at the ZOTU level the soil in which they are found is more decisive. A total of 754 ZOTUs were differentially abundant between sexual and parthenogenetic Algerian earthworms, indicating the importance of the gut microbiome in the reproductive processes of this earthworm. These findings not only shed light on the complex interplay between genomic, microbiome, and reproductive mechanisms in A. trapezoides, but also present insights into the origin and persistence of parthenogenesis in earthworms.

Background: The main purpose of assisted reproductive technology is to treat infertility. ART refers to the collection of medical practices and methods designed to assist people and couples who are having trouble conceiving naturally in becoming pregnant. Therefore, this study aims to assess the status and its correlates among Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) users in Nepal. Methods: 215 patients who attended fertility facilities in the Kathmandu Valley were included in the cross-sectional research design. Purposive sampling was used to choose these clinics based on pre-established criteria to guarantee that the sample was relevant to the study’s objectives. The factors influencing ART treatment outcomes (conceived or not) and treatment cycles were examined using binary logistic and multinomial regression. The independent variables contained both categorical and continuous predictors. Results: Those who identified as Hindu were more likely to undertake many treatment cycles [AOR: 3.019, 95% CI: 1.118-8.150]. Participants from nuclear families were more likely to go through several treatment cycles [AOR: 3.019, 95% CI: 1.118-8.150]. Furthermore, those who decided to use ART on the advice of friends and family were more likely to go through several cycles [AOR: 3.471, 95% CI: 1.189-10.133]. The likelihood of going through several treatment cycles was considerably greater for those who were uneasy with other ART options [AOR: 2.721, 95% CI: 1.136-6.518]. Additionally, those who took public transportation were more likely to go through several treatment cycles [AOR: 1.971, 95%CI: 1.111-3.499]. Conclusion: Primary infertility, often due to female causes, is the most common reason for contemplating ART. Despite the growing demand for ART services, money remains a significant barrier, as more than half of the respondents said that these therapies are expensive. The fact that many customers must drive long distances to see reproductive clinics further highlights geographic differences in service availability and suggests persistent accessibility problems.

This paper studies the low-rank property of the inverse of a class of large-scale structured matrices in the tensor-train (TT) format, which is typically discretized from di erential operators. An interesting question that we are concerned with is: Does the inverse of the large-scale structured matrix still admit the low-rank TT representation with guaranteed accuracy? In this paper, we provide a computationally verifiable su cient condition such that the inverse matrix can be well approximated in a low-rank TT format. It not only answers what kind of structured matrix whose inverse has the lowrank TT representation but also motivates us to develop an e cient TT-based method to compute the inverse matrix. Furthermore, we prove that the inverse matrix indeed has the low-rank tensor format for a class of large-scale structured matrices induced by di erential operators involved in several PDEs, such as the Poisson, Boltzmann, and Fokker-Planck equations. Thus, the proposed algorithm is suitable for solving these PDEs with massive degrees of freedom. Numerical results on the Poisson, Boltzmann, and Fokker-Planck equations validate the correctness of our theory and the advantages of our methodology.

Traffic accidents pose the most significant challenges to public safety and urban development in metropolitan areas like Manila. This study uses a methodology based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with machine learning, applying the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm, to predict the traffic accident hotspots. It integrates geographic and contextual features to create risk maps that identify accident-prone areas using spatial data and historical accident records. The predictive model had an accuracy of 97% with high precision but a little lower recall, thus providing opportunities for enhancement. GIS-based visualizations provide actionable insights that are helpful in traffic management strategies, resource allocation, and urban planning efforts. The approach therefore points to the potential of spatial analytics integration with machine learning for better road safety.

This study presents a numerical analysis of flow and heat transfer performance around five bluff bodies considered as vortex generators, which are designed with an identical hydraulic diameter ( Dh). The bluff bodies are circular, bullet-shaped, square, equilateral triangle, and hexagonal cylinders, with smooth and sharp edges. When Re = 200, the bluff bodies are immersed individually in a narrowed channel with a variable gap ratio between the channel wall and the cylinder surfaces (0.5 ≥ GR = y/Dh ≥ 2.0). The problem is crucial since the results are beneficial to designing and optimizing heat transfer equipment. The bottom wall was maintained at a higher temperature than the inlet flow to investigate thermal flow characteristics due to presence of vortex generators. The analysis revealed a critical transition in flow behavior between GR = 0.75 and GR = 1.0. It is found that both flow structure and heat transfer performance declining as GR ≥ 1. It is observed that despite the hexagon’s sharp chamfered edge, its performance was comparable to that of the circular body. Validation using a smaller triangular prism based on circular diameter demonstrated comparable thermofluidic characteristics; however, a performance discrepancy of 30-40 % was observed due to dimensional variations.

A document by Abhinibesh Chatterjee. Click on the document to view its contents.

Attention-based Transformer model has achieved remarkable performance in various artificial intelligence fields, while the attention computation, being a combination of matrix multiplication and softmax function, is still sub-optimized in terms of hardware implementation. Normally, it needs 3 pass of input memory access to compute attention, and the on-chip storage requirement is coupled with the input length, both of which pose significant memory issues. Further, the computation burden is heavy for long inputs. This paper proposes an algorithm-hardware co-design for attention. On algorithm side, it uses a linear-softmax fused kernel to fuse the matrix multiplication and non-linear functions, which enables high on-chip memory source utilization. On hardware side, it shows an accelerator named BLADE with identical partial product removing, which eliminates unnecessary computation by exploiting math feature of softmax. Experiment on ViT, Swin Transformer, GPT-2 and LLaMA2 show that the proposed design achieves 10.6% - 18.7% of energy efficiency improvement compared to state-of-the-art Flash Attention implementations.

Purpose: Transnasal and transorbital skull base penetrating injuries are relatively rare in clinical practice. To investigate the clinical presentations, imaging features, surgical management, and outcomes in patients, thereby offering a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Methods: The clinical data for six patients with transnasal and transorbital skull base penetrating injuries, admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2017 to February 2023, were retrospectively analyzed; their clinical manifestations and treatment processes were comprehensively reviewed and summarized. Results: All six cases were male, with an average age of 48 years, ranging from 2 to 76 years old. The types of foreign bodies were all chopsticks, including one case of nasal foreign body and five cases of transorbital foreign body. The most common clinical manifestations were orbital hematoma and epistaxis, with preoperative vision loss in one case, ocular mobility disorder in three cases, and vision loss in four cases. After the diagnosis was confirmed by imaging, the skull base foreign body was removed by nasal endoscopic transnasal or transorbital approaches, and the foreign body was completely removed during the operation. Three patients with ocular mobility disorder recovered completely after surgery, and four patients with vision loss returned to normal 3 months after surgery. Meanwhile, all preoperative orbital hematoma, ocular pain, epistaxis, and nasal congestion disappeared. All patients had no abnormalities on sinus computed tomography scanning and good prognosis. Conclusion: Nasal endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive, safe, and promising surgical technique.

The impacts of free-ranging rural dogs on wildlife conservation, including predation and disease transmission, vary by context, highlighting the need to assess their specific effects. This study examines the home range and native habitat use of dogs within a protected area and fragments of the Cerrado biome. We monitored 105 dogs using GPS collars over two months. Home ranges were estimated using the 95% autocorrelated kernel density estimate (AKDE), with influential variables analysed through general linear models (GLM). We assessed the number of GPS locations within native habitats for each dog and performed multiple ordinal regression to identify associated variables. Most dogs exhibited restricted home ranges (mean = 30.74 ha, range = 0.89–624.75 ha), with larger ranges correlated to dogs accompanying owners in daily activities. Dogs primarily occupied farming areas and human settlements, with only 4% of their locations recorded in native habitats; use of these areas was associated with lower body condition scores. The likely ecological impact of these dogs stems more from their high density in the matrix, which could reduce habitat connectivity. Dog movement patterns are strongly influenced by the socio-environmental contexts in which they live. These findings facilitate the development of targeted management strategies aimed at specific local contexts, reducing impacts on biodiversity and promoting animal welfare.

Design: Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of ChatGPT, available to the public and easily accessible tool, in identifying common otological pathologies using standardized otoscopic images. Setting: In this prospective uncontrolled observational study six common otological pathologies—serous otitis media, acute otitis media, bullous myringitis, otitis externa, perforated tympanic membrane, and chronic otitis with cholesteatoma—were selected. Additionally, images of normal tympanic membranes were included. Ten standardized images for each pathology were sourced. These images were analyzed by ChatGPT-4 via its API, which was queried for the most accurate diagnosis. Results: ChatGPT-4 correctly diagnosed normal tympanic membranes in 30% of cases, frequently misidentifying them as serous otitis media. The AI accurately identified serous otitis media in 60% of cases, with the remaining misdiagnosed mainly as normal tympanic membranes. Similarly, acute otitis media was correctly diagnosed 60% of the time, often confused with serous otitis media. Bullous myringitis was correctly identified in 40% of cases, commonly misdiagnosed as acute otitis media. Otitis externa was correctly diagnosed in 40% of cases but was frequently mistaken for cholesteatoma. The AI accurately diagnosed perforated tympanic membrane in 20% of cases, with the majority misidentified as cholesteatoma. Cholesteatoma had the highest accuracy rate at 90%, with few misdiagnoses. Conclusion: ChatGPT-4 demonstrates promise in accurately diagnosing otological conditions such as cholesteatoma but has limitations, particularly in distinguishing between similar pathologies. The findings underscore the potential of AI as a diagnostic aid while highlighting the need for cautious integration into clinical practice to avoid unnecessary tests and misdiagnoses.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent joint inflammation. Recent studies suggest that gut microbiota imbalances may influence the onset and progression of RA. This study aims to evaluate the current research on gut microbiota in RA, identify emerging trends, and offer insights for the precision treatment of RA. Methods: The authors analyzed articles on gut microbiota and RA published from 2004 to 2023, using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric methods employed tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix to conduct visual analyses of authors, institutions, countries, references, and keywords. A total of 1,085 articles were included in the analysis. Results: A notable increase in annual publications reflects growing interest in this field. The analysis revealed significant contributions from the USA (320 articles), China (312), Italy (89), the UK (80), Germany (64), and Japan (54), primarily in English. Simultaneously, the contributions and collaborations among institutions and authors in this field are discussed. Furthermore, the analysis of co-cited references and keywords elucidated contemporary hotspots in the field. A significant focus centered on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of RA. Another prominent hotspot involved the restoration of microbial balance through dietary modifications and the administration of probiotics, thereby preventing and treating RA. Conclusion: This study summarized advancements in gut microbiota and RA research from 2004 to 2023, predicting future trends. Key areas of focus will likely include understanding molecular mechanisms and exploring dietary interventions and probiotics to improve RA treatment outcomes.

Expectancy theory of hypnosis posits that any procedure can serve as a hypnotic induction provided it is labelled as “hypnosis”. The present study explored this hypothesis by contrasting the effects of two conventional and two unconventional (sham) hypnotic inductions on hypnotic experiences and electrophysiological correlates. In a 2x2 balanced placebo design, all participants were exposed to four conditions: conventional induction labeled as “hypnosis”, conventional induction labeled as “control”, unconventional induction labeled as “hypnosis”, and unconventional induction labeled as “control”. EEG was recorded from 128 channels. We computed EEG features that were identified in previous studies as correlates of hypnosis or hypnotizability. Consistent with the predictions of expectancy theory, we found that one of the unconventional (sham) inductions, “white noise hypnosis”, evoked comparable hypnosis depth to the conventional hypnotic inductions. However, contrary to its predictions, “embedded hypnosis”, another unconventional induction, evoked smaller hypnosis depth reports than the other three inductions. Most EEG features we explored did not differ between conventional and unconventional induction conditions. A possible exception is frontal theta activity, which appeared to increase more in conventional induction trials. The change in frontal gamma power negatively correlated with hypnosis depth, and occipital theta activity positively correlated with hypnotizability in both conventional and unconventional inductions. Overall, our results provide partial support for the expectancy theory of hypnosis. However, our findings should be considered exploratory. Confirmatory research is required to strengthen our confidence in these effects.

Indigenous representation in Australian biomedical science and pharmacy research remains limited due to systemic barriers and culturally inappropriate frameworks. This case study highlights initiatives at the University of Newcastle (UoN) addressing these inequities. Central to this is the Indigenous Student Engagement Committee, which fosters Indigenous participation at all academic levels. Programs such as Yapug and Miroma Bunbilla, alongside culturally inclusive curricula and research fellowships, exemplify UoN’s commitment to supporting Indigenous researchers. Collaboration with local Aboriginal communities ensures these efforts are culturally safe and relevant. Early engagement with primary and secondary schools, facilitated by the Wollotuka Institute, creates pathways to demystify science and higher education. Programs such as laboratory work placements enhance accessibility and interest. At the tertiary level, indigenised curricula, mentorship, and dedicated cultural spaces support academic and personal success. Challenges remain, including inflexible funding models, the discomfort of non-Indigenous staff engaging in this space, and the need for inclusive recruitment practices. Addressing these requires sustained cultural capability training, mentorship programs, and funding structures accommodating community commitments. This case study showcases UoN’s culturally responsive strategies to increase Indigenous engagement in biomedical sciences. It underscores the necessity of systemic change, collaboration, and investment to create equitable pathways for Indigenous students and researchers. By prioritising cultural safety and inclusion, UoN offers a model for fostering diversity and building a more inclusive academic and research environment in Australia.

[1]¿p#1 Background: Patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) levels often require further evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD), which guides clinical management. Objective: To characterize patients with PSVT and elevated cTn values, and to evaluate the association with coexisting CAD as well as the probable underlying mechanisms of troponin elevation. Methods: We recorded demographic characteristics, main symptoms, underlying comorbidities, chronic antiarrhythmic medication, tachycardia duration, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and laboratory values on admission. We also documented the type of cardioversion and the total number of patients visiting the Emergency Department (ED) or admitted to the Cardiology department due to PSVT over the past 4 years. Hospitalized patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor and troponin elevation underwent CAD evaluation. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of elevated troponin values. Results: 58/120 patients presenting to the ED with PSVT had elevated cTn values. Retrosternal chest pain, absence of a previous history of SVT, higher admission heart rate and lower SBP were identified as independent risk factors for elevated cTn.  An optimal admission heart rate cut-off of 165 bpm was identified for predicting elevated cTn levels, with a sensitivity of 63.8% and specificity of 69.5%. 25 patients with elevated cTn underwent further evaluation for CAD, with only one patient showing significant disease. Conclusion: Retrosternal chest pain, no prior history of SVT, higher admission HR and lower SBP are independently associated with elevated troponin values after an episode of PSVT. Elevated cTn values in these patients is more likely related to myocardial oxygen-demand mismatch rather than the presence of CAD. Keywords: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, Cardiac troponin, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart rate, Systolic blood pressure, Antiarrhythmics, Mental-stress induced myocardial ischemia

Grade Level: 6–12 (can be adapted for younger students with assistance)Class Period: 50 minutesSubject: Artificial Intelligence in STEMLesson Type: Hands-on, project-based activity🎯 Lesson Objectives:By the end of this lesson, students will:Understand the concept of artificial intelligence and its application in recognizing emotions.Use PictoBlox to develop an AI model capable of detecting human emotions through a webcam.Create a project that provides supportive visual and audio feedback for specific emotions.Reflect on the potential of AI to support individuals with autism and other social challenges.⚙️Materials Required:Download PictoBlox: Click here to download PictoBloxComputers or laptops with PictoBlox installedWebcam for each computerInternet connection (to download the AI extension in PictoBlox)Emotion Training Datasets: (pre-trained datasets included with PictoBlox AI extension)Visual aids (emojis or images for emotions)Speakers or headphones (for audio feedback)Helpful Resources for Teachers and Students:PictoBlox Documentation: Getting Started with PictoBloxAI Extension Guide: AI and Machine Learning in PictoBloxExample AI Projects: AI and ML Sample ProjectsUnderstanding Autism: Autism Speaks - Emotion Recognition Tools

Sentiment analysis is an important tool for revealing insights and shaping our understanding of market movements from financial articles, news, and social media. Despite their impressive abilities in financial natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs) still have difficulties in accurately interpreting numerical values and grasping financial context, limiting their effectiveness in predicting financial sentiment. This article introduces a simple and effective instruction-tuning method to solve these problems. We have made significant progress in financial sentiment analysis by converting small amounts of supervised financial sentiment analysis data into command data and using this approach to fine-tune a generic LLM. In experiments, our approach outperforms state-of-the-art supervised sentiment analysis models and widely used LLMs such as ChatGPT and LLaMAs, especially when numerical and contextual understanding is critical.

The article investigates the experiences of homeless individuals in Korea and reconstructs the perspective of homeless policy based on their reflections. By analyzing the self-identity of homeless individuals, which has been overlooked in policy studies, through the grounded theory method, this study aims to systematize the contributions of existing research on the definitions of homelessness and homeless individuals. Through an in-depth analysis of life history data collected from the Korea Social Science Data Archive, the researchers identify four metaphorical ‘bus stops’ within homelessness, representing distinct stages in the homelessness journey. These stops range from accepting homelessness as a final destination to seeking actively to escape it. Each bus stop is distinguished by one’s judgment regarding the current situation surrounding oneself, efforts to overcome homelessness, perceptions of others experiencing homelessness, and recognition of homelessness as a destination in life. The study informs targeted and compassionate support and policy interventions by understanding these stations. Despite the potential limitations of secondary data, such as a lack of direct control over its scope or quality, the study offers valuable insights into the lives of homeless individuals, laying the groundwork for Korea’s future homeless policies that prioritize inclusivity and the homeless population’s unique perspective.

Serpentine carbonation could provide a safe, and environmentally friendly, opportunity to store the amount of anthropogenic CO2 emission necessary to meet the Paris Agreement target and limit global warming to a safe level for humanity. Mineral carbonation relies on the reaction of CO2 with cations abundant in ultramafic rocks (e.g. Mg2+) to form carbonate minerals (\citealp{Kelemen_2019}). Serpentinites are an ideal starting material because they are abundant on or near the Earth’s surface and are rich in Mg2+, which is required to form carbonates, primarily magnesite (MgCO3) that traps CO2 (\citealp{Lackner_1995}). This process stores CO2 in a solid state with no risk of release and has large storage capacity. Even if this technique is promising, it is at a lower stage of readiness and is yet to be applied at the industrial scale.The Ligurian ophiolites (Italy) host several magnesite deposits that formed when deep CO2 was injected into serpentinite lenses through regional faults at 100-200°C and depths of 1-2 km (\citealp{Rielli_2022}, \citealp{Boschi_2009}). These deposits effectively resemble the in-situ storage of CO2 by “natural pilot plants” active millions of years ago, where seemingly the conditions where fine-tuned to best sequester CO2. Thus, they provide a fast lane for understanding the best conditions for serpentinite carbonation.The PRIN 2022 PNRR STORECO2 project (granted by the European Union—NextGeneration EU) aims to understand these conditions through a geochemical, petrological and mineralogical study of the Castiglioncello magnesite deposit (Tuscany, Italy). Developing a deeper understanding on carbonation processes through the study of natural analogues, discussed in this work, we will able also to predict what to expect when CO2 is injected into serpentinites.

Saving right radial cardiac catheterization with tortuous subclavian artery using head left turning maneuver for facilitating wire advancement into the ascending aorta

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the asymptotic stability of a fourth-order PDE with a fading memory forcing term and boundary conditions arising from a flexible robotics model. We carry on our study by using an abstract formulation of the problem based on the C 0 -semigroup. To achieve our objective, we first provide new results on the existence, uniqueness, continuous dependence on initial data of either mild and strong solutions for semilinear integro-differential equations in Banach spaces. Then, we also find sufficient conditions for the uniform asymptotic stability of solutions and for the existence of attactors. As an application of these abstract results, we can ensure existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence on initial data for the solutions of the boundary value problem under investigation and, finally, we prove the uniform asymptotic stability of solutions and the existence of attactors under suitable conditions on the nonlinear term.