Introduction: Approximately 20% of patients with metastatic spine disease develop symptomatic spinal cord compression, and these patients can present urgently to the emergency department (ED) or, in a more organized fashion, to a clinic. In a cohort of patients undergoing metastatic spine surgery, we sought to (1) determine the rate of ED presentation, (2) identify preoperative and perioperative risk factors associated with ED presentation, and (3) evaluate whether ED vs. clinic presentation impacts long-term outcomes. Methods: A single-institution, multi-surgeon, retrospective cohort study was undertaken of patients undergoing metastatic spinal tumor surgery between 02/2010 and 01/2021. The primary exposure variable was presentation setting, dichotomized to the ED vs. clinic. The primary outcomes were postoperative functional status, measured with the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and McCormick Scale (MMS), local recurrence (LR), and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included complications and readmissions. Results: A total of 311 patients underwent metastatic spine surgery (51.7% ED vs. 48.3% clinic). Those presenting to the ED had higher rates of smoking (21.7% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.02), were more likely to have 2+ comorbidities (47.2% vs. 32.7%, p = 0.011), and were more likely to have public insurance (43.5% vs. 32.0%, p = 0.043). Preoperative KPS was lower in ED patients (p < 0.001), while the Bilsky score was higher (p = 0.049). ED patients had higher rates of oligometastatic disease (p = 0.049), higher total decompressed levels (p = 0.041), and higher rates of costotransversectomy (p = 0.031) compared to clinic patients. Length of stay was significantly longer for ED patients (7.7 ± 6.1 vs. 6.1 ± 5.8 days, p = 0.020), and they were less likely to be discharged home (52.2% vs. 69.3%, p = 0.025). ED presentation was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (HR =1.53 95% CI = 1.13–2.08, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Of patients undergoing metastatic spine disease, approximately half presented through the ED vs. clinic. ED patients had higher rates of smoking, public insurance, and higher Bilsky score. ED patients also underwent more extensive surgery, had longer LOS, were less likely discharged home, and most importantly, had a shorter overall survival. These results suggest that initial presentation for patients undergoing surgery for metastatic spine disease significantly impacts outcomes, and signs/symptoms of metastatic spine disease should be recognized as soon as possible to prevent ED presentation. Full article

A genome-wide association study of resistance to retained placenta (RETP) using 632,212 Holstein cows and 74,747 SNPs identified 200 additive effects with p-values < 10⁻⁸ on thirteen chromosomes but no dominance effect was statistically significant. The regions of 87.61–88.74 Mb of Chr09 about 1.13 Mb in size had the most significant effect in LOC112448080 and other highly significant effects in CCDC170 and ESR1, and in or near RMND1 and AKAP12. Four non-ESR1 genes in this region were reported to be involved in ESR1 fusions in humans. Chr23 had the largest number of significant effects that peaked in SLC17A1, which was involved in urate metabolism and transport that could contribute to kidney disease. The PKHD1 gene contained seven significant effects and was downstream of another six significant effects. The ACOT13 gene also had a highly significant effect. Both PKHD1 and ACOT13 were associated with kidney disease. Another highly significant effect was upstream of BOLA-DQA2. The KITLG gene of Chr05 that acts in utero in germ cell and neural cell development, and hematopoiesis was upstream of a highly significant effect, contained a significant effect, and was between another two significant effects. The results of this study provided a new understanding of genetic factors underlying RETP in U.S. Holstein cows. Full article

Dependence on petroleum and petrochemical products is unsustainable; it is both a finite resource and an environmental hazard. Biodiesel has many attractive qualities, including a sustainable feedstock; however, it has its complications. The pyrolysis (a process already in common use in the petroleum industry) of biodiesel has demonstrated the formation of smaller hydrocarbons comprising many petrochemical products but experiments suffer from difficulty quantifying the myriad reaction pathways followed and products formed. A computational simulation of pyrolysis using “ab initio molecular dynamics” offers atomic-level detail of the reaction pathways and products formed. Herein, the most prevalent fatty-acid ester (methyl linoleate) from the most prevalent feedstock for biodiesel in the United States (soybean oil) is studied. Temperature acceleration within the atom-centered density matrix propagation formalism (Car–Parrinello) utilizing the D3-M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p) model chemistry is used to compose an ensemble of trajectories. The results are grounded in comparison to experimental studies through agreement in the following: (1) the extent of reactivity (40% in the experimental and 36.1% in this work), (2) the homology of hydrocarbon products formed (wt % of C₆–C₁₀ products), and (3) the CO/CO₂ product ratio. Deoxygenation pathways are critically analyzed (as the presence of oxygen in biodiesel represents a disadvantage in its current use). Within this ensemble, deoxygenation was found to proceed through two subclasses: (1) spontaneous deoxygenation, following one of four possible pathways; or (2) induced deoxygenation, following one of three possible pathways. Full article

Background and Aims: An increase in the number of cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin (HUO) in children was observed in 2021. Adenovirus and adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) infections have been suggested as possible triggers. However, the potential etiology is still unclear. We aimed to characterize a cohort of children with HUO in Israel in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Demographics, clinical data, and laboratory results on the children compatible with the CDC criteria for HUO were collected by the established registry of the Ministry of Health. Available specimens were sent to the Central Virology Laboratory. Results: A total of 39 children were included in the registry. A total of 20 were enrolled prospectively, in which human herpes virus 6 (HHV6) infection or reactivation was identified in 11/19, adenovirus was found in 4/19 of the cases, and AAV2 was detected in 2/16. Past COVID-19 exposure was recorded for 24/39 of the children. A total of 10 children underwent liver biopsy, and 8 were successfully treated with steroids and 2 underwent liver transplantation. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and the related containment measures combined with reactivation or active infection with other viruses could have been a trigger for the HUO outbreak. In our cohort, HHV6 was the most abundant finding. Full article

COVID-19 infection is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SAR-CoV-2). This novel virus has transformed into different resistant variants (e.g., omicron; delta; alpha; epsilon) since its first emergence in 2019. The National Institutes of Health and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines currently recommend adding either baricitinib or tocilizumab to the standard of care for severe COVID-19 treatment. An outcome comparison between baricitinib and tocilizumab is needed to determine which agent is more appropriate and safer in clinical practice when deciding treatment. We aimed to compare mortality and clinical outcomes between tocilizumab and baricitinib in the management of severe COVID-19 infection. A total of 5638 adult patients from 16 acute care hospitals in a large healthcare system in Texas were included in this multicentered retrospective cohort study. The median age of the patients was 56 years and 46.67% of them were female. Severe COVID-19 patients were treated with standard of care and either tocilizumab or baricitinib. The primary outcome of hospital admission mortality rates was found to be higher with tocilizumab (odd ratio (OR) of 1.56; p = 0.001; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.008) compared to that with baricitinib (OR 0.65; p = 0.001; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.84). For one of the secondary outcomes, patients who received tocilizumab were 3.75 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU than those receiving baricitinib (p = 0.001; 95% CI 2.89 to 4.85). Among the 1199 COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the ICU, the ICU length of stay was shorter among patients receiving baricitinib with a mean difference of 4.42 days and a median difference of 2.54 days, compared to those receiving tocilizumab (p < 0.0001; 95% CI −5.97 to −2.62) as another secondary outcome. Our large retrospective observational study showed that baricitinib reduced mortality; the likelihood of ICU admission; and the ICU length of stay compared to tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Full article

This article presents research results on the influence of the laser surface melting and alloying processes on the erosive wear resistance of ductile cast iron. For the research, an EN-GJS 350-22 ductile cast iron surface was laser-melted and laser-alloyed with titanium powder in an argon and nitrogen atmosphere. Solid-particle erosion tests were carried out on the laser-melted and -alloyed surface layers and the base material according to the ASTM G76-04 standard with 30° and 90° impingement angles. The erosive wear resistance results were correlated with Vickers hardness and microstructural test results with the use of SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction). The mechanisms of erosive wear were also analyzed for the laser-treated surface layers and the base material. The research showed that the laser melting and alloying processes with titanium powder had a positive effect on the hardness and erosive wear resistance of the ductile cast iron surface due to microstructure modification. Moreover, despite the lower hardness of the laser-alloyed surface layers, their composite microstructure had a positive impact on the erosive wear resistance in comparison to the laser-melted surface layers. Full article

One of the contemporary challenges facing urban areas is the necessity to identify novel approaches to resident involvement in solution creation, with a particular focus on ensuring the best possible nutrition. By investigating the process of co-participation of city dwellers in a unique education project, this paper aims to gain a deeper understanding of the health-related motivations that underpin the decision of early adopters of the implemented technological innovations to join the social experiment. The qualitative study employed purposive sampling and in-depth interviews conducted in two waves, the first between October and November 2022 and the second between September 2023 and January 2024. The study comprised 42 participants drawn from two communities of residents in Łódź and Warsaw, Poland. Transcriptions of the interviews were carried out using semantic field analysis, employing a quantitative approach that counts the frequency of keyword occurrences. Three categories of semantic fields were identified: associations, oppositions, and actions toward the subject, including positive, neutral, and negative temperatures. The findings demonstrate that the health concerns of residents are a pivotal factor in their decision to participate in urban food self-production initiatives, given their limited access to nutritious and healthy vegetables. This is related to several factors, including restrictions related to urbanization and the displacement of local suppliers, lifestyle, and the fast pace of urban life. The dissemination of innovative solutions for growing food in urban environments could, therefore, facilitate awareness-raising and motivation to alter the dietary habits of inhabitants. Full article

Drying agricultural produce consumes a considerable amount of energy. As an energy-efficient system, a heat pump can improve the energy efficiency of the drying process and hence reduce the energy consumption, especially in South Africa, where both sub-tropical and temperate weather conditions dominate. The objective of this research is to experimentally investigate the impacts of weather conditions on the operational conditions and thermal performance of an open-loop air-source heat pump drying system. The experimental investigation was conducted in a climate chamber where the climate conditions were simulated from −10 °C to 20 °C with an interval of 10 °C for the typical temperature range of the harvesting season in South Africa. The findings indicate that ambient temperatures have a significant impact on both the operating conditions and thermal performance of an open-loop heat pump system; the change in ambient temperatures from −10 °C to 20 °C leads to a 141.6% improvement in the suction pressure, a 214.2% increase in the discharge pressure, and 30.1% increase in the compression ratio, as well as a consequent increase of 130.6% in the refrigerant mass flow rate (from 0.0067 to 0.0155 kg/s), resulting in a corresponding increase in the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump drying system by about 42.1%. Therefore, this study suggests that, while using an open-loop air-source heat pump drying system utilising R134a refrigerant is feasible in South Africa, it may be practically limited to regions with warm climates or during warmer seasons. Full article

Histoplasma capsulatum causes a fungal respiratory disease. Some studies suggest that the fungus requires zinc to consolidate the infection. This study aimed to investigate the influence of zinc and the metal chelator TPEN on the growth of Histoplasma in planktonic and biofilm forms. The results showed that zinc increased the metabolic activity, cell density, and cell viability of planktonic growth. Similarly, there was an increase in biofilm metabolic activity but no increase in biomass or extracellular matrix production. N′-N,N,N,N–tetrakis–2-pyridylmethylethane–1,2 diamine (TPEN) dramatically reduced the same parameters in the planktonic form and resulted in a decrease in metabolic activity, biomass, and extracellular matrix production for the biofilm form. Therefore, the unprecedented observations in this study highlight the importance of zinc ions for the growth, development, and proliferation of H. capsulatum cells and provide new insights into the role of metal ions for biofilm formation in the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma, which could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Full article

Based on the 2017 data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS), the conditional process analysis method was used to explore the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being, as well as the mediating effect of social capital and the moderating effect of Internet use. This study found that the effect of physical exercise on subjective well-being includes both direct effects and indirect effects. Physical exercise directly and positively affects SWB and partially affects SWB through social networks as a mediating variable. Additionally, Internet use can moderate the direct effect of physical exercise on SWB and the mediating effect of social networks on the relationship between the two. As the frequency of Internet use increases, the link between physical exercise and social capital weakens, resulting in a decreased promotion effect on SWB. The results of this study further reveal the internal mechanism linking physical exercise and the improvement of SWB, which is of great significance for enhancing the accessibility of physical exercise facilities and promoting a healthy online lifestyle, ultimately leading to improved well-being among residents. Full article

Red ginseng extract is one of the most widely used herbal medicines to prevent and cure various diseases. Among the processed products derived from red ginseng, the water-insoluble part as red ginseng residual (RGR) becomes waste, even though it contains important ingredients. TEMPO-oxidation (TO) can be used as a pre-treatment with different degrees of oxidation (DO) (0 to 0.4) in red ginseng residual (RGR-TO) by introducing chemical oxidation and high-pressure homogenizer (HPH) as a nanofibrillation process. ¹H NMR was used to determine the carbohydrate composition and calculate DO, size was examined using a nanoparticle analyzer, and the zeta potential was used to determine surface charge density. RGR-TO with different concentrations had different compositions; glucose and uronic acid were the main ingredients. All treated RGR-TO showed higher oxidant levels than the untreated counterpart (RGR-TO 0). As the oxidant levels increased, the zeta potential and uronic acid increased, but the size of the nanofibril from RGR-TO decreased. The results of this study showed that TEMPO-oxidation pretreatment was effective in producing RGR cellulose nanofibril (CNF) with a variety of properties by adjusting the level of oxidation pretreatment and the number of HPH passes. Full article

The escalation of global obesity is driving research to understand environmental influences on this process, particularly during vulnerable developmental stages such as childhood and adolescence. Efforts include the development of various structured data collection tools. We aimed to adapt a series of previously validated questionnaires from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE), the Child Feeding Questionnaire, and elements from the World Health Organization Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in order to assess local lifestyle patterns among Romanian high school students and their families that may predispose them to obesity. To this goal, an expert committee was formed as part of a research partnership to oversee the questionnaire’s translation and adaptation. It consisted of education and school management specialists, clinical research professionals, language experts, and public health experts. The adapted questionnaires were then applied to 114 students enrolled in the 9th and 10th grades attending a high school situated in Sibiu, and their parents. The variables measured were investigated for correlations with overweight and obesity and, as a secondary objective, academic performance. The study revealed several critical findings, including suboptimal sleep durations and physical activity levels among students, a significant amount of screen time, and correlations between weight status and physical activity, sedentary time, and maternal weight status and education levels. The adapted questionnaires proved to be effective tools in capturing the multifaceted factors implicated in adolescent obesity, providing a foundation for targeted interventions and broader public health strategies to address this issue. Full article

As a novel technology for slope protection, living stumps have demonstrated the ability to significantly enhance slope stability. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of living-stump root systems and their reinforcement mechanisms on slopes through three-dimensional modeling tests. Using ABS materials, a 3D model of a living elm stump was created via 3D printing; this was followed by slope model testing. The reinforcement mechanisms of living stumps were examined through a combination of model testing and numerical simulation. The results reveal that the presence of living stumps in the lower and middle sections of a slope causes the maximum-shear-stress zone of the soil to shift deeper. The stress distribution around the living stump is notably improved owing to the lateral root system. Living stumps positioned in the lower part of the slope intersect the potential sliding surface, gradually transferring soil shear stress to the root system through root–soil interactions. Furthermore, the tap roots and lateral roots of living stumps form a robust spatial network that can collectively withstand soil shear stress, thereby enhancing slope stability. Full article

In recent years, optical fibers have found extensive use in special environments, including high-energy radiation scenarios like nuclear explosion diagnostics and reactor monitoring. However, radiation exposure, such as X-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons, can compromise fiber safety and reliability. Consequently, researchers worldwide are focusing on radiation-resistant fiber optic technology. This paper examines optical fiber radiation damage mechanisms, encompassing ionization damage, displacement damage, and defect centers. It also surveys the current research on radiation-resistant fiber optic design, including doping and manufacturing process improvements. Ultimately, it summarizes the effectiveness of various approaches and forecasts the future of radiation-resistant optical fibers. Full article

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a single transmembrane protein on the cell surface. Given its strong expression on epithelial cells and epithelial cell-derived tumors, EpCAM has been identified as a biomarker for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and exosomes and a target for cancer therapy. As a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has a crystal structure that indicates that it forms a cis-dimer first and then probably a trans-tetramer to mediate intercellular adhesion. Through regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments are also able to regulate multiple signaling pathways, Wnt signaling in particular. Although great progress has been made, increasingly more findings have revealed the context-specific expression and function patterns of EpCAM and their regulation processes, which necessitates further studies to determine the structure, function, and expression of EpCAM under both physiological and pathological conditions, broadening its application in basic and translational cancer research. Full article

This work continues the study of the process of friction between a steel spherical indenter and a soft elastic elastomer previously published in our paper. It is done in the context of our previous experimental results obtained on systems with strongly pronounced adhesive interaction between the surfaces of contacting bodies during the process of friction between a steel spherical indenter and a soft elastic elastomer. In the present paper, we concentrate on the theoretical study of the processes developing in a vertical cross-section of the system. For continuity, here the case of indenter motion at a low speed at different indentation depths is considered as before. The analysis of the evolution of normal and tangential contact forces, mean normal pressure, tangential stresses, as well as the size of the contact area is performed. Despite its relative simplicity, a numerical two-dimensional (2D = 1 + 1) model, which is used here, satisfactorily reproduces experimentally observed effects. Furthermore, it allows direct visualization of the motion in the vertical cross-section of the system, which is currently invisible experimentally. Partially, it recalls two-dimensional (2D = 1 + 1) models recently proposed to describe the “turbulent” shear flow of solids under torsion and in cellular materials. The observations extracted from the model help us to understand better the adhesive processes that underlie the experimental results. Full article

The application of diffusive and reflective polyethylene (PE) films as greenhouse coverings in arid climates presents an opportunity to improve the microclimate of the greenhouse and achieve consistent light distribution within the crop canopy. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the properties of these covers and their impact on the microclimate and the growth parameters of crops. This study aimed to assess the impact of different covers on the diffusion of beam radiation during transmission, microclimatic parameters, and growth parameters of cucumbers in each of the greenhouses they covered. In the study, three PE covers were evaluated: a reflective cover (RC), a diffusive film (DC), and a locally produced cover (LPC) as the control treatment. The covers were installed on three identical, single-span, evaporatively cooled greenhouses named GH1/LPC, GH2/RC, and GH3/DC, which were utilized for cultivating cucumber crops. The results indicated that the diffusive nature of the tested films increased the ratio of diffuse to global solar radiation (D/G) from 0.22 outside the greenhouses to 0.49, 0.42, and 0.41 inside GH1/LPC, GH3/DC, and GH2/RC, respectively. Similarly, the ratio of diffuse to direct beam radiation (D/B) showed an increase, with values of 0.95, 0.70, and 0.68 inside GH1/LPC, GH3/DC, and GH2/RC, respectively, compared to the outside value of 0.28. The DC used in GH3 showed a favorable microclimate by reducing the air temperature and improving the relative humidity. Accordingly, the vegetative growth of the cucumbers was significantly improved in GH3/DC, reflected in increases in their biomass, followed by GH2/RC and GH1/LPC. The highest crop yield (p ≤ 0.05) of 12.3 kg/m² was achieved in GH3/DC, followed by 10.2 kg/m² in GH2/RC and 10.1 kg/m² in GH1/LPC. Interestingly, the LPC not only stood out as a low-cost option but also displayed excellent diffusive–radiative properties, and demonstrated reasonable growth development and productivity for the cucumber crops. Consequently, the LPC emerges as a practical and cost-effective greenhouse covering material for crop production in arid climates. Full article

The ongoing technical innovation is fully involving transportation sector, converting the usual mass-transit system toward a sustainable mobility. Make-or-buy decision are usually adopted to assess different solutions in terms of costs-benefits to put in place strategic choices regarding in-house production or from an external supplier. This can also be reflected on maintenance operations, thus replicating a similar approach to transport companies involved. This paper aims to present a decision-making model by means of a multi-criteria analysis to lead make-or-buy choices adapted to maintenance. A brief introduction into the actual mobility context is provided, evaluating global and national trends with respect to the mobility solutions offered. Then, a focus is set on maintenance approaches in mobility sector and the need of a make-or-buy decision process is considered. The decision-making path is developed through a multi-criteria framework based on eigenvector weighing assessment, where different Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are identified and exploited to assess the maintenance approach at stake. Results allow to compare the solution offered by the different scenarios considered. In particular, for the case study of interest a −35% decrease in maintenance specific cost and −44% in cost variability were found. Reliability of the fleet was kept at an acceptable level compared to the reference in-house maintenance (≥90%) while an increase in the Mean Time Between Failure was observed. For the purposes of a small company, the method can address the choice of outsourcing maintenance as the best. Finally, a general trend is then extrapolated from the analysis performed, in order to constitute a decision guideline. Full article

In order to provide insights into how various page views are influenced by public engagement with weather information and to shed light on the patterns of warning issuance across different seasons and regions, this study analyzes the multi-dimensional characteristics of city weather forecast page views and the spatiotemporal characteristics of early warning information in China, from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2023. This is achieved by utilizing the daily page views of city weather forecasts and meteorological warning data, comparing the public’s attention to weather during holidays versus regular days, assessing the public’s attention to weather under different meteorological warning levels, and performing statistical analysis of the spatiotemporal scale of meteorological disasters. Our analysis shows that compared to weekends and holidays, the public pays more attention to the weather on weekdays, and the difference between weekdays and national statutory holidays is more significant. Due to the widespread impact of heat waves, typhoons, severe convective weather, and geological disasters caused by heavy rainfall, public awareness and participation in flood season weather forecasting have significantly increased. Under red alerts, flash floods, typhoons, and geological risks are the primary concerns. Orange alerts predominantly feature flash floods, rainstorms, typhoons, snowstorms, and cold waves, while sandstorms attract the most attention during yellow alerts. Droughts, however, receive relatively less attention regardless of the warning level. Seasonal patterns in the issuance of meteorological warnings reveal a peak in summer, particularly with typhoons and rainstorms being the main concerns in July, followed by high temperatures and additional typhoon warnings in August. Heavy sea surface wind warnings exhibit a strong seasonal trend, with the majority issued during the winter months. Regionally, southern China experiences the highest frequency of severe convection weather warnings, with provinces such as Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Hunan being the most affected. Full article

Caregivers often use paracetamol in the management of pediatric illnesses without a clear rationale. This study evaluated the perception and practices of caregivers regarding the use of paracetamol in children in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. This study involved a cross-sectional design involving 373 caregivers of children under twelve. The questionnaire elucidated the reasons, usage frequency, and safe usage practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Most caregivers were in the age range of 31–40 years, and with intermediate education. Paracetamol was mainly used for fever, generalized pain and, diarrhea, with fewer opting for other self-care measures. Caregivers with primary or less education were more likely to perceive paracetamol as safe (AOR = 2.98 (1.3–6.73), p = 0.009) and less inclined to check warning labels (AOR: 0.11 (0.05–0.25), p < 0.001) and expiry dates (AOR: 0.063 (0.027–0.14), p < 0.001). The caregiver’s education level significantly influenced the determination of treatment duration (χ² = 21.58 (4), p < 0.001), dosage (χ² = 30.70 (4), p < 0.001), and frequency of administration (χ² = 17.77 (4), p = 0.001). In conclusion, inadequate health literacy can result in a lack of attention towards crucial safety information about pediatric paracetamol use. Hence, counselling initiatives should be undertaken to ensure the safe and effective use of paracetamol in children. Full article

An efficient treatment plan using a temporary anchorage device should be built following the principle of reducing the number of tads to obtain a multiple biomechanical advantage. The following case report concerns the Biga system, a strategy that supports orthodontists during class II corrections and vertical control through treatment. A 12-year-old girl with a high angle of skeletal class II was selected. A novel biomechanical strategy was effectively applied using two tads on the upper arch to obtain sequential distalization of the upper teeth and to correct the lower arch spee curve using third-class elastics. Eventually, on the same tads, a double cantilever was applied to control the overbite and intrusion during incisors’ retraction. The Biga system is an easy biomechanical strategy that ensures the three-dimensional control of treatment mechanics in class II patients. Full article

The traditional method of allocating passenger seats based on compartments does not effectively manage an aircraft’s center of gravity (CG), resulting in a notable divergence from the desired target CG (TCG). In this work, the Boeing B737-800 aircraft was employed as a case study, and row-based and compartment-based integer programming models for passenger allocation were examined and constructed with the aim of addressing the current situation. The accuracy of CG control was evaluated by comparing the row-based and compartment-based allocation techniques, taking into account different bodyweights and numbers of passengers. The key contribution of this research is to broaden the range of the mobilizable set for the aviation weight and balance (AWB) model, resulting in a significant reduction in the range of deviations in the center of gravity outcomes by a factor of around 6 to 16. The effectiveness of the row-based allocation approach and the impact of passenger weight randomness on the deviation of an airplane’s CG were also investigated in this study. The Monte Carlo method was utilized to quantify the uncertainty associated with passenger weight, resulting in the generation of the posterior distribution of the aircraft’s center of gravity (CG) deviation. The outcome of the row-based model test is the determination of the range of passenger numbers that can be effectively allocated under different TCG conditions. Full article