In order to achieve the goal of effectively utilizing solid waste resources and improving mining stability, it is necessary to incorporate various types of solid wastes in the production of cemented backfill. For investigating the compressive strength and damage characteristics of Cement–Fly Ash–Slag–Gangue (CFSG) cemented backfill under loading, real-time X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanning was employed to capture two-dimensional (2D) grayscale slices and three-dimensional (3D) fracture models during uniaxial compression testing. The study quantitatively assessed the evolution of cracks and microstructural damage in CFSG cemented backfill. The results indicate that the specimens underwent four stages of transformation, including compaction, linear elasticity, yielding, and residual deformation, during the uniaxial compression process. The specimens exhibited a measured compressive strength of 3.44 MPa and a failure strain of 0.95%. As the axial strain increased, there was an increase in 2D porosity observed in the CT images and a greater dispersion of crack distribution. A 3D model constructed from CT slices illustrated the feature of cracking expansion, with the fracture volume gradually increasing during the elastic deformation phase and experiencing rapid growth during the yielding and residual deformation phases. The damage variable, obtained from the volume of 3D cracks, exhibited a slow-growth pattern, characterized by a rapid increase followed by a more gradual rise with the increase in axial strain. This study serves as a significant reference for comprehending the micro-mechanisms involved in the damage process and cracking characteristics of cemented backfill mixed with solid wastes under external loading conditions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) represents one of the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted diseases. This study aims to explore the relationship between HLA alleles/genotypes/haplotypes and C. trachomatis infection to better understand high-risk individuals and potential complications. Materials and Methods: This prospective study recruited participants from Transylvania, Romania. Patients with positive NAAT tests for C. trachomatis from cervical/urethral secretion or urine were compared with controls regarding HLA-DR and -DQ alleles. DNA extraction for HLA typing was performed using venous blood samples. Results: Our analysis revealed that the presence of the DRB1*13 allele significantly heightened the likelihood of C. trachomatis infection (p = 0.017). Additionally, we observed that individuals carrying the DRB1*01/DRB1*13 and DQB1*03/DQB1*06 genotype had increased odds of C. trachomatis infection. Upon adjustment, the association between the DRB1*01/DRB1*13 genotype and C. trachomatis remained statistically significant. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of specific HLA alleles and genotypes in influencing susceptibility to C. trachomatis infection. These results highlight the intricate relationship between host genetics and disease susceptibility, offering valuable insights for targeted prevention efforts and personalized healthcare strategies. Full article

Spontaneous remissions (SRs) in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms (BPDCNs) are infrequent, poorly documented, and transient. We report a 40-year-old man presenting with bycitopenia and soft tissue infection. The bone marrow exhibited 3% abnormal cells. Immunophenotyping of these cells revealed the antigens CD45+ (dim), CD34+, CD117+, CD123+ (bright), HLA-DR+ (bimodal), CD56+ (bright), CD33+, CD13+, CD2+, and CD22+ (dim) and the partial expression of the CD10+, CD36+, and CD7+ antigens. All other myeloid, monocytic, and lymphoid antigens were negative. Genetic studies showed a complex karyotype and mutations in the TP53^R337C and KRAS^G12D genes. On hospital admission, the patient showed a subcutaneous nodule on the right hand and left lower limb. Flow cytometry multiparameter (FCM) analysis showed the presence of 29% abnormal cells with the previously described immunophenotype. The patient was diagnosed with BPDCN. The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for soft tissue infection, which delayed therapy for BPDCN. No steroids or chemotherapeutic or hypomethylating agents were administered. His blood cell counts improved and skin lesions disappeared, until the patient relapsed five months after achieving spontaneous remission. About 60% of abnormal cells were identified. No changes in immunophenotype or the results of genetic studies were observed. The patient underwent a HyperCVAD chemotherapy regimen for six cycles. Consolidation therapy was performed via allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with an HLA-unrelated donor. One year after the bone marrow transplant, the patient died due to the progression of his underlying disease, coinciding with a respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. In the available literature, SRs are often linked to infections or other stimulators of the immune system, suggesting that powerful immune activation could play a role in controlling the leukemic clone. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon is not clearly understood. We hypothesize that the immune system would force the leukemic stem cell (LSC) to undergo a state of quiescence. This loss of replication causes the LSC progeny to die off, resulting in the SR of BPDCN. Full article

Nearly 60% of asthmatics in the USA suffer from obesity. Asthma is a comorbid condition alongside obesity, commonly accompanied by conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The positive effect of bariatric surgery on patients suffering from hypertension and type 2 diabetes, which leads to either a reduction in the dose of medication taken for the aforementioned diseases or the withdrawal of the disease, is quite well proven in the literature. Currently, the impact of bariatric operations on the control and course of bronchial asthma and pharmacological treatment has not been fully recognized and described, requiring further research; therefore, the following review of the literature was conducted. Full article

A detailed understanding of the interactions between wax and asphaltenes with other components of crude oils and the effect of treatments with paraffin inhibitors (PIs) and asphaltene dispersants (ADs), with a focus on identifying specific structure-activity relationships, is necessary to develop effective flow assurance strategies. The morphological and rheological consequences of treating wax and asphaltenes in oils of differing composition with a series of ADs having structural features in common with an alpha olefin-maleic anhydride (AO-MA) comb-like copolymer PI were assessed alone and in combination with said PI. Of the four ADs studied, two were identified as being effective dispersants of asphaltenes in heptane-induced instability tests and in a West Texas (WT) crude. The degree to which a low concentration of asphaltenes stabilizes wax in the absence of treatment additives is lessened in oils having greater aromatic fractions. This is because these stabilizing interactions are replaced by more energetically favorable aromatic–asphaltene interactions, increasing oil viscosity. Treatment with AD alone also reduces the extent of wax–asphaltene interactions, increasing oil viscosity. In concert with the PI, treatment with the AD having greater structural similarity with the PI appears to improve wax solubility in both the presence and absence of asphaltenes. However, the viscosity of the treated oils is greater than that of the oil treated with PI alone, while treatment with AD having lesser structural similarity with the PI does not adversely affect oil viscosity. These data suggest that rather than treating both wax and asphaltenes, AD may poison the function of the PI. These data illuminate the pitfalls of designing flow assurance additives to interact with both wax and asphaltenes and developing treatment plans. Full article

Analyzing two key figures in Elif Shafak’s novel The Island of Missing Trees—a schoolgirl’s scream and a narrating fig tree—this essay analyzes the intersection between susceptibility and resilience, particularly as these terms are developed in psychology, trauma studies, and ecology. I argue that the novel’s resonant scream critiques the discourse of psychological resilience on multiple counts: its inadequacy as a response to complex trauma, its focus on autonomous individuals, its assumption that responsibility for resilience rests on victims rather than perpetrators of harm, its construction of a “resistance imperative” and its disavowal of the inequalities in access to resilience-building resources. By contrast, the novel’s fig tree, I contend, exemplifies an ecological model of resilience rooted in a recognition of the interdependence of the multiple and diverse organisms that comprise an ecosystem, and of susceptibility as an advantageous suite of capacities that are crucial to resilience. These contrasting conceptions of resilience lead me to advocate for a politics of susceptibility, an eco-psychosocial politics based on the recognition that individuals cannot become resilient on their own, through their own volition, intention, or “self-efficacy”, and that focuses instead on building systemic and sustainable forms of resilience inclusive of the diverse subjects that comprise a community, society or ecosystem; that, rather than fetishizing independence, liberty and rights, fortifies interdependence and reinforces mutual responsibilities; and that rather than exploiting susceptibility as a weakness, nurtures it as the soul of resilience itself. Full article

Physalis philadelphica, a member of the Solanaceae family, commonly known as Physalis, is a one-year-old herbaceous plant with both medicinal and edible properties, as well as ornamental value. At present, only limited research is available on the flower color of P. philadelphica. This study aimed to elucidate the metabolic characteristics underlying the flower color of P. philadelphica and to identify key genes associated with flower color metabolism. We selected two representative varieties of P. philadelphica with significant differences in flower color, namely, “Tieba” (yellow flower) and “Qingjin” (yellow-purple flower), as the experimental materials. The analysis of related pigment components and the determination of relative content by high-performance liquid chromatography were conducted to investigate the flower color-related metabolic pathways of P. philadelphica. Through next-generation sequencing, these pathways were further investigated for the characteristics and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with flower color formation. The results of the research show that: Anthocyanin is the main component of petal coloring of P. philadelphica var. Qingjin, while malvidin pigment, pelargonidin, delphinidin, and cyanidin are the main components of flower color intensity. Carotenoids are the main components of the petal coloring of P. philadelphica var. Tieba and β-carotene is the main component of flower color intensity. Comparing different developmental stages of these two kinds of Physalis pubescens, we identified two key transcription factors (TFs) (eBP and STAT) that were involved in the inhibition of anthocyanin synthesis and regulate the inhibition of pf05G124640 (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase) and pf09G224140 (anthocyanin synthase) in anthocyanin synthesis. One heat shock transcription factor was found to regulate the flavonoid and flavonol synthesis pathway of pf01G020090 (anthocyanin 3-O-glucosyltransferase); two key TFs (NAC and G2-Like), pf10G255070 (isoricin dehydrogenase) and pf09G237080 (abscisic acid 8′-hydroxylase), played important roles in carotene biosynthesis. This study provides new insights for further exploration of the genetic diversity of petal coloring in P. philadelphica and establishes a foundation for subsequent molecular breeding efforts. Full article

This study aims to optimize the thermodynamic performance of a cold storage distribution box through the integration of a ventilation system. To achieve this goal, a prototype constructed from expanded polystyrene is developed, incorporating an active ventilation system to ensure cold temperature uniformity. Thermocouples are integrated into the device to monitor the temporal temperature evolution with and without ventilation. Concurrently, a 2D thermo-aerodynamic investigation is conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The numerical modeling of the thermodynamic behavior of the cold source employs polynomial laws as input data for the computational code (UDF functions). A comparison between experimental and numerical results reveals the computational code’s accurate prediction of the temporal temperature evolution in the cold storage distribution box, particularly under forced convection conditions. The findings indicate that in the absence of ventilation, thermal exchanges primarily occur through air conduction, whereas with ventilation, exchanges are facilitated by convection. Overall, forced convection induced by the inclusion of a ventilation device enhances thermal transfers and the thermodynamic performance of the cold storage distribution box. Furthermore, air mixing limits thermal stratification, thereby facilitating temperature homogenization. Full article

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is an eye disease caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae that affects domestic and wild caprines, including Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica), a medium-sized mountain ungulate. However, its role in IKC dynamics in multi-host communities has been poorly studied. This study assessed M. conjunctivae in Iberian ibex and seasonally sympatric domestic small ruminants in the Natural Space of Sierra Nevada (NSSN), a mountain habitat in southern Spain. From 2015 to 2017, eye swabs were collected from 147 ibexes (46 subadults, 101 adults) and 169 adult domestic small ruminants (101 sheep, 68 goats). Mycoplasma conjunctivae was investigated through real-time qPCR and statistically assessed according to species, sex, age category, year, period, and area. The lppS gene of M. conjunctivae was sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was endemic and asymptomatic in the host community of the NSSN. Three genetic clusters were shared by ibex and livestock, and one was identified only in sheep, although each host species could maintain the infection independently. Naïve subadults maintained endemic infection in Iberian ibex, with an epizootic outbreak in 2017 when the infection spread to adults. Wild ungulates are epidemiologically key in maintaining and spreading IKC and other shared diseases among spatially segregated livestock flocks. Full article

It is postulated that there is negative correlation between milk yield and reproductive performance. However, some studies definitely doubt this causality. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between milk production and fertility on three dairy farms. The production parameter was the milk yield (in kg), and fertility was expressed by the number of inseminations per conception (AI index), as well as by the length of the service period (in days). A total of 13 012 lactations from cows with their first three lactations completed were analysed. The number of inseminations was significantly correlated with the milk yield and with the studied farm (p < 0.0001), but its correlation with the lactation number was not significant (p = 0.9477). A similar relationship was found after evaluating the length of the service period. A multiplicative model showed that a 2000 kg milk increase extended the service period by 9% and increased the AI index by 13%. Thereafter, using quartiles of the cows, the service period of the highest-producing group rose by 41.5 days, and the AI index by almost 1, compared to the lowest quartile. Our results indicate a definitive decline in reproductive indicators parallel to an increase in milk production but did not prove an inevitable correlation. Full article

Microbial nitrogen sources are promising, and soy protein as a plant-based nitrogen source has absolute advantages in creating microbial culture medium in terms of renewability, eco-friendliness, and greater safety. Soy protein is rich in variety due to different extraction technologies and significantly different in the cell growth and metabolism of microorganisms as nitrogen source. Therefore, different soy proteins (soy meal powder, SMP; soy peptone, SP; soy protein concentrate, SPC; soy protein isolate, SPI; and soy protein hydrolysate, SPH) were used as nitrogen sources to culture Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus lactis, and Streptomyces clavuligerus to evaluate the suitable soy nitrogen sources of the above strains. The results showed that B. subtilis had the highest bacteria density in SMP medium; S. lactis had the highest bacteria density in SPI medium; and S. clavuligerus had the highest PMV in SPI medium. Nattokinase activity was the highest in SP medium; the bacteriostatic effect of nisin was the best in SPI medium; and the clavulanic acid concentration was the highest in SMP medium. Based on analyzing the correlation between the nutritional composition and growth metabolism of the strains, the results indicated that the protein content and amino acid composition were the key factors influencing the cell growth and metabolism of the strains. These findings present a new, high-value application opportunity for soybean protein. Full article

Fresh-cut potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are susceptible to browning and microbial contamination during storage. In this study, the effects of trans-2-hexenal (E2H), ascorbic acid (VC), dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), and the combined treatment of E2H, VC, and DMDC on quality deterioration in fresh-cut potatoes were investigated. The response surface methodology (RSM) demonstrated that E2H, VC, and DMDC concentrations of 0.010%, 0.65%, and 240 mg/L, respectively, were the optimum conditions for fresh-cut potato preservation. Further analysis showed that the combined treatment of E2H, VC, and DMDC was the most effective method of reducing quality deterioration in potatoes compared to the control and individual treatments. Furthermore, the combined treatment of E2H, VC, and DMDC could decrease the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via improving antioxidant enzyme activities. Meanwhile, energy-metabolism-related enzyme activities and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity were enhanced, while γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) activity was reduced via the combined treatment of E2H, VC, and DMDC, which contributed to maintaining high energy levels and GABA content in potatoes. These findings suggested that the combined treatment of E2H, VC, and DMDC could protect membrane integrity through enhancing antioxidant capacity, energy levels, and GABA content to maintain quality in fresh-cut potatoes. Full article

The impact of cryogenic pretreatments on drying performance was studied in blueberries, seabuckthorn fruits and green grapes. The fruits were immersed in liquid nitrogen in 2 min freezing/thawing cycles (one to five). Untreated samples were used as the control. Drying experiments were carried out on treated and non-treated berries at 50 °C and 1 m/s (hot-air-drying), 50 °C and 25″ Hg vacuum (vacuum-drying), 30 mTorr total pressure and 25 °C shelf temperature (freeze-drying). The weight loss evolution of the foodstuffs was measured as a function of time. Microscopic (SEM and optical) determinations of the epicarp were performed. A visual inspection was performed and color changes and volume reductions were assessed before and after dehydration. The thickness of the berries’ epicarp decreased between 20 and 50% (depending on the fruit) after 3–5 immersions in liquid N2. The drying kinetics was accelerated significantly for the three tested drying processes (i.e., drying time decreased from 48 to 16 h for blueberry freeze-drying). The best quality of dried berries was observed for pretreated blueberries after freeze-drying, keeping their volume, shape and color after the process. This work shows that “tailor-made” dried berry products with desired properties can be achieved and drying performance can be improved by the application of ultra-low temperature pretreatments. Full article

An analysis of the features of measurements and correction of phase distortions in optical waves propagating in the atmosphere at various levels of turbulence was performed. It is shown that with increasing intensity fluctuations, the limiting capabilities of phase correction decrease, and the phase of an optical wave that has passed through a turbulence layer consists of two components: potential and vortex. It was found that even in the region of weak fluctuations there is an overlap of spectral filtering functions for intensity and phase fluctuations. Areas of turbulence inhomogeneities have been identified that will have mutual influence and negatively affect the operation of the phase meter. It is noted that correlation functions, both phase and intensity, are less susceptible to this compared to structural functions. The results of experimental studies on the reconstruction of the wavefront of laser radiation distorted by atmospheric turbulence using a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor during vignetting and central screening of the entrance pupil in the optical system are presented. Studies have been carried out on the propagation of laser radiation along a horizontal atmospheric path for various levels of turbulence. The results are analyzed in terms of Zernike polynomials. Full article

We present experimental results for the controlled mitigation of the electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) produced in the interactions of a 1 PW high-power 30 fs Ti:Sa laser VEGA-3 with solid-density targets transparent to laser-forward-accelerated relativistic electrons. This study aims at the band of very high frequencies (VHFs), i.e., those in the hundreds of MHz, which comprise the fundamental cavity modes of the rectangular VEGA-3 vacuum chamber. We demonstrate mode suppression by a tailoring of the laser-produced space charge distribution. Full article

This study investigates the determinants of trading activity in the U.S. corporate bond market, focusing on the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and macroeconomic announcements. Employing the General-to-Specific (Gets) Autometrics methodology, we identify distinct behavioral responses between retail and institutional investors to SAD, noting a significant impact on retail trading volumes but not on institutional trading or bond returns. This discovery extends the understanding of behavioral finance within the context of bond markets, diverging from established findings in equity and Treasury markets. Additionally, our analysis delineates the influence of macroeconomic announcements on trading activities, offering new insights into the market’s reaction to economic news. This study’s findings contribute to the broader literature on market microstructure and behavioral finance, providing empirical evidence on the interplay between psychological factors and macroeconomic information flow within corporate bond markets. By addressing these specific aspects with rigorous econometric techniques, our research enhances the comprehension of trading dynamics in less transparent markets, offering valuable perspectives for academics, investors, risk managers, and policymakers. Full article

Insurance pricing is the process of determining the premiums that policyholders pay in exchange for insurance coverage. In order to estimate premiums, actuaries use statistical based methods, assessing various factors such as the probability of certain events occurring (like accidents or damages), where the Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) are the industry standard method. Traditional GLM approaches face limitations due to non-differentiable loss functions and expansive variable spaces, including both main and interaction terms. In this study, we address the challenge of selecting relevant variables for GLMs used in non-life insurance pricing both for frequency or severity analyses, amidst an increasing volume of data and variables. We propose a novel application of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to efficiently identify pertinent main and interaction effects in GLMs, even in scenarios with a high variable count and diverse loss functions. Our approach uniquely aligns GLM predictions with those of black box machine learning models, enhancing their interpretability and reliability. Using a publicly available non-life motor data set, we demonstrate the GA’s effectiveness by comparing its selected GLM with a Gradient Boosted Machine (GBM) model. The results show a strong consistency between the main and interaction terms identified by GA for the GLM and those revealed in the GBM analysis, highlighting the potential of our method to refine and improve pricing models in the insurance sector. Full article

(1) Background: The most important part of an orthodontic attachment (bracket or tube) is the tube or slot for the insertion of the orthodontic wire. Aligning teeth along the archwire according to angular values preadjusted in the bracket slots (or tubes) requires a very precise size accordance between the archwires and slots. The aim of this study was to perform a nanotomographic analysis of the geometric features of molar tubes for direct bonding in terms of their dimensions and angles of their inner walls and analyze the presence of metallurgic imperfections. (2) Methods: Orthodontic tubes (n = 100) for upper right first molars from five different manufacturers (3M-Victory Series, Adenta-Bond Sing, Dentaurum-Ortho Cast M, GC-L LP, and ORMCO-Accent), 20 tubes each, were subjected to nanotomographic analysis. Measurements of the inner channel of the tubes, angles between the walls, and analysis of metallurgic imperfections were performed using high-resolution computed tomography. (3) Results: height measurements differed by 4–14% from ideal values declared by manufacturers, whereas the angles ranged from reducing by a maximum 1% comparing to values declared (hypodivergent walls) to increasing by a maximum 4.5% (divergent walls). (4) Conclusions: 1. The sizes of channels measured were slightly larger than those declared by manufacturers. 2. Slight deviations in wall parallelism and angles between the walls were found. 3. Some tubes were characterized by manufacturing defects of the metal. 4. Efforts should be made to further improve the production process of orthodontic attachments. Full article

Periodontal defects present a significant challenge in dentistry, necessitating innovative solutions for comprehensive regeneration. Traditional restoration methods have inherent limitations in achieving complete and functional periodontal tissue reconstruction. Tissue engineering, a multidisciplinary approach integrating cells, biomaterials, and bioactive factors, holds tremendous promise in addressing this challenge. Central to tissue engineering strategies are scaffolds, pivotal in supporting cell behavior and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Natural and synthetic materials have been extensively explored, each offering unique advantages in terms of biocompatibility and tunable properties. The integration of growth factors and stem cells further amplifies the regenerative potential, contributing to enhanced tissue healing and functional restoration. Despite significant progress, challenges persist. Achieving the seamless integration of regenerated tissues, establishing proper vascularization, and developing biomimetic scaffolds that faithfully replicate the natural periodontal environment are ongoing research endeavors. Collaborative efforts across diverse scientific disciplines are essential to overcoming these hurdles. This comprehensive review underscores the critical need for continued research and development in tissue engineering strategies for periodontal regeneration. By addressing current challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, we can unlock the full regenerative potential, paving the way for transformative advancements in periodontal care. This research not only enhances our understanding of periodontal tissues but also offers innovative approaches that can revolutionize dental therapies, improving patient outcomes and reshaping the future of periodontal treatments. Full article

Conventional treatments for allergic rhinitis (AR) exhibit insufficiency and long-term use-related side effects. Considering the reported anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT), we aimed to assess its efficacy on persistent AR (PAR). Patients with PAR were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into high-dose BJIGT, standard-dose BJIGT, and placebo groups, followed by 1-week run-in and 4-week treatment periods. The primary outcome included the mean change in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), with secondary outcomes encompassing the Korean Allergic Rhinitis-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, biomarkers, overall assessment, TNSS by AR pattern identification, and the Sasang constitution. The mean TNSS change was more improved in the BJIGT group than in the placebo group; however, no statistically significant differences were observed. Additional interaction effect analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in the high-dose BJIGT group compared with the placebo group from weeks 1–2 to weeks 3–4. Regarding secondary outcomes, the BJIGT group exhibited similar or improved results compared with the placebo group, showing no statistically significant differences. No serious adverse effects or clinically significant changes in safety assessments were observed. Given that this study validated clinical improvement and safety, it serves as potential groundwork for pertinent future studies. Full article

Family caregivers take on a variety of tasks when caring for relatives in need of care. Depending on the situation and the intensity of care, they may experience multidimensional burdens, such as physical, psychological, social, or financial stress. The aim of the present study was to identify and appraise self-assessment instruments (SAIs) that capture the dimensions of family caregivers’ burdens and that support family caregivers in easily identifying their caregiving role, activities, burden, and needs. We performed an integrative review with a broad-based strategy. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, and mobile app stores in March 2020. After screening the records based on the eligibility criteria, we appraised the tools we found for their usefulness for family care and nursing practice. From a total of 2654 hits, 45 suitable SAIs from 274 records were identified and analyzed in this way. Finally, nine SAIs were identified and analyzed in detail based on further criteria such as their psychometric properties, advantages, and disadvantages. They are presented in multi-page vignettes with additional information for healthcare professionals. These SAIs have proven useful in assessing the dimensions of caregiver burden and can be recommended for application in family care and nursing practice. Full article

The aim of this study is to refine the known Riccati transformation technique to provide new oscillation criteria for solutions to second-order dynamic equations over time. It is important to note that the convergence or divergence of some improper integrals on time scales depends not only on the integration function but also on the integration time scale. Therefore, there has been a motivation to find new oscillation criteria that can be applicable regardless of whether ${\int }_{{\zeta }_0}^{\infty }{\displaystyle \frac{\Delta \xi }{a\left(\xi \right)}}$ is convergent or divergent, in contrast to what has been followed in most previous works in the literature. We have provided an example to illustrate the significance of the obtained results. Full article