Geographic recommender systems in e-commerce based on population

Technological advancements have significantly enhanced e-commerce, helping customers find the best products. One key development is recommendation systems, which personalize the shopping experience and boost sales. This paper explores a novel geographic recommendation system that uses demographic data, such as population density, age, and income, to refine recommendations. By integrating geographic and demographic information, like the population size of a country, businesses can tailor their offerings to regional preferences. This targeted approach aims to make recommendations more relevant by considering the behaviors and needs of different geographic areas. We sourced population data from The National Institute of Statistics (Tunisia, INS). This approach improves the importance of product recommendations for particular locations by customizing them based on demographic and geographic measures. The technique creates a better context-aware recommendation system that boosts customer happiness and business proceeds by fusing consumer behavior with extensive demographic data. The method also includes a mathematical model that considers population intensity to refine further recommendations established on the regional model

Comparative analysis of techno-economic and techno-environmental approach to optimal sizing and dispatch of hybrid solar–battery systems

This study investigates the techno-economic and techno-environmental performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems coupled with battery energy storage systems (BESS) in a Swedish context. The research uses mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) to optimise the dispatch strategy, minimising both operational costs and CO2eq emissions. By analysing grid signals, including electricity price and carbon intensity, the study determines the optimal size and operation of PV-BESS. The base case in Sweden was further examined by comparing the system with Italy and Poland, and by testing it with different load demand profiles. Italy and Poland were chosen due to their higher variability in grid price and carbon footprint, respectively, as well as more favourable solar conditions. The industrial and industrial shift profiles were chosen to assess the impact of load profiles with less variability compared to the base case residential profile. The key findings reveal distinct differences between economic and environmental optimisation, impacting system performance and highlighting the need for a balanced approach. Local conditions, such as grid signal volatility and solar PV production, are shown to significantly influence optimal system configurations. In Sweden, the economic approach led to higher system utilisation due to greater price volatility, while the environmental approach prioritised lower emissions. Additionally, the trade-offs between economic and environmental optimisation can lead to cost/environmental footprint increases between 25% and up to several times higher (up to 300 %). The study also finds that reducing the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) or levelised carbon footprint (LCO2eq) from the investor perspective may not always translate into significant end-user benefits. This further highlights the importance of including various stakeholder perspectives in the analysis, especially in the context of decision support. Sensitivity analysis indicates that oversizing the PV system leads to a rapid increase in costs and emissions. The addition of BESS can justify this increase by scaling the Renewable Energy Self-Sufficiency (RESS) value. Furthermore, there are diminishing returns for oversizing the battery. This research is relevant for various stakeholders, including project developers, policymakers, and researchers involved in renewable energy integration. Future research could further refine optimisation strategies for PV-BESS systems by delving deeper into specific aspects such as grid signal analysis and diverse end-of-life (EoL) pathways

Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Dysregulates Proteostasis in Esophageal Epithelial CellsSummary

Background & aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that is characterized by esophageal tissue damage produced by exposure of the esophageal lining to the gastric refluxate. GERD can raise the risk of multiple serious complications including esophageal tumors. At the molecular levels, GERD-affected tissues are characterized by strong oxidative stress and the formation of reactive isolevuglandins (isoLGs). These products of lipid peroxidation rapidly interact with cellular proteins forming protein adducts. Here, we investigated the interrelationship between isoLG adduction and aggregation of cellular proteins. Methods: Protein misfolding and aggregation were analyzed using multiple protein misfolding and aggregation assays. Pathologic consequences of protein adduction and aggregation were studied using human and murine esophageal tissues. Surgical model of esophageal reflux injury and L2-IL1β transgenic mice were used to investigate the mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation. Results: Our studies demonstrate that gastroesophageal reflux causes protein misfolding and aggregation that is associated with severity of GERD. Dysregulation of proteostasis induces ferroptotic cell death and is mediated by modification of cellular proteins with reactive isoLGs that can be prevented by isoLG scavengers. Conclusions: GERD causes dysregulation of cellular proteostasis, accumulation of isoLG protein adducts, misfolded, and aggregated proteins that promote ferroptotic cell death. Taken together, this study suggests that GERD has similarities to other known pathologic conditions that are characterized by protein misfolding and aggregation

Chronic calcified subdural hematoma masquerading as hemorrhagic extra-axial mass: A case report and brief review of the literature

Calcified chronic subdural hematoma (CCSDH) is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of calcified blood between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane, typically following remote trauma. These lesions often present as space-occupying, extra-axial masses over the cerebral convexity and can mimic extra-axial tumors, such as calcified meningiomas. A 73-year-old male with a history of prostate cancer, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia presented with vision changes and mild papilledema. CT imaging revealed a hyperdense, heterogeneous mass with localized mass effect, while MRI suggested a calcified meningioma due to minimal enhancement and a Dural tail. Given the mass effect and neurological symptoms, surgical evacuation was performed, and intraoperative findings confirmed a chronic subdural hematoma. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms improved, and imaging confirmed complete hematoma evacuation. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing CCSDH, as it can closely resemble other conditions like meningiomas, emphasizing the need for careful radiological assessment and timely surgical intervention

AgIn2 thickness on void rate, microstructure, IMC growth, thermal and mechanical properties of fluxless In@AgIn2 joint

Indium (In) has been extensively used as a thermal interface material (TIM1) between the die and lid in high-power central processing units (CPUs) to enhance heat dissipation. However, organic flux residues trapped within the In solder during indium reflow process can outgas during subsequent solder ball reflow cycles, leading to the formation of significant voids (up to 35% void fraction) in the In TIM1. This issue limits the application of In in advanced ball grid array (BGA) packages. In this study, for the first time, varying thicknesses Ag coatings were electroplated onto the surfaces of thick In TIM1 to form a non-oxidizing AgIn2 layer (In@xAgIn2, where x = 0.4, 1, 3, 6 μm) to protects the inner In from oxidation and enables fluxless reflow. Joints prepared with In or In@xAgIn2 underwent indium reflow and three solder ball reflow cycles to simulate the reflow processes typical of BGA packages. A clear AgIn2 thickness effect on solder wettability, microstructure, intermetallic compound (IMC) growth, joint thermal and mechanical properties were found. The results showed that [email protected]₂; had a contact angle of 26.2°, which was 2.6° lower than that of pure In solder. Joints prepared with [email protected]₂; also exhibited the lowest void fraction (≤2%), which contributed to better heat dissipation. During reflow, the Ag atoms from the AgIn2 protective layer altered the morphology and reduced the thickness of the Ni3In7 IMC layer. After reflow, the Ag atoms either solubilized in In or formed AgIn2 IMC with distinct distribution characteristics in the solder layer, which increased the shear strength of the joints by 81.5%. The fracture mode of the joints also changed from ductile to ductile-brittle, and ultimately to brittle

The epidermal lipid-microbiome loop and immunity: Important players in atopic dermatitis

Background: The promotion of epidermal barrier dysfunction is attributed to abnormalities in the lipid-microbiome positive feedback loop which significantly influences the imbalance of the epithelial immune microenvironment (EIME) in atopic dermatitis (AD). This imbalance encompasses impaired lamellar membrane integrity, heightened exposure to epidermal pathogens, and the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. The lipid-microbiome loop is substantially influenced by intense adaptive immunity which is triggered by abnormal loop activity and affects the loop's integrity through the induction of atypical lipid composition and responses to dysregulated epidermal microbes. Immune responses participate in lipid abnormalities within the EIME by downregulating barrier gene expression and are further cascade-amplified by microbial dysregulation which is instigated by barrier impairment. Aim of review: This review examines the relationship between abnormal lipid composition, microbiome disturbances, and immune responses in AD while progressively substantiating the crosstalk mechanism among these factors. Based on this analysis, the “lipid-microbiome” positive feedback loop, regulated by immune responses, is proposed. Key scientific concepts of review: The review delves into the impact of adaptive immune responses that regulate the EIME, driving AD, and investigates potential mechanisms by which lipid supplementation and probiotics may alleviate AD through the up-regulation of the epidermal barrier and modulation of immune signaling. This exploration offers support for targeting the EIME to attenuate AD

Thermal deformation behaviors, mechanisms, and microstructure evolution of laminate CNT/2009Al composite

The plastic deformation mechanism of laminate CNT/2009Al composite during hot compression was investigated through isothermal compression tests conducted on coarse grain 2009Al, ultrafine grain 3 vol% CNT/2009Al, and the laminate composite. This study employed flow stress-strain curve analysis, processing map evaluation, and finite element modeling to characterize the isothermal compression deformation behavior of the laminate composite. The results indicated that the deformation coordination of the laminate composite was influenced by the evolution of microstructure and the stress-strain distribution between the CNT-rich and 2009Al layers. Specifically, better deformation coordination was observed between the two layers at a medium temperature with a moderate strain rate (450 °C-0.1 s−1). Moreover, there was a more pronounced occurrence of dynamic recrystallization and microstructure evolution at a high strain rate (450 °C-1 s−1) compared to a low strain rate (450 °C-0.001 s−1). In addition, when the temperature was changed, the plastic deformation and softening mechanisms changed

Prevalence And Patterns Of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates In A Nigerian University

BACKGROUND: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person's will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. These forms of GBV are not mutually exclusive, as multiple types can happen simultaneously and reinforce each other. Various factors encourage the perpetuation of GBV, including traditional attitudes towards women, race, social class, and sexuality. Staying far away from family, early life experiences of divorce, and parental violence are also familial factors that predispose to GBV. Violence survivors and their families suffer greatly from the impacts of GBV, which has major health, social and economic ramifications. AIM: To assess the prevalence and pattern of GBV among undergraduates and respondents' knowledge of its effects. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 413 students in 7 faculties at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, chosen using a multi-stage sampling technique. The questionnaire inquired about the experience of GBV and respondents' knowledge of its effects. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for Windows. The significance level was set at a p-value less than or equal to 0.05. Relationships were tested using inferential statistical techniques (chi-square) appropriate for categorical variables. We employed multivariate analysis to assess the relationship between GBV and various potential contributing factors, account for multiple variables simultaneously, and identify significant predictors. RESULTS: The response rate for the study was 100%, and the overall prevalence of GBV among participants was 80 (19.4%), with emotional violence being the most prevalent experienced by the victims (18.6%). The prevalence of GBV was slightly higher in males than in females, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Other variables such as age, marital status and year of study were also not significantly associated with GBV (p>0.05). Most respondents agreed that GBV has psychological, social and health implications. The Multivariate Regression Analysis also identified the second year of schooling as a significant predictor of Gender-Based Violence, as students in their second year exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing GBV compared to their peers (p= <0.027), with a Confidence Interval of 1.18 to 15.09. CONCLUSION: The study showed that Gender-based violence is a problem in Nigeria, affecting both genders. The results challenge entrenched gender stereotypes and suggest the need to develop inclusive policies and programs that support both male and female victims. These findings emphasize the importance of an inclusive approach, including heightened awareness and education, support services like mental health care and legal assistance, and addressing factors that promote violence among both sexes, including cultural and social norms, to ensure all victims receive the necessary support and protection. The university authority should also implement precise and clear-cut sanctions and penalties against GBV. Our findings' lack of statistical significance also underscores the need for further research with larger sample sizes to understand male GBV better and ensure robust, evidence-based interventions

A experiência educativa do Povo Juruna: o trabalho pedagógico comunitário na construção de uma escola fronteiriça

Discute-se como os Juruna do Km 17 – trecho localizado entre os municípios de Altamira e Vitória do Xingu, Estado do Pará, vêm utilizando a escola existente na comunidade Boa Vista para a demarcação das suas fronteiras identitárias. Objetiva analisar a construção da identidade Juruna na sua relação com o pensar e o fazer pedagógico da escola da aldeia Boa Vista, sinalizando, nas práticas escolares, o atendimento aos preceitos legais da política de educação escolar indígena e o fortalecimento da identidade étnica, especialmente quando em processo de etnogênese. A pesquisa de campo fez uso de técnicas etnográficas, entre elas entrevistas abertas, registros fotográficos e observação participante. A escola, que historicamente serviu às tentativas de homogeneização, hoje é pensada como fronteira na medida em que é ressignificada por outras culturas. Entre os sujeitos em questão, percebeu-se que a Escola Francisca Juruna, eleita por eles como principal estrutura social de fortalecimento étnico, desempenha relevante papel na afirmação da identidade indígena do grupo na medida em que busca zelar pela manutenção das fronteiras identitárias, contribuindo com a atualização dos sinais diacríticos e com o sentimento de pertença étnica

Enhancing Medical Education: The Impact of Deliberate Practice on Learning Human Physiology

BACKGROUND: Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) is a teaching method that remains underutilized at the undergraduate level of health education, despite several studies highlighting its potential. Active teaching methodologies, such as deliberate practice, are known to enhance skills like leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork, producing better results than traditional teaching strategies. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of implementing deliberate practice in the teaching of Human Physiology in a medical course at a private school in Brazil. METHODS: This is an observational qualitative and quantitative study, carried out in 2022 and 2023. An online questionnaire was developed for medical students in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to assess their perception of deliberate practice in the aforementioned discipline. The calculated sample size was 196, and the study had 198 participants. The questionnaire was divided into five blocks: General Questions, Emotions, Skills, Debriefing and Personal Opinion. The fifth block consisted open-ended questions for students to identify aspects to be improved.  The Likert scale was chosen as the evaluation method for the questions in the first four sections, with responses ranging from 1 to 5. An inferential statistical analysis was conducted, using Fisher's exact test at a 0.05 level of significance, to assess the association between categorical variables. To categorize these variables, responses from each section were summed according to their corresponding values on the Likert scale. For example, in the first section, titled General Questions, which included five statements about the students’ learning experience, the scores were divided into three categories: 5-15, 16-20, and 21-25.  RESULTS: Overall, students had a positive perception of deliberate practice. A significant proportion (66.8%) strongly agreed that they developed skills such as teamwork through the scenarios. Moreover, 83.7% completely agreed that access to realistic simulation environments enhanced their education and contributed to their learning of human physiology. 83.7% of participants completely agreed that the mistakes made during scenarios also contributed to their learning. Regarding emotions, 67.9% completely agreed that they felt motivated, while 37.8% experienced anxiety during the scenarios. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the sum scores of each section and the binary response (“yes” or “no”) to the question “Do you like the practical classes of Human Physiology?” (p < 0.05), with the exception of the Negative Emotions sum. This indicates that higher section scores are associated with a greater likelihood of students liking the practical classes. CONCLUSION: The implementation of deliberate practice into the Human Physiology curriculum demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of student perception and had a beneficial impact on students’ learning and skill development. However, further improvements are needed to refine the scenarios and foster a safer emotional environment for undergraduate student