Some Fixed Point Theorems in -Metric Space Endowed with Graph

We define some notions of contraction mappings in -metric space endowed with a graph and subsequently establish some fixed point results for such classes of contractions. According to the applications of our results, we obtain fixed point theorems for cyclic operators and an existence theorem for the solution of an integral equation

Environmental Sustainability in Technologically Advanced Economies: The Role of Eco-Digitalization, Green Finance, and Green Technology

This study investigates the effects of eco-digitalization, green technology, and green finance on environmental sustainability in the presence of affluence and population. The sample size consists of a panel of 19 technologically advanced economies covering the time span from 1980 to 2023. The econometric model is designed using the STIRPAT framework. The empirical results are based on panel time series analysis. The panel unit root tests illustrate that variables are stationary at the first difference and follow the I (1) order of integration. The panel cointegration test confirms the presence of long-run relationships between the variables. The empirical findings reveal that eco-digitalization, green technology, and green finance help to boost environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and ecological footprints in technologically advanced economies. Furthermore, the empirical investigation proceeds using two major technological phases in the sampled economies. The results reveal heterogeneous effects of technological innovations and population growth on environmental quality across the phases of technological advancement. Our findings are helpful for policymakers, environmentalists, and development practitioners in designing and implementing policies that help mitigate carbon emissions and achieve environmental sustainability

Fixed Point Theorems for Hybrid Mappings

We obtain some fixed point theorems for two pairs of hybrid mappings using hybrid tangential property and quadratic type contractive condition. Our results generalize some results by Babu and Alemayehu and those contained therein. In the sequel, we introduce a new notion to generalize occasionally weak compatibility. Moreover, two concrete examples are established to illuminate the generality of our results

Comparison of Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) in Patients with Psoriasis and Healthy Individuals

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting quality of life, with evidence suggesting a role for platelets in its pathogenesis. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), a marker of platelet activation, may serve as a biomarker for systemic inflammation. This study aimed to compare MPV levels between psoriasis patients and healthy controls to assess its clinical utility. Methods:  A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Imran Idrees Teaching Hospital, Sialkot, from October 25, 2023, to March 25, 2024, with 200 participants aged 20-60, selected via non-probability consecutive sampling. Exclusion criteria included recent surgery, obesity (BMI > 30), and cardiovascular disease. Participants were divided into psoriasis patients (n=31) and healthy controls (n=169). MPV was measured using a Swelab Lumi hematology analyzer, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, with t-tests for group comparisons (p<0.05). Results: A total of 200 participants were included in the study, of which 15.5% were diagnosed with psoriasis. The mean MPV was significantly higher in the psoriasis group (8.86 ± 1.42 fL) compared to controls (7.23 ± 0.57 fL), with a p-value of 0.00002. This elevation in MPV suggests a potential association between platelet activation and psoriasis-related inflammation. Conclusions: This study shows a significant difference in MPV levels between psoriasis patients and healthy controls, indicating a role for platelets in psoriasis pathogenesis. Elevated MPV may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for systemic inflammation. Further research is needed to validate its clinical utility in diagnosis and management.

HEMATOLOGICAL VARIATIONS AND ASSESMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN SINDH SPARROW (PASSER PYRRHONOTUS) AS A BIOINDICATOR IN PUNJAB AREAS OF PAKISTAN

Sindh sparrows, prevalent in Sindh region of Pakistan, are non-migratory birds abundant in human-inhabited areas globally, except Antarctica. Given their close association with human settlements, these birds serve as crucial indicators for biological monitoring in regions affected by pollution. This study focused on assessing the hematological parameters and heavy metal concentrations in various organs of Sindh sparrows in the Punjab regions of Pakistan. The collected blood samples underwent analysis for hematological indices and heavy metal concentrations. The results indicated variability in hematological analysis of sparrows. Fluctuations were observed in the concentrations of different heavy metals, with significant differences in zinc and iron, while chromium, cadmium, and nickel concentrations showed non-significant differences. The patterns of heavy metal accumulation revealed higher concentrations of chromium, nickel, and iron in the liver, contrasting with the cadmium and zinc in kidneys. In conclusion, significant correlations were observed among the concentrations of Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium, Nickel, and Iron in kidney, liver, and muscles of both male and female Sindh sparrows. The findings underscore the need for further comprehensive studies to assess heavy metal accumulation in birds, highlighting the urgency to address environmental pollution that poses risks to avian species and human populations worldwide

SE in ES:Opportunities for Software Engineering and Cloud Computing in Environmental Science

New and emergent computing architectures and software engineering practices provide an opportunity for environmental models to be deployed more efficiently and democratically. In this paper we aim to capture the software engineering practices of environmental scientists, highlight opportunities for software engineering and work towards developing a domain specific language for the configuration and deployment of environmental models. We hold a series of interviews with environmental scientists involved in developing and deploying computer based environmental models about the approach taken in engineering models, and describe a case study in deploying an environmental model (WRF: Weather Research & Forecasting) on a cloud architecture. From these studies we find a number of opportunities for a) software engineering methods and tools such as Domain Specific Languages to play a role in abstracting from underlying computing complexity, and for b) new architectures to increase efficiency and availability of deployment. Together, we propose they will allow scientists to concentrate on fundamental science rather than specifics of the underlying computing

Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Antitumor Activity from a Phase I Study of Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) in Advanced/Metastatic Solid Tumors

Purpose: Simlukafusp alfa [fibroblast activation protein α-targeted IL2 variant (FAP-IL2v)], a tumor-targeted immunocytokine, comprising an IL2 variant moiety with abolished CD25 binding fused to human IgG1, is directed against fibroblast activation protein α. This phase I, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation, and extension study (NCT02627274) evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of FAP-IL2v in patients with advanced/ metastatic solid tumors. Patients and Methods: Participants received FAP-IL2v intravenously once weekly. Dose escalation started at 5 mg; flat dosing (≤25 mg) and intraparticipant uptitration regimens (15/20, 20/25, 20/20/35, and 20/35/35 mg) were evaluated. Primary objectives were dose-limiting toxicities, maximum tolerated dose, recommended expansion dose, and pharmacokinetics. Results: Sixty-one participants were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicities included fatigue (flat dose 20 mg: n = 1), asthenia (25 mg: n = 1), drug-induced liver injury (uptitration regimen 20/25 mg: n = 1), transaminase increase (20/25 mg: n = 1), and pneumonia (20/35/35 mg: n = 1). The uptitration regimen 15/20 mg was determined as the maximum tolerated dose and was selected as the recommended expansion dose. Increases in peripheral blood absolute immune cell counts were seen for all tested doses [NK cells, 13-fold; CD4+ T cells (including regulatory T cells), 2-fold; CD8+ T cells, 3.5-fold] but without any percentage change in regulatory T cells. Clinical activity was observed from 5 mg [objective response rate, 5.1% (n = 3); disease control rate, 27.1% (n = 16)]. Responses were durable [n = 3, 2.8 (censored), 6.3, and 43.4 months]. Conclusions: FAP-IL2v had a manageable safety profile and showed initial signs of antitumor activity in advanced/metastatic solid tumors.</p

SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in blood products from patients with COVID-19 is not associated with infectious virus

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of COVID-19) uses PCR to detect viral RNA (vRNA) in respiratory samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been detected in other sample types, but there is limited understanding of the clinical or laboratory significance of its detection in blood. Methods: We undertook a systematic literature review to assimilate the evidence for the frequency of vRNA in blood, and to identify associated clinical characteristics. We performed RT-PCR in serum samples from a UK clinical cohort of acute and convalescent COVID-19 cases (n=212), together with convalescent plasma samples collected by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) (n=462 additional samples). To determine whether PCR-positive blood samples could pose an infection risk, we attempted virus isolation from a subset of RNA-positive samples. Results: We identified 28 relevant studies, reporting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 0-76% of blood samples; pooled estimate 10% (95%CI 5-18%). Among serum samples from our clinical cohort, 27/212 (12.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCR. RNA detection occurred in samples up to day 20 post symptom onset, and was associated with more severe disease (multivariable odds ratio 7.5). Across all samples collected ≥28 days post symptom onset, 0/494 (0%, 95%CI 0-0.7%) had vRNA detected. Among our PCR-positive samples, cycle threshold (ct) values were high (range 33.5-44.8), suggesting low vRNA copy numbers. PCR-positive sera inoculated into cell culture did not produce any cytopathic effect or yield an increase in detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA. There was a relationship between RT-PCR negativity and the presence of total SARS-CoV-2 antibody (p=0.02). Conclusions: vRNA was detectable at low viral loads in a minority of serum samples collected in acute infection, but was not associated with infectious SARS-CoV-2 (within the limitations of the assays used). This work helps to inform biosafety precautions for handling blood products from patients with current or previous COVID-19.</p