Development of New Public Buildings in Slovakia and Their Universal Accessibility: Architectural Design Competition as a Tool for Selecting the Best Design.

The article discusses public buildings in Slovakia and two important topics that are inseparably linked to public buildings as such - the process of their creation as a public investment and universal design. We explore the possibilities of fulfilling this principle in the Slovak context - by selecting an architectural design through public procurement in the form of a business competition or through an architectural design competition, and we compare these approaches. The second essential principle is that any public building must be accessible to everyone without restrictions, which means that it should be designed and constructed according to universal design principles.

Exploring the potential of reconstructed human epithelial tissue models for safety assessment of intraoral medical devices.

Medical devices are integral to a wide array of medical interventions and are increasingly utilized in both clinical and home settings. Within the oral cavity, intraoral medical devices are employed for various applications, to improve quality of life and maintain oral health and hygiene. However, the dynamic and complex environment of the oral cavity, characterized by the influence of factors, such as saliva composition, fluctuating pH, and microbial flora presents a challenge to ensure the safety of end-users.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in aquatic ecosystems and wastewater treatment works in Africa: Occurrence, ecological implications, and future perspectives.

The increasing levels of industrialization and urbanization have led to the generation of significant amounts of wastewater and waste products, often containing chemicals like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) commonly found in consumer products. PFASs are known for their persistence, ubiquity, and ecotoxicological impacts, raising concerns about potential harm to ecosystems. This paper reports the occurrence and evaluates the ecological risks of PFASs in aquatic ecosystems and wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) across Africa.

Intrusion detection using metaheuristic optimization within IoT/IIoT systems and software of autonomous vehicles.

The integration of IoT systems into automotive vehicles has raised concerns associated with intrusion detection within these systems. Vehicles equipped with a controller area network (CAN) control several systems within a vehicle where disruptions in function can lead to significant malfunctions, injuries, and even loss of life. Detecting disruption is a primary concern as vehicles move to higher degrees of autonomy and the possibility of self-driving is explored.

Laser Desorption of Explosives from the Surface of Different Real-World Materials Studied Using CCl-Dopant-Assisted Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

A highly efficient and sensitive ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) system with laser desorption sampling was applied for rapid explosive detection using different surface materials. This portable IMS detector, powered by a battery, offers mobility and is suitable for use in the field or combat zones. The laser desorption (LD) sampling of common explosives (Trinitrotoluene-TNT; Dinitrotoluenes-DNTs; Hexogene-RDX; pentaerythritol tetranitrate-PETN; plastic explosives-Compound 4 (C-4) and Semtex) on a wide range of common surface materials, such as metal, ceramic, plastic, glass, drywall, paper, wood, and textiles, was studied.

Comparative Analysis of QCM and Electrochemical Aptasensors for SARS-CoV-2 Detection.

The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, particularly its spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD), was crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the development and optimization of two types of aptasensors: quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical sensors, both employing thiol-modified DNA aptamers for S-RBD detection. The QCM aptasensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieved by optimizing aptamer concentration, buffer composition, and pre-treatment conditions, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.

Boosting Chemiexcitation of Phenoxy-1,2-dioxetanes through 7-Norbornyl and Homocubanyl Spirofusion.

The chemiluminescent light-emission pathway of phenoxy-1,2-dioxetane luminophores is increasingly attracting the scientific community's attention. Dioxetane probes that undergo rapid, flash-type chemiexcitation demonstrate higher detection sensitivity than those with a slower, glow-type chemiexcitation rate. This is primarily because the rapid flash-type produces a greater number of photons within a given time.

Unveiling hidden dynamic correlations in CASSCF correlation energies by Hartree-Fock nodes.

We have recently introduced an original method for sharply partitioning the correlation energy into dynamic and non-dynamic contributions. This method is based on the node of the Hartree-Fock (HF) Slater determinant and the stochastic projector fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo (FNDMC) method [Šulka et al., J.

Voltammetric and flow amperometric determination of drug guaifenesin in pharmaceutical and biological samples using screen-printed sensor with boron doped diamond electrode.

New voltammetric and flow amperometric methods for the determination of guaifenesin (GFE) using a perspective screen-printed sensor (SPE) with boron-doped diamond electrode (BDDE) were developed. The electrochemical oxidation of GFE was studied on the surface of the oxygen-terminated BDDE of the sensor. The GFE provided two irreversible anodic signals at a potential of 1.

A Predictive Quality Inspection Framework for the Manufacturing Process in the Context of Industry 4.0.

The purpose of this research is to develop an innovative software framework with AI capabilities to predict the quality of automobiles at the end of the production line. By utilizing machine learning techniques, this framework aims to prevent defective vehicles from reaching customers, thus enhancing production efficiency, reducing costs, and shortening the manufacturing time of automobiles. The principal results demonstrate that the predictive quality inspection framework significantly improves defect detection and supports personalized road tests.

Advancements in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia detection: Development and evaluation of a novel QCM aptasensor for use in clinical practice.

Oncological diseases represent a significant global health challenge, with high mortality rates. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, and aptamers, which demonstrate superior specificity and stability compared to antibodies, offer a promising avenue for diagnostic advancement. This study presents the design, development and evaluation of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor functionalized with the T2-KK1B10 aptamer for the sensitive and specific detection of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) K562 cells.

Tailored MXene-derived nano-heterostructure oxides for peroxymonosulfate activation in the treatment of municipal wastewaters.

Nowadays, in the field of environmental protection, a huge effort is focused on efficient and sustainable processes to treat wastewaters. The current study emphasizes the photocatalytic performance of TiNbO, a nano-heterostructure material derived from the oxidation of (TiNb)CT MXene. The TiNbO nano-heterostructure exhibited remarkable performance in the degradation of caffeine (CAF) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) under UVA irradiation in the presence of peroxymonosulfate (PMS).

Astaxanthin, Compared to Other Carotenoids, Increases the Efficacy of Methotrexate in Rat Adjuvant Arthritis.

This in vivo study performed in rat adjuvant arthritis aims to advance the understanding of astaxanthin's therapeutic properties for the possible treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in monotherapy and along with the standard RA treatment, methotrexate (MTX), in combination therapy. The main goal was to elucidate astaxanthin's full therapeutic potential, evaluate its dose dependency, and compare its effects in monotherapy with other carotenoids such as β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin (KXAN). Moreover, potential differences in therapeutic activity caused by using different sources of astaxanthin, synthetic (ASYN) versus isolated from (ASTAP), were evaluated using one-way ANOVA (Tukey-Kramer post hoc test).

Nickel(II) complexes with 14-membered bis-thiosemicarbazide and bis-isothiosemicarbazide ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalysis of oxygen evolution reaction.

Design and development of novel, low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media is crucial for lowering the reaction overpotential and thus decreasing the energy input during the water electrolysis process. Herein, we present the synthesis of new 14-membered bis-thiosemicarbazide and bis-isothiosemicarbazide macrocycles and their nickel(II) complexes characterized by spectroscopic techniques (H and C NMR, IR, UV-vis), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, single crystal X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and cyclic voltammetry. Finally, the activity of nickel(II) complexes towards OER is reported.

Above room temperature spin crossover in mononuclear iron(II) complexes featuring pyridyl-benzimidazole bidentate ligands adorned with aliphatic chains.

Two bidentate ligands (L1 = 1-pentyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-benzimidazole and L2 = 1-heptyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-benzimidazole) were employed for the synthesis of five mononuclear Fe(II) coordination compounds 1-5 containing perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate and triflate counterions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the expected molecular structures of all the reported compounds, revealing a moderately distorted octahedral geometry of {FeN} coordination chromophores. All five compounds exhibit thermal spin crossover with temperatures allocated above 400 K.

Advanced chemically modified electrodes and platforms in food analysis and monitoring.

Electrochemical sensors and electroanalytical techniques become emerging as effective and low-cost tools for rapid assessment of special parameters of the food quality. Chemically modified electrodes are developed to change properties and behaviour, particularly sensitivity and selectivity, of conventional electroanalytical sensors. Within this comprehensive review, novel trends in chemical modifiers material structure, electrodes construction and flow analysis platforms are described and evaluated.

The subtherapeutic dose of valproic acid induces the activity of cardiolipin-dependent proteins.

A mood-stabilizing anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA) is a drug with a pleiotropic effect on cells. Here, we describe the impact of VPA on the metabolic function of human HAP1 cells. We show that VPA altered the biosynthetic pathway of cardiolipin (CL) and affected the activities of mitochondrial enzymes such as pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and NADH dehydrogenase.

Unveiling Versatile Applications and Toxicity Considerations of Graphitic Carbon Nitride.

Metal-free, low-cost, organic photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) has become a promising and impressive material in numerous scientific fields due to its unique physical and chemical properties. As a semiconductor with a suitable band gap of ~2.7 eV, g-CN is an active photocatalytic material even after irradiation with visible light.

Magnetic anisotropy and slow relaxation of magnetisation in double salts containing four- and six-coordinate cobalt(II) complex ions.

Four novel Co(II) coordination compounds 1-4 of the general formula [Co(L)][Co(NCY)]·CHCN (where L are tridentate ligands L1 = 2,6-bis(1-hexyl-1-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine for 1 and 2; L2 = 2,6-bis(1-octyl-1-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine for 3; L3 = 2,6-bis(1-dodecyl-1-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine for 4, Y = O for 1, 3, and 4 and Y = S for 2; = 0 for 1 and 3, = 0.5 for 2 and = 2 for 4) were prepared and characterised. The molecular structures of all four compounds consist of the hexacoordinate complex cation [Co(L)] and tetracoordinate complex anion [Co(NCY)], with distorted octahedral and tetrahedral symmetry of coordination polyhedra, respectively.

Development of a conceptual model for an information management system in spatial planning projects. Case study of making-city project.

Efficient information management is pivotal for the effective execution of spatial planning projects, yet many encounter hurdles stemming from disjointed information systems and processes. In this article, authors consider the intricacies of information management within the realm of spatial planning, leveraging insights from the multifaceted MAKING-CITY project to elucidate common challenges and propose innovative solutions. The proposed conceptual model for an integrated information management system offers a holistic approach, aiming to eliminate weaknesses inherent in existing information landscapes by seamlessly integrating diverse information components into a unified framework.

Radiomics of pituitary adenoma using computer vision: a review.

Pituitary adenomas (PA) represent the most common type of sellar neoplasm. Extracting relevant information from radiological images is essential for decision support in addressing various objectives related to PA. Given the critical need for an accurate assessment of the natural progression of PA, computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI) play a pivotal role in automatically extracting features from radiological images.

New Insights into Aptamers: An Alternative to Antibodies in the Detection of Molecular Biomarkers.

Aptamers are short oligonucleotides with single-stranded regions or peptides that recently started to transform the field of diagnostics. Their unique ability to bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity is at least comparable to many traditional biorecognition elements. Aptamers are synthetically produced, with a compact size that facilitates deeper tissue penetration and improved cellular targeting.

Are the metal identity and stoichiometry of metal complexes important for colchicine site binding and inhibition of tubulin polymerization?

Quite recently we discovered that copper(II) complexes with isomeric morpholine-thiosemicarbazone hybrid ligands show good cytotoxicity in cancer cells and that the molecular target responsible for this activity might be tubulin. In order to obtain better lead drug candidates, we opted to exploit the power of coordination chemistry to (i) assemble structures with globular shape to better fit the colchicine pocket and (ii) vary the metal ion. We report the synthesis and full characterization of bis-ligand cobalt(III) and iron(III) complexes with 6-morpholinomethyl-2-formylpyridine 4-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-3-thiosemicarbazone (HL1), 6-morpholinomethyl-2-acetylpyridine 4-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-3-thiosemicarbazone (HL2), and 6-morpholinomethyl-2-formylpyridine 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (HL3), and -ligand nickel(II), zinc(II) and palladium(II) complexes with HL1, namely [Co(HL)(L)](NO) (1), [Co(HL)(L)](NO) (2), [Co(HL)(L)](NO) (3), [Fe(L)]NO (4), [Fe(HL)(L)](NO) (5), [Ni(L)]Cl (6), [Zn(L)Cl] (7) and [Pd(HL)Cl]Cl (8).