Sofia University

Cobalt sulfide (Co–S) phases are of significant interest for energy conversion and sensing technologies due to their combined catalytic activity and electronic conductivity. In particular, Co9S8 is a promising precatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction, but its synthesis as high-quality thin films has been scarcely reported. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of highly crystalline, coalescent, mixed-phase Co–S thin films using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). The epitaxial film exhibits substantially improved crystallinity of Co9S8 compared to conventional deposition techniques and reveals the formation of epitaxial, tetragonal CoS2, which has not been previously observed in this nonmagnetic form. Thus, this work provides crucial diagnostic tools supporting the fabrication of phase-pure, single-crystal Co–S thin films and, with the discovery of the nonmagnetic CoS2 phase, a new platform for investigating Co–S catalysts in energy and sensing applications.

Leukemia therapy targets multiple molecular pathways, including non-oncogenic but clinically relevant factors such as Silent Information Regulator 1 (SIRT1), which acts either as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter depending on its downstream targets, cancer type, and disease stage. Although small-molecule SIRT1 activators such as SRT-1720 have shown anticancer potential, their molecular mechanisms in leukemia remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of SRT-1720 on the redox state and viability of leukemic lymphocytes and normal lymphocytes, as well as its ability to sensitize leukemic cells to anticancer drugs. The synergistic, additive or antagonistic antiproliferative effects of SRT-1720 and anticancer drugs were examined. The following parameters were analyzed: cell viability and proliferation - by trypan blue staining; apoptosis - by phosphatidylserine expression on the cell surface; and oxidative stress - by detecting intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein carbonyl products. SRT-1720 potentiated the effects of most anticancer drugs in leukemic lymphocytes. Synergism was found in combination with: barasertib, bortezomib, cisplatin, MG-132, bleomycin, ABT-737, lonafarnib, everolimus, and palbociclib. SRT-1720 increased the tolerance of normal lymphocytes to anticancer drugs, as demonstrated for everolimus, barasertib, and doxorubicin. The synergistic cytotoxicity of SRT-1720 in combination with everolimus and barasertib was accompanied by overproduction of ROS and increased induction of apoptosis in leukemic lymphocytes, but not in normal lymphocytes. SRT-1720 favorably affected the viability of normal lymphocytes, reducing oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by doxorubicin at the concentrations used in our study. SRT-1720 induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in leukemic lymphocytes through SIRT1-independent pathway(s). In contrast, it enhances antioxidant defense in normal lymphocytes through a SIRT1-dependent pathway. These findings highlight the potential of SRT-1720 as an adjuvant to chemotherapy in T-ALL, particularly in drug combinations demonstrating strong synergism, which may allow dose reduction and decreased toxicity.

Hydrogenated tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C:H) thin films were modified using 266 nm picosecond laser pulses to investigate structural transformations at low and moderate fluences. Nitrogen-doped hydrogenated tetrahedral amorphous carbon layers 20–40 nm thick were deposited on silicon (Si) and silicon dioxide on silicon (SiO2/Si) substrates and irradiated with picosecond pulses at 0.5–1.6 J cm−2 using a raster-scanned beam. Structural changes in morphology, composition, and bonding were evaluated via optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Even below 1.0 J cm−2, localized color shifts and slight swelling indicated early structural rearrangements without significant material removal. Above 1.0–1.2 J cm−2, the films were largely ablated, although a persistent 3–6 nm carbon layer remained on both substrate types. XPS showed an increase in sp2-bonded carbon by roughly 15%–20% in optimally modified regions, and Raman spectroscopy revealed defect-activated D-bands and the formation of multilayer defective graphene or reduced-graphene-oxide-like flakes at ablation boundaries. These results indicate that picosecond ultraviolet irradiation enables controllable graphitization and thinning of ta-C:H films while maintaining uniform processing over centimeter-scale areas, providing a route to thin, conductive, partially graphitized carbon coatings for optical and electronic applications.

Katz and Franz (2026) discussed the need for concept clarification within many areas of psychology, focusing on problems in conceptualizing the experience of awe. They pointed out that more than three fourths of the research they examined on awe has been based on just one theoretical approach, which we see as quite limiting despite its widespread adoption. Some flaws with this dominant approach to awe are discussed, and an alternative based on the transpersonal framework of self-expansiveness, which would be more inclusive and holistic, is proposed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Many biomedical applications require a detailed understanding of the action of antimicrobial peptides on biological membranes. The cationic hemolytic peptide melittin, a major component of European honey bee (Apis mellifera) venom, is considered a model for elucidating lipid-protein interactions that are important for the function of biological systems. Here, we address the surface properties of human erythrocytes and rat liver mitochondrial membranes under in vitro melittin treatment. These membranes are negatively charged at neutral pH and represent primary targets of melittin's effects in the onset of inflammatory diseases. The correlation between the functional activity of membrane systems and their surface electrical charge was assessed using microelectrophoresis, hemolysis assays, membrane transport measurements, lipid peroxidation analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. A mechanistic hypothesis for the divergent effects of sub-lytic, pre-pore doses of melittin on erythrocytes and mitochondria is discussed. At low concentrations, melittin interacts electrostatically with erythrocyte membranes, resulting in altered proton transport through the Band 3 protein. Melittin also induces changes in erythrocyte morphology and malondialdehyde content, as well as aggregation of mitochondrial vesicles. The electrokinetic mechanism of melittin action, associated with membrane stability, provides a novel perspective on its potential relevance to biomedical applications.

As global entities encounter increasing demands to reconcile economic goals with environmental and social responsibilities, the integration of sustainability accounting and artificial intelligence (AI) provides a scientific framework for enhancing ESG performance. This paper explores the role of AI-enhanced sustainability accounting as a crucial instrument for measuring, analyzing, and improving the effects of organizations on ecological and social systems. By leveraging AI's computational strengths - such as predictive modeling, real-time data analysis, and automated tracking of metrics -sustainability accounting transitions from a static reporting mechanism to a dynamic, decision-oriented field. Notable applications include simulations of carbon footprints based on various scenarios, optimization of resources within a circular economy, and automated adherence to international standards. The research highlights AI's potential to improve transparency and accountability through standardized reporting, while also reducing risks by providing predictive insights into vulnerabilities within supply chains and shifts in regulations. Additionally, machine learning facilitates ethical impact assessments, addressing biases in labor practices and promoting fair AI implementation. Nonetheless, challenges such as data fragmentation, the need for algorithmic transparency, and the requirement for interdisciplinary expertise remain, calling for effective solutions to ensure scalability. Empirical findings suggest that organizations that implement AI-enhanced sustainability accounting experience significant gains in operational efficiency, stakeholder trust, and resilience against climate-related challenges. This study advocates for a comprehensive governance framework that emphasizes ethical AI, interoperable data systems, and collaboration among stakeholders. By framing sustainability accounting as a science-based approach bolstered by AI, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while encouraging innovation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Global sustainability initiatives, effective resource allocation, and corporate responsibility are all at risk from greenwashing, which is the willful distortion of environmental sustainability policies. With an emphasis on the economic ramifications of greenwashing, corporate transparency, and the economical use of natural resources, this paper explores the function of accounting in identifying and stopping it. We examine how sound accounting procedures might improve responsibility in resource and waste management by analyzing financial reporting standards, sustainability disclosures, and auditing procedures. Key findings show that regulatory monitoring, third-party verification, and standardized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measures are essential for ensuring that business statements are in line with actual environmental performance. Examined are the negative economic effects of greenwashing, such as skewed capital flows, reputational hazards, and legal repercussions, highlighting the necessity of open and verified sustainability reporting. This study also demonstrates how better accounting frameworks can eliminate waste, encourage the circular economy, and support the efficient use of environmental resources. Policy proposals to improve corporate openness, lessen information asymmetry, and promote sustainable economic development are included in the study's conclusion.

Abstract We report the discovery and characterization of three transiting giant planets in the TIC 118798035 system. The three planets were identified as transiting candidates from data of the TESS mission and confirmed with ground-based photometric transit observations along with radial velocity variations obtained with FEROS, HARPS, and ESPRESSO. The three planets present transit timing variations (TTVs). We performed an N -body orbital fitting to the TTVs and radial velocities, finding that TIC 118798035 b is a warm low-density Neptune with a mass of 0.0250 ± 0.0023 M J , a radius of 0.655 ± 0.018 R J , and an orbital period of 11.507 days; TIC 118798035 c is a warm Saturn with a mass of 0.403 ± 0.024 M J , a radius of 0.973 ± 0.023 R J , and an orbital period of 22.564 days; and TIC 118798035 d is a warm Jupiter with a mass of 0.773 ± 0.052 M J , a radius of 0.923 ± 0.044 R J , and an orbital period of 48.925 days. The bulk metallicities of the three planets do not fully follow the mass–metallicity correlation found for the giant planets of the solar system, which hints at a somewhat different formation history for the planets of the TIC 118798035 system.

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease with high mortality driven by multiorgan involvement and limited therapeutic options. Traditional classifications based on skin involvement or serology are insufficient to capture disease complexity or predict outcomes accurately.MethodsK means clustering was applied to clinical and serological data from 402 SSc patients in the PRECISESADS cohort. The resulting clusters were validated in an independent local cohort (n = 213). To explore molecular differences, a random subset of 154 PRECISESADS patients underwent serum proteomic profiling using a panel of 92 organ damage–related proteins. Functional relevance was further investigated by exposing dermal fibroblasts to patient serum and assessing gene expression.ResultsTwo distinct clusters were identified and validated, differing in organ involvement and autoantibody profiles. Cluster 2 was associated with more severe disease, including higher prevalence of ILD, PAH, and musculoskeletal manifestations, and enriched in anti-Scl-70 antibodies. Proteomic analysis revealed upregulation of 26 proteins in Cluster 2, related to fibrosis, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Serum from these patients induced the in vitro expression of pro-fibrotic and inflammatory genes in fibroblasts. Altered levels of several proteins also correlated with relevant clinical features, suggesting potential biomarker utility.ConclusionUnsupervised clustering and proteomic profiling reveal biologically distinct subgroups within SSc, beyond traditional clinical or serological classifications. Our findings support the integration of molecular tools into patient stratification strategies, paving the way toward personalized medicine in SSc.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-025-07469-0.

The Slana watershed, which is divided by the HU-SK border, can be described as a historical mining area. Since the 1990s, mining activities have gradually ceased and the water quality in the Slana River has improved. However, the mine closure was not always carried out professionally, in particular, the disposal and treatment of water flowing from the mine drainage system and the reclamation of tailings ponds were not addressed. As a result, a mining disaster could have occurred, which on February 24, 2022 caused an extraordinary deterioration of the waters in the upper part of the Slana River in southern Slovakia. The aim of the project is to map and preserve the current state of the Slana River and the potential effects of pollution from abandoned mines in the Slana River Basin. The main output of the project will be an Environmental Assessment Study and Risk Assessment. The study will summarise the results of the interconnected measurements and surveys (geophysical measurements, one-year monitoring of groundwater and surface waters, modelling and other studies) carried out within the project, examining the impact of mines and mine tailings on the environment in the Slana River Basin, identifying risks of their magnitude and probability.