The thesis addresses the challenges of face recognition in digital videos, particularly in collaborative learning environments. It introduces several methods to improve accuracy and speed, including face prototypes, sampling, K-means clustering, active sets, group face detection, face DeID, and data augmentation. The approach was tested on the AOLME dataset, showing significant improvements in recognition accuracy and speed compared to baseline methods.

The study presents the synthesis and characterization of Germanium(II) dithiolene complexes through various reactions and conditions. The monoanionic dithiolene radical is converted to a dithiolate, which reacts with GeCl2 to form a colorless crystalline solid. Further reactions with imidazole-based monothiolate and NHCiPr yield additional complexes. X-ray diffraction and DFT computations are used to analyze the molecular structure, bond angles, and distances, revealing details about the geometry and electronic structure of the complexes. The oxidation states and charges of germanium and sulfur atoms in the complexes are discussed, along with molecular orbital studies that highlight the HOMOs of the models. The experimental section details the procedures for synthesizing the compounds, including the conditions and solvents used.

Ion channels are crucial in human physiology and drug discovery, with their atomic-scale structures providing key insights into molecular mechanisms. Recent advancements in deep learning-based methods like AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, and ESMFold have revolutionized protein structure prediction. This review examines the application of these methods to model human voltage-gated ion channels (NaV1.8, CaV1.1, KV1.3) and compares their models with cryo-EM structures, highlighting the strengths and limitations of these computational approaches for future ion channel research.

The study examines trends in psychotropic polypharmacy among youths aged 17 years or younger enrolled in Medicaid from 2015 to 2020. It identifies a 4% annual increase in the odds of psychotropic polypharmacy, with higher prevalence among disabled youths and those in foster care. The findings highlight the need for monitoring psychotropic medication use, especially among vulnerable populations. The study is limited by its focus on a single US state, which may affect the generalizability of the results.

The study explores the lived experiences of people living with multimorbidity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting the physical, mental, and social consequences of their conditions. It emphasizes the significant treatment burden due to lack of healthcare coordination, leading to duplicated care and increased costs. The study advocates for a more integrated and people-centred healthcare approach, considering the unique needs and concerns of individuals with multimorbidity. It also discusses the importance of patient agency and the need for healthcare systems to involve patients in decision-making, promote care coordination, and address social determinants of health. The study is part of the larger COSMOS project and uses a phenomenological approach to capture subjective experiences, aiming to inform more effective healthcare strategies.

Kidney failure is a growing concern among the elderly in Vietnam, with many opting for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) due to its perceived ease and quality of life benefits. This retrospective study at Thong Nhat Hospital analyzed the survival rates and factors affecting elderly patients on CAPD from 2012 to 2020. The study found that the average survival time was 45.59 months, with survival rates of 85%, 75%, and 45% at 12, 24, and 60 months, respectively. Key factors impacting survival included concomitant cardiovascular diseases and low baseline serum albumin levels. Peritonitis was identified as the leading cause of death, followed by cardiovascular diseases and malnutrition. The study highlights the need for improved long-term care and management strategies for elderly patients on CAPD in Vietnam.

Asian American women experienced a significant increase in racial discrimination and hate crimes during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading to emotional strain, social anxiety, and changes in racial identity. The study highlights the need for systematic advocacy to combat anti-Asian racism and support the well-being of Asian American women. The findings underscore the long-lasting impacts of racial discrimination on mental health and the dynamic development of racial identity, calling for solidarity and proactive measures against racism.

International conferences are crucial for global health research, but researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face significant challenges, even when based in high-income nations. These challenges include funding disparities, restrictive visa policies, and the inherent advantages enjoyed by researchers from high-income countries. The article highlights the experiences of Carlos Rojas and Phuong Tran, who face financial and bureaucratic obstacles despite their valuable contributions. It calls for collective efforts to provide financial support, reform visa policies, and promote inclusivity in conference participation. Additionally, it addresses the need for climate-conscious practices in academic travel, advocating for a balanced approach to conference attendance.

A study investigated the structure-activity relationships of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, focusing on 5F-pentylindoles. A minor modification, adding a methyl group to 5F-MMB-PICA, resulted in 5F-MDMB-PICA, which showed significantly increased efficacy and potency at the CB1 receptor compared to the reference agonist CP55940. Molecular modeling supported the pharmacological findings, indicating the importance of monitoring structural modifications of such compounds for potential toxic effects in humans.

The study presents the crystal structure of periplasmic α-amylase MalS from E. coli, revealing unique structural features such as circularly permutated domains and a possible CBM69. The enzyme's domain architecture shows a complete circular permutation of C-A-B-A-C in domain order. MalS has a substrate binding pocket suitable for six glucose units and two Ca2+ binding sites contributing to thermostability. The study also found that MalS exhibits a high binding affinity for polysaccharides like glycogen and amylopectin. The N domain, predicted to be CBM69 by AlphaFold2, might have a binding site for polysaccharides. This structural analysis provides new insights into the structure-evolution relationship in GH13 subfamily 19 enzymes and the molecular basis for understanding the catalytic function and substrate binding of MalS.