Sci

Assisted Reproductive Technology Units (ARTUs) constitute a rapidly growing sector in healthcare, where service quality and patient safety are closely intertwined with ethical principles, technological precision, and managerial efficiency. This study aims to explore quality management practices and certification standards—such as ISO 9001, ISO 15189, and ISO 13485—within ARTUs, with the goal of developing a model that enhances patient-centered outcomes. The analysis focuses on the roles of leadership, staff training, and internal auditing mechanisms as key factors for the successful implementation of quality management systems (QMSs). Through a structured literature review and thematic synthesis, this study identifies challenges that ARTUs face in aligning with international standards and highlights strategies that strengthen patient trust, transparency, and continuous improvement. The proposed model connects measurable quality indicators with patient perceptions and experiences, providing a comprehensive framework for sustainable quality development. This article contributes to the academic discourse on healthcare quality governance and offers practical insights for policymakers and administrators seeking to improve patient experience and organizational resilience in reproductive medicine. Full article

IoT-based blockchain technology has improved the healthcare system to ensure the privacy and security of healthcare data. A Blockchain Bridge (BB) is a tool that enables multiple blockchain networks to communicate with each other. The existing approach combining the classical and quantum blockchain models failed to secure the data transmission during cross-chain communication. Thus, this study proposes a new BB verification for secure healthcare data transfer. Additionally, a brain tumor analysis framework is developed based on segmentation and neural networks. After the patient’s registration on the blockchain network, Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data is encrypted using Hash-Keyed Quantum Cryptography and verified using a Peer-to-Peer Exchange model. The Brain MRI is preprocessed for brain tumor detection using the Fuzzy HaMan C-Means (FHMCM) segmentation technique. The features are extracted from the segmented image and classified using the LeCun Kaiming-based Convolutional ModSwish Neural Network (LCK-CMSNN) classifier. Subsequently, the brain tumor diagnosis report is securely transferred to the patient via a smart contract. The proposed model verified BB with a Verification Time (VT) of 12,541 ms, secured the input with a Security level (SL) of 98.23%, and classified the brain tumor with 99.15% accuracy, thus showing better performance than the existing models. Full article

The winemaking industry represents one of the most important sectors of the Mediterranean agrifood economy, generating large amounts of solid residues, especially grape pomace. The study aimed to evaluate during two consecutive harvest years the influence of the production system (conventional vs. organic) and cultivar on the mineral, chemical, and antioxidant composition, as well as the colorimetric properties, of grape pomaces obtained from four Vitis vinifera L. cultivars in Alentejo-Portugal. The results showed that mineral composition was significantly affected by both production system and cultivar, with organic grape pomace showing higher K and Mn contents, whereas Ca and Cu showed consistently higher content under conventional. Protein content tended to increase under organic production, while fiber and fat were overall higher in conventional, particularly in the first year. Sugars displayed strong cultivar specificity, with Arinto showing the highest concentrations (30 to 40%), and considering all cultivars, total phenolic content ranged between 4000 ando 9000 mg GAE/100 g, while antioxidant capacity varied among cultivars and years. Colorimetric parameters were essentially influenced by cultivar and harvest year rather than production system. The PCA revealed that PC1 (44.06%) represented a gradient associated with mineral and antioxidant composition, while PC2 (21.26%) reflected minor variation in color and sugars, and the hierarchical clustering distinguished Syrah and Alicante Bouschet as the cultivars most responsive to production system, whereas Aragonez and Arinto exhibited greater compositional stability across years. Overall, the findings indicate that both cultivar and management practices (organic and conventional) influence the compositional profile of grape pomace, with organic showing a tendency to enhance K, Mn, protein, and antioxidant parameters, whereas conventional practices favored higher levels of Ca, Cu, and fiber. The results provide valuable insights for the valorization of grape pomace and the development of sustainable viticultural strategies in Mediterranean environments. Full article

Background: Hermetia illucens larvae provide a sustainable bioconversion pathway that transforms agro-industrial residues into protein- and nutrient-dense biomass and frass, suitable for animal feed and soil amendment, respectively. Nevertheless, the potential spread of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes and pathogenic microorganisms poses biosafety concerns. This study examined the impact of four residue-based diet formulations; peas and chickpea (D1), peas and wheat (D2), onion and wheat (D3), and wheat with digestate (D4), on microbial safety during the bioconversion process. Methods: Enterococcus spp. (viable counts), Salmonella spp. (presence/absence), and 13 AR genes associated with resistance to tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, β-lactams, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides were quantified in single substrates, diets, larvae, and frass using qPCR. Results: Principal component analysis revealed diet-driven AR gene profiles. D1 lowered the levels of the greatest number of tested AR genes, particularly erm(B), tetracycline, and β-lactam genes in frass, as well as tet(O) and vanB in mature larvae. In contrast, D2 increased the AR gene levels in frass. All diets except D4 eliminated Salmonella spp. Enterococcus spp. loads varied by diet and larval stage, with D2 reducing counts in frass. Conclusions: Diet composition directly shapes microbial dynamics and AR gene dissemination, indicating that legume-based substrates may enhance biosafety in bioconversion systems. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), supported by edge computing architectures, marks a new paradigm of intelligent automation. Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) is emerging as a key technology that enables the deployment of machine learning models on ultra-low-power devices. This study presents a systematic review of 110 peer-reviewed publications (2020–2025) identified from Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore following the PRISMA protocol. Bibliometric and thematic analyses were conducted using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to identify major trends, architectural approaches, and industrial applications of TinyML. The results reveal four principal research clusters: edge intelligence and energy efficiency, federated and explainable learning, human-centric systems, and sustainable resource management. Importantly, the surveyed industrial implementations report measurable gains—typically reducing inference latency to the millisecond range, lowering on-device energy cost to the sub-milliwatt regime, and sustaining high task accuracy, thereby substantiating the practical feasibility of TinyML in real IIoT settings. The analysis indicates a conceptual shift from engineering- and energy-focused studies toward cognitive, ethical, and security-oriented perspectives aligned with the principles of Industry 5.0. TinyML is positioned as a catalyst for the transition from automation to cognitive autonomy and as a technological foundation for building energy-efficient, ethical, and sustainable industrial ecosystems. Full article

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological result of chronic hepatic injury caused by various factors, such as viral hepatitis, alcohol-induced liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). It is characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which disrupts the architecture of the liver and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Globally, nearly 10% of the population has significant fibrosis, with its prevalence increasing with age, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Despite its significant clinical impact, early detection of liver fibrosis is still limited due to insufficient diagnostic technologies and low public awareness. The increasing burden of MASH emphasizes the urgent need for scalable therapeutic strategies. Currently, liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment, but it is limited by donor shortages and the need for lifelong immunosuppression. However, fibrosis is now recognized as a dynamic and potentially reversible process if the underlying cause is addressed. This shift in understanding has prompted efforts to develop pharmacological agents that target hepatic stellate cell activation, immune system interactions, and metabolic dysfunction. Advances in organoid platforms, multi-omics, and non-invasive diagnostics are accelerating translational research in this area. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge about the molecular drivers of fibrosis, bottlenecks in the current anti-fibrotic drug discovery process, and emerging therapeutic approaches to inform precision medicine strategies and reduce the global burden of chronic liver disease. Full article

This paper presents an intelligent operational strategy that performs the coordinated dispatch of active and reactive power from PV distributed generators (PV DGs) and Distributed Static Compensators (D-STATCOMs) to support secure and economical operation of active distribution networks. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem that explicitly represents the P and Q control capabilities of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), encompassing small-scale generation and compensation units connected at the distribution level, such as PV generators and D-STATCOM devices, adjusting their reference power setpoints to minimize daily operating costs, including energy purchasing and DER maintenance, while satisfying device power limits and the voltage and current constraints of the grid. To solve this problem efficiently, a parallel version of the Population Continuous Genetic Algorithm (CGA) is implemented, enabling simultaneous evaluation of candidate solutions and significantly reducing computational time. The strategy is assessed on the 33- and 69-node benchmark systems under deterministic and uncertainty scenarios derived from real demand and solar-generation profiles from a Colombian region. In all cases, the proposed approach achieved the lowest operating cost, outperforming state-of-the-art metaheuristics such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), and Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), while maintaining power limits, voltages and line currents within secure ranges, exhibiting excellent repeatability with standard deviations close to 0.0090%, and reducing execution time by more than 68% compared with its sequential counterpart. The main contributions of this work are: a unified optimization model for joint P–Q control in PV and D–STATCOM units, a robust codification mechanism that ensures stable convergence under variability, and a parallel evolutionary framework that delivers optimal, repeatable, and computationally efficient energy management in distribution networks subject to realistic operating uncertainty. Full article

Research suggests that overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) have an elevated risk of cognitive decline. Although exercise is recommended to improve both physical and cognitive health, adherence is often low in this population. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging strategy that may enhance exercise engagement. This pilot study compared the effects of traditional (TRAD) cycling and VR-based exercise on cognitive performance and prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation (O₂Hb). Eleven adults (M = 6, F = 5; BMI: 31.1 ± 2.8 kg/m²; VO_2max: 30.4 ± 5.7 mL/kg/min) completed a VO_2max test and two 16 min moderate-intensity cycling sessions (TRAD, VR) on separate days, each followed by a Stroop task (four rounds of 30 trials). Exercise intensity did not differ between conditions (TRAD: %HRmax 73.9 ± 4.2, RPE 12.9 ± 1.5, BLa⁻ 2.5 ± 1.3; VR: %HRmax 74.0 ± 5.6, RPE 12.7 ± 1.4, BLa⁻ 2.7 ± 1.7). Stroop accuracy was similar between conditions; however, response time was faster post-TRAD in round two (p = 0.005) and round three (p = 0.004). No significant differences in PFC O₂Hb were observed. These preliminary results suggest that both TRAD cycling and VR-based exercise are feasible modes of moderate-intensity exercise in overweight/obese adults, with largely comparable post-exercise cognitive outcomes. Larger, counterbalanced studies are warranted. Full article

This study aims to report the first Latvian version of the RESTQ-76, focusing on its internal validity, reliability, structural validity, and the relationships between the factors of the questionnaire. A total of 394 athletes (225 men and 169 women), aged 18–30 years (average age = 21, SD = 1.65), participated in the study. They were recruited from various sports clubs and universities. The RESTQ-76 was translated into Latvian through a forward-backward translation process to ensure accuracy of cultural relevance. To examine the questionnaire’s structure, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. This analysis revealed a stable four-factor model comprising 18 scales, with acceptable fit indices (RMSEA = 0.089, CFI = 0.914, TLI = 0.896, NFI = 0.889), indicating good model fit. The psychometric validity of the Latvian version is supported by the original, indicating it is appropriate for use in sports settings throughout Latvia. As research on training load and recovery continues to expand, tools like the RESTQ-76 are becoming increasingly important. They help athletes and coaches monitor recovery and stress levels, which is essential for optimizing performance and preventing overtraining in competitive sports. Full article

Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide. Despite well-developed prevention measures, incidence and mortality continue to rise, especially in low- and middle-income countries due to low screening coverage and unavailability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. The cervical cancer screening coverage could be improved by the implementation of a self-sampling modality for HPV testing. Multiple research pieces support the validity and reliability of a self-sampling modality as an alternative approach to clinician-collected samples for primary cervical cancer screening via HPV genotyping. Moreover, growing research evidence on the self-sampling modality reception shows high acceptance of the method among screened populations. Studies on the self-sampling approach economic efficiency also revealed a high cost-effectiveness of HPV testing through a self-sampling modality compared to other screening modalities for cervical cancer. It is specifically important for low-resource settings, which should use the self-sampling cost advantages to improve cervical cancer screening coverage by attracting underscreened populations. Overall, self-sampling modality has a higher participation rate and better patient satisfaction reported; thus, the method is highly recommended by the World Health Organization for cervical cancer screening. Full article

The Mediterranean Sea is recognized for its high biodiversity but is also a hotspot for pollution. In this study, fish samples of four native marine species were collected from wild catches to determine contaminants such as Anisakis parasites and heavy metals, including nickel, lead, copper, zinc, and chromium, within local marine fish species. The detection of Anisakis parasites was performed by a visual inspection and a digestion method. Metal analysis was carried out on skin, muscle, viscera, and bones of fish, using Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. This study demonstrated that Boops boops was the least infested species by Anisakis parasite, while Scomber colias was the most infested, with Sardinella aurita and Trachurus trachurus showing a lower infestation rate. Pearson correlation statistics revealed that infestation correlated with fish size but not with maturity or sex. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the carnivorous species were more prone to Anisakis infestation than the omnivorous species. The maximum levels of copper, nickel, chromium, lead, and zinc content in fish tissues were 13.2 ± 0.11, 19.5 ± 0.02, 19.9 ± 0.01, 28.8 ± 0.09, and 184.87 ± 0.63 µg/g, respectively. PCA revealed that heavy metal contamination does not discriminate between fish species and sex, as opposed to tissue type and location of catch. Some metals, such as zinc and lead, seem to accumulate more in muscle rather than the other tissues. These findings indicate that Anisakis infestation and heavy metal analysis should be monitored and extended beyond the current EU requirements. Full article

This study examines the impact of sociodemographic factors on the attitudes of EU citizens towards animal welfare and their implications for trade policy. Variations in animal welfare legislation across major commercial blocks create ethical and economic challenges, with the EU implementing stringent standards compared with other countries. Data were drawn from the Special Eurobarometer 533 survey, conducted between the 3rd and 26th March 2023, which employed a multistage, clustered sampling method across all 27 EU Member States, yielding a representative sample of 26,368 respondents. The survey collected detailed information on attitudes toward animal welfare alongside sociodemographic characteristics. The results revealed substantial public support for stricter regulations and informative labelling, with attitudes differing with age (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), income (p < 0.001), and political orientation (p < 0.001), according to the multinomial regression applied to each of the independent variables. These results emphasise the importance of these factors in shaping consumer expectations. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to integrate ethical and societal values into trade negotiations, ensuring that policies reflect public concerns, promote fair competition, and encourage higher animal welfare standards internationally. Additionally, understanding the perspectives and motivations of livestock industry stakeholders remains critical for implementing effective welfare strategies. By aligning EU trade policy with citizen values and stakeholder practices, it is possible to advance animal welfare globally while balancing economic and ethical considerations and promoting a fair trade. Full article

Intense training loads alter the skin microbiome and defence mechanisms in athletes, yet adaptation profiles remain insufficiently characterised. This study evaluated the relationships between skin bacterial microbiome structure, antimicrobial activity, dermcidin levels, and acne severity in male professional hockey players compared with amateur athletes and non-athletes. One hundred men (18–57 years) were examined and allocated to six subgroups by exercise intensity and acne status. Microbiota composition was assessed by culture-based methods and MALDI-TOF identification, antimicrobial activity measured spectrophotometrically, dermcidin quantified by ELISA, and sweat proteome characterised by HPLC-MS. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus predominated in all groups. Exercise intensity, rather than acne, was the main determinant of total bacterial colonisation, which increased approximately tenfold from non-athletes to professional hockey players. In non-athletes, higher antimicrobial activity correlated with greater acne severity, whereas in professionals this relationship was absent and dermcidin levels showed an inverse association with acne severity. Proteomic analysis identified 17 polypeptides; dermcidin and prolactin-inducible protein were dominant in all groups, and calprotectin (S100-A8/A9) was detected exclusively in healthy professionals. Full article

This study examines the adoption of a low-cost model to support digital transformation in small- and medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs) within the context of Industry 4.0. In light of the need to increase operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing expenditure, it becomes a priority to employ innovative and cost-effective solutions. To evaluate this impact, the research applies the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) methodology, systematically assessing how the proposed model influences digital transformation and operational efficiency. Drawing on a case study, the findings demonstrate that implementing the low-cost model leads to significant cost reductions, gains in operational efficiency, and an acceleration of digital transformation in industrial organizations. The results indicate that the approach not only optimizes internal processes but also contributes to lowering the organization’s overall costs. The conclusions confirm the hypotheses, showing that the model achieves a balance between technological advancement and economic efficiency. The study provides relevant insights into the potential of technologies to simultaneously drive operational efficiency and digital transformation within the framework of Industry 4.0, offering an innovative pathway for companies seeking to digitalize while controlling costs. This research strengthens the existing body of knowledge on the synergy between digital transformation, cost efficiency, and operational performance in industrial settings. Full article

Plants have been used in medicine for centuries to treat various diseases, with alcohol and ethanol being known as universal solvents for the extraction of medicinal plant substances. This article sheds light on Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) and absinthe usage in the history of medicine. The invention of absinthe in Switzerland in 1797 made it an integral part of everyday life and the harmful effects of the massive consumption of this product were labelled absinthism. The medicinal properties of wormwood and absinthe are explored from the earliest records of the use of wormwood from the Ebers Papyrus (copies of which date back to 1550 BC) to the military consumption of absinthe during the French invasion of Algiers in 1830. As widely accepted, A. absinthium has both anthelmintic and antiprotozoal properties. In addition, modern medicine has demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm properties of the plant extracts. In order to fully utilise the therapeutic potential of A. absinthium, advances in pharmaceutical technology are essential. One promising solution could lie in nanotechnological delivery systems. In our opinion absinthe is another impressive example of how tonics containing various herbal substances were used in the history of medicine to manage infections before their efficacy was later proven in vitro and in vivo. Full article

Iron deficiency anemia remains a major public health concern in Brazil, particularly among children, pregnant women, and women of childbearing age. This scoping review aimed to map the trend line of public policies on iron supplementation and food fortification implemented between 1977 and 2025. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, and included searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and official government documents. Three main strategies were identified: iron supplementation, mandatory food fortification, and nutrition education. Key milestones included the National Iron Supplementation Program, the 2002 ANVISA Resolution (RDC No. 344/2002) mandating wheat and corn flour fortification, and the launch of the NutriSUS program in 2014. Despite important normative and programmatic advances, persistent critical issues remain, including low adherence, inadequate monitoring, data discontinuity, and bureaucratic barriers. Strengthening intergovernmental coordination, improving information systems, and adopting more bioavailable iron compounds are essential to increase the effectiveness of public policies aimed at preventing and controlling iron deficiency anemia in Brazil. Full article

Cement production in Africa remains carbon-intensive, primarily due to the use of coal-based thermal energy. This study conducts a comparative cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of cement production using 100% coal (Scenario A) against partial substitution with refuse-derived fuel (RDF) at a 20% thermal input rate (Scenario B), with case studies in South Africa and Ethiopia. The LCA, modeled in SimaPro 9.2.0.1 with Ecoinvent v3.7.1 and regional data, evaluates midpoint environmental impacts across the following five stages: raw materials, clinker production, electricity, fuel use, and transportation. The results show that Scenario B reduces the global warming potential (GWP) by 3.3–4.2% per kg of cement, with minimal increases in other impact categories. When avoided landfill methane is accounted for, GWP reduction improves to 6.7%. Fossil resource depletion drops by 10%, and toxicity and particulate emissions show marginal improvements. Economic analysis under South Africa’s 2025 carbon policy reveals a modest net cost increase of $2–3 per ton of cement and an abatement cost of $64–87 per ton of CO₂. The study provides new insights by harmonizing LCA models across national contexts, linking emissions reductions to economic instruments, and quantifying the co-benefits of RDF for waste management. The results support RDF co-processing as a scalable mitigation strategy for the African cement sector, recommending substitution rates of 15–30%, policy alignment, and enhancement of the RDF supply chain to maximize impact. Full article

Large language models (LLMs) are rapidly being explored as tools to support learning and assessment in health science education, yet their performance across discipline-specific evaluations remains underexamined. This study evaluated the accuracy of two prominent LLMs on university-level pharmacognosy examinations and compared their performance to that of pharmacy students. Authentic exam papers comprising a range of question formats and content categories were administered to ChatGPT and DeepSeek using a structured prompting approach. Student data were anonymized and LLM responses were graded using the same marking criteria applied to student cohorts, and a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to determine whether observed performance differences were statistically meaningful. Facility Index (FI) values were calculated to contextualize item difficulty and identify where LLM performance aligned or diverged from student outcomes. The models demonstrated variable accuracy across question types, with a stronger performance in recall-based and definition-style items and comparatively weaker outputs for applied or interpretive questions. Simulated comparisons showed that LLM performance did not uniformly exceed or fall below that of students, indicating dimension-specific strengths and constraints. These findings suggest that while LLM-resistant examination design is contingent on question structure and content, further research should refine their integration into pharmacy education. Full article