Search Results (146)

In modern vehicles, Autonomous Driving Systems (ADSs) are designed to operate partially or fully without human intervention. The ADS pipeline comprises multiple layers, including sensors, perception, localization, mapping, path planning, and control. The Robot Operating System (ROS) is a widely adopted framework that supports the modular development and integration of these layers. Among them, the path-planning and control layers remain particularly challenging due to several limitations. Classical path planners often struggle with non-smooth trajectories and high computational demands. Meta-heuristic optimization algorithms have demonstrated strong theoretical potential in path planning; however, they are rarely implemented in real-time ROS-based systems due to integration challenges. Similarly, traditional PID controllers require manual tuning and are unable to adapt to system disturbances. This paper proposes a ROS-based ADS architecture composed of eight integrated nodes, designed to address these limitations. The path-planning node leverages a meta-heuristic optimization framework with a cost function that evaluates path feasibility using occupancy grids from the Hector SLAM and obstacle clusters detected through the DBSCAN algorithm. A dynamic goal-allocation strategy is introduced based on the LiDAR range and spatial boundaries to enhance planning flexibility. In the control layer, a modified Pure Pursuit algorithm is employed to translate target positions into velocity commands based on the drift angle. Additionally, an adaptive PID controller is tuned in real time using the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, ensuring robust speed regulation in the presence of external disturbances. The proposed system is practically validated on a four-wheel differential drive robot across six scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed planner significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods, ranking first in the Friedman test with a significance level less than 0.05, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed architecture. Full article

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant challenge in global healthcare, necessitating innovative techniques to address multidrug-resistant pathogens. Multidrug-resistant pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose significant public health threats, as they are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics, leading to more severe and difficult-to-treat infections. These pathogens are part of the ESKAPE group, which includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacter species. Animal venoms, derived from a wide range of species such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, bees, wasps, and ants, represent a rich source of bioactive peptides. Venoms have been a valuable source for drug discovery, providing unique compounds with therapeutic potential. Venom-derived drugs are known for their increased bioactivity, specificity, and stability compared to synthetic alternatives. These compounds are being investigated for various conditions, including treatments for diabetes, pain relief, cancer, and infections, showcasing their remarkable antimicrobial efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive investigation into the potential of venom-derived compounds for developing new antimicrobial agents, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic therapeutics. Key venom components, including melittin from bee venom, phospholipase A₂ from snake venom, and chlorotoxin from scorpion venom, exhibit potent antimicrobial effects through mechanisms such as membrane disruption, enzymatic inhibition, and immune modulation. We also explore the challenges related to the development and clinical use of venom-derived antimicrobials, including toxicity, stability, and delivery mechanisms. These compounds hold immense promise as transformative tools against resistant pathogens, offering a unique avenue for groundbreaking advancements in antimicrobial research and therapeutic development. Full article

The current research aimed to identify the needs for developing the University of Ha’il (UoH) administration in light of the requirements of the fourth industrial revolution by discussing the potential obstacles and challenges that the administration may encounter in meeting these demands, as well as the potential mechanisms for resolving them from the perspectives of academic leaders and teaching staff, and to determine the existence of statistically significant differences in the responses of academic leaders and faculty members regarding the most important challenges facing the development of the administration of Ha’il University and the mechanisms for dealing with them. A cross-sectional/descriptive and analytical method was used to analyze, describe, investigate, and acknowledge the obstacles that prevent the development of university administration to meet the requirements of the fourth industrial revolution and to derive the proposed mechanisms to overcome these obstacles from both academic leaders’ and teaching staff’s points of view. This study’s findings confirmed that the UoH administration faces a number of challenges, such as the lack of regulations governing the use of technologies and software, the lack of a clear and specific plan to employ the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution in the development of university administration, the delayed maintenance of devices on which the software and technologies are installed, and the lack of acceptance by some administrators of the idea of using the techniques of the fourth industrial revolution in the development of university administration out of fear of losing their jobs. By addressing these challenges and embracing some potential mechanisms, the university can effectively navigate the complexities of the 4IR. Therefore, this study suggests implementing cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, and new technologies to develop the administrative work system at the University of Ha’il. This can lead to development and excellence in administrative performance. Full article

Morocco’s rich biodiversity includes various aromatic and medicinal plants utilized for culinary and medicinal purposes. The genus Mentha, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is notable for its widespread use in Moroccan culture. This genus encompasses several species with distinct phytochemical profiles, offering potential applications in cosmetics, medicine, and other sectors. However, understanding the innovation landscape related to Mentha in Morocco requires a comprehensive patent analysis, which can indicate trends, the technological focus, and potential commercial applications. This study identifies the Mentha species commonly used in Morocco and examines patent documents to reveal technological innovations linked to Moroccan Mentha species. Five major Mentha species were identified, namely M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. gattefossei, M. spicata, and M. suaveolens, in addition to two hybrids (Mentha × piperita and M. rotundifolia). The patent analysis, focusing on the number of documents, jurisdictional distribution, and International Patent Classification (IPC) codes, highlights that China and the United States are leading jurisdictions, with 1113 and 915 patent documents, respectively. The primary IPC code, A61K36/53, corresponds to medicinal preparations containing mint. Among the eight identified species, M. spicata (spearmint) accounted for the highest patent activity, reflecting its widespread cultivation and use both in Morocco and globally. In contrast, M. gattefossei (persian mint), an endemic species, had minimal patent representation, suggesting limited international exploitation and potential opportunities for increased research and commercialization focused on this species. Full article

Surface roughness is an important factor influencing subsea cable/umbilical–soil interaction. The cable/umbilical goes through several steps before being laid on the seabed, including production, spooling, unspooling, and installation on the seabed. Yet, there is no standard method for assessing the outer sheath roughness, whether extruded or roving, of subsea cables/umbilicals, and outer sheath roughness has not been measured in many cable/umbilical–soil test datasets. The lack of a universally agreed method for assessing and preparing surface roughness stems from the diverse applications of cables/umbilicals, each of which is subject to varying environmental conditions and operational requirements. Such diversity complicates the establishment of a single standard. The objective of this paper is to present the measurements used to determine the surface roughness of the extruded outer and roving outer sheath of subsea cables/umbilicals. The surface roughness of the outer sheath of subsea cables/umbilicals is required for the soil interface direct shear tests, and the corresponding results are essential for determining the friction factors of the cable/umbilical–soil interaction on the seabed. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is an important inflammatory chronic skin disease that brings many complications in its management and treatment. Although several chemical agents are used for treatment, the search for better anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents of plant origin has been ongoing, since natural compounds, it is commonly believed, are less dangerous than synthetic ones. Therefore, the present study explored a medicinal plant—Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.—for its anti-inflammatory activity alone and in combination with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac. The plant extract was used to make a cream formulation for treating atopic dermatitis and as an antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aures, the major infectious agent associated with AD. The phytochemical analysis of the E. prostrata extract showed the presence of various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, Tannin, saponin, terpenoids, glycosides, phenol, alkaloids, quinone, and protein. The GC-MS profiling of methanolic E. prostrata extract was performed predicted the presence of twenty important phytochemicals, including 2-[5-(2-Hydroxypropyl) oxolan-2-yl]propanoic acid, dl-Menthol, dodecane, undecane, 4,7-dimethyl-, dodecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-, decane, 2,3,5,8-tetramethyl-, cholest-5-en-3-ol, (3.alpha.)-, TMS derivative, cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 1-hydroxy-, (2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenyl) ester, alpha.-farnesene, propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-ethyl-1-propyl-1,3-propanediyl ester, diethyl phthalate, corticosterone, 2-methylpropionate, hentriacontan-13-ol, O-TMS, phthalic acid, 2,4-dimethylpent-3-yl dodecyl ester, hexasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11-dodecamethyl-, acetic acid, 4-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-1,5-dimethyl-hex-2-ynyl ester, octadecane, 2-methyl- octacosane, 1-iodo-, nonacosane, and eicosyl isopropyl ether. Using an egg albumin denaturation inhibition assay, the anti-inflammatory activities of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac were investigated, and they showed 93% and 99% denaturation inhibition at 5 mg concentration of E. prostrata in alone and combination with diclofenac, respectively. Heat-induced haemolysis showed 2.5% and 2.4% of haemolysis at 5 mg of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac, respectively. An MTT assay performed using L₉₂₉ cells proved that the extract has no cytotoxic effect. The plant extract displayed potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; the growth was inhibited at 1 mg/mL of E. prostrata extract. Thus, based on this evidence, the authors suggest that E. prostrata extract should be studied further for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities and topical application in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Full article

The Lamiaceae family of medicinal plants holds immense promise in the development of functional foods aimed at preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). These plants are rich in bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which act as potent enzyme inhibitors and exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperlipidemic properties. Key phenolic compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, along with flavonoids like luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, contribute to these health benefits. Essential oils derived from Lamiaceae species have demonstrated diverse biological activities, including vasorelaxant, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic effects, making them valuable in nutraceutical formulations. This study analyzes and investigates global patent trends related to Lamiaceae plants targeting cardiovascular health, focusing on applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods. Using patent databases, we examine the technological landscape, identify leading applicants, and evaluate the geographical distribution of innovations. Our analysis reveals a notable increase in patent filings since the late 1970s, peaking in 2007, indicating a growing interest in leveraging Lamiaceae plants for cardiovascular health. Tianjin Tasly Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. emerges as a leading applicant, reflecting active engagement by pharmaceutical companies alongside independent researchers and organizations. Geographically, China leads patent activity, followed by the United States and Europe, underscoring global interest and market potential. Key International Patent Classification (IPC) codes identified include A61K36/53 (Lamiaceae extracts), A61P9/00 (cardiovascular drugs), and A61P9/10 (treatments of ischemic or atherosclerotic diseases). These findings highlight the therapeutic and commercial relevance of Lamiaceae bioactives, offering insights into their potential in advancing cardiovascular health and shaping the future of the functional food and nutraceutical industries. Full article

Medicinal plants from the Lamiaceae family hold significant promise as functional food ingredients due to their high content of essential dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Lamiaceae plants are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, contributing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study utilizes a comprehensive patent analysis to explore recent trends in functional foods developed from Lamiaceae plants. We examined patents from databases using Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes relevant to dietetic products and food compositions. Findings indicate a surge in patents related to Lamiaceae-based dietary supplements, particularly those targeting metabolic health, anti-aging, cognitive function, and bone and liver health. Mentha, Scutellaria, Salvia, and Perilla are the most represented genera, with dietary supplements showing potential in chronic disease prevention. This analysis highlights the growing commercial and therapeutic interest in Lamiaceae-derived functional foods, particularly for preventive health applications. Full article

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) cause serious complications among hospitalized patients due to biofilm-forming microorganisms which make treatment ineffective by forming antibiotic-resistant strains. As most CAUTI-causing bacterial pathogens have already developed multidrug resistance, there is an urgent need for alternative antibacterial agents to prevent biofilms on catheter surfaces. As a trial to find out such a potential agent of natural origin, the bark of Tamarix ericoides Rottl., a little-known plant from the Tamaricaceae family, was examined for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against one of the major, virulent, CAUTI-causing bacterial pathogens: Enterococcus faecalis. The methanolic T. ericoides bark extract was analyzed for its antibacterial activity using the well diffusion method and microdilution method. Killing kinetics were calculated using time–kill assay, and the ability of biofilm formation and its eradication upon treatment with the T. ericoides bark extract was studied by crystal violet assay. GC-MS analysis was performed to understand the phytochemical presence in the extract. A in vitro bladder model study was performed using extract-coated catheters against E. faecalis, and the effect was visualized using CLSM. The changes in the cell morphology of the bacterium after treatment with the T. ericoides bark extract were observed using SEM. The biocompatibility of the extract towards L₉₂₉ cells was studied by MTT assay. The anti-E. faecalis activity of the extract-coated catheter tube was quantified by viable cell count method, which exposed 20% of growth after five days of contact with E. faecalis. The anti-adhesive property of the T. ericoides bark extract was studied using CLSM. The extract showed potential antibacterial activity, and the lowest inhibitory concentration needed to inhibit the growth of E. faecalis was found to be 2 mg/mL. The GC-MS analysis of the methanolic fractions of the T. ericoides bark extract revealed the presence of major phytochemicals, such as diethyl phthalate, pentadecanoic acid, methyl 6,11-octadecadienoate, cyclopropaneoctanoic acid, 2-[(2-pentylcyclopropyl) methyl]-, methyl ester, erythro-7,8-bromochlorodisparlure, etc., that could be responsible for the antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. The killing kinetics of the extract against E. faecalis was calculated and the extract showed promising antibiofilm activity on polystyrene surfaces. The T. ericoides bark extract effectively reduced the E. faecalis mature biofilms by 75%, 82%, and 83% after treatment with 1X MIC (2 mg/mL), 2X MIC (4 mg/mL), and 3X MIC (6 mg/mL) concentrations, respectively, which was further confirmed by SEM analysis. The anti-adhesive property of the T. ericoides bark extract studied using CLSM revealed a reduction in the biofilm thickness, and the FDA and PI combination revealed the death of 80% of the cells on the extract-coated catheter tube. In addition, SEM analysis showed extensive damage to the E. faecalis cells after the T. ericoides bark extract treatment, and it was not cytotoxic. Hence, after further studies, T. ericoides bark extract with potential antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-adhesive activities can be developed as an alternative agent for treating CAUTIs. Full article

Menthol, a cyclic monoterpene alcohol commonly derived from mint essential oils, is widely utilized across the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care industries due to its cooling, analgesic, and aromatic properties. This study presents a comprehensive patent landscape analysis of organic menthol crystals and their derivatives, with a focus on identifying current trends and emerging applications. Patent data were retrieved from The Lens and Google Patents, and 23,515 relevant patents were analyzed using international patent classification codes. The results revealed significant applications in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and drug delivery systems, with notable innovations in controlled-release formulations, cancer treatments, and pain relief products. Emerging trends include the combination of menthol with other natural compounds, advances in microencapsulation for controlled drug delivery, and its use as flavor enhancement in the tobacco industry. The United States leads in menthol-related patents, followed by China and the European Union. This analysis provides valuable insights into the future of menthol applications, suggesting that its role in therapeutic and cosmetic industries will continue to grow, driven by technological advancements and regulatory factors. Full article

Classifying rice leaf diseases in agricultural technology helps to maintain crop health and to ensure a good yield. In this work, deep learning algorithms were, therefore, employed for the identification and classification of rice leaf diseases from images of crops in the field. The initial algorithmic phase involved image pre-processing of the crop images, using a bilateral filter to improve image quality. The effectiveness of this step was measured by using metrics like the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR). Following this, this work employed advanced neural network architectures for classification, including Cascading Autoencoder with Attention Residual U-Net (CAAR-U-Net), MobileNetV2, and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The proposed CNN model stood out, since it demonstrated exceptional performance in identifying rice leaf diseases, with test Accuracy of 98% and high Precision, Recall, and F1 scores. This result highlights that the proposed model is particularly well suited for rice leaf disease classification. The robustness of the proposed model was validated through k-fold cross-validation, confirming its generalizability and minimizing the risk of overfitting. This study not only focused on classifying rice leaf diseases but also has the potential to benefit farmers and the agricultural community greatly. This work highlights the advantages of custom CNN models for efficient and accurate rice leaf disease classification, paving the way for technology-driven advancements in farming practices. Full article

This study assessed the possible pharmacological effects of Chlorella vulgaris (Cg), Spirulina platensis (St), and silymarin (Sl) against thioacetamide (TA)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, with a focus on their antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. The following is the random grouping of sixty male rats into six groups of ten animals each: the control (negative control), TA-intoxicated group (positive control; 300 mg/kg body weight (BW)), Sl + TA group (100 mg Sl/kg BW + TA), St + TA group (400 mg St/kg BW + TA), Cg + TA (400 mg Cg/kg BW + TA), and St + Cg + TA group (400 St + 400 Cg mg/kg BW + TA) were all administered for 30 days. At the start of the study, groups 2 through 6 were administered TA intraperitoneally at a dosage of 300 mg/kg BW for two consecutive days, with a 24 h gap between each dose, to induce cardiac damage. Blood samples were obtained to measure hematological parameters and perform biochemical assays, including lipid profiles and cardiac enzymes. For histopathology and immunohistochemistry determination, tissue samples were acquired. The current findings showed that TA injection caused hematological alterations and cardiac injury, as evidenced by greater serum levels of troponin I, creatine kinase-MB, and total creatine kinase (p < 0.05), as well as significantly elevated serum malondialdehyde and decreased serum total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) concentrations. Moreover, an increase in blood low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol concentration (p < 0.05) was recorded in the TA group. There were alterations in the heart tissue’s histological structure of the TA group compared to the control ones. These alterations were characterized by vacuolar degeneration of myocytes, loss of cross striation, coagulative necrosis, and fibrosis of interstitial tissue, which was ameliorated by the supplementation of SI, St, and Cg. The TA-intoxicated group showed weak expression of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (p < 0.05) and strong immunoreactivity of tumor necrosis factor-α and B-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X (p < 0.05). However, the groups receiving Sl, St, and Cg experienced the opposite. The administration of Sl, St, Cg, and St + Cg along with TA significantly improved and restored (p < 0.05) erythrogram indices, including RBCs, hemoglobin, total leukocytic count, lymphocytes, and monocyte, to the normal control values. The administration of Sl, St, and Cg alleviated the cardiotoxicity caused by TA via reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and apoptosis in heart tissue. In summary, the current findings suggest that the treatment with Sl, St, and Cg was beneficial in ameliorating and reducing the cardiotoxicity induced by TA in rats. Full article

Climate change has led to increased and varying pest infestation patterns, triggering a rise in pesticide usage and exposure. The effects of oxamyl, a widely used nematicide in Egypt, encompasses typical signs of carbamate intoxication; nevertheless, long-term effects of oxamyl exposure, particularly on the nervous system, require further elucidation. This study systematically investigated the mechanism and manifestations of repeated subacute exposure to sublethal doses of oxamyl in male SD rats. Data showed a dose-dependent genotoxic effect, manifested as increased bone marrow micronuclei and decreased brain expression of key genes involved in neurogenesis and neuronal development. Coincidently, brain histopathology showed dose-dependent neurodegeneration in various regions, associated with a significant increase in GFAP immunoreactivity, indicative of neuroinflammation. Biochemical examination revealed a typical pattern of cholinesterase inhibition by carbamates in serum and brain tissue, as well as increased oxidative stress markers in the brain such as SOD activity reduction, alongside an increase in NO and MDA. The ability of Ginseng at a 100 mg/Kg dose to ameliorate the effects of oxamyl exposure was investigated. Ginseng use, either as a protective or therapeutic regimen, attenuated the observed genotoxic, neuroinflammatory, and biochemical alterations. Our results indicate that repeated exposure to oxamyl triggers an integrative neurotoxic response, driven by genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, that could trigger an increase in neurological and cognitive disorders. These findings emphasize the urgent need for confirmatory translational studies in human subjects to assess these changes and inform policy decisions regarding safe levels of usage and appropriate agricultural and public health practices. Full article

Recently, there has been a remarkable move towards interprofessional collaboration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the care of comorbidities. In Germany, there has been a gradual increase in interprofessional learning in medical and pharmacy education, aiming to enhance patient care. To adapt the pharmacy curriculum for collaborative practice between pharmacy and medical students, we developed an immersive interprofessional collaboration course for pharmacy students using adult and pediatric high-fidelity simulators (HFS) to assess and train medication consultation skills. In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated whether interprofessional training between pharmacy and medical students results in differences in pharmacy students’ performance of medication therapy consultation compared to the case of mono-professional training of pharmacy students only. Before and after inter/mono-professional training, each pharmacy student performed an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and completed a self-assessment questionnaire. Additionally, an attitude survey towards interprofessional learning was completed by pharmacy and medical students at the end of the training. As expected, interprofessional as well as mono-professional training showed a statistically significant increase in medication consultation skills. Of importance, the performance in the interprofessional training group was significantly better than in the mono-professional group, particularly in drug therapy counselling and consultation behaviors. There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in self-assessment scores, and all study participants had positive attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration and training. Therefore, interprofessional training using HFS has been shown to appropriately train pharmacy students for collaborative practice and consultation skills. Full article

This study explores integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Value Engineering (VE) to enhance cost management and project value optimization in residential construction. The primary aim is to develop a comprehensive framework that synergizes 5th Dimension Building Information Modeling (5D BIM) with VE processes to identify and evaluate the most cost-effective construction alternatives. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research includes an extensive review of existing practices, an integrated BIM-VE framework proposal, and the application of 5D BIM principles to improve visualization, cost estimation, and scheduling. The findings reveal that integrating BIM and VE significantly enhances project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Specifically, the case study of a twin villa project demonstrates a 42% reduction in floor material costs and a 30% reduction in door material costs, resulting in an overall project cost savings of 35%. Additionally, the integrated approach contributes to a 15% reduction in project duration and a notable improvement in design quality and stakeholder collaboration. This research contributes significantly by providing a robust framework for BIM and VE integration, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cost management practices in the construction industry. The novelty of this study lies in its detailed and practical approach to merging BIM with VE, offering a viable solution for resource optimization and sustainable building practices. This study highlights the transformative potential of BIM-VE integration, advocating for its broader adoption to achieve superior project outcomes. Full article