Search Results (136,439)

Optimizing efficient electrode materials that combine high energy density, rapid charge transport, and excellent cycling stability remains a challenge for advanced supercapacitors. Here, we report the synthesis of an innovative copper(I)-based metal–organic framework (MOF), Cu₃(NDI)₃, prepared via a simple solvothermal method using N,N’-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-4-yl)-naphthalene diimide (H₂NDI-H) as a linker. Structural analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and BET) confirmed the formation of a highly crystalline, porous MOF. Integration of this MOF into laser-induced graphene (LIG) matrices yielded hybrid electrodes with enhanced structural characteristics and electrochemical activity, compared to its only-LIG counterpart. Electrochemical studies (CV, CD, EIS) revealed that the LIG–MOF electrode exhibited the highest performance, delivering a specific capacitance of 4.6 mF cm⁻² at 0.05 mA cm⁻², and an areal energy density of 60.03 μWh cm⁻² at a power density of 1292.17 μW cm⁻², outperforming both LIG and MOF–LIG configurations. This enhancement arises from the synergetic interaction between the conductive LIG network and the redox-active Cu₃(NDI)₃ framework, highlighting the potential of LIG–MOF hybrids as next-generation materials for high-performance supercapacitors. Full article

This study aimed to assess the variation, genetic architecture, and genome-enabled prediction of traits with nutritional and health relevance in 156 pea (Pisum sativum L.) accessions of diverse geographic origins. The traits included the total phenolic compounds (TPCs), two saponins (Ssβg, Ss1), sucrose, three raffinose-family oligosaccharides (RFOs), and the in vitro antioxidant activity (AA). An analysis of variance revealed significant effects of regional germplasm pools for all traits. Accessions from West Asia showed the highest TPC and AA levels, while those from the East Balkans and the UK displayed the lowest values. High saponin and RFO concentrations characterized accessions from Germany and the UK. Correlation and PCA analyses highlighted strong associations within compound classes and an overall negative relationship between TPCs/AA and saponins/RFOs. The accessions were clustered into seven metabolically distinct groups, partially reflecting their geographic origin. The linkage disequilibrium decayed rapidly (average of 4.7 kb). A GWAS based on 10,249 SNP markers identified 37 significant SNPs, 35 within annotated genes, associated with the metabolites, indicating a polygenic genetic architecture. Genomic prediction models showed a moderately high predictive ability (>0.40) for all traits except the raffinose content. Our findings can support line selection and the identification of genetic resources with a desired level of secondary metabolites. Full article

Submarine power cables for offshore wind farms experience continuous cyclic loading from environmental forces and floating-platform motions, making fatigue performance a critical design factor. This study combined global and local analyses to investigate the fatigue behavior of a 66 kV dry-type submarine cable installed using a flexible pull-in installation system. A global dynamic analysis using site-specific meteorological and oceanographic data provided time-series displacement responses that were used to evaluate the fatigue damage to the metallic components of the cable. The results indicated that the minimum fatigue life of 8.71 × 10⁴ cycles occurred at the upper metallic sheath near the fixed end, with a corresponding cumulative damage of 1.147 × 10⁻⁵. Fatigue accumulation was predominantly governed by lateral (y-direction) displacement, while axial and vertical displacement components contributed minimally. Furthermore, the predicted fatigue life of the metallic sheath varied by a factor of up to 3.6 depending on the selected curve, comparing the cyclic stress amplitude and number of cycles to failure (S–N curve), highlighting the importance of accurate material fatigue data. These findings emphasize the need for careful evaluation of the environmental loading and sheath fatigue properties in flexible pull-in installation system-based submarine cable system designs. Full article

Animals may offer vital psychosocial support, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. However, evidence surrounding the effects of pet ownership remains equivocal, especially in relation to cat–human dynamics. This study explored the relationship between cat–human-related factors (CHRFs) and psychological well-being in a sample of 127 adults, including individuals formally diagnosed with autism (30), ADHD (15), and/or co-occurring autism and ADHD (AuADHD; 22). Participants completed measures assessing neurodiverse traits, CHRF engagement, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Spearman’s correlations analysed the relationships between CHRFs, neurodiverse traits, and well-being. Kruskal–Wallis tests established group differences in well-being and engagement in CHRFs between individuals with and without neurodevelopmental differences. The findings confirmed that autistic and ADHD traits were positively associated with greater anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Autistic individuals reported significantly elevated anxiety and depression; co-occurring diagnoses (AuADHD) were associated with heightened anxiety. Neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals demonstrated similar patterns of CHRF engagement. Several CHRFs, such as anxious cat behaviour, inability to provide for the cat, poor cat health, and close proximity, were linked to negative well-being outcomes. These findings highlight the nuanced, bi-directional nature of cat–human interactions, underscoring the importance of mitigating negative relational factors to support mental health in neurodiverse populations. Full article

The Cheng-gang crystalline graphite deposit is a recently discovered medium-to-large-sized deposit within the Tan-Lu Fault Zone (TLFZ), East China. However, the knowledge on this deposit remains limited, resulting in a poor understanding of its genesis. In this study, this deposit is chosen to elucidate the degree of graphite mineralization, the nature and depositional environments of the protoliths, and the carbon source of graphite through geochemical and stable isotope investigations, and mineralogical analysis. The fixed carbon contents in the graphite-ore-bearing layers range from 2% to 3%. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal a high degree of graphitization. Analyses of elemental ratios indicate that the protoliths of metamorphic rocks predominantly consist of felsic rocks derived from the upper crust and deposited in brackish-water and reducing environments (anoxic to dysoxic). Stable carbon isotope analyses show that CH₄ with lighter carbon isotopes released from the decomposition of pristine organic matter was trapped into adjacent inorganic reservoirs and the residual fraction with heavy carbon isotopes evolved to become graphite under metamorphism. Assuming the existence of isotope exchange between carbonate minerals and graphite, the temperature of peak metamorphism is estimated to be 580–860 °C, corresponding to amphibolite–granulite facies during regional metamorphism. The direct mixing of organic fluids and adjacent inorganic reservoirs may have contributed to graphite ore formation and needs to be further explored in future studies. The findings shed light on the genesis of the TLFZ graphite deposits, providing practical implications for local mineral exploration. Full article

Rural self-constructed homes in China’s cold-temperate regions often exhibit poor energy performance due to limited budgets and substandard construction, leading to a high reliance on active systems and low climate resilience. This study assesses four passive cooling strategies, nighttime natural ventilation (NNV), envelope retrofitting (ER), window shading (WS), and window-to-wall ratio adjustment (WWR), under 2040–2080 representative future climate conditions using energy simulation, multi-objective optimization, sensitivity analysis, and life-cycle cost assessment. Combined measures (COM) cut annual cooling demand by ~43% and representative peak cooling loads by ~50%. NNV alone delivers ~37% cooling reduction with rapid payback, while ER primarily mitigates heating demand. WS provides moderate cooling but slightly increases winter energy use, and WWR has minimal impact. Economic and sensitivity analyses indicate that COM and NNV are robust and cost-effective, making them the most suitable strategies for low-energy, climate-resilient retrofits in cold-climate rural residences. Since statistically extreme heat events are not explicitly modeled, the findings reflect relative performance under representative climatic conditions rather than guaranteed resilience under extreme heatwaves. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the modern healthcare landscape, breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies and a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Early and accurate prediction of breast cancer plays a pivotal role in effective diagnosis, treatment planning, and improving survival outcomes. However, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of medical data, achieving high predictive accuracy remains a significant challenge. This study proposes an intelligent hybrid system that integrates traditional machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and ensemble learning approaches for enhanced breast cancer prediction using the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Dataset. Methods: The proposed system employs a multistage framework comprising three main phases: (1) data preprocessing and balancing, which involves normalization using the min–max technique and application of the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) to mitigate class imbalance; (2) model development, where multiple ML algorithms, DL architectures, and a novel ensemble model are applied to the preprocessed data; and (3) model evaluation and validation, performed under three distinct training–testing scenarios to ensure robustness and generalizability. Model performance was assessed using six statistical evaluation metrics—accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, specificity, and AUC—alongside graphical analyses and rigorous statistical tests to evaluate predictive consistency. Results: The findings demonstrate that the proposed ensemble model significantly outperforms individual machine learning and deep learning models in terms of predictive accuracy, stability, and reliability. A comparative analysis also reveals that the ensemble system surpasses several state-of-the-art methods reported in the literature. Conclusions: The proposed intelligent hybrid system offers a promising, multidisciplinary approach for improving diagnostic decision support in breast cancer prediction. By integrating advanced data preprocessing, machine learning, and deep learning paradigms within a unified ensemble framework, this study contributes to the broader goals of precision oncology and AI-driven healthcare, aligning with global efforts to enhance early cancer detection and personalized medical care. Full article

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a major therapeutic challenge due to aggressive progression, high recurrence, and limited selectivity of current treatments. In this study, a series of seven 4-amino-2-substituted tetrahydrobenzothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines were evaluated for their cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and mechanistic effects against oral cancer cell lines with different metastatic potential (HSC-3 and SCC-9), alongside non-tumorigenic keratinocytes (HaCaTs). Several compounds demonstrated selective anticancer activity, with Compounds 5 and 6 showing the most favorable balance between potency and selectivity. Antiproliferative assays revealed effective inhibition of cancer cell growth, while clonogenic assays confirmed a pronounced reduction in long-term survival, particularly in highly metastatic HSC-3 cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that the anticancer effects are associated with S-phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and profound disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. In silico ADME and drug-likeness analyses supported the lead-like properties of the most active derivatives. Overall, these findings identify thienopyrimidine derivatives as promising scaffolds for the development of targeted therapies against OSCC and warrant further optimization and in vivo evaluation. Full article

Glass wool waste constitutes a rapidly increasing fraction of construction and demolition residues, yet it remains one of the most challenging insulation materials to recycle. Its non-combustible nature, extremely low bulk density, and high fibre elasticity preclude energy recovery and severely limit conventional mechanical recycling routes, resulting in long-term landfilling and loss of mineral resources. Converting glass wool waste into a fine mineral powder represents a potentially viable pathway for its integration into low-carbon construction materials, provided that industrial scalability, particle-size control, and chemical compatibility with cementitious binders are ensured. This study investigates the industrial-scale milling of end-of-life glass wool waste in a ventilated horizontal ball mill. It compares two grinding routes: a corundum-free route (BK) and an abrasive-assisted route (ZK) employing α-Al₂O₃ corundum to intensify fibre fragmentation. Particle size distribution was quantified by laser diffraction using cumulative and differential analyses, as well as characteristic diameters. The results confirm that abrasive-assisted milling significantly enhances fragmentation efficiency and reduces the coarse fibre fraction. However, the study demonstrates that this gain in fineness is inherently coupled with the incorporation of α-Al₂O₃ into the milled powder, introducing a chemically foreign crystalline phase that cannot be removed by post-processing. From a cement-oriented perspective, this contamination represents a critical limitation, as α-Al₂O₃ may interfere with hydration reactions, aluminate–sulfate equilibria, and microstructural development in Portland and calcium sulfoaluminate binders. In contrast, the corundum-free milling route yields a slightly coarser, chemically unmodified powder, offering improved process robustness, lower operational complexity, and greater compatibility with circular economy objectives. The study establishes that, for the circular reuse of fibrous insulation waste in cementitious systems, particle fineness alone is insufficient as an optimization criterion. Instead, the combined consideration of fineness, chemical purity, and binder compatibility governs the realistic and sustainable reuse potential of recycled glass wool powders. Full article

UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP) is an essential enzyme in the insect chitin biosynthesis pathway; however, little is known regarding its molecular functions in Oedaleus asiaticus Bey-Bienko (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Here, two UAP genes, OaUAP1 and OaUAP2, were identified and characterized in O. asiaticus. The effects of exogenous treatments, including the molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the chitin biosynthesis inhibitor validamycin (VA), were assessed on chitin synthesis. Sequence analyses have shown that the cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences of O. asiaticus share over 90% identity with UAPs in Locusta migratoria. OaUAP1 and OaUAP2 are widely expressed in many tissues and developmental stages but exhibit different expression patterns: OaUAP1 shows higher expression in the epidermis and fifth-instar nymphs, while OaUAP2 is primarily expressed in the fat body and in the fifth-instar nymphs and adults. The functional analysis of two OaUAPs revealed that OaUAP2 was crucial in molting; moreover, its implication also exists in other biosynthetic processes since nymphs maintained normal growth and development. Both OaUAP expressions were upregulated by 20E and downregulated by VA in the chitin biosynthesis pathway. Our findings provide a vital molecular insight into the chitin biosynthesis pathway of O. asiaticus and lay a solid foundation for developing environmentally safe biological insecticides. Full article

This study introduces the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Measurement Framework (SDG-AMF), a novel analytical tool used to systematically evaluate the relationships between digitalization and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unlike the United Nations (UN) E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Digital Government Indicators (DGIs) frameworks, the proposed SDG-AMF links digitalization indicators to specific SDG outcomes using proxy-based time-series analysis. The SDG-AMF provides a unified, statistically grounded approach that connects digital development with measurable sustainability outcomes. Using direct, high-quality time-series data (2010–2024) from internationally recognized sources, the framework maps key digitalization indicators such as Internet penetration, e-government maturity, research and development (RD) expenditure, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and gender participation in information and communication technology (ICT) to the selected SDG targets (SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, and 16). Through correlation and regression analyses, the study identifies enabling and inhibiting relationships, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s strengths in digital infrastructure and e-government maturity while emphasizing areas for improvement, such as civic participation and RD intensity. Comparative benchmarking with digitally advanced economies underscores Saudi Arabia’s strengths in Internet penetration and e-government maturity, while gaps in RD investment are identified. The SDG-AMF provides policymakers with a replicable roadmap and scalable model to align foundational connectivity and governance reforms with advanced digital transformation, facilitating progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals worldwide. This research contributes original methodological insights and equips stakeholders with practical tools to monitor, compare, and accelerate SDG progress in the digital era. Full article

This retrospective study describes the national histopathology caseload of feline tumours submitted to a Portuguese diagnostic laboratory over a five-year period. A total of 1904 histopathology-confirmed neoplasms were analysed by biological behaviour, anatomical location, and demographic/geographical variables. Malignant tumours predominated (77.4%), whereas 22.6% were benign. Tumours most commonly involved the mammary gland (44.8%) and cutaneous/soft tissues (42.4%), together accounting for 87.2% of cases; all other sites were individually uncommon (≤5.6%). The most frequent malignant tumour types were mammary carcinoma (38.3%), fibrosarcoma (8.0%), squamous cell carcinoma (6.4%), and mast cell tumour (4.8%). Cats with malignant tumours were older than those with benign lesions (p < 0.001), and females comprised most submissions (69.3%), largely driven by mammary neoplasia. Multiple, histologically distinct tumours were identified in 8.3% of cats and were more frequent in older females (p = 0.001). Domestic Shorthairs comprised the vast majority of cases, and no significant associations were detected between breed (including pure breeds) or geographical location and tumour occurrence or biological behaviour (p > 0.05). These findings highlight a sustained predominance of malignant disease in Portuguese cats, concentrated in mammary and cutaneous/soft-tissue sites, supporting a low threshold for biopsy in older cats and systematic mammary screening in females, and continued registry-based surveillance to monitor temporal changes in tumour patterns. Full article

Background: Cleft palate (CP) is a prevalent craniofacial malformation, with the TGFβ pathway playing a critical role. Recent evidence links autophagy to regulating mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cells, but its interaction with TGFβ-activated phosphorylation cascades remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the interplay between these pathways during palatogenesis. Methods: H&E and IHC analyses revealed increased expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 during the critical period of palatal shelf elevation and fusion (E13.5–E15.5). Bulk RNA sequencing (Bulk RNA-seq) further revealed enrichment of autophagy-related pathways and their interaction with TGFβ signaling. TMT-based phosphoproteomics was performed on TGFβ2-treated MEPM cells. Results: We identified 23,471 peptides and 3952 proteins, including 6339 phosphopeptides corresponding to 2195 phosphoproteins. Differential analysis found 477 phosphopeptides with increased abundance and 53 with decreased abundance, revealing the enrichment of seven serine (p-Ser) motifs (RxxS, SDxD, SDxE, SP, SxDE, SxEE, SxxxxD) and one threonine (p-Thr) motif (TP). Notably, kinase-substrate enrichment analysis identified CSNK2A as a previously unrecognized phosphorylation regulator, together with MAPKs and CDKs. Functional enrichment showed significant involvement of mTOR, MAPK, and autophagy/mitophagy pathways. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that TGFβ2 reshapes the MEPM phosphoproteome through Smad-independent pathway, expanding the palate-specific phospho-signaling atlas beyond the canonical Smad cascade. Full article

Porous NiCo₂O₄ nanomaterials were synthesized using in situ-generated polyacrylamide as a template, with cobalt nitrate, nickel nitrate, and urea serving as raw materials. XRD and FESEM analyses confirm the successful formation of spinel-structured NiCo₂O₄ electrode materials featuring a 3D macroporous/mesoporous architecture and an average crystalline size of approximately 8.1 nm, obtained through calcination of the amorphous precursor. Electrochemical evaluation of the as-prepared NiCo₂O₄ reveals that the specific capacitance retained at 10 A g⁻¹ reaches 88.9% of the value measured at 1 A g⁻¹, demonstrating excellent rate capability. Furthermore, the material exhibits a gradual increase in specific capacity over 3000 charge–discharge cycles, achieving a capacitance retention of up to 246.5%, which indicates good cycling stability and superior capacity retention. Full article

Workplace weight stigma is a form of discrimination affecting equality, health, and careers, yet occupational research remains fragmented. This gender-sensitive systematic review synthesizes evidence on workplace weight stigma among adult workers and job applicants since 2000. Following PRISMA procedures, we searched psychological, medical, sociological, and economic databases, identifying 25 included studies examining work outcomes. The corpus includes experimental vignette and correspondence studies, surveys, and qualitative designs, predominantly from high-income Western countries. Higher body weight is consistently associated with disadvantages across the employment life cycle: reduced callbacks and hiring, lower wages and wage growth, fewer promotions, and negative performance evaluations. Penalties are systematically stronger for women; intersectional analyses remain rare. Weight-based teasing, unfair treatment, and stereotype threat are linked to poorer self-rated health, psychological distress, burnout, reduced work ability, lower job satisfaction and commitment, and stronger turnover intentions. Organizational-level evidence is indirect but suggests detrimental effects on engagement and citizenship behaviors. Findings support conceptualizing workplace weight stigma as both a psychosocial hazard and a structural driver of labor-market inequality, underscoring the need for size-inclusive HR practices, leadership, and occupational risk-prevention policies. Full article