Search Results (197)

High-pitched noise generated by dental air turbine handpieces (ATHs) causes discomfort and anxiety, discouraging dental visits. Understanding the time-dependent noise generation mechanism associated with compressed airflow in ATHs is crucial for effective noise reduction. However, the direct investigation of airflow dynamics within ATHs is challenging. The transient-state modeling of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations remains unexplored owing to the complexities of high rotational speeds and air compressibility. This study develops a novel CFD framework for transient (time-dependent) modeling under high-speed rotational conditions. Simulations were performed using a three-dimensional model reconstructed from a commercial ATH. Simulations were conducted at 320,000 rpm using a novel framework that combines the immersed boundary and building cube methods. A fine 0.025 mm mesh spacing near the ATH, combined with supercomputing resources, enabled the simulation of hundreds of millions of cells. The simulation results were validated using experimental noise measurements. The CFD simulation revealed transient airflow and aeroacoustic behavior inside and around the ATH that closely matched the prominent frequency peaks from the experimental data. This study is the first to simulate the transient airflow of ATHs. The proposed CFD model can accurately predict aeroacoustics, contributing to the future development of quieter and more efficient dental devices. Full article

The colonization of Legionella spp. in engineered water systems constitutes a major public health threat. In this study, a six-year environmental surveillance (2020–2025) of Legionella colonization in five different types of facilities in Crete, Greece is presented, including hotels, passenger ships, primary healthcare facilities, public hospitals, and private clinics. A total of 1081 water samples were collected and analyzed, and the overall positivity was calculated using culture-based methods. Only 16.46% of the samples exceeded the regulatory limit (>10³ CFU/L) in the total sample, with 44.59% overall Legionella positivity. Colonization by facility category showed the highest rates in primary healthcare facilities with 85.96%, followed by public hospitals (46.36%), passenger ships with 36.93%, hotels with 38.08%, and finally private clinics (21.42%). The association of environmental risk factors with Legionella positivity revealed a strong effect at hot water temperatures < 50 °C (RR = 2.05) and free chlorine residuals < 0.2 mg/L (RR = 2.22) (p < 0.0001). Serotyping analysis revealed the overall dominance of Serogroups 2–15 of L. pneumophila; nevertheless, Serogroup 1 was particularly prevalent in hospitals, passenger ships, and hotels. Based on these findings, the requirement for continuous environmental monitoring and risk management plans with preventive thermochemical controls tailored to each facility is highlighted. Finally, operational disruptions, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in primary care facilities and marine systems, require special attention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity represents a growing public health concern. It is closely associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which impairs nocturnal breathing and significantly affects neurocognitive and cardiovascular health. This review aims to analyse differences in fat distribution, anthropometric parameters, and instrumental assessments of paediatric OSA compared to adult OSA to improve the diagnostic characterisation of obese children. Methods: narrative review. Results: While adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) remains a primary cause of paediatric OSA, the increasing prevalence of obesity has introduced distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, including fat accumulation around the pharynx, reduced respiratory muscle tone, and systemic inflammation. Children exhibit different fat distribution patterns compared to adults, with a greater proportion of subcutaneous fat relative to visceral fat. Nevertheless, cervical and abdominal adiposity are crucial in increasing upper airway collapsibility. Recent evidence highlights the predictive value of anthropometric and body composition indicators such as neck circumference (NC), neck-to-height ratio (NHR), neck-to-waist ratio (NWR), fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR), and the neck-to-abdominal-fat percentage ratio (NAF%). In addition, ultrasound assessment of lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW) thickness and abdominal fat distribution provides clinically relevant information regarding anatomical contributions to OSA severity. Among imaging modalities, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) have proven valuable tools for evaluating body fat distribution. Conclusions: Despite advances in the topic, a validated predictive model that integrates these parameters is still lacking in clinical practice. Polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for diagnosis; however, its limited accessibility underscores the need for complementary tools to prioritise the identification of children at high risk. A multimodal approach integrating clinical, anthropometric, and imaging data could support the early identification and personalised management of paediatric OSA in obesity. Full article

With the increased proliferation of drone use for many purposes, counter drone technology has become crucial. This rapid expansion has inherently introduced significant opportunities and applications. This creates applications such as aerial surveillance, delivery services, agriculture monitoring, and, most importantly, security operations. Due to the relative simplicity of learning and operating a small-scale UAV, malicious organizations can field and use UAVs (drones) to form substantial threats. Their interception may then be hindered by evasive manoeuvres performed by the malicious UAV (mUAV). Novice operators may also unintentionally fly UAVs into restricted airspace such as civilian airports, posing a hazard to other air operations. This paper explores predictive trajectory code and methods for the neutralisation of mUAVs by following drones, using state estimation techniques such as the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and particle filter (PF). Interception strategies and optimization techniques are analysed to improve interception efficiency and robustness. The novelty introduced by this paper is the implementation of adaptive time horizon (ATH) and velocity control (VC) in the predictive process. Simulations in MATLAB were used to evaluate the effectiveness of trajectory prediction models and interception strategies against evasive manoeuvres. The tests discussed in this paper then demonstrated the following: the EKF predictive method achieved a significantly higher neutralisation rate (41%) compared to the PF method (30%) in linear trajectory scenarios, and a similar neutralisation rate of 5% in stochastic trajectory scenarios. Later, after incorporating adaptive time horizon (ATH) and 20 velocity control (VC) measures, the EKF method achieved a 98% neutralization rate, demonstrating significant improvement in performance. Full article

This study investigated the effects of planting density and site index on stand attributes and soil nutrients in mature Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.] plantations across Fujian and Sichuan Provinces, elucidating the pathways through which these factors influence standing volume (SV). The results showed that (1) planting density significantly affected stand variables, with average diameter at breast height (ADBH) decreasing and SV initially increasing and then declining with higher density. The number of mortality plants (NMP) and actual stand density (ASD) both increased significantly with higher density. Average tree height (ATH) and dominant height (DH) responses varied by region, with ATH decreasing in Sichuan and DH decreasing in Fujian with higher density. (2) Planting density affected soil nutrients differently in the two provinces, with soil total potassium (TK) increasing in Fujian and phosphorus decreasing in Sichuan. (3) Site index was positively correlated with ATH and ADBH but negatively correlated with ASD and NMP. Its relationship with soil nutrients was province-specific: in Fujian, site index was negatively correlated with total phosphorus (TP) and positively correlated with TK and soil pH, while in Sichuan it was only positively correlated with TK. (4) Structural equation modeling revealed different regulatory pathways: in Fujian, planting density influenced SV through both ASD and soil nutrients, while in Sichuan it affected only through ASD. This study highlights the region-specific interactions between planting density, site index, stand structure, and soil nutrients, providing a foundation for optimized plantation management. Full article

Drought stress limits plant survival and yield in arid regions. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance is key to developing resilient crops. This study used Arabidopsis thaliana as a model to perform an in silico analysis of miRNA–mRNA interactions linked to post-transcriptional drought response. Using the MirTarget program, 274 miRNAs and 48,143 gene transcripts were analyzed to predict high-confidence miRNA–mRNA interactions based on binding free energies (−79 to −129 kJ/mole). Predicted binding sites were located in the CDS, 5′UTR, and 3′UTR regions of target mRNAs. Key regulatory interactions included ath-miR398a-c and ath-miR829-5p targeting ROS detoxification genes (CSD1, FSD1); ath-miR393a/b-5p and ath-miR167a-c-5p targeting hormonal signaling genes (TIR1, ARF6); and the miR169 family, ath-miR414, and ath-miR838 targeting drought-related transcription factors (NF-YA5, DREB1A, WRKY40). Notably, ath-miR414, ath-miR838, and the miR854 family showed broad regulatory potential, targeting thousands of genes. These findings suggest the presence of conserved regulatory modules with potential roles in abiotic stress tolerance. While no direct experimental validation was performed, the results from Arabidopsis thaliana provide a useful genomic framework for hypothesis generation and future functional studies in non-model plant species. This work provides a molecular foundation for improving drought and salt stress tolerance through bioinformatics-assisted breeding and genetic research. Full article

The continuous provision of nitrogen (N) to the crop is critical for optimal cotton production; however, the constant and excessive application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse impacts on soil, plants, animals, and human health. The current study focused on the short-term effects (one-year study) of adding different rates of clinoptilolite zeolite, as part of an integrated nutrient management plan, and different rates of inorganic N fertilizer to improve soil and crop performance of cotton in three locations (ATH, MES, and KAR) in Greece. Each experiment was set up according to a split-plot design with three replications, three main plots (zeolite application at rates of 0, 5, and 7.5 t ha⁻¹), and four sub-plots (N fertilization regimes at rates of 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹). The results of this study indicated that increasing rates of the examined factors increased cotton yields (seed cotton yield, lint yield, and lint percentage), with the greatest lint yield recorded under the highest rates of zeolite (7.5 t ha⁻¹: 1808, 1723, and 1847 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively) and N fertilization (200 kg N ha⁻¹: 1804, 1768, and 1911 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively). From the evaluated parameters, most soil parameters (soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, and total porosity), root and shoot development (root length density, plant height, leaf area index, and dry weight), fiber maturity traits (micronaire, maturity, fiber strength, and elongation), fiber length traits (upper half mean length, uniformity index, and short fiber index), as well as color (reflectance and spinning consistency index) and trash traits (trash area and trash grade), were positively impacted by the increasing rates of the evaluated factors. In conclusion, the results of the present research suggest that increasing zeolite and N fertilization rates to 7.5 t ha⁻¹ and 200 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively, improved soil properties (except mean weight diameter), stimulated crop development, and enhanced cotton and lint yield, as well as improved the fiber maturity, length, and color parameters of cotton grown in clay-loam soils in the Mediterranean region. Full article

The global rise in obesity and its associated metabolic disorders underscores the need for a deeper investigation into their underlying molecular mechanisms. While genetic factors are well-established contributors, recent research has increasingly focused on epigenetic regulators, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A)—the most prevalent internal RNA modification in eukaryotes. This post-transcriptional modification plays a crucial role in RNA metabolism by regulating mRNA stability, splicing, nuclear export, and translation efficiency. Notably, emerging evidence implicates m⁶A in both adipogenesis and metabolic dysregulation. In this review, we systematically examine three key dimensions: (1) the molecular mechanisms of m⁶A modification, including writers, erasers, and readers, in obesity; (2) dysregulated m⁶A patterns in obesity-related pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the glycolysis in cancer cells; and (3) the therapeutic potential of targeting m⁶A and the regulators. By critically assessing recent advancements, we highlight m⁶A’s dual role as both a metabolic sensor and a disease modulator, offering novel insights into potential strategies for combating obesity-related metabolic syndromes. Full article

Background: Oropouche virus (OROV), part of the Peribunyaviridae family, is an emerging pathogen causing Oropouche fever, a febrile illness endemic in South and Central America. Transmitted primarily through midge bites (Culicoides paraensis), OROV has no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine. This study aims to identify host-targeted therapeutics against OROV using computational approaches, offering a potential strategy for sustainable antiviral drug discovery. Methods: Virus-associated host targets were identified using the OMIM and GeneCards databases. The Enrichr and DSigDB platforms were used for drug prediction, filtering compounds based on Lipinski’s rule for drug likeness. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was conducted using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.10.3 software. Four key host targets—IL10, FASLG, PTPRC, and FCGR3A—were prioritized based on their roles in immune modulation and OROV pathogenesis. Molecular docking simulations were performed using the PyRx software to evaluate the binding affinities of selected small-molecule inhibitors—Acetohexamide, Deptropine, Methotrexate, Retinoic Acid, and 3-Azido-3-deoxythymidine—against the identified targets. Results: The PPI network analysis highlighted immune-mediated pathways such as Fc-gamma receptor signaling, cytokine control, and T-cell receptor signaling as critical intervention points. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between the selected compounds and the prioritized targets, suggesting their potential efficacy as host-targeting antiviral candidates. Acetohexamide and Deptropine showed strong binding to multiple targets, indicating broad-spectrum antiviral potential. Further in vitro and in vivo validations are needed to confirm these findings and translate them into clinically relevant treatments. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of using computational approaches to identify host-targeted therapeutics for Oropouche virus (OROV). By targeting key host proteins involved in immune modulation—IL10, FASLG, PTPRC, and FCGR3A—the selected compounds, Acetohexamide and Deptropine, demonstrate strong binding affinities, suggesting their potential as broad-spectrum antiviral candidates. Further experimental validation is needed to confirm their efficacy and potential for clinical application, offering a promising strategy for sustainable antiviral drug discovery. Full article

The predatory function and numerical responses of natural enemy insects are critical for evaluating their biological control potential, particularly in understanding pest suppression mechanisms and ecological adaptability. Here, we examined the predation capacity of Tytthus chinensis Stål (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Sogatella furcifera eggs under laboratory conditions (24 ± 1 °C, 12:12 h light:dark photoperiod, 75% humidity). Functional response experiments were conducted at different prey densities (3, 4, 10, 20, and 30 eggs/day), and life table parameters were established to evaluate the effects of prey density on the development, reproduction, and population dynamics of T. chinensis. The daily average predation of nymphs significantly increased with age, and their functional responses fitted the Holling Type II response. In the adult stage, the daily average predation of females was significantly higher than that of males, and males had a higher a/T_h ratio, which reflected sex-specific predation strategies. Prey density significantly influenced survival, reproduction, and population dynamics. The minimum prey density required for population stability was 4 eggs/day, and survival and reproduction rates markedly increased at 10 eggs/day. At 30 eggs/day, females reproduced earlier, and the lifespan of males was shortened. These findings confirm the strong pest control ability of T. chinensis and highlight the critical role of S. furcifera egg density in regulating the population dynamics of T. chinensis. Full article

Excessive N loss through leaching and volatilization is a major concern in modern agriculture, reducing N use efficiency, groundwater contamination, and environmental degradation. To address these issues, this research evaluates the impact of N fertilizers containing nitrification inhibitors (NIs), which restrict the conversion of ammonium (NH₄⁺) into nitrate (NO₃⁻), thereby enhancing N retention in the soil. This study examines the effects of different N fertilizer applications on the yield and nutrient dynamics of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Field experiments were conducted to compare the effects of a one-time and split application of granular N fertilizers ENSIN (with NIs) and DASA (without NIs) on winter barley yield and N dynamics. The highest grain yield was observed with a single ENSIN application (8.35 Mg.hm⁻²), followed by a divided DASA application (7.97 Mg.hm⁻²), both significantly outperforming the control (no N). The most efficient N use was recorded for the single ENSIN application, yielding 27.4 kg of grain per kg of applied N. Agrochemical analyses were conducted to assess soil NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ content throughout the vegetation period, and lysimetric methods were used to determine leaching losses. The results highlight the potential of NIs to improve nutrient uptake efficiency, reduce N loss, and enhance sustainable barley production. Through optimizing fertilizer application strategies, this study contributes to the development of more sustainable agricultural practices that improve crop yield while minimizing environmental impacts, particularly in reducing N runoff and groundwater contamination. Full article

This study focuses on simulating the dynamic response of a novel battery housing constructed from an innovative thermoplastic composite material using the FE method, implemented in the LS-Dyna software. The composite comprises a thermoplastic matrix (ELIUM MC and Martinal ATH) reinforced by glass fibers. The initial mechanical properties of the composite are characterized through standardized mechanical tests. The housing undergoes analysis under various loading scenarios, including sine-sweep and random vibration, mechanical shock and impact loads. Throughout these analyses, the housing’s structural integrity is thoroughly assessed for potential failures. The numerical results demonstrate that the housing remains resilient against vibration and mechanical shock. Additionally, while low-energy impact induces some damage, it does not impede the battery pack’s normal operation. However, high-energy impact causes substantial damage that compromises the integrity of the battery. Importantly, the FE model of the battery housing serves as a basis for the creation of a digital twin of the battery, offering opportunities for further design and optimization strategies. Full article

Herbicide resistance is an emerging phytosanitary threat, causing serious yield and economic losses. Although this phenomenon has been widely studied, only recently has the role of epigenetic factors in its occurrence been considered. In the present study, we analyzed the microRNA-mediated regulation in Echinochloa oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasinger (late-watergrass) of the expression of cytochromes P450, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and eIF4B, all of which are enzymes involved in profoxydim (AURA^®) detoxification. Before and after profoxydim application, the expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) were selected for their ability to target the genes considered, and their targets were assessed by means of RT-qPCR. Susceptible and resistant biotypes showed different responses to this herbicide. After profoxydim application, in resistant biotypes, osa-miR2099-5p, ath-miR396b, osa-miR395f, osa-miR396a-5p, osa-miR166a-5p, osa-miR166d-5p, gra-miR8759, and gma-miR396f were not triggered, allowing the expression of CYP81A, GSTF1, and eIF4B genes and the herbicide’s detoxification. Meanwhile, the transcription of ata-miR166c-5p, ath-miR847, osa-miR5538, and gra-miR7487c was triggered, down-regulating CYP71AK2, CYP72A254, CYP72A122, and EcGST expression. In susceptible biotypes, the herbicide stimulated ata-miR166c-5p, ath-miR847, osa-miR5538, gra-miR7487c, osa-miR166a-5p, and gra-miR8759, down-regulating their respective target genes (CYP72A122, CYP71AK2, EcGST, CYP72A254, CYP81A12, and eIF4B). A better understanding of the role of miRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation in herbicide resistance will be useful in planning more targeted and sustainable methods for controlling this phytosanitary threat. Full article

Aluminum hydroxide (ATH) is an environmentally friendly flame retardant widely employed in polymers. However, the high loading of ATH, due to its limited efficiency, potentially compromises other properties, including mechanical properties. This work explores a feasible ball milling strategy for high-efficiency ATH-based flame retardants (PPA-ATH and PPOA-ATH), fabricated by employing phenylphosphinic acid (PPA) and phenylphosphonic acid (PPOA) as surface modifiers and water as the processing solvent. The characterization study of PPA-ATH and PPOA-ATH demonstrates that ball milling effectively reduces their particle size, enhances their specific surface area, and improves their dispersibility within the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) matrix. PPOA-ATH exhibited superior capabilities in enhancing the thermal stability and flame retardancy of EVA composites compared to PPA-ATH. The incorporation of PPOA-ATH resulted in the retarding in the temperature at 50% mass loss by 21 °C and an increase in the char residue of 34.5% at 700 °C. Furthermore, PPOA incorporation led to reductions of 81.0% in the peak heat release rate, 48.1% in the total heat release, 73.7% in the peak smoke production rate, and 41.2% in the total smoke production compared to neat EVA. This green modification strategy successfully addresses the application limitations of ATH, providing a feasible and environmentally friendly method for high-efficiency ATH-based flame retardant fabrication. Full article

This study investigates the modification of aluminum hydroxide (ATH) powder using waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a novel modifier, along with its subsequent effects on the dispersion, mechanical properties, and thermal performance of ATH-filled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites. ATH was modified through an optimized wet process, and the modification efficiency was evaluated using various characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that WPU, as a modifier, effectively improved the dispersion of ATH in the organic phase, as demonstrated by the reduced settling time and enhanced interfacial compatibility between ATH and LDPE. The modified ATH demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties in LDPE-based composites, with a tensile strength of 30.02 MPa, flexural strength of 13.20 MPa, impact strength of 65.75 kJ/m², and elongation at break of 59.84%, all reaching their maximum at 3.0 wt.% WPU modification. Additionally, the flame retardancy of the composites was significantly improved due to the incorporation of ATH, with the ATH content in the composites reaching up to 60%, further enhancing their fire resistance. This study highlights the effectiveness of WPU-modified ATH as both a flame retardant and a reinforcing filler for LDPE composites, offering potential advantages in enhancing material properties while reducing manufacturing costs. Full article