Search Results (401,350)

In SAE Level 3 automated driving, drivers are required to supervise vehicle operation and respond to overtaking requests. Owing to task monotony and insufficient workload, drivers are prone to passive fatigue, which may impair vigilance and safety. This study investigated passive fatigue development during automated driving and proposed a multimodal detection method. Thirty licensed participants completed one automated driving task and one manual driving task in a driving simulator. Eye-movement and ECG/heart rate variability indicators were synchronously collected, and fatigue states were assessed using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Results show that passive fatigue during automated driving developed differently from active fatigue during manual driving. Based on PERCLOS, pupil diameter, pupil diameter variation, SDNN, and LF/HF, an SVM-based passive fatigue detection model was developed to classify alert and passive fatigue states. Across repeated subject-wise validation, the model achieved an accuracy of 89.19%, sensitivity of 91.83%, specificity of 86.54%, balanced accuracy of 89.19%, F1 score of 89.48%, and precision of 87.28%, outperforming the model trained on manual driving active fatigue data. These findings demonstrate the need for scenario-specific driver-state monitoring models in automated driving systems and provide an applied physiological sensing approach for passive fatigue detection and warning design. Full article

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) has been proposed as an ergogenic aid. Prior reviews pooled heterogeneous outcomes, and none isolated explosive lower-limb power or separated jump output from force–time kinetics. We asked whether anodal M1 tDCS versus sham improves explosive lower-limb power in healthy active adults, analysing these two outcome categories separately. Following PRISMA 2020 (PROSPERO CRD420261438841), four databases were searched up to 3 July 2026 for randomised and crossover trials. Random-effects meta-analyses (REML with Hartung–Knapp) pooled Hedges’ g by category; risk of bias (RoB 2) and certainty (GRADE) were assessed. Seven trials were included. tDCS did not significantly improve jump output (k = 6; g = 0.44, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.92; p = 0.069; I² = 19%). The kinetics estimate was moderate (k = 3; g = 0.67, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.81; I² = 0%) but did not survive a conservative small-sample correction (95% CI −0.23 to 1.57; p = 0.086). Certainty was very low throughout. Including a further trial whose comparator was a no-intervention control made both estimates significant, indicating a fragile evidence base. Current evidence does not establish an ergogenic benefit; adequately powered, pre-registered trials are needed. Full article

Digital rights and responsibilities education is a core component of digital citizenship in primary schools, yet existing approaches often prioritize rule transmission over behavioral internalization. This study examined the effects of integrating Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) into the final lesson of a digital rights and responsibilities curriculum. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 88 fifth-grade students during a four-lesson curriculum delivered over four weeks. Both groups received the same teacher-led instruction during the first three lessons. In the final lesson, Cyber Judge was incorporated into instruction for the experimental group (EG) as a game-supported learning activity, while the control group (CG) received conventional instruction on the same content. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and t-tests, with Holm–Bonferroni adjustments applied for multiple comparisons. The EG showed higher adjusted post-test digital rights and responsibilities literacy, with significant differences in Rights Awareness and Responsibilities Behavior, and higher overall cognitive absorption, particularly in Temporal Separation. No significant between-group differences were found in learning anxiety. These findings highlight the potential of DGBL to connect ethical knowledge with situated decision-making while underscoring the importance of considering learners’ affective responses in the design of game-supported instruction. Full article

Bone defects remain difficult to treat because conventional grafting approaches may cause infection, inflammation, donor-site morbidity, or graft rejection. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as versatile nanomaterials for drug delivery owing to their large surface area, tunable pore structure, high loading capacity, and readily modifiable surfaces. However, conventional MSNs are relatively bioinert and provide limited direct stimulation of bone regeneration. Incorporating therapeutic metal ions into the silica framework through in situ co-condensation can improve their biological activity while retaining their drug-delivery advantages. This review highlights recent advances in ion-doped MSNs as multifunctional delivery systems for bone regeneration, focusing on their osteogenic, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. The review discusses how ion doping influences particle structure, biodegradation, drug loading, and release behavior and the potential of single- and multiple-ion systems to provide complementary or, where experimentally demonstrated, synergistic therapeutic effects. Particular attention is given to controlled and spatiotemporal delivery strategies designed to match the sequential phases of bone healing. Future research should improve synthetic reproducibility, establish ion-specific therapeutic windows, integrate stimuli-responsive release mechanisms, and confirm long-term safety and efficacy in clinically relevant animal models. Full article

Recalcitrant azo dyes in textile wastewater are a significant environmental concern due to their persistence and potential impacts on human and ecosystem health. Heterogeneous Fenton-like processes offer a promising approach for their removal, although catalyst performance depends strongly on the physicochemical characteristics of the active material. This study investigated Fe-functionalized silicon oxide (Fe-SiO) catalysts for sodium percarbonate (SPC)-activated removal of Reactive Orange 84 (RO84). The catalysts were prepared using silicon oxide supports with and without thermochemical pretreatment and different amounts of Fe during synthesis. Their structural, morphological, and elemental characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), complemented by textural analysis. Increasing the amount of Fe used during synthesis shifted removal from adsorption-influenced to oxidation-associated, as reflected in the kinetic behavior. Thermochemical pretreatment promoted more homogeneous Fe dispersion and reduced aggregation in the S2 series, consistent with its higher catalytic response under several evaluated conditions. The PFO model empirically described the observed removal kinetics. Overall, the Fe-SiO materials showed potential for SPC-assisted RO84 removal under the evaluated conditions. Full article

As renewable generation and power-electronic interfaces account for a growing share of power systems, reduced system inertia and weakened voltage support place greater demands on the stable operation of weak and passive networks. This paper proposes a virtual synchronous generator (VSG)-based active support strategy for grid-forming voltage source converter-based high-voltage direct-current (VSC-HVDC) systems. First, the power-balance relationship between the converter station and the synchronous generator is analyzed to establish the basis for VSG control. For active-power–frequency regulation, a virtual zero-error frequency regulation (VZFR) strategy is proposed by introducing an additional power compensation term into the conventional VSG control, improving frequency recovery while retaining virtual inertia and damping. For voltage–reactive-power regulation, the transient voltage support mechanism is analyzed in two stages: the controlled voltage-source characteristic and virtual impedance provide initial voltage support, while the reactive-power–voltage loop subsequently regulates the internal voltage and reactive power output. PSCAD/EMTDC simulations under active load disturbances and different grid voltage sags show that the proposed strategy enhances both frequency regulation and voltage support provided by the VSC-HVDC system. Full article

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature, and microbial activities are closely intertwined with the entire life cycle system and human life. Developing novel technologies for the detection, characterization and manipulation of microorganisms promotes their applications in clinical, environmental and industrial areas. Over the last two decades, terahertz (THz) technology has emerged as a new optical tool for microbiology. The great potential originates from the unique advantages of THz waves including the high sensitivity to water and inter-/intra-molecular motions, the non-invasive and label-free detecting scheme, and their low photon energy. THz waves have been utilized as a stimulus to alter microbial functions or as a sensing approach for quantitative measurement and qualitative differentiation. This review specifically focuses on recent research progress of THz technology applied in the field of microbiology, including two major parts of THz biological effects and the microbial detection applications. At the end of this paper, we summarize the research progress and discuss the challenges currently faced by THz technology in microbiology, along with potential solutions. We also provide a perspective on future development directions. This review aims to build a bridge between THz photonics and microbiology, promoting both fundamental research and application development in this interdisciplinary field. Full article

NOS1AP (CAPON) is a signaling adaptor implicated in glioblastoma (GBM) proliferation, but its chemical tractability remains largely unexplored. Here, affinity selection–mass spectrometry screening of 10,000 drug-like compounds identified NGM1, a small molecule scaffold that directly binds NOS1AP. Binding was confirmed by microscale thermophoresis (MST), yielding a dissociation constant of 11.9 ± 7.0 μM. Focused structure–activity analysis and molecular modeling identified structural features associated with NOS1AP recognition and provided a framework for compound optimization. In living cells, NGM1 produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the NanoBRET signal generated by the NOS1AP-NOS1 reporter pair, consistent with perturbation of the complex. NGM1 reduced viability in U87 and U251 GBM cells, with IC₅₀ values of 12.7 ± 0.91 and 17.3 ± 1.04 μM, respectively, while normal human astrocyte viability remained above 50% at 150 μM. Mechanistic studies in U87 cells demonstrated reduced DNA synthesis, G₀/G₁ cell-cycle accumulation, and induction of apoptosis, accompanied by increased p53 and CDKN1A and decreased CDK6. Collectively, these findings establish the initial chemical tractability of NOS1AP and identify NGM1 as a chemical scaffold for investigating NOS1AP-associated signaling in GBM. The findings also provide a foundation for optimizing NOS1AP-directed compounds. Full article

Brain aging is accompanied by changes in RNA homeostasis, intercellular communication, and stress responses that increase vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. The neuronal protein HuD (ELAVL4) and the broadly expressed HuR (ELAVL1) regulate RNA stability, translation, localization, and selected microRNA (miRNA) activities. Recent studies further show that HuD can promote export of let-7a and miR-125b during differentiation of PC12 cells, whereas HuR can bind selected miRNAs and engage endosomal export or intracellular buffering mechanisms in other cellular contexts. These observations support an emerging ELAVL–miRNA–extracellular vesicle (EV) framework. They do not yet establish an integrated HuD/HuR-dependent neuron–glia pathway in aging human brain or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We therefore distinguish direct, model-specific findings from hypotheses that age-, amyloid-, or inflammation-associated changes in ELAVL abundance, localization, or RNA binding could redistribute miRNAs between intracellular pools and EVs. Testing this framework in primary human neural cells, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived systems, organoids, and in vivo models may identify context-specific mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Full article

Agricultural practices based on sustainable principles (e.g., conservation tillage, crop rotation, cover cropping, and the application of organic inputs) have been tested for their potential to improve soil structure, enhance soil organic matter, and support agrobiodiversity. These practices are directly linked to soil microbial diversity. Diverse soil microbial communities play multiple roles in promoting beneficial interactions between plants and their environment and in maintaining functional agroecosystems. Key functions enabled by soil microorganisms are carbon dynamics, nutrient cycling, soil structure improvement, pathogen suppression, plant growth promotion, and stress tolerance. Soil microorganisms are increasingly recognized as a promising but still underexploited source in tackling sustainability challenges in agricultural production. However, their potential varies depending on the interactions among abiotic and biotic factors, as well as the applied cultivation practices. In recent decades, advances in DNA extraction from soil and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have enabled comprehensive characterization of microbial diversity, community composition, and functional potential for assessing soil health and agroecosystem functioning. Understanding, predicting, and exploring relevant plant–soil–microbiome interactions are essential for enhancing agroecosystem capacity for sustainable production. This review paper highlights how different factors and agricultural practices affect microbiome biodiversity. The focus is on microbiome approaches that integrate information on community composition with assessments of functional potential and measured microbial activity and ecosystem processes, combining state-of-the-art molecular monitoring, ecological indicators, and predictive modeling to support evidence-based management recommendations, distinguishing approaches that are currently applicable in agricultural practice from those that require further experimental validation. Full article

Pneumatic artificial muscles, including McKibben-type actuators, offer high power-to-weight ratio, compliance, and inherent safety, but their nonlinear pressure–contraction behavior, hysteresis, saturation, and load-dependent dynamics make accurate position control challenging. This study develops a practical data-driven workflow that derives a branchwise feedforward compensator and an LQI or PID controller from one open-loop characterization experiment. Quasi-static characterization first identifies a conservative control-ready voltage window. A bounded random excitation within this window is replayed with $4\mathrm{s}$ holds to expose terminal and transient behavior. The same experiment supplies branchwise discrete plant models and a feedforward lookup. Two open-loop-derived transient layers, voltage creep compensation and dynamic pressure referencing, are applied to the raw lookup before simulation. Four controller variants are compared on a common simulated closed-loop benchmark built from the identified plant: a feedforward-only baseline, a branchwise proportional–integral–derivative (PID) baseline, a base linear quadratic integral (LQI) controller with displacement and pressure feedback, and a velocity-state LQI extension with a filtered velocity estimate. A multi-metric optimization score balances tracking RMS, settled oscillation, command activity, saturation, and gain magnitude. The score selects the base LQI within the LQI family. The selected gains and transient layers are deployed in a real-time implementation with manually reduced position gains. The controllers are then evaluated on a common reference stream against the physical actuator. Although simulation metrics cannot be transferred directly to the real system, the combined-metric ranking of the controllers remains unchanged. Full article

This study focuses on Siraitia grosvenorii, an economically important crop endemic to Guangxi Province, China, with significant value in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. However, its dioecious reproductive system results in low natural pollination efficiency, necessitating reliance on costly artificial pollination in commercial production, which severely constrains large-scale cultivation and the breeding of improved varieties. Herein, we systematically investigated the molecular mechanisms of silver nitrate (AgNO₃)-induced partial masculinization of female flowers, resulting in the formation of morphologically bisexual flowers with aborted stamens. Morphological observations revealed that untreated female flowers exhibited permanently arrested stamen primordia, whereas spraying treatments with 0–300 mg/L AgNO₃ triggered the development of morphologically complete bisexual flowers. Nevertheless, AgNO₃-induced stamens exhibited severely disrupted male reproductive development, as indicated by the absence of mature pollen grains at anthesis. Cytological evidence demonstrated that pollen abortion was initiated at the pollen mother cell (PMC) stage, accompanied by abnormal vacuolation and impaired nutrient metabolism in tapetal cells. The dominant abortive phenotype was that PMCs exhibited abnormal development and progressive degeneration during the meiotic developmental window. Methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) assays further revealed markedly elevated CpG-type methylation levels in AgNO₃-induced bisexual flowers at early developmental stages. Expression analysis revealed that SgWIP1 exhibited distinct temporal expression patterns among female, male, and AgNO₃-induced bisexual flowers, with reduced expression during later stages of stamen development in induced bisexual flowers. Collectively, our findings confirm that AgNO₃ only partially activates the stamen developmental cascade in S. grosvenorii. Extensive epigenetic reprogramming triggered by AgNO₃, together with the inability to sustain the expression of core male-determining genes, is tightly linked to tapetal dysfunction and subsequent pollen sterility. This study aims to elucidate the unique mechanism by which AgNO₃-induced partial masculinization in S. grosvenorii from multiple perspectives—including tissue and cellular structure, DNA methylation epigenetic modifications, and gene transcription regulation—using techniques such as morphoanatomy, histochemistry, epigenetics (MSAP), and gene expression analysis. The findings of this study will contribute to molecular breeding efforts focused on sex regulation and promote industrial development. Full article

Background: Moroccans employ Eucalyptus globulus Labill., a medicinal herb, to cure a variety of ailments. This research aimed to evaluate the chemical constituents of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO) to determine their composition and potential use as hemolytic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agents. Methods: GC analysis was utilized to determine the composition of EGEO harvested in the province of Meknes. Using the disk diffusion technique, MIC, MBC, and MFC tests, antibacterial and antifungal activity were assessed against pathogenic microorganisms. DPPH, TAC, and FRAP experiments were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of EGEO and Eucalyptol. The main chemical binding affinities were predicted by Molecular Docking analysis. GraphPad Prism (v8) was used to evaluate these findings using a Tukey and ANOVA analysis. Results: GC-MS revealed 27 components, including Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) (55.07%). Hemolysis recorded the greatest value, 8.16 ± 0.13. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest MIC values (1.25 mg/mL). Bacillus subtilis had a 65 mm inhibitory zone. The fungicidal effectiveness of EGEO and its major component varies according to the studied fungus strain. In terms of antioxidant characteristics, DPPH radical inhibition revealed that 1,8-Cineole has a higher IC₅₀ (4.7 ± 0.5 µg/mL). The Total Antioxidant Capacity was 22 ± 0.02 mg AAE/g. FRAP analysis showed that Eucalyptol is more potent than EGEO. Conclusion: Antimicrobial and antioxidant studies support the use of EGEO and eucalyptol in traditional and therapeutic medicine, and show their numerous possible uses as natural preservatives for perfumes and foods, as well as anticancer agents due to their hemolytic capacity. Full article

Environmental conditions have an impact on animals’ immune systems. Neutrophils, as key components of innate immunity, rapidly respond to bacterial stimuli through the activation of inflammatory and migratory pathways. This study evaluated the transcriptional and functional responses of neutrophils derived from dogs living under different housing environments following in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Distinct transcriptional profiles were observed among groups in genes associated with leukocyte adhesion (CD11b), chemokine signaling (CXCR1, CXCR2, and CXCL8), and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Additional cytokine analyses confirmed neutrophil activation and revealed differences in the magnitude and duration of cytokine secretion between groups. These findings indicate that environmental background may be associated with differences in both transcriptional responsiveness and cytokine production in canine neutrophils. Dogs originating from different housing conditions exhibited distinct patterns of inflammatory activation. The combined assessment of gene expression and cytokine secretion provides valuable insight into innate immune adaptation and might represent a useful approach for monitoring immune status in dogs. Full article