Search Results (153,392)

Single-exposure high dynamic range (HDR) imaging is critical for applications such as automotive and surveillance cameras, where motion artifacts and light emitting diode (LED) flicker are significant challenges. Charge-splitting HDR imaging using multi-tap complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors (CIS) effectively mitigates these issues and offers programmable dynamic range extension, demonstrating significant potential for such applications. In this work, we present a model to describe the performance of the charge-splitting pixel. Then, we experimentally characterize and tune the performance of a 4-tap CIS. Through performance tuning, the image sensor achieves a single-exposure dynamic range (DR) of 126 dB. This represents an improvement of 16 dB over the previously reported 110 dB while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with a minimum transition SNR exceeding 30 dB. Full article

Medicinal plants play an essential role in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to their ability to prevent and treat diseases. In this study, a three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to maximize the conditions of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from matico and chacruna leaves in terms of total extraction yield (TEY), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) using ABTS and DPPH assays. The effect of methanol concentration (X1: 25%, 50%, and 75%), time (X2: 3, 6, and 9 min), and power (X3: 90, 270, and 450 W) was evaluated as independent variables. The experimental results were fitted to second-order polynomial models, and multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance were used to determine the suitability of the models, using which 3D response surface plots were generated. Considering the multivariable optimization, the best extraction conditions were 73.68% v/v methanol, 9 min, 269.32 W for matico, and 64.84% v/v methanol, 3 min, 344.44 W for chacruna. Under these conditions, the maximum value of 18.33 and 20.83% for TEY, 7.16 and 40.86 mg GAE/g dm for TPC, 56.88 and 526.38 µmol TE/g dm for DPPH were predicted for matico and chacruna, respectively. Practical Applications: This research focused on the modeling by response surface methodology (RSM) of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of bioactive compounds from matico and chacruna, Peruvian plants used in traditional medicine. The methodologies used allow the maximization of bioactive extraction, which presented a high recovery of phenolics with high antioxidant activity. These results highlight the use of Amazon plants in traditional medicine and their possible use in other industries such as cosmetic or food safety. Full article

The rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has imposed increasingly stringent power consumption requirements on receiver design. Unlike phase-locked loops (PLLs), free-running oscillators eliminate power-hungry loop circuitry. However, the inherent frequency offset of free-running oscillators introduces uncertainty in the intermediate frequency (IF), preventing the receiver from aligning with the desired channel. To address this, we present a reconfigurable channel receiver employing a free-running oscillator and frequency estimation for low-power IoT applications. The proposed receiver first captures a specific preamble sequence corresponding to the desired channel through multiple parallel sub-channels implemented in the digital baseband (DBB), which collectively cover the expected IF frequency range. The desired IF frequency is estimated using the proposed preamble-based frequency estimation (PBFE) algorithm. After frequency estimation, the receiver switches to a single-channel mode and tunes its passband center frequency to the estimated IF frequency, enabling high-sensitivity data reception. Measurement results demonstrate that the PBFE algorithm achieves reliable frequency estimation with a minimum IF signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 2 dB and an estimation error below 22 kHz. In single-channel mode, with a residual frequency offset of 30 kHz, an 8-point energy accumulation decoding scheme achieves a bit error rate (BER) of 10⁻³ at an IF SNR of 5.2 dB. Compared with the case of the original 50 kHz IF frequency offset, the required SNR is improved by 4.1 dB. Full article

This paper presents a 0–360° phase shifter in 28 nm FD-SOI CMOS technology, suitable for radar applications and mm-wave wireless communication systems, which adopt high-efficiency transmitter architectures. It exploits a novel switching vector modulator based on a double-balanced Gilbert cell, which guarantees high-resolution phase control while exhibiting inherently high robustness against process and temperature variations. The phase control is performed by merely changing the currents in the Gilbert cells using digitally controlled current generators. The proposed phase shifter operates at 39 GHz and provides RMS phase and gain errors of 2.7–4.7° and 0.3–0.5 dB, respectively, while drawing 13 mA from a 1 V supply voltage. Full article

Background: Young adults, particularly university students, are at increased risk for psychological distress and burnout. Regular physical activity is widely recognized as a protective factor for mental health. This study aimed to compare physically active and inactive college students in terms of perceived stress, well-being, burnout, and resilience. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Hungarian university students (N = 264; 24.6% male; mean age = 24.21 years). Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing physical activity habits, perceived stress, resilience, and academic burnout. Results: Results showed that students engaging in regular physical activity reported significantly lower levels of perceived stress (Cohen’s d = 0.288) and burnout (Cohen’s d = 0.277), and higher resilience (Cohen’s d = 0.258) and well-being (Cohen’s d = 0.322) compared to their inactive peers. Correlation analyses confirmed strong associations between lower stress, reduced burnout, and greater resilience and well-being. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct psychological profiles: one characterized by higher mental hazards (stress and burnout) and the other by higher mental assets (resilience and well-being). Physical activity was strongly associated with membership in the mentally resilient cluster. Conclusions: These findings underscore the mental benefits of remaining physically active and highlight the importance of physical activity within university settings as a key strategy to enhance resilience, reduce academic burnout, and support the maintenance of mental health among young adults. However, the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-report measures, and convenience sampling limit causal interpretation and generalizability. Full article

Among wireless communication technologies underlying Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart buildings, IQRF (Intelligent Connectivity Using Radio Frequency) technology is a promising candidate due to its low power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and wide coverage. However, effectively modeling the propagation characteristics of IQRF in complex indoor environments for simple and accurate network deployment remains challenging, as architectural elements like walls and corners cause substantial signal attenuation and unpredictable propagation behavior. This study investigates the applicability of a site-specific modeling approach, originally developed for urban street canyons, to characterize peer-to-peer (P2P) IQRF links operating at 868 MHz in typical indoor scenarios, including line-of-sight (LoS), one-turn, and two-turn non-line-of-sight (NLoS) configurations. The received signal powers are compared with well-known empirical models, including international telecommunication union radio communication sector (ITU-R) P.1238-9 and WINNER II, and ray-tracing simulations. The results show that while ITU-R P.1238-9 achieves lower prediction error under LoS conditions with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.694 dB, the site-specific approach achieves substantially higher accuracy in NLoS scenarios, maintaining RMSE values below 3.9 dB for one- and two-turn links. Furthermore, ray-tracing simulations exhibited notably larger deviations, with RMSE values ranging from 7.522 dB to 16.267 dB and lower correlation with measurements. These results demonstrate the potential of site-specific modeling to provide practical, computationally efficient, and accurate insights for IQRF network deployment planning in smart building environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this work, a series of six new indazole-benzimidazole hybrids (M1–M6) were designed, synthesized, and fully characterized. The design of these compounds was based on the combination of two pharmacophoric units, indazole and benzimidazole, both known for their broad spectrum of biological activities. Methods: The molecular hybridization strategy was planned to combine these scaffolds through an effective synthetic pathway, using 6-nitroindazole, two 2-mercaptobenzimidazoles, and 1,3- or 1,5-dihaloalkanes as key precursors, affording the desired hybrids in good yields and with enhanced biological activity. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to investigate the structural, electronic, and electrostatic properties of M1–M6 molecules using Density Functional Theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. The antimicrobial activity efficacy of these compounds was assessed in vitro against four Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, and Lactobacillus plantarum), four Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni), and four fungal strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata) using ampicillin and tetracycline as reference standard drugs. Results: Among the series, compound M6 exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 1.95 µg/mL against S. cerevisiae and C. tropicalis, and 3.90 µg/mL against S. aureus, B. cereus, and S. enteritidis, while the standards Ampicillin (AmB) (MIC ≥ 15.62 µg/mL) and Tetracycline (TET) (MIC ≥ 7.81 µg/mL) exhibited higher MIC values. To gain molecular insights into the compounds, an in silico docking study was performed to determine the interactions of M1–M6 ligands against the antimicrobial target beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase III complexed with malonyl-COA (PDB ID: 1HNJ). Molecular modeling data provided valuable information on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and the binding modes influencing the candidate ligand-protein recognition. Amino acid residues, such as Arg249, located in the solvent-exposed region, were essential for hydrogen bonding with the nitro group of the 6-nitroindazole moiety. Furthermore, polar side chains such as Asn274, Asn247, and His244 participated in interactions mediated by hydrogen bonding with the 5-nitrobenzimidazole moiety of these compound series. Conclusions: The hybridization of indazole and benzimidazole scaffolds produced compounds with promising antimicrobial activity, particularly M6, which demonstrated superior potency compared to standard antibiotics. Computational and docking analyses provided insights into the structure–activity relationships, highlighting these hybrids as potential candidates for antimicrobial drug development. Full article

Experimental characterisation of ex vivo specimens is limited by specimen availability and high costs, whereas 3D printing provides a cost-effective alternative for producing multiple replicas. This study aimed to develop a methodology for evaluating the individual and combined effects of material composition and geometry on the biomechanical performance of 3D-printed vertebrae. CT scans of healthy human vertebrae and with lytic metastases were segmented to fabricate synthetic models through Digital Anatomy Printing. Three types of 3D-printed models were produced: Healthy vertebrae, Metastatic vertebrae, and Healed vertebrae (metastatic geometry filled with healthy material). All models were tested under axial compression to measure the strength, stiffness, and strain. Repeatability across replicas was assessed as well as comparison of mechanical properties among the different vertebral types. Results showed excellent repeatability, with coefficients of variation below 5% for strength and stiffness-related parameters. The Metastatic models exhibited significant reductions in strength compared to Healthy ones, while stiffness remained similar, consistent with ex vivo data trends. Healed models highlighted the role of material composition in driving mechanical behaviour, independently of geometry. This work provides the first quantitative assessment of 3D-printed vertebrae with metastatic lesions, supporting their future potential as standardised alternatives to cadaveric testing. Full article

Amid intensified global technological competition and increasing restrictions on cross-border knowledge transfer, enhancing the ability to identify, integrate, and recombine diverse technological knowledge has become a critical strategy for strengthening the innovation capabilities of multinational enterprises (MNEs). Based on multidimensional proximity theory and dynamic capability theory, this study takes R&D units within Huawei’s global R&D network as the research object. It constructs a cross-border collaboration framework under the dual boundaries of organization-geography to explore the differences in the role of technological distance on the innovation performance of R&D units in different cooperation scenarios. This study also introduces technological diversification as a mediating variable to reveal the conversion path from heterogeneous knowledge input to innovation output. The findings indicate: (1) A nonlinear relationship exists between technological distance and innovation performance. In local-internal and international-internal collaborations, this relationship follows an inverted U-shaped pattern, whereas in local-external collaborations, it shows a significant positive effect. (2) In international-external collaboration, due to the dual absence of geographical and organizational proximity, the positive effect of technological distance on innovation performance is not significant. (3) The technological diversification capability of R&D units is a crucial mediating factor in the process by which technological distance affects innovation performance, thereby fostering the efficiency of heterogeneous knowledge absorption and recombination. The study examines the micro-mechanisms underlying cross-border collaborations and capability building in MNEs’ R&D units from dual perspectives of contextual fit and capability development, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for MNEs to optimize international technological collaboration mechanisms and improve innovation performance. Full article

In this research, an innovative, integrative method is applied, which not only links media discourse and statutory planning documents but also involves both quantitative and qualitative analysis. By going beyond the traditional extreme of either policy review or text-based SETS frameworks, this study becomes the pioneer of a dual-coded, matrix-driven approach, which is capable of measuring policy–implementation gaps and empirically revealing the impact of media framing on disaster management outcomes. The 29 October 2024 Valencia flood, which claimed over 229 lives, highlights critical shortcomings in the region’s flood management policies. This study evaluates media and institutional sources to examine how public discourse aligns with post-flood management strategies. It focuses on Valencia’s statutory flood management plan, the “Pla d’acció territorial de caràcter sectorial sobre prevenció del risc d’inundació a la Comunitat Valenciana” (“Regional Action Plan for Flood Risk Prevention,” PATRICOVA) and its limited integration with the Socio–Ecological–Technological Systems (SETS) framework, which we identify as a central weakness. By analyzing Spanish media coverage, particularly from sources such as El País, ABC, and La Vanguardia, alongside government policy documents, the study reveals a gap between theoretical flood risk planning and practical disaster response. Our keyword-based text mining of leading newspapers highlights the neglect of social, ecological, and technological interactions. While PATRICOVA emphasizes nature protection and technological infrastructure, it overlooks critical societal dimensions and climate adaptation scenarios. Media analysis reveals significant failures at the SETS interfaces, especially in early warning systems, intergovernmental coordination, and community preparedness. Full article

Non-destructive assessment of kiwifruit quality is critical for postharvest preservation and grading. This paper proposes a novel quantitative evaluation method for the kiwifruit comprehensive quality index (KCQI) during shelf life, based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). Hyperspectral images of two kiwifruit cultivars were acquired at four shelf-life stages using an HSI system, and six quality parameters were measured as reference standards. Based on correlation and factor analyses, five key parameters—soluble solids content, firmness, L*, b*, and chroma—were selected to construct the KCQI. Three spectral band selection methods and three modeling algorithms were compared, with the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS)–1D-CNN model yielding the highest prediction accuracy ($R_P^2$ = 0.82, RMSEP = 0.26, RPD_P = 2.39). Subsequently, a spatial distribution map was generated to visualize the KCQI. These results demonstrate the potential of the HSI–1D-CNN approach for accurate postharvest quality monitoring and intelligent grading. Full article

Background/Objectives: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of intestinal failure (IF) that often requires long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). Extended PN results in severe complications and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the QoL utility weights associated with PN duration using vignettes. Methods: We developed detailed scenarios and descriptions to represent eight hypothetical health states, reflecting variations in PN frequency in both pediatric and adult patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 359 Korean adults (aged 19–59 years) from the general population, assigned to evaluate adult (n = 179) or pediatric (n = 180) vignette groups. Health utility was measured using the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D), visual analog scale (VAS), and time trade-off (TTO) methods. Multivariable regression analysis using a mixed-effects model was employed to manage repeated measures and control for sociodemographic variables. Results: Utility scores measured using the EQ-5D, VAS, and TTO were negatively correlated with increasing PN days in both adult and pediatric patients with SBS-IF. The highest mean utility values were “0 days on PN” (adults: EQ-5D 0.808, VAS 0.689, TTO 0.874; pediatric: EQ-5D 0.804, VAS 0.680, TTO 0.883), while the lowest were “7 days on PN” (adults: EQ-5D 0.117, VAS 0.180, TTO 0.272; pediatric: EQ-5D 0.070, VAS 0.178, TTO 0.291). These trends remained significant after covariate adjustment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study revealed a steady decline in utility values with an increasing number of PN days. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing the QoL in patients with SBS-IF by supporting intestinal adaptation and reducing PN dependency. Full article

Post-weaning diarrhea caused by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major disease in piglets and leads to substantial economic losses in the swine industry. Compared to conventional lysozyme, yak stomach lysozyme (YSL) demonstrates distinctive resistance to pepsin, trypsin, high temperature, and acidic conditions. This study investigated the effects of dietary YSL supplementation on intestinal health in weaned piglets challenged with ETEC, utilizing metabolomics and proteomics. A total of 18 weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups: control (C), diarrhea (D), and YSL treatment (YLT). Groups C and D were fed a basal diet, while the YLT group received the basal diet supplemented with YSL at a dosage of 100,000 U/kg following ETEC challenge. Following an acclimation period, piglets in groups D and YLT were orally challenged with ETEC, while group C received the same volume of sterile LB broth. The feeding trial lasted for 21 days before sample collection. The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with YSL significantly reduced the diarrhea rate (p < 0.05). Compared with the D group, the YLT group exhibited significantly increased serum albumin levels (p < 0.05), along with a tendency toward greater villus height (p = 0.085) and higher serum glucose levels (p = 0.052), indicating an improvement in nutritional and metabolic status Metabolomic analysis identified 260 differentially abundant metabolites between the YLT and D groups (81 upregulated, 179 downregulated), which were predominantly enriched in pathways related to amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, purine metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism. Proteomic profiling revealed 571 differentially expressed proteins (237 upregulated, 334 downregulated). Upregulated proteins were mainly involved in arginine biosynthesis and base excision repair, while downregulated proteins were associated with the PPAR signaling pathway and Salmonella infection. In summary, dietary YSL supplementation alters the metabolic and proteomic profiles in the intestines of diarrheic piglets, potentially improving gut barrier function and nutrient utilization. This study offers novel insights into the potential of YSL as a promising feed additive for prevention of post-weaning diarrhea in pigs. Full article

The study investigated the material removal process during precision milling of AZ91D magnesium alloy. A high-speed camera enabling high-frequency image recording was used to observe the cutting zone. In effect, it was possible to observe the mechanism of the chip formation process at different stages of the cutting flutes performance. Experiments were conducted with different feeds per tooth in order to detect the occurrence of ploughing. Results showed that the both cutting flutes of the end mill did not perform in a uniform manner. Material was predominantly removed by first flute, as a result of which chips formed by this flute were much larger than those generated by the other flute. Nevertheless, the shearing process proceeded effectively even at low feed values. Results also showed that large burrs were formed when machining was conducted with low feed per tooth, which confirmed a significant contribution of plastic deformation to burrs formation. An increase in feed per tooth, however, made it possible to minimize the phenomenon of burrs formation. Full article

This review paper presents a comprehensive literature analysis that elucidates the global engagement of research teams in addressing the important problem of finding effective oncology drugs based on the following platinum group metal ions: ruthenium, rhodium and iridium. The necessity to search for new drugs can be attributed, in part, to the predominance of platinum-based chemotherapeutics in clinical practice. However, these drugs face limitations in their clinical application due to their inherent toxicity and the development of resistance by cancer cells. A distinctive attribute of these metal compounds is the formation of diamagnetic stable complexes on +II (Ru) and +III (Rh, Ir) oxidation degrees with a d⁶ electron configuration, a coordination number of six and an octahedral or pseudo-octahedral structure. In this paper we have systematised the findings presented in the literature by classifying the most significant categories of ruthenium, rhodium and iridium compounds, namely piano-stool-type arenes, polypyridine and cyclometalated complexes, dimers and multinuclear complexes. Additionally, the most crucial research challenges connected with metal complexes that have been addressed by scientists have been presented: (i) the application of prodrugs in cancer therapy; (ii) the deployment of complexes as sensitizers in PDT and PACT; (iii) the exploration of complexes as inhibitors of enzymes and biocatalysts; and (iv) the investigation of multiple-target complexes. Furthermore, the objective was to emphasise the accomplishments in this domain in recent years by identifying compounds that have entered the clinical trial phase. Full article