Search Results (70)

Intelligent ventilation is positioned as a key axis for reconciling energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) in residential and non-residential buildings. This review synthesizes 51 recent publications covering control strategies (DCV, MPC, reinforcement learning), IoT architectures and sensor validation, energy recovery (HRV/ERV, anti-frost strategies, low-loss exchangers, PCM-air), active envelope solutions (thermochromic windows) and passive solutions (EAHE), as well as evaluation methodologies (uncertainty, LCA, LCC, digital twin) and smart readiness indicator (SRI) frameworks. Evidence shows ventilation energy savings of up to 60% without degrading IAQ when control is well-designed, but also possible overconsumption when poorly parameterized or contextualized. Performance uncertainty is strongly influenced by occupant emissions and pollutant sources (bioeffluents, formaldehyde, PM2.5). The integration of predictive control, scalable IoT networks, and robust energy recovery, together with life-cycle evaluation and uncertainty analysis, enables more reliable IAQ-energy balances. Gaps are identified in VOC exposure under DCV, robustness to sensor failures, generalization of ML/RL models, and standardization of ventilation effectiveness metrics in natural/mixed modes. Full article

Although numerous studies have investigated individual methods to improve the performance of solar air heaters (SAHs), such as flow obstruction barriers, porous media, nanofluids, and thermal energy storage units, the overall integration of these reinforcement strategies into a unified, sustainable system remains to be defined. The current study presents a hybrid solar air heating configuration that combines a solar air collector (SAC) with an electric air heater (EAH) powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels, aiming to stabilize outlet air temperature and enhance overall thermal efficiency. Experimental and numerical approaches were employed to evaluate the influence of barrier geometry (flat, trapezoidal, and V-groove) and airflow rate (53, 158, and 317 L/min) on system performance using three SAC models. Experimental results revealed that lower airflow rate promotes greater temperature rise (ΔT) due to longer air–surface contact, while V-groove barriers achieved the highest ΔT and collector efficiency among all configurations. At higher airflow rates, the absorbed energy factor Fc (τα) increased to approximately 0.73, whereas the heat loss factor FcU decreased, indicating reduced thermal losses and improved energy transfer. Model III demonstrated the most effective heat absorption, confirming its superior thermal design. The integrated SAC–EAH system exhibited improved overall efficiency, with the SAC functioning effectively as a preheating unit and the EAH sustaining thermal stability during variable solar conditions. Numerical results showed that the highest temperature difference occurs at the V-groove barriers at an air flow rate of 53 L/min. In contrast, the difference between inlet and outlet temperatures decreases across the remaining models, with reduced percentages of 11.8% and 12.7% for Model II and Model I, respectively. Numerical simulations ensured the experimental outcomes, showing close agreement with the temperature variation trends and validating the system’s enhanced thermal performance. Full article

Background: Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) represents a precursor lesion in the development of endometrial carcinoma, particularly the endometrioid subtype. Among the molecular pathways involved, microsatellite instability (MSI) resulting from DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency has gained increasing attention as an early event in endometrial carcinogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of key MMR proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6) in endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and endometrial atypical hyperplasia/endometrioid intraepithelial neoplasia (EAH/EIN) to determine the prevalence and potential implications of MMR deficiency at the precancerous stage. Methods: Fifty-six cases of EH were analyzed, including 28 endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and 28 EAH/EIN. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was performed to assess the nuclear expression of MMR proteins. Loss of expression was defined as complete absence of epithelial nuclear staining with retained stromal positivity. Results: MMR protein expression was retained in all cases of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, while total loss of one or more MMR proteins was observed in 3 of 28 (10.7%) EAH/EIN. The most frequent pattern involved concurrent MLH1/PMS2 loss, consistent with sporadic MLH1 promoter hypermethylation. One case exhibited isolated MSH6 loss, suggesting a potential Lynch syndrome, and another showed combined MSH6/PMS2 loss. Conclusions: MMR deficiency appears confined to atypical EH, supporting its role as an early molecular alteration in the neoplastic sequence leading to endometrioid carcinoma. Identification of abnormal MMR expression in EH may facilitate risk stratification, guide reflex testing for MLH1 methylation, and prompt genetic counseling for hereditary cancer predisposition. Full article

The widespread use of wearable Internet of Things (IoT) devices has transformed modern healthcare through the real-time monitoring of physiological signals. However, real- time responsiveness and data privacy are big challenges. Federated Learning (FL) keeps direct data exposure to a minimum but is susceptible to inference attacks on model updates and heavy communication overhead. In-network computing (INC) solutions currently offer greater efficiency but without cryptographic security, whereas homomorphic encryption (HE) offers high privacy but at the expense of latency and scalability. To bridge this gap, we present Edge-Assisted Homomorphic Federated Learning (EAH-FL), a framework that unifies Cheon–Kim–Kim–Song (CKKS) HE with in-network aggregation. Lightweight clients outsource encryption and decryption to trusted edge devices, whereas programmable switches carry out aggregation in the encrypted domain. Massive-scale simulations over realistic healthcare data sets demonstrate that EAH-FL preserves near-plaintext model accuracy (F1-score > 0.93), delivers packet delivery ratios > 0.95, and converges well for various client scales. The encryption expense is mostly incurred by the edge layer rather than resource-constrained wearables. Through the use of encryption, in- network acceleration, and smart routing, EAH-FL provides the first practical solution that achieves strong privacy, low latency, and scalability for real-time federated learning in healthcare in a single solution. These results validate its viability as a deployable and secure building block for next-generation digital health monitoring. Full article

Earth–Air Heat Exchangers (EAHEs) exploit stable subsurface temperatures to pre-condition supply air. To address limitations of conventional systems in hot–arid climates, this study investigates the performance of a hybrid EAHE prototype combining a serpentine subsurface pipe with a buried water tank. Installed in a residential building in Lichana, Biskra (Algeria), the system was designed to enhance land compactness, thermal stability, and soil–water heat harvesting. Experimental monitoring was conducted across 13 intervals strategically spanning seasonal transitions and extremes and was complemented by calibrated numerical simulations. From over 30,000 data points, outlet trajectories, thermal efficiency, Coefficient of Performance (COP), and energy savings were assessed against a straight-pipe baseline. Results showed that the hybrid EAHE delivered smoother outlet profiles under moderate gradients while the baseline achieved larger instantaneous ΔT. Thermal efficiencies exceeded 90% during high-gradient episodes and averaged above 70% annually. COP values scaled with the inlet–soil gradient, ranging from 1.5 to 4.0. Cumulative recovered energy reached 80.6 kWh (3.92 kWh/day), while the heat pump electricity referred to a temperature-dependent ASHP totaled 34.59 kWh (1.40 kWh/day). Accounting for the EAHE fan yields a net saving of 25.46 kWh across the campaign, only one interval (5) was net-negative, underscoring the value of bypass/fan shut-off under weak gradients. Overall, the hybrid EAHE emerges as a footprint-efficient option for arid housing, provided operation is dynamically controlled. Future work will focus on controlling logic and soil–moisture interactions to maximize net performance. Full article

Transparent building envelopes significantly increase energy demands due to low thermal resistance and solar heat gain, while conventional double-skin facades may lead to overheating and high cooling loads in the summer. This study proposes a novel earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE)-assisted ventilated double-skin facade (VDSF) system utilizing low-grade shallow geothermal energy for year-round thermal regulation of transparent building envelopes. A numerical model of this coupled system was developed and validated to estimate the thermal performance of the EAHE-assisted VDSF system in a hot-summer-and-cold-winter climate. Parametric study was conducted to investigate the impact of some key design parameters on thermal performance of the EAHE-assisted VDSF system and further reveal recommended design parameters of this coupled system. The results indicate that the EAHE-VDSF system reduces annual accumulated cooling loads by 20.3% to 76.5% and heating loads by 19.6% to 47.1% in comparison to a conventional triple-glazed, non-ventilated facade. The cavity temperature of the VDSF decreases by 15 °C on average in the summer, effectively addressing the overheating issue in DSFs. The proposed coupled EAHE-VDSF system shows promising energy-saving potential and ensures stability and consistency in the thermal regulation of transparent building envelopes. Full article

Hot water extraction (HE), enzyme-assisted hot water extraction (EAHE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction with NADES (UAE-NADES) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction with NADES and enzyme pretreatment (UAE-NADES-E) were employed to extract polysaccharides from Peucedani Decursivi Radix (PDR) and their structures were characterized for the first time. UAE-NADES-E was found to be the most effective extraction method, and the extraction process was optimized by Box–Behnken design (BBD)-response surface methodology (RSM) experiments. The optimal extraction process was determined by using a NADES system with a molar ratio of betaine to 1,3-butanediol of 1:3, a water content of 30%, a liquid/solid ratio of 40:1 mL/g, an ultrasound time of 30 min, an ultrasound temperature of 45 °C and an alcohol precipitation time of 6 h; the polysaccharide extraction yield reached 19.93%. Further, the structures of polysaccharides from PDR extracted by the above four methods were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, gel and anion-exchange chromatography. Eight monosaccharides were detected in the PDR polysaccharides extracted by the four methods. The PDR polysaccharides extracted by the UAE-NADES-E method had lower molecular weights compared with those extracted by the other methods. Moreover, the PDR polysaccharides exhibited obvious antioxidant activity, as revealed by DPPH, ABTS+ and hydroxyl radical scavenging experiments, meaning they have the potential to be developed as natural antioxidants. Full article

Chronic alcohol consumption is a major contributor to gastric injury, yet current therapeutic strategies predominantly rely on chemical agents with limited efficacy and potential side effects. Natural products, with their multi-target biocompatibility and safety advantages, offer promising alternatives for gastric protection. We examined the phenolic compounds of Elaeagnus angustifolia honey (EAH) and investigated its prophylactic potential against ethanol-induced chronic gastric injury in mice. HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that 21 phenolic compounds were tentatively and qualitatively identified in EAH, as well as 14 phenolic compounds. Moreover, gastric ulcer indices, histopathological morphology, oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD), inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2), and cytokine gene expression (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS) were evaluated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time PCR. Western blot was employed to assess COX-2 protein expression, while 16^S rRNA sequencing analyzed gut microbiota composition. The results demonstrated that EAH could play a role in gastric injury caused by long-term alcoholism by protecting gastric tissue structure, interfering with oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and remodeling the intestinal microbial community. Full article

A data-driven 3D simulation for the robotic automation of the most labor-intensive packaging process in meal kit production was developed using Tecnomatix plant simulation software. The workflow and environments of the existing manual process were analyzed. An existing production site was scanned using a 3D Lidar scanner to create 3D models and design the initial assembly layout. Two types of 3D simulation models, implemented with a single or double delta robot, were designed to determine the optimal robot-automated packaging process. Key performance indicators for simulation models of a manual and two robot automation systems were analyzed. The throughputs of the manual, single delta robot and double delta robot models were 2112, 1510, and 2568 ea/h, respectively. The single robot system achieved only 68.3% of the throughput of the manual process, which is attributed to a cycle time of 2.36 s for picking and placing all components. On the other hand, the cycle time of the double robot system was 1.66 times faster, and the throughput was 1.7 times greater compared to the single robot system. The developed 3D simulation model for the meal kit packaging system demonstrates the potential of robotic automation in addressing the labor shortage issue as well as improving production efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines the relationship of eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) with child sex, food preference, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles in primarily Hispanic preschoolers, an understudied population. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from 211 children (79% Hispanic) aged 3 to 5 years from low-income families who completed a cluster randomized controlled trial from September 2017 to June 2020. Weight and height were used to calculate BMI percentiles. Sweet (animal crackers) and salty (pretzels) snacks were used to conduct a validated classroom-based EAH assessment. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach investigated associations between the grams of snacks consumed and BMI percentiles. A set of nested multivariable GEEs were estimated, while adjusting for potentially important covariates. Results: Boys significantly consumed more snacks than girls (13.34 ± 9.71 g vs. 8.13 ± 7.36 g; p < 0.001). Children who indicated greater preference for sweet snacks consumed more sweet snacks (r = 0.19; b = 2.05, p < 0.001) and total grams of total snacks (r = 0.18; b = 2.42, p = 0.004) but not salty snacks (pretzels). Consuming more sweet snacks was significantly associated with higher BMI percentiles (b = 0.55; p = 0.024). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a preference for sweet snacks is associated with EAH, and eating sweet snacks in the absence of hunger is related to higher BMI percentiles. Obesity prevention programs may focus on addressing eating sweet snacks in the absence of hunger starting in early childhood. Full article

Earth–Air Heat Exchange (EAHE) systems are an eco-friendly and energy-efficient technology as pre-heating or pre-cooling systems in civil buildings. Technically, the performance of the EAHE system is influenced by properties associated with the technology. In this paper, the focus is placed on the properties covered by the published literature to understand how they impact the efficiency of these systems. The review scrutinizes the implication of pipe properties such as the material type (steel, Polyvinyl Chloride [PVC], concrete, or high-density polyethylene), diameter and length, and depth in the context of modern building design and energy conservation. Other properties considered in this work are air velocity and the bonding of pipes with the soil. The EAHE systems’ performance is not significantly influenced by the pipe material, unlike the pipe length and diameter. It is reported that longer pipes enhance the cooling output in the EAHE system. The pipe length positively correlates with the in-pipe air temperature. An increment in the pipe diameter led to a drop in the in-pipe air temperature. An indicative report states that an increasing air flow velocity can lead to thermal losses from pipes to their surrounding soil. The addition of sand below and above the pipe enhances the thermal conductivity, just as an increase in the moisture content of the soil will contribute. There are attempts to use additives, construction waste, graphite, and fly ash as a backfill material, but with opposing economic feasibility. Construction waste could help the EAHE system to improve by 80%. A combination of graphite and fly ash as a backfill material is cost-effective. Research on the pipe material type and standards development are limited. Overall, the pipe material type and length to adopt for an EAHE system are based on the funds’ availability for the construction. Full article

Earth-Air Heat Exchangers (EAHEs) provide a compelling solution for improving building energy efficiency by harnessing the stable subterranean temperature to pre-treat ventilation air. This comprehensive review delves into the foundational principles of EAHE operation, meticulously examining heat and mass transfer phenomena at the ground-air interface. This study meticulously investigates the impact of key factors, including soil characteristics, climatic conditions, and crucial system design parameters, on overall system performance. Beyond independent applications, this review explores the integration of EAHEs with a diverse array of renewable energy technologies, such as air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels, wind turbines, fogging systems, water spray channels, solar chimneys, and photovoltaic systems. This exploration aims to clarify the potential of hybrid systems in achieving enhanced energy efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and improving the overall robustness of the system. Full article

Ultra-trail events (UTs) pose significant challenges to maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance, with risks of dehydration (DH), overhydration (OH), exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), and exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER). This study examined the effects of ad libitum (ADL) hydration on hydration status and muscle damage during a nine-stage UT (635 km, 40,586 m elevation gain). Four highly trained male athletes participated. Hydration was assessed via body weight loss (BWL), urine specific gravity (U_sg), and serum sodium ([Na+]), while muscle damage markers included creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and calcium (Ca), and liver damage biomarkers included aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Our results showed no cases of EAH or hypernatremia ([Na+] > 145 mmol·L⁻¹), with serum [Na+] maintained above 135 mmol·L⁻¹. BWL exceeded the 2% DH threshold in early stages (p = 0.029), and U_sg remained elevated (>1.020 g·mL⁻¹). LDH and CK significantly increased at all stages (p < 0.05), persisting for 48 h post-event. Correlations showed BWL aggravated muscle damage (r = 0.47 with CK) and hypocalcemia (r = −0.68 with Ca). Elevation gain/loss amplified fluid loss and muscle injury. While ADL hydration mitigated EAH, it did not fully address DH or muscle damage. Personalized hydration and recovery protocols are crucial to optimizing performance and health in UT events. Full article

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is commonly observed in endurance athletes, where prolonged physical exertion combined with being unaware of personal hydration needs can lead to excessive water consumption or inadequate sodium intake. Marching band (MB) is an emerging setting for sports medicine professionals. However, there is little research on non-musculoskeletal illnesses among these performing artists. This study is part of a larger cross-sectional study and seeks to examine whether MB artists have previously experienced EAH and the presence of known EAH risk factors (e.g., pre-existing medical conditions, medication use, nutritional behaviors). Active collegiate MB members (n = 1207; mean age = 19.6 ± 1.3 years) completed an online survey that characterized demographics, medical history, and nutrition behaviors. Statistical analyses included descriptives (mean, standard deviation) and frequencies for all data. Binomial logistic regressions analyzed the relationship and determined the odds ratio (OR) between previous EAH and EAH risk factors. Participants were from 23 different states, predominately White (82.9%), female (56.7%), and at NCAA Division I institutions (92%). A total of 74 (6.1%) participants reported previously experiencing EAH, 32 (43.2%) within the past year. Previous EAH occurrence was greatest among individuals who had kidney conditions (χ²(1) = 5.920, R² = 0.013, OR = 15.708, p = 0.015); mood/neurological conditions (χ²(1) = 7.508, R² = 0.017, OR = 2.154, p = 0.006), particularly anxiety (χ²(1) = 7.651, R² = 0.017, OR = 3.590, p = 0.006); used mental health medications (χ²(1) = 7.512, R² = 0.017, OR = 2.220, p = 0.006), particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (χ²(1) = 13.502, R² = 0.030, OR = 3.297, p < 0.001); and who dieted (χ²(1) = 6.121, R² = 0.014, OR = 1.913, p = 0.013) or perceived they had an eating disorder (χ²(1) = 9.502, R² = 0.021, OR = 2.729, p = 0.002). Healthcare providers should be aware that MB artists may have pre-existing medication conditions, use medication, and have inadequate nutrition. Targeted hydration and nutritional education for MB artists is essential for effective prevention and early EAH recognition, improving health and performance for MB artists within demanding environments. Full article

This study systematically explored the characteristics of explosion and pressure fluctuations of ethyl acetate (EA)/hydrogen (H₂)/air mixtures under different initial pressures (1–3 bar), H₂ fractions (4%, 8%, 12%), and equivalence ratios of EA (0.5–1.4). The flame images indicated that a higher pressure, a higher H₂ fraction, and a higher equivalence ratio could cause flame instability. An analysis of the dimensionless growth rate indicated that the flame instability was impacted by both thermal diffusion and hydrodynamic effects. The results also indicated that a higher initial pressure or H₂ fraction could accelerate the combustion reaction and increase the explosion pressure and deflagration index. The maximum values were observed at 21.841 bar and 184.153 bar·m/s. However, their effects on explosion duration and heat release characteristics differed between lean and rich mixtures. Additionally, this study examined pressure fluctuations in both the time and frequency domains. The findings indicated a strong correlation between pressure fluctuation and flame instability. Modifying the H₂ fraction and equivalence ratio to enhance flame stability proved effective in reducing pressure fluctuation amplitude. This study offers guidance for evaluating explosion risks associated with EA/H₂/air mixtures and for designing related combustion devices. Full article