Search Results (800)

Until now, there have been no published attempts to utilize ensemble learning approaches to pre-crash velocity estimation. In this research article, we focus on the method of vehicle crash velocity prediction based on the random forest regression approach. In particular, the study aims to develop and validate a random forest-based non-linear model for estimating pre-crash velocity using EES-related parameters for compact vehicles in a crash scenario against an immovable, stationary barrier. The estimation technique is trained and evaluated using the compact vehicle class from the NHTSA database, which consists of 399 records of frontal impacts against a rigid barrier. The relative error obtained for the presented calculation method is $7.57\mathrm{\%}$, with absolute error being equal to $1.12 \mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$. We subsequently compare our results with some other techniques which were tested on this dataset. Despite the simplicity of random forest regression, we obtain surprisingly good results, as the method outperforms linear regressor and artificial neural network predictors, which have relative errors of $8.17\mathrm{\%}$ and $9.63\mathrm{\%}$, respectively. The independence of Event Data Recorders along with the ease of obtaining the necessary data makes the proposed approach a highly desirable tool in forensic analysis, especially in cases involving older vehicles. Full article

This paper proposes an end-effector (EE) driven whole-body trajectory tracking control algorithm for wheeled mobile manipulators based on linear and angular motion decomposition. Instead of solving a high-dimensional optimization problem across all degrees of freedom, the proposed method formulates the control objective directly in the EE space and decomposes the required motion into planar linear, vertical, and angular components. To address redundancy between the mobile base and the manipulator under non-holonomic constraints, a control authority switching strategy with a radial blending function is introduced. This approach eliminates ambiguity in control allocation while preventing abrupt switching near workspace boundaries. The kinematic controller guarantees exponential convergence of position and orientation errors without requiring a full dynamic model. Numerical simulations demonstrate stable tracking performance in three-dimensional space. Compared with a quadratic programming-based whole-body controller, the proposed method achieves comparable or faster error convergence while reducing computational burden by more than 13 times on average. These results indicate that the proposed EE-driven framework provides a computationally efficient and practically deployable solution for real-time mobile manipulator control. Full article

Reactive power compensation devices (RPCDs) are crucial for improving the efficiency of energy systems. Distribution systems are commonly modeled under the simplifying assumption of balanced operation, which does not accurately represent real operating conditions. Motivated by the need to develop an effective computational tool for the proper selection of RPCDs, this paper proposes the application of the experience exchange strategy (EES) to the coordinated design of RPCDs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to employ EES for this purpose. The proposed methodology is validated through two case studies. In the first case, an extensive exploration of the search space is performed by repeating the optimization process, resulting in a solution with a high probability of being the global optimum. Under this scenario, a comparative analysis shows that EES outperforms the genetic algorithm by 7.4%. In the second case, EES is compared with other popular heuristic techniques, including particle swarm optimization (PSO), without performing a deep exploration of the search space, observing that EES ranks in the middle, with a difference of 11.9% relative to PSO. Overall, the results confirm that the proposed EES-based framework constitutes a reliable and efficient approach. Full article

This study investigates how parents and students interpret and form continued engagement intentions with a radar visualisation tool designed to present multi-subject academic performance. While data visualisation is increasingly used in education, limited empirical attention has been given to whether parents and students, who share the same performance information but hold distinct roles, respond to visualised reports through similar behaviours. To address this gap, an interactive radar visualisation was developed to present secondary school students’ achievement across subjects with peer reference points. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as an analytical framework, this study examines the determinants of continued intention to use the visualisation tool. Questionnaire data were collected from 706 parents and 264 students in a Macao secondary school. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed fundamentally different ideas of continued engagement. For parents, continued intention was significantly associated with performance expectancy (PE) and effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI) and facilitating conditions (FC), suggesting the tool functioned as a decision support system for academic planning. For students, only social influence (SI) and facilitating conditions (FC) emerged as significant predictors, indicating that peer comparison and external expectations may not fit their needs. Parents also reported significantly higher continued intention than students. The finding extended UTAUT by demonstrating that core acceptance relationships are moderated by different roles, reframing technology acceptance in educational visualisation from system adoption to information interpretation. The study provides empirical evidence that visualised performance reporting functions not merely as a data display but also as a communication medium whose meaning is actively constructed by users. These insights highlight the need for role-sensitive design, emphasising actionable planning support for parents and personally meaningful, agency-oriented feedback for students, in order to foster productive home–school communication and sustained engagement with learning information. Full article

Background: Co-delivery of two drugs with diverse physicochemical properties and a specific administration sequence holds great importance in cancer theranostics to overcome drug resistance and reduce side effects. Paclitaxel (PTX) and hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) have long been used clinically as chemotherapeutic agents for Nasopharyn-geal carcinoma (NPC). However, their clinical application is severely restricted by low water solubility, poor stability, and systemic adverse reactions. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems provide a promising platform for combination cancer therapy. Methods: In this study, folic acid-modified and dual drug-loaded self-assembled HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs were successfully fabricated via the emulsification–solvent evaporation method using amphiphilic phosphorylated polystyrene (p-PS). The characterization, cellular uptake, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles of the nanoparticles in NPC models were systematically investigated. Result: HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs were successfully prepared with p-PS as the copolymer backbone. The nanoparticles exhibited a uniform particle size of 196.9 ± 5.5 nm and a zeta potential of −7.3 ± 0.7 mV. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 81.4 ± 2.5% for PTX and 67.6 ± 4.1% for HCPT. The drug loading (DL) efficiency was 18.4 ± 1.5% for PTX and 12.2 ± 1.0% for HCPT. HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs showed favorable biocompatibility. Sustained and sequential release of the two drugs contributed to an enhanced therapeutic effect. Moreover, under magnetic field (MF) guidance, HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on NPC cells than single-drug, cocktail, or dual-drug groups, demonstrating the superiority of the combined therapy. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats revealed that the half-lives of PTX and HCPT were 3.9 ± 1.2 h and 4.7 ± 1.1 h, respectively, confirming that HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs could resist rapid metabolism and clearance in vivo. Conclusions: The long-circulating, folic acid-targeted nanoparticles HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs show great potential for the targeted therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Full article

In this paper, we investigate how social entrepreneurial competencies develop among young children in self-organized early childhood and primary education settings in Greece that operate outside traditional state–market logics and embrace a commons-based ethos. While existing approaches to Entrepreneurship Education (EE) frequently privilege individual skills and economic productivity, this study reframes entrepreneurial learning through the lens of social entrepreneurship. Using a qualitative comparative case study, we analyze educational material from self-organized schools and include focus groups with educators. The findings show that social entrepreneurial competencies emerge as present-tense relational practices embedded in everyday collective life, rather than as future-oriented economic skills. By situating these findings within contemporary debates on Social Entrepreneurship Education (SEE) and Childhood Studies, the paper advances a model of entrepreneurship grounded in empathy and collective action in response to social antagonism. In these schools, social entrepreneurship in childhood is understood as a mode of being and becoming in common, enacted through pedagogical worlds in which children learn to live, decide, care, and act together in the present. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of commons-based pedagogies to reconfigure entrepreneurial learning as a relational and collective practice in preschool and primary school education. Full article

Whether firms translate climate risk perception into energy-related operational productivity remains unclear. Panel data on non-financial Chinese firms (2012–2023) are used to examine the association between climate risk perception (CRP) and energy productivity (EE). Firm-level CRP is constructed from management discussion and analysis (MD&A) sections using a term frequency–inverse document frequency (TF–IDF)-weighted, Word2Vec-expanded climate-risk lexicon. Energy productivity (EE) is measured as the natural logarithm of operating revenue per total energy consumption unit converted into tons of coal equivalent, capturing the economic value generated per energy input unit. Two-way fixed-effects models with firm-level clustered standard errors show a positive CRP–EE association. Digital transformation, proxied by an annual report text-based index across five digital technology domains, partially mediates this association, which is stronger when analyst coverage is higher and weaker when financing constraints are more severe. The results are robust to an alternative CRP proxy based on raw keyword frequency, dynamic specifications, and an instrumental-variable approach exploiting province-year extreme-weather exposure (share of days meeting extreme temperature or precipitation thresholds), using leave-one-province-out aggregation as the instrument and systematic heterogeneity across state ownership, pollution intensity, and high-tech status. This study extends CRP research from disclosure-oriented to energy-productivity outcomes, and highlights how digital capabilities, information scrutiny, and financial friction shape climate-aware energy productivity improvements. Full article

Waterlogged archaeological wood is highly vulnerable to degradation by wood-degrading microorganisms. Oregano essential oil (OEO) shows excellent antimicrobial activity against such microbes, but its high volatility and poor stability restrict direct application in cultural relic protection. This study aims to optimize the preparation of sodium alginate (SA)-based OEO microcapsules (OEO@SAM), characterize their structural and physicochemical properties, and evaluate their sustained-release antimicrobial performance for waterlogged archaeological wood conservation. OEO@SAM was fabricated via ionic crosslinking, with orthogonal experiments optimizing three key parameters: OEO:SA ratio, SA concentration, and CaCl₂ concentration. The microcapsules were characterized by morphological observation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), in vitro sustained-release kinetics, and antimicrobial activity against dominant wood-degrading microorganisms (isolated from waterlogged archaeological sites) were tested. The OEO:SA ratio was the dominant factor regulating EE: EE decreased sharply as the OEO:SA ratio increased, with the highest EE (24.05%) achieved at OEO:SA = 0.5, SA = 2%, and CaCl₂ = 3%. Meanwhile, only 0.71 g/L of OEO@SAM is required to inhibit bacterial growth and achieve the conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood. OEO@SAM exhibited stable sustained release (fitting the zero-order kinetic model) and significant antimicrobial activity against target microorganisms. It provides a new type of antibacterial and antifungal material for the in situ conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood. Full article

This study analysed the role of risk perception and business self-efficacy feeling through entrepreneurial education acquired by higher specialised studies on the emergence of entrepreneurial intentions. The quantitative research method included a questionnaire measured on a Likert scale, which was used to collect data from high school and university students from educational institutions with an economic profile in Romania. The evaluation of the model proposed in this study and the testing of the hypotheses postulated was performed through structural equation modelling (SEM). Our findings indicated that the role of risk perception and the self-efficacy feeling acquired through entrepreneurial education have a direct positive and statistically significant impact on entrepreneurial intentions. In the context of the growing relevance of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship, this study aims to examine how entrepreneurship education fosters sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among young people. Thus, the importance of entrepreneurial education (EE) on entrepreneurial intentions among high school and university students in Romania was confirmed. This study is to investigate how entrepreneurship education encourages sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial intents among young people in light of the growing significance of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. Full article

The transition toward sustainable agriculture has increased interest in agroecological strategies (AS), which aim to reduce chemical inputs while enhancing environmental and socio-economic resilience. Despite growing policy support, adoption remains limited, suggesting that farmers’ behavioral intention (BI) alone may not fully capture the complexity of agroecological uptake. This study aims to identify and validate key behavioral constructs associated with farmers’ intention to use AS, applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a conceptual and measurement framework. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 188 farmers engaged in agroecological farming in the Małopolska region of Poland. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to validate the measurement model and assess the reliability and validity of four latent constructs: Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FCs). Following model refinement, 17 measurement items were retained. All constructs demonstrated strong internal consistency and convergent validity (Composite Reliability > 0.85; Average Variance Extracted > 0.70). The highest standardized factor loadings were observed for “ease of learning” within EE (λ = 0.995), “reduction of production costs” within PE (λ = 0.990), and “access to organizational support” within FC (λ = 0.985). BI exhibited a very high factor loading (BI2, λ = 0.998), indicating strong commitment among current agroecological farmers. Descriptive findings further point to limited institutional participation and extension support, highlighting the prominence of structural conditions within the validated measurement framework. The main contribution of this study lies in the empirical validation of the UTAUT-based measurement instrument for agroecological contexts and in emphasizing the salience of institutional and facilitating dimensions in relation to farmers’ BI toward agroecological transitions. Full article

Entrepreneurship education (EE) is increasingly considered an important tool in promoting sustainable economic development, yet the empirical base for its effect on entrepreneurial intention (EI) is dispersed and not consistent. However, the literature fails to address EE as a direct antecedent of EI and pays little attention to conditional mechanisms that explain how education contributes to shaping entrepreneurial cognition. To address this gap, this article performs a systematic–integrative review of the literature where entrepreneurship education is a moderating variable in entrepreneurial intentionality. Based on PRISMA 2020, peer-reviewed journal papers from 2000 to 2025 were collected through Scopus and Web of Science and systematized with the theory-building integrative method. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, Shapero’s Entrepreneurial Event Model, Social Cognitive Theory and Human Capital Theory, we show in the review that entrepreneurship education primarily moderates how entrepreneurial attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control predict entrepreneurial intention rather than exert uniform direct effects. The results also reveal that the moderating effect of EE is dependent on pedagogical quality, level of experiential depth, extent of cultural fit and institutional support, with strong implications for emerging and collectivist economies. Holistic in approach, the study demonstrates how education for entrepreneurship can focus entrepreneurial intention on sustainable value creation, economic diversification and inclusive development contributing directly to SDGs 4 (quality education), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 9 (industry innovation and infrastructure). The paper introduces a context-dependent conceptual framework, and discusses some implications for sustainability-related educational design and policy. Full article

Aquaculture has become the fastest-growing food production sector worldwide, recently surpassing wild-capture fisheries in total output. This rapid expansion underscores the need to ensure sustainability through robust animal welfare standards. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are increasingly adopted due to their advantages in biosecurity, water efficiency, and production control. However, these systems often expose fish to highly artificial and environmentally impoverished conditions, which may negatively affect their welfare. This article examines fish welfare in RAS through the lens of environmental enrichment (EE), arguing that its implementation is essential to address behavioral, cognitive, and physiological needs. By integrating EE into RAS design and management, it is possible to move beyond traditional homeostatic welfare models focused solely on stress reduction toward an allostatic framework that emphasizes adaptability, agency, and positive experiences. Such an approach supports the concept of providing farmed fish with a “life worth living.” The paper highlights the ethical and practical implications of enrichment strategies and emphasizes their potential role in promoting sustainable and welfare-oriented aquaculture practices. Full article

Our previous studies have shown that continuous infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) in C57BL/6J mice causes dysfunction and a cachexia-like pathogenesis in both skeletal muscle and the left ventricle, which is significantly reduced by withaferin A (WFA), a steroidal lactone. However, it remains unknown whether WFA can reverse right ventricular (RV) dysfunction induced by Ang II. To determine the effects of WFA in attenuating Ang II-induced RV dysfunction, we employed a model in which continuous Ang II infusion via an osmotic pump in C57BL/6J mice induced cardiac remodeling. We then focused on investigating RV performance and structural changes using echocardiography and histopathological examination, as well as quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for mRNA expression. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated that Ang II significantly increased RV wall thickness and impaired RV systolic and diastolic function, as indicated by reductions in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, TV E/E′ ratio, RV S′, and RVOT VTI. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed marked upregulation of pro-fibrotic markers, including TGF-β, fibronectin, and collagen. WFA treatment restored RV functions and significantly attenuated Ang II-induced RV dysfunction and fibrosis. Our findings provide the first evidence that WFA attenuates Ang II-induced cachexia-like remodeling and dysfunction of the RV. These results position WFA as a compelling therapeutic candidate for cardiac cachexia, offering direct anti-fibrotic and cardioprotective benefits that warrant further translational development. Full article

Ultra-dense networks (UDNs) enable next-generation wireless systems by providing high capacity through aggressive base-station densification. However, dense deployments increase interference and energy consumption, making Quality-of-Service (QoS) aware performance evaluation and optimization challenging. Stochastic geometry (SG) provides a tractable framework for modeling large-scale UDNs, but its use is often limited by simplifying assumptions and simulation requirements. In parallel, Deep Learning (DL) offers scalable tools for capturing complex network behavior from data. This paper proposes a scalable analytical and data-driven framework for performance evaluation and energy efficiency (EE) optimization in UDNs. SG-based analysis is used to derive expressions for key metrics, including coverage probability and EE, under practical QoS constraints such as base-station density, transmit power, activation probability, and SINR thresholds. These results are used to construct a supervised learning dataset, where network parameters and SG derived metrics serve as inputs, and simulation outcomes act as labels. A DL model is trained to capture the nonlinear mapping between network configurations and performance metrics. Results show that the proposed framework predicts coverage probability and EE accurately for unseen UDN scenarios while substantially reducing computational complexity compared to conventional SG-based methods, without violating QoS constraints. Full article

Background: This investigation compared the efficacy and safety of fexuprazan 40 mg and esomeprazole 40 mg in patients with acid reflux-related disorders, including erosive esophagitis (EE) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five databases until January 2025. Primary outcomes included esophageal lesion healing, complete resolution of symptoms (CRS), and 24 h symptom-free days. Meta-analyses used random-effects models with the inverse variance method. The Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and the certainty of evidence (CoE) using GRADE methodology were assessed. Results: Three randomized controlled trials (n = 695) conducted in Asian countries were included. Fexuprazan may have little to no effect compared to esomeprazole on EE healing rate at 4 weeks (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.12, I² = 0%, n = 2 studies, CoE very low) and 8 weeks. No significant differences were found between treatments regarding CRS at 1 week (RR 1.29; 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.99; I² = 0%; n = 2 studies; CoE very low) and 8 weeks, or in the 24 h symptom-free days at 1 week (MD 2.67 days, 95% CI −2.76 to 8.10, I² = 41%, n = 2 studies, CoE very low) and 8 weeks. Fexuprazan also showed little to no effect on treatment-emergent adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.20, I² = 0%, n = 3 studies, CoE very low). Nonetheless, the evidence for all outcomes was rated as very uncertain. Conclusions: Fexuprazan 40 mg may provide similar efficacy compared to esomeprazole 40 mg in EE, with a comparable safety profile to esomeprazole in EE and LPRD patients. However, the evidence is highly uncertain, requiring further studies. Full article