Search Results (530)

This study investigates the role of Big Data Analytics Capabilities (BDACs) in ambidexterity explorative innovation (EXPLRI) and exploitative (EXPLOI) innovation for achieving a sustainable performance (SP) in the manufacturing sector of a resource-constrained developing economy. While a BDAC has been widely linked to innovation in developed economies, its effectiveness in developing contexts shaped by indigenous innovation practices like Jugaad remains underexplored. Anchored in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities (DC) theory, we propose a model where the BDAC enhances both EXPLRI and EXPLOI, which subsequently leads to an improved sustainable performance. We further examine the Jugaad capability as a cultural moderator. Using survey data from 418 manufacturing firms and analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), results confirm that BDA capabilities significantly boost both types of innovations, which positively impact sustainable performance dimensions. Notably, Jugaad positively moderates the relationship between EXPLOI and financial, innovation, and operational performance but negatively moderates the link between EXPLRI and innovation performance. These findings highlight the nuanced influence of culturally embedded innovation practices in BDAC-driven ecosystems. This study contributes by extending the RBV–DC framework to include cultural innovation capabilities and empirically validating the contingent role of Jugaad in enhancing or constraining innovation outcomes. This study also validated the Jugaad capability measurement instrument for the first time in the context of Pakistan. For practitioners, aligning data analytics strategies with local innovative cultures is vital for sustainable growth in emerging markets. Full article

Background: Cardiac surgery patients with pre- or post-operative atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk for thromboembolic stroke, often due left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. Surgical LAA exclusion (LAAE) can be performed and must be complete to avoid increased thrombus formation. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, post-market study (NCT05101993) evaluated the long-term safety and performance of the epicardial V-shape AtriClip device. Patients ≥18 years who had received V-shape AtriClip devices during non-emergent cardiac surgery consented to a prospective 12-month follow-up visit and LAA imaging. The primary performance was LAAE without residual left atrium-LAA communication, assessed by imaging at the last follow-up visit. The primary safety was device- or implant procedure-related serious adverse events (SAEs) (death, major bleeding, surgical site infection, pericardial effusion requiring intervention, myocardial infarction) within 30 days. Results: Of 155 patients from 11 U.S. centers, 151 patients had evaluable imaging. Complete LAAE was obtained in all patients. Primary performance in the intent-to-treat population was met, with 97% (95% CI 93.52%, 99.29%; p = 0.0001) complete LAAE. Primary safety was met, with 100% (95% CI 97.75%, 100%; p < 0.0001) of patients free from pre-defined SAEs within 30 days. One device-related SAE was reported, which resolved intraprocedurally. Conclusions: AtriClip V-Clip showed safe and successful LAAE through 12 months of follow-up. Full article

Cellular senescence is closely connected with cancer progression, recurrence, and metastasis. Senotherapy aims to soothe the harmful effects of senescent cells either by inducing their apoptosis (senolytic) or by suppressing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) (senomorphic). Fisetin, a well-studied senotherapeutic drug, was selected for this study to evaluate its efficiency when delivered in a liposomal formulation. The experiment evaluated the impact of liposome-encapsulated fisetin on senescent cells induced by doxorubicin (DOX) from two cell lines: WI-38 (normal lung fibroblasts) and A549 (lung carcinoma). Senescence was characterized by SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, proliferation, morphology, and secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). Due to fisetin’s hydrophobic nature, it was encapsulated in liposomes to enhance cellular delivery. Cellular uptake studies confirmed that the liposomes were effectively internalized by both senescent cell types. Treatment with fisetin-loaded liposomes revealed a lack of senolytic effects but showed senomorphic activity, as evidenced by a significant reduction in IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in senescent cells. The liposomal formulation enhanced fisetin’s therapeutic efficacy, showing comparable results even at the lowest tested concentration. Full article

Background: Ultrasound (U/S) can be used to evaluate skeletal muscle characteristics in clinical and sports settings. Handheld U/S devices have recently emerged as a cheaper and portable alternative to conventional U/S systems. However, further research is warranted on their reliability. We assessed the reliability and inter-device agreement between a handheld U/S device (Clarius L15 HD₃) and a more conventional U/S system (GE LOGIQ e) for measuring the thickness of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI). Methods: Cross-sectional images of the RF and VI muscles were obtained in 20 participants by two assessors, and on two separate occasions by one of those assessors, using the Clarius L15 HD₃ and GE LOGIQ e devices. RF and VI thickness measurements were obtained to determine the intra-rater reliability, inter-rater reliability, and inter-device agreement. Results: All intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were above 0.9 for intra-rater reliability (range: 0.94 to 0.97), inter-rater reliability (ICC: 0.97), and inter-device agreement (ICC: 0.98) when comparing the two devices in assessing RF and VI thickness. For the RF, the Bland–Altman plot revealed a mean difference of 0.06 ± 0.07 cm, with limits of agreement ranging from 0.21 to −0.09, whereas for the VI, the Bland–Altman plot showed a mean difference of 0.07 ± 0.10 cm, with limits of agreement ranging from 0.27 to −0.13. Conclusions: The handheld Clarius L15 HD₃ was reliable and demonstrated high agreement with the more conventional GE LOGIQ e for assessing the thickness of the RF and VI in young, healthy adults. Full article

Accurate methane emission estimates are essential for climate policy, yet current field methods often struggle with spatial constraints and source complexity. Ground-based mobile approaches frequently miss key plume features, introducing bias and uncertainty in emission rate estimates. This study addresses these limitations by using small unmanned aerial systems equipped with precision gas sensors to measure methane alongside co-released tracers. We tested whether arc-shaped flight paths and alternative ratio estimation methods could improve the accuracy of tracer-based emission quantification under real-world constraints. Controlled releases using ethane and nitrous oxide tracers showed that (1) arc flights provided stronger plume capture and higher correlation between methane and tracer concentrations than traditional flight paths; (2) the cumulative sum method yielded the lowest relative error (as low as 3.3%) under ideal mixing conditions; and (3) the arc flight pattern yielded the lowest relative error and uncertainty across all experimental configurations, demonstrating its robustness for quantifying methane emissions from downwind plume measurements. These findings demonstrate a practical and scalable approach to reducing uncertainty in methane quantification. The method is well-suited for challenging environments and lays the groundwork for future applications at the facility scale. Full article

Lake Chinchaycocha, Peru’s second-largest high-altitude lake and a Ramsar-designated wetland of international importance, is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pollution and hydroclimatic shifts. This study integrates Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery with in situ water quality data from Peru’s National Water Observatory to assess spatiotemporal dynamics in 31 physicochemical parameters between 2018 and 2024. We evaluated 40 empirical algorithms developed globally for Sentinel-2 and tested their transferability to this ultraoligotrophic Andean system. The results revealed limited predictive accuracy, underscoring the need for localized calibration. Subsequently, we developed and validated site-specific models for ammoniacal nitrogen, electrical conductivity, major ions, and trace metals, achieving high predictive performance during the rainy season (R² up to 0.95). Notably, the study identifies consistent seasonal correlations—such as between total copper and ammoniacal nitrogen—and strong spectral responses in Band 1, linked to runoff dynamics. These findings highlight the potential of combining public monitoring data with remote sensing to enable scalable, cost-effective assessment of water quality in optically complex, high-Andean lakes. The study provides a replicable framework for integrating national datasets into operational monitoring and environmental policy. Full article

The invention of antibacterial agents (antibiotics) was a significant event in the history of the human race, and this invention changed the way in which infectious diseases were cured; as a result, many lives have been saved. Recently, antibiotic resistance has developed as a result of excessive use of antibiotics, and it has become a major threat to world health. ARGs are spread across biomes and taxa of bacteria via lateral or horizontal gene transfer (HGT), especially via conjugation, transformation, and transduction. This review concerns transduction, whereby bacteriophages or phages facilitate gene transfer in bacteria. Bacteriophages are just as common and many times more numerous than their bacterial prey, and these phages are much more influential in controlling the population of bacteria. It is estimated that 25% of overall genes of Escherichia coli have been copied by other species of bacteria due to the HGT process. Transduction may take place via a generalized or specialized mechanism, with phages being ubiquitous in nature. Phage and virus-like particle (VLP) metagenomics have uncovered the emergence of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of bacterial origins. These genes, when transferred to bacteria through transduction, confer resistance to antibiotics. ARGs are spread through phage-based transduction between the environment and bacteria related to people or animals, and it is vital that we further understand and tackle this mechanism in order to combat antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Sarcopenia is a musculoskeletal, progressive, and generalized disease characterized by decreased muscle strength and mass, leading to reduced quality of life. Sarcopenia is directly related to age, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12-week progressive intensity Resistance Training (RT) associated with nutritional advice on the frequency of sarcopenia in older adults. A total of 74 older adults (37 in the intervention group and 37 in the control group), with a mean age of 69.1 ± 6.85 years, were included in the study. The sarcopenia status of the participants was assessed at baseline and after a 12-week intervention. In the intervention group, resistance training combined with nutritional counseling reduced the prevalence of sarcopenia from 35.14% to 0% (p < 0.001). Additionally, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in handgrip strength (from 27.70 ± 10.71 to 30.24 ± 10.38 kg), chair stand test performance (from 14.04 ± 3.46 to 11.67 ± 1.80 s), and time up and go test (from 7.49 ± 1.20 to 6.74 ± 0.95 s) (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the control group increased the incidence of sarcopenia (p < 0.001). After 12 weeks, progressive intensity RT associated with nutritional advice proved to be an effective treatment to reverse sarcopenia and help participants remain non-sarcopenic. In addition, the results of this study provide information about efficient and non-pharmacological sarcopenia treatment. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to identify the effects of a submaximal jump training program using accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on punching performance and countermovement jump (CMJ) force–time characteristics in amateur boxers. Methods: Twenty-nine amateur boxers (age: 24.9 ± 5.4 years; height of 175.9 ± 5.2 cm; body mass: 76.2 ± 10.5 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: AEL group (n = 9), CMJ group (n = 10), and control group (n = 10). The AEL group performed countermovement jumps using handheld dumbbells equivalent to 10–20% of body mass, followed by unloaded concentric phases. All participants were evaluated pre- and post-intervention on punching peak force and countermovement jump performance. Results: Significant differences were found in favor of the AEL group for the peak force of the jab punch (pre: 1050 ± 203; post: 1158 ± 189 N), straight punch (pre: 1685 ± 393; post: 1861 ± 429 N), right cross punch (pre: 2005 ± 362; post: 2150 ± 417 N), and left cross punch (pre: 1836 ± 312; post: 1977 ± 393 N), along with greater gains in jump height, propulsive impulse, and absolute and relative peak power than the CMJ and control groups. Conclusions: A submaximal accentuated eccentric jump training program enhances punching peak force and lower-limb power output in amateur boxers, offering a practical strategy for improving power-oriented performance during preparatory training phases. Full article

Why have thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Zhuang Zi, across different cultures, sought something beyond the self? Whether through God, nature, or abstract ideals, the longing for transcendence has been a recurring theme across philosophical and religious traditions. This impulse reflects what Aldous Huxley termed the “perennial philosophy”—the idea that all spiritual traditions share a common metaphysical core. Within this framework, Emerson and Zhuang Zi offer remarkably similar insights into the transformative power of silence and stillness. For Emerson, these quiet states connect the individual with the Over-Soul, a universal spirit that transcends the ego. For Zhuang Zi, they enable alignment with the Dao, the natural flow of the universe. In both philosophies, silence and stillness serve as transformative practices that dissolve the boundaries of the self and open it to a deeper, more unified reality. By comparing Emerson’s Over-Soul and Zhuang Zi’s Dao, this essay shows how both thinkers suggest that true peace arises not from striving but from surrendering to the quiet depths of being. Their shared emphasis on contemplative stillness reveals its enduring value as a spiritual practice across diverse philosophical landscapes. Full article

Compton backscattering is a versatile non-destructive technique for material characterization and structural evaluation in reinforced concrete. This methodology enables a single-sided inspection of large structures—which is particularly useful where only one side of the material is accessible for examination—is relatively inexpensive, and can be made portable for field applications. This study aims to assess the influence of basaltic coarse aggregates on the accurate localization and dimensioning of rebar in reinforced concrete using the gamma-ray Compton backscattering technique at two distinct incident photon energies—59.5 keV and 1170 keV. The analysis was performed through Monte Carlo simulations using the FLUKA code, providing insights into the feasibility and limitations of this non-destructive method for structural evaluation. Both photon energies successfully detected the rebar embedded at a 3 cm depth in mortar, achieving a good spatial resolution and contrast, despite the presence of a significant amount of iron oxide within the aggregate. Among the evaluated sources, ⁶⁰Co yielded the highest contrast and count values, demonstrating its potential for rebar detection at greater depths within concrete structures. The single-sided Compton scattering technique proved to be effective for the investigated application and presents a promising alternative for the non-destructive assessment of real-world reinforced concrete structures. Full article

This study addresses the formation, detection, and repair of cracks in concrete elements exposed to temperatures above 25 °C, where accelerated evaporation compromises their structural strength. An automated intelligent curing system with embedded sensors (DS18B20, HD-38) and Arduino controllers was developed and applied to solid slabs, columns, and concrete test specimens (1:2:3.5 mix ratio). The electronic design was simulated in Proteus and validated experimentally under tropical conditions. Data with normal distribution (p > 0.05) showed a significant correlation between internal and ambient temperature (r = 0.587; p = 0.001) and a low correlation in humidity (r = 0.143; p = 0.468), indicating hygrometric independence. The system healed cracks of 0.01 mm observed two hours after pouring the mixture, associated with an evaporation rate of 1.097 mL/s in 4 m². For 28 days, automated irrigation cycles were applied every 30 to 60 min, with a total of 1680 L, achieving a 20% reduction in water consumption compared to traditional methods. The system maintained stable thermal conditions in the concrete despite ambient temperatures of up to 33.85 °C. A critical evaporation range was identified between 11:00 and 16:00 (UTC-5). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the embedded system in optimizing curing, water efficiency, and concrete durability. Full article

Green starches, sourced from sustainable and unconventional plant and protist sources, are gaining prominence in functional ingredient research due to their combined technological and bioactive properties. Within the context of circular economy and green chemistry, this review addresses the extraction processes of native, modified, and phytochemically enriched starches. It highlights diverse applications, focusing on the advantages of phytochemical enrichment over other modification methods, given the acquired properties from bioactive compound incorporation. Initially, the review approaches the circular economy and green chemistry’s contributions. Various starch modification processes are presented, emphasizing chemical alterations and their impacts on food safety and the environment. Recent studies employing this principle are detailed, focusing on food applications, extending to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and culminating in bioelectronics. Finally, new research ideas are proposed, aiming to inspire further studies in the field. This review underscores a significant and growing interest in sustainable starch applications, particularly biocompound-enriched starches, across diverse sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and packaging. This trend is driven by the need for safer, eco-friendlier alternatives, with emerging fields such as bioelectronics and 3D/4D printing also recognizing starch’s versatile potential. Full article

Background: The prevalence of diabetes increases with age, and food bioactive compounds have shown potential in mitigating its development. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults with prediabetes. We hypothesized that curcumin, due to its insulin-sensitizing effects, would help maintain glucose homeostasis, metabolic health, and gut health. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 28 older adults (aged 60 years or older) with prediabetes or overweight/obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin (80 mg) or placebo capsules for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were glucose homeostasis markers, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood glucose, and insulin levels. Secondary outcomes included body composition, body mass index (BMI), body weight, lipid profiles, and gut microbiome composition. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with multiple comparisons was used to find differences between groups and over time. Results: A total of 23 participants (age = 66.52 ± 5.76 years; 14 in the curcumin group and 9 in the placebo group) completed the 12-week intervention. HbA1c levels significantly decreased in the curcumin group, whereas levels remained stable in the placebo group. While the curcumin group observed an increase in AST levels, the ALT level was reduced in the placebo group. Both the curcumin and placebo groups showed a reduced ALT/AST ratio by the end of the intervention. Body mass index, lipid profiles, and body composition showed no significant changes over the study period. Gut microbiome analysis revealed no significant changes in alpha diversity or beta diversity of microbiome; however, there was marginal enrichment of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidota (phylum), Bacteroidaceae (family), Agathobacter, Bacteroides, and Roseburia (genera) in the curcumin-supplemented group over time. Conclusions: Curcumin supplementation improved or favorably maintained glucose homeostasis and showed modest improvements in beneficial gut microbiota in older adults with prediabetes, potentially reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and determine the clinical relevance of curcumin supplementation for prediabetes prevention. Full article

We examine the claimed observations of a gravitational external field effect (EFE) reported by Chae et al. We show that observations suggestive of the EFE can be interpreted without violating Einstein’s equivalence principle, namely from known correlations between the morphology, the environment, and dynamics of galaxies. While Chae et al.’s analysis provides a valuable attempt at a clear test of modified Newtonian dynamics, an evidently important topic, a re-analysis of the observational data does not permit us to confidently assess the presence of an EFE or to distinguish this interpretation from that proposed in this article. Full article