Search Results (244)

This study presents an initial feasibility concept paper for a proposed crosstie system, an innovative railroad crosstie reinforcement system designed to reduce the stresses transmitted to the underlying ballast. While not developed for a specific industry client, the proposed crosstie system lays the groundwork for patent application and potential commercialization, offering a novel alternative to conventional railroad construction. Finite Element Analysis demonstrated that this system can reduce effective stress on the ballast by up to 24%, effectively making train loads appear lighter to the substructure. The design of the proposed system focuses on mitigating the excessive stresses transmitted from crossties to the ballast layer in heavy axle load (HAL) freight rail operations. The goal was to create a reinforcement mechanism that is modular, compatible with existing track infrastructure, and capable of reducing maintenance costs by distributing loads more effectively across the ballast and subgrade. The findings indicate that this system is not only the most cost-effective and sustainable solution but also holds promise for reducing fixed stock investment, minimizing downtime for track maintenance, and enabling expanded rail network connectivity. These results support continued research and investment in the system’s development and deployment. Full article

The design of sustainable nanomaterials for catalysis is a key challenge in green chemistry. Herein, we report the synthesis of halloysite nanotube (Hal)-based nanomaterials selectively functionalized with a bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) coating, which enables the controlled anchoring of palladium and copper nanoparticles (PdNPs and CuNPs). This mild and ecofriendly strategy yields highly dispersed and ultrasmall (<5 nm) metal nanoparticles without the need for surfactants or harsh reagents. The resulting materials, Hal@PDA/PdNPs and Hal@PDA/CuNPs, were evaluated in two well-established model reactions commonly employed to probe catalytic performance: cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation and 4-nitrophenol reduction. Hal@PDA/PdNPs displayed complete conversion and >90% selectivity toward hydrocinnamaldehyde at low Pd loading (0.8 wt%) and maintained its efficiency over six catalytic cycles (TOF up to 0.1 s⁻¹), while Hal@PDA/CuNPs retained high activity through eight consecutive runs in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Hal@PDA/CuNPs proved to be an excellent recyclable catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, retaining high activity through eight consecutive runs. Overall, this study introduces a robust and modular approach to fabricating halloysite-based nanocatalysts, demonstrating their potential as green platforms for metal nanoparticle-mediated transformation. Full article

Postoperative C5 palsy is a common complication of cervical spine surgery. Inadequate recovery from C5 palsy can result in significant impairment of activities of daily living. However, no effective treatment has been established for persistent cases. In the present report, we describe a novel therapeutic approach using the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) in a patient with severe, prolonged postoperative C5 palsy. The patient was a 46-year-old man who developed severe right C5 palsy following cervical spine surgery performed 41 months earlier. Despite undergoing conventional rehabilitation, no improvement was observed, and the muscle strength of the right deltoid and biceps remained at manual muscle testing (MMT) grade 2. HAL training, using both shoulder and elbow devices, was initiated at our institution. Training was conducted once weekly for a total of 106 sessions over 21 months. At baseline, the right shoulder range of motion was limited to 50° in flexion and 35° in abduction. With HAL-assisted training, flexion improved to 150° and abduction improved to 95° by the final (106th) session and further increased to 165° and 170°, respectively, at long-term follow-up. Deltoid strength, assessed using handheld dynamometry, increased from 3.5 Nm/kg at baseline to 28.5 Nm/kg after training. In this case, a long-term therapeutic program incorporating shoulder and elbow HAL training successfully improved severe and prolonged postoperative C5 palsy to a functionally useful level. This case highlights the potential effectiveness of HAL therapy for treatment-resistant postoperative C5 palsy. Full article

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a psychiatric disorder that negatively impacts patients’ quality of life, frequently inducing difficulties in managing day-to-day tasks. Current research is persistently working on finding therapeutic methods to alleviate the positive and negative symptoms, as well as the associated cognitive dysfunctions. Since the main therapeutic approach in SCZ is antipsychotics, the current study aimed to explore the effects of typical (haloperidol, HAL) vs. atypical (risperidone, RIS) antipsychotics on the cognitive functions in an animal model (Danio rerio) of SCZ, obtained by ketamine (KET) administration. Methods: The cognitive evaluation of the zebrafish was performed using memory and learning tests based on two stimuli: food and colours (i.e., T memory test and novel object recognition (NOR) test, respectively). Results: According to the behavioural analyses, HAL significantly enhanced the cognitive performances of the SCZ model, as compared to RIS. Nonetheless, HAL and RIS exhibited comparable effects on social behaviour in the SCZ model. Interestingly, both HAL and RIS enhanced the interest for the novel object in the NOR test in control individuals, but significantly decreased it in the SCZ model. The interaction between KET and RIS could exhibit sedative properties. Conclusions: Both typical (HAL) and atypical (RIS) antipsychotics alleviated cognitive, socio-affective, and decision-making impairments in a ketamine-based adult zebrafish model of schizophrenia. HAL was more effective, particularly in food-stimulated decision-making compared to novel object or social stimuli. Colour influenced behavioural responses, with silver linked to prey/feeding effects and red perceived as aversive. The KET–RIS combination induced exploratory impairments, possibly due to sedative effects. These findings highlight differential pharmacological and ethological modulation of schizophrenia-like behaviours. Full article

Objectives: Recent studies have shown that highly aspheric lenslets (HAL) are effective in slowing myopia progression. Moreover, research indicates that an enhancement in choroidal thickness might serve as a biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of myopia control treatments. Therefore, this study examined the short-term effects of HAL and full-field +3.00 diopters (D) myopic defocus on sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCHR). Design: Prospective experimental study. Participants: Twenty-five participants aged 20–30 (mean 24.56 ± 2.467) years with a refraction error of emmetropia to −5.0 D (mean −2.255 ± 1.514 D). The contralateral non-dominant eye was used as control for each participant. Methods: The participants watched a movie projected at 6 m for 90 min on two separate occasions while wearing HAL or +3 D full-field myopic defocus lenses on their dominant eye. The control eye wore only a single-vision contact lens with the best-corrected distance vision. Three measurements of AL and SFCHR were captured before defocus, and after 60 and 90 min of defocus for both eyes. The main outcome measures were changes in SFCHR and AL over time. Results: Exposure to HAL and +3 D myopic defocus significantly increased SFCHR in the defocused eyes compared to the baseline (p < 0.001). The increase in SFCHR was 6.62 ± 6.32 µm with the HAL intervention and 7.36 ± 8.83 µm with the +3 D intervention. The difference between the two interventions was not statistically significant (p = 0.595). A significant mean difference of 3.176 ± 1.318 µm in SFCHR increase was observed with +3.00 D full-field defocus in the defocused eyes compared to the control eyes over the measurement period (p = 0.020). Conclusions: Short-term exposure to full-field myopic defocus increased choroidal thickness, which was comparable with that observed in peripheral myopic defocus with HAL, although the effect appears less pronounced. Full article

Background: Hearing and cognition decline with age. Hearing is now considered an independent risk factor for later cognitive impairment. Computerized cognitive auditory training is being discussed as a possible adjunctive therapy approach. Objectives: The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate how the success of a computer-based cognitive auditory training (CCAT) can be measured. For this purpose, the influence of a CCAT on different dimensions of hearing and cognition was determined. Materials and Methods: 23 subjects between 52 and 77 years old were recruited with normacusis to moderate hearing loss. They underwent 40 digital training lessons at home. Before, during, and after completion, concentration ability with the d2-R, memory (VLMT), subjective hearing impairment (HHI), hearing quality (SSQ12), listening effort in noise (ACALES), and speech understanding in noise (GÖSA) were measured. Results and Discussion: In this uncontrolled, non-randomized study, one of the main findings was that cognitive dimensions, namely processing speed, improved by 12.11 ± 16.40 points (p = 0.006), and concentration performance improved by 12.56 ± 13.50 points (p = 0.001), which were not directly trained in CCAT. Learning performance also improved slightly by 4.00 ± 7.00 (p = 0.019). Subjective hearing handicap significantly reduced by 10.70 ± 12.38 (p = 0.001). There were no significant changes in the SSQ-12 (p = 0.979). Hearing effort improved by 1.79 ± 2.13 dB SPL (p = 0.001), 1.75 ± 2.09 (p = 0.001), and 3.32 ± 3.27 dB (p < 0.001), respectively. Speech understanding in noise did not improve significantly. CCAT is likely to improve several dimensions of hearing and cognition. Controlled future studies are needed to investigate its efficacy. Full article

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, often resulting in persistent impairments in gait and balance. Traditional rehabilitation methods—though beneficial—are limited by factors such as therapist dependency, low patient adherence, and restricted access. In recent years, sensor-supported technologies, including virtual reality (VR), robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT), and wearable feedback systems, have emerged as promising adjuncts to conventional therapy. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of wearable and immersive technologies for gait and balance rehabilitation in adult stroke survivors. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases retrieved 697 articles. After screening, eight studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included, encompassing 186 participants. The interventions included VR-based gait training, electromechanical devices (e.g., HAL, RAGT), auditory rhythmic cueing, and smart insoles, compared against conventional rehabilitation or baseline function. Most studies reported significant improvements in motor function, dynamic balance, or gait speed, particularly when interventions were intensive, task-specific, and personalized. Patient engagement, adherence, and feasibility were generally high. However, heterogeneity in study design, small sample sizes, and limited long-term data reduced the strength of the evidence. Technologies were typically implemented as complementary tools rather than standalone treatments. In conclusion, wearable and immersive systems represent promising adjuncts to conventional stroke rehabilitation, with potential to enhance motor outcomes and patient engagement. However, the heterogeneity in protocols, small sample sizes, and methodological limitations underscore the need for more robust, large-scale trials to validate their clinical effectiveness and guide implementation. Full article

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) encounter significant hurdles in anomaly detection owing to their dynamic characteristics, scalability demands, and privacy issues. This research presents a new Adaptive Cluster-Based Federated Learning (ACFL) architecture to tackle these challenges. In contrast to conventional machine learning models, the ACFL framework dynamically organizes cars through the Context-Aware Cluster Manager (CACM), which adjusts clusters according to real-time variables like mobility, node density, and communication patterns. Each cluster utilizes Modified Temporal Neural Networks (MTNNs) for localized anomaly detection, employing time-series analysis to improve precision. Federated learning is enabled via the Hierarchical Aggregation Layer (HAL), which effectively consolidates updates across clusters, ensuring scalability and data confidentiality. The proposed framework was assessed in comparison to established machine learning models, including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and the K-Nearest Neighbors with Kernelized Feature Selection and Clustering(KNN-KFSC) approach, utilizing the VeReMi dataset. Findings demonstrate that ACFL surpasses existing models in identifying abnormalities, including Global Positioning System(GPS)spoofing and Denial of Service (DoS) assaults, exhibiting enhanced accuracy, adaptability, and scalability. This work emphasizes the capability of ACFL to tackle urgent security issues in VANET, facilitating the development of secure next-generation intelligent transportation systems. Full article

This review supports formulation engineers in designing compatible and regulation-compliant additive systems. The integration of functional additives into polymer matrices plays a pivotal role in tailoring material properties to meet the demanding performance, safety, and sustainability criteria of the automotive industry. Key findings highlight that (1) optimal additive loadings are critical for balancing performance and mechanical integrity; (2) HALS and benzotriazole-based UV stabilizers extend service life by up to 3000 h in accelerated weathering without modulus loss; (3) bio-based plasticizers such as ESO and ATBC reduce migration rates by 30–40% compared to conventional phthalates; (4) phosphorus-based flame retardants and zinc borate synergistically achieve UL-94 V-0 ratings with minimal smoke release. This work introduces an integrative mapping of additive–polymer interactions under real-world conditions, coupled with synthesis tables that provide multi-criteria evaluations of performance, limitations, and sustainability—tools not present in prior literature. In contrast to previous reviews, this work introduces an integrative mapping of additive–polymer interactions under real-world automotive stressors, explicitly linking performance, compatibility, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. In addition, a series of synthesis consolidate multi-criteria evaluations—covering functional performance, technical limitations, regulatory risks, and sustainability potential—which provide practitioners with a decision-support tool not found in prior literature. These features constitute the primary methodological and practical contributions of this review. This review uniquely integrates an “evidence strength” assessment into synthesis tables and develops an integrative mapping of polymer–additive systems, offering actionable guidelines that go beyond prior literature reviews. Full article

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) serve a critical role in complex systems operations, guiding operator response during normal and emergency scenarios. This study compares 29 SOPs (517 steps) across three domains with varying operator selection rigor: airline operations, Habitable Airlock (HAL) operations, and semi-autonomous vehicles. Using the extended Procedure Representation Language (e-PRL) framework, each step was decomposed into perceptual, cognitive, and motor components, enabling quantitative analysis of step types, memory demands, and training requirements. Monte Carlo simulations compared Time on Procedure against the Allowable Operational Time Window to predict failure rates. The analysis revealed three universal vulnerabilities: verification steps missing following waiting requirements (70% in airline operations, 58% in HAL operations, and 25% in autonomous vehicle procedures), ambiguous perceptual cues (15–48% of steps), and excessive memory demands (highest in HAL procedures at 71% average recall score). Procedure failure probabilities varied significantly (5.72% to 63.47% across domains), with autonomous vehicle procedures showing the greatest variability despite minimal operator selection. Counterintuitively, Habitable Airlock procedures requiring the most selective operators had the highest memory demands, suggesting that rigorous operator selection may compensate for procedure design deficiencies. These findings establish that procedure design approaches vary by domain based on assumptions about operator capabilities rather than universal human factors principles. Full article

Background: Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with rectoanal repair (HAL-RAR) is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional haemorrhoidectomy. While associated with reduced postoperative pain and quicker recovery, data on its safety, recurrence rates, and applicability across haemorrhoid grades remain limited, particularly in Australian settings. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 128 consecutive patients who underwent elective HAL-RAR at a single institution between February 2022 and December 2024. Data on demographics, operative details, postoperative outcomes, and recurrence were collected. Outcomes were stratified by haemorrhoid grade. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of recurrence, day-case completion, and conversion to excisional surgery. Results: The median age was 49 years, and 77.3% had Grade II or III haemorrhoids. HAL-RAR was completed as a day case in 76.6% of patients. Postoperative urinary retention occurred in 3.9%, return to theatre in 0.8%, and 30-day readmission in 7.0%. The symptomatic recurrence rate was 17.6%. Grade IV haemorrhoids were independently associated with increased recurrence (aOR 3.64, 95% CI 1.03–12.84), reduced likelihood of day-case management (aOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.93), and higher conversion to excisional haemorrhoidectomy (aOR 7.23, 95% CI 1.13–46.40). Conclusions: HAL-RAR is a safe, effective, and low-morbidity option for the management of Grade II and III haemorrhoids, suitable for day-case surgery. In selected Grade IV cases, it may offer benefit, although with higher recurrence and conversion risk. Careful patient selection is essential, and longer-term prospective studies are needed to assess durability. Full article

Petroleum oily sludge (OLS), a hazardous by-product of the petroleum industry, and high-alkali lignite (HAL), an underutilized low-rank coal, pose significant challenges to sustainable waste management and resource efficiency. This study systematically investigated the combustion behavior, reaction pathways, and gaseous-pollutant-release mechanisms across varying blend ratios, utilizing integrated thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry analysis (TG-MS), interaction analysis, and kinetic modeling. The key findings reveal that co-combustion significantly enhances the combustion performance compared to individual fuels. This is evidenced by reduced ignition and burnout temperatures, as well as an improved comprehensive combustion index. Notably, an interaction analysis revealed coexisting synergistic and antagonistic effects, with the synergistic effect peaking at a blending ratio of 50% OLS due to the complementary properties of the fuels. The activation energy was found to be at its minimum value of 32.5 kJ/mol at this ratio, indicating lower reaction barriers. Regarding gas emissions, co-combustion at a 50% OLS blending ratio reduces incomplete combustion products while increasing CO₂, indicating a more complete reaction. Crucially, sulfur-containing pollutants (SO₂, H₂S) are suppressed, whereas nitrogen-containing emissions (NH₃, NO₂) increase but remain controllable. This study provides novel insights into the synergistic mechanisms between OLS and HAL during co-combustion, offering foundational insights for the optimization of OLS-HAL combustion systems toward efficient energy recovery and sustainable industrial waste management. Full article

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the one-year efficacy of three spectacle lens designs, highly aspherical lenslets (HALs), horizontally asymmetric peripheral defocus (HAPD) lenses, and standard single vision lenses (SVLs) in slowing myopia progression in school-aged children. Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized study, 57 children, aged 8–17 years, were grouped based on the type of lenses worn: HAL (n = 16), HAPD (n = 21), or SVL (n = 20). Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Outcome measures included spherical equivalent refraction (SER), spherical refraction (SR), cylindrical refraction (CR), and axial length (AL). Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: All groups showed some progression in SER and AL over 12 months. The HAL group demonstrated the smallest median SER change (−0.3 D), compared to HAPD (−0.5 D) and SVL (−0.4 D), though group differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.111). Axial elongation was significantly lower in the HAL group (0.1 mm, IQR: 0.0–0.2 mm) compared to HAPD and SVL (both 0.2 mm, p < 0.0001). CR remained stable in all groups, with no clinically meaningful changes. The HAPD groups showed no advantages over SVL in any parameter. Conclusions: Among the three lens types studied, HAL lenses were the most effective in reducing both refractive and axial myopia progression over 12 months. These findings support their use as a reliable intervention in pediatric myopia control. Full article

HIV-associated lymphoma (HAL) is a heterogeneous and highly aggressive group of malignancies. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly prolonged the survival of people living with HIV (PLWH), the risk of malignancy secondary to HIV infection remains higher than in HIV-negative individuals, with HAL being among the most frequent. The pathogenesis of HAL is complex, involving multifactorial interactions. In current clinical practice, HAL faces a double challenge: the lack of effective biological risk warning systems and the lack of precise prognostic stratification tools. In recent years, the construction of multidimensional biomarker systems has shown critical value in the comprehensive management of HAL. This review aims to systematically summarize recent advances in circulating biomarkers for HAL, focusing on the potential applications of immune environment indicators, such as inflammatory cytokine profiles and microbial translocation markers, as well as serum protein profiles, lymphocyte subsets, extracellular vesicles (EVs), circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), and viral biomarkers. These biomarkers offer promising avenues for early risk prediction, therapeutic monitoring, and prognostic evaluation. Developing an assessment system based on multidimensional biomarkers will optimize early risk stratification, enable precise prognostic classification, and support personalized therapeutic strategies, thereby providing a novel theoretical basis and practical direction for the clinical management of HAL. Full article

Background: With aging populations, the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) among elderly patients is increasing. Although adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation is a well-established component of multimodal treatment, elderly patients remain underrepresented in clinical trials. This study evaluates the feasibility of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiation in patients over 70 years with SCCHN and explores the correlation between treatment feasibility and various comorbidity scores. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients over 70 years of age who received adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation at the University Hospital Regensburg between 2004 and 2018. A total of 71 patients, with a median age of 75 years, were included. The majority were classified as UICC stage IVa. Median follow-up was 27 months. Results: Sixty-two patients completed treatment without interruption, and sixty-five received at least 95% of the prescribed radiation dose. The median total dose was 64 Gy. Acute toxicity of grade III or IV (CTC) occurred in 37 patients. Local tumor control rates were 99% at 12 months, 88% at 24 months, and 76% at 5 years. Overall survival rates were 87% at 12 months, 67% at 24 months, and 41% at 60 months, with a median overall survival of 51 months. The Elixhauser Comorbidity Score showed significant predictive value for treatment feasibility (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiation are feasible and effective treatment options for elderly patients with SCCHN. The favorable local and locoregional control rates reported here suggest, in line with other recent reports in the literature, that age alone should not be a justification for treatment de-intensification. Full article