Search Results (311)

The maritime and logistics sector is undergoing digital transformation, positioning digital logistics platforms (DLPs) as important tools for improving operational coordination, information visibility, and organizational performance (OP). However, prior studies have mainly examined platform adoption, digital capabilities, or macro-level performance outcomes, while paying insufficient attention to the micro-level cognitive and experiential mechanisms through which DLP innovation diffusion is translated into OP, particularly in the Chinese maritime logistics context. Grounded in an integrated framework combining the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) paradigm, Diffusion of Innovations Theory (IDT), and the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM), this study investigates how DLP innovation diffusion affects OP through perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and flow experience (FE). Using survey data from 400 professionals in Chinese maritime and logistics enterprises and second-order structural equation modeling (SEM), the results show that DLPs’ innovation diffusion significantly enhances PU, PEOU, and FE. PU has the strongest standardized effect among the paths from DLPs’ innovation diffusion to the mediators (β = 0.779), whereas FE has the strongest direct effect on OP (β = 0.279) and the largest mediating effect. These findings clarify the cognitive–experiential pathway linking DLPs’ innovation diffusion to OP and inform DLPs’ implementation in maritime logistics. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate patients who developed hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) during rituximab treatment and report the outcomes of desensitization protocols implemented to allow treatment continuation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the institutional data of 76 patients who received rituximab therapy at the Adult Hematology Department between January 2022 and September 2023. Among these, 11 patients who experienced immediate hypersensitivity reactions during infusion were analyzed. The overall frequency of rituximab-associated HSRs was 14.47% (11 out of 76 patients). Demographic data, underlying diseases, timing and type of HSRs, and details of the desensitization protocols were recorded. Results: The overall frequency of rituximab-associated HSRs was 14.47% (11 out of 76 patients). Among the 11 patients, eight were male and three were female, with a median age of 56 years (range: 19–72). Eight patients had CD20-positive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and three had acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). HSRs occurred during the first rituximab exposure in nine patients, at the fourth dose in one patient, and at the eighth dose in another. Symptoms included widespread rash, pruritus, flushing, chills, shivering, dyspnea, dysphagia, back pain, dizziness, syncope, and throat discomfort. All the patients were consulted by the Allergy and Immunology Clinic. Based on prick and intradermal test (IDT) results and the planned rituximab dose, desensitization protocols consisting of a three-dilution/12-step and a four-dilution/16-step regimen were prepared. Overall, 46 desensitization procedures were successfully completed in 11 patients. Notably, no severe anaphylactic events or treatment discontinuations due to drug toxicity occurred during the implementation of the protocols. Conclusions: Although the number of patients was limited, our findings indicate that in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving rituximab who develop early HSRs, desensitization represents a safe and effective strategy before considering treatment modification. These results support that, in appropriately selected patients, desensitization protocols are an important approach to continue therapy without interruption while minimizing adverse reactions. Full article

Context/Objective: Fungi of the genus Tolypocladium are known for their diverse metabolic capabilities and medicinal potential. Indole diterpenoids (IDTs) represent a structurally unique class of fungal metabolites. Beyond their established roles as mycotoxins, these compounds have recently shown promise for neuroprotective effects. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize novel IDTs from Tolypocladium album DWS131 and evaluate their neuroprotective activities and underlying mechanisms. Methods: IDTs were isolated through comprehensive chromatographic techniques. Their structures were elucidated using HRESIMS data, 1D/2D NMR spectra, and quantum chemical calculations. Neuroprotective effects were evaluated using glutamate (Glu)-induced R28 cells in vitro and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced mouse models in vivo. A total of 48 mice were utilized for in vivo evaluations, divided into two separate experimental cohorts. In each cohort, mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 per group). Post-intravitreal injection, retinal survival and visual function were assessed via Brn3a-stained flat-mounts, H&E staining, f-VEP, f-ERG, and OptoDrum. Mechanisms involving the SLC7A11/GPX4/ACSL4 axis were investigated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: Seven previously undescribed paxilline-type IDTs, tolypindoles A–G (1–7), and two known analogues (8–9) were identified. Compounds 8 and 9 exhibited significant neuroprotection closely associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress and the modulation of ferroptosis-related pathways in Glu-induced R28 cells. In vivo, they preserved retinal ganglion cells, maintained retinal structure, and protected visual function, with compound 8 demonstrating superior efficacy. Mechanistic investigations revealed that both compounds modulate the SLC7A11/GPX4/ACSL4 signaling axis. Conclusions: This study expands the chemical diversity of T. album DWS131. Compounds 8 and 9, characterized by isopentenyl moieties, highlight a promising therapeutic potential for retinal neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma. Full article

In the fields of cell engineering, bio-fabrication, and targeted therapy, achieving high-precision manipulation of microparticles and cells remains a technical challenge. Although acoustic tweezers based on surface acoustic waves (SAWs) offer a promising solution, the structural complexity of conventional SAW devices has limited their practical applications. This work proposes a symmetric interdigitated transducer (IDT)-based acoustic tweezers device featuring a simple structure and high flexibility for modulating acoustic pressure field patterns and enabling particle manipulation. Theoretical investigations into the particle manipulation mechanism of the proposed device were conducted using the finite element method. A detachable polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) assembly chamber was also designed. The effectiveness of the device was validated through dynamic and reconfigurable manipulation experiments using fluorescent polystyrene microspheres. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed device can rapidly and precisely modulate SAW to achieve array-based manipulation of particle clusters, forming corresponding array patterns. Compared with conventional sorting methods, this device offers advantages including low cost, high precision, ease of operation, and good biocompatibility, making it suitable for large-scale manipulation of microparticles and biological cells. This technology has the potential to expand the application landscape of SAW and may emerge as a cutting-edge approach for directed cell assembly and culture. Full article

Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is promising for long-document question answering, but its performance is often limited by fixed-window chunking, query-document mismatch, and static context truncation. This study proposes SES-RAG, a lightweight framework that jointly improves semantic segmentation, retrieval alignment, and context selection in long-document RAG. Specifically, SES-RAG includes a ModernBERT-based semantic segmenter for constructing semantically coherent chunks, Generative-Alignment Query Expansion (GAQE) for enhancing query-document alignment through residual fusion with a hypothetical document, and Information Density Truncation (IDT) for adaptively selecting retrieved contexts. We evaluate SES-RAG on three long-document QA benchmarks, namely NarrativeQA, QuALITY, and QASPER, against Naive RAG, HyDE-RAG, Hybrid-RAG, and CRAG. SES-RAG achieves the best overall performance on all three datasets, reaching 15.71 ROUGE, 9.61 BLEU-1, 6.16 BLEU-4, and 18.71 METEOR on NarrativeQA, 74.33 accuracy on QuALITY, and 41.06 F1-Match on QASPER. Compared with Naive RAG, SES-RAG improves ROUGE by 5.10 points on NarrativeQA, Accuracy by 3.66 points on QuALITY, and F1-Match by 3.83 points on QASPER. These results show that lightweight cross-stage optimization is an effective and practical strategy for improving long-document RAG. Full article

Multifunctional scaffolds that combine structural support with the controlled delivery of bioactive agents remain a major challenge in tissue engineering. To extend the use of these devices in biomedicine, 3D printing is presented as an alternative that enables the manufacture of complex devices tailored to each patient, thereby solving specific problems in a timely and efficient manner. In this study, porous 3D scaffolds were fabricated via digital light processing (DLP) using a PET-RAFT resin composed of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA₅₇₅). Sodium chloride (NaCl) was incorporated as a porogen, while insulin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were embedded as osteoinductive agents. The printed constructs exhibited high-resolution, reproducible trabecular-like architectures, as confirmed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), with interconnected pores averaging 70.7 ± 24.7 μm and a total porosity of 57.0 ± 6.98%. Thermal and chemical analyses confirmed scaffold stability and controlled degradability. Cytocompatibility assays using MC3T3-E1, C2C12, hGMSCs, and C166-GFP cells showed viability above 80% after 7 days (ISO 10993-5). Insulin-loaded nanoparticles enabled sustained release, characterized by an initial burst followed by gradual release up to 72 h. Dynamic bioreactor culture enhanced cell adhesion and RUNX2 expression, confirming the osteoinductive potential of the hybrid scaffold for advanced BTE applications. This study introduces an innovative PET-RAFT-derived resin that combines structural reinforcement with spatiotemporal regulation of insulin release, offering a potential strategy for enhanced biomaterial tissue engineering and tailored therapeutic interventions. Full article

Dietary factors play an important role in cognitive health during aging. Dark tea has shown potential cognitive benefits, but its key bioactive component and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In a naturally aged C57BL/6J mouse model, instant dark tea (IDT) samples with different fermentation degrees were evaluated together with behavioral outcomes using composition–effect relationship analysis. This analysis identified theabrownin (TB) as the component most strongly associated with improved cognitive performance. Compared with aged controls, TB increased Y-maze spontaneous alternation from 51.91% to 71.59% and reduced escape latency on day 5 of the Morris water maze from 44.84 s to 26.59 s. In contrast, the corresponding TB-depleted fraction produced no comparable cognitive improvement. TB also alleviated hippocampal injury and neuroinflammation. Antibiotic treatment abolished the cognitive benefits of TB, whereas fecal microbiota transplantation partially restored them. Multi-omics analyses suggested that TB treatment was associated with gut microbiota remodeling and increased serum acetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate; both metabolites partially recapitulated these benefits. Together, these findings show that TB attenuates age-related cognitive decline in naturally aged mice and suggest that modulation of gut microbiota and metabolites may contribute to this effect, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient for healthy brain aging. Full article

Iso-cetane serves as an ideal component representing branched-chain alkanes in surrogate fuels for diesel. However, the predictive accuracy of existing detailed chemical kinetic models for iso-cetane requires improvement. In this study, focusing on the reaction processes of iso-cetane and its key intermediates, we first updated the thermodynamic data of iso-cetane and some of its intermediates, systematically analyzed the effects of various reactions on ignition delay time (IDT), and made targeted modifications to the relevant reaction rate constants. The reaction types involved include fuel cracking reactions of iso-cetane, hydrogen abstraction reactions, cracking reactions of fuel radicals, as well as the oxidation of fuel radicals, isomerization of alkylperoxy radicals ($\mathrm{R}{\dot{\mathrm{O}}}_2$), concerted elimination reactions, formation of cyclic ethers, and the formation and decomposition of ketohydroperoxides (KHP). Additionally, reactions related to the formation and consumption of p-alkyl-dihydroperoxides ($\dot{\mathrm{P}}{(\mathrm{OOH})}_2$) were supplemented. Based on the above work, we developed a detailed chemical kinetic model for iso-cetane, comprising 4541 species and 18,359 elementary reactions. Through systematic validation against experimental data on ignition delay time and concentration variations of key species during oxidation, the improved predictive performance of the proposed model was demonstrated. Furthermore, using sensitivity analysis and reaction pathway analysis for the ignition process, we revealed that the formation of the low-temperature negative temperature coefficient (NTC) region for iso-cetane is intrinsically associated with the competition between chain-branching and chain-propagating pathways. Full article

Several highway agencies have implemented full-depth reclamation (FDR) as a sustainable technology for rehabilitating deteriorated asphalt pavements. However, the lack of standardized mix design procedures and limited field assessment, in terms of rutting and cracking resistance, pose challenges to the widespread implementation of FDR. This study addresses these challenges by synthesizing current FDR mix design and construction practices and validating highway agency-recommended practices through laboratory performance evaluation. The study objectives were achieved by (1) reviewing current FDR mix design and construction specifications of highway agencies across the US and internationally, (2) conducting surveys with highway agencies and interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs), and (3) evaluating the laboratory performance of FDR mixtures. Based on the findings from the literature, survey responses, and SME interviews, three FDR mixtures were designed in the lab: (i) cement-only, (ii) asphalt emulsion and cement, and (iii) foamed asphalt and cement. Each mix was then evaluated for rutting susceptibility using the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) and cracking resistance using the indirect tensile (IDT) test to identify optimum dosages of bituminous and cementitious additives. Laboratory results showed that FDR mixtures with 3% asphalt emulsion and 1% cement improved rutting resistance by 46% and cracking performance by 70% compared to cement-only mixtures with 4% cement. In contrast, foamed asphalt did not result in a significant improvement in FDR performance. Survey responses indicated that 89% of respondents reported good field performance of FDR, with Pennsylvania and North Dakota exhibiting excellent performance 10 years after construction. Full article

This empirical study examines how FinTech innovation is adopted, scaled, and sustained in a small and highly regulated market, such as Latvia. The triangulated analytical framework is applied in this study, integrating Rogers’ Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT), De Meyer’s Innovation Ecosystem framework, and Value Chain Theory. This framework analyses the relationship between innovation characteristics, ecosystem relationships, and restructuring in the value chain. The data was collected from FinTech leaders, conventional financial institutions (banks), regulators, and associations, and was analysed thematically. Based on interviews with stakeholders, the relative advantage of Latvian FinTech lies in its flexibility, speed, and trialability; however, barriers to adoption result in complex regulation, an uneven distribution of technology in infrastructure, and differences in institutional readiness. The authors found strong collaboration among the ecosystem’s players but limited proactive regulatory engagement. This research provides a replicable model for cross-border or cross-sector analysis to assess the progress of innovation in regulatory and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by obligate intracellular parasites of the Leishmania genus and is classified by the World Health Organization as a category I neglected tropical disease. Leishmania infantum predominantly affects children under five years of age and shows an increasing incidence of cutaneous and visceral forms. The development of new therapeutic alternatives remains challenging, making in silico approaches valuable for accelerating antileishmanial drug discovery. This study aimed to identify new compounds with potential activity against Leishmania infantum amastigotes using artificial intelligence-based classification models. Methods: A curated database of compounds with reported biological activity was constructed. Molecular representation employed zero- to two-dimensional descriptors calculated with Dragon software (v 7.0.10). Unsupervised k-means cluster analysis was applied to define training and external prediction sets. Supervised models were developed on the WEKA platform using IBk, J48, multilayer perceptron, and sequential minimal optimization algorithms. Model performance was assessed through internal cross-validation and external validation procedures. Results: All models achieved classification accuracies above eighty percent for both training and prediction sets, indicating consistent predictive performance and good generalization ability. The validated models were applied to virtual screening of the DrugBank database and a collection of synthetic compounds. This screening campaign enabled the identification of one hundred twenty compounds with potential activity against the amastigote form of Leishmania infantum. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence-based QSAR models proved to be useful tools for prioritizing antileishmanial candidates. The integration of molecular descriptors, machine learning, and virtual screening offers an efficient strategy for drug discovery. Full article

A two-dimensional segmentation model based on the P-matrix array was developed to simulate surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay-line devices under irregular loading. Building on coupling-of-modes (COM) theory and P-matrix model, a channelization approach was introduced to enhance conventional response simulation, enabling the systematic extraction of frequency and phase characteristics under varying spatial load distributions. Experimental verification was conducted using SAW devices fabricated by depositing aluminum interdigital transducers (IDTs) on Y-cut 35° quartz crystals through semiconductor lithography. The results demonstrate that the two-dimensional segmentation method effectively and accurately simulates the response of SAW delay line devices under various non-uniform and irregular mass loading distributions, both the phase shift and frequency shift exhibit linear proportionality to the loaded area (R² > 0.99), while the amplitude-frequency characteristics remain stable with increasing load coverage, showing no observable distortion or aberration. Quantitative mass detection experiments employing polystyrene microspheres further demonstrate that the device response increases linearly with the number of sample injections, and the shift magnitude is directly proportional to the amount injected per loading event. Full article

This paper presents a yarn tension sensor based on Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW). To enhance the detection accuracy of the sensor, an improved beam structure is designed for tension measurement, along with intelligent algorithms for temperature compensation. Firstly, regarding the sensor structure, a simply supported beam with a hyperbolic surface is designed to achieve stress concentration by reducing the section modulus at the beam’s midpoint. Secondly, by incorporating an unbalanced split-electrode Interdigital Transducer (IDT) design, the sensor effectively suppresses signal sidelobe interference and significantly improves the structure’s tension sensitivity. Finally, in terms of signal processing, to eliminate the influence of environmental temperature fluctuations on measurements, a temperature-compensation algorithm based on Bayesian Optimization Least Squares Support Vector Machine (BO-LSSVM) with Gaussian Process regression is proposed. Experimental results show that the tension sensitivity of the improved structure was 8.2% higher than that of the doubly clamped beam and 12.7% higher than that of the cantilever beam. For temperature compensation, the BO-LSSVM model reduced the Mean Relative Error (MRE) by 5.67 percentage points relative to raw data and by 2.04 percentage points relative to the fixed-parameter LSSVM model, lowering the temperature sensitivity coefficient from 4.09 $(\times {10}^{-3}/°\mathrm{C})$ to 0.41 $({10}^{-3}/°\mathrm{C})$. Full article

Methane oxy-combustion is a promising carbon capture pathway due to the high CO₂ concentration in the exhaust; however, combustion in pure oxygen produces excessively high flame temperatures that impair ignition and operational stability. To mitigate these effects, steam dilution is commonly applied, but it significantly prolongs ignition delay time (IDT). To address these limitations, hydrogen enrichment is proposed as a reactivity-enhancement strategy. The objective of this study is to quantify the combined effects of steam dilution and hydrogen enrichment on ignition behaviour, carbon species formation, and flame temperature in methane oxy-combustion, considering both ignition onset and equilibrium combustion states. A detailed numerical investigation is conducted using zero-dimensional constant-pressure simulations with detailed chemical kinetics implemented in Cantera, formulated in mixture-fraction space. IDT, CO/CO₂ formation, and adiabatic flame temperature are analysed over steam dilution levels of 0–40%, hydrogen enrichment up to 5% by mass, and initial temperatures between 1050 and 1200 K. The model is validated against experimental data for adiabatic flame temperature and key radical species. Results demonstrate that steam dilution effectively reduces the peak adiabatic flame temperature (by more than 300 K at 40% steam) and enhances the CO₂ mass fraction in the equilibrium state near the stoichiometric mixture fraction, but increases IDT by approximately 100–200% across the mixture-fraction range. Hydrogen enrichment strongly counteracts this inhibition, reducing IDT by up to one order of magnitude under high steam dilution (30–40%) while simultaneously suppressing CO. At the stoichiometric mixture fraction, H₂ addition decreases equilibrium CO₂ formation, indicating a trade-off between enhanced ignition reactivity and ultimate carbon conversion under equilibrium conditions. The use of steam dilution as a temperature-control strategy and hydrogen enrichment as a reactivity enhancer identifies a favourable mixture-fraction window. Full article

The propagation of interfacial acoustic waves (IAWs) along a SiO₂/ZnO/SU-8/SiO₂ multilayer structure is theoretically predicted and experimentally validated. A two-dimensional finite-element analysis was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics, revealing that key IAW characteristics—such as the number of supported modes, propagation losses, and acoustic field distribution—are strongly influenced by the thickness of the intermediate SU-8 adhesive layer. In particular, the presence of the SU-8 layer enables the existence of IAW modes with opposite localization, namely upward- and downward-propagating IAWs. To validate the theoretical predictions, experimental measurements were carried out on delay lines fabricated on SiO₂/ZnO/SU-8/SiO₂ layered structures, revealing the propagation of three distinct IAW modes. The first two modes correspond to the downward and upward fundamental IAWs, while the third mode is a second-order mode identifiable as a downward leaky IAW (LIAW). The experimental results show excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions and establish a solid foundation for the future development of multifrequency IAW-based devices, including package-less acoustic components, microfluidic platforms, and gas and optical sensors designed for operation under harsh environmental conditions. Full article