Search Results (4,419)

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a globally destructive plant-parasitic nematode that severely impedes the sustainable production of horticultural crops. Metabolic reprogramming in plant roots represents the host response to M. incognita infection that can also be exploited by the nematode to facilitate its parasitism. In this study, untargeted metabolomics was employed to analyze metabolic changes in cucumber roots following nematode inoculation, with the goal of identifying differentially accumulated metabolites that may influence M. incognita behavior. Metabolomic analysis revealed that M. incognita significantly altered the cucumber root metabolome, triggering an accumulation of lipids and organic acids and enriching biotic stress-related pathways such as alkaloid biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism. Among differentially accumulated metabolites, myristic acid and hexadecanal were selected for further study due to their potential roles in nematode inhibition. In vitro assays demonstrated that both metabolites suppressed egg hatching and reduced infectivity of M. incognita, while pot experiments indicated a correlation between their application and reduced root gall formation. Chemotaxis assays further revealed that both metabolites exerted repellent effects on the chemotactic migration of M. incognita J2 and suppressed the transcriptional expression of two motility-and feeding-related neuropeptides, Mi-flp-1 and Mi-flp-18. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the significant potential of differentially accumulated metabolites induced by M. incognita infection for nematode disease control, achieved by interfering with nematode chemotaxis and subsequent infection. This work also provides deeper insights into the metabolomic mechanisms underlying the cucumber-M. incognita interaction. Full article

Cumulative mistuning effects in electric vehicle wireless charging systems, arising from component tolerances, coil misalignments, and aging-induced drifts, can significantly degrade system performance. To mitigate this issue, this work establishes an analysis model for mistuned series–series-compensated wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. Through equivalent simplification of mistuned parameters, we systematically examine the effects of compensation capacitances and coil inductances on input impedance, output power, and efficiency in SS-compensated topologies across wide load ranges and different coupling coefficients. Results reveal that transmitter-side parameter deviations exert more pronounced impacts on input impedance and power gain than receiver-side variations. Remarkably, under receiver-side inductance mistuning of −20%, a significant 32° shift in the input impedance angle was observed. Experimental validation on a 500 W prototype confirms ≤5% maximum deviation between calculated and measured values for efficiency, input impedance angle, and power gain. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess changes in body composition, with a specific focus on fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), in obese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with once-weekly (OW) subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide. Methods: This was a single-center, 12-month, real-world, ambispective study (6-month prospective and 6-month retrospective). Body composition parameters were assessed via segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SMF-BIA). Results: A total of 117 patients with DM2, with a median age of 56 years, a median HbA1c level of 9.4%, and a median body weight of 102.5 kg, were included in the study. The median body weight, body fat mass, and visceral fat significantly decreased at 6 months, with values of −9.3, −7.5, and −1.8 kg, respectively. There were further reductions from 6 to 12 months, albeit at a slower rate. The median skeletal muscle mass significantly decreased at 6 months (−1.2 kg), although no further significant reductions were observed at 12 months. Conclusions: OW s.c. semaglutide for 12 months significantly improved body composition parameters, mainly at the expense of fat mass loss, with the preservation of skeletal muscle mass. These changes are clinically meaningful, since they impact general metabolic health and are associated with improvements in metabolic control and clinical parameters associated with renal and CV risks, as well as presumable improvements in quality of life. Full article

Background and Objectives: Malnutrition is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and is closely linked to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of HD patients and the clinical relevance of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters such as the percent body fat (PBF), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), extracellular water-to-total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), and phase angle (PhA) in assessing malnutrition in Vietnamese HD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 184 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Hanoi, Vietnam. The BIA parameters were measured by the InBody S10 body composition analyzer, while malnutrition was assessed by the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), with a GNRI <92 classified as a high risk of malnutrition. The independent BIA variables for predicting malnutrition and its cut-off values were explored using logistic regression models and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, respectively. Results: Among the study population, 42.9% (79/184) of patients were identified as being at a high risk of malnutrition. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher ECW/TBW was independently associated with an increased risk of malnutrition, while the PBF, SMI, and PhA expressed significant and inverse associations with the malnutrition risk after adjusting for multiple confounders. The cut-off values for predicting the high risk of malnutrition in overall HD patients were determined to be 20.45%, 7.75 kg/m², 5.45°, and 38.03% for the PBF, the SMI, the PhA, and the ECW/TBW ratio, respectively. Conclusions: BIA parameters, including the PBF, SMI, PhA, and ECW/TBW ratio, could serve as indicators of malnutrition in general Vietnamese patients with HD. Full article

Improving the green innovation quality (GIQ) of center cities is crucial to achieve sustainable urban agglomeration development. Utilizing data on green patent citations and economic indicators across cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRD) from 2003 to 2022, this research examines the influence of center cities’ GIQ on the economic performance of peripheral municipalities. The results show the following: (1) Center cities’ GIQ exerts a significant suppressive effect on peripheral cities’ economic growth overall. Heterogeneity analysis uncovers a distance-dependent duality. GIQ stimulates growth in proximate cities (within 300 km) but suppresses it beyond this threshold. This spatial siphoning effect is notably amplified in national-level center cities. (2) Mechanisms suggest that GIQ accelerates the outflow of skilled labor in peripheral cities through factor agglomeration and industry transfer mechanisms. Concurrently, it impedes the gradient diffusion of urban services, collectively hindering peripheral development. (3) Increased government green attention (GGA) and industry–university–research cooperation (IURC) in centers can mitigate these negative impacts. This paper contributes to the theoretical discourse on center cities’ spatial externalities within agglomerations and offers empirical support and policy insights for the exertion of spillover effects of high-quality green innovation from center cities and the sustainable development of urban agglomeration. Full article

Power distribution systems are witnessing a growing deployment of distributed, inverter-based renewable resources such as solar generation. This poses certain challenges such as rapid voltage fluctuations due to the intermittent nature of renewables. Volt-Var control (VVC) methods have been proposed to utilize the ability of inverters to supply or consume reactive power to mitigate fast voltage fluctuations. These methods usually require a detailed power network model including topology and impedance data. However, network models may be difficult to obtain. Thus, it is desirable to develop a model-free method that obviates the need for the network model. This paper proposes a novel model-free cooperative control method to perform voltage regulation and reduce inverter aging in power distribution systems. This method assumes the existence of time-series voltage and load data, from which the relationship between voltage and nodal power injection is derived using a feedforward artificial neural network (ANN). The node voltage sensitivity versus reactive power injection can then be calculated, based on which a cooperative control approach is proposed for mitigating voltage fluctuation. The results obtained for a modified IEEE 13-bus system using the proposed method have shown its effectiveness in mitigating fast voltage variation due to PV intermittency. Moreover, a comparative analysis between model-free and model-based methods is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Full article

Genetic transformation is an essential tool for investigating gene function and editing genomes. Kiwifruit, recognized as a significant global fresh fruit crop, holds considerable economic and nutritional importance. However, current genetic transformation techniques for kiwifruit are impeded by low efficiency, lengthy culture durations (a minimum of six months), and substantial labor requirements. In this research, we established an efficient system for shoot regeneration and the stable genetic transformation of the ‘Hayward’ cultivar, utilizing leaf explants in conjunction with two strains of Agrobacterium that harbor the expression vector pBI121-35S::GFP, which contains the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene as a visible marker within the T-DNA region. Our results show that 93.3% of leaf explants responded positively to the regeneration medium, producing multiple independent adventitious shoots around the explants within a six-week period. Furthermore, over 71% of kanamycin-resistant plantlets exhibited robust GFP expression, and the entire transformation process was completed within four months of culture. Southern blot analysis confirmed the stable integration of GFP into the genome, while RT-PCR and fluorescence microscopy validated the sustained expression of GFP in mature plants. This efficient protocol for regeneration and transformation provides a solid foundation for micropropagation and the enhancement of desirable traits in kiwifruit through overexpression and gene silencing techniques. Full article

Background/Objectives: Since breast cancer (BC) survival rates have increased to 91% at 5 years and 80% at 15 years postdiagnosis, there is a growing awareness of the importance of addressing the long-term well-being of patients. Consequently, integrative oncology, which combines standard therapies with complementary approaches (nutrition, mind–body practices, and lifestyle modifications), has emerged as a patient-centred model aimed at improving symptom management, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life (QoL). This study aims to demonstrate how integrative therapies can benefit body composition, phase angle, and fluid and electrolyte balance through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods: This study considers a patient who underwent BC surgery and was enrolled in the AMICO clinic for anamnesis, as well as their oncological pathology data, assessment of QoL, and BIA. The breast surgeon specialising in integrative oncology therapies prescribed the patient curcumin and polydatin, moderate physical activity, a balanced diet, and Qigong sessions. The patient underwent monitoring through haematochemical analysis, BIA, and a QoL questionnaire, with follow-up every four months. Results: Between 4 and 12 months, fat mass (FM) and body mass index (BMI) markedly decreased, whereas fat-free mass (FFM), total body water (TBW), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) increased progressively. Moreover, the improvements in the Na/K ratio and phase angle (PhA) suggest a shift toward better electrolyte and fluid balance and enhanced cellular integrity and membrane function. Equally outstanding were her psychological benefits in terms of mood, sleep, anxiety, and melancholy. Conclusions: Patient progress in body composition, metabolic function, pain management, and psychological status measured during the 12-month follow-up demonstrates the potential benefits of an integrative approach to supportive cancer care. Full article

The transition to sustainable agriculture is a critical challenge for the U.S. food system. A sustainable food system must support the production of healthy and nutritious food while ensuring economic sustainability for farmers and ranchers. It should also reduce negative environmental impacts on soil, water, biodiversity, and climate, and promote equitable and inclusive access to land, farming resources, and food. This narrative review synthesizes U.S. social science literature to identify the key factors that support or impede the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the U.S. Our analysis reveals seven overarching factors that influence producer decision-making: awareness and knowledge, social factors, psychological factors, technologies and tools, economic factors, implementation capacity, and policies and regulations. The review highlights the critical role of social science in navigating complexity and uncertainty. Key priorities emerging from the literature include developing measurable, outcome-based programs; ensuring credible communication through trusted intermediaries; and designing tailored interventions. The findings demonstrate that initiatives will succeed when they emphasize measurable benefits, address uncertainties, and develop programs that capitalize on identified opportunities while overcoming existing barriers. Full article

Background/Objectives: After diagnosis, it is common for women with breast cancer to gain weight, which is associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, traditional measures such as body weight, BMI, and waist circumference do not detect key changes in body composition, such as fat redistribution or muscle loss. The objective of this exploratory study was to assess the evolution of body composition and muscle strength after one year of treatment, and their relationship with metabolic biomarkers. Methods: Prospective observational study in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasound (US); muscle strength was measured by handgrip dynamometry. Biomarkers analyzed included glucose, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (and its fractions), triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), 6-interleukin (IL-6), vitamin D, myostatin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21). Results: Sixty-one women (mean age 58 years) were included. After one year, fat mass and related parameters significantly increased, while skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength decreased. Sarcopenic obesity prevalence rose from 1.16% to 4.9%. No significant changes were found in biomarkers, but positive correlations were observed between fat parameters and insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides, and negative correlations with HDL-cholesterol. Conclusions: BIA and US can detect unfavorable changes in body composition that are not reflected in conventional measurements. At one year post-diagnosis, women showed increased fat accumulation, muscle loss, and reduced strength, even without significant metabolic biomarker changes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term clinical implications of these findings and the external validity in larger cohorts. Full article

Wearable sensors are central to health-monitoring systems, but the limited capacity of compact batteries poses a challenge for long-term and maintenance-free operation. In this study, we investigated ambient electromagnetic wave (AEMW) energy harvesting using a human body antenna (HBA) as a means to supply power to wearable sensors. The power density and frequency distribution of AEMWs were measured in diverse indoor, outdoor, and basement environments. We designed and fabricated a flexible HBA–circuit interface electrode, optimized for broadband impedance matching when worn on the body. Experimental comparisons using a simulated AEMW source demonstrated that the HBA outperformed a conventional small whip antenna, particularly at frequencies below 300 MHz. Furthermore, the outdoor measurements indicated that the power harvested by the HBA was estimated to be −31.9 dBm (0.64 μW), which is sufficient for the intermittent operation of low-power wearable sensors and Bluetooth Low Energy modules. The electromagnetic safety was also evaluated through numerical analysis, and the specific absorption rate was confirmed to be well below the international safety limits. These findings indicate that HBA-based AEMW energy harvesting provides a practical and promising approach to achieving battery-maintenance-free wearable devices. Full article

This work presents an innovative hydrothermal approach for fabricating flexible piezoelectric PZT thin films on 20 μm titanium foil substrates using TiO₂ and SrTiO₃ (STO) interlayers. Three heterostructures (Ti/PZT, Ti/TiO₂/PZT, and Ti/TiO₂/STO/PZT) were synthesized to enable low-temperature growth and improve ferroelectric performance for advanced flexible MEMS. Characterizations including XRD, PFM, and P–E loop analysis evaluated crystallinity, piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃, and polarization behavior. The results demonstrate that the multilayered Ti/TiO₂/STO/PZT structure significantly enhances performance. XRD confirmed the STO buffer layer effectively reduces lattice mismatch with PZT to ~0.76%, promoting stable morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition formation. This optimized film exhibited superior piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, with a high d₃₃ of 113.42 pm/V, representing an ~8.65% increase over unbuffered Ti/PZT samples, and displayed more uniform domain behavior in PFM imaging. Impedance spectroscopy showed the lowest minimum impedance of 8.96 Ω at 10.19 MHz, indicating strong electromechanical coupling. Furthermore, I–V measurements demonstrated significantly suppressed leakage currents in the STO-buffered samples, with current levels ranging from 10⁻¹² A to 10⁻⁹ A over ±3 V. This structure also showed excellent fatigue endurance through one million electrical cycles, confirming its mechanical and electrical stability. These findings highlight the potential of this hydrothermally engineered flexible heterostructure for high-performance actuators and sensors in advanced MEMS applications. Full article

Aluminum–copper casting alloys are potential candidate materials for use in marine applications where high mechanical strength and superior fatigue resistance are desired. The corrosion and protection of aluminum alloy B206 in seawater through surface passivation continues to pose challenges, hampering its widespread use in marine structures. In this study, the electrochemical behavior of B206 is investigated in artificial seawater at temperatures and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations anticipated during service in marine environments. In particular, the influence of anodizing B206 in deaerated seawater on the subsequent corrosion behavior of the alloy is studied using potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott–Schottky analysis. The results showed that the effect of DO on the corrosion of B206 is more significant than the effect of temperature. In the absence of DO, results of potentiostatic polarization, EIS, and Mott–Schottky analysis at anodic potentials all indicated the development of a thicker, more protective passive layer in colder seawater. Moreover, passive layer thickness modeled using Power-Law was found to range between 3 and 9 nm, whilst decreasing in thickness with temperature. Donor densities of the n-type passive layer are on the order of 1021 cm⁻³ and increase with temperature. The findings presented in this study support the feasibility of implementing anodizing for B206 in marine service environments. Full article

Lubricant condition analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing engine performance and ensuring the reliable operation of diesel engines. While traditional diagnostic techniques—such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)—are constrained by slow response times, high costs, and the need for specialized personnel. In contrast, dielectric spectroscopy, impedance analysis, and soft computing offer real-time, non-destructive, and cost-effective alternatives. This review examines recent advances in integrating these techniques to predict lubricant properties, evaluate wear conditions, and optimize maintenance scheduling. In particular, dielectric and impedance spectroscopies offer insights into electrical properties linked to oil degradation, such as changes in viscosity and the presence of wear particles. When combined with soft computing algorithms, these methods enhance data analysis, reduce reliance on expert interpretation, and improve predictive accuracy. The review also addresses challenges—including complex data interpretation, limited sample sizes, and the necessity for robust models to manage variability in real-world operations. Future research directions emphasize miniaturization, expanding the range of detectable contaminants, and incorporating multi-modal artificial intelligence to further bolster system robustness. Collectively, these innovations signal a shift from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies, with the potential to reduce costs, minimize downtime, and enhance overall engine reliability. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and maintenance professionals dedicated to advancing diesel engine lubricant monitoring. Full article

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a central role as an anode in electrocatalytic processes such as energy conversion and storage and the generation of molecular oxygen from the electrolysis of water. Currently, precious metal oxides such as IrO₂ and RuO₂ are recognized as reference OER electrocatalysts with reasonably high activity; however, their widespread use in practical devices has been severely hindered by their high cost and scarcity. It is essential to design alternative OER electrocatalysts made of low-cost and abundant earth elements with significant activity and robustness. We report four new nanocellulose-derived Fe–zeolite nanocomposites, namely Fe/Zeolite@CCNC (1), Fe/Zeolite@CCNF (2), Fe/Zeolite/CNT@CCNC (3), and Fe/Zeolite/CNT@CCNF (4). Two different types of nanocellulose were investigated: nanocellulose nanofibrils and nanocellulose nanocrystals. Characterization with TEM, SEM-EDS, PXRD, and XPS is reported. The nanocomposites exhibited electrocatalytic activity for OER that varies based on the origin of biocarbon and the composition content. The effect of adding carbon nanotubes to the nanocomposites was studied, and an improvement in OER catalysis was observed. The electrochemical double-layer capacitance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the nanocomposites are reported. The nanocomposite 3 exhibited the highest performance, with an onset potential value of 1.654 V and an overpotential of 551 mV, which exceeds the activity of RuO₂ for OER catalysis at 10 mA/cm² in the glassy carbon electrode. A 24 h chronoamperometry study revealed that the catalyst is active for ~2 h under continuous operating conditions. BET surface analysis showed that the crystalline nanocellulose-derived composite exhibited 301.47 m²/g, and the fibril nanocellulose-derived composite exhibited 120.39 m²/g, indicating that the increased nanoporosity of the former contributes to the increase in OER catalysis. Full article