Search Results (2,777)

The automatic inspection of airport infrastructure, specifically horizontal surface markings and Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), is a critical task for maintaining aviation safety and operational efficiency. As the aviation industry shifts from manual surveys to automated visual inspections utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and smart service vehicles, the demand for robust, real-time computer vision systems has surged. However, deploying computationally intensive deep learning models in the field introduces severe Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for the semantic segmentation of runway/taxiway markings and the point-localization of AGL lamps, specifically focusing on the deployment paradigm shift from the expensive, GPU-accelerated heterogeneous system on chip (SoC) to highly efficient, dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs). We evaluate the performance of U-Net, LinkNet, U-Net-Point and HRNet-Lite-Point architectures trained on a custom dataset from the Poznań-Ławica Airport. Crucially, this study conducts a rigorous comparative hardware analysis between the flagship NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin and a highly cost-effective heterogeneous setup comprising a Raspberry Pi 5 augmented with an NPU Hailo-8 AI accelerator. Experimental results demonstrate that while both platforms achieve real-time inference, the Hailo-8 integration fundamentally disrupts the traditional cost-to-performance ratio. Furthermore, the Hailo-8 configuration consumed less electrical power and memory footprint required by the Jetson, proving that dedicated NPUs are vastly superior for continuous, battery-operated edge deployment in autonomous airport maintenance systems. Specifically, the Raspberry Pi setup with the Hailo-8 accelerator demonstrated superior energy efficiency, requiring a significantly lower energy consumption per processed video frame compared to the Jetson platform. Full article

The development of efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production is a key challenge for sustainable energy technologies. In this study, strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) was synthesized via a citrate-assisted sol-gel method and subsequently modified by deposition-precipitation using nominal HAuCl₄ precursor concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM. The resulting materials were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, SEM with EDS, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Au incorporation did not produce detectable changes in the SrTiO₃ crystalline phase or its optical band gap, which remained at 3.19–3.20 eV. The additional absorption band centered near 550 nm was consistent with the localized surface plasmon resonance of metallic Au nanoparticles. Microscopy indicated increasing surface coverage and aggregation at the highest nominal precursor concentration. Under irradiation with a low-pressure Hg lamp, all Au-containing materials presented substantially greater H₂ evolution than pristine SrTiO₃, whereas the comparatively small differences among the Au-modified samples indicated an apparent activity plateau across the evaluated concentration range. Because the Au-associated absorption band near 550 nm lies outside the main 254 nm emission of the lamp and the SrTiO₃ band gap remained mostly unchanged, the enhanced H₂ evolution is consistent with improved interfacial charge separation in the Au/SrTiO₃ system. A Schottky-junction-mediated pathway is proposed based on the observed activity trends and the electronic properties reported for Au/SrTiO₃ interfaces, rather than to a plasmonic or band-gap-tuning effect. The selected STO/Au 2.0 mM material retained approximately 97% of its initial apparent H₂ evolution rate after three consecutive cycles, indicating favorable short-term activity retention. Overall, this comparatively simple synthesis route provides a practical baseline for investigating the influence of nominal Au precursor concentration on H₂ evolution over SrTiO₃. Full article

Lutein is a dietary xanthophyll carotenoid valued for its antioxidant properties that has been shown to benefit liver health and reduce hepatic lipid accumulation; however, this lipid-lowering effect cannot be fully attributed to its antioxidant activity, and the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and limited therapeutic options. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) coordinates the autophagy–lysosomal pathways involved in cellular lipid clearance, including lipophagy and lysosomal exocytosis, and is sensitive to the cellular redox state; however, whether the antioxidant lutein modulates TFEB-regulated lipid homeostasis remains unclear. HepG2 cells were exposed to free fatty acids (FFAs) to induce intracellular lipid accumulation and co-treated with lutein. TFEB localization and the expression of TFEB-related genes were assessed by immunofluorescence and qPCR, respectively. Immunofluorescence was also used to evaluate lipid droplet accumulation, LC3 content, and LAMP1 localization. Lipid droplet ultrastructure was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, and extracellular triglyceride levels were measured as a functional readout of lipid extrusion. Lutein attenuated lipid droplet accumulation in FFA-treated cells, increased nuclear TFEB immunoreactivity, upregulated LC3 mRNA expression, and enhanced LC3 colocalization with lipid droplets. Chloroquine abolished the lipid-lowering effect of lutein, supporting an autophagy-dependent mechanism. In addition, lutein increased the abundance of LAMP1-positive compartments, while ultrastructural analysis and elevated extracellular triglyceride levels suggested enhanced lipid extrusion. These findings position the antioxidant lutein as a candidate natural compound whose lipid-lowering action is associated with TFEB nuclear translocation/activation and with the autophagy–lysosomal pathway, warranting further investigation in MASLD. Full article

Cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide, is a significant global challenge, and widespread, accessible, and early diagnostics are recognized as the most cost-effective strategies for reducing cancer burdens. Point-of-care (POC) systems offer an attractive alternative by enabling rapid and cost-effective diagnoses. We introduce a novel POC strategy for cancer biomarker identification based on monitoring the isothermal amplification of relevant cancer markers using a portable Arduino-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system. The trajectory of the LAMP reaction during the first 3 min of the reaction is used as an indicator of the rate of amplification (defined as the m_P3 value). We obtained sets of m_P3 values that showed statistically significant differences in the genetic expression of four genes (ESR 1, PGR, Her2, and Ki67) within and between tissue spheroids derived from the MCF7, MDA-MB-231, Du145, and BJ fibroblast cell lines. We then used principal component analysis and clustering techniques to demonstrate that the m_P3 value sets derived from the expression of the four selected genes are sufficient to distinguish tissue spheroids derived from four different commercial cell lines. Further qPCR and immunostaining assays confirmed the quantitative LAMP (qLAMP) experimental trends. The immunostaining results were consistent with previous literature reports and with our qLAMP and qPCR results. We present a proof-of-concept demonstration of the use of a LAMP-based POC platform for the identification or discrimination of cancer tissues. Our strategy can be extended to other diseases associated with altered gene expression in body tissues or fluids. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: This paper presents a case of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH)-like disease following nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, complicated by transient type 1 macular neovascularisation (MNV). Case Presentation: A 67-year-old man presented with reduced visual acuity, more pronounced in the left eye, accompanied by headache and neurosensory hearing loss for 10 days. He had been receiving combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab for approximately nine weeks. Slit-lamp examination and multimodal imaging revealed multiple serous retinal detachments, choroidal folds, and bacillary layer detachment. A bilateral VKH-like syndrome was considered the most likely diagnosis, consistent with an immune-related adverse event (irAE). High-dose systemic corticosteroids were initiated, resulting in marked anatomical improvement and recovery of visual acuity. Following multidisciplinary discussion with the patient’s oncologist, ipilimumab was permanently discontinued and nivolumab was rechallenged in combination with chemotherapy after resolution of the ocular adverse events, given the progression of the underlying malignancy. Notably, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) additionally demonstrated a type 1 non-exudative MNV, which resolved spontaneously during follow-up. Conclusions: Nivolumab and ipilimumab, targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4, respectively, are effective anticancer therapies but may induce immune-related adverse events involving the eye. VKH-like disease is a rare but potentially vision-threatening complication. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential for favourable visual outcomes. In summary, this is a rare case of VKH-like disease associated with nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy, complicated by transient inflammatory type 1 MNV. Clear guidelines are needed regarding management of ocular immune-related adverse events and decisions on continuation or discontinuation of life-prolonging immunotherapy. Full article

Malaria diagnosis in Equatorial Guinea (EG) is based on conventional microscopy, sometimes combined with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). However, some laboratories, such as the Baney Research Laboratory (BRL) have implemented molecular technology for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time in EG, a LAMP method for malaria diagnosis, comparing its performance with conventional microscopy performed in EG and with LAMP and PCR diagnostic methods performed at the National Centre of Tropical Medicine (NCTM), Spain. A total of 178 blood samples (including P. falciparum samples and malaria-negative controls) were evaluated using Dual-LAMP-Pspp and Nested-PCR-Pf in Equatorial Guinea. Dual-LAMP-Pspp performed at the BRL showed sensitivity and specificity values of 97.28% and 100%, respectively, for malaria diagnosis, with no differences between colorimetric and fluorescence-based result readings. Meanwhile, Nested-PCR-Pf showed a sensitivity of 87.07% and a specificity of 100%. Comparison of parasite densities determined by Dual-LAMP-Pspp and conventional microscopy showed a significant moderate negative correlation (correlation coefficient = −0.584). The comparison of Dual-LAMP-Pspp results between BRL and NCTM showed a kappa coefficient of 0.93, whereas the kappa coefficient of the Nested-PCR-Pf assay was 0.70. These findings indicate that Dual-LAMP-Pspp and Nested-PCR-Pf are suitable methods for malaria diagnosis in EG. However, the Dual-LAMP-Pspp assay was easy to perform and interpret and provided results in a shorter time than Nested-PCR-Pf. Full article

Cucurbit downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating disease of cucurbit crops requiring rapid detection for effective management. Current molecular diagnostics often rely on complex laboratory infrastructure, limiting their on-site applicability. To address this limitation, we developed a highly specific, field-deployable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the P. cubensis-specific c2555.2e1 marker gene. The assay’s optimal reaction conditions were determined, and its specificity was evaluated using closely related oomycetes, including P. humuli and P. belbahrii, alongside other fungal species. Assay sensitivity was compared to conventional PCR using a pathogen DNA dilution series, and diagnostic efficacy was validated using field-collected winter squash samples suspected of infection and environmental spore-trap samples. The optimal LAMP reaction conditions were 71 °C for 60 min. The assay accurately amplified P. cubensis with no observed cross-reactivity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated a detection limit of 100 pg/µL, and was at least 10-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR. Furthermore, the LAMP assay exhibited greater detection sensitivity than conventional PCR when analyzing environmental and field samples. This rapid and sensitive LAMP assay provides a rapid and highly sensitive tool for on-site diagnostics, offering a crucial advancement for the early detection and management of cucurbit downy mildew. Full article

The upcoming proliferation of Automated Vehicles (AVs) above Level 3 fundamentally disrupts established communicative conventions between road users and vehicles, and external Human–Machine Interface (eHMI) emerges as the primary channel for conveying vehicle intent to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. Despite the standardisation of the marker lamp of AVs and the growing research activity since 2016, no internationally harmonized eHMI standard has been established as of early 2026. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR), following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, synthesizes empirical and technical findings from 149 peer-reviewed English journal articles spanning the decade from 2016 to 2026, from Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. The review covers scenario design, test methodologies, participant demographics, eHMI modalities, and performance evaluation measures by mapping, coding, and presenting in a structured framework the reviewed papers. The key findings are as follows: (1) 13 use cases (50%, out of 26) still need to be further studied; (2) vehicle kinematics remain a primary determinant of crossing decisions, with eHMI signals serving as confirmatory rather than primary cues in many scenarios; and (3) cross-cultural and demographic diversity in empirical studies remains critically insufficient for global regulatory purposes. We synthesize these findings into a structured framework of evidence-based recommendations for international eHMI standardisation organizations and identify critical research gaps requiring resolution before comprehensive standards can be enacted. Full article

Ips hauseri Reitter is the most important wood-boring pest of natural Tianshan spruce (Picea schrenkiana) forests and is listed as an A2 quarantine pest by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Because the beetle is small and cryptic and its immature stages cannot be reliably identified by morphology, a rapid molecular identification method is urgently needed. Here, we targeted the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, designed a set of I. hauseri-specific LAMP primers, and established a visually interpretable LAMP assay using a WarmStart colorimetric system. The optimal reaction conditions were 63.8 °C for 35 min. The assay amplified only I. hauseri, with no cross-reaction with the related species Pityogenes spessivtsevi, Ips typographus, Ips subelongatus, and Hylurgus ligniperda; its limit of detection was 100 pg of genomic DNA; and it amplified efficiently from adults, larvae, pupae, and a single egg. Positive results could be scored directly by eye from the red-to-yellow colour change in the reaction, requiring no precision instruments at any step. Using a non-destructive alkaline crude-DNA extraction (HotSHOT), the assay also amplified I. hauseri directly from single adults and larvae, confirming its compatibility with a rapid, field-simple sample preparation. The LAMP assay was rapid, specific within the tested panel, and simple. However, broader validation with additional sympatric non-target species and geographically distinct populations of I. hauseri is needed before routine field or quarantine application. Full article

A high-efficiency extra-cavity Raman generator is demonstrated using a potassium yttrium tungstate (KYW) crystal for the first time, achieving switchable yellow-green laser output at 556 nm and 560 nm. The KYW Raman crystal is single-pass pumped by 532 nm green light, which is obtained by the second-harmonic generation of a 1064 nm flash-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG electro-optic (EO) Q-switched laser. When the incident pump energy at 1064 nm is 156 mJ under a repetition rate of 1 Hz, the maximum output energy reaches 51.3 mJ at 532 nm with a slope efficiency of 41.5%. By adjusting the polarization direction of the 532 nm light, two characteristic Raman shifts of the KYW crystal can be selectively excited at 765 cm⁻¹ and 905 cm⁻¹. Furthermore, the 556 nm and 560 nm visible lasers are generated with the maximum output energies of 11.6 mJ and 16.2 mJ, corresponding to the slope efficiencies of 37.6% and 48.2%, respectively. Compared with the 532 nm pulse width (18.2 ns), an obvious Raman pulse width compression effect occurred (8.2 ns). Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic traumatic posterior lens dislocation may cause ocular hypertension through overlapping lens-induced and traumatic mechanisms. We report a delayed presentation with a dislocated hypermature lens, a phacolytic phenotype, an incomplete capsule, and severe pressure elevation persisting after lens removal. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old man presented 5 years after blunt trauma with pain, redness, and blurred vision. Visual acuity was hand motion at 10 cm, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 44.1 mmHg. Slit-lamp examination showed corneal edema, milky material in a deep anterior chamber, and the cataractous lens behind the iris. Ultrasonography localized the lens but could not assess capsular integrity or angle anatomy. Mixed lens-induced glaucoma with possible phacolytic, lens-particle, and traumatic components was diagnosed. Two days after 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy, IOP remained 45.3 mmHg despite intensive therapy, prompting trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. At 6 months, IOP was 20.1 mmHg on three agents (qualified success), and vision remained hand motion at 30 cm with persistent corneal edema, aphakia, and suspected optic-nerve damage. Conclusions: Persistent IOP elevation after the removal of visible lens material suggested established trabecular or traumatic outflow dysfunction. Incomplete characterization of the capsule and angle precluded the assignment of a single mechanism. Full article

By integrating cultural genes with extensible semantic concepts, this study explores the application forms and design methodologies of the material manifestations and underlying essence of Lu embroidery’s intangible cultural heritage within contemporary social contexts, thereby promoting outstanding national culture by selecting Lu embroidery, a representative ICH of the Qi–Lu region, and employing the dual-drill model to conduct genetic extraction and classification of its elemental characteristics. It provides a foundation for constructing a scalable element set. Using the Kegel semantic analysis method, we extract the fundamental model of Lu embroidery’s cultural genes and construct a set of Kegel-based visual design elements representing explicit cultural genes. Through graphical semantic analysis, we further develop a set of Kegel-based imagery elements corresponding to implicit genes, thereby facilitating the expression and design innovation of these cultural genes. Taking lamp design as an example, this study reconstructs and visualizes both explicit and implicit cultural elements to validate the feasibility and rationality of the research methodology. The semantic design-based translation that integrates the tangible manifestations and value essence of Shandong embroidery culture represents an innovative approach to digital preservation of this traditional craft, while also serving as a model reference for the inheritance and development of intangible cultural heritage in other regions. Full article

DNA polymerases are crucial for the replication and repair of genetic material. Advances in recombinant DNA technology and protein engineering have enabled the production of enzymes with specific catalytic properties tailored to the requirements of molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, and synthetic biology. This review discusses the classification and structural–functional organization of DNA polymerases, with an emphasis on the thermostable members of Families A and B, which are of great practical importance. The main systems for heterologous expression and methods for purifying recombinant polymerases are summarized. Molecular engineering approaches, including rational design, site-directed mutagenesis, directed evolution, and domain engineering, are also discussed, highlighting how enzymes with improved synthesis fidelity, processivity, inhibitor resistance, and broadened substrate specificity are created. Technologies for developing hot-start polymerases along with the creation of chimeric and multifunctional polymerases are reviewed. Information on commercial polymerases utilized in scientific research and molecular diagnostics is also provided. Furthermore, the current applications of recombinant DNA polymerases in conventional, quantitative, and digital PCR; isothermal amplification; sequencing; synthetic biology; and molecular diagnosis of infectious and hereditary diseases are summarized. Finally, we discuss how the integration of structural biology, computational modeling, and high-throughput screening creates new prospects for engineering next-generation specialized enzymes. Full article

Bamboo is a renewable and mechanically robust bio-based material with potential for sand-barrier construction; however, its long-term outdoor use is limited by ultraviolet-induced photoaging, moisture uptake, wind-sand abrasion, and biological colonization. In this study, a fluorine-free EP/TiO₂/ODTMS superhydrophobic coating was deposited on moso bamboo using a simple spraying process. Rutile TiO₂ was incorporated as a roughness-building and ultraviolet-shielding filler, waterborne epoxy resin served as a film-forming binder to improve particle anchoring and coating cohesion, and octadecyltrimethoxysilane was used to reduce the surface energy. The formulation containing 50–100 nm rutile TiO₂ and 2 wt.% epoxy resin provided the best overall balance between surface wettability and mechanical durability, with a water contact angle of 156.4° and a sliding angle of 6.9°. SEM observations revealed a hierarchical surface composed of TiO₂ particles and microscale agglomerates immobilized within the epoxy matrix. EDS and FTIR results supported the incorporation of TiO₂- and ODTMS-derived components, while UV–Vis–NIR diffuse-reflectance measurements showed an improved optical response in the ultraviolet region. The coating retained superhydrophobicity after sandpaper abrasion, gravel impact, and tape-peeling tests. After 672 h of xenon-lamp aging, the coated bamboo maintained a water contact angle above 150°, exhibited a total color difference of approximately 7.65, and retained 91.1% of its initial flexural strength. In addition, qualitatively reduced visible mildew colonization was observed during 45 days of high-humidity exposure. These results demonstrate that the spray-deposited coating provides a fluorine-free and potentially scalable approach for improving the water repellency, mechanical durability, and accelerated-weathering resistance of bamboo sand-barrier materials. Full article