Search Results (8,324)

Textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) systems are used to strengthen masonry, but their durability across aggressive environments is rarely evaluated within one consistent framework. This study integrates coordinated acidic, alkaline, and saline aging experiments (0–5000 h) into an audited database containing 577 specimen records, 96 groups, and six mechanical families. Parallel full and master-retained datasets were analyzed to quantify sensitivity to specimen-retention decisions. Of 402 genuine reference-factor comparisons, 44.3% had bootstrap 95% confidence intervals including unity, and 25.9% of 201 paired comparisons showed high sensitivity to dataset version. Baseline-retention trajectories were represented using surrogate models selected by leave-one-time-level-out validation. Of 60 trajectories, 50 supported modeling: 27 selected linear models, 20 quadratic models, and 3 conditionally validated Gaussian processes; 10 pull-out-basalt trajectories remained unresolved because their baseline reference group could not be verified. Variability was highest for pull-out basalt. Although the ranking of acidic, alkaline, and saline conditions remained consistent across the three reference definitions within each mechanical family, it differed between families. The resulting durability atlas provides an uncertainty-aware comparison of TRM responses within the observed domain without implying mechanistic degradation laws, interpolation between environments, or prediction beyond 5000 h. Full article

In Dicke superradiance, N identical two-level atoms in a small volume share one collective excitation ladder, and the ensemble discharges in a delayed burst whose peak grows in accordance with $N^2$ rather than N. Real emitters, however, usually have more than two levels. When such an ensemble radiates cooperatively, its multiple decay channels interact rather than simply add up. This mini-review covers recent work that solves this interaction exactly for three-level atoms. We first recall the two-level benchmark: its exact delay statistics, their Gumbel-distributed fluctuation, and the resulting $21.7\%$ deficit of the ensemble-averaged peak below the semi-classical estimate. The master-equation framework developed by Agarwal and Cho, Kurnit and Gilmore, on which the three-level results rest, comes next. The main part surveys three published papers, one for each of the three dipole-allowed three-level configurations. In the cascade, two emission pulses are correlated through an inherited timing. In the shared-source configuration, two channels compete for one atomic reservoir; for equal rates, as shown by Holzinger et al., this competition produces an exactly uniform terminal distribution, as in a Pólya urn. In the shared-sink configuration, two dynamically independent groups of atoms merge exactly into a single collective burst of the combined ensemble. We call this superradiant synthesis. Full article

Finite-bandwidth reservoir engineering can suppress unwanted transitions in a quantum thermal machine, but a physical filter also introduces a finite response time. We study this competition in a continuous three-level heat engine whose hot environment couples parasitically to the cold transition. The corresponding three-state rate network is solved exactly, showing that the parasitic transition produces a hot-to-cold thermodynamic short circuit and yielding a closed threshold for the loss of positive-power operation. We then retain a damped auxiliary mode explicitly as a physical spectral filter. Its Lorentzian response suppresses the detuned parasitic transition, whereas excessive narrowing limits the useful energy throughput. Independent local-GKSL and nonsecular Bloch–Redfield calculations both recover the no-leak Markovian engine in the weak-coupling limit and predict a finite maximum-power bandwidth, although its precise location is model dependent. A frequency-resolved Lorentzian-rate reduction, by contrast, has no interior optimum. The resulting design principle is that spectral selectivity can protect the useful thermodynamic cycle, but a real filter cannot be narrowed without a dynamical throughput cost. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pharmacist vaccination authority has expanded globally over the past two decades, but education and training for vaccine administration have not consistently kept pace. Evidence on curricular content and delivery has emerged from individual countries and institutions in isolation, with no global, cross-regional comparison across pharmacy degree levels. This study aimed to describe the content, delivery format, assessment, and certification practices for vaccination administration training across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral pharmacy programmes globally, and to assess pharmacy educators’ perceptions of the adequacy of current training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of pharmacy educators (n = 81) from 35 countries was administered via Qualtrics between January and April 2026. Responses were analysed descriptively (frequencies and percentages). Master’s and Doctoral responses were compared with Bachelor’s using McNemar’s exact test, with McNemar’s Odds Ratio as the effect-size statistic. Results: Fewer than a third of institutions offering training included paediatric administration technique at any degree level (28.6% Bachelor’s, 14.3% Master’s, 20.0% Doctoral), and educators rated their institution’s education as significantly less adequate for paediatric vaccination than adult vaccination (Wilcoxon signed-rank W = 5.5, n = 71, p < 0.001, r = 0.52). Training status did not differ significantly between Bachelor’s (41.9% taught) and postgraduate (32.4% taught) levels (McNemar χ²(1, n = 74) = 1.33, p = 0.248, OR = 0.59). Roughly half of students at every degree level completed training without receiving a formal certificate, and financial cost and limited curriculum time were the most frequently cited barriers to training (41.4% and 37.1% of institutions, respectively). Conclusions: Accreditation bodies and pharmacy programmes should prioritize structured certification pathways so that more students can receive formal certification and training. Full article

Balancing strength and ductility remains a central challenge in low-alloy Mg–Al–Ca–Mn alloys. In this study, a Mg–12Al₂Y master alloy was added to Mg–1.2Al–0.8Ca–0.4Mn to obtain nominal Al₂Y contents of 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%. The composites were prepared by stir casting and hot extrusion. In the as-cast condition, Al₂Y particles occurred both within α-Mg grains and in interdendritic regions; the 3 wt.% Al₂Y composite had the finest structure. Extrusion produced a bimodal microstructure of fine dynamically recrystallized (DRXed) grains and coarse unrecrystallized regions, and fragmented Al₂Y and Al₂Ca particles formed stringers along the extrusion direction. The 1 wt.% Al₂Y composite showed the highest tensile yield strength (346 MPa) and ultimate tensile strength (361 MPa), with an elongation of 5.8%. At 3 wt.%, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation were 316 MPa, 332 MPa, and 11.8%, respectively, representing the best strength–ductility balance among the compositions examined. Increasing the Al₂Y content to 5 wt.% raised the elongation to 12.6% but reduced the strength because of particle agglomeration and microstructural coarsening. The variation in mechanical response is discussed in relation to recrystallized grain size, retained deformation, texture, and particle distribution. Within the processing window examined here, master-alloy addition offers a practical route for controlling Al₂Y reinforcement in Mg–Al–Ca–Mn composites. Full article

Bilateral robotic rehabilitation has emerged as a technological approach for promoting coordinated upper-limb training after stroke. This state-of-the-art review critically analyzes bilateral upper-limb rehabilitation robots with emphasis on mechanical architecture, actuation and transmission, bilateral interaction modalities, control strategies, assistance modes, and validation evidence. A structured literature search covering 2010 to 8 July 2026 identified 141 records; 23 technology-related publications were retained for the state-of-the-art analysis, comprising 18 primary bilateral robotic studies and 5 supporting technical/contextual publications. The reviewed systems were organized according to a hierarchical framework distinguishing end-effector, exoskeleton, and hybrid architectures from simultaneous bilateral, master–slave/mirror-based, and cooperative bimanual interaction modalities. The evidence indicates that end-effector systems favor mechanical simplicity and adaptable workspaces, whereas exoskeletons provide more direct joint-level control at the cost of greater alignment and mechanical complexity. Control approaches increasingly incorporate impedance, admittance, assist-as-needed, and bio-signal-based strategies to improve compliant interaction and adapt assistance to user contribution. However, many advanced systems remain supported primarily by engineering validation or experiments involving healthy participants, while direct post-stroke clinical validation is comparatively limited. Future development should therefore prioritize clinically validated adaptive assistance, control strategies capable of accommodating asymmetric bilateral contribution, and safe, usable, and affordable systems suitable for clinical and home-based rehabilitation. Full article

Background: Online postgraduate (PG) public health education must develop higher-order competence and readiness for practice. Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) may enhance feedback, simulation and scaffolding, but may also substitute for learner reasoning. This review examined pedagogical conditions supporting higher-order learning and how AI interacts with them to influence competence and real-world readiness in online PG public health education. Methods: Following JBI guidance and PRISMA-ScR, PubMed and Scopus were searched for literature published from 2010 to 2026, with the final search conducted on 20 August 2026. Eligible sources addressed higher-order learning, authentic learning, competence or professional readiness in PG public health education, or provided transferable evidence from health professions and higher education settings. Of 5777 records identified, 253 duplicates were removed and 5524 screened. Data were charted using a structured evidence matrix and stratified into direct, transferable, synthesis, and contextual evidence layers. Results: Of 401 records undergoing detailed eligibility and analytic-role assessment, 338 were retained. Core evidence comprised 92 studies: 27 direct and 65 transferable; 32 syntheses provided triangulation. AI featured in 11.1% of direct versus 87.7% of transferable studies. Applied competence/skills occurred in 59.8%, synthesis/integration in 44.6%, critical thinking in 26.1%, and real-world cases/scenarios in 51.1%. Practice/workplace transfer was more prominent in direct than in transferable evidence (66.7% vs. 13.8%). Direct AI evidence in PG public health was limited, and heterogeneity across studies constrained direct comparison and precluded quantitative pooling. Conclusions: Higher-order learning depended more on pedagogical architecture than modality or AI adoption. AI may amplify cognition when preserving learner reasoning, verification, and judgement, but may substitute for cognition when generated outputs replace these processes. No external funding was received for this review. Full article

The synchronization of chaotic systems is a critical issue in nonlinear control theory, providing a foundation for various practical applications, such as fault detection, image encryption, and secure communication. However, chaotic systems are highly complex nonlinear dynamical systems. Therefore, achieving the required control accuracy of such systems represents a challenging task. In this paper, the nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) methodology, combined with deep neural networks (DNNs), is applied for synchronization between master and slave chaotic systems. Such an approach aims to address the synchronization control problem under constraints, with an improved control performance and a minimal computational burden. An explicit NMPC controller is designed that is based on the idea to build offline a neural network approximation of the predictive controller. Then, online, the computation of control input consists of simple function evaluation as realized by the neural network. The performance of the NMPC-DNN is studied for third-order chaotic systems. The results show that the proposed control method leads to smaller synchronization error and stability of the master–slave chaotic systems. Full article

Accurately predicting the material loss rate is critical for MRP-driven delivery and inventory control. Inaccurate and delayed data acquisition leads to imprecise master data and poor knowledge of how machines are used in small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs), but dynamic production environments and data latency are persistent challenges. This paper proposes a two-stage dynamic prediction framework integrating Time Decay Weighted Average (TDWA) and AHP-Gray Markov correction. TDWA establishes a baseline loss rate prioritizing recent process data, while the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) quantifies eleven heterogeneous factors affecting material consumption. A Gray $GM\left(1,1\right)$ model predicts loss-rate overshoot, refined by Markov chain residual correction. Empirical validation using 42 months of production data from a hardware–sanitary ware manufacturer demonstrates a MAPE of 1.97%, outperforming standalone $GM(1,1)$ by 38% and the three-year average by 66.5%. The method effectively balances delivery assurance and inventory costs, maintaining zero stockouts while limiting excess inventory to 1.7%. Unlike ARIMA, XGBoost, or LSTM, which suffer from overfitting or performance degradation with eight or fewer data periods, the proposed model maintains high accuracy and robustness with extremely small samples. Offering a low-threshold “small-sample master data governance” paradigm, this approach may be applied to aerospace spare parts support, cold chain logistics, and customized manufacturing, providing a viable pathway for digital transformation in resource-constrained environments. Full article

This paper presents and analyzes a new four-dimensional (4D) jounce hysteresis chaotic dynamical system and investigates its application to robust communication. An adaptive chaotic synchronization scheme is developed based on the proposed 4D jounce system, in which an adaptive controller is designed at the receiver to achieve robust synchronization between the master and slave systems in the presence of uncertain system parameters. Lyapunov stability theory is employed to derive the adaptive control laws and parameter-update rules required for online estimation of the uncertain receiver-side parameters. For chaos-based communication, multiple information signals are encoded by modulating selected parameters of the chaotic transmitter system. At the receiver, the adaptive parameter estimator tracks the transmitted time-varying parameter, enabling reliable information recovery through a midpoint-thresholding decision scheme after the initial transient period. The performance and robustness of the proposed communication framework are evaluated through comprehensive numerical simulations under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) at different noise levels. The results demonstrate accurate chaotic synchronization, reliable information recovery, and robustness against channel noise, indicating the potential of the proposed 4D jounce chaotic system for robust and noise-tolerant communication applications. Full article

The use of the English scientific literature in Agronomy education poses challenges for students with heterogeneous English Language proficiency. This study presents an innovative ESP (English for Specific Purposes) instructional model that uses collaborative dynamics and linguistic scaffolding to reduce cognitive barriers and promote equitable access to complex academic discourse in an English-Medium Instruction (EMI) context. This research evaluated the effects of two collaborative methodologies, Jigsaw (structured) and Conventional (non-structured) group work, and the use of a linguistic guide to provide contextualized lexical and syntactic scaffolding for reading scientific texts, on linguistic competence and content learning. Seventy Master’s students were classified into three English proficiency levels (A1–A2, B1–B2 and C1–C2) and assigned to Jigsaw or Conventional groups, with or without linguistic guidance. Linguistic competence and scientific content comprehension were assessed through pre-tests and post-tests. Results showed that both linguistic and content performance increased with English level in pre- and post-tests. Learning gains in linguistic competence were mainly explained by English proficiency, with the highest improvements observed in lower-level students (up to 46.97%). However, neither the collaborative methodology nor the availability of the linguistic guide had a significant effect on linguistic improvement. In contrast, content learning gains were significantly influenced by instructional group, linguistic guide availability, and English level. The Jigsaw groups showed higher content improvement than Conventional groups (11.38% vs. 3.98%), while students with access to the linguistic guide also outperformed those without it (9.38% vs. 5.98%). These findings suggest that combining Jigsaw methodology with targeted linguistic support can enhance content learning from Scientific Publications in Agronomy, while short-term linguistic improvement remains primarily associated with students’ initial English proficiency. Full article

Balantioides coli is an enteric ciliated protozoan detected in cattle, but the association between microscopic B. coli counts and precision dairy-farming indicators remains poorly understood. This cross-sectional study evaluated associations between microscopic B. coli counts and behavioral, production and milk-composition traits in 83 clinically healthy Holstein cows in parity 2–4 and 20–100 days in milk. Fecal samples were examinated using sedimentation and modified McMaster methods and abundance was expressed as microscopic counts per field of view. Automated farm systems provided eating and rumination times, daily milk yield, milk fat-to-protein ratio, lactose concentration and somatic cell count. Zero-order correlations between microscopic B. coli counts and all evaluated indicators were weak and non-significant (r = 0.027–0.190). After adjustment for parity and days in milk, a modest positive correlation was observed with lactose concentration (partial r = 0.296, p = 0.007). The remaining adjusted correlations were weak or negligible and statistically non-significant: eating time (r = 0.105), rumination time (r = 0.036), daily milk yield (r = 0.060), milk fat-to-protein ratio (r = 0.064) and log10-transformed somatic cell count (r = 0.015). Overall, microscopic B. coli abundance showed limited association with the evaluated indicators, and the lactose finding should be regarded as exploratory. Full article

Lemon-tree pruning wood is a lignocellulosic natural-polymer solid whose cell wall is built from cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. This study evaluates the use of this polymer matrix as a solid biofuel by combining physicochemical characterization with non-isothermal oxidative conversion at 20–80 K min⁻¹. Lemon-tree branch (LTB) from orchards in Nubaria, Egypt, was analyzed for proximate and ultimate composition, Van Soest fiber fractions, HHV, FTIR, XRD and SEM–EDX. Thermogravimetric combustion was carried out in air at 20, 40, 60 and 80 K min⁻¹. Apparent activation energies were obtained by five isoconversional methods (FR, FWO, KAS, STK, VY) and by Kissinger analysis of the two dry-fuel DTG peaks. Reaction models were screened by Criado master plots, a single-event Šesták–Berggren fit and Coats–Redfern. LTB is a moderately crystalline xylem (cellulose 52.11 wt%, CrI 52.6%, lignin 17.11 wt%) with moisture 7.10 wt%, volatile matter 77.80 wt%, fixed carbon 19.90 wt%, ash 2.30 wt% and HHV 18.50 MJ kg⁻¹. Nitrogen and sulfur are 0.55 and 0.18 wt%. Combustion proceeds in three stages: Stage 1 moisture release, Stage 2 holocellulose-dominated oxidative devolatilization (65–68 wt% loss, T_p1 ≈ 600–640 K) and Stage 3 char oxidation (≈25 wt% loss, T_p2 ≈ 710–730 K). Mean isoconversional E_a on α = 0.1–0.7 is 98–115 kJ mol⁻¹ and rises to ~212 kJ mol⁻¹ at α = 0.8. Criado plots follow F2/F3/D3 up to α ≈ 0.5; a Šesták–Berggren function with m = 0.174 and n = 2.3 describes the Stage 2 window (R² = 0.890) as an empirical fit only. Coats–Redfern selects F2 for Stage 2. ΔH tracks $E_a$, ΔG is positive, and ΔS is negative on Stage 2. LTB is a low-ash woody pruning fuel suitable for pellets or co-firing if Stage 3 is completed above ~750 K. Full article

Several health and disease brain processes rely on neuronal synchronization. The functions and synchronization of neurons, mechanical behavior of neurons, and electromechanical interactions of neurons with their shared microenvironment are intricately connected. Notably, neuronal functions are very sensitive to neuronal volumetric variations. Interactions of neurons with the extracellular fluid govern the Regulatory Volume Decrease or Increase (RVD/I) mechanisms preserving neuronal volumes. Published mathematical models focus either on function–volume dynamics of one neuron or on functional synchronization of neurons. These models ignore neuronal electromechanics. This paper presents a novel, proof-of-concept, mathematical model linking two functionally synchronized and volumetrically coupled mathematical neurons belonging to nearby synaptic paths. The electromechanics of one mathematical neuron is described by a generalized Hodgkin–Huxley model in which ion channels behave mechanically as fractional Maxwell linear viscoelastic materials. The mathematical neurons share the same microenvironment, electrical properties, initial conditions and shapes, and external current. Their ion channels, however, have distinct viscoelastic memories. This is a one-way coupled model since electric activities are assumed to be independent of volume changes. An imposed master–slave synchronization is proposed. The coupled volumetric dynamics is described by modified Lotka–Volterra equations with voltage-dependent growth rates and Michaelis–Menten-like terms modeling active RVD/I mechanisms. Computer simulations show volumetric variations resembling the patterns of associated action potentials and a slightly delayed volumetric synchronization triggered by the functional synchronization. The findings suggest that, depending on changes in resource availability and functional–structural integrity, these mathematical neurons may experience uncoupled, mutualism, competition, and predator–prey regimes. Full article

Background: Engineered synthetic lipid vesicles with biomimetic architecture have emerged as promising adjunctive agents in aesthetic medicine. Nevertheless, objective evidence evaluating their integration within standardized, minimally invasive skin booster protocols remains limited. The study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of incorporating engineered synthetic lipid vesicles (Biosomes) into a facial skin booster protocol. Methods: This prospective, single-center observational study included ten adult women aged 18–65 years. Participants received three treatment sessions at 21-day intervals, consisting of PRX PLUS application, microneedling and subsequent topical administration of engineered synthetic lipid vesicles (AnteAGE® Biosome Solution). Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline and 15 days after the final treatment session. Objective skin quality parameters were evaluated using the VISIA^® and Visioscope systems. Results: The combined protocol demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile, with minimal pain, discomfort, and burning sensation. Significant improvements were observed in texture-related parameters, pigmentation features, and redness values. Texture feature counts and scores were reduced by 20.0% and 25.8%, respectively (p ≤ 0.009). Redness features and scores decreased by 42.3% and 33.3% (p ≤ 0.022). Pigmentation-related parameters also showed significant reductions, while wrinkle and UV-related outcomes exhibited limited or non-significant changes. Conclusions: The integration of engineered synthetic lipid vesicles into a topical skin booster protocol demonstrated favorable immediate tolerability and was associated with significant improvements in selected objective skin quality parameters. Although preliminary, these findings suggest the potential value of this approach and support the need for further controlled studies to confirm its efficacy and durability. Full article