Search Results (161)

This study introduces the Morabaraba Optimization Algorithm (MOA), a new global optimization method derived from the sequential and strategic dynamics of the traditional Morabaraba board game. The algorithm translates the main stages of the game into computational search mechanisms, including team allocation, piece placement, movement, flying, mill construction, and cow shooting. In MOA, candidate solutions are assigned competitive roles by separating the population into two rival groups, allowing each solution to adjust its position according to team leaders, board-line structures, and previously generated mill patterns. A new alignment-driven mill formation mechanism is also developed to model strategic player behavior, enabling the algorithm to create mills and weaken the opposing group. The performance of MOA is evaluated on 50 benchmark functions, including unimodal, multimodal, and fixed-dimensional test problems, and compared with 16 established optimization algorithms. The experimental outcomes indicate that MOA achieves rapid convergence while maintaining strong exploration during the early search stages. This behavior is mainly attributed to the integration of mill formation, cow shooting, phase-based position updating, and the structured division of the population into two competing teams. Non-parametric statistical analysis further confirms that MOA provides statistically significant improvements over several competing methods. The results also show that the proposed algorithm performs reliably across a broad set of benchmark functions, demonstrating its robustness and adaptability. In addition, MOA maintains an effective balance between exploration and exploitation, performs consistently in high-dimensional search spaces, and shows strong potential as a Morabaraba-inspired metaheuristic for solving global optimization problems. Full article

Food waste research often applies the Motivation–Opportunity–Ability (MOA) framework, yet conventional aggregate measures may obscure the distinct roles of physical context and cognition-related capacity. Using a macro-contextual, micro-primary dual-layer design, this study first uses World Bank data from 176 countries to provide structural context; this macro layer is not statistically linked to the student-level model. The main behavioral inference comes from matched plate-weighing and questionnaire data from 170 students across two purposively selected ordinary higher education institutions in northern and southern China. Within this exploratory and context-specific micro-level sample, the baseline three-dimensional MOA model explains only 4.1% of variance in log-transformed plate waste, whereas decomposing Opportunity into social and physical components and representing the Ability extension through behavioral ability and a two-item cognitive-capacity proxy improves model fit. The five-dimensional model explains 44.1% of variance ($F=26.2$, $p<0.001$). Johnson relative weight analysis indicates that Physical Opportunity (51.1%) and the two-item cognitive-capacity proxy (46.3%) account for most explained MOA variance in this sample. Item-level sensitivity checks further suggest that portion estimation and nutrition knowledge should be interpreted as distinct cognition-related indicators rather than as a validated latent scale. Robustness checks across raw, log-transformed, winsorized, logistic, and quantile specifications indicate consistent positive associations for Physical Opportunity and consistent negative associations for cognition-related indicators. Because the design is cross-sectional, these findings identify associations rather than causal effects; physical-environment redesign and cognitive-capacity support should therefore be treated as candidate directions for future intervention testing rather than as confirmed intervention effects. By linking objectively measured plate waste to institutional dining conditions, the study contributes to sustainability research on responsible consumption, resource efficiency, low-carbon campus operations, and practical pathways for reducing avoidable food-related environmental burdens in university settings. Full article

With the declining success rate of new drug development, lifecycle management strategies have become increasingly important. However, approximately 25–40% of approved drugs remain limited to a single indication. In this study, we compared drugs that obtained multiple indications with those confined to a single indication, aiming to identify factors associated with the acquisition of multiple indications. We identified anticancer drugs initially approved by US Food and Drug administration (FDA) between 2015 and 2020. This retrospective observational study includes 48 anticancer drugs for solid tumors. For each drug, data were collected on approved indications, sponsoring company characteristics, and clinical efficacy outcomes, including objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). The drugs were categorized based on the number of approved indications, and comparative analyses were conducted. No clear association was observed between multiple indication acquisition and factors such as mechanism of action (MoA) or company size at the initial approval. Since additional indications may be obtained through various approaches—including expansion to new tumor types or different lines of therapy—no consistent relationship was observed between specific strategies and the acquisition of multiple indications. In contrast, drugs demonstrating higher clinical efficacy and those initially approved for non-rare cancers were more likely to achieve multiple indications. The factors associated with additional indications varied depending on the approach, and only a limited set of factors consistently correlated with multiple indication acquisition. Notably, clinical efficacy and the tumor type at initial approval appeared to be associated with acquisition of multiple indications. These findings provide important insights into research and development strategies and may inform decision-making in pharmaceutical lifecycle management. Full article

Bacterial biofilms pose a major public health challenge by increasing the antimicrobial tolerance in pathogenic bacteria, thereby limiting the effect of medication-based treatment and promoting the development of antimicrobial resistance. Hence, there is a need to discover new molecules with the ability to prevent biofilm formation. We screened seven synthetic analogues of the breitfussin family of natural products for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity using a broth microdilution and crystal violet method, respectively. Two compounds inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria in their planktonic state at concentrations of 50 µM, of which one compound (2) demonstrated the ability to inhibit the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis at sub-growth-inhibitory, low micromolar concentrations. Compound 2 did not inhibit biofilm growth in Staphylococcus aureus or Listeria monocytogenes, or the ability to eradicate pre-established biofilms. Initial Mode of Action (MoA) studies with compound 2 against S. epidermidis showed a modest impact on the cell surface hydrophobicity and early-stage adhesion to polystyrene. These findings highlight the breitfussin framework as a promising scaffold for the development of new antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents. Full article

Deposition of three key 4-alkyl branched-chain fatty acids (KBCFA), including 4-methyloctanoic acid (MOA), 4-ethyloctanoic acid (EOA), and 4-methylnonanoic acid (MNA), causes the gamey flavor in sheep meat. This study integrated metagenomics and metabolomics to evaluate how Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) supplementation (15 g/d) and rumen fluid transplantation (RFT) modulate rumen microbiota and hepatic metabolism to reduce KBCFA in lamb longissimus thoracis muscle. The experiment consisted of two phases. In Phase I, twelve 3-month-old male Dorper × Small Tailed Han sheep (25 ± 1 kg) were selected as the rumen donor group. These sheep were supplemented with 15 g/d/head of AMR powder in their basal diet until the end of the experiment. In Phase II, thirty 3-month-old male Dorper × Small Tailed Han sheep (23 ± 2 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 10 per group): the control group (STG), which was fed the basal diet and received a physiological saline transplant; the AMR group, which was fed the basal diet supplemented with 15 g/d/head of AMR powder and received a physiological saline transplant; and the rumen fluid transplant group (RTG), which was fed the basal diet and received a rumen fluid transplant from the donor group. Compared to the STG, results showed that the MOA, EOA, and MNA in the AMG decreased by 64.51%, 54.72%, and 49.34%, respectively. Similarly, the MOA, EOA, and MNA in the RTG were reduced by 63.13%, 56.17%, and 49.60%, respectively (p < 0.001). For the rumen metagenome, AMR enriched the genus Prevotella, while RFT increased Butyrivibrio. Hepatic metabolomics revealed a distinct shift where AMR elevated amino acid derivatives and RFT enhanced carnitine-related metabolites. These alterations indicate a potential metabolic shift associated with amino acid metabolism and mitochondrial β-oxidation, rather than lipid elongation. We postulate that this coordinated regulation across the rumen–liver–muscle axis may alter the availability of lipogenic precursors for KBCFA synthesis, ultimately contributing to improved meat flavor. Full article

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disorder that impairs quality of life and systemic function. Following the ‘one airway, one disease’ paradigm, AR-related inflammation often extends to the lower respiratory tract. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (MOA) program on clinical symptoms, nasal airflow, airway inflammation, pulmonary function, and cardiorespiratory parameters in young adults with physician-confirmed persistent AR. To isolate the exercise effects, all participants discontinued antihistamines, corticosteroids, and leukotriene antagonists before and during the study period. Eighteen participants were allocated to either the MOA group (n = 9), which performed treadmill walking or jogging at 50–60% heart rate reserve three times per week for eight weeks, or a control group (CON, n = 9) that maintained usual daily activities. Clinical symptoms, peak nasal inspiratory flow, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, pulmonary function, heart rate, blood pressure, aerobic fitness, and perceived exertion were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 using standardized procedures. Compared with baseline and the CON group, the exercise intervention resulted in significant reductions in nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea, accompanied by increased nasal airflow and reduced airway inflammation. Pulmonary function indices and cardiorespiratory parameters also improved following training. These findings suggest that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may offer a valuable non-pharmacological approach to support conventional care, potentially enhancing respiratory and physiological outcomes in young adults with persistent AR. Full article

This study uses the Motivation–Opportunity–Ability (MOA) framework to examine the drivers of food waste behavior among Generation Z, a demographic that contributes disproportionately to household food waste. Using structural equation modeling on survey data from 349 undergraduate students, the influence of morals and attitudes toward food waste (motivation), cooking and grocery shopping skills (ability), food purchase triggers, and frequencies of grocery shopping and cooking (opportunity) was investigated. The results indicate that strong moral convictions and creative cooking skills significantly reduce waste. Conversely, susceptibility to marketing-driven purchase triggers increases wasteful behavior. Notably, other factors such as shopping frequency and attitudes toward food waste showed no significant impact. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions for young consumers that reinforce moral motivations, enhance practical culinary abilities, and mitigate the impact of predatory purchase triggers to effectively curb food waste. Full article

In 2021, Quanzhou, China, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Using the Motivation–Opportunity–Ability (MOA) theoretical framework, this study examines how motivation, opportunity, and ability factors influence community participation (CP) in conserving and developing tourist attractions. Quanzhou’s World Heritage Site (WHS) was chosen as the case study, while Social Media Involvement (SMI) was selected as a moderator for this analysis. Through PLS-SEM, a total of 405 valid responses were examined and evaluated. The findings show that based on the MOA framework, Motivation Positive Perceptions (MPP), Opportunity (OPP), Awareness (AAW), and Knowledge (AKN) have significant positive effects on CP, whereas Motivation Negative Perceptions (MNP) exert a significant negative effect on CP and Motivation Interest (MINT) does not achieve statistical significance. Additionally, all motivation, opportunity, and ability factors have significant positive moderating relationships with CP through SMI. Hence, this study confirms that the MOA framework is applicable to the context of Chinese World Heritage Sites; it extends the current understanding of how social media can play a role in the governance of cultural heritage (CH). Thus, this study provides both a theoretical basis and practical considerations for CP in the sustainable conservation and tourism development of WHSs. Full article

Background: Dual disorders (DDs) describe the coexistence of substance use disorder (SUD) and another mental health condition, commonly within psychotic and affective categories. These conditions represent a significant challenge in clinical management due to their bidirectional interactions and complexity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and comorbid substance use disorders. Methods: A total of 28 participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorder and comorbid SUD underwent psychometric evaluations at baseline (T0), one month (T1) and three months post-initiation of quetiapine treatment (T2), administered at a mean dosage of 165 mg/day. Key outcome measures included psychopathological burden (PANSS), aggressivity (MOAS), substance craving (VAS Craving), and quality of life (Q-LES-Q-SF scales). Results: Quetiapine demonstrated significant reductions in psychopathological symptoms, with decreased PANSS total scores (p < 0.001). Positive symptoms (p < 0.001), negative symptoms (p = 0.002), substance craving (p = 0.001), and aggressivity (p = 0.006) also showed notable reductions. Quality of life significantly improved across Q-LES-Q-SF scores (p < 0.001). Quetiapine was well-tolerated, with no dropouts related to drug-induced side effects. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of quetiapine in individuals with dual disorders. Improvements in psychopathology, substance craving, and quality of life underscore the importance of integrating tailored and comprehensive treatment strategies to address the multifaceted challenges of this challenging population. Full article

The extent of consumer approval for lamb is intimately connected to meat quality standards. Within this context, the distinctive ‘mutton taint’ serves as a critical benchmark for assessment, a characteristic that is largely governed by the concentrations of three fundamental branched-chain fatty acids (KBCFA), specifically 4-methyloctanoic acid (MOA), 4-ethyloctanoic acid (EOA), and 4-methylnonanoic acid (MNA). While Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR)—an Allium species prevalent in arid Asian regions known for its abundant bioactive constituents—is known to improve meat quality and mitigate these off-flavors, the potential mediating role of the rumen fluid in this process remains unclear. This study investigated whether rumen fluid transplantation (RFT) from AMR-fed donors could mimic the impacts of directly adding AMR to the diet on KBCFA accumulation and meat attributes. Thirty male lambs (23 ± 2 kg BW) were allocated at random into three distinct treatments (n = 10): a control set (CON), a dietary supplementation group administered 15 g/d of AMR (AMG), along with a rumen fluid transplantation treatment (RTG) inoculated with rumen fluid from AMR-fed donors. The carcass traits, physicochemical properties, and makeup of amino acids, as well as the fatty acid constitution of the longissimus thoracis muscle, were subjected to analysis. Data revealed that the levels of KBCFAs associated with off-flavors were markedly lowered in both the AMG and RTG. Specifically, decreases ranging from 49% to 64% were observed in MOA, EOA, and MNA concentrations (p < 0.05). Relative to the control group, drip loss and cooking loss were reduced in the treatment groups (p < 0.05), whereas ash (p = 0.047) and crude protein (p = 0.001) were increased. Moreover, the interventions improved the composition of essential amino acids (EAA), flavor-enhancing amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In conclusion, rumen fluid transplantation effectively replicates the beneficial effects of dietary AMR on meat quality, particularly in reducing taint-related KBCFA. Such outcomes imply that rumen microbial communities likely act as a crucial mediator in controlling meat flavor. Full article

Accident records from the actual operation of metal oxide arresters (MOAs) indicate that even MOA products that have passed standard tests still suffer from frequent damage. This phenomenon may be related to the fact that the current standards for MOA testing do not cover multiple stroke conditions. To investigate the damage mechanism of MOA under the effect of multiple strokes, this study conducts continuous current impulse tests on MOA and simultaneously performs finite element simulation analysis. A comparative analysis of the test and simulation results shows the following: The continuous impulse discharge process of multiple strokes causes instantaneous heat accumulation in the varistors, leading to a sudden temperature rise and inducing significant non-uniform thermal stress in the varistors; Under the condition of consistent total impulse energy, multiple strokes are more likely to cause damage to MOA varistors. Moreover, the higher the amplitude of the lightning current in multiple strokes, and the shorter the impulse interval, the higher the risk and degree of thermal damage to the MOA varistors; By analyzing the rate of change in the maximum thermal stress of the varistors, the significant effective range of the superposition effect of multiple strokes under different impulse intervals can be obtained. Full article

AI Recommender Systems (RecSys) function as personalised forecasting engines, predicting user preferences to reduce information overload. However, the efficacy of these systems is often bottlenecked by the “Last Mile” of forecasting: the end-user’s willingness to adopt and rely on the prediction. While the existing literature often assumes that algorithmic accuracy (e.g., low RMSE) automatically drives utilisation, empirical evidence suggests that users frequently reject accurate forecasts due to a lack of trust or cognitive friction. This study challenges the utilitarian view that users adopt systems simply because they are useful, instead proposing that sustainable adoption requires a state of Cognitive Absorption—a psychological flow state enabled by the Cognitive Economy of trust. Grounded in the Motivation–Opportunity–Ability (MOA) framework, we developed the Trust–Absorption–Intention (TAI) model. We analysed data from 366 users of a major predictive platform using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The Disjoint Two-Stage Approach was employed to model the reflective–formative Higher-Order Constructs. The results demonstrate that Cognitive Trust (specifically the relational dimensions of Benevolence and Integrity) operates via a dual pathway. It drives adoption directly, serving as a mechanism of Cognitive Economy where users suspend vigilance to rely on the AI as a heuristic, while simultaneously freeing mental resources to enter a state of Cognitive Absorption. Affective Trust further drives this immersion by fostering curiosity. Crucially, Cognitive Absorption partially mediates the relationship between Cognitive Trust and adoption intention, whereas it fully mediates the impact of Affective Trust. This indicates that while Cognitive Trust can drive reliance directly as a rational shortcut, Affective Trust translates to adoption only when it successfully triggers a flow state. This study bridges the gap between algorithmic forecasting and behavioural adoption. It introduces the Cognitive Economy perspective: Trust reduces the cognitive cost of verifying predictions, allowing users to outsource decision-making to the AI and enter a state of effortless immersion. For designers of AI forecasting agents, the findings suggest that maximising accuracy may be less effective than minimising cognitive friction for sustaining long-term adoption. To solve the cold start problem, platforms should be designed for flow by building emotional rapport and explainability, thereby converting sporadic users into continuous data contributors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate almost all physiological processes in vertebrates via specific mechanisms exercised spatiotemporally throughout the lifespan. The TH signalling can be impaired by thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs) capable of disrupting the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) (also designated octinoxate), one of the most widely used ultraviolet (UV) filters, has emerged as an environmental contaminant and has raised significant concerns recently due to its disruptive effects as TDC on humans and animals. Although the disruption of TH homeostasis has been reported, its exact modes of action (MoA) remain largely unknown. Our study aimed to provide a comparative information on the molecular interactions of OMC on TH signalling in humans and zebrafish. Methods: In silico approaches were performed comparing OMC with endogenous thyroid hormone T3 and the anti-thyroid drug propylthiouracil (PTU). Results: Our findings suggested a key role of OMC on the corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (crhr2), thyrotropin receptor (TSHR/tshr), and thyroid nuclear receptors (TR/tr-α and -β). At the hypothalamic level, a favourable binding of OMC to zebrafish crhr2 was found, involving ALA86, CYS44, HIS89, ILE63, ILE64, LEU92, PRO87, PRO88, SER48, and THR47. At the pituitary level, OMC was bound to human TSHR by the amino acid residues ASN590, GLU506, ILE583, ILE640, LEU570, MET572, PRO571, SER505, TYR667, VAL502, VAL586, ALA644, LEU587, MET637, SER641, and TYR582 and to zebrafish tsrh by ASN589, ILE639, MET636, ILE582, LEU569, LEU586, VAL501, and VAL585. Concerning nuclear receptors, OMC showed a more favourable binding energy of T3, involving the shared residues PHE218 and MET259 with T3 in both species. For human TRβ, OMC shared T3 with residues ILE 275, ILE276, LEU346, PHE269, PHE272, THR273, ALA279, ASN331, HIS435, LEU330, MET310, MET313, and PHE455. No similar residues were obtained for zebrafish trβ compared with the humans. Conclusions: Overall, the action of OMC seems to agree with primary hypothyroidism (anti-thyroid action) mimicking the T3 hormone. This investigation demonstrates that OMC acts as a potential TDC and provides new insights into its disruptive action on the HPT axis. Full article

All previous IND (investigational new drug) applications to US FDA for launching clinical trials with Hsp90 ATP-binding inhibitors only provided a partial, if not misleading, account of the inhibitors’ actual MOA (mechanism of action). Since 2004, studies have repeatedly shown a previously unanticipated “extra effect” of these inhibitors, but it has been incomprehensively ignored by the Hsp90 community. Membrane-impermeable, otherwise structurally identical, ATP-binding Hsp90 inhibitors show robust inhibition of tumor cell invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Based on this new finding, the reported outcomes of around 90 monotherapy clinical trials with Hsp90 ATP-binding inhibitors since 1999 were actually a combined effect of targeting both intracellular Hsp90 chaperone and extracellular Hsp90 (eHsp90) non-chaperone functions by the inhibitors. A critical unanswered question remains: which form of the dual inhibitions caused the observed toxicity in humans that led to the spectacular failure of the trials and which underlies the limited efficacy that might be the real reason for the only approval of the orally administered ATP-binding inhibitor, Pimitespib (TAS-116), in 2022 by Japan? We suggest that addressing this question could prompt a paradigm shift in the design of next-generation anti-Hsp90 cancer therapeutics. Full article

Insecticide resistance is increasing globally, and tools must be developed to combat this issue facing mosquito control programs that protect public health and inform operational decisions. Field trials to assess insecticide formulated products (FPs) are logistically demanding and weather-dependent and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassays are optimized to test technical active ingredient (AI) residue, not aerosolized FP. Here, the methodological gap between AI and FP efficacy testing is addressed. The current study assessed the knockdown/mortality of laboratory and wild populations of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens/quinquefasciatus to four FPs (Biomist^®, Duet^®, AquaDuet^®, ReMoa Tri^®) in wind tunnel experiments. The number of FP droplets on mosquitoes was analyzed. Regression analyses showed that droplet counts on mosquitoes were significantly (p < 0.05) related to mosquito mortality for some FPs. The wild Culex population was resistant to all FPs in the wind tunnel. Here, when wind tunnel experiments resulted in a relatively low mortality rate (<90%), this indicates mosquito resistance to the FP. In these situations, a field trial would likely not achieve good results and may not be necessary. Alternatively, when wind tunnel experiments resulted in a nearly perfect mortality rate, a confirmatory field trial could be conducted, if needed. Full article