Search Results (761)

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in agriculture has facilitated real-time environmental monitoring, with low-cost IoT-enabled agrometeorological stations emerging as a valuable tool for climate-smart farming. This systematic review examines low-cost IoT-based weather stations by analyzing their hardware and software components and assessing their potential in comparison to conventional weather stations. It emphasizes their contribution to improving climate resilience, facilitating data-driven decision-making, and expanding access to weather data in resource-constrained environments. The analysis revealed widespread adoption of ESP32 microcontrollers, favored for its affordability and modularity, as well as increasing use of communication protocols like LoRa and Wi-Fi due to their balance of range, power efficiency, and scalability. Sensor integration largely focused on core parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, and rainfall supporting climate-smart irrigation, disease risk modeling, and microclimate management. Studies highlighted the importance of usability and adaptability through modular hardware and open-source platforms. Additionally, scalability was demonstrated through community-level and multi-station deployments. Despite their promise, challenges persist regarding sensor calibration, data interoperability, and long-term field validation. Future research should explore the integration of edge computing, adaptive analytics, and standardization protocols to further enhance the reliability and functionality of IoT-enabled agrometeorological systems. Full article

Novel multifunctional fibrous materials were prepared by simultaneous dual spinneret electrospinning of two separate solutions differing in composition. This technique allowed for the preparation of materials built of two types of fibers: fibers from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan (Ch), and rosmarinic acid (RA), and poly(L-lactide) (PLA) fibers containing lidocaine hydrochloride (LHC). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analyses showed that both types of fibers are present on the surface and in the bulk of the new materials. The presence of all components and some interactions between them were proven by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. RA and LHC were in an amorphous state in the fibers, and their presence affected the temperature characteristics and the crystallinity, as detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD). The presence of PVA/Ch/RA fibers enabled the hydrophilization of the surface of the multifunctional fibrous materials (the water contact angle value was 0°). The newly developed materials demonstrated adequate mechanical properties, making them suitable for use in wound dressing applications. The RA-containing fibrous mats possessed high radical-scavenging activity (ca. 93%), and the combining with LHC led to an enhancement of this effect (ca. 98.5%). RA-containing fibrous mats killed all the pathogenic bacteria S. aureus and E. coli and decreased the titer of fungi C. albicans by ca. 0.4 log for a contact time of 24 h. Therefore, the new materials are prospective as antibacterial and atraumatic functional wound dressings, as systems for local drug delivery, and in medical skincare. Full article

In recent years, apatite-based materials have garnered significant interest, particularly for applications in tissue engineering. Apatite is most commonly employed as a coating for metallic implants, as a component in composite materials, and as scaffolds for bone and dental tissue regeneration. Among its various forms, hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the most widely used, owing to its natural occurrence in human and animal hard tissues. An emerging area of research involves the use of fluoride-substituted apatite, particularly fluorapatite (FAP), which can serve as a direct fluoride source at the implant site, potentially offering several biological and therapeutic advantages. However, substituting HAP with FAP may lead to unforeseen changes in material behavior due to the differing physicochemical properties of these two calcium phosphate phases. This study investigates the effects of replacing hydroxyapatite with fluorapatite in ceramic–polymer composite materials incorporating β-1,3-glucan as a bioactive polymeric binder. The β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide was selected for its proven biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form stable hydrogels that promote cellular interactions. Nitrogen adsorption analysis revealed that FAP/glucan composites had a significantly lower specific surface area (0.5 m²/g) and total pore volume (0.002 cm³/g) compared to HAP/glucan composites (14.15 m²/g and 0.03 cm³/g, respectively), indicating enhanced ceramic–polymer interactions in fluoride-containing systems. Optical profilometry measurements showed statistically significant differences in profile parameters (e.g., Rp: 134 μm for HAP/glucan vs. 352 μm for FAP/glucan), although average roughness (Ra) remained similar (34.1 vs. 27.6 μm, respectively). Microscopic evaluation showed that FAP/glucan composites had smaller particle sizes (1 μm) than their HAP counterparts (2 μm), despite larger primary crystal sizes in FAP, as confirmed by TEM. XRD analysis indicated structural differences between the apatites, with FAP exhibiting a reduced unit cell volume (524.6 ų) compared to HAP (528.2 ų), due to substitution of hydroxyl groups with fluoride ions. Spectroscopic analyses (FTIR, Raman, ³¹P NMR) confirmed chemical shifts associated with fluorine incorporation and revealed distinct ceramic–polymer interfacial behaviors, including an upfield shift of PO₄³⁻ bands (964 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 961 cm⁻¹ in HAP) and OH vibration shifts (3537 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 3573 cm⁻¹ in HAP). The glucan polymer showed different hydrogen bonding patterns when combined with FAP versus HAP, as evidenced by shifts in polymer-specific bands at 888 cm⁻¹ and 1157 cm⁻¹, demonstrating that fluoride substitution significantly influences ceramic–polymer interactions in these bioactive composite systems. Full article

This study examined the expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammatory markers in cardiovascular complications associated with long-term type 1 diabetes (T1D) using a rat model. After 24 weeks of streptozotocin-induced T1D, the animals exhibited metabolic alterations indicative of both cardiac and renal dysfunction. Tissue-specific dysregulation of RAS components and pro-inflammatory markers were observed in the heart, aorta, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). In the heart, there was a significant upregulation of both classical (AT1R, 1.00 (0.22) vs. 1.70 (0.45) R.U.) and counter-regulatory RAS components (ACE2, 1.00 (0.43) vs. 1.96 (0.67) R.U.; p < 0.001) and MasR (1.00 (0.56) vs. 1.33 (0.29) R.U.; p = 0.004). The aorta displayed increased expression of classical RAS components alongside a significant reduction in ACE2 expression (1.00 (0.74) vs. 0.51 (0.48) R.U.; p < 0.032). Notably, PVAT showed a significant overexpression of classical RAS components (ACE 1.00 (0.22) vs. 4.08 (1.32) R.U.; p < 0.001, AT1R 1.00 (0.59) vs. 7.22 (4.14) R.U.; p < 0.001) and MasR (1.00 (0.70) vs. 4.52 (1.91) R.U.; p < 0.001), accompanied by increased expression of TNFα and ADAM17. These findings suggest that long-term T1D induces tissue-specific activation patterns of the RAS and inflammatory pathways within the cardiovascular system, which may contribute to the progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Therapeutic targeting of RAS components may represent a viable strategy for mitigating cardiovascular damage in T1D. Full article

This study addresses the systematic optimization of Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) parameters for architectural knowledge integration in diffusion models, where existing AI research has provided limited guidance for establishing plausible parameter ranges in architectural massing applications. While diffusion models show increasing utilization in architectural design, general models lack domain-specific architectural knowledge, and previous studies have offered insufficient hyperparameter optimization frameworks for architectural massing studies—fundamental components for expressing architectural knowledge. This research establishes a comprehensive LoRA training framework specifically for architectural mass generation, systematically evaluating caption detail levels, optimizers, learning rates, schedulers, batch sizes, and training steps. Through analysis of 220 architectural mass images representing spatial transformation operations, the study recommends the following parameter settings: detailed captions, Adafactor optimizer, learning rate 0.0003, constant scheduler, and batch size 4, achieving significant improvements in prompt-to-output fidelity compared to baseline approaches. The contribution of this study is not in introducing a new algorithm, but in providing a systematic application of LoRA in the architectural domain, serving as a bridging milestone for both emerging architectural-AI researchers and advanced scholars. The findings provide practical guidelines for integrating AI technologies into architectural design workflows, while demonstrating how systematic parameter optimization can enhance the learning of architectural knowledge and support architects in early-stage massing and design decision-making. Full article

Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly collagen, leading to tissue scarring, architectural distortion, and organ dysfunction. While fibrosis is a physiological component of wound healing, its persistence and dysregulation can drive chronic tissue damage and organ dysfunction. In autoimmune diseases, fibrosis arises from prolonged inflammation and immune system dysregulation, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates tissue injury and promotes disease progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fibrotic processes across a range of immune-mediated and autoimmune conditions, including systemic sclerosis (SSc), morphea, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Finally, we discuss current and emerging antifibrotic strategies aimed at interrupting pathological ECM remodeling and restoring tissue homeostasis. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of naturally occurring radionuclides—radium-226 (²²⁶Ra), thorium-232 (²³²Th), and potassium-40 (⁴⁰K)—in groundwater systems across the Nile Valley regions of Upper Egypt, based on the analysis of 85 groundwater wells. Measured mean activity concentrations were 0.74 ± 0.3 Bq/L for ²²⁶Ra, 0.24 ± 0.1 Bq/L for ²³²Th, and 13 ± 4 Bq/L for ⁴⁰K, with ²²⁶Ra displaying low correlations with salinity indicators including chloride (Cl⁻), sodium (Na⁺), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Notably, approximately 30% of sampled wells exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance level of 1 Bq/L for ²²⁶Ra, primarily in central and eastern zones influenced by elevated salinity and evaporite dissolution processes. Geospatial mapping combined with multivariate statistical analysis identified four principal components accounting for over 85% of total data variability, demonstrating that depth-dependent processes, including prolonged water–rock interaction and redox evolution, are the primary controls on ²²⁶Ra mobilization, with salinity-driven ion exchange as a secondary factor. Minor anthropogenic influences, potentially linked to agricultural activities in shallow aquifers, were also detected. Radiological risk assessment confirmed that calculated annual effective doses remain well within international safety limits (<1 mSv/year), although infants and children demonstrated relatively higher exposure levels due to increased water intake per unit body weight. Lifetime cancer risk estimates via ingestion pathways yielded values below 1 × 10⁻⁴, aligning with global health organization benchmarks and reinforcing the general safety of groundwater use in the region. The study highlights potential risks posed by saline groundwater to ancient monuments and archaeological sites, as the cycles of salt forming and breaking down might speed up damage to buildings made of limestone and sandstone. These findings establish a robust scientific foundation for future groundwater quality management and cultural heritage conservation efforts in the Nile Valley region of southern Egypt. Full article

The ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways play important roles in cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation, and metabolism. In cancer, these pathways are frequently dysregulated and overactivated, resulting in poor patient prognosis and resistance to treatment. These pathways are activated by receptor tyrosine kinases and send downstream signals to effectors such as RAS, RAF, MEK, AKT, and mTOR. In this review, we highlight the key components of the ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways, the roles they play in tumor progression, and the development of inhibitors and combination therapies designed to enhance therapeutic outcomes and address treatment resistance. Our review demonstrates the need and promise for future research and clinical trials for inhibitors and combination therapies for the ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways in cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently coexist, contributing to worse clinical outcomes and increased risk of exacerbations. While newer glucose-lowering agents have demonstrated cardiovascular and renal benefits, their comparative efficacy on COPD exacerbations remain uncertain. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to June 2025. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies enrolling adults with COPD and T2DM that reported the risk of COPD exacerbations following initiation of SGLT2is, GLP-1RAs, DPP-4is, or sulfonylureas, with an active comparator group. The primary outcome was a composite of moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations. Secondary outcomes included the individual components separately. A Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis was performed to estimate risk ratio (RR) with 95% credible intervals (95% CIs). Results: Nine observational studies were ultimately included. No RCTs were retrieved. Compared to sulfonylureas, initiation of SGLT2is (RR 0.64, 0.59–0.69), GLP-1RAs (0.66, 0.60–0.71), and DPP-4is (0.79, 0.74–0.86) was associated with reduced risk of moderate-to-severe exacerbations. Moreover, SGLT2is (0.80, 0.75–0.86) and GLP-1RAs (0.83, 0.77–0.88) were more favourable compared to DPP4is. Consistent results were found for secondary outcomes. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings for the primary outcome. Robustness was not consistently observed across all treatment comparisons for secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Among patients with COPD and T2DM, newer glucose-lowering agents, particularly SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs, were associated with significantly lower risk of moderate-to-severe exacerbations. These findings support the potential respiratory benefits of these agents and warrant confirmation through RCTs. Full article

The Chu-style lacquerware (CSL) dataset is a digital resource specifically developed for the digital preservation and inheritance of Chu-style lacquerware, which constitutes an important component of global intangible handicraft heritage. The dataset systematically integrates on-site photographic images from the Hubei Provincial Museum and official digital resources from the same institution, comprising 582 high-resolution images of Chu-style lacquerware, 72 videos of artifacts, and 37 images of traditional Chinese patterns. It comprehensively demonstrates the artistic characteristics of Chu-style lacquerware and provides support for academic research and cultural dissemination. The construction process of the dataset includes data screening, image standardization, Photoshop-based editing and adjustment, image inpainting, and image annotation. Based on this dataset, this study employs the Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) technique to train three core models and five style models, and systematically verifies the usability of the CSL dataset from five aspects. Experimental results show that the CSL dataset not only improves the accuracy and detail restoration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated images of Chu-style lacquerware, but also optimizes the generative effect of innovative patterns, thereby validating its application value. This study represents the first dedicated dataset developed for AI generative models of Chu-style lacquerware. It not only provides a new technological pathway for the digital preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage, but also supports interdisciplinary research in archeology, art history, and cultural communication, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in safeguarding and transmitting Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of additive manufacturing parameters, specifically using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and surface finishing methods on the corrosion rate and behavior of maraging steel M350 components. Samples were fabricated via LPBF employing varying laser powers (80 W, 100 W, and 120 W) and subsequently subjected to mechanical polishing. Corrosion performance was evaluated through 450 h immersion tests in a 3.5% aqueous NaCl solution and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Microstructural characterization and surface topography assessments were performed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and profilometry. The results demonstrate a strong influence of temperature, manufacturing parameters, and polishing on corrosion processes. At room temperature, higher laser power reduced corrosion rates due to better powder consolidation and lower porosity, whereas at 45 °C, the trend reversed, with the highest corrosion rates observed for samples produced at 120 W. Mechanical polishing significantly reduced surface roughness (Ra from ~7–10 μm to ~0.6–1 μm) but did not improve corrosion resistance; in some cases, it increased corrosion rates, likely due to stress redistribution and exposure of subsurface defects. Potentiodynamic tests confirmed that higher laser power reduced corrosion current density for unpolished surfaces, but polishing increased current density at 80 W more than twofold. The findings indicate that optimizing LPBF process parameters is crucial for improving the corrosion resistance of M350 steel. High laser power (≥120 W) is beneficial at ambient conditions, while lower powers (80–100 W) perform better at elevated temperatures. Mechanical polishing alone is insufficient for enhancing resistance and should be combined with stress-relief and porosity-reduction treatments. These results provide guidelines for tailoring additive manufacturing strategies to ensure reliable performance of M350 steel in chloride-rich environments. Full article

Air pollution threatens human and environmental health worldwide. A Harvard study in partnership with UK institutions found that fossil fuel pollution killed over 8 million people in 2018, accounting for 1 in 5 fatalities worldwide. Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has a major environmental issue in that it ranks second worst in 2022 due to the high level of particulate matter, specifically PM_2.5. In this paper, a LoRa-based infrastructure for environmental monitoring in the Kurdistan Region has been designed and developed. The infrastructure encompasses end-node devices, an open-source network server, and an IoT platform. Two AirQNodes were prototyped and deployed to measure particulate matter values, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure using manufacturer-calibrated PM sensors and combined temperature, humidity, and atmospheric sensors. An open-source network server is adopted to manage the AirQNodes and the entire network. In addition, an IoT platform has also been designed and implemented to visualize and analyze the collected data. The platform processes and stores the data, making it accessible for the public and decision-making parties. The infrastructure was tested and results validated by deploying two AirQNodes at separate locations adjacent to existing air quality monitoring stations as reference points. The findings demonstrated that the AirQNodes reliably mirrored the trends and patterns observed in the reference monitors. This research establishes a comprehensive infrastructure for monitoring air quality in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Furthermore, complete ownership of the system can be attained by possessing and overseeing the critical components of the infrastructure, which encompass the end devices, network server, and IoT platform. This integrated strategy is especially crucial for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where cost-efficiency and enduring sustainability are vital, yet such a structure is absent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous hormone with receptors widely expressed across multiple organs. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), primarily used for diabetes management, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beyond glucose regulation. This study explores the protective effect of semaglutide, a GLP-1RA, in reducing oxidative stress and promoting wound healing in human dermal fibroblasts. Additionally, it assesses whether semaglutide offers the direct protection of retinal endothelial cells under oxidative stress. Methods: Human dermal fibroblasts and retinal endothelial cells were treated with semaglutide at concentrations ranging from 0 to 45 pg/mL for 24 h under oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Cell viability and ATP levels were measured via MTT and ATP assays. Apoptosis was evaluated using propidium iodide staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial superoxide were assessed through confocal microscopy with specific fluorescent probes. Wound healing was tested using scratch assays, with closure monitored over time and quantified with ImageJ (version 1.51). Gene expression levels of antioxidants, extracellular matrix components, inflammatory cytokines, and MMPs (MMP3, MMP9) were determined via real-time PCR. Results: Semaglutide significantly improved cell viability and ATP production under oxidative stress (p < 0.001), while reducing apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels. It notably accelerated fibroblast wound closure, achieving near-complete restoration. Gene analysis revealed increased expression of antioxidant and ECM-related genes, along with decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and MMPs, indicating reduced inflammation and enhanced tissue remodeling. Conclusions: Semaglutide offers robust antioxidative and cytoprotective effects in dermal fibroblasts and retinal endothelial cells, promoting wound healing. These findings highlight its therapeutic potential for diabetic foot ulcers and diabetic retinopathy, supporting further in vivo investigation. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the tribological behavior of cylinder liners and piston rings—key components in internal combustion engines (ICEs). Experiments were conducted using a pin-on-disc wear tester under varying loads (50–100 N) and speeds (175–350 rpm) to determine the coefficient of friction (μ) and wear rate. The selected pin and disc materials represent real engine components to ensure realistic operating conditions. Before and after each experiment, the cylinder liner-piston ring pair was cleaned with acetone to ensure accurate measurement of mass loss. Surface roughness (Ra, Rq, Rz, µm) was assessed using a Mahr M-1 profilometer, and Brinell hardness tests were carried out using a digital optical Brinell hardness testing machine to determine the mechanical properties of the contact surfaces. The results revealed that safflower oil achieved the lowest coefficient of friction at higher speeds, with an 18% reduction compared with conventional 20W-50 engine oil. Camelina oil, camelina biodiesel and safflower biodiesel each exhibited a reduction of approximately 12.5% in friction, highlighting their potential as viable alternatives to petroleum-based lubricants. Full article

While the machining of Inconel 718 has been widely studied, its cast counterpart Inconel 713LC remains underexplored, despite its relevance in high-temperature aerospace and energy components. This work presents a comprehensive investigation of dry milling behavior in Inconel 713LC, focusing on the interplay between tool wear, cutting forces, surface integrity, and chip formation across a broad range of cutting parameters. A stable process window was identified: 30–50 m/min cutting speed and 0.045–0.07 mm/tooth feed, where surface roughness remained below Ra 0.6 µm and tool life exceeded 10 min. Outside this window, rapid thermal and mechanical degradation occurred, leading to flank wear beyond the 550 µm limit and unstable chip morphology. The observed trends align with those in Inconel 718, allowing the cautious transfer of established strategies to cast alloys. By quantifying key process–performance relationships and validating predictive models for tool life and cutting forces, this study provides a foundation for optimizing the dry machining of cast superalloys. The results advance sustainable manufacturing practices by reducing reliance on cutting fluids while maintaining surface and dimensional integrity in demanding applications. Full article