Search Results (269)

In this study, Hf_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ (HZO) thin-films were deposited using a Co-plasma atomic layer deposition (CPALD) process that combined both remote plasma and direct plasma, for the development of ferroelectric memory devices. Ferroelectric capacitors with a symmetric hybrid TiN/W/HZO/W/TiN electrode structure, incorporating W electrodes as insertion layers, were fabricated. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was subsequently employed to control the crystalline phase of the films. The electrical and structural properties of the capacitors were analyzed based on the RTA temperature, and the presence, thickness, and position of the W insertion electrode layer. Consequently, the capacitor with 5 nm-thick W electrode layers inserted on both the top and bottom sides and annealed at 700 °C exhibited the highest remnant polarization (2P_r = 61.0 μC/cm²). Moreover, the symmetric hybrid electrode capacitors annealed at 500–600 °C also exhibited high 2P_r values of approximately 50.4 μC/cm², with a leakage current density of approximately 4 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm² under an electric field of 2.5 MV/cm. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of electrode structures for improved performance of HZO-based ferroelectric memory devices. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between visual functions and road traffic accidents (RTAs) by meta-analysis of observational studies. The analysis included all drivers of motor vehicles, regardless of age, and those using private or public transport. Self-reported visual outcomes were excluded. The risk of RTA in patients with reduced visual acuity was observed in commercial drivers in cross-sectional studies (PR 1.54, 95% CI 1.26–1.88), but not in private drivers in cohort (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.74–1.46) or case–control studies (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.78–1.40). A non-statistically significant association between colour vision defects and RTA was observed in cross-sectional studies (PR 1.50, 95% CI 0.91–2.45). No evidence was found for an increased risk of accidents in people with reduced stereopsis. In older adults with abnormal contrast sensitivity, a weak risk of RTA was observed in cohort studies. Evidence from low-quality cross-sectional studies suggests an increased risk of RTAs among commercial drivers with reduced visual acuity. The few case–control and cohort studies identified did not show an association between accident occurrence and visual function. Attention needs to be paid to this issue to facilitate the conduct of high-quality research that can support the development of road safety policies. Full article

NetworkX is a free Python library for graphs and networks and is used in many applications and projects to find the shortest path in path planning scenarios. For dense graphs, the library provides the Floyd–Warshall algorithm for shortest paths and the A* (“A-Star”) algorithm for shortest paths and path lengths. However, several extensions have been proposed to improve the A*, but they are not included in the library. In this context, this paper presents a set of implementations improving the A*, such as the IDA*, D* Lite, SMA*, Bidirectional A* and RTA*. The goal or challenge is to address the limitations of the A* in specific scenarios, such as searching for an optimal path repeatedly or when confronted with memory limitations, as exemplified by the NetworkX library. To do this, we first review the literature of the usage and general application of NetworkX in different domains of applicability and then explore their usage in a shortest path context. By reviewing and validating the usage of A* and extensions in Python using the NetworkX framework, the implementations were submitted to the network environment validation and passed the tests. We have also done the benchmarking of the A*, comparing it with the new ones, and concluded the better efficiency of the A* extensions in tri-objective scenario parameters (length, cost and toll). Despite the extensive utilisation of A* and its notable efficacy in identifying optimal paths, its performance is suboptimal in specific scenarios, such as when confronted with memory constraints and dynamic environments. Almost every algorithm outperformed or matched the A* in the fields that were developed to have an advantage, demonstrating the quality and robustness of the implemented algorithms. As a contribution and to foster further research in this shortest path specific context field, the dataset and Python code of the algorithms are available in a GitHub opensource repository. Full article

The rapid densification of wireless networks demands efficient evaluation of special functions underpinning system-level performance metrics. To facilitate research, we introduce a computational framework tailored for the zero-balanced Gauss hypergeometric function $\Psi (x,y)\triangleq {}_{2}F_1(1,x;1+x;-y)$, a fundamental mathematical kernel emerging in Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) coverage analysis of non-uniform cellular deployments. Specifically, we propose a novel Reciprocal-Argument Transformation Algorithm (RTA), derived rigorously from a Mellin–Barnes reciprocal-argument identity, achieving geometric convergence with $O\left(1/y\right)$. By integrating RTA with a Pfaff-series solver into a hybrid algorithm guided by a golden-ratio switching criterion, our approach ensures optimal efficiency and numerical stability. Comprehensive validation demonstrates that the hybrid algorithm reliably attains machine-precision accuracy ($\sim {10}^{-16}$) within 1 μs per evaluation, dramatically accelerating calculations in realistic scenarios from hours to fractions of a second. Consequently, our method significantly enhances the feasibility of tractable optimization in ultra-dense non-uniform cellular networks, bridging the computational gap in large-scale wireless performance modeling. Full article

To overcome the limitations of existing maritime radar identification analysis methods, which are only applicable to sea-skimming aircraft and fail to quantitatively calculate the probability of radar correctly identifying the target under electromagnetic influence from marine geographical features (MGFs), an advanced method is proposed for calculating the radar identification probability in marine areas using 3D MGF models. The method first established the radar identification criteria in 3D space, considering radar line of sight (LOS), radar target adhesion (RTA), and radar resolutions in range, azimuth angle, and elevation angle. It then comprehensively analyzed errors from both the aircraft and MGFs. Finally, the probability of a target at a specific marine location being correctly identified by radar was calculated using the Monte Carlo method. Theoretical derivations and simulation results demonstrated that: (1) Unlike existing methods limited to sea-skimming aircraft, the proposed method is applicable to aircraft at any altitude, better aligning with current aircraft performance and requirements; (2) While existing methods provide only a binary result of “identified” or “unidentified,” the proposed method offers a probability value. For the same marine location point T_a, the proposed method yields radar identification probabilities of 0.0877 for sea-skimming aircraft and 0.5887 for high-altitude aircraft, providing more precise and intuitive decision-making support for mission planners. Full article

Bardoxolone methyl, also known as CDDO-Me or RTA 402, is a synthetic oleanane triterpenoid that has garnered significant attention as a potent pharmacological activator of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Nrf2 is a master regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, controlling the expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense, detoxification, and mitochondrial function. By inducing Nrf2 and promoting the transcription of downstream antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven genes, bardoxolone methyl enhances cellular resilience to oxidative stress and inflammation. This mechanism is central not only to its cytoprotective effects but also to its emerging role in oncology. A number of studies investigated the effects of bardoxolone methyl in several malignancies including breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer and glioblastoma. Studies in the literature indicate that bardoxolone methyl exhibits anticancer activity through several mechanisms, including the suppression of cell proliferation, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and impairment of cancer cell stemness. Additionally, bardoxolone methyl modulates mitochondrial function, reduces glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation capacities, and induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated stress responses. In this review, we summarize the available literature regarding the studies which investigated the effects of bardoxolone methyl as anticancer agent. Full article

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of physical injury worldwide, but they also frequently result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review examines the prevalence, predictors, comorbidity, and treatment of PTSD among RTA survivors. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and ProQuest) were searched following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Articles were included if reporting on the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of a road traffic accident in adults aged 18 years and older. Including peer-reviewed journal articles and awarded doctoral theses across all publication years, and written in English, Macedonian, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Bulgarian, identified 259 articles, and using Literature Evaluation and Grading of Evidence (LEGEND) assessment of evidence 96 were included in the final review, involving 50,275 participants. Due to the heterogeneity of findings, quantitative data were synthesized thematically rather than through meta-analytic techniques. Findings are reported from Random Control Trial (RCT) and non-RCT studies. PTSD prevalence following RTAs ranged widely across studies, from 20% (using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, DSM-5 criteria) to over 45% (using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, ICD-10 criteria) within six weeks post-accident (non-RCT). One-year prevalence rates ranged from 17.9% to 29.8%, with persistence of PTSD symptoms found in more than half of those initially diagnosed up to three years post-RTA (non-RCTs). Mild or severe PTSD symptoms were reported by 40% of survivors one month after the event, and comorbid depression and anxiety were also frequently observed (non-RCTs). The review found that nearly half of RTA survivors experience PTSD within six weeks, with recovery occurring over 1 to 3 years (non-RCTs). Even minor traffic accidents lead to significant psychological impacts, with 25% of survivors avoiding vehicle use for up to four months (non-RCT). Evidence-supported treatments identified include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (RCTs and non-RCTs), Virtual Reality (VR) treatment (RCTs and non-RCTs), and Memory Flexibility training (Mem-Flex) (pilot RCT), all of which demonstrated statistically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms across validated scales. There is evidence for policy actions including mandatory and regular psychological screening post RTAs using improved assessment tools, sharing health data to better align early and ongoing treatment with additional funding and access, and support and interventions for the family for RTA comorbidities. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing research on the psychological impacts of RTAs, particularly in regions with high incident rates, to understand better and address the global burden of post-accident trauma. Full article

In 2025, the U.S. reciprocal tariff policy destabilized global multilateral trade and accelerated the advance of regional trade cooperation. As the world’s most populous regional trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) plays an important role in regional economic and trade integration. In this paper, the RCEP’s signing is considered a quasi-natural experiment, and a double machine learning (DML) model is used to analyze the impact of the RCEP’s implementation on the export of forest products among member countries. The sample used for the empirical analysis is product dimension panel data of RCEP member countries from 2012 to 2023. We found that the implementation of the RCEP agreement has facilitated the growth of forest product exports among member countries, as evidenced by the synchronized growth in the quantity, type, and price of forest product exports. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effects of RCEP implementation vary significantly across product categories and across countries. Our study provides evidentiary support for scholars to more fully understand the policy effects of the RCEP and may also serve as a policy reference for RCEP member countries to expand intra-regional forest product exports. Full article

Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain and complex pathophysiology, requiring new therapeutic approaches. This study aims to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) before hyperalgesia induction on pain sensitivity, IL-6 and IL-10 expression in skeletal muscle, and thalamic serotonin levels in a fibromyalgia (FM)-like rat model. Methods: Wistar female rats aged 12 months were divided into four groups: untrained neutral saline (UNS), untrained acid saline (UAS), RT neutral saline (RTN), and RT acid saline (RTA). Both the RTN and RTA groups were subjected to an RT protocol comprising vertical ladder climbing three times a week throughout 14 weeks. The UAS and RTA groups received 100 µL of neutral, sterile saline (pH 4.0) in the left gastrocnemius muscle, while the UNS and RTN groups received 100 µL of neutral saline (pH 7.4). Mechanical hyperalgesia was assessed using Von Frey’s electronic esthesiometer. Expression of interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10) was analyzed in skeletal muscle, and serotonin expression was quantified in the thalamus. Results: After hyperalgesia induction, the RT groups demonstrated higher paw withdrawal thresholds than the UAS group (p < 0.05). Both IL-6 and IL-10 expression was lower in the RTA group compared to the UAS group (p < 0.05). Thalamic serotonin expression was higher (p < 0.05) in the RTA group compared to the UAS group. Conclusion: Previous RT was able to prevent mechanical hyperalgesia experienced by rats after its induction by acid saline by preventing the increase in the IL-6 and IL-10 levels in skeletal muscle and preventing the decrease in thalamic serotonin expression. Full article

Aligned carbon nanotubes (A-CNTs) are emerging as one of the most promising materials for next-generation nanoelectronics. However, achieving reliable ohmic contacts between A-CNTs and metals remains a critical challenge. In this study, we employ rapid thermal annealing (RTA) to facilitate the formation of transition metal carbides at the metal–CNT interface, significantly reducing contact resistance and enhancing stability. Using the transmission line method (TLM), we demonstrate that RTA reduces the contact resistance at the Ti/A-CNT interface from 112.26 k$\mathrm{\Omega }·\mathrm{\mu }$m to 1.57 k$\mathrm{\Omega }·\mathrm{\mu }$m and at the Ni/A-CNT interface from 81.72 k$\mathrm{\Omega }·\mathrm{\mu }$m to 1.17 k$\mathrm{\Omega }·\mathrm{\mu }$m, representing a reduction of over an order of magnitude. Moreover, the Schottky barrier heights (SBHs) for both the Ti/A-CNT and Ni/A-CNT interfaces decreases by approximately 50% after annealing. A comparative analysis with Pd/A-CNT contacts shows that Ti and Ni contacts exhibit superior reliability under harsh conditions. This work provides a viable solution for improving the electrical performance and reliability of CNT-based devices, offering a pathway toward the development of future CMOS technologies. Full article

This study compared two groups of furniture joints, i.e., a so-called ready-to-assemble (RTA) plastic biscuit joint from Lamello©, while the second group consists of four types of eccentric joints with beech dowels. L-shaped specimens were prepared with the help of the selected joints and a three-layer particleboard with dimensions of 150 × 150 × 400 mm. These L-shaped specimens were tested for bending moment capacity under compression and under tension. Cam joints with wooden dowels can withstand high stress. If Lamello© Bisco P-15 joints are added to the plastic Clamex P-14 joint, this joint will achieve 13% higher values for bending moment capacity under compression and 22% under tension. During testing, the worst result was achieved by the Tenso P-14 joint. The best values achieved during the testing of bending moment capacity under compression and under tension were for an eccentric joint with the use of a metal-capped bolt and Euro screw. This joint achieved 147% higher values for bending moment capacity under compression than a standard eccentric joint with a euro screw bolt and 213% higher values for bending moment capacity under compression than the Lamello© and Clamex P-14 joints. This study aimed to determine how the joints differ, how they behave during testing, and what deformations occur. Full article

Flow injection analysis (FIA) is widely used in drug screening, neurotransmitter detection, and water analysis. In this study, we investigated the electrochemical sensing performance of glassy graphene electrodes derived from pyrolyzed positive photoresist films (PPFs) via rapid thermal annealing (RTA) on SiO₂/Si and polycrystalline diamond (PCD). Glassy graphene films fabricated at 800, 900, and 950 °C were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess their structural and morphological properties. Electrochemical characterization in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) revealed that annealing temperature and substrate type influence the potential window and double-layer capacitance. The voltammetric response of glassy graphene electrodes was further evaluated using the surface-insensitive [Ru(NH₃)₆]^3+/2+ redox marker, the surface-sensitive [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− redox couple, and adrenaline, demonstrating that electron transfer efficiency is governed by annealing temperature and substrate-induced microstructural changes. FIA with amperometric detection showed a linear electrochemical response to adrenaline in the 3–300 µM range, achieving a low detection limit of 1.05 µM and a high sensitivity of 1.02 µA cm⁻²/µM. These findings highlight the potential of glassy graphene as a cost-effective alternative for advanced electrochemical sensors, particularly in biomolecule detection and analytical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected public health and social behavior, contributing to increased psychoactive substance (PAS) use due to social isolation, economic stress, and uncertainty. This study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on alcohol, cannabinoid, and opioid consumption among drivers involved in road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Kazakhstan. Understanding these patterns is essential for improving public health policies and road safety measures during crises. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed medical records from the Digital System of Medical Examination, a national database of drivers involved in traffic accidents in Kazakhstan. This study included 157,490 anonymized records from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2020, categorizing cases into pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups on the basis of the first nationwide lockdown on 16 March 2020. Statistical analyses, including prevalence rates and relative changes, were conducted via SPSS 20, while spatial distributions were visualized via QGIS software. Results: An analysis of all the records revealed a 12.9% decline in traffic accidents during the pandemic, with male drivers predominating during both periods. The mean age of the drivers in the compared groups was 36. Alcohol and cannabinoid use significantly increased during the COVID-19 period by 3.71% and 11.51%, respectively. In contrast, opioid use declined by 10.00%, but the difference was not statistically significant. The greatest increase in positive alcohol tests among drivers was observed in the Atyrau (94.80%), Pavlodar (35.43%), and North Kazakhstan (31.02%) regions, and Atyrau also presented the greatest increase in cannabinoid-positive cases. Conclusions: The results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown measures have affected PAS consumption patterns among drivers. These findings are crucial for informing policies and developing strategies to improve road safety during future public health emergencies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have been found to be the leading factor in disabilities and absenteeism among workers. Despite their growing numbers, WMSD prevalence and risk factors among food delivery riders remain underexplored. Given the high WMSD prevalence among motorcyclists and the rising road traffic accidents (RTAs) among delivery riders in Malaysia, a cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the determinants of WMSDs among this neglected group. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic factors, work-related factors, and a validated Malay-translated Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (M-SNMQ) was used to evaluate the WMSD symptoms and related factors among 191 food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia. An ergonomic risk assessment using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method and whole-body vibration (WBV) measurement was also conducted to elicit the WMSD risk and vibration exposure among the riders. The determinants of WMSDs were analysed using multiple logistic regression using SPSS 20.4. Results: This study revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs (74.9%) among food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, three factors were found to be significantly associated with WMSDs among riders, namely the increasing average working days (aOR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.34, 2.98; p = 0.001), whole-body vibration (WBV) above the exposure action value (EAV) limit (aOR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.13, 6.53; p = 0.026), and not exercising before work (aOR = 21.63; 95% CI = 7.45, 62.79; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Targeted interventions are essential to mitigate ergonomic risks and enhance rider safety. Occupational health policies should prioritise pre-work exercise and WBV exposure reduction to minimise musculoskeletal strain. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the long-term impact of these risks on riders’ health. Full article

This study empirically examines the effects of digital services trade liberalization on digital services trade imports and its mediating mechanism through an augmented gravity model, utilizing data from 55 importing nations and 56 exporting countries from 2014 to 2020. Digital services trade liberalization substantially enhances digital services trade imports by reducing trade costs and aligning regulatory integration, and it exerts notable spillover effects on digital goods trade. Moreover, considering the variety of data service trade provisions, trade promotion provisions and privacy protection terms in digital RTAs exert much stronger positive effects on trade imports compared to data flow provisions. Regarding the heterogeneity of policy areas, liberalization initiatives, mainly removing performance and commercial presence criteria for digital services trade, exert the most substantial positive impact on imports of digital services. Furthermore, from the standpoint of industry heterogeneity, trade liberalization in digital services significantly enhances imports in insurance and pension services, intellectual property services, telecommunications, computer and information services, and personal, cultural, and recreational services. Finally, this article finds that a higher level of Internet development between the two parties correlates with a diminished trade promotion benefit of digital service trade liberalization. Full article