Search Results (71,587)

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) treatment outcomes are commonly assessed through visual evaluation of facial wrinkle patterns, a process that remains inherently subjective despite structured grading systems. This study evaluated whether contemporary multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) systems can identify facial changes associated with BoNT treatment, using region-specific wrinkle patterns as surrogate markers of underlying muscle activity. A dataset of 46 facial images (23 pre-treatment, 23 post-treatment) was analyzed using four multimodal models, each assessed across five independent runs. Models were tasked with classifying treatment state from single images, detecting wrinkle presence in the forehead, glabella, and periorbital regions, and generating exploratory severity scores and age estimates. Two models achieved 100% accuracy in distinguishing pre- from post-treatment images in this dataset, while region-specific wrinkle detection was variable and frequently did not exceed majority-class baselines. Inter-run reliability varied substantially across models. Exploratory wrinkle severity scores showed directional differences between treatment states, whereas apparent age estimates demonstrated minimal systematic variation. These findings suggest that global facial changes associated with BoNT treatment appear to be detectable in model outputs, but region-specific assessment remains limited, underscoring the need for cautious interpretation and further validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Carbon dots (CDs) are promising antimicrobial nanomaterials owing to their biocompatibility, environmental friendliness, and tunable surface chemistry. This study aimed to synthesize nitrogen-doped CDs (AS-CDs) and develop a light-responsive antibacterial system through conjugation with chlorin e6 (Ce6). Methods: AS-CDs were synthesized by a microwave-assisted method using L-ascorbic acid and spermidine, followed by conjugation with Ce6. The materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, and spectroscopic methods, and their antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) under both dark and visible-light conditions. Cytotoxicity was assessed using HaCaT cells. Results: The AS-CDs exhibited a uniform nanoscale morphology with an average diameter of 6.3 nm and a positive surface charge of +15.6 mV, together with intrinsic broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Ce6 conjugation further enhanced antibacterial efficacy under light irradiation, with the CDs-Ce6 conjugate achieving complete eradication of S. aureus and MRSA and marked inhibition of E. coli at 2.5 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated low toxicity in HaCaT cells within the effective antibacterial concentration range. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of microwave-synthesized, photosensitizer-conjugated CDs as next-generation antimicrobial agents. This platform offers a cost-effective, sustainable, eco-friendly, and efficient platform for combating bacterial infections, with broader potential in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the migration of potentially hazardous compounds from plastic food packaging into edible oils, bottled water and soft drinks available on the market in the Republic of Moldova. GC–MS screening was applied to identify plastic additives and unintentionally added substances (NIAS). The influence of key extraction parameters, including solvent type, extraction time, pH, alcohol content and sugar concentration, was systematically investigated. The optimized procedure demonstrated satisfactory analytical performances, with recoveries ranging from 81 to 96%, repeatability below 5% and detection limits between 0.006 and 0.01 mg/L. To allow a comprehensive assessment of total phthalate contamination, an additional analytical approach based on the hydrolysis of phthalate esters and the determination of o-phthalic acid using capillary electrophoresis with spectrophotometric detection was proposed. The method showed a linearity range of 0.1–5.0 mg/L and a limit of quantification of 0.07 mg/L. The combined chromatographic and hydrolysis-capillary electrophoresis approaches provide a reliable tool for the integrated determination and evaluation of phthalate residues in aqueous-alcoholic systems and beverages, accessible to laboratories performing food quality control. Full article

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) provide non-material benefits that support human well-being and motivate ecosystem conservation, yet their subjectivity and spatial ambiguity complicate quantitative assessment and management. Taking the Changbai Mountain tourism area as a case, we adopted the ecosystem service matrix method to assess the CES supply score based on the natural system and human system. The service coverage density was obtained through accessibility, thereby quantifying the available supply index for each tourist source area. In addition, we quantified CES demand using a questionnaire survey. Demand for 10 CES types was measured via preference ranking and integrated with the entropy weight method; statistical analysis and GIS mapping were used to examine spatial patterns and influencing factors. Results show that: (1) The overall CES demand in the Changbai Mountain tourism area exhibits clear spatial differentiation, with higher demand in the central and eastern regions and lower demand in the northwest. High-demand areas are mainly concentrated in cities relatively close to the Changbai Mountain tourism area. (2) Among individual CES, recreation (r = 6.58), natural landscapes (r = 6.35), and aesthetic value (r = 6.19) receive the highest demand, and demand structure is significantly associated with occupation, education level, consumption level, and spatial distance. The results indicate that cultural services dominated by knowledge-based services are significantly positively correlated with educational level (r = 0.549, p < 0.001). (3) CES supply capacity shows strong seasonal fluctuations, and is frequently overloaded during peak seasons, leading to prominent supply–demand conflicts; with the exception of Shenyang, Dalian, Jilin and Anshan, the other 17 cities exhibit supply–demand imbalance. By integrating multiple CES types and multiple drivers, this study reveals spatial matching patterns of CES supply and demand in a complex mountain ecotourism region and provides evidence to support ecotourism management, service capacity improvement, and sustainable development. Full article

This study examined the toxicological, and bioaccumulative effects of dietary lead (Pb) on Tenebrio molitor larvae, increasingly considered for human and animal consumption within sustainable food and feed production systems. Larvae were exposed for 21 days to an oat-based diet contaminated with lead salts (125–2000 mg Pb/kg). Body mass, and Pb accumulation in the intestine, internal tissues, and cuticle were analyzed. Pb concentrations in larval compartments increased with increasing nominal Pb levels in feed, with concentrations in internal tissues and cuticle reaching 5–6 times higher than in the control. Estimated bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were below 1 in all cases, indicating no biomagnification. Despite high exposure levels, no significant effects on larval survival or biomass gain were observed. These findings indicate that growth-related parameters are not sensitive indicators of Pb exposure. At the same time, substantial Pb accumulation occurred, particularly in the gut and cuticle, highlighting a risk of “hidden” contamination in insect-based production systems. The results emphasize the need for substrate monitoring and the inclusion of sensitive chemical indicators in food safety risk assessment. Full article

Transit connectivity is a critical indicator for evaluating the transfer efficiency and network performance of hub airports within integrated transport systems. However, conventional connectivity models primarily rely on flight frequency and schedule coordination, while passenger path choice behavior and multimodal competition effects are often overlooked. To address this limitation, this study develops an enhanced transit connectivity evaluation framework that incorporates passenger path choice preferences and air–rail intermodal effects. A novel air–rail intermodal gain coefficient is introduced to capture the context-dependent interplay between aviation and high-speed rail, quantifying synergistic effects when HSR complements air transfer and substitution effects when it competes with it. The proposed model integrates direct transfer connectivity (C^d) and indirect transfer connectivity (C^ind) within a unified quantitative framework, embedding transfer time compliance and detour factor constraints to improve behavioral realism and operational applicability. A case study of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport demonstrates that the introduction of the intermodal gain mechanism increases overall transit connectivity from 3606.3 to 3664.1, with the gain concentrated in the 500 to 800 km distance band where HSR journey times are most competitive with door-to-door air travel. The results reveal strong polarization in direct transfer connectivity and the limited effectiveness of indirect transfer routes due to transfer time constraints. The proposed framework offers a replicable assessment tool for hub airport network connectivity and multimodal transport planning, with potential for broader application across hub airports operating within integrated air–rail networks. Full article

This paper proposes a design-based framework for implementing competency-based education (CBE) in the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) by integrating competency frameworks, learning plans (LPs), adaptive learning (AL) workflows, and visual learning path authoring. While existing research addresses these components separately, there is a lack of operational approaches that translate them into coherent and reproducible LMS-based implementations. The study adopts a design-based synthesis methodology, mapping pedagogical requirements of CBE and adaptive learning to concrete Moodle constructs and plugin-supported functionalities. Based on this mapping, a set of reusable implementation patterns is defined, including course-centric competency alignment, microlearning with branching logic, and adaptive assessment using computer-adaptive testing (CAT). The framework is further extended through visual authoring tools, including the Adele plugin ecosystem. The approach is informed by implementation experience within the TransLeader project (2023-2-PL01-KA220-HED-000179445), which integrates AI and IoT competencies with leadership training in higher education. This paper does not present empirical evaluation results; instead, it provides a structured implementation framework intended to support future empirical validation and institutional adoption. Full article

Background/Objectives: To compare the efficacy of two aligner systems (Invisalign and Eon Aligner) across multiple linear and angular movements. Methods: A total sample of 80 patient cases (n = 40 in each group) was recruited retrospectively. Per case, 3 digital models were retrieved in the form of stereolithography (STL) files. Predicted and achieved tooth movements were measured using the 3Shape Clear Aligner Studio. Initial models were aligned on the predicted and achieved models to create superimposition. Differences in measurement between pre-treatment, predicted, and post-treatment scans were measured. Agreement between the two, Invisalign and Eon, was measured using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Both Invisalign (ICC = 0.82; 95% CI 0.66, 0.9) and Eon Aligner (ICC = 0.75; 95% CI 0.53, 0.87) have shown good agreement when calculating the average differences between the achieved and predicted interpremolar width values. Similar results were found for both intercanine width values (Invisalign: ICC = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.93, 0.98 vs. Eon Aligner: ICC = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97, 0.99). In Eon cases, good to excellent agreement between the achieved and predicted models was observed for lateral (ICC = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.79, 0.94) and central (ICC = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.87, 0.96) mesiodistal rotations. Conversely, Invisalign displayed moderate strength of agreement for the lateral (ICC = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.40, 0.83) and central (ICC = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.44, 0.84) mesiodistal readings. While both aligners demonstrated some level of predictive capacity towards horizontal movements, they were unreliable in predicting vertical movements. Differences in magnitude of change between initial and achieved values between Eon and Invisalign were noted only for certain teeth in the case of horizontal and vertical movements. Conclusions: Both clear aligner therapy systems were able to achieve satisfactory outcomes in terms of inter-premolar and intercanine width changes. Eon Aligner, on the other hand, outperformed Invisalign in terms of rotational accuracy and horizontal movement precision. Notably, both systems demonstrated poor predictability for vertical movements and suffer from significant systemic bias requiring over-correction. Full article

Beef production is widely recognized as a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, making robust and transparent environmental assessments essential for advancing sustainability within supply chains. This study applies a comprehensive cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of beef destined for export, following ISO 14040, ISO 14044 and ISO 14067 standards and the Product Category Rules for meat of mammals. Sixteen impact categories were quantified for 1 kg of vacuum-packed beef using detailed primary data from a pasture-based production system and a representative processing facility. The total climate change impact was 3.27 × 10¹ kg CO₂eq, with enteric methane and feed production jointly responsible for over 70% of overall impacts. Slaughtering and distribution were associated mainly with fossil energy use and ozone depletion, while soil carbon sequestration partially compensated biogenic emissions. The results were consistent with international benchmarks, highlighting the environmental advantages of pasture-based systems, low fertilizer use, and stable land management. Key hotspots were identified in animal growth, feed efficiency, and manure management, with logistics also contributing notably. Overall, the study provides a high-resolution environmental baseline that can support Environmental Product Declarations and guide targeted mitigation strategies across beef supply chains. While the results are derived from a specific pasture-based production system, the study is positioned as a case-study-based application of a high-resolution LCA framework, illustrating how detailed inventories can support environmental benchmarking and hotspot identification without implying statistical representativeness of all beef production systems. Full article

This study develops a high-resolution techno-economic optimization framework to assess the feasibility of green hydrogen production in 100% renewable, off-grid systems. Utilizing 5-minute interval meteorological data aggregated to hourly resolution spanning 5 years across seven geographically diverse sites, this study co-optimizes the integration of hybrid wind–solar power generation, flexible electrolyzer operation, and a multi-timescale energy storage portfolio, incorporating short-duration, long-duration, and seasonal storage. On the generation side, a hybrid wind–solar configuration achieves the lowest levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). For energy storage, no single storage technology can economically address demand fluctuations across short-term, medium-term, long-term, and seasonal timescales. Instead, a coordinated multi-timescale storage strategy incorporating energy-to-energy mechanisms reduces the LCOH by up to 40%. Increasing hydrogen tank capacity and enabling flexible electrolyzer operation further lowers the LCOH. Significant regional resource variability leads to substantial cost disparities, with the most favorable region achieving a low LCOH of $2.45/kg. Several regions are projected to reach the $3/kg target by 2030, while areas with limited resources require large-scale hydrogen storage to ensure supply reliability. These results represent deterministic lower-bound estimates under perfect foresight; accounting for forecast uncertainty and real-world operational constraints would likely increase actual costs by approximately 5–15%. Full article

In the context of the rapid growth of the electric and hybrid vehicle fleet, ensuring the reliability, safety, and durability of traction lithium-ion battery packs has become a key scientific and engineering challenge. The technical condition of battery packs, characterized by such parameters as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and remaining useful life (RUL), directly affects vehicle performance and the total cost of ownership of electric vehicles. This review article systematizes and analyzes current approaches to assessing the technical condition of battery packs. Fundamental degradation mechanisms and factors are considered, including operational, thermal, and mechanical effects. A detailed analysis is presented for the three main classes of diagnostic methods: model-based approaches, data-driven approaches (machine learning and deep learning), and hybrid methods combining the advantages of the former two. Particular attention is paid to methods for early fault detection, thermal runaway prediction, and condition assessment based on real-world operational data. The article presents quantitative results demonstrating the accuracy and effectiveness of various algorithms and also discusses key challenges and promising research directions, such as the use of cloud platforms, digital twins, and explainable artificial intelligence methods. Full article

Background: Mental health problems are highly prevalent among university students in Saudi Arabia; however, help-seeking behaviors remain low despite the availability of mental health services. There is limited evidence regarding students’ intentions to seek help and preferred sources of support, especially formal or informal sources. This study examined help-seeking intentions for mental health problems among university students. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire. Participants were 248 undergraduate students from various Riyadh universities. Help-seeking intentions were assessed using the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire. SPSS software was used to perform independent t-tests to assess differences in preferred sources across demographic groups, and Pearson’s correlation analyses were conducted to examine relationships between preferred sources and demographic variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine demographic and academic predictors of intentions to seek help from formal and informal sources. Results: Students demonstrated a low overall propensity to seek help. Online sources were the most preferred help-seeking option, followed by mothers, friends, and general physicians, whereas faculty, relatives, and religious persons were the least preferred. Preferred help-seeking sources differed by gender. Seeking help from mental health specialists was positively correlated with age and grade point average. Additionally, the regression analysis for formal help-seeking was significant, explaining 8.4% of the variance, with gender as the only significant predictor. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to improve students’ help-seeking behaviors. Universities should prioritize mental health literacy initiatives, stigma reduction strategies, and accessible support pathways, particularly by integrating digital and hybrid services and enhancing the role of faculty and institutional support systems in promoting timely and appropriate help-seeking. Full article

Background: Ectopic fat deposition has been demonstrated to play a critical role in the onset and progression of renal dysfunction. However, research on renal parenchymal fat deposition and its association with renal dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains limited, particularly regarding its association with early kidney injury. The present study aimed to further investigate the relationship between renal fat fraction (FF) and biomarkers of kidney injury, thereby providing new evidence for the potential link between intrarenal fat accumulation and early renal impairment in T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 60 patients with T2DM. Renal FF was quantitatively assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical characteristics, body composition parameters, and biochemical indices were collected. Levels of kidney injury biomarkers, including tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 (TNF-R1), tumor necrosis factor receptors 2 (TNF-R2), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the correlations between fat distribution and inflammatory biomarkers, Pearson correlation analysis was performed. Furthermore, linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the associations between renal FF and kidney injury biomarkers with adjustments for potential confounders such as smoking status, diabetes duration, and visceral fat. Lasso regression was used to screen variables. Results: The results demonstrated that renal FF was significantly positively correlated with serum YKL-40 (r = 0.3, p = 0.021), TNF-R1 (r = 0.246, p = 0.042), and urinary KIM-1 (r = 0.396, p = 0.004), indicating a close association between renal fat accumulation and early kidney injury biomarkers. In regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, the associations between renal FF and these biomarkers remained significant. After further adjustment for potential confounders, including smoking history, alcohol consumption, hypertension, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and lipid-lowering drugs, renal FF remained significantly associated with TNF-R1 (β = 0.327, p = 0.015), KIM-1 (β = 0.352, p = 0.021), and YKL-40 (β = 0.275, p = 0.025). Moreover, even after additional adjustment for visceral fat, the associations of renal FF with TNF-R1 and KIM-1 persisted. After using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure for false discovery rate, the relationship between renal FF and KIM-1 had a significant difference. Variables of age and gender were excluded to build the parsimonious modeling using Lasso regression. It suggested that renal fat accumulation may contribute to kidney injury independently of visceral adiposity. Conclusions: The study systematically demonstrates a significant association between renal FF and early biomarkers of kidney injury in T2DM, which may suggest the potential role of renal fat accumulation in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. These findings provide clinical data support for the development of a fat-targeted intervention study. Future research should further elucidate the long-term mechanistic role of renal FF in diabetic nephropathy, as well as its potential value in early diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Full article