Search Results (15,364)

Fermented foods and prebiotics are increasingly studied for their potential therapeutic roles in metabolic disorders. In this study, 52 male Wistar rats maintained on a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFS) diet were supplemented for 8 weeks with either water kefir (providing approximately 10⁵ CFU per rat per day), olive leaf polyphenols (equivalent to 1.6 mg oleuropein daily), or a combination of both. Both interventions ameliorated HFS-diet induced weight gain, accompanied by reductions in subcutaneous and mesenteric fat, without additive effects when combined. Moreover, olive polyphenols decreased liver weight, suggesting a potential protective effect against hepatic steatosis through Fasn modulation. These metabolic improvements were accompanied by enhanced gut microbiota diversity. Together, these findings highlight water kefir and olive leaf polyphenols as potential dietary strategies for the management of obesity, hepatic steatosis, and dyslipidemia. Full article

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous pest that causes significant damage to various crops and rapidly develops resistance to insecticides. Broflanilide, a novel meta-diamide insecticide, has shown effectiveness against lepidopteran pests, but the risk of resistance and associated fitness costs in FAW remain unclear. This study evaluated the development of resistance to broflanilide over nine generations of selection using the diet incorporation method at the 70% lethal concentration (LC₇₀) concentration. Following nine generations of selection, the LC₅₀ value increased from 0.134 mg/kg to 0.232 mg/kg, showing a 1.73-fold increase in resistance ratio (RR). The calculated heritability of resistance (h²) was 0.084, which suggested that resistance of FAW against broflanilide is evolving at a slow rate. Based on the projected rate of resistance progression, a 10-fold increase in LC₅₀ would take between 30.1 and 66.4 generations, assuming selection mortality rates of 90% and 50%, respectively. Fitness costs were evaluated using age-stage, two-sex life table analysis, revealing reduced fecundity and pupal weight in the broflanilide-selected (Brof-SEL) strain compared to the wild-type. The relative fitness of the Brof-SEL strain was 0.38, indicating trade-offs in biological traits. These findings suggested a low risk of rapid resistance development against broflanilide. However, effective integrated pest management strategies against FAW require the judicious use of this insecticide in combination with biological control measures, including the deployment of parasitoids and predators, to promote a more environmentally sustainable approach. Full article

Functional ankle instability (FAI) is a common consequence of lateral ankle sprains, characterized by impaired sensorimotor control. While orthoses and localized vibration have shown individual benefits for FAI, their combined application in a wearable device has not been previously investigated. This pilot randomized trial compared the effects of a vibrotactile foot orthosis (VFO) and a vibrotactile ankle orthosis (VAO) on joint position sense (JPS) and postural control in individuals with FAI. Sixteen participants were randomized to receive either a VFO or a VAO, both delivering 30–50 Hz pulsed vibration in 20 min sessions, three times a week, for two weeks. Outcome measures included joint position sense (JPS) error (°), center of pressure (COP) velocity (mm/s), the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and the Six-Meter Hop Test (SMHT), which were assessed pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and after two weeks of use. The analysis showed a statistically significant interaction between time and intervention group for JPS error (p = 0.02, η² = 0.42). Specifically, the VFO group improved JPS significantly more than VAO at two weeks follow-up (MD = −1.75°, p = 0.005, d = −1.68). Both groups significantly reduced in anteroposterior COP velocity after two weeks (VFO: MD = 1, p = 0.003, d = 1.47; VAO: MD = 1.39, p ˂ 0.001, d = 2.05) with no between-group differences. No changes were observed in the SEBT or SMHT. Plantar-based vibrotactile stimulation was more effective than ankle-based stimulation in enhancing proprioceptive acuity in individuals with FAI. Both interventions improved static postural stability, supporting the potential of integrated vibrotactile orthoses in FAI rehabilitation. No major practical issues were reported during the intervention. Two participants experienced minor discomfort related to the electronic housing bulk in the first week, which was resolved by week two. No further complaints regarding device weight or usability were observed. Full article

The V/G criterion is a critical indicator for monitoring dynamic changes during Czochralski silicon single crystal (Cz-SSC) growth. However, the inability to measure it in real time forces reliance on offline feedback for process regulation, leading to imprecise control and compromised crystal quality. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a novel soft sensor modeling framework that integrates both mechanism-based knowledge and data-driven learning for the real-time prediction of the crystal quality parameter, specifically the V/G value (the ratio of growth rate to axial temperature gradient). The proposed approach constructs a hybrid prediction model by combining a data-driven sub-model with a physics-informed mechanism sub-model. The data-driven component is developed using an attention-based dynamic stacked enhanced autoencoder (AD-SEAE) network, where the SEAE structure introduces layer-wise reconstruction operations to mitigate information loss during hierarchical feature extraction. Furthermore, an attention mechanism is incorporated to dynamically weigh historical and current samples, thereby enhancing the temporal representation of process dynamics. In addition, a robust ensemble approach is achieved by fusing the outputs of two subsidiary models using an adaptive weighting strategy based on prediction accuracy, thereby enabling more reliable V/G predictions under varying operational conditions. Experimental validation using actual industrial Cz-SSC production data demonstrates that the proposed method achieves high-prediction accuracy and effectively supports real-time process optimization and quality monitoring. Full article

Estimating the relative position and velocity of micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) using visual signals is a critical issue in numerous tasks. However, traditional relative motion estimation algorithms suffer severely from non-Gaussian noise interference and have limited observability, making it difficult to meet the practical requirements of complex dynamic scenarios. To address this dilemma, this paper proposes a Multimodal Decoupled Spatiotemporal Adaptive Network (MDSAN). Designed for air-to-air scenarios, MDSAN achieves high-precision relative pose and velocity estimation of dynamic MAVs while overcoming the observability limitations of traditional algorithms. In detail, MDSAN is collaboratively composed of two core sub-modules: Modality-Specific Convolutional Normalization (MSCN) blocks and Spatiotemporal Adaptive State (STAS) blocks. Specifically, MSCN uses custom convolution kernels tailored to three modalities—visual, physical, and geometric—to separate their features. This prevents interference between modalities and reduces non-Gaussian noise. STAS, built on a state-space model, combines two key functions: it tracks long-term MAV motion trends over time and strengthens the synergy between different modal features across space. Adaptive weights balance these two functions, enabling stable estimation, even when traditional methods struggle with low observability. Furthermore, MDSAN adopts a full-vision multimodal fusion scheme, completely eliminating the dependence on wireless communication and reducing hardware costs. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that MDSAN achieves the best performance in all scenarios, significantly outperforming existing motion estimation algorithms. It provides a new technical path that balances high precision, high robustness, and cost-effectiveness for technologies such as MAV swarm perception. Full article

A hybrid modeling framework for predicting the mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si alloys, that blends physics-based and machine-learning models, is developed and tested. Motivated by a demand for post-consumer material (PCM) content in wrought aluminium applications, this work proposes, analyses, and discusses a parallel framework that applies an adaptive weighting coefficient derived from local observation density. Based on existing datasets from a range of Al-Mg-Si alloys, such a model is trained and tested in an iterative manner to study its robustness, by emulating a shift in observed alloy composition. The results indicate that the hybrid model is able to combine the interpolative strength of machine learning for cases similar to previous observations with the explorative strength of physics-based (Kampmann–Wagner Numerical) modeling for previously unobserved parameter combinations, as the hybrid model shows higher or similar accuracy than the best of its constituents across the majority of the sequence. The observed model characteristics are promising for predicting the effect of increased compositional variation inherent in PCM. Finally, possible future research is discussed. Full article

Mesh-agnostic models have advantages in processing flow field data with various topologies and densities, and they can easily incorporate partial differential equations. Beyond physics-informed neural networks, mesh-agnostic models have been studied for data-driven predictions of simple flows. In this study, a data-driven mesh-agnostic model is proposed to predict the transonic flow field of various supercritical airfoils. The model consists of two subnetworks, i.e., ShapeNet and HyperNet. ShapeNet is an implicit neural representation used to predict spatial bases of the flow field. HyperNet is a simple neural network that determines the weights of these bases. The input of ShapeNet is extended to ensure accurate prediction for different airfoil geometries. To reduce overfitting while capturing shock waves and boundary layers, a multi-resolution ShapeNet combining two activation functions is proposed. Additionally, a physics-guided loss function is proposed to enhance accuracy. The proposed model is trained and tested on various supercritical airfoils under different free-stream conditions. Results show that the model can effectively utilize airfoil samples with different grid sizes and distributions, and it can accurately predict the shock wave and boundary layer velocity profile. The proposed mesh-agnostic model can be used as a decoder in any conventional models, contributing to their application in complex and three-dimensional geometries. Full article

As demand for rare earth elements (REEs) rises and environmental concerns about the extraction of primary resources grow, biological methods for removing these elements have gained significant attention as eco-friendly alternatives. This study assessed the ability of the green macroalga Ulva lactuca to remove europium (Eu) from aqueous solutions, evaluated the cellular partition of this element and investigated the toxicological effects of Eu exposure on its biochemical performance. U. lactuca was exposed to variable concentrations of Eu (ranging from 0.5 to 50 mg/L), and the amount of Eu in both the solution and algal biomass was analyzed after 72 h. The results showed that U. lactuca successfully removed 85 to 95% of Eu at low exposure concentrations (0.5–5.0 mg/L), with removal efficiencies of 75% and 47% at 10 and 50 mg/L, respectively. Europium accumulated in algal biomass in a concentration-dependent manner, reaching up to 22 mg/g dry weight (DW) at 50 mg/L. The distribution of Eu between extracellular and intracellular fractions of U. lactuca demonstrated that at higher concentrations (5.0–50 mg/L), 93–97% of Eu remained bound to the extracellular fraction, whereas intracellular uptake accounted for approximately 20% at the lowest concentration (0.5 mg/L). Biochemical analyses showed significant modulation of antioxidant defenses. Superoxide dismutase activity increased at 10 and 50 mg/L, while catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were enhanced at lower concentrations (0.5–1.0 mg/L) and inhibited at higher exposures. Lipid peroxidation levels remained similar to controls at most concentrations, with no evidence of severe membrane damage except at the highest Eu level. Overall, the results demonstrate that U. lactuca is an efficient and resilient biological system for Eu removal, combining high sorption capacity with controlled biochemical responses. These findings highlight its potential application in environmentally sustainable remediation strategies for REE-contaminated waters, while also providing insights into Eu toxicity and cellular partitioning mechanisms in marine macroalgae. Full article

The increasing complexity of contemporary urban systems necessitates decision-making frameworks capable of systematically integrating multidimensional sustainability considerations into policy evaluation processes. While existing urban sustainability assessment approaches predominantly focus on isolated environmental or socio-economic indicators, they often lack methodological coherence and direct applicability to operational decision-making. This study proposes a multi-layer sustainability indicator framework explicitly designed to support evidence-based urban decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, institutional constraints, and competing policy objectives. The framework integrates environmental, economic, social, and institutional dimensions of sustainability into a structured decision-support architecture. Methodologically, the study employs a two-stage approach combining expert-based weighting techniques (Analytic Hierarchy Process and Best–Worst Method) with multi-criteria decision-making methods (TOPSIS and VIKOR) to evaluate and rank alternative urban policy scenarios. The proposed framework is empirically validated through an urban case study, demonstrating its capacity to translate abstract sustainability indicators into comparable decision outcomes and policy priorities. The results indicate that the integration of multi-layer indicator systems with formal decision-analysis tools enhances transparency, internal consistency, and strategic coherence in urban governance processes. By bridging the gap between sustainability measurement and decision implementation, the study contributes to the advancement of urban governance scholarship and provides a replicable analytical model applicable to cities facing complex sustainability trade-offs. Full article

Cow efficiency is vitally important to beef sustainability, and computer simulation models may be useful tools to identify characteristics of the most efficient cow genotypes for a given production environment. The objective of this analysis was to determine whether the Beef Cattle Systems Model could replicate empirical research demonstrating a genotype–nutritional environment interaction for efficiency of feed conversion to calves weaned. Combinations of cow genotypes for lactation potential (8, 10, and 12 kg/d at peak milk) and growth potential (450, 505, and 650 kg mature weight) were simulated across four dry matter intake levels (58, 76, 93, and 111 g/kg BW^0.75). At lower dry matter intakes, cows had lesser body condition scores and weight and longer postpartum intervals, but dry matter intake had minimal influence on pregnancy percentage or calf-weaning weight. These trends match empirical research except for pregnancy percentage, where decreasing dry matter intake had a dramatic effect on pregnancy percentage in high-milking, high-growth-potential genotypes. Efficiency of feed conversion was greatest at low dry matter intake for the model simulation with no evidence of a genotype–dry matter intake interaction, which is in contrast to empirical research demonstrating a genotype–dry matter intake interaction. In conclusion, standard nutrition equations do not replicate the genotype–nutritional environment interaction observed in empirical research studies. Full article

Accurate segmentation of nuclei and cytoplasm in cervical cytology images plays a pivotal role in characterizing cellular morphology. The primary challenge is to precisely delineate boundaries within densely clustered cells, which is complicated by low-contrast edges and irregular morphologies. This paper introduces a novel framework combining MaskDino architecture with Hausdorff distance loss, enhanced by a two-phase training strategy. The method begins by employing MaskDino for precise nucleus segmentation. Building on this foundation, the framework then enhances cytoplasmic boundary detection in cellular clusters by incorporating a Hausdorff distance loss, with weight transfer initialization ensuring feature consistency across tasks.. The symmetry between the nucleus and cytoplasm servers as a key morphological indicator for cell assessment, and our method provides a reliable basis for such analysis. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art cytoplasm segmentation results on the ISBI2014 dataset, with absolute improvements of 2.9% in DSC, 1.6% in TPRp and 2.0% in FNRo. The performance of nucleus segmentation is better than the average level. These results validate the proposed framework’s effectiveness for improving cervical cancer screening through robust cellular segmentation. Full article

Magmatic activity is crucial for identification of the tectonic framework of the ancient oceanic crust. In this study, systematic investigation, including a field survey, zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, and whole-rock geochemical analysis, has been carried out on the intrusive quartz- and granodiorites within the Meso-Tethyan Shiquanhe Ophiolitic Mélange (SQM), Tibet. Zircon U-Pb dating yields the weighted mean ages of 174.7 ± 1.4 Ma (quartz diorite) and 178.9 ± 1.2 Ma (granodiorite), respectively, demonstrating the Early Jurassic formation age. The quartz diorite samples are metaluminous (A/NKC = 0.77–0.95) (molar/Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O + K₂O)), while the granodiorite samples are weakly peraluminous (A/NKC = 0.95–1.21), and both of them exhibit tholeiitic to calc-alkaline geochemical characteristics and can be classified as I-type granites. The right-dipping rare-earth element (REE) patterns, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs: Rb, Ba, Th), and depletion in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs: Nb, Ta, Ti), as well as relatively high (La/Yb)_N ratios, are features compatible with an island arc setting. Combined with previous works, we suggest that the Shiquanhe ophiolitic mélange not only preserves records of mid-late Jurassic island arc magmatic activity but also contains evidence of island arc magmatism from the late Early Jurassic. Full article

Background: Adopting novel feed ingredients and aligning feeding strategies with these formulations are key to improving aquaculture sustainability. This study assessed the combined effects of alternative protein and lipid sources and feeding regime on growth, nutrient utilization, and body composition of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles. Methods: Two isoenergetic and identical digestible protein diets (39%) were formulated: a control (conventional fishmeal/fish oil (FM/FO) and plant proteins, containing 20% FM and 6% FO) and an alternative diet replacing 50% of FM and 25% of vegetable proteins with a blend of poultry by-products, insect meal, and single-cell protein (Corynebacterium glutamicum) and totally replacing fish oil with alternative lipid sources (microalgae and by-product oils). Fish (28 g of initial body weight) were fed for 210 days either to apparent satiety (AS) or under moderate restriction (85% and 65% of AS). The number of fish used was 65 fish per 500 L tank (triplicate for each experimental group). Growth performance, feed conversion, nutrient efficiency ratios, protein retention, and proximate and fatty acid composition were measured. Results: The alternative diet significantly improved growth, feed and nutrient efficiency, and protein retention compared with the control. Whole-body fatty acid profiles of fish fed the alternative diet showed higher contents of nutritionally important fatty acids, including DHA. Restricted feeding at 65% of AS enhanced nutrient efficiency ratios and protein retention relative to 85% and AS, but reduced growth. Feeding to AS produced the highest feed intake and growth but poorer feed conversion and nutrient efficiency. No significant interaction between diet and feeding strategy was observed. Conclusions: Incorporating novel protein and lipid sources can improve sea bass performance and product nutritional value while supporting sustainability. Feeding at ~85% of AS may offer a practical compromise between growth and efficient nutrient utilization. Full article

Land seismic data are always contaminated by surface waves, which demonstrate strong energy, low velocity, and long vibrations. Such noises often mask deep effective reflections, seriously reducing the data’s signal-to-noise ratio while limiting the imaging accuracy of complex deep structures and the efficiency of hydrocarbon reservoir identification. To address this critical technical bottleneck, this paper proposes a surface wave joint reconstruction method based on stationary phase analysis, combining the cross-correlation seismic interferometry method with the convolutional seismic interferometry method. This approach integrates cross-correlation and convolutional seismic interferometry techniques to achieve coordinated reconstruction of surface waves in both shot and receiver domains while introducing adaptive weight factors to optimize the reconstruction process and reduce interference from erroneous data. As a purely data-driven framework, this method does not rely on underground medium velocity models, achieving efficient noise reduction by adaptively removing reconstructed surface waves through multi-channel matched filtering. Application validation with field seismic data from the piedmont regions of western China demonstrates that this method effectively suppresses high-energy surface waves, significantly restores effective signals, improves the signal-to-noise ratio of seismic data, and greatly enhances the clarity of coherent events in stacked profiles. This study provides a reliable technical approach for noise reduction in seismic data under complex near-surface conditions, particularly suitable for hydrocarbon exploration in regions with developed scattering sources such as mountainous areas in western China. It holds significant practical application value and broad dissemination potential for advancing deep hydrocarbon resource exploration and improving the quality of complex structural imaging. Full article

The growing global production of plastic, which reached 460 million tonnes in 2022 and has projections of 5.4 million tonnes of waste by 2050 without intervention, has created a severe environmental crisis that demands the development of sustainable alternatives. In this context, this study aims to characterise biodegradable films based on cassava starch and gellan gum, combining microstructural and mechanical properties with the evaluation of thermo-optical parameters. An important advance was the pioneering application of a self-normalised photoacoustic technique, used for the first time to measure thermal diffusivity (0.0013 ± 0.0002 cm²/s) and optical absorption coefficients (at 660 nm) as a function of different concentrations of aniline blue. The results validate the material, which showed high solubility (89.23 ± 1.03%) and crystallinity of 27.40 ± 1.68%. The film demonstrated remarkable biodegradability, losing almost all of its weight (98.30 ± 1.01%) in just 15 days. The measurement of the optical absorption coefficients (at 660 nm) confirmed a linear relationship with the concentration of aniline, validating Beer–Lambert’s law and providing the absorptivity of the dye within the solid matrix—something inaccessible with conventional methods. In conclusion, these films offer significant potential as a viable ecological substitute for single-use plastics, contributing significantly to mitigating the global impact of plastic waste. Full article