Search Results (6,145)

In a European context, facing pressure to digitalize public administration, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) at the local level remains a deeply uneven and empirically poorly understood process. This study investigates the degree of adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in local public administrations in Germany, exploring territorial disparities and institutional factors influencing this transition. Based on a national sample of 347 municipalities, this research proposes a composite AI adoption index, built by integrating six relevant indicators (including the use of conversational bots and the automation of internal and decision-making processes). In the simulations, local administration profiles were differentiated according to factors such as IT staff (with a weight of 30%), the degree of urbanization (25%), and participation in digital networks (20%), reflecting significant structural variations between regions. The analysis model used is a multilevel one, which highlights the combined influences of local and regional factors. The results indicate a clear stratification of digital innovation capacity, with significant differences between eastern and western Germany, as well as between urban and rural environments. The study contributes to the specialized literature by developing a replicable analytical tool and provides public policy recommendations for reducing interregional digital divides. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebral hemorrhage (CH) has physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences. Recovery requires a complex rehabilitation process in which coping strategies play a fundamental role in supporting psychological adaptation. The aim of this study is to investigate and understand the extent and manner in which coping strategies have been assessed in the CH population within the scientific literature. Methods: Studies were identified through searches in the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. Eight studies published between 2014 and 2024 were selected. Results: The most frequently adopted coping strategies include task-oriented coping, avoidance, emotion-focused coping, acceptance, planning, and emotional support. Task-oriented strategies and acceptance are associated with better psychological outcomes. Conversely, avoidant and emotion-focused strategies correlate with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and poorer adaptation. Resilience and social participation emerge as protective factors. Finally, Action/Distraction is associated with a better quality of life, while Trivialization/Resignation is linked to lower levels. Conclusions: Coping seems to represent a modifiable, patient‑centered lever that can mitigate the psychosocial sequelae of intracranial hemorrhage when assessed systematically and addressed through tailored rehabilitation programs. Our findings lay the groundwork for evidence‑based, coping‑focused interventions and highlight critical avenues for future longitudinal and mechanistic research. Full article

Accurate age determination is fundamental for investigating fish population dynamics and growth patterns. This study used the lapillus to determine age in Triplophysa strauchii populations from an oxbow lake and a stream. Growth patterns were evaluated using three models (the Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and Logistic models). The oxbow lake population showed faster growth and longer lifespan (6 years in Dacao Lake; 5 years in Liutiao Stream). Conversely, the stream population displayed a trend toward smaller size and younger age. Both populations exhibited higher Fulton’s condition factor in juveniles than in adults. The species exhibited a fast-growth type, with similar fitting results across models. These findings reflect subtle differentiation in life history strategies across habitats, likely related to environmental conditions and competitive pressure from invasive species. These insights into T. strauchii life history underscore the importance of further research to support conservation and sustainable management of this endemic species. Full article

Background: The spleen is the primary reservoir of immune cells in mammals. Diverse stimuli can disrupt spleen homeostasis, resulting in spleen injury and immune dysfunction. This study employed a porcine model to assess the therapeutic potential of salvianolic acid B (SAB) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced splenic injury. Methods: Seventy-two male weanling piglets were randomly assigned to one of four groups: CON-SS, SAB-SS, CON-LPS, and SAB-LPS. The CON-SS and CON-LPS groups received a basal diet, while SAB-SS and SAB-LPS groups received a SAB-supplemented diet. After 14 d, the CON-SS and SAB-SS groups received an intraperitoneal injection of sterile saline, whereas the CON-LPS and SAB-LPS groups were injected with LPS. Blood and spleen tissues were harvested 6 h post-injection for biochemical analysis. Results: LPS induced systemic immune disorders in piglets, as evidenced by increased immune organ indices and decreased white blood cell, lymphocyte, and basophil counts in blood (p < 0.05). LPS also caused histoarchitectural disruption, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the spleen (p < 0.05). Conversely, SAB improved splenic histopathology and reduced splenic apoptosis and pro-inflammatory mediators in piglets (p < 0.05). SAB significantly mitigated peroxidation accumulation by facilitating the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and strengthening the antioxidant system, and inhibited nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, SAB attenuated LPS-induced splenic oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by restoring mitochondrial structure and function (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This research unveils that SAB alleviates LPS-induced spleen disorder by reinforcing antioxidant system and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome, highlighting SAB’s potential as a prospective therapeutic agent for spleen disorders. Full article

The development of wave energy is of great ecological and commercial value. This paper studies the linear vertical array arrangement of the slope–pendulum wave energy conversion device (S-PWEC). Based on the WEC-Sim open-source program, we build four wave energy-generating devices with linear vertical array distributions to study the power generation performance of the array platform and establish the factors influencing the array. S-PWEC is affected by radiation and a shading effect from neighboring devices in a linear vertical array configuration. The overall and individual power generation efficiencies are similar. An increase in the number of devices in the linear vertical array exacerbates the fluctuation of wave excitation moment and output power, indicating that there exists an optimal array configuration for maximizing the power generation efficiency. The performance of the array devices is significantly affected by the direction of incoming waves, and the spacing of the arrays should therefore be adjusted according to the periods of the sea state: increasing the spacing in small periods and decreasing the spacing in large periods can effectively improve the overall power generation. In the future, we will continue to study other array forms of S-PWEC to improve the conversion efficiency of array wave power generation devices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of global mortality, with the gut microbiome emerging as a critical factor. This study aimed to characterize gut microbiome composition and metabolic pathways in individuals with low cardiovascular risk (LCR) compared to healthy controls to reveal insights into early disease shifts. Methods: We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing on fecal samples from 25 LCR individuals and 25 matched healthy controls. Participants underwent a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation. Taxonomic classification used MetaPhlAn 4, and functional profiling employed HUMAnN 3. Results: Despite similar alpha diversity, significant differences in bacterial community structure were observed between groups (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05). The LCR group showed enrichment of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p = 0.035), negatively correlating with atherogenic markers, including ApoB (r = −0.3, p = 0.025). Conversely, Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans positively correlated with ApoB (r = 0.4, p = 0.006). Metabolic pathway analysis revealed upregulation of nucleotide biosynthesis, glycolysis, and sugar degradation pathways in the LCR group, suggesting altered metabolic activity. Conclusions: We identified distinct gut microbiome signatures in LCR individuals that may represent early alterations associated with cardiovascular disease development. The opposing correlations between F. prausnitzii and F. saccharivorans with lipid parameters highlight their potential roles in cardiometabolic health. These findings suggest gut microbiome signatures may serve as indicators of early metabolic dysregulation preceding clinically significant cardiovascular disease. Full article

Whether pattern or amount of daily activity determines neuromuscular properties is the focus of this review. The fast-to-slow conversion of many properties of fast-twitch muscles, by stimulating their nerves electrically with the continuous low-frequency pattern typical of slow motoneurons, argued that muscle properties are determined by their pattern of activity. However, the composition of the motor units (MUs) in almost all muscles is heterogeneous, with the MUs grouped into slow, fast-fatigue-resistant and fast-fatigable types that match corresponding histochemical fiber types. Nonetheless, their contractile forces lie on a continuum, with MUs recruited into activity in order of their size. This ‘size principle’ of MU organization and function applies in normally innervated and reinnervated muscles and, importantly, begs the question of whether it is the amount rather than the pattern of the MU activation that determines their properties. Experimental evidence that uniform daily amounts of ~<0.5, 5%, and 50% ES, converted motoneuron, nerve, and muscle properties to one physiological and histochemical type, argued in favor of the amount of activity determining MU properties. Yet, that the properties were not confined to the expected narrow range argued that factors other than the pattern and/or amount of neuromuscular activity must be considered. These include the progressive increase in the synaptic inputs onto motoneurons. The range of the effects of endurance and intermittent exercise programs on healthy subjects and those suffering nerve injuries and disease is also consistent with the argument that factors other than pattern or amount of neuromuscular activity should be investigated. Full article

The integration of water resources, water environment, and water ecology (hereinafter “three-water”) is essential not only for addressing the current water crisis but also for achieving sustainable development. Chaohu Lake is an important water resource and ecological barrier in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, undertaking such functions as agricultural irrigation, urban water supply, and flood control and storage. Studying the performance of “three-water” in the Chaohu Lake Basin will help to understand the pollution mechanism and governance dilemma in the lake basin. It also provides practical experience and policy references for the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yangtze River Basin. We used the DPSIR-TOPSIS model to analyze the performance of the river–lake system in the Chaohu Lake Basin and employed an obstacle model to identify factors influencing “three-water.” The results indicated that overall governance and performance of the “three-water” in the Chaohu Lake Basin exhibited an upward trend from 2011 to 2022. Specifically, the obstacle degree of driving force decreased by 19.6%, suggesting that economic development enhanced governance efforts. Conversely, the obstacle degree of pressure increased by 34.4%, indicating continued environmental stress. The obstacle degree of state fluctuated, showing a decrease of 13.2% followed by an increase of 3.8%, demonstrating variability in the effectiveness of water resource, environmental, and ecological management. Additionally, the obstacle degree of impact declined by 12.8%, implying the reduced efficacy of governmental measures in later stages. Response barriers decreased by 5.8%. Variations in the obstacle degree of response reflected differences in response capacities. Spatially, counties and districts at the origins of major rivers and their lake outlets showed lower performance levels in “three-water” management compared to other regions in the basin. Notably, Wuwei City and Feidong County exhibited better governance performance, while Feixi County and Chaohu City showed lower performance levels. Despite significant progress in water resource management, environmental improvement, and ecological restoration, further policy support and targeted countermeasures remain necessary. Counties and districts should pursue coordinated development, leverage the radiative influence of high-performing areas, deepen regional collaboration, and optimize, governance strategies to promote sustainable development. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) represents an increasingly relevant clinical challenge in older subjects due to population aging and the high prevalence of cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), developed as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), has become a first-line treatment in various forms of ARF, including acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPE) and acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), offering several clinical advantages. In this context, the limited evidence on the efficacy of NIV in older patients leaves considerable uncertainty as to whether it constitutes a valid therapeutic option or represents medical futility in these patients. Materials and Methods: This narrative review explores the use of NIV and its outcomes in four key clinical scenarios in the elderly: ARF due to ACPE, AECOPD, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and palliative/end-of-life care. Results: Strong evidence supports NIV use with improved outcomes in ACPE and AECOPD, even in older populations. Conversely, data on its use in pneumonia are inconclusive, with potential harm if applied inappropriately. In palliative care, NIV can help relieve symptoms, but if not used appropriately, it may extend suffering. Conclusions: Age alone does not appear to be a sufficient factor to determine whether or not to use NIV; it becomes relevant only when considered in conjunction with the purpose of its use and the patient’s clinical history and condition. Data remain limited and often conflicting, particularly when investigating the elderly population and patients with a “do not intubate” (DNI) order. There is a need for additional research on these patients, focusing on long-term outcomes and quality of life. Full article

The global shift toward sustainable transportation has gained increasing interest, promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles as a result of a complex interaction between economic incentives, social dynamics, and environmental imperatives. This study is based on the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to understand the key factors influencing consumers’ intentions in the Sultanate of Oman toward adopting electric vehicles. It is based on a mixed methodology combining quantitative data from a questionnaire of 448 participants, analyzed using ordinal logistic regression, with qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 18 EV owners. Its results reveal that performance expectations, trust in EV technology, and social influence are the strongest predictors of EV adoption intentions in Oman. These findings suggest that some issues related to charging infrastructure, access to maintenance services, and cost-benefit ratio are key considerations that influence consumers’ intention to accept and use EVs. Conversely, recreational motivation is not a statistically significant factor, which suggests that consumers focus on practical and economic motivations when deciding to adopt EVs rather than on their enjoyment of driving the vehicle. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for decision-makers and practitioners to understand public perceptions of electric vehicles, enabling them to design effective strategies to promote the adoption of these vehicles in the emerging sustainable transportation market of the future. Full article

To elucidate the key material parameters governing the tribological performance of ceramic composites under dry sliding against steel, this study presents a comprehensive comparative assessment of the microstructural characteristics, mechanical performance, and tribological behavior of two alumina–zirconia (Al₂O₃–ZrO₂) ceramic composites, each reinforced with a 42 vol.% carbide phase: zirconium carbide (ZrC) and tungsten carbide (WC). Specifically, tungsten carbide (WC) was selected for its exceptional bulk mechanical properties, while zirconium carbide (ZrC) was chosen to contrast its potentially different interfacial reactivity against a steel counterface. ZrC and WC were selected as reinforcing phases due to their high hardness and distinct chemical and interfacial properties, which were expected to critically affect the wear and friction behavior of the composites under demanding conditions. Specimens were consolidated via spark plasma sintering (SPS). The investigation encompassed macro- and nanoscale hardness measurements (Vickers hardness HV₁, HV₁₀; nanoindentation hardness H), elastic modulus (E), fracture toughness (K_IC), coefficient of friction (COF), and specific wear rate (W_s) under unlubricated reciprocating sliding against 100Cr6 steel at normal loads of 10 N and 25 N. The Al₂O₃–ZrO₂–WC composite exhibited an ultrafine-grained microstructure and markedly enhanced mechanical properties (HV₁₀ ≈ 20.9 GPa; H ≈ 33.6 GPa; K_IC ≈ 4.7 MPa·m^½) relative to the coarse-grained Al₂O₃–ZrO₂–ZrC counterpart (HV₁₀ ≈ 16.6 GPa; H ≈ 27.0 GPa; K_IC ≈ 3.2 MPa·m^½). Paradoxically, the ZrC-reinforced composite demonstrated superior tribological performance, with a low and load-independent specific wear rate (W_s ≈ 1.2 × 10⁻⁹ mm³/Nm) and a stable steady-state COF of approximately 0.46. Conversely, the WC-reinforced system exhibited significantly elevated wear volumes—particularly under the 25 N regime—and a higher, more fluctuating COF. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) of the wear tracks revealed the formation of a continuous, iron-enriched tribofilm on the ZrC composite, derived from counterface material transfer, whereas the WC composite surface displayed only sparse tribofilm development. These findings underscore that, in steel-paired tribological applications of Al₂O₃–ZrO₂–based composites, the efficacy of interfacial tribolayer generation can supersede intrinsic bulk mechanical attributes as the dominant factor governing wear resistance. Full article

In recent years, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) technology has significantly contributed to advancements in aquaculture techniques, system iterations, and increased production yields within intelligent feeding systems for Penaeus vannamei. However, current PAM-based intelligent feeding systems do not incorporate environmental factors into the decision process, limiting the improvement of monitoring accuracy in complex environments such as ponds. To establish a connection between environmental factors and the feeding acoustics of P. vannamei, this study utilized PAM technology combined with video analysis to investigate the effects of three key environmental factors—temperature, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen—on the feeding behavioral characteristics of shrimp, with a specific focus on acoustic signals “clicks”. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between the number of clicks and feed consumption in shrimp across different treatments, establishing this stable relationship as a reliable indicator for assessing shrimp feeding status. When water temperature increased from 20 °C to 32 °C, shrimp feed consumption showed an elevation from 0.46 g to 0.95 g per 30 min, with the average number of clicks increasing from 388 to 2947.58 and sound pressure levels rising accordingly. Conversely, ammonia nitrogen at 12 mg/L reduced feed consumption by 0.15 g and decreased click counts by 911.75 pulses compared to controls, while nitrite nitrogen at 40 mg/L similarly suppressed feed consumption by 0.15 g and the average number of clicks by 304.75. A rise in water temperature stimulated shrimp behaviors such as feeding, swimming, and foraging, while elevated concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen significantly inhibited shrimp activity. Redundancy analysis revealed that temperature was the most prominent factor among the three environmental factors influencing shrimp feeding. This study is the first to quantify the specific effects of common environmental factors on the acoustic feeding signals and feeding behavior of P. vannamei using PAM technology. It confirms the feasibility of using PAM technology to assess shrimp feeding conditions under diverse environmental conditions and the necessity of integrating environmental monitoring modules into future feeding systems. This study provides behavioral evidence for the development of precise feeding technologies and the upgrade of intelligent feeding systems for P. vannamei. Full article

Background: The retina, a light-sensitive tissue of the central nervous system that is located at the posterior part of the eye, is particularly vulnerable to alterations in oxygen levels. In various retinal diseases, such as central retinal vein occlusion, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, hypoxia (a condition of low oxygen levels) is commonly observed. Müller glia, the principal glial cells in the retina, play a crucial role in supporting the metabolic needs of retinal neurons. They are also responsible for sensing oxygen levels and, in response to hypoxia, express Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor that activates signaling pathways related to hypoxia. Methods: In this study, primary rat Müller glial cells were cultured and exposed to a 1% oxygen for 72 h. Following this, immunohistochemical assays were conducted to assess the effects of hypoxia on various parameters, including HIF-1α expression, cell survival, Müller glia-specific markers (CRALBP and GS), gliosis (GFAP expression), apoptosis (caspase-3 expression), cell proliferation (Ki-67 expression), and metabolic stress (indicated by the number of mitochondria per cell). Results: Under hypoxic conditions, a decrease in Müller glial survival and proliferation was observed. Conversely, there was an increase in HIF-1α expression, GFAP expression, caspase-3-positive cells, and the number of mitochondria per cell. However, no significant changes were noted in the expression of the Müller glial markers GS and CRALBP. Conclusions: In conclusion, hypoxia resulted in reduced proliferation and survival of Müller glial cells, primarily due to increased apoptosis and heightened metabolic stress. Full article

The dynamic non-equilibrium effect (DNE) describes the non-unique character of saturation–capillary pressure relationships observed under static, steady-state, or monotonic hydrodynamic conditions. Macroscopically, the DNE manifests as variations in soil hydraulic characteristic curves arising from varying hydrodynamic testing conditions and is fundamentally governed by soil matrix particle size distribution. Changes in the DNE across porous media with discrete particle size fractions are investigated via stepwise drying experiments. Through quantification of saturation–capillary pressure hysteresis and DNE metrics, three critical signatures are identified: (1) the temporal lag between peak capillary pressure and minimum water saturation; (2) the pressure gap between transient and equilibrium states; and (3) residual water saturation. In the four experimental sets, with the finest material (Test 1), the peak capillary pressure consistently precedes the minimum water saturation by up to 60 s. Conversely, with the coarsest material (Test 4), peak capillary pressure does not consistently precede minimum saturation, with a maximum lag of only 30 s. The pressure gap between transient and equilibrium states reached 14.04 cm H₂O in the finest sand, compared to only 2.65 cm H₂O in the coarsest sand. Simultaneously, residual water saturation was significantly higher in the finest sand (0.364) than in the coarsest sand (0.086). The results further reveal that the intensity of the DNE scales inversely with particle size and linearly with wetting phase saturation (Sw), exhibiting systematic decay as Sw decreases. Coarse media exhibit negligible hysteresis due to suppressed capillary retention; this is in stark contrast with fine sands, in which the DNE is observed to persist in advanced drying stages. These results establish pore geometry and capillary dominance as fundamental factors controlling non-equilibrium fluid dynamics, providing a mechanistic framework for the refinement of multi-phase flow models in heterogeneous porous systems. Full article

Male Ross 308 finisher (19 to 33 days) broiler chickens (n = 672) were used to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) leucine (Leu)-to-lysine (Lys) ratio for the maximum growth performance and slaughter parameters. A basal diet (incl. wheat, triticale, soybean meal, sunflower meal, and synthetic amino acids) deficient in Leu was formulated, and supplementary L-Leu was used to achieve 0.9 and 1.25 SID Leu-to-Lys ratios in increments of 0.05. A slight deficiency in lysine was implemented to truly relate broiler performance to changes in the SID Leu-to-Lys ratio. Diets were fed to broilers in seven pens (12 broilers each). Eight birds per pen were used for carcass evaluation on day 33. Data analysis indicated that SID Leu-to-Lys ratios between 0.96 and 1.025 were required to achieve 95% and 98% of the maximum body weight gain, daily feed consumption, and the European production efficacy factor, respectively. The estimation of recommended SID Leu-to-Lys ratios for the feed conversion ratio and carcass parameters was not possible. Full article