Search Results (51,696)

Ocular fungal diseases are associated with severe infection and pain and, in advanced stages, can lead to vision loss. Current treatment options are limited to the topical application of conventional drugs, and the bioavailability of these drugs is quite limited due to ocular barriers. In this study, a dual-drug nanodelivery system was developed to improve intraocular drug delivery by combining antifungal and anti-inflammatory therapies. Posaconazole (PSC), a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent, and dexketoprofen trometamol (DKP), a rapidly acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, were co-loaded onto polymeric micelles and then incorporated into electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVA/PVP) nanofiber intraocular implants. DSC, XRD, FTIR, and FESEM analyses showed that both APIs were successfully converted into nanofiber form without disrupting the micelle structure. Comparative studies with DKP solution and PSC commercial oral suspension (Noxafil^® 40 mg/mL) showed that the produced micelle-loaded nanofibers provided sustained release and significantly increased ex vivo ocular permeation and penetration. In vitro antifungal activity tests demonstrated efficacy against Candida albicans, and HET-CAM toxicity tests showed that the micelle-loaded nanofibers were non-irritating and suitable for ocular application. Overall, the micelle-loaded electrospun nanofiber ocular inserts developed in this study represent a promising platform for combined antifungal and anti-inflammatory ocular therapy. Full article

Diamond bead wire saw cutting technology for coal seams is an effective approach for relieving pressure and enhancing permeability by forming internal slits within a coal seam. However, the current lack of solid theoretical guidance for cutting force models in loaded coal bodies makes it difficult to accurately predict cutting forces under underground conditions. This study established a three-dimensional cutting force model for wire saw cutting of loaded coal bodies. At the same time, comparative experiments were conducted using a self-developed experimental apparatus for cutting loaded coal with a wire saw. The research findings indicate that, during wire saw cutting of loaded coal bodies, increasing the cutting depth of the cutting force of a single abrasive grain by changing the load on both sides of the coal body changes the removal patterns of abrasive particles at different orientations on a single bead. This leads to a shift from plastic deformation to brittle deformation while widening the cutting contact area on both sides of the wire saw. The interaction of these aspects changes the cutting force exerted by the wire saw on loaded coal bodies. The experimental results revealed that under high-load conditions, the cutting force on the coal further increased during wire saw cutting. This suggests that the expansion of the cutting range plays a more significant role in increasing the cutting force than does the decrease resulting from changes in removal mode. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights for the process design of wire saw coal cutting technology. Full article

Propolis is a resin collected by bees from several plant sources and used by humans for centuries. Its commercial use is usually based on alcoholic extracts, which is a drawback for some applications. Conversely, oil extracts are non-toxic and capable of extracting and dissolving a wide range of less polar compounds. As previous studies showed that oil extracts presented bioactivity similar to ethanolic extracts, a reproducible method for the extraction of green Brazilian propolis was developed and patented. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the ethanolic and oil extracts of green propolis were compared as well as their ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) profiles, with similar results. A method was developed to recover propolis bioactive compounds from the oily matrix in order to allow its qualitative and quantitative quality control, according to parameters determined by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, and is presented herein for the first time. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and dry mass are comparable to the ethanolic extract. Therefore, OEP can be recommended for the diverse food supplements and cosmetic products that currently use the ethanolic extract of propolis, without the drawbacks of the presence of alcohol in these formulations. Full article

This paper presents a comparative modeling and experimental validation study for a modular four-wheel omnidirectional mobile robot, focusing on two locomotion architectures implemented on the same platform: four omni wheels (90° rollers) and four Mecanum wheels (45° rollers). Both configurations were evaluated under identical benchmark conditions on a 1 m × 1 m square path (4 m total path length), using the same nominal 12 V supply and the same test duration, in order to ensure a fair and reproducible cross-architecture comparison. A MATLAB/Simulink–Simscape dynamic model was developed for both architectures, while experimental validation was performed using Hall-effect current sensors integrated into the drive modules. Based on the measured and simulated motor currents, a 12 V-based electrical input-power estimate was evaluated at both motor and robot level. For the considered benchmark, the four-Mecanum configuration exhibited a lower measured input-power estimate than the four-omni configuration (17.88 W vs. 25.75 W), corresponding to an approximate reduction of 30.6% under the adopted assumptions. At robot level, the deviation between simulated and measured total input-power estimate was 3.70% for the four-omni architecture and 21.42% for the four-Mecanum architecture, indicating higher predictive agreement for the omni-wheel model in its present form. The comparative analysis also suggests that wheel–ground interaction and roller geometry influence not only the measured current demand but also the level of agreement between simulation and experiment. Although the present study is limited to a single standardized benchmark and nominal-voltage conditions, it provides a controlled basis for comparing the two locomotion solutions and for identifying directions for further model refinement. The findings should therefore be interpreted as benchmark-specific comparative results offering practical guidance for locomotion architecture selection and for future refinement of friction-aware omnidirectional robot models. Full article

Many challenges are commonly encountered in the underground mining of steeply dipping thin-to-medium-thick orebodies associated with weak hanging wall rockmass, such as stope back collapse, high ore dilution, and poor stoping stability. To address these issues, a synergistic mining method combining sidewall retaining and open stoping with a delayed backfilling method is proposed. Taking the north wing orebody of the Erlihe lead–zinc mine as the engineering background, a 3D finite element numerical simulation model was established using MIDAS GTS(2026 version) to conduct a comparative analysis between the proposed mining method and the current mining method. The mechanical response characteristics of crown pillar stress, crown pillar settlement, hanging wall displacement, and plastic zone evolution were systematically investigated under different mining stages. The results show that the proposed method improves the stress and deformation distribution at the bottom of the crown pillar. The peak stress decreases from 13.72 MPa to 12.86 MPa, and the spatial extent of the high-stress zone is noticeably reduced. Meanwhile, the maximum crown pillar subsidence decreases, while the width of the main subsidence zone decreases from 11 nodes to 9 nodes, and the settlement of the end region decreases by 6.05%. In terms of hanging wall response, the maximum displacement is reduced by 9.3–26.5% during the stope extraction stage and 9.6–10.0% during the inter-pillar recovery stage, with an overall average reduction of approximately 14.0%. Furthermore, the plastic zone in the hanging wall surrounding rock becomes smaller and develops later under the proposed mining method. Our findings demonstrate that the new proposed mining method effectively modifies the stress transfer path, mitigates deformation of both the crown pillar and hanging wall rock, and delays the development of plastic failure, thereby improving stope stability under weak hanging wall rockmass conditions. The proposed method provides a practical technical solution for the safe and efficient extraction of steeply dipping thin-to-medium-thick orebodies. Full article

The industrial metaverse is a digital twin space that integrates the real world with virtual environments through bidirectional synchronization. It supports critical services, such as time-sensitive machine control and large-scale collaboration, which require Time-Sensitive Networking and scalable Data Distribution Services. DDS, developed by the Object Management Group, provides excellent scalability and diverse QoS policies but struggles to guarantee transmission delay and jitter for time-critical applications. TSN, based on IEEE 802.1 standards, addresses these challenges by ensuring time-criticality. However, current research lacks comprehensive integration mechanisms for DDS and TSN, particularly from the viewpoints of semantics and system framework. Additionally, there is no adaptive QoS mapping converting the abstract DDS QoS policies to the sophisticated TSN QoS parameters. This paper presents a novel DDS-over-TSN framework that incorporates three key functions to address these challenges. First, Cross-layer QoS Mapping automates correspondences between DDS and TSN parameters, deriving technical constraints from standard documentation through retrieval-augmented generation. Second, Semantic Priority Estimation extracts substantial priority levels by utilizing language model embedding vectors as high-dimensional feature extractors. Third, Adaptive Resource Allocation performs dynamic bandwidth distribution for each priority level through reinforcement learning. Simulation results reveal over 99% mapping accuracy and 97% consistency in priority extraction. The applied Deep Reinforcement Learning paradigm allocated 99% of required resources to high-priority classes and reduced resource wastage by 15% compared to conventional methods. This methodology meets industrial requirements by ensuring both deterministic real-time performance and efficient resource isolation. Full article

Taxanes, such as paclitaxel and docetaxel, are microtubule-stabilizing agents widely used in oncology, either as monotherapy or in combination regimens. While highly effective, these first-generation taxanes face important limitations, including significant toxicity, reduced water solubility, and the emergence of multidrug resistance. To address these challenges, semi-synthetic taxoids have been developed, aiming to improve pharmacological profiles and overcome therapeutic barriers. Central to these efforts is the understanding of structure-activity relationships, which guides the rational design of taxane analogues with enhanced efficacy and safety. This review explores recent advances in taxoid development, highlights findings from clinical trials, and evaluates how these new agents compare with traditional taxanes in terms of therapeutic potential and tolerability. While novel delivery systems offer improved outcomes with existing drugs, the development of new taxane analogues remains a promising approach to address drug resistance, albeit with challenges related to toxicity, high costs, and historically low success rates in drug development. Furthermore, taxanes are already used in certain cardiovascular conditions and show emerging potential in neurodegenerative diseases, although current evidence remains largely limited to preclinical or early-phase clinical studies. These developments mark an important evolution in the field and offer new opportunities for future therapeutic strategies. Full article

This study presents one of the first empirical assessments of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) adoption within architectural academia and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in Saudi Arabia. Using a cross-sectional survey of 113 respondents—60 academics and 53 industry professionals—the research examines familiarity, current usage, perceived benefits, challenges, and future readiness for AI/ML integration. Results show high familiarity and strong perceived importance across both sectors, yet actual implementation remains uneven. Very large firms demonstrate the highest adoption capacity, while small and medium-sized firms face financial and organizational constraints. Academic institutions exhibit moderate familiarity but limited curricular and research integration due to faculty expertise gaps, restricted access to tools, and traditional pedagogical structures. Despite these barriers, both sectors consistently identify AI/ML as critical for enhancing creativity, efficiency, and industry preparedness. The study highlights organizational capacity as the primary determinant of adoption. It concludes with recommendations for curriculum reform, faculty training, industry–academia collaboration, and national policy frameworks to accelerate digital transformation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. This research establishes a foundational baseline for future longitudinal and comparative studies on AI/ML integration in the regional architectural ecosystem. Full article

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has become a major behavioral health concern among adolescents, yet current assessment tools remain limited. These tools often fail to capture the disorder’s complex symptom variations and lack clinical interpretability. This study, taking an interdisciplinary approach that combines clinical psychology and psychometrics, summarizes recent progress in understanding adolescent IGD and the development of its assessment methods. We compare the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5 TR and ICD-11 and argue that the nine DSM-5 TR criteria are particularly suited for transformation into distinct diagnostic attributes due to their detailed and actionable nature. We then review the strengths and weaknesses of Classical Test Theory (CTT), Item Response Theory (IRT), and Cognitive Diagnostic Models (CDMs) in assessing IGD. The review emphasizes the limitations of total-score and single latent-trait approaches in capturing the disorder’s multidimensional symptoms. Based on these insights, we propose a conceptual assessment framework, Cognitive Diagnosis Computerized Adaptive Testing (CD-CAT), that integrates CDMs with computerized adaptive testing. Rather than presenting an empirically validated system, this framework offers a theoretically grounded proposal that specifies the key components, logical relationships, and methodological pathways necessary for advancing precision assessment of adolescent IGD. CD-CAT uses a system of attributes and a Q-matrix based on the DSM-5 TR criteria to efficiently classify IGD symptoms in adolescents, reducing the number of items required while enhancing clinical relevance. Lastly, we discuss the theoretical contributions of the proposed framework, acknowledge its limitations as a conceptual proposal, and outline directions for future empirical research. Full article

Radiotherapy is one of the conventional methods for the treatment of cancers. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has emerged as a promising and well-recognized modality for treating certain types of cancers. BNCT is a binary radiotherapy that largely depends on neutron beams and ¹⁰B carriers. Although an “ideal” boron carrier should fulfill multiple criteria, high tumor/normal tissue ratio (T/N > 5) and high tumor uptake of boron (>20 μg/g) are critically important. First-generation (boric acid and derivatives) and second-generation (BPA and BSH) boron carriers suffer from poor T/N and extremely high dose in clinical use (500 mg/kg and usually >30 g for each patient). Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is overexpressed on the membrane surface of multiple tumors and is a potential target for third-generation boron carrier to achieve high T/N and high tumor uptake of boron. However, the boron-bearing sugar derivatives designed in the last few decades have suffered from suboptimal T/N values and significant cytotoxicity. In the present study, a total of two categories comprising 6 series (28 in total) of boron-bearing sugar derivatives were designed and synthesized and their cellular boron uptake, T/N, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these target compounds was analyzed, and one of the target compounds, B3, a phenyl C-mannoside with an o-carborane moiety, exhibited the best boron-carrying profile, which featured 10.6-fold higher boron uptake by the SCC-9 cell line and a largely improved T/N (3.3 for B3 vs. 1.4 for BPA) compared with the current clinical gold standard BPA. Therefore, the chemical structure of B3 represents a privileged candidate structure for the future design of “ideal” boron carriers for BNCT. Full article

The method of images (MoI) is a valuable technique for solving certain electrostatic boundary value problems consisting of charge density near conductor(s). We developed and validated an inquiry-based tutorial on MoI to help students learn to identify the problems involving symmetry in which MoI is applicable and then apply it by finding the correct image charge configuration. We implemented the inquiry-based tutorial accompanied by pretest and posttest, across three instructors’ classes to evaluate student learning. We also conducted think-aloud interviews with advanced physics students, which helped us gain insights into their problem-solving strategies, evaluate their understanding developed through the tutorial and make necessary refinements to the MoI tutorial. The study identified common student difficulties, which were subsequently integrated into the inquiry-based tutorial as a guide to provide support to students. One important finding is that advanced students have common difficulties related to physics concepts similar to those found in introductory physics courses. The performance difference in the pretest administered after lecture-based instruction and the posttest administered after working through the tutorial reflects students’ ability to apply what they learned from the inquiry-based tutorial compared to traditional lecture. Another important and unanticipated finding of this study is the potential impact of the framing of the inquiry-based tutorial and accompanying tests by one of the instructors on the engagement and performance of students. In particular, the instructor of one of the classes offered students a small amount of extra credit for engaging with the inquiry-based tutorial and tests, explicitly noting that these activities were not part of the current course syllabus and were primarily conducted to support physics education research. This kind of framing likely influenced students’ motivation and engagement, which underscores how the way the instructor frames the inquiry-based instructional tasks to their students can have a significant impact on student performance. Overall, this iterative multi-year design-based comparative research with mixed-method triangulation provides valuable insights on the challenges involved in such studies that educators and researchers alike can greatly benefit from. Full article

The prediction of dynamic responses of offshore wind turbine foundations under wind-wave-current multi-field coupled loads is the cornerstone of safety in offshore wind power engineering. The currently widely adopted equivalent load application method, while computationally efficient, simplifies loads into concentrated forces applied at the pile top and tower top, neglecting fluid-structure dynamic interaction mechanisms, which leads to deviations in response predictions. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a high-precision bidirectional fluid-structure interaction numerical framework. The fluid domain employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to construct an air-seawater two-phase flow model, utilizing the standard k-ε turbulence model and nonlinear wave theory to accurately simulate complex marine environments. The solid domain establishes a wind turbine-stratified seabed system via the finite element method (FEM), describing soil-rock mechanical properties based on the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model. Comparative studies indicate that the equivalent static method significantly underestimates the displacement response of pile foundations, particularly under the extreme shutdown conditions examined in this study. This value should be interpreted as a case-specific observation rather than a universal deviation, and the discrepancy may vary with sea state, wind speed, current velocity, and wind–wave misalignment, thereby leading to non-conservative estimates of stress distribution. In contrast, the fluid-structure interaction method can reveal key physical processes such as local flow acceleration and wake–interference effects around the tower and the parked rotor under shutdown conditions, and the nonlinear interaction and resistance-increasing mechanisms between waves and currents. This model provides a reliable tool for safety assessment and damage evolution analysis of wind turbine foundations under extreme marine conditions, promoting the transformation of offshore wind power structure design from empirical formulas to mechanism-driven approaches. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is one of the major by-products of the brewing industry and an abundant lignocellulosic stream with potential for energy recovery and broader biorefinery use. This review evaluates the main BSG-to-energy pathways, including anaerobic digestion (AD), combustion/co-combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal processes (HTC/HTL), with emphasis on technical performance, environmental aspects, implementation constraints, and integration into brewery systems. Particular attention is given to the effect of BSG heterogeneity, high moisture content, protein and ash composition, and storage instability on process selection and operability. In addition to summarizing pathway-specific evidence, the manuscript proposes a harmonized comparative framework and an integrated technical–economic–environmental interpretation of BSG valorization options. The analysis shows that wet-feed-compatible pathways, especially AD and hydrothermal processing, are generally better aligned with the intrinsic properties of fresh BSG, whereas thermochemical routes usually require more intensive feedstock conditioning and tighter control of ash-related and gas cleaning risks. The review also highlights that long-term operational reliability, scale-up constraints, and utility integration are as important as nominal conversion efficiency when assessing practical deployment. Current evidence suggests that the most realistic implementation strategies are context-dependent and should be selected according to brewery scale, energy demand profile, available heat integration, and acceptable operational risk. Future research should prioritize harmonized reporting, long-term industrial validation, and the development of robust hybrid systems and brewery-integrated biorefinery configurations. Full article

As in other cultures, university students in Nepal struggle with significant academic pressure, which often leads to academic anxiety and depression. The current study aims to expand awareness of the presence, prevalence, and impact of student academic anxiety and depression among Nepalese university students as well as to test an emerging approach to universal screening to identify learners’ need profiles to promote targeted intervention supports. Participants included 547 Nepalese college students who completed the Academic Anxiety Scale (AAS) and the University Student Depression Inventory (USDI). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate the validity of the Nepalese versions. Finally, comparative analyses using an archival dataset of students from the United States explored consistencies across cultural contexts. Nepalese translations of both scales demonstrated high reliability and validity and identified similarities in patterns of expressed academic anxiety and depression across cultures. Furthermore, four profiles of need were generated based on levels of anxiety, depression, and academic motivation. The results supported clear recommendations for tiered interventions in specific domains of emotion regulation. This initial large-scale study of academic anxiety and depression in a Nepalese university population provided confirmation that the models of anxiety and depression as well as incidence levels were consistent with existing research from other contexts. Moreover, the results provided strong confirmation that universal screening with simplified self-report measures can identify clear patterns of need among students, which can be aligned with targeted tiered interventions to support student thriving. Full article

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) is a severe and highly disabling autoimmune astrocytopathy in which humoral immunity, mediated by the presence of autoantibodies, and cellular immunity, through Th17 cells and related cytokines, are key contributors to the pathogenesis. This neuroglial disease affects the central nervous system and is predominantly described in the young productive population. For many years, NMOSD treatment lacked disease-specific therapies and relied on conventional immunosuppressive agents. Progress in elucidating underlying mechanisms of the disease has led to the development and approval of highly specific and effective pathology-modifying drugs. Objective: The objective of this paper is to analyze current and emerging monoclonal antibody-based therapies for NMOSD. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted focusing on approved and investigational monoclonal antibodies targeting major immunopathogenic pathways in NMOSD. Both long-term maintenance therapies and treatments for acute relapses were considered. Results: Targeted monoclonal antibody therapies have significantly transformed the therapeutic management of NMOSD. Drugs directed at B-cell depletion, IL-6 receptor inhibition, and complement blockade have demonstrated substantial efficacy in reducing relapse rates and improving clinical outcomes. Emerging therapies and biomolecular engineering represent promising strategies aimed at further modulating disease activity. These treatments offer improved specificity compared with traditional immunosuppressive regimens and contribute to better long-term disease control. Conclusions: The growing understanding of NMOSD immunopathogenesis has led to the development of highly specific monoclonal antibody-based therapies that have substantially redefined long-term maintenance strategies. Emerging biological targets may expand future therapeutic options. Continued research is essential to optimize individualized treatment approaches and improve outcomes for patients with NMOSD. Full article