Search Results (9,021)

Introduction: The potential role of food hypersensitivity in the insurgence of inflammatory activity in arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has received intermittent attention, also supported by theoretical links involving mucosal immunity, mast-cell activation, and microbiome–immune interactions. Despite biological plausibility, the clinical significance of dietary antigens in RA remains uncertain. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Searches using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies exploring dietary interventions or food hypersensitivity in RA. Eligible articles included clinical trials, case reports, and observational studies, in English or Italian, up to the 10 December 2025. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that elimination or elemental diets occasionally yielded subjective improvements—such as a reduction in pain, morning stiffness, and functional improvements—yet objective inflammatory markers rarely changed. Small, highly selected, cohorts demonstrated immuno-histological alterations, including reduced mast-cell density, while long-term diets (e.g., gluten-free or vegan) have reduced specific IgG levels without altering radiographic progression. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that dietary interventions may offer symptomatic relief only in a minority of RA patients. Due to methodological constraints, inconsistent outcomes, and limited applicability to contemporary treatments, dietary approaches need further exploration and investigation. Rigorous trials in modern cohorts are warranted to clarify whether food hypersensitivity meaningfully influences RA pathophysiology. Full article

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is increasingly used to support landscape-sensitive planning; however, existing approaches often lack an operational integration of visual perception and map-based indicators, particularly in complex Mediterranean island contexts. This study demonstrates a methodology for integrated landscape character and quality assessment, combining landform and landcover mapping with map-based visibility indicators derived from the local road network. The approach was applied to the Platanos community in western Crete, a representative Mediterranean landscape of contrasting coastal resort zones, agricultural lowlands, and cultural heritage sites. The methodology followed three stages: desk-based mapping of Land Description Units (LDUs) using landform and landcover data, field surveys to define Landscape Character Types (LCTs) and assess socio-cultural and perceptual attributes, and GIS-based visibility analysis from 18 road observation points. Six visual indicators (connectivity, complexity, naturalness, disturbance, historicity, and visual scale) were calculated to quantify spatial and perceptual characteristics. Results revealed a spatial division between a core northern area of high visual scale, cultural importance, but also disturbance, and a southern area of greater naturalness but lower visual openness and cultural visibility. These results highlight that high landscape quality is not solely associated with naturalness, but emerges from the interaction between physical structure, cultural elements, and visual perception. The findings underscore the complementary value of combining physical, cultural, and perception-based metrics in LCA. The proposed framework offers a reproducible tool for evidence-based landscape planning and heritage-sensitive development in accordance with the principles of the European Landscape Convention (ELC). Full article

This article presents numerical models for unbraced steel frames filled with structural masonry under cyclic loads, offering insights into their behavior and design potential. Using simplified micro-modeling in ABAQUS with the Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model, the study accurately represents masonry interactions and shows strong agreement with experimental data (R² = 0.977). Results indicate that the fracture energy of laying joints and the friction coefficient between masonry and steel frames critically influence displacement, collapse mechanisms, and overall stiffness. Key findings reveal that the masonry infill increases frame stiffness by approximately ten times compared to the empty frame, reducing lateral deformations to less than 0,17% of the drift ratio. Masonry infills significantly enhance frame rigidity, acting as efficient bracing elements and reducing deformations, which is particularly valuable for seismic-resistant design. The research confirms the reliability of the CDP model for complex masonry behavior, validates simplified approaches for reduced computational cost, and highlights the need to incorporate friction effects in simulations. These findings provide a basis for future technical standards and offer practical strategies for engineers working with composite steel–masonry systems. Full article

The performance of the cleaning system in crop harvesters directly impacts overall operational efficiency and harvest quality. Against the background of traditional design relying on physical experiments—which is costly and provides limited mechanistic insight—Discrete Element Method (DEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and their coupled simulation (CFD-DEM) have become key means for in-depth study of the cleaning process, capable of revealing the complex interactions between particles and between particles and airflow. With the increasingly widespread and deep application of computer simulation technology in agricultural machinery research and development, it is particularly necessary to systematically review its research progress in cleaning systems. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis and summary of the key technologies in cleaning system simulation, aiming to address the current gap in systematic reviews of simulation technology in this field. Compared with previous studies that mostly focus on a single method or a specific crop type, this paper systematically reviews the application of three simulation technologies in cleaning systems of various crop harvesters. First, based on the working principle and core operational challenges of cleaning systems, the necessity of applying simulation technology is clarified. Second, the basic principles, modeling processes, and suitable application scenarios and key points for the cleaning simulation of each method are analyzed. Third, typical cases are reviewed to summarize their key achievements in structural innovation, parameter optimization of cleaning devices, and revealing the mechanisms of material separation. Finally, current bottlenecks in simulation applications are pointed out, and future development directions are outlined, including high-precision multi-field coupling, integration with intelligent algorithms, and the construction of digital twin systems. This study aims to provide systematic theoretical reference and methodological support for the innovative design and performance improvement of cleaning systems. Full article

While light-based external human–machine interfaces (eHMIs) on automated vehicles (AVs) are increasingly studied to mediate pedestrian–vehicle conflicts, gaps persist in understanding how specific dynamic features of the AV’s headlights influence pedestrians’ prediction of its yielding intention and their crossing behavior. This study systematically investigates the effects of dynamic elements of vehicle lighting—including animation patterns, animation speed, and light-emitting area—on pedestrians’ objective and subjective evaluations. A factorial design framework was employed, where participants viewed video simulations of an approaching AV displaying headlight designs combining multiple dynamic features. For different vehicle motion states, the vehicle–pedestrian distance was integrated as a variable to examine its interaction effect with lighting features. Objective measures of cueing effects were complemented by subjective ratings and user preference study via questionnaires. Results showed that there were more crossing behaviors of the pedestrian when presenting higher animation speed of dynamic light eHMIs. Animation pattern and light-emitting area does not play an important role in pedestrian decision-making, but proper design of these two features can evoke higher visual attention. When the vehicle–pedestrian distance is longer, the dynamic features of lighting will more affect people’s willingness to cross. The effects of light eHMIs seemed more significant for the AV travelling in constant speed. Our findings advance preliminary suggestions for selecting light-based eHMIs in the appropriate scenarios and can contribute actionable insights for designing intuitive, human-centric AV–pedestrian negotiation strategies. Full article

Three novel metal complexes of the tridentate ligand 4-nitro-2-(quinolin-8-yliminomethyl)phenol (NQP) were synthesized and fully characterized using elemental analysis, TGA, magnetic susceptibility, FT-IR, NMR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Stoichiometric studies and characterization data proposed square-planar Pd(II), tetrahedral Zn(II), and octahedral Fe(III) geometries. Density functional theory calculations (B3LYP and B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) with LANL2DZ for metals) showed good agreement with experimental findings and revealed enhanced nonlinear optical properties, as evidenced by increased polarizability and hyperpolarizability values. Biological studies demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the Pd–NQP complex exhibiting superior efficacy against bacterial and fungal strains compared to ofloxacin and fluconazole, following the order NQP < Zn < Fe < Pd. Cytotoxicity assays against Hep-G2, MCF-7, and HCT-116 cell lines revealed strong anticancer activity, particularly for the Pd(II) complex (IC₅₀ = 6.35–12.95 μ_g/μL), comparable to cisplatin. All complexes showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than ascorbic acid and strong DNA-binding affinity. Antimicrobial activity was further validated experimentally, while molecular docking studies elucidated favorable binding interactions with microbial proteins and cancer-related targets. Full article

Enhanced catalytic activity for composite solid propellants (CSPs) can be achieved through high-efficiency dispersion of active sites on the surface of two-dimensional (2D) materials. In this study, we report the in situ formation of MnCo₂O_4.5 nanoneedles on the surface of covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), resulting in 2D CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites with outstanding catalytic properties for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed the successful preparation of the CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites and revealed the interaction between CTFs and MnCo₂O_4.5. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental mapping further demonstrated the uniform anchoring and dispersion of MnCo₂O_4.5 nanoneedles on the layered CTF surfaces. Additionally, the obtained CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites exhibited promising catalytic capacity for AP decomposition. When added at a loading of 2 wt%, the CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites significantly reduced the thermal decomposition temperature of AP by 81.3 °C, while simultaneously decreasing the content to 30 wt% compared to pure MnCo₂O_4.5 catalysts. Full article

Starch biosynthesis is a fundamental process influencing yield and fruit quality in banana, with ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) serving as the rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing sucrose conversion into starch. However, the mechanisms underlying functional differentiation of AGPase family genes following polyploidization remain largely unexplored. In this study, eight AGPase genes, including large (MaAPL) and small subunit (MaAPS) members, were identified from the banana (Musa acuminata) genome, all harboring the conserved ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase domain. Phylogenetic analysis traced their evolutionary origin to the ancient moss Physcomitrella patens, with polyploidization identified as the primary driver of gene family expansion. These genes exhibit conserved codon usage bias and have undergone strong purifying selection. Among them, MaAPS1 displayed distinct functional differentiation, increased intron number, enriched promoter cis-elements, and significantly elevated expression—features likely contributing to its adaptation for enhanced starch accumulation in fruit. Furthermore, the MaAPS1 protein was predominately localized in the chloroplast. Functional validation supported its regulatory involvement: transient silencing in banana fruit reduced starch content, while transient overexpression in banana fruit increased starch levels. Co-expression and molecular docking analyses revealed that transcription factors ERF1, C3H1, bZIP1, and bZIP3 may interact with the MaAPS1 promoter, indicating a multifactorial regulatory network. Overall, this study provides insights into polyploidy-driven functional innovation and transcriptional regulation of MaAPS1 in banana starch biosynthesis, providing valuable molecular targets for genetic improvement of yield and fruit quality. Full article

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents. In this work, twenty derivatives of N-benzyl-6-chloro-4-hydroxy-2-quinolone-3-carboxamides were synthesized and spectroscopically analyzed using FT-IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C), and elemental analysis. Substitution of benzyl moiety with o-CH₃ (8), p-OCH₃ (10), m-CH₃ (18), p-CH₃ (19), and p-CF₃ (21) demonstrated three-fold distinct cytotoxicity against human colon cancer (HCT-116) cells with IC_50s of 72.0, 100.0–112.0 µM. The cheminformatics calculations disclosed that the analogues possess diverse physicochemical properties and invariable predictions across six drug-likeness scoring models, supporting their potential cytotoxicity profile against colorectal cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HCT-116). The docking studies against both wild-type and mutant PI3Kα clarified binding interactions, implying that particular functionalities improve efficacy and selectivity. This study provides further evidence for the therapeutic promise of quinolones in targeting cancer-specific pathways and expedites the process for developing potent anticancer agents. Full article

The paper considers quantal many-boson systems that are described by a rotationally invariant and boson-number conserving Hamiltonian. The properties of a generic model are studied, which treats N bosons of p different kinds with non-zero angular momenta ${\ell }_1,{\ell }_2,\dots ,{\ell }_p$, possibly augmented with a (number of) scalar s boson(s). The order k of the interaction between the bosons is arbitrary, and closed formulas are given for matrix elements between N-boson states for any k if $p=1$ and $p=2$. A recursive procedure is defined for arbitrary k and p. With the expressions derived in the paper, it is possible to express symbolically a Hamiltonian matrix element between N-boson states as a linear combination of k-body interaction matrix elements. More generally, the formulas allow the evaluation of matrix elements of tensor operators that are not necessarily scalar nor boson-number conserving. The numerical implementation of the formalism is discussed and illustrated with a few examples. Full article

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) formation mechanisms in fragile highland ecosystems remain inadequately constrained, particularly regarding thermodynamic non-linearities (aerosol pH, liquid water content) and their interaction with geochemical modulation. Here, we present comprehensive year-long online measurements from Xining, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, integrating hourly measurements of water-soluble ions, inorganic elements, and gaseous precursors with ISORROPIA-II thermodynamic modeling and ensemble machine learning. Median pH was 4.38 but exhibited two distinct pH regimes (14.8% pH < 3.0, 11.5% pH > 7.2), with acute acidification enhancing toxic metal solubility (Fe, Pb by 3-5×), and it posed distinct ecological risks. Our analysis reveals a distinct “highland mechanism triad” governing PM_2.5 dynamics: (1) winter meteorological confinement amplifying dust-catalyzed sulfate formation (SOR = 0.68); (2) spring alkaline dust buffering (pH > 7.2) that titrates NH₃ and suppresses nitrate formation (NOR < 0.10); and (3) summer photochemical oxidation constrained by chronic NH₃ limitation within an oxidant-excess regime. Random Forest achieved optimal prediction for the chemically active inorganic fraction (RMSE = 6.63 μg/m³, R² = 0.91) by learning regime-specific non-linearities, with local sensitivity analysis identifying Ca²⁺, SO₄²⁻, and Al as chemically sensitive drivers (S > 0.35) while revealing NH₃’s seasonally variable influence (rank 15 in winter, significant in summer; S > 0.28), subsequently complemented by global SHAP analysis, which further revealed NO₃⁻ as the most robust predictor (ranking 1st–2nd) and captured NH₃’s non-linear threshold effects (). Positive Matrix Factorization apportioned secondary aerosols (30.11%) within a unique alkaline–dust matrix. These findings demonstrate that highland PM_2.5 inorganic chemistry operates through fundamentally different pathways than lowland photochemical haze, with acid-induced toxic metal activation providing a new target for ecological protection in this fragile ecosystem. Seasonally adaptive mitigation is required: concurrent SO₂-NH₃ control in winter, dust suppression infrastructure in spring, and agricultural NH₃ capture in summer. This integrated framework provides a transferable methodology for air-quality management in alkaline dust-dominated, NH₃-limited highland ecosystems (>2000 m). Full article

Using the discrete element method to simulate the interaction between cotton stalks and machinery is an effective approach for analyzing the cotton stalk defibration mechanism and optimizing the structural parameters of cotton stalk defibration equipment. To further improve the accuracy of studies on the interaction between cotton stalk defibration devices and cotton stalks, cotton stalks from typical arid regions in southern Xinjiang were selected as the research object, and a discrete element parameter calibration study was conducted based on the discrete element method. Considering the differences in cotton stalk diameters, two discrete element models of cotton stalks with diameters of 8.5 mm and 10.5 mm were established. Plackett–Burman screening tests and Box–Behnken tests were employed to calibrate and optimize the discrete element contact parameters for cotton stalk models with different diameters. Optimization was carried out using the load responses obtained from mechanical tests of cotton stalks as the target values, and the optimal parameter combinations of the cotton stalk discrete element models were determined. Finally, the calibrated parameters were validated through tensile tests, uniaxial compression tests, and bending tests of cotton stalks. The simulation results show that the relative errors between the simulated and measured maximum loads for the 8.5 mm- and 10.5 mm-diameter cotton stalk models were 1.21% and 0.08%, respectively, indicating good agreement. These results verify the accuracy and reliability of the established cotton stalk discrete element models and provide data support and a theoretical basis for numerical simulation of the defibration process of cotton stalks with different diameters and for the structural optimization of cotton stalk defibration devices. Full article

Background: Accurate evaluation of pressure distribution at the socket–limb interface is essential for improving prosthetic fit and comfort in transfemoral amputees. This study aimed to develop a proof-of-concept framework that integrates machine learning–based segmentation with the finite element method (FEM) to explore the feasibility of an initial workflow for residual-limb analysis during socket application. Methods: MRI data from a transfemoral amputee were processed using a custom image segmentation algorithm to extract adipose tissue, femur, and ischium, achieving high F-measure scores. The segmented tissues were reconstructed into 3D models, refined through outlier removal and surface smoothing, and used for FEM simulations in LS-DYNA. Pressure values were extracted at nine sensor locations and compared with experimental measurements to provide a preliminary qualitative assessment of model behaviour. Results: The results showed consistent polarity between measured and simulated values across all points. Moderate correspondence was observed at eight low-pressure locations, whereas a substantial discrepancy occurred at the ischial tuberosity (IS), the primary load-bearing site. This discrepancy likely reflects the combined influence of geometric deviation in the reconstructed ischium and the non-physiological medial boundary condition required to prevent unrealistic tissue displacement. This limitation indicates that the current formulation does not support reliable quantitative interpretation at clinically critical locations. Conclusions: Overall, the proposed framework provides an initial demonstration of the methodological feasibility of combining automated anatomical modeling with FEM for exploratory pressure evaluation, indicating that such an integrated pipeline may serve as a useful foundation for future development. While extensive refinement and validation are required before any quantitative or clinically meaningful application is possible, this work represents an early step toward more advanced computational investigations of transfemoral socket–limb interaction. Full article

Minimizing cogging torque is critical for surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs) in high-precision applications, such as electric power steering and robotics. While skewing techniques are typically applied to mitigate cogging torque, anomalous cogging torque harmonics frequently arise in mass production due to manufacturing tolerances and the inherent magnetic anisotropy of non-oriented electrical steel. This paper proposes a systematic analysis approach to distinguish the physical origins of these additional harmonics. By decoupling the effects of geometric and material properties, this study reveals that magnetic anisotropy interacts with slot harmonics to generate a distinct harmonic signature—specifically, the 16th-order harmonic for the 8-pole 12-slot SPMSM. Notably, 3D finite element analysis and experimental validation confirm that this anisotropy-induced cogging torque persists even after applying conventional step-skewing. These findings demonstrate that accounting for magnetic anisotropy is essential for the accurate prediction of cogging torque and the design of low-cogging-torque motors. Full article

Traditional villages in Southwest China serve as vital carriers of ethnic culture, vernacular architecture, and ecological wisdom, embodying centuries of dynamic human–land interaction. This study explores the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of traditional villages in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing by applying a human–land relationship theoretical framework. This study uses spatial analysis methods, including average nearest neighbor, spatial autocorrelation, and kernel density estimation, combined with geographic detectors. The research identifies spatial clustering patterns and reveals key natural, infrastructural, and socio-economic drivers. The results demonstrate that traditional villages exhibit a significantly clustered distribution, particularly in areas such as Qiandongnan, Lijiang, and Dali, where cultural heritage and tourism resources are abundant. Among the nine analyzed factors, river density, road density, and temperature show the strongest explanatory power, while the interaction between natural and socio-economic elements, such as altitude and urbanization, further enhances spatial influence. These findings reflect the complex interplay between geographical constraints, human adaptation, and modern tourism dynamics. By situating the spatial evolution of traditional villages within the broader process of rural tourism development, this study highlights the need for adaptive spatial planning and culturally sensitive infrastructure strategies. It provides theoretical and empirical support for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable development, spatial equity, and cultural continuity in the context of village revitalization. Full article