Search Results (2,762)

Fabric flattening is a critical pre-processing step for automated garment manufacturing. Most existing approaches employ single-arm robotic systems that act at a single contact point. Due to the nonlinear and deformable dynamics of fabric, such systems often require multiple actions to achieve a fully flattened state. This study introduces a dual-arm fabric-flattening method based on a cascaded Proposal–Action network with a hybrid training framework. The PA network is first trained through imitation learning from human demonstrations and is subsequently refined through reinforcement learning with real-world flattening feedback. Experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid training framework substantially improves the overall flattening success rate compared with a policy trained only on human demonstrations. The success rate for a single flattening operation increases from 74% to 94%, while the overall success rate improves from 82% to 100% after two rounds of training. Furthermore, the learned policy, trained exclusively on baseline fabric, generalizes effectively to fabrics with varying thicknesses and stiffnesses. The approach reduces the number of required flattening actions while maintaining a high success rate, thereby enhancing both efficiency and practicality in automated garment manufacturing. Full article

In the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), zero-day attacks pose a significant security threat. These attacks are characterized by unknown patterns and limited sample availability. Traditional anomaly detection methods often fail because they rely on oversimplified assumptions, hindering their ability to model complex normal IoV behavior. This limitation results in low detection accuracy and high false alarm rates. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel zero-day attack detection framework based on Feature-Enhanced Inverse Mapping (IM-ZDD). The framework introduces a two-stage process. In the first stage, a feature enhancement module mitigates data scarcity by employing an innovative multi-generator, multi-discriminator Conditional GAN (CGAN) with dynamic focusing loss to generate a large-scale, high-quality synthetic normal dataset characterized by sharply defined feature boundaries. In the second stage, a learning-based inverse mapping module is trained exclusively on this synthetic data. Through adversarial training, the module learns a precise inverse mapping function, thereby establishing a compact and expressive representation of normal behavior. During detection, samples that cannot be effectively mapped are identified as attacks. Experimental results on the F2MD platform show IM-ZDD achieves superior accuracy and a low false alarm rate, yielding an average AUC of 98.25% and F1-Score of 96.41%, surpassing state-of-the-art methods by up to 4.4 and 10.8 percentage points. Moreover, with a median detection latency of only 3 ms, the framework meets real-time requirements, providing a robust solution for zero-day attack detection in data-scarce IoV environments. Full article

Background: Folic acid (FA), also known as vitamin B9, functions as a co-factor in many cellular processes. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) has been shown to cause the formation of free radicals, and chronic exposure of the skin to UV radiation has been demonstrated to result in many adverse effects. Skin protection against harmful environmental factors is one of the aims of cosmetic products. One such substance is folic acid. However, aqueous FA solutions decompose after exposure to UV radiation, and the decomposition products can exhibit variable pro/anti-oxidative roles depending on the cell type and its environment. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of folic acid as a UV-protective agent in vitro cell culture model. Methods: The experimental model comprised an in vitro culture of normal human fibroblasts derived from adult skin (NHDF-Ad). Paramagnetic electron resonance (EPR) was used to assess the interaction of folic acid with free radicals after exposure to UV radiation. RT-qPCR was utilized to evaluate the impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the expression of selected cell cycle regulatory genes (CCND1, P53, BAX, and BCL-2) in vitro cultured fibroblasts that were protected by folic acid. Results: EPR studies revealed the antioxidant properties of folic acid. Free radical forms of folic acid are induced during UV irradiation. The strong effect of UV irradiation on interactions of folic acid with free radicals was observed. The interaction was found to be weaker for the irradiated samples. Molecular studies have demonstrated a decline in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio in cells that have been treated with folic acid and exposed to UV radiation in comparison to the BAX/BCL-2 ratio observed in cells that have been exposed exclusively to UV radiation and not treated with folic acid. Conclusions: Whilst molecular and EPR studies both confirm the effectiveness of folic acid as a UV-protective ingredient in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, further research in this area is required. Full article

The perception of football as a male-dominated sport by society, coupled with the socio-cultural and economic barriers faced by women, has constrained their presence in the domain of football and revealed the manifestation of gender norms within the sport. This exclusion further masculinizes sport, negatively affecting social unity and cohesion, and deepening inequality within sport. Within this context, the study seeks to reveal how football fans perceive female and male referees through metaphorical representations. Participants, selected using purposive sampling, are individuals who regularly attend football matches and have experience watching games officiated by female football referees. The research employed a phenomenological approach to analyse metaphors generated by 352 football fans regarding female and male referees. Data were collected online through the Google Forms platform, which was accessible only to the researcher via password-protected access. During the analysis process, metaphors were coded, categorized, and transformed into meaningful interpretative formats. Results indicate that female referees are predominantly described with metaphors associated with sexist objectification, such as “flower”, “rose”, and “queen.” Female referees are represented by social roles and stereotypes metaphors like “mother,” and “gold,” yet they are also confronted with violence and disparaging metaphors such as “trash” and “chaos.” Conversely, male referees are perceived through metaphors evoking strength, toughness, and authority, including “lion”, “stone”, “authority”, “king”, and “leader.” These metaphorical representations highlight the persistence of gender norms within sport, demonstrating how women’s professional competencies are overshadowed by societal codes. Moreover, they are depicted as figures of power and discipline, reflecting masculinity within the sporting context. Ultimately, the research seeks to raise awareness about gender-based perceptions and foster transformation towards greater gender equality in sport. Full article

The increasing complexity of modern food production demands advanced solutions for quality control (QC), safety monitoring, and process optimization. This review systematically explores recent advancements in machine learning (ML) for QC across six domains: Food Quality Applications; Defect Detection and Visual Inspection Systems; Ingredient Optimization and Nutritional Assessment; Packaging—Sensors and Predictive QC; Supply Chain—Traceability and Transparency and Food Industry Efficiency; and Industry 4.0 Models. Following a PRISMA-based methodology, a structured search of the Scopus database using thematic Boolean keywords identified 124 peer-reviewed publications (2005–2025), from which 25 studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, methodological rigor, and innovation. Neural networks dominated the reviewed approaches, with ensemble learning as a secondary method, and supervised learning prevailing across tasks. Emerging trends include hyperspectral imaging, sensor fusion, explainable AI, and blockchain-enabled traceability. Limitations in current research include domain coverage biases, data scarcity, and underexplored unsupervised and hybrid methods. Real-world implementation challenges involve integration with legacy systems, regulatory compliance, scalability, and cost–benefit trade-offs. The novelty of this review lies in combining a transparent PRISMA approach, a six-domain thematic framework, and Industry 4.0/5.0 integration, providing cross-domain insights and a roadmap for robust, transparent, and adaptive QC systems in the food industry. Full article

This study investigates the formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals) in cavitation bubble plasma-treated water (CBPTW) using a chemical probe method. CBPTW samples were prepared with different electrode materials (W, Fe, Cu, and Ag), and the chemical scavenger was added two minutes after the completion of cavitation and plasma treatments. The concentrations of metal ions and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) generated in the CBPTW were also measured over time. This study reveals a novel mechanism whereby metal nanoparticles and ions released from electrodes catalyze the continuous generation of hydroxyl radicals in CBPTW, which has not been fully addressed in previous studies. The results suggest a continuous generation of OH radicals in CBPTW prepared with W, Fe, and Cu electrodes, with the amount of OH radicals produced in the order Cu > Fe > W. The study reveals a correlation between OH radical production and electrode wear, suggesting that the continuous generation of OH radicals in CBPTW results from the catalytic decomposition of H₂O₂ by metal nanoparticles or ions released from the electrodes. It should be noted that cavitation bubble plasma (CBP) is fundamentally different from sonochemistry. While sonochemistry utilizes ultrasound-induced cavitation to generate radicals, CBP relies on plasma discharge generated inside cavitation bubbles. No ultrasound was applied in this study; therefore, all observed radical formation is attributable exclusively to plasma processes rather than sonochemical effects. However, the precise mechanism of continuous OH radical formation in CBPTW remains unclear and requires further investigation. These findings provide new insights into the role of electrode materials in continuous OH radical generation in cavitation bubble plasma treated water, offering potential applications in water purification and sterilization technologies. Full article

Ease of cognitive processing is an important predictor of aesthetic liking. However, many acclaimed artworks are fairly complex and require substantial cognitive effort. Are they aesthetically liked despite or because of this increased cognitive challenge? The present study pursued this question experimentally. The high syntactic complexity of Heinrich von Kleist’s narratives provided the test case. According to literary scholars, this high syntactic complexity should support increased levels of how “suspenseful,” “intense,” “interesting,” and evocative of a sense of “urgency” the texts are perceived, and it should thereby also support higher overall aesthetic liking. This expectation is in line with recent models in empirical aesthetics according to which higher ease of processing and higher cognitive challenge are not mutually exclusive, but can conjointly drive aesthetic liking to higher levels. The standard hypothesis of cognitive fluency instead predicts a disfluency-driven negative effect on aesthetic liking. We tested these two predictions in two studies by presenting excerpts from Kleist’s narratives in their original vs. syntactically simplified versions to participants. Results differ substantially depending on how the target variables are statistically modeled. If ease of processing and cognitive challenge are modeled separately as predictors of the aesthetically evaluative ratings, higher ease of processing is a strong positive and higher cognitive challenge a largely negative predictor. However, when the two complementary cognitive variables are modeled conjointly, they are both positive predictors of the aesthetically evaluative ratings. Their predictive power differs, however, significantly. Only the positive effect of ease of processing is pervasive across all readers. That of cognitive challenge is substantially modified by individual differences. Specifically, it was observed for readers who (1) are of higher age, (2) like to read narratives in general, and (3) reported prior positive experiences with Kleist. Supporting the ecological validity of our findings, readers meeting these criteria are more likely than others to actually read Kleist outside the laboratory. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a constant increase in the incidence of food allergies. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), responsible for maintaining the intestinal barrier and immune balance, are produced by the intestinal microbiota through the fermentation of dietary fibre. The aim of this systematic literature review was to analyse the association of SCFAs with the occurrence of food allergies. Methods: The analysed data were obtained by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases with the keywords “short-chain fatty acids and allergy”, “SCFA and allergy”, “SCFA and food allergy”, and “acetic acid or propionic acid or butyric acid or 3,4-methylvaleric acid and allergy”. Exclusion criteria were as follows: retracted articles, articles not freely accessible, and incomplete/insufficient data (conference reports). Two authors independently searched the literature. Results: Patients with food allergies show lower levels of SCFAs, especially acetic, butyric and propionic acids. 3,4-methylvaleric acid may be associated with intestinal inflammation in infants and intestinal leakage. Conclusions: Based on studies, there appears to be an association between lower stool levels of SCFAs—particularly butyric, propionic, acetic, and isovaleric acids—and the occurrence of food allergies in both children and adults. A proper diet that strengthens fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics and limits antibiotics, xenobiotics, pesticides is crucial for maintaining adequate SCFA levels and thus reducing allergy-related symptoms. 3,4-Methylvaleric acid and the activation of inflammatory processes contributing to intestinal leakage may provide a new diagnostic path. Full article

Effective and fair governance of protected areas (PAs) is essential for their ecological and social sustainability, particularly in contexts of high biodiversity and sociopolitical tensions. This study assessed the governance system of the Serranía del Perijá Regional Natural Park (SPRNP) in Colombia using criteria of effectiveness and justice, through a qualitative methodology grounded in thematic analysis. The research was based on semi-structured interviews and a focus group, with intentional coding supported by artificial intelligence using ATLAS.ti 25 software, which enhanced efficiency and pattern recognition in the construction of a semantic network. This AI-assisted coding approach represents an innovative methodological contribution to the qualitative assessment of PA governance. The findings highlight centralized governance, weak community participation, limited institutional presence, and power asymmetries that undermine equity in decision-making. The exclusion of the Yukpa people from the PA declaration process illustrates broader challenges of Indigenous recognition in Latin American governance contexts. Based on these findings, the study proposes three prospective governance scenarios—community-centered, inter-institutional coordination, and public–private articulation—which offer practical pathways for transforming governance. The study concludes that achieving more equitable and inclusive governance requires institutional strengthening, power redistribution, and the recognition of local knowledge. A viable solution may emerge from an adaptive combination of the proposed scenarios. Full article

Wet agglomeration is essential in heap leaching of minerals, as it improves permeability by forming agglomerates through capillary and viscous forces. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been used to model this phenomenon, enabling the detailed tracking of interactions between individual particles. This study employs DEM to analyze the effect of particle-size distribution (PSD) on agglomerate formation inside a rotating agglomeration drum. The DEM model was validated using geometry and parameters reported in the literature, which are based on experimental studies of agglomeration in rotating drums. Both wide and bimodal PSD cases were simulated. The results demonstrate that DEM simulations of drums with exclusively fine particles are prone to producing poorly defined macrostructures. In contrast, the presence of coarse particles promotes the formation of stable agglomerates with fine particles attached to them. Additionally, decreasing the maximum particle size increases the number of agglomerates and improves the homogeneity of the final PSD. These findings improve our understanding of wet agglomeration dynamics and provide practical criteria for optimizing feed design in mineral-processing applications. Full article

People Who Use Substances (PWUS) are among the most stigmatised groups in society. Stigma associated with substance use is known to be detrimental to the individual’s wellbeing, and substance use is often used as a mechanism by policy makers and services to legitimise exclusion. PWUS often do not benefit from the drug and alcohol services that are available to them. Community Asset Mapping (CAM) is a strengths-based approach involving the re-engagement of communities through active involvement in research. There are criticisms and concerns about equity and the burden on participants involved in CAM projects; however, the broad aim of CAM is to identify and document the strengths and pre-existing resources that exist within a community. In the following study, we utilised CAM processes and principles in a large city in the Northeast of England to enable people with lived experience of substance use and practitioners working in drug treatment services to come together and identify resources in the form of services and groups that support recovery. In the process, we were concerned with identifying, engaging with, and involving groups that were known to the recovery community but also were not part of an existing recovery network. Qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews (n = 13) and focus groups (n = 2). A reflexive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the transcriptions, and from this we generated four themes: (1) community visibility, (2) ownership of the recovery agenda, (3) the impact of stigma and shame, and (4) the benefits of involvement. Our findings revealed a partly fragmented but also well-established, connectedand resourced local recovery community in the city. We were also able to identify a number of recovery groups and services that had previously not been known to the existing recovery community. Additionally, we identified that public and societal substance-related stigma continued to be a barrier that inhibited individuals and recovery groups from making themselves more visible and available to others. Full article

This study analyzes confessionally conditioned self-image and mutual perception of the Catholic and Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Upper Hungary in the context of the second confessionalization process. Based on comparative research of the contemporary press, including either the printed or handwritten homiletic and catechetical literature, predominantly from the area of Upper Hungary, the study examines which phenomena and processes taking place since the 1830s until the end of the 1850s signaled a renewal in confessional identities in both the Catholic and Evangelical Churches. A particular emphasis has been placed on indicators of the second confessionalization, such as the debate on mixed marriages, a rising number of conversions, or legislative interventions in the freedom of religion. Through discourse analysis, the study explores how the image and self-image of the Catholic and Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession evolved as a result of the expansion of the catechetical literature and apologetic works and identifies the narrative strategies employed in their respective confessional discourses. The Catholic discourse stressed maintaining dogmatic integrity and Church authority in particular, whereas the Evangelicals more frequently accentuated a thorough biblicality and rationality as a counterposition to Catholic piety. Both traditions claimed exclusive access to “true religion” and used apologetic genres to defend and enhance their identity. Polemical texts also served as tools to form confessionally conditioned collective consciousness, as well as a part of contemporary cultural and political debates. Full article

This study aims to identify the key factors contributing to time and cost deviations in educational infrastructure projects in Colombia, using a data-driven approach based on open government datasets. By examining 175 procurement records from Colombia’s public data platform, the research seeks to uncover patterns and variables that influence project performance, offering a transparent alternative to traditional expert-based assessments. The results show an average time deviation of 77.73% and a cost deviation of 22.17%, with a significant correlation between both metrics. Project type, contract value, and process type were significant for both deviations. Additional cost-related factors included initial duration, award growth, and number of bidders, while time deviations were influenced by project intensity and time suspended. These findings highlight the need for integrated planning and procurement strategies to improve efficiency in public infrastructure delivery. Although the methodology ensures robustness, limitations include the focus on finalized educational projects and the exclusion of qualitative factors such as stakeholder behavior and site-specific challenges. The insights are valuable for policymakers, public sector managers, and researchers seeking to enhance infrastructure outcomes through evidence-based decision-making and better resource allocation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lichen Planus Pemphigoides (LPP) represents a rare variant of Oral Lichen Planus in which the typical pemphigoid-associated antibodies, BP180 and BP230, are present. The objectives of this Systematic Review are to analyze the data currently available in the literature on this rare condition, with the aim of laying the groundwork for future investigations and research. Methods: This Systematic Review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD420251133018. Subsequently, a search was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Ovid using specific keywords combined with Boolean operators. Articles published up to 2025 were included. The following types of studies were considered eligible: case reports, clinical conferences, clinical studies, clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, letters, multicenter studies, observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and human-based studies. Book chapters, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, in vitro studies, and animal models were excluded. Results: A total of 67 articles were initially identified; following thorough review and exclusion, 20 articles were retained. The patient data extracted from these selected studies were used to construct a table in which patients were categorized according to both qualitative and quantitative variables. The results highlight that LPP is a condition requiring a complex diagnostic process involving both histological examination and serological testing (Immunofluorescence and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay—ELISA). Conclusions: Furthermore, with the advent of immunotherapy, an increasingly well-documented new category of drug-induced LPP has emerged, associated with PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. Full article

Introduction: Lumbar radiculopathies involving the entrapment of nerve roots in the lumbar spine are common neuropathic conditions. These conditions affect 40% to 70% of individuals in their lifetime and lead to significant medical costs. Objective: This study aims to identify clinical, psychological, and biomarker-based prognostic factors that predict functional outcomes following surgery for lumbar radiculopathy. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study, conducted at Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla, Madrid (Spain), adheres to the STROBE guidelines. The study includes patients aged 18–75 with lumbar radiculopathy, confirmed by clinical diagnosis, imaging, and electromyography (EMG) findings. Exclusion criteria include previous lumbar spine surgeries and systemic diseases. The primary outcome is the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Sample size calculations, based on a conservative effect size (f² = 0.20), determined the need for 172 participants, accounting for a 15% dropout rate and 80% power. Procedure: Patients will undergo an initial assessment, including EMG tests, sociodemographic and psychological questionnaires, blood sample tests, and physical questionnaires. This process will be repeated six months post-intervention, except for the blood sample test, expectations questionnaire, and EMG, which will be performed only once. Statistical Analyses: Data will be analyzed using Python 3.12.3, employing a multivariate linear regression analysis. Assumptions of linearity, independence, homoscedasticity, normality, and no multicollinearity will be validated. Corrective measures will be applied if assumptions are violated. Ethics and Dissemination: The study follows the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines and has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (070220241052024). Potential risks will be minimized, and adverse events will be recorded and addressed. Findings will be published in high-impact journals and presented at conferences. Full article