Search Results (8,956)

Combined functional training (FT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and aquatic exercise may improve health-related fitness in aging populations; however, the influence of baseline adiposity on training responses remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week multicomponent training program on aerobic capacity, body composition, metabolic health, and physical performance in middle-aged and older women and explored whether baseline body fat percentage modulated these responses. Thirty-four women (50–72 years) were assigned to a control group (Ctrl, n = 10) or an exercise group, stratified into normal fat (NF%, n = 10) and high fat (HF%, n = 14). The intervention included three weekly 60 min sessions consisting of HIIT, FT, and aquatic-based interval and resistance exercises, while controls maintained their habitual lifestyle without structured exercise. Significant improvements were observed in VO₂max, skeletal muscle mass, fasting insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and functional performance. Baseline adiposity influenced metabolic adaptations, with greater improvements in the HF% group. These findings suggest that multicomponent training may improve cardiometabolic health and physical performance; however, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the quasi-experimental design and small sample size. Full article

The agricultural industry is at a critical juncture, experiencing global pressures in the form of climate volatility, a shortage of labor, and an increase in production costs. Although artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential for revolution due to its predictive analytics and self-controlled machinery, it has not achieved widespread and even distribution for use, especially among small-to-medium-sized farms in the Midwestern United States. This study formulates and empirically examines a comprehensive socio-technical model to determine the drivers and barriers to the adoption of AI in this agricultural region. Based on a synthesized framework of the “Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology” (UTAUT) and “Task–Technology Fit” (TTF), the study incorporates agriculture-specific contextual factors such as “environmental risk, access to broadband, economic constraints, and policy support”. The analyses of the 489 farmers in the U.S. Midwest were conducted through the “partial least squares structural equation modeling” (PLS-SEM) “SmartPLS v.3.9”. The findings provide full empirical evidence of the proposed model, which supports 11 hypothesized relationships. The key results show that the strongest positive predictors of adoption intention are “performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and trust”. On the other hand, data security concerns and financial restrictions are strong deterrents. The paper also outlines the significant facilitating functions of the broadband infrastructure and policy support in building farmer perceptions of technology’s ease-of-use and facilitating conditions. These lessons can provide policymakers, ag-tech developers, and extension agencies with a roadmap on how to create more equitable and contextual interventions that overcome the rural digital divide and create resilient data-driven farming systems. Full article

Soil salinization is one of the most severe forms of land degradation in arid and semi-arid regions, posing substantial threats to agroecosystem stability and food security. In this study, saline–alkali soil collected from the Wuding River Basin in Yulin, Shaanxi Province was used to construct a three-factor amendment system comprising superabsorbent polymers (SAP), biochar, and humic acid. A systematic assessment was conducted to elucidate their combined effects on soil water–salt transport and crop growth. Results from one-dimensional constant-head infiltration experiments using indoor soil columns demonstrated that the application of amendments significantly increased cumulative infiltration and improved the uniformity of wetting-front advancement. Specifically, the treatments regulated the redistribution of salts within the soil profile; while surface salinity reduction varied, the leaching efficiency was significantly enhanced in the A2B2C2 treatment. Soil bulk density (BD) showed dynamic fluctuations during the growth cycle, peaking at 1.628 cm⁻³ during the branching stage, while high-rate biochar (A3) reduced BD by up to 13.64% compared to the control by the initial flowering stage. Fitting results based on the Philip and Kostiakov models further indicated that the combined amendment strategy—particularly the A2B2C2 treatment (30 kg/ha SAP, 15,000 kg/ha biochar, and 600 kg/ha humic acid)—markedly enhanced both the initial infiltration rate and the steady infiltration capacity. Field experiments corroborated the indoor findings: plant height and dry biomass of Melilotus officinalis (L.)Lam. were significantly higher under amendment treatments than in the control, driven by improved water availability, mitigated salt stress, and enhanced soil structure. Single-factor and multi-factor interaction analyses revealed that SAP exerted pronounced effects during early growth stages, whereas biochar and humic acid contributed more substantially during the middle to late stages through sustained regulatory functions. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the combined application of SAP, biochar, and humic acid improves the water–salt regime of saline–alkali soils through a coupled “water–salt–structure–plant” mechanism, ultimately enhancing crop productivity. This study provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the amelioration of saline–alkali soils. Full article

After many years of stagnation in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), there is currently a rapid move towards personalized medicine. Improvements in molecular diagnostics, risk assessment tools, targeted therapies, overall patient fitness assessments, and quality-of-life assessments have significantly changed how patients are treated. Genetic and molecular analyses, risk and health assessments, and measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring are now integral to the treatment plan for evaluating patient responses and recurrence. In this regard, lower-intensity treatments are provided to older or unfit individuals. On the other hand, younger patients are usually subjected to curative therapies such as intensive chemotherapy to induce remission. Depending on their fitness and disease risk, they can be considered for hematopoietic cell transplantation, which is done after close observation for MRD. In addition, newer therapeutic drugs and immunotherapy techniques are being applied for patient management. Tremendous strides have been made in improving the efficiency of treatment programs in the relatively new area of personalized AML therapy, with a focus on functionality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spaceflight presents a combination of physical and psychosocial stressors that may impact biological aging and health. Understanding how spaceflight influences molecular aging processes is essential as commercial and professional space travel continue to expand. Methods: We analyzed publicly available DNA methylation data to evaluate longitudinal changes in 10 epigenetic aging biomarkers, 6 leukocyte proportion estimates, and 109 DNA methylation-derived protein scores in two astronauts participating in Axiom Space’s AX1 17-day low Earth orbit mission. We calculated mean values for all biomarkers across three timepoints: two weeks before spaceflight (T0), 24 h after spaceflight (T1), and three months after spaceflight (T2). Using the mean values, we next calculated the fold change from baseline for all biomarkers. Because the sample size precluded statistical testing, we identified the top 5% of absolute fold changes to highlight the largest shifts across candidate biomarkers. Results: Across epigenetic clocks, MiAge showed the greatest T0–T1 decrease (−4.26-fold), and DNAmFitAge showed the greatest T0–T2 increase (2.47-fold). NK cells exhibited the largest T0–T1 change, decreasing by 49% (−0.49-fold). B cells exhibited the largest T0–T2 change, decreasing by 11% (−0.11-fold). Proteins meeting a predefined top 5% fold change from baseline criterion at both T1 and T2, included BMP1, CLEC11A, CXCL11, FAP, and LTF. Enrichment analysis indicated involvement of serine-type endopeptidase activity, molecular function activator activity, and cell aggregation pathways. Conclusions: These findings suggest that spaceflight influences methylation-derived biomarkers of aging and immunity even in short-duration missions. These results, though exploratory, contribute to emerging efforts to characterize molecular resilience and vulnerability in human spaceflight. Full article

This study experimentally investigates the evolution of natural frequencies of premium threaded connections under varying interface contact stiffness, aiming to establish a non-destructive vibration-based method for evaluating sealing contact conditions. The sealing interface features a sphere-on-cone configuration, and Hertzian contact theory is used to derive the contact pressure distribution, which shows a nonlinear increase in peak pressure with increasing normal load. Modal experiments were conducted under free–free boundary conditions using an impact hammer on a Φ88.9 mm × 6.45 mm P110 premium threaded connection. Three make-up torque levels (4081 N·m, 4393 N·m and 4691 N·m) were applied to create distinct contact states, and the first five orders of natural frequencies were extracted from the measured acceleration responses, using frequency response function (FRF) analysis with peak-picking identification. The results demonstrate that natural frequencies increase significantly with make-up torque, following a power-law relationship f = αT^β with R² > 0.97 for the first three modes. A critical torque range of 4200–4400 N·m is identified, below which frequencies rise sharply and above which the increase slows due to contact stiffness saturation. Lower-order modes are more sensitive to contact stiffness variations than higher-order modes. The findings confirm that natural frequency can serve as an effective non-destructive indicator for assessing tightening quality and detecting loosening in premium threaded connections, offering practical guidance for torque optimisation and structural health monitoring in oilfield operations. Although only three torque levels are used, the observed trend is physically consistent with contact mechanics theory and widely reported joint stiffening behavior. Therefore, the fitted relationship should be interpreted as a physically guided empirical model rather than a purely statistical fit. Full article

This study examines the reasons why the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain persistently underrepresented in university disclosures. Drawing on documentary evidence from 1001 universities, it investigates how SDG engagement is distributed across higher education and why certain goals attract consistently weaker institutional visibility. The study combines large-scale qualitative content analysis with a benchmark analysis of 40 universities that demonstrate stronger documented engagement with the least-selected goals. Four SDGs stand out: SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero hunger), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 14 (Life below water). Universities tend to prioritise goals that fit established missions, governance arrangements, reporting routines, and evidentiary expectations. More demanding goals require something deeper: stronger organisational architecture, clearer governance anchoring, better evidence systems, cross-functional integration, and outward-facing partnerships. Building on these findings, the study develops four goal-specific implementation frameworks informed by benchmark practice and recognised disclosure standards, including GRI and IFRS S1/S2, to support more balanced and credible SDG engagement across universities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wrist cock-up orthoses are standard for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, yet consensus is lacking on whether commercial orthoses (COs) or custom-made thermoplastic orthoses (THs) better preserve function. While COs offer availability, THs provide a superior anatomical fit. This study evaluated dexterity and satisfaction in healthy female employees to establish a functional baseline for preventive strategies. Methods: Healthy female office workers with no prior musculoskeletal or neurological conditions participated in this randomized cross-over study. Manual dexterity was assessed at baseline and after each of two consecutive workdays, during which participants wore, in a randomized order, either a CO or a TH made by an expert physiotherapist. Outcome measures included the Functional Dexterity Test (FDT), recording time and errors, and the Client Satisfaction with Device (CSD-It) scale. Results: Twenty right-handed women (mean age 45.6 ± 11 years) participated. A significant difference in FDT completion times across conditions (χ² = 12.6, p = 0.002) was found. While both orthoses slowed performance compared to baseline (p < 0.01), the CO allowed for faster dexterity than the TH (p < 0.01). No differences were found in error rates. Regarding satisfaction, the CO achieved significantly better CSD-It scores than the TH (p = 0.0047), despite 60% of users reporting increased skin temperature with the CO. Final preferences were nearly evenly split (55% CO vs. 45% TH). Conclusions: Both orthoses impact manual dexterity without compromising precision. While the CO offered better execution speed and overall satisfaction, the TH version was preferred for prolonged skin tolerability. Selection should be individualized, balancing mechanical efficiency with the superior fit of custom-fabricated solutions in office environments. Full article

A large number of reservoirs (or hydropower plants) have been constructed for flood control and energy production in the past several decades in the Yangtze River basin in China. The conventional scheduling rule curves (Scheme A) were designed in the reservoir construction period and did not consider river flow alternation, which needs to be modified to increase comprehensive benefits in the reservoir operation period. In this study, six large-scale cascade reservoirs or mega hydropower systems constructed and operated by the China Yangtze Three Gorges Cooperation were selected for this case study. The current joint scheduling plans of cascade reservoirs (Scheme B) were introduced, and a joint scheduling and multi-objective coordinating operation model (Scheme C) was proposed for this mega hydropower system. The Gaussian radial basis functions (GRBFs) were used to fit operation policies of each reservoir, and the Borg multi-objective evolutionary algorithm was selected to optimize three-objective functions for Scheme C. The observed daily flow data series at main hydrometric stations from 2003 to 2025 were used to simulate and compare different operation scheduling schemes. The results show that the performance of joint scheduling of cascade reservoirs (both Schemes B and C) is much better than the single-reservoir scheduling (Schemes A) with overall benefit; Scheme C-best achieves a comprehensive target of decreasing average annual spillway wastewater by 12.82 billion m³ (or a decrease of 28.5%), increasing average annual power generation by 31.02 billion kWh (or an increase of 10.7%), and improving average annual impoundment efficiency rate by 5.0%. The GRBF can fit reservoir operation policies well, while the Borg multi-objective evolutionary algorithm can quickly converge with high-precision non-dominated solution sets. The proposed joint scheduling and multi-objective coordinating operation model will provide a scientific basis for achieving maximum benefits in flood protection and hydropower generation for the mega hydropower system. Full article

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, characterised by high variability in both its progression and symptoms. The disease leads to progressive disability, which manifests itself as slow walking, low muscle mass and impaired manual dexterity, causing difficulties in performing everyday activities and reducing a patient’s social activity and quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess the relationships between muscle mass, physical activity and the food frequency of protein-rich products and the functional fitness of patients with MS. Methods: The study comprised 106 patients with MS (83 women and 23 men) aged 18–65 years. Measurements of their weight and body composition, motor function of the lower limbs using the Timed 25-Foot Walking Test (T25FW), and motor function of the upper limbs using the 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) and the Handgrip Strength (HGS) test were performed. Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the consumption frequency of protein-rich products were also assessed. Results: Low muscle mass was associated with worse performance in the HGS test (non-dominant hand p = 0.001, dominant hand p = 0.001), while no significant associations were observed for manual dexterity or T25FW performance.. The second tercile of MVPA was significantly associated with reduced HGS in the dominant (p = 0.037) and non-dominant hands (p = 0.015). Conversely, the third tercile of the MVPA compared to the lower tertile was associated with better HGS of the non-dominant hand (p = 0.022) and faster completion of the 9-HPT with the non-dominant (p = 0.010) and dominant hands (p = 0.029). Furthermore, frequent consumption of protein-rich products was correlated with faster completion of the T25FW test (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Regular physical activity is associated with better functional fitness, while more frequent consumption of protein-rich foods may be associated with higher muscle mass of major muscle groups, which is important for effective locomotion. This study has a cross-sectional and exploratory design; therefore, the findings reflect associations only and do not allow casual inferences. Full article

The use of zirconia as a material in the base of modern restorative dentistry is due to its high strength, biocompatibility, and improved aesthetic performance. The aim of this review is to provide an integrated and coherent overview of the recent developments in zirconia crowns by focusing on the development of materials, microstructure, digital fabrication processes, optical capabilities, and clinical performance. A survey of literature in the form of a narrative literature review was conducted in the most significant databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, including publications published since 2000, with a focus on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical studies, and materials science studies. The results show that zirconia materials have developed beyond traditional 3Y-TZP systems, characterized by high strength and fracture toughness to high-translucency and multilayer zirconia (4Y 6Y-PSZ) systems, which provide better aesthetics at the cost of lower mechanical reliability. The implementation of CAD/CAM technologies has enhanced the accuracy of fabrication, marginal fit and reproducibility and the development of sintering, surface modification and bonding protocols has enhanced clinical performance. Recent clinical results have shown high survival rates (around 85–95 percent over 5–10 years), and the results depend on the design of the restoration, the zirconia generation, and the functional loading circumstances. Despite these developments, there are still concerns about the durability of bonding, trade-offs between translucency and strength, and long-term performance of high-translucency zirconia. The development of new technologies, such as additive manufacturing, design-aided artificial intelligence, and bioactive surface modification, is a promising avenue toward improving clinical reliability and performance. Full article

Mitochondrial stress has emerged as a key regulator of tumor–immune interactions, extending beyond its classical bioenergetic role to coordinate metabolic adaptation and immune regulation. Rather than merely accompanying tumor progression, mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. Here, we propose that mitochondrial stress functions as a unifying axis governing three key determinants of anti-tumor immunity: immune visibility, immune cell fitness, and the metabolic architecture of the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial DNA release, and mitophagy modulate antigen presentation and T cell function. We further highlight emerging experimental platforms, including 3D spheroid and organoid systems, that enable physiologically relevant investigation of mitochondria-driven tumor–immune interactions. Together, this perspective provides a mechanistic framework for understanding and targeting resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. Full article

Hypersonic aircraft represent a cutting-edge technology in aerospace engineering. Coupled heat transfer is a critical physical phenomenon in such aircraft. However, existing studies face challenges in predicting aerothermal behavior. Based on a specific geometric configuration, an axisymmetric model and the ideal gas assumption, this study establishes a numerical simulation model for coupled heat transfer in hypersonic wide-speed-range cruise aircraft. Through numerical simulations, the heat transfer characteristics of the aircraft under Mach numbers of 6, 7, 8 and 9 are analyzed, revealing the evolution of the temperatures at characteristic points and surfaces as the Mach number increases. Additionally, this study analyzes the heat transfer characteristics of metallic materials such as Inconel 718, 17-4PH, 93WNiFe and TA19, revealing differences in thermal protection performance among aircraft made of different materials under hypersonic conditions. Correlation functions relating nose temperature to time and surface temperatures to Mach number are fitted. The results indicate that as the Mach number increases, the aerodynamic heating temperature of the aircraft rises, and the aerodynamic heating effect at the stagnation point becomes more pronounced. Among the materials studied, 17-4PH exhibits the best overall thermal protection performance. This study provides methodological support for thermal prediction of hypersonic aircraft. Full article

Background: Prolonged hospitalization after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for non-functioning pituitary adenomas increases costs and complications. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for optimizing perioperative management. Methods: In this dual-center retrospective study of 368 patients, a predictive model was developed using a training cohort (n = 268). Prolonged length of stay was defined as ≥75th percentile (≥16 days). LASSO regression selected features from clinical, radiological, and perioperative variables. Independent predictors from multivariable logistic regression were dichotomized via ROC analysis and integrated into a nomogram. Model performance was assessed internally and validated externally (n = 100). Results: Six independent predictors were identified: age > 50 years, vertical tumor diameter > 17.8 mm, anteroposterior diameter > 20.5 mm, transverse diameter > 17.8 mm, anesthesia duration > 194 min, and systolic blood pressure > 119 mmHg. The nomogram showed moderate but reproducible discrimination (AUC = 0.762 in training; 0.750 in validation). Calibration and decision curve analysis confirmed good fit and clinical utility. Conclusion: We developed and validated a practical nomogram predicting prolonged hospitalization risk using readily available perioperative variables. This tool may assist individualized risk stratification and perioperative planning in comparable clinical settings, with potential implications for patient flow and resource utilization. Full article

Listeria monocytogenes is already a well-known foodborne bacterial pathogen, ubiquitously dispersed not only in the food production environment but also in the primary animal production environment as well. The present study performed whole-genome characterization of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) L. monocytogenes strain BF11, previously isolated from raw pet food and phenotypically described for antimicrobial resistance. To this end, the genomic analysis performed on the isolate confirmed the pathogen’s designation as a serotype 1/2b strain belonging to ST5 and CC5 (Lineage I), carrying multiple MDR genes, stress-related genes, and mobile genetic elements, despite the absence of plasmids. The strain is phylogenetically closely related to Lineage I epidemic strains (e.g., F2365), as it has a full-length inlA and a functional prfA, rendering it capable of invading human cells and marking its high virulence. Overall, this strain may represent a potentially novel genomic profile when core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is used, although further data from additional isolates would be required to confirm its classification within a new Complex Type, while displaying a hybrid unique profile. It is an evolved ST5 L. monocytogenes strain that has acquired genetic material conferring a “clinical signature” (Lineage I-like) and an extensive resistance network. Therefore, presence of L. monocytogenes strain BF11 in pet food is alarming, since such hybrid strains often evade surveillance monitoring as they do not fit strictly into classical categories, posing a serious food safety and public health threat in the concept of One Health. Full article