Search Results (2,575)

This study systematically investigates the high-velocity impact response and energy absorption characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP)—aluminum foam (AlF) hybrid composite structures, aiming to address the growing demand for lightweight yet high-performance energy-absorbing materials in aerospace and protective engineering applications. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating the influence of key geometric and material parameters, including the aspect ratio of the columns and the relative density of the AlF core. Experimental characterization was first performed using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus to evaluate the dynamic compressive behavior of AlF specimens with four different relative densities (i.e., 0.163, 0.245, 0.374, and 0.437). A finite element (FE) model was then developed and rigorously validated against the experimental data, demonstrating excellent agreement in terms of deformation modes and force–displacement responses. Extensive parametric studies based on the validated FE framework revealed that the proposed CFRP-AlF composite structure achieves a balance between specific energy absorption (SEA) and peak crushing force, showing a significant improvement over conventional CFRP or AlF. The confinement effect of CFRP enables AlF to undergo progressive collapse along designated orientations, thereby endowing the CFRP-AlF composite structure with superior impact resistance. These findings provide critical insight for the design of next-generation lightweight protective structures subjected to extreme dynamic loading conditions. Full article

Background: Plant-based protein supplementation in supporting muscle recovery following resistance exercise remains an area of growing interest, particularly among vegan athletes, as a potential alternative to animal-based proteins. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plant-based proteins on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy young adults. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search was administered in eight databases up to 1 May 2025, identifying 1407 articles. Following deduplication and screening, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 22 randomized controlled trials and 2 non-randomized studies, with the majority from high income western countries. Results: Interventions primarily involved soy, pea, rice, hemp, potato, and blended plant protein sources, with doses ranging from 15 to 50 g, typically administered post resistance exercise. Outcomes assessed included muscle protein synthesis (MPS), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory biomarkers, muscle function, and fatigue. The review findings reaffirm that single-source plant proteins generally offer limited benefits compared to animal proteins such as whey, particularly in acute recovery settings, a limitation well-documented consistently in the literature. However, our synthesis highlights that well-formulated plant protein blends (e.g., combinations of pea, rice, and canola) can stimulate MPS at levels comparable to whey when consumed at adequate doses (≥30 g with ~2.5 g leucine). Some studies also reported improvements in subjective recovery outcomes and reductions in muscle damage biomarkers with soy or pea protein. However, overall evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, moderate to high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, protein formulations, and outcome measures. Risk of bias assessments revealed concerns related to detection and reporting bias in nearly half the studies. Due to clinical and methodological variability, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: plant-based proteins particularly in the form of protein blends and when dosed appropriately, may support muscle recovery in resistance-trained individuals and offer a viable alternative to animal-based proteins. However, further high-quality, long-term trials in vegan populations are needed to establish definitive recommendations for plant protein use in sports nutrition. Full article

Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each cow produces one calf per year, maintaining a calving interval of 365 days. However, this goal is difficult to achieve, as the gestation period in beef cows lasts approximately 280 days, leaving only 80–85 days for successful conception. Traditional methods, such as visual estrus detection, are becoming increasingly unreliable due to expanding herd sizes and the subjectivity of visual observation. Additionally, silent estrus—where ovulation occurs without noticeable behavioral changes—further complicates the accurate estrous-based identification of the optimal insemination period. To enhance reproductive efficiency, advanced technologies are increasingly being integrated into cattle management. Sensor-based monitoring systems, including accelerometers, pedometers, and ruminoreticular boluses, enable the precise tracking of activity changes associated with the estrous cycle. Furthermore, infrared thermography offers a non-invasive method for detecting body temperature fluctuations, allowing for more accurate estrus identification and optimized timing of insemination. The use of these innovative technologies has the potential to significantly improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle herds and contribute to overall farm productivity and sustainability. The objective of this review is to examine advancements in smart technologies applied to beef cattle reproductive management, presenting commercially available technologies and recent scientific studies on innovative systems. The focus is on sensor-based monitoring systems and infrared thermography for optimizing reproduction. Additionally, the challenges associated with these technologies and their potential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in the beef cattle industry are discussed. Despite the benefits of advanced technologies, their implementation in cattle farms is hindered by financial and technical challenges. High initial investment costs and the complexity of data analysis may limit their adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized farms. However, the continuous development of these technologies and their adaptation to farmers’ needs may significantly contribute to more efficient and sustainable reproductive management in beef cattle production. Full article

In the context of both domestic and international economic landscapes, regional policy has emerged as an increasingly influential factor shaping the developmental trajectories of Chinese enterprises. Despite its growing significance, the extant literature lacks a comprehensive and systematically visualized synthesis that encapsulates the scope and trends of research in this domain. This study addresses this critical gap by conducting an integrative bibliometric and qualitative review of the academic output related to regional policy and Chinese firm growth. Drawing on a final dataset comprising 3428 validated academic publications—selected from an initial pool of 3604 records retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection between 1991 and 2022, the research employs a two-stage methodological framework. In the first phase, advanced bibliometric tools, and software applications, including RStudio, Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CitNetExplorer, are utilized to implement techniques such as keyword co-occurrence analysis, thematic clustering, and the tracing of thematic evolution over time. These methods facilitate rigorous data cleansing, breakpoint identification, and the visualization of intellectual structures and emerging research patterns. In the second phase, a targeted qualitative review is conducted to evaluate the influence of regional policies on Chinese firms across three critical stages of business development: start-up, expansion, and maturity. The findings reveal that regional policy interventions generally exert a positive influence on firm performance throughout all stages of development. Notably, a significant concentration of citation activity occurred prior to 2017; however, post-2017, the volume of scholarly publications, journal-level impact (as measured by h-index), and author-level influence experienced a marked increase. Among the 3428 analyzed publications, a substantial portion—2259 articles—originated from Chinese academic institutions, highlighting the strong domestic research interest in the subject. Furthermore, since 2015, there has been a discernible shift in keyword co-occurrence trends, with increasing scholarly attention directed towards sustainable development issues, particularly those related to carbon dioxide emissions and green innovation, reflecting evolving policy priorities and environmental imperatives. Full article

Diploid Vaccinium fuscatum is a wild blueberry species with a low chilling requirement, an evergreen growth habit, and soil adaptability to southeast US growing regions. Regardless of its potential to improve the abiotic and biotic resilience of cultivated blueberries, this species has rarely been used for blueberry breeding. One hurdle is the ploidy barrier between diploid V. fuscatum and tetraploid cultivated highbush blueberries. To overcome the ploidy barrier, vegetative shoots micro-propagated from one genotype of V. fuscatum, selected because it grew vigorously in vitro and two southern highbush cultivars, ‘Emerald’ and ‘Rebel,’ were treated with colchicine. While shoot regeneration was severely repressed in ‘Emerald’ and ‘Rebel,’ shoot production from the V. fuscatum clone was not compromised at either 500 µM or 5000 µM colchicine concentrations. Due to the high number of shoots produced in vitro via the V. fuscatum clone shoots of this clone that had an enlarged stem diameter in vitro were subjected to flow cytometer analysis to screen for induced polyploidy. Sixteen synthetic tetraploid V. fuscatum, one synthetic octoploid ‘Emerald,’ and three synthetic octoploid ‘Rebel’ were identified. Growth rates of the polyploid-induced mutants were reduced compared to their respective wildtype controls. The leaf width and length of synthetic tetraploid V. fuscatum and synthetic octoploid ‘Emerald’ was increased compared to the wildtypes, whereas the leaf width and length of synthetic octoploid ‘Rebel’ were reduced compared to the wildtype controls. Significant increases in stem thickness and stomata guard cell length were found in the polyploidy-induced mutant lines compared to the wildtypes. In the meantime, stomata density was reduced in the mutant lines. These morphological changes may improve drought tolerance and photosynthesis in these mutant lines. Synthetic tetraploid V. fuscatum can be used for interspecific hybridization with highbush blueberries to expand the genetic base of cultivated blueberries. Full article

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is gaining recognition as a valuable diagnostic tool in various fields of medicine, including pediatrics. Its application at the point of care enables real-time clinical decision-making, which is particularly advantageous in pediatric settings. Although global interest in POCUS is growing, many European countries—including Poland—still lack formal training programs for POCUS at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Nevertheless, the number of pediatricians incorporating POCUS into their daily clinical practice in Poland is increasing. However, the extent of its use and perceived value among pediatricians remains largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the current level of POCUS utilization in pediatric care in Poland, focusing on pediatricians’ self-assessed competencies, perceptions of its clinical utility, and key barriers to its implementation in daily practice. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2024 using an anonymous online survey distributed to pediatricians throughout Poland via national professional networks, with a response rate of 7.3%. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test of independence to assess the associations between key variables. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data from open-ended responses were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results: A total of 210 pediatricians responded. Among them, 149 (71%) reported access to ultrasound equipment at their workplace, and 89 (42.4%) reported having participated in some form of POCUS training. Only 46 respondents (21.9%) reported frequently using POCUS in their clinical routine. The self-assessed POCUS competence was rated as low or very low by 136 respondents (64.8%). While POCUS was generally perceived as a helpful tool in facilitating and accelerating clinical decisions, the main barriers to implementation were a lack of formal training and limited institutional support. Conclusions: Although POCUS is perceived as clinically valuable by the surveyed pediatricians in Poland, its routine use remains limited due to training and systemic barriers. Future efforts should prioritize the development of a validated, competency-based training framework and the implementation of a larger, representative national study to guide the structured integration of POCUS into pediatric care. Full article

As the use of data models and data science techniques in industrial processes grows exponentially, the question arises: to what extent can these techniques impact the future of manufacturing processes? This article examines the potential future impacts of these models based on an assessment of existing trends and practices. The drive towards digital-oriented manufacturing and cyber-based process optimization and control has brought many opportunities and challenges. On one hand, issues of data acquisition, handling, and quality for proper database building have become important subjects. On the other hand, the reliable utilization of this available data for optimization and control has inspired much research. This research work discusses the fundamental question of how far these models can help design and/or improve existing processes, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Furthermore, it reviews state-of-the-art practices and their successes and failures in material process applications, including casting, extrusion, and additive manufacturing (AM), and presents some quantitative indications. Full article

Despite growing evidence supporting the efficacy of LSD-assisted psychotherapy in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), identifying reliable psychopharmacological biomarkers remains necessary. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide implicated in social bonding and flexibility, is a promising candidate due to its release following serotonergic psychedelic administration in healthy individuals; however, its dynamics in psychiatric populations are currently unexplored. This observational pilot study aimed to characterize salivary oxytocin dynamics during a single LSD-assisted psychotherapy session in our patients with treatment-resistant MDD. Participants received 100 or 150 µg LSD, and salivary oxytocin was measured at baseline, 60, 90, and 180 min post-LSD. Concurrently, participants rated subjective drug intensity (0–10 scale) at 60, 90, and 180 min. A linear mixed model revealed significant variation of oxytocin levels over time. Perceived psychedelic intensity also significantly varied over time. This supports oxytocin as a potential biomarker. Larger, controlled trials are warranted to replicate these findings and clarify the mechanistic links between oxytocin dynamics and clinical outcomes, including changes in depressive symptoms and mental flexibility. Full article

In response to growing global concerns about plastic waste, the development of efficient recycling technologies for thermoplastics has become increasingly important. Polypropylene (PP), a widely used commodity resin, is of particular interest because of the urgent need to establish sustainable material circulation. However, conventional mechanical property evaluations of injection-molded products typically require dedicated specimens, which involve additional material and energy costs. As described herein, we propose a simplified mechanical model to derive Poisson’s ratio and critical expansion stress directly from standard uniaxial tensile tests of molded thermoplastics. The method based on the true stress–true strain relationship in the small deformation region was validated using various thermoplastics (PP, POM, PC, and ABS), with results showing good agreement with those of the existing literature. The model was applied further to assess changes in mechanical properties of Homo-PP and Block-PP subjected to repeated extrusion. Both materials exhibited reductions in elastic modulus and critical expansion stress with increasing extrusion cycles, whereas Block-PP showed a slower degradation rate because of thermo-crosslinking in its ethylene–propylene rubber (EPR) phase. DSC and chemiluminescence analyses suggested changes in stereoregularity and radical formation as key factors. This method offers a practical approach for evaluating recycled PP and contributes to high-quality recycling and material design. Full article

Increasing automation and the rapidly growing use of robots in industrial as well as social areas result in a greater need for research regarding collaboration between humans and robots. Key factors for a safe and successful combination of human and robot abilities include acceptance and trust in the robot. In order to prevent physical and psychological harm to humans, reducing these negative emotions and increasing trust and acceptance are essential. One way to achieve this is through the use of virtual training methods and environments. However, current research scarcely covers this approach. Therefore, this research focusses on an experimental approach to investigate emotional and psychophysiological (ECG, EDA) reactions while performing a collaborative assembly task (screwing) with an industrial robot in a real and a virtual setting, respectively. The study sample consisted of 46 participants (23 female) with an age range from 20 to 58 years. The results of the analyzed subjective and objective psychophysiological (cardiovascular and electrodermal responses) measures provide more information regarding the suitability of virtual trainings for human–robot collaboration. Differences in task complexity were measurable in both virtual and real environments. Furthermore, gender differences were also shown. Full article

Acaricide usage has led to the growing problem of resistance in ticks. A heavy tick burden and the presence of ticks on animals throughout the year, despite the monthly application of acaricides, in farms in the United Arab Emirates formed the motivation for this study. The objectives of this research were as follows: (a) to assess the acaricide resistance status of the most prevalent tick Hyalomma spp. to widely used acaricides Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin; (b) to identify the association of farm management practices and farm-level risk factors with the failure of tick treatment (acaracide resistance). A total of 1600 ticks were collected from 20 farms located in three different regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate including Al Ain (n = 10), Al Dhafra (n = 5), and Abu Dhabi (n = 5). The ticks were subjected to an in vitro bioassay adult immersion test (AIT) modified with a discriminating dose (AIT-DD) against commercial preparations of Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin. A questionnaire was designed to collect metadata and information on farm management and the farm-level risk factors associated with routine farm practices relating to the treatment and control of tick and blood parasite infections in camels and small ruminant populations. Hyalomma anatolicum and Hyalomma dromedarii were identified among the collected ticks, with H. anatolicum being the most prevalent tick species (70%) in the present study. The test results of the in vitro bioassay revealed varied emerging resistance to both of the acaricides in the majority of the three regions; fully susceptible tick isolates with zero resistance to Deltamethrin were recorded in one farm at Al Ain and two farms in the Abu Dhabi region. A questionnaire analysis showed that the failure of tick treatment in farms varied with the presence or absence of vegetation areas, types of animal breeds, and management practices. This study reports the emergence of resistance in ticks to Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, indicating a strict warning for the cautious use of acaricides. There is also a need to improve awareness about sound tick management and control practices among farm owners through a multidisciplinary approach adopting integrated pest management strategies that engage farmers, veterinarians, and policy makers. Full article

Growing environmental concerns have driven increased interest in solid-state thermal technologies based on the elastocaloric properties of shape memory alloys (SMA). This work examines the elastocaloric effect (eCE) in Ni-Ti SMA sheets subjected to cyclic bending, providing quantitative thermal characterization of their behavior under controlled loading conditions. The experimental investigation employed passive thermography to analyze the thermal response of Ni-Ti sheets under two deflection configurations at 1800 rpm loading. Testing revealed consistent adiabatic temperature variations (ΔT_ad) of 4.14 °C and 4.26 °C for the respective deflections during heating cycles, while cooling phases demonstrated efficient thermal homogenization with temperature gradients decreasing from 4.13 °C to 0.13 °C and 4.43 °C to 0.68 °C over 60 s. These findings provide systematic thermal documentation of elastocaloric behavior in bending-loaded Ni-Ti sheet elements and quantitative data on the relationship between mechanical loading parameters and thermal gradients, enhancing the experimental understanding of elastocaloric phenomena in this configuration. Full article

In the context of the growing emphasis on sustainable development and building safety performance, wooden architecture will attract increasing attention due to its low-carbon characteristics and excellent seismic resistance. In this study, the bibliometric software Citespace is used for data visualization analysis based on the literature related to Chinese wooden architecture in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Web of Science (WOS) databases, aiming to construct an analytical framework that integrates quantitative visualization and qualitative thematic interpretation which could reveal the current status, hotspots, and frontier trends of research in this field. The results show the following: Research on Chinese wooden architecture has shown a steady growth trend, indicating that it has received attention from an increasing number of scholars. Researchers and institutions are mainly concentrated in higher learning and research institutions in economically developed regions. Research hotspots cover subjects such as seismic performance, mortise–tenon structures, imitation wood structures, Dong architecture, Liang Sicheng, and the Society for the Study of Chinese Architecture. The research process of Chinese wooden architecture can be divided into three stages: the macro stage, the specific deepening stage, and the inheritance application and interdisciplinary integration stage. In the future, the focus will be on interdisciplinary research on wooden architecture from ethnic minority cultures and traditional dwellings. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AMCOP^® elastodontic appliances on cephalometric parameters of skeletal divergence and upper airway dimensions in growing patients, comparing treated individuals with an untreated control group. Methods: A total of 60 subjects (30 treated with AMCOP^® devices and 30 controls) were selected, with mean ages of 8.67 ± 1.3 and 9.19 ± 0.8 years, respectively. The AMCOP^® appliances, designed for mixed dentition, were worn for 1 h during the day and throughout the night for 6–8 months. Cephalometric analyses were conducted at the beginning (T0) and end (T1) of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable linear regression models to assess changes in skeletal and airway parameters, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant reductions were observed in Ans-Snp^Go-Gn (p = 0.0351), SN^Go-Gn (p = 0.0091), and FMA (p < 0.001) in the treated group compared to controls, indicating improved mandibular rotation. Upper airway spaces (SPAS, MAS, IAS) increased significantly, suggesting enhanced airway patency. Regression models confirmed the positive impact of AMCOP^® therapy on skeletal and airway outcomes, particularly in subjects with pronounced vertical discrepancies. Conclusions: AMCOP^® elastodontic devices effectively promote anterior mandibular rotation and reduce mandibular plane inclination in hyperdivergent patients, contributing to balanced craniofacial growth. The expansion of pharyngeal spaces indicates potential respiratory benefits. Future research is needed to confirm long-term stability and address variability in treatment response. Full article

The gut microbiota and its interaction with the nervous system through the gut–brain axis (MGB) have been the subject of growing interest in biomedical research. It has been proposed that modulation of microbiota using probiotics could offer a promising therapeutic alternative for mood regulation and the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders. The findings indicate that several probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in pre and clinical studies. These effects seem to be mediated by the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA), the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT) and Gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), as well as the modulation of systemic inflammation. However, the lack of standardization in dosing and strain selection, in addition to the scarcity of large-scale clinical studies, limit the applicability of these findings in clinical therapy. Additional research is required to establish standardized therapeutic protocols and better understand the role of probiotics in mental health. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the relationship between the gut microbiota and the MGB axis in the context of anxiety and depression disorders, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, as well as the preclinical evidence for the effect of probiotics in modulating these disorders. In this way, an exhaustive search was carried out in scientific databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. Preclinical research evaluating the effects of different probiotic strains in animal models during chronic treatment was selected, excluding those studies that did not provide access to the full text. Full article