Search Results (35,899)

Phytoplankton are primary producers in the aquatic ecosystems whose pigments, cell size, and physiological state affect how they absorb light and fix carbon. The phytoplankton absorption coefficient (ɑ_ph(λ)) in the visible spectrum is a fundamental cellular optical property that determines phytoplankton–light interactions in the marine environment. This property links biological processes to ocean color remote sensing reflectance (Rrs), enabling an assessment of environmental and biogeochemical conditions in the ocean using ocean color satellites. This study presents a multi-stage systematic review of six decades (1965–2025) of ɑ_ph(λ) research, with a focused synthesis of developments in the past decade. A bibliometric analysis empirically examines the research growth of the field and its thematic convergence into methodological divergence across six decades. Cluster analysis was used to compile influential research topics as well as emerging trends, to determine the scope and design of the systematic review. A focused systematic review of studies in the past decade (2015–2025) has been carried out to identify conceptual and theoretical advances, major observational and algorithmic improvements, and ongoing challenges. The data analyses highlight the accuracy achieved by various studies, the complexity of applications of algorithms, and product-focused developments. The ongoing challenges identified include resolving optical degeneracy, vertical structure acquisition, and scaling methods for operational use. This review concludes the centrality of ɑ_ph(λ) as a key parameter to next-generation ocean color science, biogeochemical modeling, and climate-related ecosystem monitoring. Full article

The pronounced heterogeneity of tight sandstone reservoirs in the Sulige Gas Field poses significant challenges to the uniform propagation of multi-cluster hydraulic fractures during horizontal well staged fracturing, often leading to uneven stimulation and compromised productivity. To address this issue, a coupled fluid–solid fracture propagation model based on the displacement discontinuity method (DDM) was developed, incorporating dynamic fluid distribution, rock deformation, and temporary plugging mechanisms. The model was validated against microseismic monitoring data from the Sulige field and subsequently employed to investigate the effects of reservoir heterogeneity—including porosity, permeability, and in situ stress—on multi-cluster fracture growth. Results indicate that permeability and stress heterogeneity exert the most significant influence on fracture non-uniformity, as reflected by increased coefficients of variation in fracture length. Engineering measures such as the use of high-viscosity guar gum fracturing fluids, variable perforation strategies (e.g., 6, 10, and 16 holes per cluster), and optimized temporary plugging parameters (timing of 0.5 with 12 balls) were shown to effectively mitigate these effects and promote more balanced fracture propagation. This study provides a quantitative framework for optimizing fracturing design in heterogeneous tight gas reservoirs and offers practical guidance for enhancing stimulation uniformity and gas recovery efficiency in the Sulige Gas Field. Full article

With intensifying measures related to investor and policy requirements, corporate governance and sectoral environmental performance became a focal point for sustainability disclosure, especially in energy-intensive industries with high environmental externalities. This study evaluates whether corporate environmental governance practices in key sectors correspond to their pollution intensity and economic output, analysing a panel dataset across EU member states, for the 2000–2021 period. The empirical methodology includes ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed- and random-effects models, and dynamic system generalised method of moments (GMM) panel estimation to account for sectoral heterogeneity. Results prove that sectoral value added is an influential factor of greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon dioxide exhibiting the highest elasticity to economic activity, followed by methane emissions, and nitrous oxide displaying cross-country variations due to structural and regulatory differences. While services and manufacturing sectors partially decouple via cleaner technologies, overall growth positively correlates with emissions, and renewable energy offers limited mitigation due to scale and integration challenges. Conclusions emphasise robust governance frameworks in high-value energy sectors to meet EU climate-neutrality goals, as stronger environmental accountability attracts capital and supports sustainable development, underscoring the needs for targeted decarbonisation, regulatory coordination, and accelerated technological innovation within persistent industry disparities. Full article

Background: Craniofacial growth is regulated by a complex interaction of genetic, functional, and systemic metabolic factors. Mechanical loading generated during mastication plays a fundamental role in mandibular development through bone modeling and remodeling mechanisms. In contrast, Type I diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired bone metabolism, which may compromise skeletal growth. Although the independent effects of functional loading and metabolic disorders on bone tissue have been widely investigated, their combined influence on mandibular development remains insufficiently understood. Objective: This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effect of Type I diabetes mellitus on mandibular growth in growing rats and, secondarily, to assess the impact of dietary consistency (hard versus soft food) on mandibular development under diabetic and non-diabetic conditions, as well as determine whether diabetes modifies the mandibular adaptive response to increased masticatory loading. Materials and Methods: An experimental animal study was conducted using twenty-four male Wistar rats aged one month. The animals were randomly allocated into four groups according to metabolic status (control or diabetic) and dietary consistency (hard or soft diet). Type I diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced in the relevant groups using streptozotocin. All animals underwent cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning at baseline (Day 1) and at the end of the experimental period (Day 28). Linear measurements were obtained using specialized software following euthanasia. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of diabetes, diet, and their interaction, using appropriate post hoc tests for multiple comparisons. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Longitudinal morphometric analysis demonstrated that Type I diabetes mellitus significantly impaired mandibular growth. Diabetic animals exhibited reduced growth rates and smaller final mandibular dimensions compared with controls. Hard diet intake significantly enhanced mandibular development in control animals, reflecting a strong adaptive response to increased functional loading. However, this osteogenic response was markedly attenuated in diabetic rats. Under soft-diet conditions, differences between control and diabetic groups were diminished, indicating that reduced mechanical stimulation limits adaptive growth responses. Significant interaction effects between diabetes and dietary consistency were observed in several morphometric parameters, particularly those related to mandibular body length, ramus height, and condylar position. Conclusions: Type I diabetes mellitus exerts a detrimental effect on mandibular growth in growing rats and compromises the adaptive response of craniofacial structures to mechanical loading. Although a hard diet functions as a potent osteogenic stimulus, its growth-promoting effect is substantially reduced in the presence of metabolic dysfunction. Full article

The morphological and structural state of rough solid electrodes usually has a complex effect on the kinetics of an electrochemical process. In order to correctly distinguish the influence of different factors on the rate of an electrode reaction, it is necessary to first separate a purely geometric current rise caused by the surface area increase. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that surface roughness itself often not only leads to a geometric rise in the electrode area, but also contributes to a change in the kinetic parameters of the electrochemical process. As a consequence, the conclusion regarding an electrocatalytic effect will be reasonable only if the roughness effect is correctly taken into account. The most difficult problem is to establish the role of roughness when experimental electrochemical data are obtained under mixed diffusion–kinetic control of the electrode process. However, the use of appropriate theoretical approaches is required to correctly determine the kinetic characteristics of the electrochemical stage, i.e., of the charge transfer stage. This paper establishes the influence of the morphology and structure of electrodeposited copper coatings on the kinetics of the cathodic reduction of nitrate ion, which occurs in a mixed diffusion–kinetic mode, using the theoretical model of chronoamperometry of an electrochemical process on a rough electrode developed earlier by the authors. Several Cu-electrodes with roughness and structure, the parameters of which vary widely enough, were obtained by cathodic deposition from sulfate solutions of different compositions. The integral (roughness factor) and local (average roughness) characteristics of the surface morphology were determined by methods of underpotential deposition and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Structural investigation of the electrodeposited coatings was carried out by X-ray diffraction to determine their crystallographic structure and average crystallite size. The methods of voltammetry and a rotating disk electrode revealed the mixed kinetics of the electroreduction of ${\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}$ ions. The kinetic parameters of the charge transfer stage on the copper coatings with a roughness factor of f_r ≤ 3.5 are determined for the first time in this paper by treatment of the experimental current decay curves with the non-linear theoretical equation obtained by the authors for the chronoamperogram of the process on rough electrodes. It was found that the rate constant of the charge transfer stage and the exchange current density of the nitrate ion electroreduction increase by about 50%, with an increase in the average surface roughness from 25 to 120 nm. Considering that this effect is not caused by a purely geometric increase in the true surface area of the electrode, and that the average crystallite size is approximately the same (25 ± 2 nm) for all investigated coatings, it can be concluded that the electrocatalytic activity of copper increases in the reaction of the cathodic reduction of nitrate ions during the transition to copper electrodes with the higher average surface roughness. Taking into account XRD data, the role of the structural and morphological state in the kinetics of the electroreduction of nitrate ions has been established. The smoothest polycrystalline coating was found to be the least electrocatalytically active in this reaction. On the contrary, the roughest coatings with the most prominent plane (220) show the highest activity, which increases with increasing average roughness, possibly due to the growth of defects and excess energy of such curved surfaces. Full article

Background: Some widely used wildland fire behavior models, like the Fire Area Simulator (FARSITE), propagate fire fronts by computing the front-normal velocity (spread rate) as a function of local inputs and the front-normal direction. Such models are sometimes observed to cause the collapse of crown fires into sharp wedge shapes that eliminate heading fire behavior. Aims: We set out to document this phenomenon and, more generally, understand the relationships between fire shapes and spread rate functions. Methods: The phenomenon is studied both mathematically and through simulation experiments. Non-smooth fire fronts are theorized mathematically by an Eikonal partial differential equation ($H(x,\tau ,D\tau )=1$), where the unknown $\tau \left(x\right)$ is the time-of-arrival function and the Hamiltonian $H(x,t,p)$ is positively homogeneous and possibly non-convex in p; convex analysis is used to study viscosity solutions in constant conditions. Results: We show that a fire spread model preserves the smoothness of fire fronts if and only if it is equivalent to using the Huygens principle. Nontrivially, this is equivalent to a convexity criterion on the inverse spread rate profile, which is then the polar dual of the Huygens wavelet; this corresponds to Hamiltonian–Lagrangian duality. The relevance of smoothness-destroying models to crown fire is debated. Exact analytical formulas are derived for fire growth in constant conditions. Conclusions: Our understanding of fire spread models is improved by solving the spread equations in more general ways than previously known. In particular, the collapse of heading crown fires into sharp shapes is now explained. Smoothness-destroying spread models cannot be simulated by algorithms based on travel time like cellular automata; their general well-definedness remains an open question. Fire modelers can use these findings to guide their search for improved crown fire models, and more generally to verify the accuracy of numerical implementations. Full article

Non-thermal millimeter-wave (MMW) irradiation represents a promising non-invasive strategy for cancer therapy, yet its effects in physiologically relevant 3D systems remain poorly defined. Here, we evaluated the biological impact of MMW exposure in 3D non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) spheroids (NCI-H1299, A549) and normal WI-38 fibroblasts under active cooling to suppress bulk heating. We demonstrate that cellular responses are governed primarily by power density (PD), irradiation geometry, and genotype-dependent susceptibility. High-PD pyramidal horn (PH) irradiation (~4.9 mW/cm²) induced rapid apoptosis, metabolic collapse, and near-complete loss of clonogenic survival, whereas lower-PD waveguide (WG) irradiation (~0.6 mW/cm²) produced depth-limited, cumulative cytotoxicity. Surviving cancer cells exhibited robust senescence-associated growth arrest, particularly in p53-deficient NCI-H1299 cells, indicating a dual apoptotic–senescent anti-proliferative response. In contrast, WI-38 fibroblasts showed minimal apoptosis and only transient stress-associated senescence, confirming selective tumor vulnerability. Mechanistic modeling suggests that MMW energy couples to glycan-rich membrane domains, generating localized electromagnetic hotspots that trigger calcium influx, mitochondrial dysfunction, and depth-dependent apoptosis. These findings establish a mechanistic basis for selective, non-thermal MMW-induced cytotoxicity in 3D NSCLC models and support further preclinical development of MMW-based therapeutic strategies. Full article

While the operational benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are well-documented, the mechanisms through which firms leverage AI for strategic exploration and radical innovation remain under-theorized. This study addresses the “black box” of AI value creation by integrating the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework with the Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV). We propose that AI adoption is not a direct antecedent to performance but a multi-stage process wherein technological, organizational, and environmental factors enable the development of sensing capability, which in turn fosters a novel capability we term “AI-Enabled Exploration.” Analyzing survey data from 245 senior executives in Saudi Arabia, a high-growth economy undergoing state-led digital transformation, we employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the model. The results confirm a serial mediation chain: organizational readiness and technology compatibility drive sensing capability, which subsequently powers AI-enabled exploration to enhance innovation performance. Contrary to expectations, government support was not a significant predictor of sensing capability, suggesting that in resource-rich environments, external incentives are necessary but insufficient for capability building. Furthermore, competitive pressure was found to positively moderate the relationship between organizational readiness and exploration, acting as a critical catalyst that converts latent resources into active experimentation. These findings offer a theoretical roadmap for firms attempting to transition from AI-driven efficiency to AI-driven ambidexterity. Full article

The azimuth of a solar greenhouse affects the lighting and the amount of solar radiation received. To investigate the influence of greenhouse azimuth angles on the thermal environment and to ensure an optimal temperature for the growth of warm-season crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers, a naturally ventilated solar greenhouse in Urumqi, Xinjiang was examined. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (ANSYS 2020), a model of the greenhouse under natural ventilation was constructed. Taking the indoor temperature as the evaluation index, the temperature field inside the greenhouse was simulated at two time points (11:00 and 17:00) during the daytime in spring, under different azimuths (8° west of south, 4° west of south, due south, 4° east of south, and 8° east of south). The indoor measured point temperatures at 11:00 and 17:00 over four consecutive days were compared with the simulated results. The MaxRE, ARE, RMSE, and MAE were all remained within a low range, verifying the accuracy of the constructed CFD greenhouse model. The temperature contour maps of different sections, as well as the indoor average temperature and temperature uniformity in each case, were compared and analyzed. The results indicated that, at 11:00, the greenhouses with azimuths of 8° and 4° east of south exhibited higher average indoor temperatures than those with azimuths of due south and west of south. At 17:00, however, the highest average indoor temperatures occurred in the greenhouses with azimuths of 8° and 4° west of south, exceeding those with azimuths of due south and east of south. The differences in temperature uniformity among different azimuths at the same time were small, but there were significant differences in the temperature uniformity at different times for the same azimuth. According to the climatic characteristics and the temperature requirements of crops of Urumqi, Xinjiang, an azimuth of 4–8° west of south is recommended for solar greenhouses in this region. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds remain a formidable clinical challenge due to the suboptimal efficacy of conventional delivery systems and therapeutics. Textilinin-1, a venom-derived Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, has previously established its profile as a potent hemostatic agent. However, its potential as a multifunctional biopharmaceutical for wound management remains largely untapped. This study evaluates the pharmacological effects of Textilinin-1 in preclinical models of cutaneous wound repair. Methods: We employed an integrated platform comprising bioinformatics, in vitro cellular assays, and in vivo murine excisional wounds and a pilot porcine proof-of-concept model to assess the wound healing-promoting effects of Textilinin-1 and explore associated cellular responses associated with key stages of the wound healing cascade. Results: Textilinin-1 was associated with multiple cellular responses relevant to tissue repair. It attenuated M1-like inflammatory activation and showed preliminary growth-inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus under the tested conditions. Concurrently, it enhanced the proliferative and migratory capacity of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes, which are key cellular targets for wound closure. In pre-clinical pilot porcine and rodent models, Textilinin-1 treatment was associated with accelerated wound contraction and improved structural tissue quality. Conclusions: Our findings provide preclinical evidence that Textilinin-1 may promote cutaneous wound repair and modulate cellular responses relevant to key stages of the wound healing cascade. These results support further investigation of Textilinin-1 as a candidate for wound repair applications. Future studies are required to define its precise molecular mechanisms, evaluate its efficacy in chronic or otherwise compromised wound models, and optimize its topical formulation or hydrogel-based delivery. Full article

Surfactin is a lipopeptide biosurfactant with significant industrial potential, but high production costs have hindered its commercialization. In this study, we developed a sustainable and cost-effective bioprocess for surfactin biosynthesis using Bacillus subtilis 55033, utilizing kitchen waste as the primary fermentation substrate without any previous pretreatment—an advantage that simplifies the process and reduces costs compared to previous reports. To maximize productivity, the fermentation parameters were systematically optimized through single-factor and orthogonal experimental designs. The optimal conditions were as follows: a fermentation temperature of 31 °C, a duration of 48 h, a 5% v/v inoculum, a 7% w/v solid-to-liquid ratio, an initial pH of 7.5, and an agitation speed of 200 rpm. Under these conditions, the surfactin yield reached 371.67 mg/L, an increase of 100.5% from 185.4 mg/L prior to optimization. We performed a comparative analysis of the surfactin biosynthetic gene clusters between B. subtilis 55033 and the model strain B. subtilis 168. The produced surfactin exhibited potent antagonistic activity against aquatic pathogens, significantly inhibiting the growth of several species of Vibrio and the division and hatching of Cryptocaryon irritans Tomonts. These findings demonstrate that our platform not only provides a high-value valorization route for organic waste but also enables preliminary exploration of surfactin applications in aquaculture, in line with the principles of a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Six different twin boundary interface models were constructed by molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of biaxial load ratio on the fracture behavior of titanium twin boundaries. Analysis of microstructural evolution indicates that twin boundaries exhibit a dual role during crack propagation. On one hand, they serve as preferential sites for void nucleation, promoting crack propagation along the twin boundary; on the other hand, they provide favorable sites for dislocation nucleation, inducing local plastic deformation at the crack tip, altering the crack path, and thereby hindering crack propagation. The crack propagation behavior in the ($\overline{1}0$11) and ($\overline{1}0$13) twin boundary models shows evident asymmetry: the crack on the left side mainly propagates through the void nucleation mechanism and exhibits a faster growth rate, while the right-side twin boundary inhibits crack propagation by favoring dislocation nucleation. In contrast, the crack propagation behavior in the ($\overline{1}0$12), ($\overline{2}1$11), ($\overline{2}1$12) and ($\overline{2}1$14) twin boundary models is largely symmetric on both sides, showing no significant difference in propagation rate. Stress field analysis further reveals that the differences in crack propagation behavior among the various twin boundary models mainly originate from the disparity in dislocation activity on both sides of the crack, resulting in different levels of stress concentration at the crack tip. When void nucleation occurs at the twin boundary interface, the stress concentration between the main crack and the void intensifies, promoting their coalescence and further propagation. Meanwhile, with an increase in biaxial load ratio, the stress concentration at the crack tip becomes more pronounced, further accelerating crack propagation. Full article

Purpose: This study aimed to map publication trends, topical focus, study designs, and institutional concentration in otology research in Saudi Arabia from 1978 to 2024 to deduce any topical, regional, institutional, or funding disparities in the field of otology in the country. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of studies on human ear diseases in Saudi Arabia, searching PubMed and the Cochrane Library from inception to 31 December 2024. Bibliometric characteristics were charted, topics were mapped to ICD-11 chapters, and temporal trends were modelled using negative binomial regression with a single data-driven breakpoint. Results: Of 2227 records identified, 510 studies were included. Annual output increased by 9.28% (95% CI 7.05–11.55). An inflection occurred around 2017, with slower growth before 2017 (7.2%/year, 95% CI 5.3–9.1) and faster growth from 2018 onward (23.9%/year, 95% CI 18.6–29.4). The institutional affiliation of first authors was concentrated in a small number of organizations, led by King Saud University. Observational studies predominated (441/510), whereas experimental studies were limited (16/510). ICD-11 mapping showed the greatest concentration in “Ear and mastoid” (189/510, 37.1%) and “Factors influencing health status or contact with health services” (179/510, 35.1%) chapters. Funding was reported in 75 studies. Conclusions: PubMed- and Cochrane-indexed otology and hearing health research output in Saudi Arabia has grown substantially, particularly since 2017, but remains concentrated by institution, region, study design, and topic. The dominance of cochlear implant and hearing impairment research, together with limited multicenter, experimental, vestibular, tinnitus, and rehabilitation-focused studies, identifies priorities for future audiology and neurotology research planning. Full article

Usnic acid (UA), a prominent lichen secondary metabolite, exhibits a unique dual therapeutic profile in dermatology, though its clinical translation is limited by systemic hepatotoxicity and poor solubility. This review comprehensively evaluates the topical efficacy, molecular mechanisms, and advanced formulation strategies of UA enantiomers and UA-rich extracts. A literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 36 original publications focusing on anti-melanoma activity, photoprotection, and tissue regeneration. In vitro studies demonstrate that UA induces apoptosis in resistant melanoma cell lines (A375, HTB-140) via extrinsic/intrinsic pathways, with (−)-UA effectively overcoming doxorubicin resistance. Conversely, in non-cancerous models, low concentrations of UA accelerate wound and burn healing by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stimulating fibroblast proliferation, and optimizing extracellular matrix remodeling while preventing hypertrophic scarring. To mitigate skin sensitization and systemic risks, advanced drug delivery systems—including liposomes, nanoemulsions, chitosan nanogels, and electrospun scaffolds—have been developed, significantly enhancing skin permeability and localized dermal retention. Ultimately, the development of bio-functionalized smart dressings and targeted nano-formulations represents the most viable path toward unlocking the full clinical potential of UA in modern dermatological and oncological care. Full article

Mangrove forests in northern Mozambique were impacted by human and natural pressures, causing channel blockage, permanent flooding, and tree die back. To address the issue, hydrological restoration was carried out in August 2024, excavating 6.88 km of channels, with impact in 38 ha of degraded mangrove. The intervention area was divided into three zones, upper, middle, and lower, based on ecological and environmental characteristics. This study reports on the monitoring carried out 4 and 10 months later. Site salinity approached optimal levels for mangrove growth, dropping by 56% in high-salinity zones, and increasing above 100% in freshwater-invaded zones. The intervention also homogenized the previously distinct upper, middle, and lower zones to more statistically similar groups (Dunn post hoc: p > 0.05). Moreover, seedling density increased from 57.1 ± 44.1 to 4864 ± 1778.6 seedlings/ha; additionally, regenerating species increased in numbers (1 to 3 mangrove species in middle zone; and 0 to 3 mangrove species in lower zone). The study also reports the dieback of competing species, Juncus kraussii and Cyperus articulates. These changes result from the improved tidal flow and general habitat conditions in the restored site. This restoration offers a model for scaling up restoration efforts across the region, where ecological restoration remains underrepresented in many mangrove restoration initiatives. Full article