Search Results (51,381)

Effective scheduling and charging management of electric buses is essential for minimizing investment and operational costs while improving transit efficiency. The paper presents an optimization framework which provides a 3D Pareto frontier of fleet size, deadhead distance, and charging cost, while accounting for heterogeneous battery energy, charger power, charging spot capacities, integrated daily and night charging, and a charge sustaining condition. Two optimization approaches are developed: Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP), which finds globally optimal solutions, and an Insertion Heuristic (IH), which generates feasible schedules in a computationally efficient way. The framework operates iteratively, starting with MILP to determine the minimum number of buses for feasible operation. Then, additional buses are incrementally incorporated, and for each fixed fleet size, a multi-objective optimization of scheduling and charging management is applied to minimize deadhead distance and charging costs using both approaches. A case study on a synthetic transport network demonstrates that the proposed IH algorithm achieves nearly optimal performance at a fraction of the computational time and memory requirements of the MILP approach. A Pareto analysis shows that increasing fleet size reduces deadhead distance and charging costs up to a saturation point, beyond which further additions yield minimal benefits. Full article

This study investigates how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance influences firm-level financial outcomes using a panel of approximately 24,500 firm-year observations from 2015 to 2024, based on Refinitiv ESG scores across 12 industries and multiple European countries. To capture institutional heterogeneity, the analysis separates Nordic and non-Nordic firms and applies fixed-effects models for the latter and random-effects models for the former, as supported by Hausman diagnostics. The results reveal that ESG performance is positively associated with firm value, while its effects on short-run accounting returns differ across regions. Specifically, ESG scores are associated with a negative and statistically significant impact on ROA and ROE in the non-Nordic subsample, suggesting transitional adjustment costs and delayed financial realization. For financing outcomes, the study shows that ESG engagement reduces the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) in both samples, though mechanisms differ. In Nordic markets, a 10-point increase in ESG score corresponds to an estimated 4.2-basis-point reduction in WACC, reflecting the benefits of mature disclosure systems. In contrast, governance emerges as the only ESG pillar capable of reducing financing costs in non-Nordic countries. These region-specific patterns confirm that institutional maturity and investor orientation shape the financial materiality of ESG practices. The novelty of this study lies in jointly modeling (i) positive valuation effects, (ii) negative short-run profitability adjustments, and (iii) financing-cost reductions within a unified ESG framework while explicitly distinguishing governance regimes across Europe. The findings offer new evidence on how disclosure quality and governance structures moderate ESG’s economic impact and suggest that strengthening governance transparency can help firms in less mature ESG environments realize capital-cost advantages. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) displays substantial clinical heterogeneity, yet access to genomic prognostic testing remains limited in many real-world and resource-constrained settings. Readily available biomarkers that reflect disease biology are therefore clinically valuable. Serum albumin, an inexpensive marker associated with systemic inflammation and tumor burden, has shown emerging prognostic potential. This study evaluated the impact of baseline albumin on time to first treatment (TTFT) and overall survival (OS) in CLL. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with confirmed CLL treated at a single tertiary center. Baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were recorded, and serum albumin was dichotomized at 4 g/dL. TTFT and OS were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier methodology. Variables with p < 0.1 in univariate analyses were included in multivariate Cox regression models. Results: A total of 230 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 62.5 years; 52.2% were male, and 14.8% had serum albumin <4 g/dL. Low albumin was associated with older age, advanced Rai/Binet stage, anemia, higher lymphocyte counts, and greater treatment requirement (all p < 0.05). Median follow-up was 20 months (range, 1–288). Patients with albumin <4 g/dL had inferior 5-year OS (78.4% vs. 98.7%). Although serum albumin correlated with both TTFT and OS in univariate analyses, it did not remain independently significant in multivariate models. Conclusions: While not independently prognostic, baseline serum albumin is strongly linked to adverse clinical features and poorer unadjusted survival. As a readily available, low-cost parameter, albumin may offer practical value for early risk stratification—particularly in regions where routine molecular testing is constrained. Full article

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is characterised by profound genomic instability and limited durable responses to standard therapy, leading to poor prognosis. The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has improved understanding of its molecular landscape, revealing consistent Tumour Protein p53 (TP53) mutations, homologous recombination defects, pathway alterations, and epigenetic dysregulation. Such genomic profiling now underpins the classification criteria between the ovarian cancer subtypes described by the Cancer Genome Atlas. Widespread chromosomal instability and pathogenic variants in multiple genes distinguish HGSOC from other subtypes of ovarian cancer and, further, from low-grade serous ovarian cancer. Importantly, the new-found understanding of the genomic landscape of HGSOC guides the use of platinum-based chemotherapies and Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, with homologous recombination deficiency emerging as a cancer vulnerability that enhances treatment response. A combined multi-omics approach integrates transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics to further the understanding of the characteristics, therapeutic targets and treatment resistance within HGSOC. Despite these advances, major challenges persist, including intratumoural heterogeneity and the poor diversity of genomic datasets. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing, neoantigen-guided immunotherapy and ovarian cancer vaccination indicate a promising future for genomics-guided interventions and support the integration of genomics within multi-omic approaches to improve HGSOC outcomes. Full article

Shagamite, KFe₁₁O₁₇ (IMA 2020-091) was discovered in the ferrite zone of gehlenite hornfels from the Hatrurim Complex exposed near Mt. Ye’elim, Hatrurim Basin, Israel. The mineral occurs in outer zones of gehlenite rock blocks that were heterogeneously altered by high-temperature (>1200 °C) ferritization. Ferritization was induced by K-bearing fluids or melts, generated as a by-product of late combustion processes. Shagamite crystallized from a thin melt that formed on the rock surface during cooling to approximately 800–900 °C. It is mainly associated with minerals of the magnetoplumbite group like barioferrite, Sr-analog of barioferrite, and gorerite but also with magnetite, maghemite, harmunite, devilliersite and K(Sr,Ca)Fe₂₃O₃₆ hexaferrite. Shagamite is a modular compound with a β-alumina-type structure (P6₃/mmc, a = 5.9327 (5), c = 23.782 (3) Å, γ = 120°, V = 724.91 (13) ų, Z = 2), and it is isostructural with diaoyudaoite, NaAl₁₁O₁₇, and kahlenbergite, KAl₁₁O₁₇. Its structure is also closely related, though non-isotypic, to those of the magnetoplumbite-group minerals. Shagamite is dark brown with a semi-metallic luster and forms platy crystals flattened on (001). Its mean empirical formula is: (K_1.00Ca_0.15Mn²⁺_0.05Na_0.04Rb_0.01)_Σ1.25(Fe_10.36Mn²⁺_0.15Al_0.14Mg_0.12Zn_0.10Ni_0.07Cu_0.03Cr³⁺_0.02Ti⁴⁺_0.01)_Σ11.00O₁₇. The Vickers microhardness VHN₂₅ = 507 kg/mm² corresponds to a Mohs hardness of ~5. The calculated density, based on the empirical formula and unit-cell parameters, is 4.12 g·cm⁻³. The main bands in the Raman spectrum of shagamite occur at 685 and 715 cm⁻¹ and are assigned to ν₁(FeO₄)⁵⁻ tetrahedral vibrations. Full article

Corporate greenwashing poses a significant challenge to global sustainability efforts. Drawing on firm-level data from China, this study explores the effect of social trust as a key informal institution on inhibiting greenwashing behavior. We find that social trust significantly reduces the level of greenwashing. Our mechanism analysis suggests that social trust restrains greenwashing primarily by enhancing corporate information transparency, alleviating managerial short-termism, and easing financial constraints. Further heterogeneity tests show that the effect is stronger in firms not audited by Big Four auditors and those without voluntary environmental disclosure, as well as in regions with weaker formal institutional environments. We also examine multidimensional trust and find that generalized trust plays a dominant role in curbing greenwashing, whereas personalized and institutional trust show limited effects. These findings highlight the importance of social capital and informal institutional forces in promoting corporate environmental accountability and advancing sustainable development goals. Full article

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common pelvic floor disorders after childbirth and depends on hormonal changes, anatomical damage that occurs after childbirth, muscle and connective tissue weakness, fascia and nerves. UI is distinguished into three subtypes, including stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgent urinary incontinence (UUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Aim: The purpose of this review is to collect and summarize the results of studies related to the risk factors of urinary incontinence, to disseminate this information to scientists so that this major issue can be prevented, identified and managed. Methodology: This review followed the methodology of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PECO eligibility criteria were used. We included studies published up to 2025 and not before 2019. The review was limited to studies published within the last six years in order to reflect contemporary diagnostic criteria, assessment tools and current postpartum care practices related to urinary incontinence. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus for studies concerning the relationship between risk factors and postpartum UI. Results: A total of 1321 citations were identified. Following our exclusion criteria, 36 papers were selected to identify the risk factors for UI. All the research focused on the associated factors of any type of urinary incontinence. Vaginal and instrumental delivery, obesity, maternal age and the neonate’s birth weight were the main risk factors. The multiparity and incontinence symptoms before and during pregnancy were also strong risk factors. Heterogeneity across studies in assessment tools, in outcome measures and timing of postpartum assessment are some of the limitations of the study. Restriction to English-language publications and the absence of protocol registration were some of the additional limitations of the study. Conclusions: This problem affects the inclusion of women in society, the family, limits social activities and even their ability to work. Detection of the type of urinary incontinence by healthcare professionals, lifestyle modifications, monitoring women’s body weight and encouraging them to follow a program of pelvic floor muscle exercises should be a priority for professionals. The strategy of developing prognostic models in the coming years will be the only way to ensure the early identification and follow-up of women at high risk for urinary disorders. Full article

Acute and Chronic Coronary Syndromes represent two major medical challenges and are the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. While Chronic Coronary Syndrome (CCS) can be defined as the whole group of structural and/or functional abnormalities involving coronary arteries before and after an acute event, Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses the condition of acute myocardial ischemia (with or without consequent myocardial injury and troponin release) due to dynamic mechanisms such as athero-thrombosis or vasospasm. Because of this complex interplay between structural and functional mechanisms arising from both the epicardial and microvascular compartments, a comprehensive approach to fully investigate the whole spectrum of coronary disease is therefore essential. To address this issue, the invasive functional assessment has evolved through the years, from a way to guide revascularization to a meticulous protocol for characterizing ischemia-leading mechanisms and stratifying prognosis both in ACS and CCS. However, coronary physiology remains underused in clinical practice, and multiple gaps in knowledge still exist; on top of this, there is increasing heterogeneity regarding how to perform functional assessment, with different protocols proposed by various centers. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence in the field of coronary physiology, and to discuss how and when to use it at its best. Full article

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by neutrophil-driven airway inflammation and acute respiratory events (AREs) that contribute to progressive lung damage. AREs are clinically heterogeneous and often occur without measurable changes in lung function. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of molecular airway inflammatory markers for detecting AREs in school-age children with CF. We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of children with CF (ages 6.7–16.8 years) followed for two years. Sputum samples were collected from 50 participants during stable visits and AREs. Concentrations of 14 inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA and multiplex assays. Associations with lung function (ppFEV₁ and lung clearance index [LCI]) and time to next ARE were assessed. A total of 179 sputum samples were analyzed, including 64 collected during AREs. Calprotectin, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and IL-1β were increased during AREs compared with stable visits, although concentrations frequently remained within ranges observed at stable visits. Other cytokines, including GM-CSF, IL-17A, IL-1α, TNF-α, and SPLUNC-1, were predictive of shorter time to subsequent AREs. No biomarker correlated with lung function measures. These findings indicate that airway inflammatory cytokine changes are associated with clinically diagnosed AREs but not with pulmonary function, supporting their potential role as complementary biomarkers in CF care. Full article

With the continuous growth in the scale of engineering simulation and intelligent manufacturing workflows, more and more problem-solving tasks are migrating to cloud computing platforms to obtain elastic computing power. However, a core operational challenge for cloud platforms lies in the difficulty of stably obtaining high-quality scheduling solutions that are both efficient and free of symmetric redundancy, due to the coupling of multiple constraints, partial resource interchangeability, inconsistent multi-objective evaluation scales, and heterogeneous resource fluctuations. To address this, this paper proposes a Dual-Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (DI-WOA) accompanied by a modeling framework featuring discrete–continuous divide-and-conquer modeling, a unified monetization mechanism of the objective function, and separation of soft/hard constraints; its iterative trajectory follows an augmented Lagrangian dual-rollback mechanism, while being rooted in a three-layer “discrete gene–real-valued encoding–decoder” structure. Scalability experiments show that as the number of tasks J increases, the DI-WOA ranks optimal or sub-optimal at most scale points, indicating its effectiveness in reducing unified billing costs even under intensified task coupling and resource contention. Ablation experiment results demonstrate that the complete DI-WOA achieves final objective values (OBJ) 8.33%, 5.45%, and 13.31% lower than the baseline, the variant without dual update (w/o dual), and the variant without perturbation (w/o perturb), respectively, significantly enhancing convergence performance and final solution quality on this scheduling model. In robustness experiments, the DI-WOA exhibits the lowest or second-lowest OBJ and soft constraint violation, indicating higher controllability under perturbations. In multi-workload generalization experiments, the DI-WOA achieves the optimal or sub-optimal mean OBJ across all scenarios with H = 3/4, leading the sub-optimal algorithm by up to 13.85%, demonstrating good adaptability to workload variations. A comprehensive analysis of the experimental results reveals that the DI-WOA holds practical significance for stably solving high-quality scheduling problems that are efficient and free of symmetric redundancy in complex and diverse environments. Full article

Internet of Things (IoT) botnets are networks of infected smart devices controlled by attackers and posing a serious cybersecurity challenge. Developing detection approaches that maintain high accuracy while protecting privacy presents considerable challenges, particularly in large and heterogeneous IoT networks. This paper empirically compares three modelling approaches on Bot-IoT and N-BaIoT in binary and multiclass settings: handcrafted machine learning with random forest (RF), centralised deep learning (CDL) with DNN/LSTM/BiLSTM, and federated deep learning (FDL) with the same architectures. Model hyperparameters are selected via randomised search on stratified subsets and then fixed for final training. Results show near-perfect performance for all approaches in binary detection: on Bot-IoT, CDL-DNN attains perfect accuracy, and RF is virtually perfect (only four benign-to-attack false positives), while FDL models are similarly strong with only small false-positive and false-negative counts. On N-BaIoT, RF and CDL (especially LSTM) are near-perfect, and FDL is very close to CDL. For multiclass detection, CDL-DNN leads on Bot-IoT, RF remains near perfect with minimal cross-class confusion, and FDL trails slightly; on N-BaIoT, FDL-BiLSTM and RF are essentially perfect, with CDL-LSTM close behind. Overall, the findings validate RF as a competitive classical approach, show where centralised representation learning adds value, and demonstrate that federated training preserves most of the centralised accuracy while avoiding raw data centralization (data locality) for scalable deployment. Full article

A Steam-and-Gas Push (SAGP) enhances energy efficiency in Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) but induces gas fingering instabilities that limit the sweep efficiency. This study systematically investigates the impact of in situ-generated and externally injected non-condensable gas (NCG) on fingering using fine-grid numerical simulations based on the Du-84 heavy oil reservoir. Two novel dimensionless indexes (heat–gas overlap index and Y-index) are introduced to quantitatively diagnose the fingering severity and heat transfer mechanisms. The results indicate that vertical chamber growth is convection-dominated by buoyant gas fingers, while lateral expansion remains conduction-dominated and stable. Reservoir heterogeneity significantly exacerbates fingering. An NCG concentration-dependent mechanism is established: low-dose co-injection (~0.5 mol%) suppresses minor fingering and increases oil production via a thin insulating gas cap. Conversely, excessive NCG (>5 mol%) thickens the gas cap, hindering heat transfer. Based on these mechanisms, a practical NCG operating window is proposed: a mid-stage, low-dose injection maximizes the production benefit (+4.4%), while a late-stage, moderate-dose injection (~5 mol%) enhances the oil–steam ratio (OSR) by 20.5% with minimal production loss (3.8%). This research offers critical guidance for optimizing NCG injections to mitigate fingering and improve recovery in heterogeneous reservoirs. Full article

Cellulite, a multifactorial condition affecting approximately 98% of women, is characterised by dermal and subcutaneous architectural changes that compromise skin texture and elasticity. Its progression is closely linked to hormonal, vascular, and inflammatory factors, as well as ageing-related extracellular matrix degradation. This review critically evaluates bioactive compounds incorporated into topical and minimally invasive formulations for the management of cellulite and skin rejuvenation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases and cosmetic ingredient repositories, focusing on active ingredients with demonstrated efficacy in enhancing skin structure. Key compounds include capsaicin, forskolin, L-carnitine, caffeine, retinol, and extracts from plants such as Centella asiatica, which act via lipolysis, improved circulation, and antioxidant effects. Minimally invasive agents, such as deoxycholic acid and poly-L-lactic acid, complement these strategies by inducing adipocytolysis and neocollagenesis, thereby improving skin firmness and contour. Evidence indicates that multi-active formulations combining lipolytic agents with antioxidants and collagen-stimulating molecules yield synergistic benefits, reducing adipose protrusion and improving skin firmness. However, heterogeneity in study design and the lack of standardised evaluation methods limit firm conclusions. Further studies should validate efficacy and optimise delivery. Integrated topical and injectable therapies represent a promising, multifunctional approach to addressing cellulite and age-related skin changes. Full article

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by variable degrees of inflammation and fibrosis affecting the pulmonary interstitium. Advances in molecular biology and genetics have greatly expanded our understanding of ILD pathogenesis, uncovering novel mechanisms and supporting precision medicine approaches. Genetic Insights: Genetic factors play a pivotal role in ILD heterogeneity, influencing disease onset, severity, and progression. To date, more than 30 genes with different inheritance patterns (autosomal dominant, recessive, or X-linked) have been associated with ILDs. These genes are primarily involved in surfactant metabolism, telomere maintenance, immune regulation, and epithelial repair. Emerging evidence also implicates genes encoding aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. This review summarizes the main genetic alterations underlying ILD pathogenesis and discusses their impact on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, highlighting how identification of disease-causing variants can improve diagnostic accuracy, refine prognostic assessment, and inform recurrence risk. Methods: A narrative review was conducted through targeted PubMed and Embase searches using disease- and gene-related keywords. Studies were prioritized based on predefined conceptual criteria, including clinical relevance, strength and replication of genetic associations, and availability of functional or translational evidence. Conclusions: This synthesis brings together the latest genetic insights into pediatric ILDs and their clinical implications. Integrating genomic data into clinical practice may enable earlier diagnosis, tailored follow-up, individualized therapeutic strategies, and more informed genetic counseling. However, important challenges remain, including incomplete genotype–phenotype correlations and limited functional validation for several disease-associated genes, which currently constrain full clinical translation. Full article

Background: Full field electroretinography (ERG) is an essential tool for assessing retinal function and diagnosing retinal diseases. In recent years, mydriasis-free handheld ERG devices have emerged as portable, non-invasive alternatives to traditional ERG systems. Their main application has been in the screening and monitoring of diabetic retinopathy (DR), particularly in settings with limited access to standard ERG equipment and in pediatric populations where conventional testing may be difficult to perform. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on handheld ERG devices in ocular diseases, with a focus on their reliability, diagnostic accuracy, and inherent limitations. Methods: A review was conducted to identify studies evaluating handheld ERG devices in diverse clinical settings, including retinal diseases, DR, pediatric populations, and conditions such as glaucoma. A comprehensive search of the Pubmed and Embase databases was performed for studies published up to December 2024. Search terms included “mydriasis free ERG”, “handheld ERG”, “portable ERG”, “RETeval”, “healthy subjects”, “retinal diseases”, “diabetic retinopathy”, “glaucoma”, and “pediatric diseases”, as well as relevant MeSH terms and synonyms. Case reports, conference abstracts, non-human studies, and letters were excluded. After screening titles and abstracts, additional studies not meeting the inclusion criteria were excluded. Of 279 records that were initially identified, 55 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Results were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in the study design, populations, and outcomes. Findings were organized thematically according to clinical context. Results: A total of 57 studies were included in the review: 19 conducted in healthy subjects, 13 in diabetic retinopathy, eight in selected retinopathies, eight in glaucoma, and 14 in pediatric cohorts. Five studies overlapped between groups due to shared populations or study designs. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures; therefore, findings were summarized narratively across disease categories. Handheld ERG devices have been evaluated in healthy subjects, patients with DR, other retinal pathologies, glaucoma and pediatric cohorts. Evidence indicates that these devices provide a rapid, non-invasive assessment of retinal function and are particularly valuable where conventional ERG is difficult to implement and potentially well-suited for screening purposes. They show good sensitivity and reasonable specificity for detecting functional changes, making them suitable for screening purposes. However, limitations exist: reduced performance in detecting early-stage disease and cone dysfunction, risk of false positives, and variability in waveform morphology and amplitude compared with traditional ERG systems. Reproducibility challenges are noted among pediatric patients and individuals with poor fixation or unstable eye movements. These discrepancies highlight the need for establishing robust normative datasets for both healthy subjects and specific disease states. Conclusions: Handheld ERG devices provide a rapid, accessible and user-friendly option for retinal assessment. While not a replacement for conventional ERG, they serve as complementary tools, particularly in early disease and in contexts where standard testing is less feasible. Further research is required to refine testing protocols, improve diagnostic accuracy, and validate their application across a broader spectrum of ocular diseases. Full article