Search Results (526)

Conventional academic warning systems in higher education often rely on end-of-semester grades, which severely limits opportunities for timely intervention. To address this, our interdisciplinary study developed and validated a comprehensive socio-technical framework that integrates social-cognitive theory with learning analytics. The framework combines educational data mining with culturally responsive, personalized interventions tailored to a non-Western context. A two-phase mixed-methods design was employed: first, predictive models were built using Learning Management System (LMS) data from 2,856 students across 64 courses. Second, a quasi-experimental trial (n = 48) was conducted to evaluate intervention efficacy. Historical academic performance, attendance, and assignment submission patterns were the strongest predictors, achieving a Balanced Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.85. The intervention, specifically adapted to Confucian educational values, yielded remarkable results: 73% of at-risk students achieved passing grades, with a large effect size for academic improvement (Cohen’s d = 0.91). These findings empirically validate a complete prediction–intervention–evaluation cycle, demonstrating how algorithmic predictions can be effectively integrated with culturally informed human support networks. This study advances socio-technical systems theory in education by bridging computer science, psychology, and educational research. It offers an actionable model for designing ethical and effective early warning systems that balance technological innovation with human-centered pedagogical values. Full article

Spinal cord injury (SCI) poses a substantial physical, psychological and social burden. Although many therapies are currently available, it is still impossible to fully restore the lost organic functions of SCI patients. An important event in SCI physiopathology is the development of a neuron-repulsive fibrotic scar at the lesion site, a barrier that hampers neuronal growth and contributes to long-term functional impairment. This neuron-repulsive scar is present in severe spinal cord injuries in humans but is absent in some animals capable of natural regeneration. In humans and other mammals, various immune cells take part in the development and maturation of the glial scar, and cytokines and other molecular factors regulate the associated histologic changes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and complement system proteins tend to be overexpressed early after SCI, but anti-inflammatory cytokines also participate in the remodelling of the injured tissue by regulating the excessively pro-inflammatory environment. This inflammatory regulation is not entirely successful in humans, and inflammation inhibitor drugs offer promising avenues for SCI treatment. Some non-specific immunosuppressor drugs have already been studied, but targeted modulation therapies may be more efficient and less prone to secondary effects. Continued experimental research and clinical trials are vital to advance findings and develop effective treatments, aiming to overcome the barriers to spinal cord regeneration and improve recovery for SCI patients. Full article

Handling delicate agricultural products, such as tomatoes, requires careful attention from workers during harvesting, sorting, and packaging processes. This labor-intensive approach is often inefficient and susceptible to human error. A potential solution to improve efficiency is the development of automated systems capable of replacing manual labor. However, such systems face significant challenges due to the irregular shapes and fragility of these products, requiring specialized adaptable and soft gripping mechanisms. In this context, this paper introduces a parametric design methodology for 3D-printed flexible fingers in soft grippers, tailored for agricultural applications. The approach was tested in a case study that targeted soft agricultural products with diameters between 45 and 75 mm. Three finger topologies were modeled and compared to identify an optimal configuration. A prototype was then developed using 3D printing with Z-SemiFlex. Experimental tests confirmed that the prototype could grasp different fruits reliably and without surface damage. It achieved an Average Precision (AP) of 87.5% for tomatoes and 92.5% for mandarins across 80 trials. These results validate the feasibility of the proposed design methodology for fingers in soft grippers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease represent major endocrine challenges worldwide, often requiring long-term management. Recently, nutritional supplementation with selenium and myo-inositol has been proposed as a supportive strategy. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding their efficacy in improving thyroid function, reducing thyroid autoantibodies in Hashimoto’s disease, and restoring biochemical euthyroidism in Graves’ disease. Methods: A narrative review of the available literature was undertaken, concentrating on randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating selenium and myo-inositol, alone or in combination (MYO+Se), in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders and benign thyroid nodules. Search Strategy and Study Selection: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus from inception to 31 July 2025. The search used Boolean operators to combine the following keywords: (“selenium” OR “selenomethionine”) AND (“myo-inositol” OR “inositol”) AND (thyroid OR Hashimoto* OR Graves’ OR hyperthyroid* OR hypothyroid* OR nodule* OR goiter OR orbitopathy). We included human studies in English. Inclusion criteria: Research designs include RCTs, quasi-experimental studies, cohort/case-control studies, and big case series (n ≥ 30). Exclusion criteria: Animal-only or in vitro studies (unless mechanistic), pediatric case reports, and editorials/commentaries. Study selection and data extraction: Two reviewers screened independently; discrepancies were settled through consensus. The data retrieved included the population, baseline iodine/selenium status (if reported), dose/formulation, treatment duration, outcomes (TSH, FT4, FT3, TPOAb, TgAb, TRAb, nodule metrics), and adverse events. Quality assessment: The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-2 for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or JBI checklists for observational studies. A qualitative synthesis emphasized study quality, consistency, directness, and accuracy. Results: Clinical research indicate that selenium supplementation may reduce thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels in Hashimoto’s disease, thereby attenuating autoimmune activity. Myo-inositol, particularly when combined with selenium, has been proven to improve thyroid hormone profiles while also lowering nodule size or growth. In Graves’ disease, supplementation has been linked to the restoration of biochemical euthyroidism in certain patients, albeit data are limited. Despite these encouraging results, diversity in trial design, treatment length, and dosages restrict the robustness of existing recommendations. Conclusions: Selenium and myo-inositol supplementation have shown promise as adjuvant treatments for autoimmune thyroid diseases and benign thyroid nodules. However, further large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are needed to determine the appropriate dosages, treatment duration, and patient selection criteria. Personalized supplementation solutions may improve medication efficacy and help with more comprehensive thyroid disease care. Full article

Background: Hypertensive patients have difficulties in controlling blood pressure (BP), resulting in high mortality rates. There is a growing number of lab and human studies investigating the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on hypertension. This motivated the current work to systematically assess existing literature and group evidence on the utility of PBM in BP management. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and experimental animal studies assessing PBM treatments in hypertensive patients/animals. Five primary databases were assessed by two reviewers. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were performed separately for clinical and experimental studies. Results: A total of 197 articles were screened that identified four RCTs and five experimental studies for final inclusion. The clinical trials noted that PBM treatments reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR), but with very low certainty. Experimental lab studies corroborated that PBM treatments reduced SBP, DBP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) while increasing nitric oxide levels, again with very low certainty. Overall, RCTs had a high risk of bias, and experimental studies had an unclear risk of bias. Conclusions: PBM treatments have the potential to be an adjunct therapy for the treatment of hypertension, with studies showing a possible reduction in SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR, but the evidence is of very low certainty, coming from RCTs with a high risk of bias and experimental studies with an unclear risk of bias. The current evidence needs to be significantly improved with rigorous, well-designed experimental and clinical studies. Full article

Background: Generating oxidative stress in a predictable and controllable way without the risk of causing harm is important for enabling the safe validation of interventions such as dietary polyphenols and ensuring ethical standards in human studies, while also advancing mechanisms involved in the induced oxidative stress. Although, many experimental animal and in vitro models have been developed to conduct oxidative stress-based research, to date, very few reliable human models are available. Objective: This study’s main objective was to establish a standardised exercise model to induce oxidative stress in a repeatable and controllable manner and was tested with dietary polyphenols. Method: We applied a single blinded, randomised, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial with adult (25.95 ± 6.25 years) males (N = 40) where the induction of oxidative stress was achieved by an incremental aerobic exercise activity followed by a maximal anaerobic activity until exhaustion. To assess the model, rooibos polyphenolics was used as one of the interventions, while markers of safety and oxidative stress were measured on various occasions during the trial period. Results: The exercise regime reliably and repeatably induced oxidative stress, evidenced by increased levels of oxidative damage markers, i.e., oxidised glutathione (p = 0.003), malondialdehyde (p = 0.004), and a Comet assay tail moment (p < 0.05), while unconjugated bilirubin (p = 0.002) and the ferric reducing antioxidant potential (p < 0.001) increased over the study period, in the male study participants, irrespective of the oral intervention. Conclusions: This model showed an exercise regime that could be adapted to induce oxidative stress in a reliable and repeatable fashion without risk of causing harm. This study also demonstrated that a dietary polyphenolic intervention with rooibos did not complicate the onset of oxidative stress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dioscoreae Rhizoma, commonly known as yam, has long been used in East Asia as a medicinal food for gastrointestinal (GI) health. This systematic review aimed to assess the GI-related benefits of Dioscoreae Rhizoma by synthesizing findings from both human clinical trials and in vivo experimental studies. Methods: A structured search of eight major databases—including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science—was conducted through April 2025. This systematic review includes both human and in vivo animal studies that investigated the effects of Dioscoreae Rhizoma on gastrointestinal function. Studies such as in vitro experiments, non-original articles and studies involving multi-herbal formulations were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with three different tools including the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Results: Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising two human trials and twenty-five animal experiments. Clinical trials reported improvements in gut-microbiota balance, glycemic control, and postsurgical recovery, including enhanced wound healing and reduced infection rates. In animal models, yam-derived interventions attenuated inflammatory responses, enhanced antioxidant defenses, preserved mucosal-barrier integrity, and favorably modified gut-microbiota composition. Discussion and Conclusions: Accumulating evidence supports the GI-beneficial effects of Dioscoreae Rhizoma, mediated through diverse biological pathways, including immunomodulation, antioxidation, and microbiota regulation. This study has limitations on lack of high-quality human studies, small sample size and heterogeneity among studies regarding different plant parts used, extraction processes, and dosage. Further rigorously designed studies are warranted to clarify the mechanisms, standardize intervention protocols, and validate clinical efficacy. Full article

Background: Accurate and stable instrument positioning is critical in dental implant procedures, particularly in anatomically constrained regions. Conventional navigation systems assume a static patient head, limiting adaptability in dynamic surgical conditions. This study proposes and validates a real-time motion compensation framework that integrates optical motion tracking with a collaborative robot to maintain tool alignment despite patient head movement. Methods: A six-camera OptiTrack Prime 13 system tracked rigid markers affixed to a 3D-printed human head model. Real-time head pose data were streamed to a Kuka LBR iiwa robot, which guided the implant handpiece to maintain alignment with a predefined target. Motion compensation was achieved through inverse trajectory computation and second-order Butterworth filtering to approximate realistic robotic response. Controlled experiments were performed using the MAiRA Pro M robot to impose precise motion patterns, including pure rotations (±30° at 10–40°/s), pure translations (±50 mm at 5–30 mm/s), and combined sinusoidal motions. Each motion profile was repeated ten times to evaluate intra-trial repeatability and dynamic response. Results: The system achieved consistent pose tracking errors below 0.2 mm, tool center point (TCP) deviations under 1.5 mm across all motion domains, and an average latency of ~25 ms. Overshoot remained minimal, with effective damping during motion reversal phases. The robot demonstrated stable and repeatable compensation behavior across all experimental conditions. Conclusions: The proposed framework provides reliable real-time motion compensation for dental implant procedures, maintaining high positional accuracy and stability in the presence of head movement. These results support its potential for enhancing surgical safety and precision in dynamic clinical environments. Full article

Human-powered electricity generation (HPEG) systems offer promising sustainable energy solutions, yet existing deterministic models fail to capture the inherent variability in human biomechanical performance. This study develops a comprehensive stochastic framework integrating advanced Monte Carlo uncertainty quantification with multi-component fatigue modeling and Pareto optimization. The framework incorporates physiological parameter vectors, kinematic variables, and environmental factors through multivariate distributions, addressing the complex stochastic nature of human power generation. A novel multi-component efficiency function integrates biomechanical, coordination, fatigue, thermal, and adaptation effects, while advanced fatigue dynamics distinguish between peripheral muscular, central neural, and substrate depletion mechanisms. Experimental validation (623 trials, 7 participants) demonstrates RMSE of 3.52 W and CCC of 0.996. Monte Carlo analysis reveals mean power output of 97.6 ± 37.4 W (95% CI: 48.4–174.9 W) with substantial inter-participant variability (CV = 37.6%). Pareto optimization identifies 19 non-dominated solutions across force-cadence space, with maximum power configuration achieving 175.5 W at 332.7 N and 110.4 rpm. This paradigm shift provides essential foundations for next-generation HPEG implementations across emergency response, off-grid communities, and sustainable infrastructure applications. The framework thus delivers dual contributions: advancing stochastic uncertainty quantification methodologies for complex biomechanical systems while enabling resilient decentralized energy solutions critical for sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies. Full article

The relationship between exercise and immune function has been widely studied, yet findings remain inconsistent regarding how different exercise modalities and intensities influence acute and chronic immunological responses. Previous reviews have often focused on single exercise types or limited outcomes, leaving a gap for an integrated synthesis. This narrative review aims to address this gap by summarizing and comparing immunological effects across aerobic exercise, resistance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), blood flow restriction (BFR), isometric exercise, mind–body interventions, and hypoxic training. A structured narrative approach was adopted. Literature published between January 2000 and December 2024 was searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Experimental and observational studies on humans and animal models were included, with study selection and data extraction performed by two reviewers. Findings were synthesized thematically by exercise modality to capture both acute and chronic immune responses. Twenty-four eligible studies were identified. Aerobic and mind–body exercises consistently demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects, including increased IL-10 production, improved T cell profiles, and reduced inflammatory markers. Isometric training showed favorable modulation of cytokines and T cell balance, while resistance training evidence was limited but suggested cortisol-lowering benefits. HIIT, BFR, and hypoxic exercise produced mixed results, often combining transient pro-inflammatory responses with immunological benefits. Acute and chronic immunological responses to exercise are highly modality- and intensity-dependent. Aerobic and mind–body interventions provide the most consistent benefits, whereas HIIT, BFR, and hypoxic training show variable effects. Further high-quality trials are needed to clarify mechanisms and guide exercise-based immune recommendations. Full article

Recent advances in multimodal large language models (MLLMs)—particularly vision– language models (VLMs)—introduce new possibilities for integrating visual perception with natural-language understanding in human–machine collaboration (HMC). Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly deployed in dynamic environments, where adaptive autonomy and intuitive interaction are essential. Traditional UAV autonomy has relied mainly on visual perception or preprogrammed planning, offering limited adaptability and explainability. This study introduces a novel reference architecture, the multimodal AI–HMC system, based on which a dedicated UAV use case architecture was instantiated and experimentally validated in a controlled laboratory environment. The architecture integrates VLM-powered reasoning, real-time depth estimation, and natural-language interfaces, enabling UAVs to perform context-aware actions while providing transparent explanations. Unlike prior approaches, the system generates navigation commands while also communicating the underlying rationale and associated confidence levels, thereby enhancing situational awareness and fostering user trust. The architecture was implemented in a real-time UAV navigation platform and evaluated through laboratory trials. Quantitative results showed a 70% task success rate in single-obstacle navigation and 50% in a cluttered scenario, with safe obstacle avoidance at flight speeds of up to 0.6 m/s. Users approved 90% of the generated instructions and rated explanations as significantly clearer and more informative when confidence visualization was included. These findings demonstrate the novelty and feasibility of embedding VLMs into UAV systems, advancing explainable, human-centric autonomy and establishing a foundation for future multimodal AI applications in HMC, including robotics. Full article

Current consumer trends for meat production with reduced antibiotic use constitute huge challenges in animal farming. Using indigenous raw materials such as aromatic or medicinal plants or their extracts could positively affect or retain animals’ health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of medicinal plant extracts and essential oils on pig performance parameters, health indices and meat quality. A phytobiotic mixture (PM) consisting of oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) essential oil, rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum L.) essential oil, garlic flour (Allium sativum L.) and false flax flour (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) was used in pig diets, containing in the experimental trials two different proportions of the oregano essential oil (200 mL/t of feed vs. 400 mL/t of feed). Three groups of weaned pigs were fed either the control diet (CONT) or one of the enriched diets (PM-A or PM-B, 2 g/kg). After a 43-day feeding period, at 77 days of age, blood was taken from the jugular vein for biochemical and hematological tests, and eight pigs were humanely slaughtered. A microbiological analysis of intestinal digesta from the ileum and caecum was conducted. Additionally, meat tissue cuts (biceps femoris, external abdominal and triceps brachii) were collected for a chemical analysis, fatty acid lipid profile and oxidative stability testing. The statistical analysis revealed no differences (p > 0.05) in the body weights and growth rates among the groups. An increase (p < 0.05) in total aerobic bacteria was detected in the ileum of group PM-A, while Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts were reduced (p < 0.05) in group PM-B. In the caecum, reductions in Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae counts were observed in groups PM-A and PM-B. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in triceps brachii and biceps femoris for both groups PM-A and PM-B (day 0). A reduction (p < 0.05) in MDA was noticed in triceps brachii and external abdominal meat samples (day 7) for groups PM-A and PM-B. In addition, the fatty acid profile of the meat lipids (ΣPUFA, h/H and PUFA/SFA ratios) was positively modified (p < 0.05) in the ham and belly cuts. The addition of the PM significantly (p < 0.05) affected the redness of the ham and shoulder meat (a* value increased), the yellowness of only the ham (b* value decreased) and the lightness of both belly (L* value increased) and ham samples (L* value decreased). The meat proximate analysis, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters, did not identify any differences (p > 0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, the two investigated mixtures could be used in weaned pigs’ diets, with positive results in intestinal microbial modulation, oxidative stability, fatty acid profile and color characteristics of the pork meat produced. Full article

Brain ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, commonly occurring in ischemic stroke and post-cardiac arrest scenarios, results in complex secondary damage involving oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown. Despite decades of research, no pharmacological agent has yet been clinically approved for post-I/R neuroprotection. Natural compounds have recently gained attention for their multimodal therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroregenerative effects. This review highlights nine promising candidates—resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, berberine, ginkgolide B, baicalin, naringin, fucoidan, and astaxanthin—that exhibit efficacy in experimental models of I/R injury when administered after the insult. Their chemical structures, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of action are described in detail, focusing on key signaling pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Importantly, we outline the selection criteria for these compounds, including demonstrated neuroprotective efficacy, mechanistic clarity, and translational feasibility. While several challenges remain—such as limited bioavailability, BBB penetration, and species-specific metabolism—emerging strategies like nanoparticle delivery, synthetic analogs, and drug combinations offer potential solutions. By emphasizing the therapeutic versatility and mechanistic diversity of these natural agents, this review supports their clinical potential and encourages further preclinical optimization and biomarker-guided human trials. Full article

Animal models provide a controlled and reproducible environment for investigating the pathogenesis of human lung diseases. In many cases, the morphological changes associated with a particular model may resemble those seen in their human counterparts, but the corresponding biochemical events may differ, and their timeframe may be significantly reduced. Nevertheless, gaining insight into human disease mechanisms may be possible by employing experimental approaches that minimize the problems associated with extrapolating data from animal studies. Such strategies include using more than one model of a particular disease, employing different routes of administration of the injurious agent, using a variety of animal strains or species, or focusing on biochemical mechanisms common to both the animal model and its human counterpart. For example, rodent models that replicate elastic fiber injury in human pulmonary emphysema have been used to test aerosolized hyaluronan’s ability to slow the disease’s progression. The same models facilitated the identification of a new biomarker for pulmonary emphysema that may be a real-time indicator of therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials. Therefore, the appropriate use of these models can provide a necessary road map for designing appropriate dosages, delivery routes, timeframes, and endpoints in clinical trials of novel agents for the treatment of lung disease. Full article

This study reviews the role of epidemiology in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century, which led to recognition that poliomyelitis is an infectious disease and set the stage for subsequent developments in virology and immunology, the development of inactivated and live attenuated polio vaccines, and a dramatic worldwide decrease in poliomyelitis mortality and morbidity. Epidemiological studies in the United States were systematically reviewed from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. Isolated cases and scattered small outbreaks of poliomyelitis in the mid-19th century led to epidemics of increasing size by the end of the century, causing public consternation, especially as the disease was considered “new” and had a predilection for young children. By the 1890s, the seasonal pattern of epidemics suggested that poliomyelitis might have an infectious etiology, but direct evidence of communicability or contagiousness was lacking, so an infectious etiology was not widely suspected until the early 20th century. Reports of bacterial isolations from spinal fluid and postmortem tissues suggested that poliomyelitis might be a bacterial disease, and simultaneous outbreaks of paralytic disease in humans and animals suggested a possible zoonotic basis. Although experimental studies showed that it was theoretically possible for flies to serve as vectors of poliovirus, and occasional cases of polio were likely caused by fly-borne transfer of poliovirus from human feces to human food, a fly abatement field trial showed convincingly that flies, whether biting or non-biting, could not explain the bulk of cases during polio epidemics. In conclusion, the early application of epidemiological evidence beginning in the late 19th century strongly suggested the infectious nature of the disease, distinct from previously identified conditions. Subsequent advances in virology and immunology from 1909 to 1954 proved that poliomyelitis was a viral disease with no natural animal host and made feasible the development of an inactivated trivalent poliovirus vaccine by Salk, and, subsequently, a live-attenuated trivalent poliovirus vaccine by Sabin. Full article