Search Results (2,444)

The integration of whole-cell biosensors in miniaturized measuring devices to exploit synergetic effects as small, rapid, cost-effective, sensitive, and highly specific platforms with point-of-care applicability was often discussed in recent years and many different setups have been presented to date. In many cases these setups were envisaged as powerful systems in their respective fields; however, the anticipated success often failed to materialize, and the systems remained a proof-of-concept. We elaborate on the hurdles and possible challenges that have to be overcome for the successful development and application of such systems. Further, we critically discuss and rank the impact of different challenges during system development, application, and commercialization. Finally, we point out possible future applications and conclude future perspectives for whole-cell biosensors integrated into microfluidic platforms. Full article

Employees were required to adopt new working methods within a very short time frame during the COVID-19 period through digitalization. While digitalization has been largely perceived as an enabler during the pandemic, its impact on employee health and well-being remains complex and underexplored, particularly in the public sector, where employees have less discretion to adapt digital tools. This study examines how rapid workplace digitalization during COVID-19 affected employee health and well-being in the public sector. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) framework, we focus on three specific forms of digital work—digital meetings, digital clearance, and digital training—selected because they represent distinct theoretical pathways through which digitalization affects well-being, such as digital meetings and digital training can increase job demands that can deplete employee energy and increase stress, whereas digital clearance operates as a job resource that reduces bureaucratic hurdles and enhances autonomy. To test these ideas, this study uses data from the 2020 Australian Public Service Commission Census (n = 108,085), and applies ordinal and multinomial generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) to assess the effects of three new ways of working—digital meetings, digital clearance, and digital training—on employees’ health and well-being, as well as the mediating roles of organizational support. The results demonstrate that while digital clearance is positively associated with employee health and well-being, digital meetings and digital training are negatively associated. Organizational support mediates these relationships, underscoring its importance in mitigating adverse effects. These findings highlight the mixed consequences of digitalization for public employees’ health and well-being and point to the need for supportive organizational strategies in times of crisis. As a practical implication, this study suggests that public sector organizations should prioritize employee mental health in teleworking policies, adopt employee-centered digital transformation strategies that provide adequate resources and training support, and implement digital clearance processes that enhance employee well-being, particularly during a crisis. Full article

Cardiovascular imaging is essential in the diagnosis, phenotyping and prognostic assessment of cardiovascular disease. However, longstanding limitations constrain the accuracy, throughput, and scalability of cardiovascular imaging techniques. Artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated a diverse range of potential benefits across modalities, including echocardiography, computerised tomography, nuclear imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging. These benefits include automated quantification of key heart parameters, ability to improve traditional disease detection and phenotyping, and image reconstruction. While the use of AI in clinical workflows is still largely emerging, its significance is becoming established through numerous promising studies. The evidence reviewed indicates that AI can meaningfully enhance disease management, clinical operations and patient experience when used alongside physician expertise. However, several challenges restrict the widespread clinical implementation of AI, including a lack of robust prospective evidence, regulatory hurdles, bias in training datasets, and ethical drawbacks such as data privacy and accountability. Future developments should prioritise large-scale prospective and multicentre validation and address practical and ethical barriers to ensure AI can be utilised safely and effectively in clinical settings. This narrative review comprehensively analyses advances in AI-driven cardiovascular imaging with a focus on clinical implementation. Full article

This review examines the implementation dimensions of integrated lemon biorefinery systems, including cascade valorisation design, circular-economy integration, life-cycle assessment, techno-economic feasibility, and regulatory frameworks. Bibliometric analysis of Web of Science data (2015–2025) reveals exponential growth in citrus-biorefinery research, with lemon representing a burgeoning subset. Techno-economic assessments indicate that cascade biorefineries recovering essential oils, pectin, polyphenols, nanocellulose, and bioenergy can achieve cumulative revenues of USD 400–650 per tonne of dry peel. Whilst small-scale units (<500 tonnes per year) struggle to achieve viability, industrial simulations demonstrate Internal Rates of Return exceeding 18% at processing scales above 100,000 tonnes annually (2025 basis). Life-cycle assessments confirm environmental benefits, with greenhouse gas reductions of 60–85% relative to conventional disposal. Critical success factors include adopting green extraction technologies to preserve bioactive integrity and mitigating D-limonene inhibition in downstream anaerobic digestion. These findings establish essential oil extraction and pectin recovery as commercially mature technologies, whilst integrated multi-product lemon biorefineries remain economically promising based on techno-economic modelling and pilot-scale demonstrations, provided regulatory hurdles are effectively navigated. Full article

Microbial biosurfactants, derived from diverse aquatic and extreme ecosystems, offer a sustainable and environmentally compatible strategy for enhanced oil recovery by fundamentally altering subsurface rock wettability. These biologically produced amphiphiles can efficiently transform oil-wet rock surfaces into water-wet states, thereby mobilizing otherwise trapped crude oil. The primary aim of this review is to provide an integrative understanding of how these biomolecules function at the interface between aquatic microbial ecology and subsurface petroleum engineering, with a particular focus on wettability alteration as a key mechanism for enhancing oil recovery. This review surveys major biosurfactant classes—glycolipids, lipopeptides, and polymeric bioemulsifiers—and their core mechanisms, emphasizing their relevance to challenging reservoir conditions such as high temperature and salinity. A detailed assessment is devoted to persistent hurdles such as stability, adsorption onto rock formations, and economic scalability. Future prospects center on three key approaches: advancing synergistic “bio-hybrid” systems that integrate biosurfactants with complementary agents such as biopolymers and nanomaterials; achieving cost-effective production through the valorization of waste feedstocks; and expanding targeted bioprospecting of microbial diversity from extreme aquatic environments. Together, these strategies are reviewed to drive the advancement of robust, green microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) technologies, charting a course from fundamental insights to field-scale implementation. Full article

Urban geophysical exploration faces significant hurdles due to strong electromagnetic interference and limited operational space, which restrict the efficiency and depth of traditional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). To overcome these limitations, this paper presents a novel ERT measurement and control system based on the Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) principle. Unlike conventional time-domain methods, this instrument synchronously transmits three independent AC signals at distinct frequencies. The acquisition station utilizes Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to isolate specific frequency responses, enabling the simultaneous retrieval of apparent resistivity data for three different electrode spacings from a single transmission. The system architecture integrates low-power STM32 microcontrollers with an Android-based control terminal via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NB-IoT technologies. This wireless design supports real-time current monitoring and cloud-based data synchronization. Experimental results demonstrate that the FDM operating mode significantly enhances data acquisition efficiency and anti-interference capability through frequency-domain separation. Controlled indoor and preliminary field tests indicate that FDM mode substantially improves acquisition efficiency through concurrent multi-channel measurement while effectively resolving target signals from noise. This study demonstrates the system’s technical feasibility and provides a practical foundation for future geophysical detection in time-constrained urban environments. Full article

The escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the stagnating antibiotic pipeline have renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy. While natural phages offer specificity and low toxicity, their narrow host range, bacterial resistance, and safety concerns limit clinical use. To overcome these hurdles, phages are being engineered using biotechnology. This review outlines the history of phage therapy and systematically summarizes advances in engineered phage preparation, including genetic modification, chemical conjugation, and physical encapsulation. We highlight the application of engineered phages against multidrug-resistant infections, gastrointestinal diseases through gut microbiome modulation, and as targeted delivery vehicles or immune adjuvants in cancer therapy. While significant advances have been made, several critical challenges remain, particularly in regulatory approval, large-scale manufacturing, and ensuring long-term safety. We conclude that engineered phages, as customizable and precise biological tools, are poised to advance precision phage medicine, offering a transformative solution to AMR and fostering convergence across synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science. Full article

In Germany, a shortage of public charging stations for the significantly increasing number of electric cars exists. This shortage, along with the associated range anxiety, poses a hurdle for the market entry of electric cars. In addition, the construction of public charging stations for electric vehicles is outside the control of vehicle owners. Accelerating this process is challenging due to regulatory and other considerations. This paper presents a novel scientific and technical approach to complement existing public charging infrastructure by integrating privately owned charging stations into a publicly accessible ecosystem. The core of our work explores the integration of private charging stations into the application ecosystem, clarifying the reservation process and addressing potential challenges. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of the features related to routing and locating near charging stations. We examine the potential challenges that may arise during the practical implementation of the proposed system. The technical feasibility of the approach is validated through implementation and simulation, demonstrating the practical applicability of the proposed system and its ability to support real-world usage scenarios. The results indicate that such a system has significant potential to enhance the accessibility and usability of charging infrastructure, thereby promoting sustainable mobility and lowering the entry barriers for electric vehicles. By providing integrated charging information, reservation functionality, and route planning, the proposed solution contributes to increasing user acceptance and supporting the transition toward more environmentally friendly transportation. Full article

Objectives: Rhizoma Coptidis alkaloids (RCAs) have been proven highly promising in diabetes therapy. However, poor solubility, low bioavailability, and a lack of an effective delivery strategy are major hurdles to improving clinical outcomes. Herein, mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles were employed to deliver RCA orally to enhance anti-diabetic effects. Methods: The RCA-loaded nanoparticles (RCA NPs) were prepared using the emulsion solvent diffusion method. The physicochemical properties of RCA NPs were characterized by morphology, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug loading, and drug release. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. To illustrate potential mechanisms of action, the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related genes and their proteins was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: The prepared RCA NPs were spherical in structure, with a particle size of approximately 145 nm and a sustained drug release profile (approximately 50% within 24 h). Compared with RCAs, RCA NP bioavailability increased approximately 2.2-fold, and the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects were significantly improved. The better outcome might be due to upregulation of expression and phosphorylation levels within the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 signal pathway in liver tissues. Conclusions: RCA NPs hold great potential for further clinical translation. Full article

This review systematically evaluates the interdisciplinary convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and polymer science in cancer therapy. Beyond mere description, we provide an integrated framework spanning synthetic optimization, biocompatibility prediction, and the design of tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive carriers. We highlight how AI algorithms (ML, DL, and RNNs) transform traditional trial-and-error methods into a data-driven paradigm, enabling precise spatiotemporal drug release and individualized pharmacokinetic modeling. Crucially, this work addresses the critical gap between computational modeling and clinical realization by providing a balanced critical analysis of current bottlenecks, including the “small data” challenge, publication bias, and regulatory hurdles. We conclude with a roadmap for AI-guided precision oncology, shifting the focus from predictive accuracy to mechanistic interpretability and prospective in vivo validation. Full article

This study explores the factors contributing to educational stakeholders’ resistance to pedagogical and policy changes within a rural school in the Bojanala District, South Africa. Utilizing a qualitative approach, fifteen participants comprising five members of the School Governing Body (SGB), five members of the School Management Team (SMT), and five Grade 12 learners were purposively sampled to provide a multi-perspective analysis of the institutional environment. The findings reveal that resistance is driven by a complex interplay of limited policy awareness, deep-seated cultural and traditional beliefs, systemic socioeconomic challenges, and significant psychological barriers. These factors collectively undermine the quality of teaching and learning by inhibiting curriculum innovation, fostering learner disengagement, and eroding school morale. To address these systemic hurdles, the study advocates for a multi-tiered integration strategy that prioritizes transparent stakeholder communication frameworks to align national policy with local rural realities, the institutionalization of sustained, context-specific professional development, and the cultivation of transformational leadership capable of navigating the unique socio-economic constraints inherent in rural educational landscapes. Full article

The overreliance on chemical pesticides in sub-Saharan African (SSA) for agriculture poses major challenges to sustainable agriculture, ecosystem and human health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. While genetically modified (GM) crops have demonstrated potential to lower pesticide use and increase crop yield, their widespread adoption remains limited across SSA, with gaps in knowledge on their yield, benefits and policies impacting their uptake. In this study, a literature-based approach was used to synthesize evidence from peer-reviewed articles and government reports published between 2010 and 2025 on pesticide use, farm productivity, and wellbeing of farmers across three focus countries: Nigeria, South Africa, and Burkina Faso. The summary of approved GM crops, events and utilisation across the three focus countries was also retrieved from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) database. Cross-country comparisons were conducted to highlight lessons learned from successful and stalled GM crop programs and to identify regulatory, socio-cultural, and economic factors shaping adoption. It is shown that while GM crops can significantly reduce pesticide usage and production costs, challenges such as public hesitancy, regulatory hurdles, limited farmer awareness, and concerns about ecological consequences continue to hinder wider uptake across the continent. Similarly, weak seed systems and the lack of regionally harmonized biosafety regulations also constrain adoption. In areas where GM crops have been successfully adopted, it was demonstrated that supportive policy frameworks, transparent biosafety regulations, effective seed certification and distribution systems, and sustained community engagement increased farmer confidence and accelerated adoption. Hence, for GM crops to be more widely adopted for sustainable crop protection in sub-Saharan Africa, governments and stakeholders must strengthen biosafety systems, invest in farmer education, promote regional regulatory coordination, and facilitate public–private partnerships. Full article

This study evaluated Salmonella behavior during Sardinian fermented sausage (SFS) production through a challenge test on experimentally inoculated raw meat. The objectives were to (i) determine the survival and reduction kinetics of Salmonella during fermentation and ripening and (ii) evaluate the relationship between pathogen behavior and the evolution of key chemical-physical parameters (pH, water activity). Three batches of SFS were produced, and the meat mixture was inoculated with a three-strain Salmonella cocktail (reference and field strains) to 10² CFU/g. After 20 days of ripening, sausages were vacuum-packed and stored under refrigerated conditions (+4 ± 2 °C). For each batch, triplicate samples were collected and analyzed at different production stages (mixing, after overnight rest, and 24 h after stuffing) and during shelf life (days 6, 21, 30, and 40). Analyses included Salmonella detection and enumeration by direct plating, aerobic colony count, Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria, molds and yeasts, as well as pH, water activity, and gross composition. Salmonella counts increased by approximately one log unit after stuffing, before the onset of acidification. During fermentation and ripening, pathogen levels declined but remained detectable, even after prolonged refrigerated storage. These findings indicate that although ripening, and particularly fermentation, significantly (p < 0.05) reduce Salmonella levels, complete inactivation is not achieved. The study highlights the importance of controlling initial contamination levels, validating fermentation and ripening conditions, and the application of additional post-process hurdles to ensure product safety. Full article

The fish community structure of the Zhoushan Fishing Ground is undergoing change due to overfishing, climate variability, and other anthropogenic stressors. To investigate community-level environmental responses and interspecific associations in this region, we used 11 consecutive years (2014–2024) of spring bottom trawl survey data from the Zhoushan Fishing Ground and integrated environmental covariates to build a two-part hurdle model within the Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) framework. The results showed that the spatial random effect had the highest contribution (41%), followed by the interannual trend (18%), indicating that community occurrence patterns are primarily shaped by the superposition of stable spatial structuring and long-term change. Depth was significant for more species, whereas salinity was significant for the fewest. Residual correlations further revealed that the focal fish species could be partitioned into two assemblages with one linking species. Meanwhile, within the two-part hurdle model, the direction and significance of responses to the same covariate were not always consistent, supporting that species occurrence probability and positive biomass are governed by different ecological processes. Overall, this study provides a transferable quantitative framework for community assessment in coastal fishing grounds and offers a more operational chain of evidence for ecosystem-based fisheries management. Full article

Foot orienteering is an endurance sport that requires high musculoskeletal efficiency to maintain performance while running across varied and uneven terrain. This study aimed to assess functional movement competency in national-level foot orienteers (FO) using the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™). Fifty-one athletes (21 females and 30 males) from Spain, Italy, and Poland were evaluated to analyze fundamental movement patterns. Participants were grouped according to sex, age category (junior vs. senior), and body mass index (BMI). The median FMS™ score for the entire cohort was 17.0, with no significant differences observed between males and females, juniors and seniors, or BMI categories. Junior female athletes achieved significantly higher scores than junior males in the Hurdle Step test (r = 0.37, p = 0.048), and a positive correlation was identified between age and Hurdle Step performance (r = 0.319, p = 0.02), indicating lower scores in younger athletes. Athletes with lower BMI demonstrated superior performance in the Shoulder Mobility test (r = 0.38, p = 0.01), supported by a moderate negative correlation between BMI and shoulder mobility (r = −0.37, p = 0.01). Across all subgroups, the lowest scores were recorded in the Deep Squat test. These findings suggest that age, sex, and BMI may influence specific components of functional movement competency in FO and should be considered when designing training and injury-prevention programs. Further research involving national teams from additional countries is recommended to confirm and extend these results. Full article