Search Results (700)

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant cancer among men, and according to the predictions, the estimated number of new cases will substantially grow in the coming years. Therefore, the costs of the disease will increase as well. Methods: We conducted a literature review of the state of knowledge about the costs of treatment and the economic burden of prostate cancer. The vast majority of studies were focused on direct costs only, which clearly shows the literature gap. Results: We focused on the estimates of direct costs, i.e., treatment of prostate cancer, adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment, and supportive and palliative care, and indirect costs. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicated that docetaxel combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was the most cost-effective strategy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER): USD 13,647). In contrast, novel therapies such as PARP inhibitors and whole-genome-sequencing-guided treatments were not cost-effective unless drug prices were reduced by 47–70%. In the United States, 5-year cumulative treatment costs ranged from USD 48,000 for conservative management to over USD 91,000 for radiotherapy, while out-of-pocket expenses averaged AUD 1172 in Australia. Indirect costs were also considerable, with Slovakia reporting an increase in sick leave costs from EUR 1.2 million in 2014 to EUR 2.1 million in 2022. Conclusions: Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were the most frequent categories for various treatment cost evaluations. A few specific combinations of drugs were cost-effective only under the condition of dropping the unit prices of a medication. Further summarizing, reviewing, and developing a methodology for standardized comparisons are needed. Full article

In order to investigate the basalt fiber influences on drying shrinkage of coal gangue ceramsite concrete, specimens with varying fiber dosages and matrix strength were prepared. The drying shrinkage (DS) was compared. To elucidate the characteristics of the DS, the internal humidity (IH) and electrical resistivity (ER) were also tested. The properties of the variation in the DS, IH, and ER were verified. The correlation between the values of the DS, IH, and ES was systematically analyzed, and a prediction model of DS considering the influence of fiber dosage and coal gangue ceramsite was proposed. The results showed that the incorporation of basalt fiber can significantly reduce the DS, and the value of the DS decreased with the increment of fiber dosage. The value of the DS also decreased with the enhancement of the matrix strength. An inverse relationship existed between the variation in the IH and DS, whereas the variation in the ER demonstrated a direct proportionality with the variation in the DS. The prediction model for the basalt fiber-reinforced coal gangue ceramsite concrete was obtained by modifying the AFREM model. The values predicted by the improved AFREM model demonstrated excellent consistency with the test data. Full article

It is well known that the operation of a Borehole Heat Exchanger (BHE) can thermally induce groundwater convection in aquifers, enhancing the thermal performance of the BHE. However, the effect on the thermal performance of BHEs installed in low-permeable rock formations remains unclear. In this study, two BHEs were installed in a silty sandstone formation, one backfilled with high-permeable materials and the other grouted with sand–bentonite slurry. A Thermal Response Test (TRT) showed that the fluid outlet temperature of the high-permeable-material backfilled BHE was about 2.5 °C lower than that of the BHE refilled with sand–bentonite slurry, implying a higher thermal efficiency. The interpreted borehole thermal parameters also show a lower borehole thermal resistance in the high-permeable-material backfilled BHE. Physical model tests reveal that groundwater convective flow was induced in the high-permeable-material backfilled BHE. A test of BHEs with different borehole diameters shows that the larger the borehole diameter, the higher the thermal efficiency is. Thus, the thermal performance enhancement was attributed to two factors. First, the induced groundwater flow accelerates heat transfer by convection. Additionally, the increment of the thermal volumetric capacity of the groundwater stored inside a high-permeable-material refilled borehole stabilized the borehole’s temperature, which is key to sustaining high thermal efficiency in a BHE. The thermal performance enhancement demonstrated here shows potential for reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based energy resources in challenging geological settings, thereby contributing to developing more sustainable geothermal energy solutions. Further validation in diverse field conditions is recommended to generalize these findings. Full article

Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) represent an eco-friendly solution for generating clean energy by converting biological processes into electricity. This work presents the first integration of tin sulfide (SnS)-coated 304 stainless steel (SS304) electrodes into Aloe vera-based PMFCs for enhanced energy harvesting. SnS thin films were obtained via chemical bath deposition and screen printing, followed by thermal treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a crystal size of 15 nm, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed film thicknesses ranging from 3 to 13.75 µm. Over a 17-week period, SnS-coated SS304 electrodes demonstrated stable performance, with open circuit voltages of 0.6–0.7 V and current densities between 30 and 92 mA/m², significantly improving power generation compared to uncoated electrodes. Polarization analysis indicated an internal resistance of 150 Ω and a power output of 5.8 mW/m². Notably, the system successfully charged a 15 F supercapacitor with 8.8 J of stored energy, demonstrating a practical proof-of-concept for powering low-power IoT devices and advancing PMFC applications beyond power generation. Microbial biofilm formation, observed via SEM, contributed to enhanced electron transfer and system stability. These findings highlight the potential of PMFCs as a scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solution suitable for industrial and commercial applications, contributing to the transition toward greener energy systems. These incremental advances demonstrate the potential of combining low-cost electrode materials and energy storage systems for future scalable and sustainable bioenergy solutions. Full article

Vitamin D, long recognized for its essential role in calcium–phosphate balance and bone health, has increasingly been identified as a pleiotropic regulator of metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal function. Deficiency of vitamin D is widespread worldwide and has been linked to a higher risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Meta-analyses suggest that each 10 nmol/L (≈4 ng/mL) increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with about a 4% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, whereas other analyses indicate an approximately 10% reduction in cardiovascular event risk per 10 ng/mL (≈25 nmol/L) increment in circulating 25(OH)D concentration. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that optimal 25(OH)D concentrations may protect against cardiometabolic and renal complications, though supplementation trials show heterogeneous outcomes depending on baseline vitamin D status, genetic background, and dosage. By synthesizing current knowledge, this work highlights vitamin D status as a potentially modifiable determinant of global disease burden and a target for preventive and therapeutic strategies. Full article

Laser direct energy deposition (LDED) has been widely employed in surface modification and remanufacturing. Achieving high-precision geometries and superior mechanical properties in cladding layers remains a persistent research focus. In this study, an Fe-based alloy was deposited on an AISI 1045 substrate via a wide-beam laser cladding system. Single-track multi-layer samples were prepared with varying z-increment (Z_d), interlayer dwell time (T_I) and laser scanning speed (V) values. The geometry, microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of the samples were analyzed. Experimental results showed that an estimated Z_d can ensure a constant standoff distance of the laser head and resulting geometric accuracy improvement. Planar grains form at the layer–substrate bonding interface and transition to columnar grains adjacently, while dendrites and equiaxed grains are distributed in the middle and top regions of the layer. The coating layer exhibits much better wear resistance and friction properties than the substrate. The cooling rate can be substantially increased by either raising V or prolonging T_I, resulting in refined grain structures and enhanced microhardness. Real-time monitoring and controlling the mean cooling rate have been demonstrated to be effective strategies for enhancing cladding layer performance. Full article

With the recent intensification of geopolitical tensions, cyber-attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and dynamic. Traditional machine learning-based anomaly detection techniques, which rely on pre-trained data, often suffer from performance degradation when exposed to novel attack types not seen during training. To address this limitation, this study proposes a continual learning-based anomaly detection framework capable of incrementally incorporating new attack patterns without forgetting previously learned information. The proposed method consists of three key stages: first, preprocessing and data augmentation are applied to construct high-quality, balanced datasets; second, a base anomaly detection model is trained; and third, new attack data are incrementally integrated to continuously update and evaluate the model. To enhance adaptability and efficiency, the framework incorporates Memory-LGBM, a lightweight architecture that combines a prototype-based memory module with a gradient-free LGBM classifier. The model maintains class-wise latent representations instead of raw samples, enabling compact, memory-efficient learning. Experimental results on the CICIDS 2017 dataset demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms existing continual learning methods in accuracy, adaptability, and resistance to forgetting, making it a practical and scalable solution for real-world anomaly detection scenarios that demand rapid adaptation, strong knowledge retention, and low computational overhead. Full article

This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of tunnel-type anchorages for suspension bridges under complex geological conditions, using the Wujiagang Yangtze River Bridge as a case study. A scaled physical model (1:40) was employed to systematically examine deformation patterns, stress transfer, and ultimate bearing capacity under incremental loading. Key results demonstrate a quasi-symmetrical “double-hump” deformation response under service load, with axial stress concentrated at the rear anchorage face. The critical safety threshold was identified at 9 times the design load (9P), beyond which plastic damage initiates. Uplift resistance was found to rely primarily on rear rock mass confinement, while sandstone interlayers and mortar joints showed negligible impacts on stability. These findings provide practical criteria for the design and safety assessment of tunnel anchorages in rock-dominated environments. Full article

Focusing on the issues of severe mining pressure and discontinuous surface deformation caused by the large-scale mining of multiple coal seams, and taking into account the research background of Shigetai Coal Mine in Shendong Mining Area, this study adopts physical similarity simulation, theoretical analysis, and on-site verification methods to carry out research on rock migration, stress evolution, and overlying rock fracture mechanism at shallow burial depths and in multiple-coal-seam mining. The research results indicate that as the working face advances, the overlying rock layers break layer by layer, and the intact rock mass on the outer side of the main fracture forms an arched structure and expands outward, showing a pattern of layer-by-layer breaking of the overlying rock and slow settlement of the loose layer. The stress of the coal pillars on both sides in front of and behind the workplace shows an increasing trend followed by a decreasing trend before and after direct top fracture. The stress on the bottom plate of the goaf increases step by step with the collapse of the overlying rock layer, and its increment is similar to the gravity of the collapsed rock layer. When mining multiple coal seams, when the fissures in the overlying strata of the current coal seam penetrate to the upper coal seam, the stress in this coal seam suddenly increases, and the pressure relief effect of the upper coal seam is significant. Based on the above laws, three equilibrium structural models of overlying strata were established, and the maximum tensile stress and maximum shear stress yield strength criteria were used as stability criteria for overlying strata structures. The evolution mechanism of mining damage caused by layer-by-layer fracturing and the upward propagation of overlying strata was revealed. Finally, the analysis of the hydraulic support working resistance during the backfilling of the 31,305 working face in Shigetai Coal Mine confirmed the accuracy of the similarity simulation and theoretical model. The above research can provide support for key theoretical and technological research on underground mine safety production, aquifer protection, surface ecological restoration, and source loss reduction and control. Full article

Composite materials are replacing traditional metals across various industries as they offer lighter weight and affordability, as well as excellent mechanical properties. In the present work, a hybrid composite was developed by combining randomly oriented S-glass fibers and coconut fibers within an epoxy matrix by using the hand lay-up method. The laminate was prepared by using two sheets of raw coconut fiber and eight layers of 200 GSM S-glass fiber, maintaining an epoxy-to-hardener ratio of 10:1. The laminate was cured under a hydraulic press at 80 °C for two hours and then post-cured at a temperature of 100 °C for four hours. In order to assess the performance of the composites, a series of tests, including mode II interlaminar fracture toughness, tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness, as well as thermal conductivity, were performed. SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces confirmed the combined presence of fiber pull-out and good fiber–matrix bonding, supporting the observed improvements in mechanical properties. The results indicate that the hybrid composite has clear advantages over the composites reinforced with individual fibers alone. It showed a 358% higher tensile strength, a 30% increment in impact strength, and roughly 31% better flexural strength as compared to the coconut fiber composite. In comparison to the glass fiber composite, the hybrid composite offered enhanced toughness and better thermal stability, along with lower material costs and improved sustainability due to the addition of the natural fibers. Considering the rising need for lightweight, strong, and eco-friendly materials for industries, this fabricated hybrid composite appears to be a promising option for structural applications in fields like automotive, aerospace, and construction, where reducing weight without compromising strength is essential. Full article

The prefabricated reinforced concrete columns–steel girder (RCS) hybrid frame structure using column–column connections is a kind of green and environmentally friendly building structure; its seismic performance is investigated. The seismic susceptibility and key influencing factors are systematically evaluated through the establishment of an analytical model and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) method. A typical three-span, six-story prefabricated RCS hybrid frame structure is designed and numerically modeled with good agreement with the test data. Sa(T1,5%) and PGA double ground motion intensity parameters are selected for IDA analysis. A comparison between the quantile curve method and the conditional logarithmic standard deviation method reveals that using Sa(T1, 5%) as the intensity measure (IM) provides greater reliability for analyzing the vulnerability of the prefabricated RCS hybrid frame structure. The seismic probability demand model of the structure is fitted with Sa(T1,5%) as a parameter and the seismic fragility curves of the structure are plotted; this shows that the slope of the seismic fragility curves becomes smaller after the structure enters the elastic–plastic state, and exhibits good seismic performance. By studying the effects of concrete strength, longitudinal reinforcement strength, and the axial compression ratio on the seismic fragility, it can be seen that with the increase in concrete strength and longitudinal reinforcement strength, and the decrease in axial compression ratio, the overall ductility of the structure increases, the resistance to lateral deformation of the RCS hybrid frame structure is enhanced, and the seismic performance of the prefabricated structure is improved. Full article

The pile–soil composite foundation system, highly acclaimed for its remarkable load-bearing capacity and limited deformation characteristics, has emerged as a fundamental element in geotechnical engineering practices. In the applications of adjacent slope engineering, such composite foundations are influenced by intricate loading scenarios. These scenarios involve both active vertical–horizontal combined load and passive soil-displacement forces generated due to the alteration of soil constraints. In this study, a self-designed movable retaining wall model box was employed. By applying different vertical and horizontal loads and controlling the rotation of the retaining wall around its base, a systematic investigation was conducted on the horizontal bearing mechanisms of single-pile and four-pile composite. The experimental data indicate that for every increment of 15 kPa in the vertical load, the horizontal bearing capacity experiences an average growth of approximately 18.9%, and the extreme value of the bending moment shows an average increase of 19.6. The analysis reveals coupled effects in internal force distribution and deformation patterns within load-bearing pile segments under concurrent active–passive loading conditions, while the embedded sections remain unaffected. Among four-pile composite foundations, the horizontal bearing mechanism of the front-row piles is consistent with that of a single-pile system. However, the maximum bending moments of the front-row and rear-row piles, compared to the single-pile system, have reached 0.68 times and 1.74 times, respectively. Notably, the bending moment of the front-row piles under the translational mode of the retaining wall is approximately 2.9 times that under the rotational mode, posing a potential risk of damage to the retaining structure, and necessary intervention is required. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the force and deformation mechanism of piles at different positions in the composite foundation near foundation pit engineering, as well as their design for bending and shear resistance. Full article

This research investigates the influence of waste mask fabric scraps (WMFSs) and nano-carbon-modified filler (NCMF) on the mechanical characteristics and durability of hot mix asphalt, aiming to improve pavement performance concerning tensile stress, fatigue, and moisture damage using recycled materials. Asphalt mixtures were created with aggregate and WMFS/NCMF at 0.3% and 0.5% weight percentages (relative to aggregate), with fiber lengths of 8, 12, and 18 mm, utilizing a ‘wet mixing’ method where fibers were incrementally added to aggregates during mixing. The samples underwent indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, and Marshall stability testing. The results demonstrated that incorporating WMFSs and NCMF initially enhanced tensile strength, moisture susceptibility resistance, and Marshall stability, reaching an optimal point; beyond this, further fiber addition diminished these properties. Data analysis identified the sample containing 0.3% fibers at a 12 mm length as the superior performer, showcasing the highest ITS and Marshall stability values. Statistical t-tests revealed significant differences between fiber-containing samples and control groups, verifying the beneficial impact of WMFSs and NCMF. Design-Expert software (Design-Expert 12.0.3) was used to develop functional models predicting asphalt properties based on fiber percentage and length. The optimal combination—12 mm fiber length and 0.3% WMFS/NCMF—demonstrated a 33% increase in tensile strength, a 17% improvement in moisture resistance, and a 70% reduction in fatigue deformation. Safety protocols, including thermal decontamination of WMFSs, were implemented to mitigate potential health risks. Full article

The increased use of prefabricated assembly technology promotes the transformation of urban subway construction in the lightweight direction, in which the closed cavity thin-walled component is increasingly widely used in underground structures due to its excellent material efficiency benefits. In order to investigate the effect of closed cavity thin-walled components, numerical models of a seven-ring solid structure and cavity structure were constructed based on the four-block prefabricated metro station of Qingdao Metro Line 9, Chengzi Station. This study considers the longitudinal effect between rings and compares the nonlinear force and deformation characteristics of both structures under the load of self-weight and use stage. The study indicates that incorporating closed cavities within structures reduces internal forces in most sections while increasing principal strain, displacement, and stress. As the applied load increases, the rate of internal force reduction diminishes, and the increment of displacement deformation also decreases. Shear lag effects occur in closed cavity sections, leading to a non-uniform normal stress distribution, with maximum shear stress appearing at rib intersections. The cavity location, mortise–tenon joints, and columns represent critical locations for deformation and force transmission within cavity structures. Optimization design must prioritize ensuring their deformation resistance and load-bearing capacity to enhance the overall structural integrity, safety, and reliability. Full article

Regarding the impact of hull roughness on ship resistance and propulsive performance, most existing studies rely heavily on numerical hulls or simplified models, while systematic analysis focusing on the heterogeneous roughness of actual ships remains insufficient. Taking the 2433 TEU container ship SITC CAGAYAN as the research object, this study adopts a method that combines CFD numerical simulation with actual ship operation data. It employs a resistance prediction model based on the “roughness influence factor” to explore the mechanism by which local roughness affects ship resistance. Meanwhile, this study innovatively proposes the index of “fuel consumption increment per unit wetted surface area” and the concept of “fuel consumption factor,” thereby realizing the quantitative characterization of the impact of local rough areas on fuel consumption. The purpose of this study is to provide theoretical support and technical pathways for the optimization of ship energy efficiency and the development of green shipping. Full article