Search Results (1,465)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable tool in orthopedic surgery. It provides new methods to increase surgical precision, improve patient safety, and support personalized treatment plans. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of AI-assisted orthopedic surgery across three core domains. Based on 89 recent studies, this review organizes findings around a perception–decision–execution framework. It groups diverse AI applications into certain categories while highlighting the mutuality across domains. Perception systems have progressed from basic CNN-based segmentation models to advanced transformer architectures. They support multi-modal data fusion and enable uncertainty quantification. Decision systems have moved far beyond rigid rule-based methods and evolve into data-driven models that support surgical planning, accurate risk prediction and continuous outcome optimization. And execution systems have advanced from passive navigation tools to active robotic assistance systems with real-time adaptive capabilities. Beyond mapping technological advances, this review also identifies pivotal challenges that hinder clinical translation and concludes with a clear roadmap for future research, which marks closed-loop surgical assistance systems as the next key development direction. Building on these findings, this review illuminates the potential of AI-assisted orthopedic surgery and guides future research toward innovations that can be translated into clinical practice. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune background and unknown etiology. The importance of genetic factors in RA development is well-established. Environmental factors have also been extensively researched in relation to risk of RA and managing its symptoms. Smoking, physical activity, diet, and gut microbiota are considered to be the most essential modifiable factors in RA. Among dietary interventions, the most researched is Mediterranean diet, monounsaturated fatty acids, fish consumption, and fish oil (EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA, that is, docosahexaenoic acid). Others concerned gluten-free and vegan or vegetarian diet, salt intake, supplementation with vitamin D, antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics. Diet modifications can alter the gut environment, and the association between RA development or severity and the composition of gut bacteria has already been shown. This review focuses on effectiveness and usefulness of various dietary approaches and supplements in RA prevention and management, including the influence on disease activity and inflammatory status. The composition of gut microbiota and its changes in response to dietary factors are also considered. There is a great need for further research into mutual dependencies of diet, microbiome, and RA activity. The current state of knowledge provides promising evidence for future nutrition and microbial therapies. Full article

Developing countries participating in the Warsaw Framework for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (REDD+) (WFR) are eligible to receive financial incentives linked to verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from forest-related activities. It is necessary to strategically select priority countries among the WFR participants to achieve REDD+ cooperation and mutual benefits between recipient and donor countries. This study evaluates the mitigation potential of 71 developing countries registered under the WFR (December 2025) using two dimensions: national measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) capacity and the need-effectiveness of official development assistance (ODA) in strengthening MRV capacity. Countries were ranked and classified into six typological groups based on MRV capacity and ODA need-effectiveness. The results show that countries with an intermediate MRV implementation capacity and high ODA need-effectiveness can transition to the MRV implementation phase through policy and financial interventions, suggesting high potential to achieve emission reductions and become priority countries for cooperation. Meanwhile, those with an intermediate MRV implementation capacity but low ODA need-effectiveness were interpreted as types where medium- to long-term cooperation possibilities can be reviewed based on improvements to MRV components. Our findings suggest a two-stage cooperation strategy that integrates short-term MRV-based engagement with long-term ODA-driven capacity-building to expand REDD+ mitigation outcomes under the WFR. Full article

Infection of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) embryo cell line YCE1 with megalocytivirus strain FD201807 leads to accumulation of capsid-deficient viral intermediates within intracellular vesicles at 48 h post-infection (a phenotype associated with non-lytic egress), which coincides with the initial peak of viral genomic copies. To characterize the host molecular response during this critical stage, we performed time-course RNA sequencing at 24, 48, 96, and 144 hpi. Integrated analysis identified 6661 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1138 differential alternative splicing (DAS) events affecting 892 genes, with DAS event abundance peaking at 48 h. DAS genes in autophagy and Golgi vesicle transport pathways, both integral to animal innate immunity, were significantly enriched exclusively at this timepoint, featuring novel mutually exclusive exon (MXE) isoforms in gopc (Golgi-associated PDZ and coiled-coil motif containing) and rint1 (RAD50 interactor 1). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of DEGs identified mapk9 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 9) and map1lc3a (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha) as hub genes within modules enriched for autophagy-related functions. Separate co-expression analysis of DAS genes revealed rnf5, rimoc1, and golga4 as hub genes, with gopc exhibiting only a single linkage to rnf5. These findings implied concurrent transcriptional and virus-induced host splicing regulation of vesicle-associated innate defense pathways and suggest that splicing-derived features may serve as potential candidates for diagnostics or prevention against megalocytivirus disease in L. crocea. Full article

Endophytic fungi (EF) inhabit internal plant tissue in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their host plant. EF synthesizes metabolites that are structurally similar or identical to those found in their host plants, which include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and organic acids. These molecules have promising therapeutic effects, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Wound healing has earned attention in recent years because of its relation to chronic pathological diseases. This systematic review scanned the available scientific literature database about the wound-healing properties of EF biomolecules. Amongst 994 works, 24 were screened after abstract and full-text reading. The studies were published between 2014 and 2026, in twelve countries. In total, 16 studies presented in vivo assays, 11 studies presented in vitro assays, and 3 studies presented both assays. Most studies identified molecules, which include melanin, benzoic acid, terpenes, sesquiterpenes (purpurolide), extracellular polysaccharides, exopolysaccharides, carotenoids, fatty acids, proteins, pyrones, quinones, and hydrocarbon acids, among others. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to high heterogeneity across extracts, methodologies, and outcomes. All studies showed wound-healing properties from EF extracts. The findings suggest a positive effect of EF extracts on wound-healing properties and the need for standardized in vitro and in vivo protocols. Full article

Port cities represent an interdependent system in which port and urban activities overlap and develop. While ports serve as the gateway for the city, expanding market reach and attracting investments, cities provide the necessary labor and services required for the operation of the ports. However, the mutual relationship between ports and cities is threatened by conflicts such as urban sprawl, which leads to friction by taking the space needed for storing containers at ports. Similarly, ports generate high noise and air pollution, threatening the quality of life in urban centers. Therefore, implementing best practices to manage the port–city dichotomy is essential to ensure the coexistence of the port and city. This study re-examined the port–city relationship in the framework of urban planning to guide redevelopment decisions within the Piraeus city port in Greece. Data were collected through a mixed-methods approach involving secondary research and roundtable discussions. The findings showed that a key design parameter of the Piraeus city port is the development and exploitation of the city’s relationship with water, from a functional, spatial, and aesthetic point of view. Furthermore, a guide was developed to facilitate the redevelopment of the city port and improve decision-making. The recommendations also emphasize the integration of the port city into a global economic forum and highlight its dynamism, ensuring mutual benefits for the city and port. Full article

To investigate the fatigue performance of a novel green low-carbon steel–AAUHPC (Alkali Activated Ultra-high Performance Concrete, AAUHPC) composite bridge deck and achieve its structural optimization, this paper proposes a steel–AAUHPC composite bridge deck structure featuring double-sided welding of U-shaped ribs. Firstly, the numerical model of a symmetrical composite bridge deck is established by ABAQUS finite element software. The stress response of key fatigue structural details is analyzed, and the fatigue life is evaluated based on the S-N curve method. At the same time, the calculation results are compared with the orthotropic steel bridge deck and the steel–UHPC composite bridge deck. Secondly, the CCD method and RSM method are used to construct a mathematical regression model with the structural weight W per unit area and the fatigue stress amplitude of key details as the target. Finally, NSGA-III is used to optimize structural parameters such as AAUHPC thickness, top plate thickness, diaphragm thickness and spacing to obtain the Pareto-optimal solution set. The results show that the AAUHPC material has both environmental protection and excellent mechanical properties, and its compressive and splitting tensile strength is significantly higher than that of ordinary concrete, which is close to the UHPC level. The steel–AAUHPC composite bridge deck can significantly improve the fatigue performance of the orthotropic steel bridge deck. After laying the AAUHPC layer, the stress amplitude of each fatigue detail decreases, and the C1 detail decreases by up to 69.4%. Except for the C6 detail, the rest of the structural details meet the infinite-life design criteria, and the overall improvement effect is comparable to that of the steel–UHPC composite bridge deck. The constructed response surface model has good prediction accuracy. The optimization results show that the fatigue stress amplitude and the structural weight W are mutually restricted. Among the 15 sets of Pareto-optimal solutions obtained, solution U8 achieves weight minimization under the premise of satisfying the infinite-fatigue-life criterion. The optimal parameter combination is: AAUHPC thickness of 40 mm, top plate thickness of 10 mm, diaphragm thickness of 16 mm, and diaphragm spacing of 2400 mm. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the fatigue design and engineering application of a new green steel–AAUHPC composite bridge deck. Full article

The large-scale integration of distributed energy resources poses numerous challenges to distribution networks. At present, multi-terminal flexible interconnection has become a key development trend for active distribution networks integrated with high-penetration distributed energy resources. Conventional unified power flow controllers (UPFCs) are mainly designed for high-voltage transmission networks and lack distribution-adapted control strategies, making it difficult for them to meet the networking requirements for multi-terminal interconnection. Moreover, most existing studies still focus on two-terminal devices, soft open points and improved UPFC topologies for transmission networks. Existing multi-port schemes mostly adopt only shunt-side structures without series compensation branches, which fail to regulate voltage magnitude and phase difference, thus failing to suppress closing inrush currents and mitigate busbar voltage sags. Meanwhile, such schemes struggle with three-phase imbalance, feeder load imbalance and bidirectional power flow fluctuations in distribution networks, and lack adaptive power allocation capability among multiple ports. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a VSC-based series–shunt hybrid multi-terminal flexible interconnection converter. The proposed topology consists of one series-side VSC and n − 1 shunt-side VSCs connected through a common DC capacitor; it removes the shunt-side transformer, and effectively reduces cost and volume, while achieving phase shifting, voltage regulation and power flow control. Meanwhile, dual closed-loop PI cross-decoupling control and a flexible closing strategy are adopted to independently regulate the active and reactive power of each feeder, adapt to three-phase imbalance and load imbalance conditions, suppress inrush currents, and realize flexible power mutual support among multiple ports, thereby significantly enhancing adaptability to distribution networks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Frailty is common among rural Chinese older adults despite relatively high daily physical activity, a phenomenon known as the “rural frailty paradox.” Conventional moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) metrics rely on absolute cut-points and are often highly correlated with activity volume, limiting their ability to distinguish the roles of activity volume and activity intensity distribution. We therefore applied a cut-point-free accelerometer approach using average acceleration (AvAcc) and intensity gradient (IG) to distinguish activity volume from activity intensity distribution and to examine whether activity intensity distribution, together with diet quality, could help explain the rural frailty paradox beyond total activity volume alone. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis of the Healthy Aging and Lifestyle Enhancement study, 1203 rural older adults were included. Physical activity (PA) was objectively measured using triaxial accelerometers to derive AvAcc and the IG. Diet quality was assessed using the China Prime Diet Quality Score (CPDQS), and frailty was assessed using the Fried frailty phenotype adapted for rural Chinese older adults. Multiple linear regression, joint effect models, and restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted after adjustment for age, sex, chronic disease status, total energy intake, and related covariates. Results: In mutually adjusted models, higher IG and CPDQS were independently associated with lower frailty scores, whereas AvAcc was not. In the fully adjusted model, IG (β = −0.14, p < 0.001) and CPDQS (β = −0.10, p < 0.001) were inversely associated with frailty score, while AvAcc showed no significant association (p = 0.665). In joint analyses, compared with the low-IG/low-CPDQS group, participants with high IG/high CPDQS had the lowest frailty scores (β = −0.28, p < 0.001), followed by those with low IG/high CPDQS (β = −0.20, p = 0.002). Restricted cubic spline analyses indicated a non-linear association between IG and frailty and an approximately linear inverse association for CPDQS. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, among rural older adults, frailty may be more strongly associated with activity intensity distribution than with total activity volume alone. Together with diet quality, this may help explain the rural frailty paradox. Full article

The ramping requirement in new power systems primarily stems from net load variations and forecast errors of renewable energy and load. Designing an equitable cost allocation mechanism for ramping services based on these factors facilitates incentives for generation and load to actively reduce ramping demands, thereby alleviating system ramping pressure. Accordingly, this paper proposes a fair ramping cost allocation mechanism based on the ramping responsibility coefficients of market participants. Under this mechanism, a market-oriented operation model for wind–hydro-storage joint operation is established to verify its effectiveness in market applications. First, a ramping cost allocation mechanism is constructed based on ramping responsibility coefficients. According to the responsibility coefficients of market participants for deterministic and uncertain ramping requirements, ramping costs are allocated to the corresponding contributors in proportion to the ramping demands caused by net load variations, load forecast deviations, and renewable energy forecast deviations. Specifically, for costs arising from renewable energy forecast errors, an allocation mechanism is designed based on the difference between the declared error range and the actual error. Second, within this allocation framework, hydropower and storage (including cascade hydropower and hybrid pumped storage) are utilized as flexible resources to mitigate wind power uncertainty and reduce its ramping costs. A two-stage day-ahead and real-time bi-level game model for wind–hydro-storage cooperative decision-making is developed. The upper level optimizes bilateral trading and market bidding strategies for wind–hydro-storage, while the lower level simulates the market clearing process. Through Stackelberg game modeling, joint optimal operation of wind–hydro-storage is achieved, ensuring mutual benefits. Finally, simulation results validate that the proposed ramping cost allocation mechanism can guide renewable energy to improve output controllability through economic signals. Furthermore, the bilateral trading and coordinated market participation of wind–hydro-storage realize win–win outcomes, reduce the ramping cost allocation for wind power by 23.10%, effectively narrow peak-valley price differences, and enhance market operational efficiency. Full article

To investigate the strength evolution of concrete structures operating in long-term service in humid environments while facing threats such as earthquakes, explosions, and impacts, this study utilized a Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and an MTS testing system to conduct experiments on concrete with four different moisture contents (relative saturation of 0%, 50%, 80%, and 100%) across a strain rate range of approximately 10⁻⁵ to 2 × 10² s⁻¹. Based on these results, a relationship equation was established describing how the strength factor of wet concrete varies with strain rate. The study identified sensitive and non-sensitive regions for the strain rate effect in wet concrete. As the water content increases, the threshold for the sensitive region decreases. Specifically, the inflection strain rate for dried concrete is approximately 32 s⁻¹, whereas for saturated concrete, it drops below 5 s⁻¹. A functional equation describing the variation in the strain rate sensitivity coefficient with water content was derived, showing that the strain rate effect on strength becomes more pronounced as water content increases. The rate-wet coupling effect on concrete compressive strength was analyzed, and zones dominated by the strain rate strengthening effect and the water-weakening effect were identified. The mechanism of strength variation in wet concrete across different strain rate ranges was investigated. The analysis indicates that free water participates in the action processes of each mechanism from low to high strain rates. As the strain rate increases, the mechanisms of pore water interaction and thermal activation undergo a transition. At higher strain rates, the significant increase in the dynamic strength of wet concrete results from the combined and coupled effects of the material’s “true strain rate effect” and the stress wave effect in wet concrete, which are driven by the mutual coupling of pore water, thermal activation, and viscous drag mechanisms. This paper aims to provide a reference for the in-depth understanding of the strength evolution and control of hydraulic concrete structures. Full article

Rapid assessment of ground surface conditions is essential in disaster response and search-and-rescue operations, where drones are increasingly deployed for aerial inspection and victim localization. This paper proposes an active acoustic sensing method for estimating ground surface conditions using a drone-mounted speaker and microphone array. The method is based on the multiple signal classification framework and enables three-dimensional localization of reflection points according to the principle of echolocation. A key feature of the proposed approach is that it shares both hardware and signal processing components with acoustic-based victim search, allowing simultaneous execution of surface sensing and sound source localization (SSL) on a single drone platform without increasing system complexity. Outdoor experiments were conducted to evaluate sensing performance for ground surface anomalies, specifically ground surface depressions and cracks. The experimental results clarify the achievable sensing performance and coverage in real environments and reveal key factors affecting detection performance. The feasibility of simultaneous execution of active acoustic sensing and SSL was also investigated, and the mutual interactions between sensing and localization performance were clarified. These findings highlight both the potential and the practical limitations of integrating environmental sensing and victim localization on a single drone platform. Full article

Background: The key parameters determining the bioavailability of an active pharmaceutical ingredient are its solubility/dissolution rate in physiological fluids and permeability across biological membranes. Highly accurate in vitro prediction of bioavailability is a key issue that typically arises during the development of new drug formulations and the improvement of existing ones. Objectives: The objective of the present work is to study the dissolution/release and permeation of olanzapine (OLZ) from two- and three-component solid dispersions (SDs) with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and several pharmaceutical adjuvants as solubilizing agents. Methods: Solid dispersions were prepared by mechanical grinding and characterized with X-ray Phase analysis (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: Raman spectroscopy was shown to be the best for revealing the interactions of OLZ with SBE-β-CD and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the three-component SD. The kinetic dependences of OLZ release and diffusion through the cellulose membrane were thoroughly described by quantitative parameters and classified according to the drug release mechanism. Significant improvement of release rate, OLZ concentration, and permeation with SDs compared to the pure OLZ was demonstrated. Conclusions: It was shown that the selected dispersions were stable when stored under normal conditions but underwent changes upon exposure to elevated temperature and humidity. The nature of these changes was determined by the properties of the components and their mutual interactions. Full article

This paper is focused on the evaluation of the implementation of landscape ecological documents in spatial planning processes in Slovakia. The implementation of landscape ecological regulations in spatial planning is a necessary condition for ensuring sustainable land use. The basic tools in Slovakia can be considered the landscape ecological plan and the territorial system of ecological stability, which are also enshrined in legislation. The landscape ecological plan is more complex. It represents a complex process of mutual coordination of the spatial requirements of human activities with the landscape ecological conditions of the territory. This paper presents the position of landscape ecological planning in legislation, presents basic theoretical and methodological approaches to the processing of landscape ecological documentation, barriers to the successful implementation in real practice, and also defines basic measures to improve the situation. Slovakia has a good theoretical and methodological basis for processing landscape ecological studies and also legislative support, but its implementation in real practice in spatial development is weaker. The specifics and strength of landscape ecological planning in Slovakia are the bridging of the sectoral approach to landscape management and its replacement with an integrated approach. Full article

We present a checkerboard metasurface integrating interleaved Helmholtz resonator arrays with distinct geometrical parameters, enabling decoupled dual-band coherent perfect absorption (CPA) in both in-phase and anti-phase excitation conditions. Full-wave simulations confirm that the proposed structure achieves absorption rates exceeding 99% at 2.904, 3.024, 3.788 and 3.856 THz, corresponding to two pairs of resonant modes enabled by the asymmetric transmission characteristics. Notably, by actively manipulating the relative phase difference between the two excitation modes, the absorption frequencies associated with each CPA channel can be independently and continuously tuned. Benefiting from the planar checkerboard configuration, which combines compact geometry, suppressed mutual coupling, and balanced energy distribution, the metasurface achieves stable and independent dual-band absorption characteristics. The proposed design provides a promising pathway for the development of terahertz coherent absorbers with enhanced frequency stability and spectral flexibility of dual-mode operations, offering strong potential for practical photonic and electromagnetic applications. Full article