Search Results (10,085)

Background/Objectives: Malaria remains the most critical parasitic disease globally, responsible for over 600.000 deaths annually. In sub-Saharan Africa, co-infections of Plasmodium falciparum with other pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are common in children with severe malaria. Therefore, the design of new compounds targeting both pathogens appears to be an urgent priority. Methods: A small series of hybrid compounds was designed and synthesized by linking the pharmacophore of the antimalarial drug chloroquine with the phenothiazine core. These compounds were tested in vitro against a panel of microbial strains and further analyzed through in silico simulations to predict their physical-chemical properties. Results: Compounds 4b and 5b emerged the most potent candidates of the series, showing a sub-micromolar inhibitory activity on P. falciparum, and a promising micromolar potency on S. aureus alongside with a low toxicity on mammalian cells. Molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations identified the respiratory membrane NDH-2 enzyme as common target in both pathogens. Conclusions: Both experimental and computational findings provide compelling evidence for the use of the designed compounds in a STOP strategy, i.e., Same-Target-Other-Pathogen, to treat malaria and bacterial infections concurrently. Full article

The present study examines the effect of viruses on forest insects depending on the virus dose. Two model approaches are used to quantify the effect of viruses on insect survival. Both approaches describe the processes of virus exposure to insects within the framework of the second-order phase transition model, which is well known in theoretical physics. The first approach examines the temporal dynamics of larval survival at a given dose of virus exposure. This dependence is characterized by the time–effect curve. In this case, the lethal time of exposure LT100 is the time required for the death of all larvae in the experiment at a given dose D of exposure. The second approach describes the relationship between the proportion q_r of larvae that survived a fixed time T_c after the start of the experiment and the dose D of virus exposure. This dependence is characterized by the dose–effect curve. The experiments tested the effect of two different viruses—nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and cypovirus (CPV)—on such insect species as Lymantria dispar L., Manduca sexta L. and Loxostege sticticalis L. It was shown that the proposed models of second-order phase transitions very accurately (with coefficients of determination of the models close to R² = 0.95) describe experiments on studying the effect of different virus strains on insect survival. The proposed models turned out to be useful for assessing the effectiveness of different virus strains against insect pests. Since the parameters of the second-order “dose–time” and “dose–effect” phase transition models are related to each other, it is possible to reduce the number of measurements of virus–insect interaction due to the relationship between these parameters, and instead of n observations of insect dynamics over time depending on the dose of exposure, the basic parameters characterizing the “virus–insect” interactions can be accurately estimated using only one measurement. It appears that the proposed model can be used to calculate the effect of toxic agents on the population of victims for a wide variety of toxicant species and populations. A sharp reduction in the labor intensity of experiments to assess the toxicity of certain toxicants on animal populations will simplify and reduce the cost of testing the response of living objects to toxicants. Full article

The paper presents the main features of a Web-GIS platform designed to compute real-time scenario-based seismic risk assessments at the national level. Based on the Italian experience, the platform enables DRM scientist and policymakers to readily generate seismic scenarios supporting the entire DRM cycle, including training, emergency planning, calibrating operations during response, and providing seismic risk estimates for National Disaster Risk Assessment or seismic risk reduction programs. The platform is immediately operational, relying on preloaded freeware datasets on exposure and vulnerability, and requiring only basic earthquake parameters to perform real-time analysis. At a later stage, these datasets should be replaced with more detailed and accurate national-level data. The platform generates earthquake impact assessments that include physical damage, economic and human losses, and key emergency response indicators, such as estimated displaced population, required tent camps, and EMT and USAR needs. Its key innovation lies in the ability to operate at the national scale, offering immediate usability with the possibility of further customization. As a web-based service with a user-friendly graphical interface, it is particularly suited for civil protection and DRM experts. Full article

Indoor positioning remains a recurrent and significant challenge in research. Unlike outdoor environments, where the Global Positioning System (GPS) provides reliable location information, indoor scenarios lack direct line-of-sight to satellites or cellular towers, rendering GPS inoperative and requiring alternative positioning techniques. Despite numerous approaches, indoor contexts with resource limitations, energy constraints, or physical restrictions continue to suffer from unreliable localization. Many existing methods employ a fixed number of reference anchors, which sets a hard balance between localization accuracy and energy consumption, forcing designers to choose between precise location data and battery life. As a response to this challenge, this paper proposes an energy-aware indoor positioning strategy based on Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). The core principle is a self-adaptive control loop that continuously monitors the network’s positioning accuracy. Based on this real-time feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the number of active anchors, increasing them only when accuracy degrades and reducing them to save energy once stability is achieved. The method dynamically estimates relative coordinates by analyzing node encounters and contact durations, from which relative distances are inferred. Generalized Multidimensional Scaling (GMDS) is applied to construct a relative spatial map of the network, which is then transformed into absolute coordinates using reference nodes, known as anchors. The proposal is evaluated in a realistic simulated indoor MANET, assessing positioning accuracy, adaptation dynamics, anchor sensitivity, and energy usage. Results show that the adaptive mechanism achieves higher accuracy than fixed-anchor configurations in most cases, while significantly reducing the average number of required anchors and their associated energy footprint. This makes it suitable for infrastructure-poor, resource-constrained indoor environments where both accuracy and energy efficiency are critical. 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

Hydrogels are hydrophilic, soft polymer networks with high water content and mechanical properties that are tunable; they are also biocompatible. Therefore, as biomaterials, they are of interest to modern medicine. In this review, the main applications of hydrogels in essential clinical applications are discussed. Chemical, physical, or hybrid crosslinking of either synthetic or natural polymers allow for the precise control of hydrogels’ physicochemical properties and their specific characteristics for certain applications, such as stimuli-responsiveness, drug retention and release, and biodegradability. Hydrogels are employed in gynecology to regenerate the endometrium, treat infections, and prevent pregnancy. They show promise in cardiology in myocardial infarction therapy through injectable scaffolds, patches in the heart, and medication delivery. In rheumatoid arthritis, hydrogels act as drug delivery systems, lubricants, scaffolds, and immunomodulators, ensuring effective local treatment. They are being developed, among other applications, as antimicrobial coatings for stents and radiotherapy barriers for urology. Ophthalmology benefits from the use of hydrogels in contact lenses, corneal bandages, and vitreous implants. They are used as materials for chemoembolization, tumor models, and drug delivery devices in cancer therapy, with wafers of Gliadel presently used in clinics. Applications in abdominal surgery include hydrogel-coated meshes for hernia repair or Janus-type hydrogels to prevent adhesions and aid tissue repair. Results from clinical and preclinical studies illustrate hydrogels’ diversity, though problems remain with mechanical stability, long-term safety, and mass production. Hydrogels are, in general, next-generation biomaterials for regenerative medicine, individualized treatment, and new treatment protocols. Full article

Unlike traditional control systems that rely on physical input devices, facial gesture-based interaction offers a contactless and intuitive method for operating autonomous systems. Recent advances in computer vision and deep learning have enabled the use of facial expressions and movements for command recognition in human–robot interaction. In this work, we propose a lightweight, real-time facial gesture recognition method, GhostNet-BiLSTM-Attention (GBA), which integrates GhostNet and BiLSTM with an attention mechanism, is trained on the FaceGest dataset, and is integrated with a 3D robot simulation in Unity. The system is designed to recognize predefined facial gestures such as head tilts, eye blinks, and mouth movements with high accuracy and low inference latency. Recognized gestures are mapped to specific robot commands and transmitted to a Unity-based simulation environment via socket communication across machines. This framework enables smooth and immersive robot control without the need for conventional controllers or sensors. Real-time evaluation demonstrates the system’s robustness and responsiveness under varied user and lighting conditions, achieving a classification accuracy of 99.13% on the FaceGest dataset. The GBA holds strong potential for applications in assistive robotics, contactless teleoperation, and immersive human–robot interfaces. Full article

Background: Physical conditioning is essential to meet the operational demands of military environments. However, high-intensity exercise provokes muscle microinjuries resulting in exercise-induced muscle damage. This condition is typically monitored using serum biomarkers such as creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (MYO), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Nevertheless, individual variability and genetic factors complicate the interpretation. In this context, the rs1815739 variant (ACTN3), the most common variant related to exercise phenotypes, hypothetically could interfere with the muscle physiological response. This study aimed to evaluate the kinetics of serum biomarkers during a high-intensity activity and their potential association with rs1815739 polymorphism. Materials and Methods: 32 male cadets were selected during the Army Paratrooper Course. Serum was obtained at six distinct moments while they performed regular course tests and recovery time. Borg scale was assessed in 2 moments (~11 and ~17). Results: Serum levels of CK, CK-MB, MYO, and LDH significantly increase after exercise, proportionally to Borg’s level, following the applicability of longitudinal studies to understand biomarker levels in response to exercise. R allele carriers (ACTN3) were only slightly associated with greater levels of MYO and CK, mainly in relative kinetic levels, and especially at moments of greater physical demand/recovery. Although the ACTN3 was slightly related to different biomarker levels in our investigation, the success or healthiness in military activities is multifactorial and does not depend only on interindividual variability or physical capacity. Conclusions: Monitoring biomarkers and multiple genomic regions can generate more efficient exercise-related phenotype interventions. Full article

This study evaluates the competency-based performance of Initial Incident Commander (IIC) candidates—fire officers who serve as first-arriving, on-scene incident commanders—in South Korea and identifies sub-competency deficits to inform training improvements. Using evaluation data from 92 candidates tested between 2022 and 2024—of whom 67 achieved certification and 25 did not—we analyzed counts and mean scores for each sub-competency and integrated transcribed radio communications to contextualize deficiencies. Results show that while a majority (72.8%) passed, a significant proportion (27.2%) failed, with recurrent weaknesses in crisis response, progress management, and decision-making. For example, “Responding to Unexpected or Crisis Situations 3-3” recorded 27 unsuccessful cases with a mean score of 68.8. Candidates also struggled with resource allocation, situational awareness and radio communications. The study extends recognition-primed decision-making theory by operationalizing behavioral marker frameworks and underscores the need for predetermined internal alignment, scalability and teamwork synergy. Practical implications recommend incorporating high-fidelity simulation and VR scenarios, competency frameworks and reflective debriefs in training programs. Limitations include the single-country sample, reliance on predetermined scoring rubrics and absence of team-level analysis. Future research is indispensable to adopt multi-jurisdictional longitudinal designs, evaluate varied training interventions, assess skill retention and explore the interplay between physical and cognitive training over time. Full article

Hydrogels comprise three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers and have attracted considerable interest in various sectors, including the biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries. These materials offer significant benefits for food packaging applications, such as high mechanical strength and excellent water absorption capacity, thereby contributing to the extension of product shelf life. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the performance of citric acid and glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agents in gelatine-based hydrogels reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), contributing to the development of safe and environmentally responsible materials. The hydrogels were prepared using the casting method and characterised in terms of their physical, mechanical, and structural properties. The results indicated that hydrogels crosslinked with glutaraldehyde exhibited higher opacity, lower transparency, and greater mechanical strength, whereas those crosslinked with citric acid demonstrated improved clarity, reduced water permeability, and enhanced swelling capacity. The incorporation of CNC further improved mechanical strength, reduced weight loss, and altered both surface homogeneity and optical properties. Microstructural results obtained by SEM were consistent with the mechanical properties evaluated (TS, %E, and EM). The Gel-ca hydrogel displayed the highest elongation value (98%), reflecting better cohesion within the polymeric matrix. In contrast, films incorporating CNC exhibited greater roughness and cracking, which correlated with increased rigidity and mechanical strength, as evidenced by the high Young’s modulus (420 MPa in Gel-ga-CNC2). These findings suggest that the heterogeneity and porosity induced by CNC limit the mobility of polymer chains, resulting in less flexible and more rigid structures. Additionally, the DSC analysis revealed that gelatine hydrogels did not exhibit a well-defined Tg, due to the predominance of crystalline domains. Systems crosslinked with citric acid showed greater thermal stability (higher Tm and ΔH_m values), while those crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, although mechanically stronger, exhibited lower thermal stability. These results confirm the decisive effect of the crosslinking agent and CNC incorporation on the structural and thermal behaviour of hydrogels. In this context, the application of hydrogels in packaged products represents an eco-friendly alternative that enhances product presentation. This research supports the reduction in plastic consumption whilst promoting the principles of a circular economy and facilitating the development of materials with lower environmental impact. Full article

Mercury poses serious hazards to human health. Carbon nanotube (CNT) is a potential material for elemental mercury (Hg⁰) adsorption removal, however, it shows susceptibility to SO₂ and H₂O. Herein, CNT is first decorated with Fe₂O₃ then modified with MnCl₂ (MnCl₂-Fe₂O₃@CNT) to enhance SO₂ and H₂O resistance. The Hg⁰ removal performance and physical–chemical properties of samples are comprehensively studied. MnCl₂(10)FeCNT (10 wt% MnCl₂ content) has a high specific surface area (775.76 m²·g⁻¹) and abundant active chlorine (35.01% Cl* content) as well as oxygen species (84.23% O_α content), which endows it with excellent Hg⁰ adsorption capacity (25.06 mg·g⁻¹) and good SO₂ and H₂O resistance. Additionally, the superparamagnetic property can enable MnCl₂(10)FeCNT to be conveniently recycled. After fifth regeneration, MnCl₂(10)FeCNT can still achieve >90% Hg⁰ removal. The abundant active chlorine and oxygen species over MnCl₂(10)FeCNT are responsible for Hg⁰ removal with HgCl₂ as the primary product. This work demonstrates the enhancement of CNT’s resistance to SO₂ and H₂O by Fe₂O₃ and MnCl₂ modification, which has potential application in flue gas mercury removal. Full article

Smartphone addiction has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This narrative review, conducted in line with the ANDJ checklist, synthesizes evidence from 25 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, complemented by randomized controlled trials and clinical studies, to provide a structured overview of the field. The study selection flow and publication trends reveal a rapidly expanding research landscape, with most evidence produced in the last decade, reflecting both the ubiquity of smartphones and increasing awareness of their health impacts. The synthesis highlights converging findings across reviews: excessive smartphone use is consistently associated with psychosocial, behavioral, and academic challenges, alongside sleep disturbances and mental health symptoms. Common messages include the recognition of smartphone addiction as a multidimensional phenomenon, while emerging themes point to heterogeneity in definitions, tools, and methodological approaches. Comparative analysis of reviews underscores both shared risk factors—such as emotional dysregulation and social isolation—and differences in study designs and target populations. Importantly, this review identifies critical gaps, including the lack of standardized definitions, limited longitudinal evidence, and scarce cross-cultural validation. At the same time, promising opportunities are noted, from lifestyle-based interventions (e.g., physical activity) to educational and policy-level strategies fostering digital literacy and self-regulation. The post-pandemic context further emphasizes the need for sustained monitoring and adaptive responses. Overall, this review calls for youth-centered, multi-sector interventions aligned with WHO recommendations, supporting coordinated, evidence-based action across health, education, and policy domains. Full article

Introduction: Direct pulp capping (DPC) aims to preserve the vitality of the dental pulp by placing a protective biocompatible material over the exposed pulp tissue to facilitate healing. There are several calcium-silicate materials that have been designed to promote mineralization and the regulation of inflammation. These have strong potential for the repair and regeneration of dental pulp. Among them, Biodentine (BD) and EndoSequence RRM Putty (ES) have been found to promote in vitro and in vivo mineralization while minimizing some of the limitations of the first-generation calcium-silicate-based materials. Theracal-LC (TLC), a light-cured, resin-modified calcium-silicate material, is a newer product with potential to improve the clinical outcomes of DPC, but existing studies have reported conflicting findings regarding its biocompatibility and ability to support pulpal healing in direct contact with the pulp. A comprehensive assessment of the biocompatibility and pulpal protection provided by these three capping materials has not yet been performed. Aim: We aimed to quantify the inflammatory response, dentin bridge formation, and material adaptation following DPC using three calcium-silicate materials: ES, BD, and TLC. Materials and Methods: DPC was performed on the maxillary first molar of C57BL/6 female mice. Maxilla were collected and processed at 1 and 21 days post-DPC. The early inflammatory response was measured 24 h post-procedure using confocal imaging of anti-Lys6G6C, which indicates the extent of neutrophil and monocyte infiltration. Reparative mineralized bridge formation was assessed at 21 days post-procedure using high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology. Lastly, the homogeneity of the capping materials was evaluated by quantifying voids in calcium-silicate restorations using micro-CT. Results: DPC using TLC induced less infiltration of Lys6G6C⁺ cells at 24 h than BD or ES. BD promoted higher volumes of tertiary dentin than TLC, but TLC and ES showed no significant differences in volume. No differences were observed in material adaptation and void spaces among the three capping materials. Conclusions: All three materials under investigation supported pulp healing and maintained marginal integrity. However, TLC induced a lower inflammatory response on day 1 and induced similar levels of tertiary dentin to ES. These observations challenge the common perception that resin-based capping materials are not suitable for direct pulp capping. Our findings underscore the need to balance biological responses with physical properties when selecting pulp capping materials to improve long-term clinical success. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week reverse Nordic exercise training (RNET) program on physical fitness in male youth soccer players. A total of 35 players participated in the study and were divided into two groups: the RNET group (n = 19, age 16.39 ± 0.46 years) and the active control group (CG: n = 16, age 16.53 ± 0.48 years). To assess fitness changes, participants were tested on linear sprint speed (5, 10, and 20 m sprints), change-of-direction (CiD) speed (505-CiD), vertical jump (countermovement jump [CMJ]), horizontal jump (standing long jump [SLJ]), drop jump (20 cm drop jump [DJ-20]), and repeated sprint ability (RSA). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed (effect size, [ES] = 0.70 to 1.37), with substantial improvements in the RNET group across linear sprint, CiD, and jumping performances (ES = 0.61 to 1.47), while no significant changes were noted in the CG. However, no significant group-by-time interactions were observed for RSA parameters. Individual response analysis revealed that 63–89% of RNET group exhibited improvements exceeding the smallest worthwhile change (SWC_0.2) threshold. These results suggest that the RNET program is both effective and safe for enhancing physical fitness in male youth soccer players. Full article

Primary Care Pharmacy (PCP) plays a vital role in healthcare systems. This study evaluated the competencies of pharmacy graduates from a community-focused curriculum, emphasizing their skills and personal traits. A structured questionnaire assessed four domains: general characteristics (11 items), PCP skills (16 items: 13 home visit and 3 community engagement skills), PCP personal traits (7 items), and readiness for PCP practice. Two sets of questionnaires were distributed in 2018 to recent pharmacy graduates: one for self-assessment and the other for evaluation by supervisors or co-workers. A 5-point scale (1 = least competent, 5 = most competent) was used. Co-workers gave higher scores than the graduates themselves. In home visit skills, “providing medicine advice” scored highest (4.4 ± 0.6 by graduates; 4.5 ± 0.2 by co-workers), while “performing essential physical exams” scored the lowest (3.5 ± 0.7). For co-workers, the lowest score was “working with a multidisciplinary team” (3.9 ± 0.9). Among community engagement skills, “solving health-related problems” rated highest (3.4 ± 0.7), and “identifying community health needs” rated lowest (3.2 ± 0.7). “Being friendly” and “responsibility” were top-rated personal traits by graduates and co-workers, respectively. The lowest was “coordinating with local organizations.” Graduates showed strong PCP traits and home visit skills but moderate community engagement. Community-based exposure is recommended to enhance these competencies. Full article