Search Results (2,261)

Background: Handgrip strength has been proposed as an objective marker of post-COVID functional impairment, but its contribution relative to fatigue and sleep quality has not been formally evaluated in Latin American populations. Methods: We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional analysis of 130 adults with post-COVID condition in Palmira, Colombia. The outcome was any functional limitation on the Post-COVID Functional Status (PCFS) scale (grades 1–4 versus grade 0). Eight predictors were pre-specified on clinical grounds before examining outcome associations, and ridge-penalized logistic regression was pre-specified as the primary model. Sample size adequacy followed the criteria of Riley et al. Internal validation used bootstrap optimism correction (B = 1000), re-running the complete pipeline within each replicate. We assessed calibration, decision curves, prediction stability, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) with bootstrap rank intervals, and subgroup performance. Reporting followed TRIPOD + AI; risk of bias was self-assessed with PROBAST + AI. Results: Functional limitation affected 91/130 participants (70.0%). The minimum sample required for eight parameters was 566; the cohort met 23.0% of this requirement, so the analysis is exploratory. The optimism-corrected area under the curve was 0.748 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.669–0.830), with calibration slope 1.15 (0.71–1.69). Fatigue ranked first in SHAP importance (54.0% of resamples), whereas grip strength ranked fifth (median rank 6). Net benefit exceeded both default strategies between thresholds 0.38 and 0.88. Thirty percent of participants changed classification in over 20% of resamples. Conclusions: Fatigue, sleep quality and acute-phase severity, rather than grip strength, emerged as the most influential correlates. These hypothesis-generating findings require confirmation in adequately powered cohorts. Full article

Botrytis cinerea is a major fungal pathogen of grapevine responsible for gray mold, causing significant economic losses worldwide. Under specific environmental conditions, controlled development of Botrytis cinerea may lead to “noble rot,” a quality-enhancing attribute of premium wines; however, the same fungus can rapidly develop into destructive gray mold, causing significant grape losses. Consequently, the challenge is not necessarily the complete eradication of the pathogen, but the regulation of its development to prevent uncontrolled disease progression while preserving grape quality. The present study investigated the potential of using essential oils extracted from selected aromatic plants using ultrasound-assisted hydrodistillation (UAHD) as eco-friendly biocontrol agents against Botrytis cinerea. The extraction process was optimized by evaluating the effects of biomass particle size, ultrasonic power, and distillation time on essential oil yield. Antifungal activity was assessed through in vitro poisoned food and disk diffusion assays and validated in vivo on artificially inoculated grape berries by evaluating disease incidence, disease severity, treatment efficacy, and weight loss. Ultrasound pretreatment increased essential oil yield by up to 29.58% compared with conventional hydrodistillation, with optimal conditions achieved using 1 cm biomass, 150 W ultrasonic power, and 85 min distillation. Oregano, thyme, sage, and lemon balm essential oils achieved 100% inhibition of Botrytis cinerea mycelial growth at the tested concentrations, whereas lavender essential oil showed 95.03% inhibition at 0.125% and complete inhibition at 0.25%. In vivo, essential oil formulations markedly reduced gray mold development, with the 2.0% formulation providing the highest treatment efficacy and the lowest disease severity. These findings show that UAHD-derived essential oils represent promising sustainable alternatives for the management of Botrytis cinerea in viticulture. However, these findings represent preliminary evidence obtained under controlled in vitro conditions, necessitating further validation in real-world applications. Full article

A naive Bayesian classifier (NBC) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) effectively differentiates the dose-dependent effects of certain groups of psychoactive drugs based on their impact on the amplitude–spectral characteristics of electrocorticograms (ECoG) in rats. This approach has been shown to be useful for pharmacological screening of agents with unknown or poorly understood activity. Despite previously obtained optimistic results, classification determination for some drugs was inaccurate, necessitating the search for possible ways to improve the predictive effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. One possible approach would be to use as input quantitative data not only the impact of the psychoactive drugs studied on the amplitude–spectral characteristics of ECoG but also connectivity changes, including the average coherence power of different pairs of leads. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of NBC in classifying the pharmacological mechanism of action of agents with well-known mechanisms (test set) using pharmaco-EEG data on changes in the amplitude–spectral characteristics of ECoG, coherence, and the combined use of two data sets. Materials and methods. Experiments were performed on Wistar rats with chronically implanted ECoG electrodes. The training set, relative to which the effects of the pharmacological agents from the test set were classified, were the matrices of effects of 12 pharmacological agents: the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine, the D2/D3 antagonists haloperidol and sulpiride, the M-anticholinergic tropicamide, the H1/5HT2A receptor blocker hydroxyzine, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine, the alpha-2 adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine, the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist atipamezole, the adenosine receptor blocker caffeine and the GABA-mimetics aminophenylbutyric acid (phenibut), bromdihydrochlorophenylbenzodiazepine (phenazepam) and 5-ethyl-5-phenyl-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-pyrimidinetrione. The test set included various drugs with tropism for the targets of the training set drugs: dopamine receptor antagonists chlorpromazine, droperidol, tiapride and raclopride, H1-histamine blockers diphenhydramine and promethazine, 5-HT2-receptor blockers ritanserin and glemenserin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor ipidacrine, alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine, alpha2-adrenergic agonists medetomidine and xylazine, GABA-mimetics 5-ethyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-pyrimidinetrione and chloral hydrate. The analysis of the ECoG signal included the calculation of 132 amplitude–spectral characteristics and 75 coherence indicators, which, using the PCA, led to new integrative indicators used for further classification of the NBC. Results and discussion. For each drug in the test set, the median similarity probability with a particular group from the training set was calculated, which was used to assess the classification quality. It was found that, when using the amplitude–spectral characteristics of ECoG, the proposed methodological approach allows for the identification of the ECoG effects of several groups of psychoactive drugs, including D2/D3-dopamine, M-cholinergic, H1-histamine, and 5-HT2-serotonin receptor blockers, AChE inhibitors, GABA-mimetics, and alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists. This approach enabled the correct classification of 18 of 24 groups in the test set. When using changes in coherence indices as the initial data, the classification accuracy also amounted to 18 of 24 groups. When combining the two data sets, the number of correctly identified NBC groups was 20 of 24 groups. When comparing the classification during training (confusion matrix), it was found that coherence data or adding coherence data to the data based on changes in amplitude–spectral characteristics leads to a statistically significant (p < 0.01 in both cases) increase in accuracy. Conclusions. The obtained data demonstrated high accuracy in classifying the pharmacological activity of the test sample drugs using any of the three compared approaches. Despite the lack of statistically significant differences between them, classification based on the combined dataset demonstrated a higher number of “correct” similarities. This allows us to recommend the approach based on combined data of drug effects on amplitude–spectral characteristics and coherence as the most promising for further studies using pharmaco-EEG screening. Full article

The 4 km/15 min downward surface shortwave radiation (DSSR) product from Fengyun-4B (FY-4B)/AGRI shows great potential for solar energy assessment in China, but its applicability requires further validation. This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the FY-4B DSSR product over Guangxi for 2025, using ground-observed irradiance from a dense network of 101 photovoltaic (PV) power stations. The overall comparison shows a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.84, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 161.78 W/m², a relative prediction error (RPE) of 51.02%, and a mean bias error (MBE) of 56.23 W/m², indicating systematic overestimation. Seasonally, the largest discrepancies occur in spring (MBE = 85.27 W/m², RPE = 53.12%) and summer (R = 0.82, RMSE = 184.10 W/m²). Diurnally, retrievals are most reliable around 09:00–13:00 local time, deteriorating notably in the early morning and, especially, the afternoon and evening. Spatially, errors are larger in the hilly, elevated terrain of northwestern Guangxi (e.g., Hechi) than in flatter southern and coastal cities, with RPE rising from roughly 40–60% at lower elevations to around 80% above 600–700 m. Sky-condition classification confirms that data quality follows clear > cloudy > overcast sky, while AOD-binned analysis shows aerosol loading playing a secondary but non-negligible role, especially under high-AOD pollution events. Solar zenith angle (SZA) also strongly affects accuracy: R peaks around 0.75–0.8 in the 30–50° SZA range and drops below 0.4 beyond about 75°. This study offers the most spatially and dimensionally comprehensive validation of FY-4B DSSR over Guangxi to date, characterizing accuracy across seasonal, diurnal, spatial, cloud, aerosol, solar-geometry, and elevation dimensions using a denser ground-truth network than previously available, with direct implications for photovoltaic resource assessment and power forecasting in subtropical hilly regions. Full article

Woody biomass is often promoted as a low-carbon energy source in global decarbonization efforts. However, LCA (life cycle assessment) evaluations of woody biomass-to-energy systems show very different environmental performance. Variations in technology and methodology across investigations can cause these inconsistencies. This review paper analyzes methodologies of LCAs of woody biomass conversion routes such as combustion, combined heat and power, gasification, pyrolysis, torrefaction-assisted systems, and new bioenergy with carbon capture configurations. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect, identifying 4272 records, of which 98 studies were retained for detailed analysis following the application of defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Functional unit selection, from biomass mass per unit to power or heat per unit, is highly variable, affecting comparability. Forest carbon stock fluctuations, infrastructure, and end-of-life treatment are inconsistently included in cradle-to-grave system boundaries. Static GWP100 methods are often used in biogenic carbon removal without considering temporal carbon dynamics. The importance of pretreatment steps like drying, pelletizing, and torrefaction cannot be overstated, even though they have a direct impact on the quality of the fuel, the efficiency of transportation, and the effectiveness of the conversion process downstream. The large range of stated emission levels for comparable technologies is further influenced by logistics assumptions, plant scale, and allocation mechanisms in cogeneration systems. The review synthesizes these methodological differences and proposes a harmonization methodology to increase woody biomass LCA transparency and comparability. By identifying important sources of outcome variability, this study helps policymakers, project developers, and industry stakeholders evaluate biomass energy investments and bring clarity to environmental decisions. Full article

Photovoltaic converters operate under varying climatic conditions and non-ideal grid regimes, but factor importance is often assessed either through isolated local metrics or through pooled operating data that hide regime shifts and interaction effects. This study develops a hierarchical framework for sensitivity analysis of operating profiles of grid-connected PV converters under climatic and grid uncertainty. A compact operating-profile formulation is introduced that relates solar radiation, cell and ambient temperature, grid voltage, load, and selected design/control parameters to active power, efficiency, power factor, harmonic distortion, DC bus ripple, clipping behavior, and thermal headroom. The proposed workflow combines local normalized sensitivities for fast ranking around nominal conditions, Morris screening for factor reduction, and Sobol/Saltelli variance-based indices for global prioritization under uncertainty. The framework is demonstrated on a 100 kW synthetic reduced-order benchmark representing a three-phase two-level grid-connected PV inverter with an LCL filter. To clarify the scope of validity, the reduced-order model is cross-checked against switching-level simulations for representative nominal, clipping-prone, high-temperature and grid-stress operating windows. The results show that factor importance is not universal, but depends on the selected KPI, operating regime and uncertainty scenario. In the considered benchmark, grid voltage, cell temperature and equivalent thermal resistance are the dominant total-effect contributors, while the strongest second-order contribution appears between grid voltage and filter inductance under grid-stress conditions. The proposed framework is therefore intended as a reproducible, regime-aware sensitivity workflow rather than as a universal ranking of PV converter parameters. Full article

Background/Objectives: Male hypogonadism affects 35–50% of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. The relationship between testosterone deficiency and response to incretin-based therapies (GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists) remains incompletely understood. This systematic literature review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, examines whether male hypogonadism represents a risk factor for poor response to incretin therapy or, conversely, whether these agents offer therapeutic benefits for this population. Methods: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted on 31 December 2024, across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using three search domains: (1) hypogonadism and incretin therapy response; (2) testosterone deficiency and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists; (3) incretin response and testosterone. Eligibility criteria included human studies (randomized controlled trials [RCTs], observational studies, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses) in adult men reporting testosterone levels and/or incretin response. Animal studies, pediatric populations, case reports with n < 5, editorials, and letters without data were excluded. Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines with independent dual screening. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias 2.0 tool (ROB2) for RCTs, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies, and AMSTAR-2 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study designs, populations, interventions, and outcome measures, a meta-analysis was not feasible; therefore, a narrative synthesis was performed. Results: From 326 records identified, 29 studies were included after deduplication and screening (primary studies: 14; systematic reviews/meta-analyses: five; narrative reviews/expert opinion: 10). Risk-of-bias assessment revealed moderate-to-high overall risk: RCTs had small sample sizes (n = 12–42) and short follow-up (12–24 weeks), raising concerns about statistical power; observational studies were of fair-to-good quality (NOS 4–7 stars) but subject to confounding; and systematic reviews were of low-to-moderate confidence (AMSTAR-2). Primary evidence from RCTs and observational studies demonstrates that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs)—particularly semaglutide and liraglutide—and the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide significantly increase total testosterone levels in men with obesity-related functional hypogonadism (mean increase 2.5–5.2 nmol/L). This effect is largely mediated by weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance rather than direct androgenic action. Evidence regarding whether baseline hypogonadism impairs glycemic or weight-loss response to incretin therapy is limited and indirect; no adequately powered comparative trials stratified by baseline testosterone status were identified. Conclusions: Incretin-based therapies, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists and the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide, appear to improve testosterone levels in men with obesity-related functional hypogonadism, an effect that is largely mediated by weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance rather than a direct androgenic action. However, direct comparative evidence between hypogonadal and eugonadal men regarding glycemic or weight-loss response to incretin therapy remains insufficient to draw firm conclusions. The hypothesis that male hypogonadism does not impair incretin therapy response is biologically plausible but is currently supported only by indirect evidence. Prospective, adequately powered trials stratified by baseline testosterone status are needed to resolve this question. Full article

Reliable sustainability analysis requires more than the presence of ESG disclosure; it requires information that is specific, traceable and analytically usable. This exploratory study assesses a purposive corpus of 36 organisations in Bulgaria and Moldova (18 per country) using a Data Gap Matrix covering 15 ESG indicators. The revised framework explicitly separates three observed disclosure-quality dimensions—availability, granularity and auditability—from two framework-assigned analytical overlays—LCSA relevance and environmental-risk relevance. Environmental security is retained only as a framework-based interpretive lens for the environmental-risk overlay and is not treated as an observed outcome. The matrix generated 540 organisation–indicator coding units. Medians, interquartile ranges and score frequencies are the primary descriptive summaries; country and sector tests are retained only as secondary, sample-specific checks and are restricted to the three observed dimensions. Auditability is the principal weakness (median = 1.00), with only 7 of 540 coding units receiving the maximum score, while Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions constitute the weakest observed indicator. No Holm-adjusted country or sector difference is established for the observed disclosure-quality dimensions, consistent with limited statistical power. The findings diagnose limited disaggregation, source traceability and assurance readiness, but do not measure organisational ESG performance, conduct an LCSA, or establish environmental-security outcomes. Interpretation is constrained by purposive sampling, heterogeneous report types, common-indicator applicability and the absence of independent double coding. Full article

Xinjiang grasslands are major ecological barriers and pastoral bases exposed to climate variability, grazing, land-use change, and socioeconomic pressures. This study assessed the vulnerability of grassland social–ecological systems in 81 counties from 2001 to 2020. A driver–pressure–state–impact–response (DPSIR) framework was integrated with CRITIC weighting and the TOPSIS model. Sen’s slope estimator and the Mann–Kendall test were used to detect temporal trends, and the obstacle degree model identified key constraints. The mean vulnerability index declined from 55.82 to 50.27, accompanied by a marked increase in counties with low or relatively low vulnerability. Vulnerability was highest in southern Xinjiang, where highly vulnerable counties were concentrated in densely populated oasis agricultural areas. Significant declines occurred in 80 of the 81 counties. The response, state, and pressure dimensions showed the highest obstacle degrees. Fiscal self-sufficiency, agricultural machinery power, the grassland–cropland ratio, economic density, and the remote sensing ecological index were the main obstacles. Declining vulnerability was associated with lower grazing intensity, a smaller bare land proportion, and increases in economic density, rural disposable income, and total agricultural machinery power, whereas the comparatively high vulnerability in southern Xinjiang was associated with limited fiscal capacity, lower ecological quality, and arid conditions. These findings support region-specific grassland conservation and differentiated county-level governance. Full article

Indonesia has significant fisheries potential; however, limited cold chain infrastructure at small-scale fishing ports contributes to post-harvest losses and quality degradation of fishery products. This study presents the design and techno-economic assessment of a modular portable cold storage unit for tuna fisheries integrated with renewable energy systems. The system (7 × 3 × 5 m) uses polyurethane sandwich panels and requires a maximum cooling load of 6.14 kW with peak power consumption of 7.93 kW. The estimated capital cost is approximately USD 34,100, while the operational cost is about USD 198 per cycle. A comparative analysis using the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) method indicates that diesel generators provide the lowest cost at approximately USD 0.56/kWh, whereas standalone photovoltaic (PV) systems exhibit the highest cost at around USD 0.89/kWh. However, hybrid PV systems offer the best balance between cost efficiency and environmental performance by reducing carbon emissions. The results demonstrate that integrating hybrid renewable energy into modular cold storage enhances cold chain reliability, reduces fish losses, and supports sustainable coastal development. This approach contributes to low-carbon fisheries infrastructure and aligns with global sustainability and renewable energy transition goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ageing populations face complex challenges, yet many older adults maintain well-being despite adversity. Understanding resilience offers critical direction for health promotion. This integrative review takes a conceptual and methodological approach to resilience in older adults, with clear implications for geriatric care. The review addresses: (1) how resilience is conceptualised and measured; (2) individual, social, and contextual factors linked to resilience; and (3) the effectiveness of interventions that aim to promote resilience. Methods: Following Whittemore and Knafl’s framework, a systematic search of six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL; 2016–2025) identified 42 empirical studies across 18 countries of diverse designs. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and thematic analysis identified five convergent themes. Results: Most studies explicitly defined resilience using trait-, process-, or outcome-based frameworks and employed validated instruments, most commonly the CD-RISC. Self-efficacy, spirituality, sense of coherence, and gratitude were consistently associated with resilience. Family relationships, social networks, and community participation were important relational correlates. Health status, education, economic security, and digital literacy were key contextual factors. Six longitudinal studies linked higher resilience to reduced mortality, slower cognitive decline, and attenuated frailty progression. Seven intervention studies, including five randomised controlled trials, supported physical activity, mindfulness, positive thinking training, Tai Chi, and technology-supported exercise as promising intervention modalities, though one web-based programme yielded null findings. Conclusions: Resilience in older adults is a multifaceted and potentially modifiable construct. Growing longitudinal evidence extends its relevance beyond psychological well-being to physical health outcomes, though cross-sectional designs predominate and limit causal inference. Measurement heterogeneity across more than twenty instruments underscores the need for international consensus and culturally valid tools. Larger longitudinal studies and adequately powered trials are needed to guide definitive practice and policy for ageing populations worldwide. Full article

Active distribution networks (ADNs) require battery energy storage system (BESS) scheduling strategies that reduce operating costs while preserving electrical feasibility and battery lifetime. This paper proposes a parallel adapted JAYA-based methodology for the day-ahead coordinated active and reactive power dispatch of BESS units in this type of grid. The novelty of this research lies in four key contributions: (i) the coordinated optimization of active and reactive power from BESS converters, exploiting their full capabilities for both energy management and voltage support; (ii) the integration of battery degradation costs within the optimization framework, preventing short-term economic strategies that accelerate aging; (iii) the implementation of a parallel adapted JAYA algorithm (AJAYA) with stagnation control and population reactivation mechanisms to enhance solution quality and convergence; and (iv) a comprehensive assessment under both deterministic and uncertainty-based operating conditions, providing a realistic validation of the proposed approach. Our model minimizes conventional generation, DER operation and maintenance, and BESS degradation costs while subject to power balance, distributed energy resource limits, voltage and current constraints, converter capacity, and state of charge (SoC) requirements. Each solution is encoded as BESS active/reactive power setpoints and evaluated through a multi-period AC power flow based on the successive approximations method, including SoC verification and a penalized fitness function. The methodology was validated in modified 33- and 69-node ADNs under deterministic and uncertainty scenarios (based on the conditions observed in Colombia), and it was benchmarked against the population-based genetic algorithm (PGA), the multiverse optimizer (MVO), the salp swarm algorithm (SALPS), the grey wolf optimizer (GWO), and the vortex search algorithm (VSA). According to the results, AJAYA outperformed the comparison methods, providing the best economic performance and exhibiting a robust behavior, with standard deviations below 0.06% and processing times below 0.05 h within a 24-h scheduling horizon. These findings demonstrate that the proposed framework constitutes an AC-feasible and degradation-aware academic contribution and a practical decision-support tool for operators and BESS owners, enabling a cost-effective and reliable BESS scheduling that preserves battery lifetime while improving network operation. Therefore, this research addresses the critical need for advanced energy management strategies that balance short-term economic benefits, technical feasibility, and long-term asset sustainability in modern distribution networks. Full article

Urban agglomerations concentrate human populations, economic activities, and land development, but gains in land-use efficiency do not necessarily progress synchronously with improvements in human-development capability. This study examines the coordination and mismatch between population high-quality development (PHQD)—referring specifically to the high-quality development of the human population—and land green use efficiency (LGUE) across 131 cities in six major Chinese urban agglomerations from 2011 to 2023. PHQD is measured using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method. LGUE is measured using a non-oriented global super-efficiency slacks-based measure (SBM) model with undesirable outputs. People–land coordination is assessed using a modified coupling coordination degree (MCCD) model combined with a relative development index (RDI). Kernel density estimation, Dagum Gini decomposition, and Geodetector are applied to analyze distribution dynamics, disparities, and spatially stratified associations. MCCD rose from 0.311 to 0.419, although most cities remained at relatively low coordination levels. PHQD-lagging was the dominant mismatch type in 2023, involving 98 of 131 cities. Overall MCCD inequality declined from 0.138 to 0.103, while transvariation replaced between-group differences as the largest disparity component. Economic development had the strongest explanatory power, and all pairwise interaction q values exceeded the corresponding single-factor q values. Sustainable urban transformation therefore requires coordinated investment in human capital and public services alongside continued improvements in resource- and environmentally constrained land-use efficiency. Full article

Nd laser posterior capsulotomy is the standard treatment for posterior capsule opacification following cataract surgery. Although generally considered safe, inadvertent laser impacts on the intraocular lens (IOL) optic may induce permanent surface defects that contribute to postoperative dysphotopsias and reduced visual quality. This experimental study investigated the optical consequences of Nd laser-induced damage on two commercially available hydrophobic acrylic IOLs, focusing on retinal light distribution and optical image quality. Two hydrophobic acrylic monofocal IOL models, the CT LUCIA (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and the AcrySof IQ (Alcon), were mounted on a customized experimental holder and exposed to standardized Nd laser applications consisting of 5, 10, or 15 laser shots. Laser interactions were documented using the PhysioGo.Lite laser platform combined with infrared thermal imaging. Untreated IOLs served as controls. Optical performance was subsequently evaluated using a standardized optical bench according to ISO recommendations. Point spread function (PSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF) analyses were performed to quantify retinal image quality, light scattering, and optical degradation. Retinal light distribution was assessed using a high-resolution projection screen simulating the retinal image. Laser exposure produced permanent focal defects on the anterior optical surface of both IOL models, resulting in measurable optical degradation. Even the lowest laser exposure (five shots) generated detectable alterations in light propagation, characterized by increased peripheral light scattering, enlargement of the PSF halo, reduced central peak intensity, and irregular light distribution across the simulated retinal plane. Descriptively, increasing numbers of laser impacts were associated with more pronounced optical disturbances, particularly in the AcrySof IQ samples. MTF analysis demonstrated a reduction in optical performance across multiple spatial frequencies, indicating deterioration of image contrast and resolving power. Although both hydrophobic acrylic IOL models exhibited optical alterations after laser exposure, descriptive differences in the magnitude and distribution of light scatter suggested a possible influence of material composition, refractive index, and surface microarchitecture. These observations should be considered preliminary because of the limited sample size and absence of inferential statistical analysis. Under the present experimental conditions, Nd:YAG laser-induced pitting was associated with measurable structural and optical alterations in two hydrophobic acrylic IOL models. Surface defects alter retinal light distribution, increase forward light scatter, and reduce optical quality, providing a possible optical mechanism that may contribute to postoperative dysphotopsias, although clinical visual symptoms were not directly evaluated in this study. These findings highlight the importance of meticulous laser focusing on the posterior capsule to minimize inadvertent IOL damage and preserve postoperative visual quality. Further investigations combining optical bench analyses with patient-reported visual outcomes are warranted to better define the clinical significance of laser-induced IOL pitting. Full article

Urban road transport policies must simultaneously address climate mitigation, local air quality, and the infrastructure requirements associated with vehicle electrification. However, these dimensions are rarely evaluated within a unified city-level framework. This study develops an integrated assessment framework that combines a bottom-up co-source inventory of CO₂ and seven air pollutants, Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP)-based scenario modeling, policy contribution analysis, elasticity-based co-benefit assessment, and electric vehicle charging demand estimation for Zhengzhou, China. In 2022, the road transport sector consumed 10,178 ktce of energy and emitted 27.8 Mt of CO₂. Private cars contributed 66.7% of CO₂ emissions, whereas heavy- and medium-duty trucks and light-duty trucks contributed 48.1% and 27.9% of NOx emissions, respectively, collectively accounting for 76.0% of the total. Under the existing policy scenario (EPS), CO₂ emissions increase to 45 Mt in 2030 and 55 Mt in 2040. Under the dual carbon scenario (DCS), emissions peak at approximately 36 Mt in 2030 and decline to 32 Mt by 2040, representing reductions of 20% and 42% relative to the EPS, respectively. Electric vehicle promotion and green transport development contribute 42% and 32% of peak-year CO₂ mitigation. Policy effectiveness differs across emission types. Electric vehicle promotion and green public transport are relatively more effective for CO₂ mitigation, whereas old vehicle retirement, motorcycle phase-out, light-truck electrification, and tighter emission standards provide greater air pollutant reduction benefits. Supporting an electric vehicle stock of approximately 1.22 million in 2030 would require about 610,000 charging piles at a vehicle-to-charger ratio of 2:1. The principal contribution of this study is to demonstrate how complementary vehicle technology, transport structure, emission control, power sector, and infrastructure policies can be combined to support city-level carbon peaking and air pollution co-control. Full article