Search Results (14,467)

As an important industrial organizational form in the era of the digital economy, digital industry agglomeration exerts a profound impact on urban ecological resilience. Using panel data of 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2021, this study measures the level of digital industry agglomeration by means of the location entropy method, and constructs an urban ecological resilience evaluation system based on the “Pressure-State-Response (PSR)” model. It systematically examines the impact effects and action mechanisms of digital industry agglomeration on urban ecological resilience. The results show that: (1) The spatio-temporal evolution of the two presents a gradient pattern of “eastern leadership and central-western catch-up”, and their spatial correlation deepens over time, with the synergy maturity in the eastern region being significantly higher than that in the central and western regions. (2) Digital industry agglomeration significantly promotes the improvement in urban ecological resilience, and this conclusion remains valid after endogeneity treatment and robustness tests. (3) The promotional effect is more prominent in central cities, coastal cities, and key environmental protection cities, whose advantages stem from digital infrastructure and innovation endowments, industrial synergy and an open environment, and the adaptability of green technologies under strict environmental regulations, respectively. (4) Digital industry agglomeration empowers ecological resilience by driving green innovation and improving the efficiency of land resource allocation, while the construction of digital infrastructure plays a positive regulatory role. Full article

Female soccer is rapidly becoming a widely practiced sport at different levels: this opens up a new demand for systems meant to protect athletes from head impacts or to monitor their effects. The market is offering some solutions in similar sports, but the specificity and high relevance of soccer encourage the development of a dedicated solution. From market analysis, technology scouting, and ethnographic research a set of functional and technical requirements have been defined and proposed. The designed instrumented head band is equipped with one Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in the occipital area and four contact pressure sensors on the sides. The concept design is low-cost and open-architecture, prioritizing accessibility over complexity. The modularity also ensures that each component (sensing, battery, communication) can be replaced or upgraded independently, enabling iterative refinement and integration into future sports safety systems. In addition to safety monitoring for injury prevention or detection of the traumatic impact, the system is relevant for supporting performance monitoring, rehabilitation or post-injury recovery and other important applications. System engineering has started and the next step is building the prototypes for testing and validation. Full article

Background: The ACE Y215C mutation is a common, functionally damaging missense variant (~1.5% allele frequency) associated with reduced plasma ACE levels and increased Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. In CHO and HEK cell models, this mutation caused a ~3–6-fold decrease in ACE surface expression, soluble ACE levels, and ACE enzymatic activity compared to those of wild-type ACE. Methods: Circulating ACE levels and activity were measured in EDTA plasma obtained from 84 carriers of the ACE Y215C mutation using a set of mAbs to the ACE. The mAbs 5B3/1G12 binding ratio was revealed as a sensitive marker for the circulating Y215C ACE mutant. Whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing (WES/WGS) were performed to identify genetic variants potentially modifying circulating ACE levels. In parallel, published sequencing and proteomic data from 35,559 Icelanders participants were analyzed to identify genes influencing ACE shedding. Sequence comparison was performed between carriers with elevated and reduced ACE concentrations to identify the potential protective variants that may compensate for decreased ACE levels due to the Y215C mutation itself. Results: Most carriers of the Y215C ACE mutation demonstrated significantly decreased ACE levels (median is 62% of control ACE levels). However, substantial inter-individual variability was observed in plasma ACE activity among carriers. Comparative sequencing analysis revealed 9648 variants unique to individuals with elevated ACE, mapping to 5779 protein-coding genes and enriched for pathways related to intracellular and transmembrane transport. Conclusions: The presence of the damaging ACE mutation Y215C does not invariably result in low plasma ACE or, likely, elevated AD risk. Therefore, combined blood ACE phenotyping and whole-exome sequencing are recommended to more accurately assess ACE-related AD susceptibility in mutation carriers. Full article

Background: Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infections (EF-BSI) cause significant morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, with the role of vancomycin resistance (VR) remaining controversial as an independent driver. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including SOT recipients with EF-BSI at our institution from 2019 to 2023. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to identify predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality. A time-dependent covariate was used to model the effects of receiving targeted, effective antibiotic therapy. Results: A total of 79 patients were included (26.6%, with VR). The overall 30-day mortality was 12.7% (10/79). In univariable analysis, septic shock (Hazard Ratio, HR: 17.1, 95% CI: 3.64–80.8, p < 0.001), the need for Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration (HR: 6.40, 95% CI: 1.85–22.1, p = 0.003), and a Pitt Bacteremia Score ≥ 2 (HR: 5.17, 95%CI: 1.10–24.3, p = 0.038) were associated with increased mortality, while source control was protective (HR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.76, p = 0.018). In the final multivariable model, only septic shock remained an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (HR: 11.4, 95% CI: 1.63–79.5, p = 0.014). VR was not significantly associated with mortality, though the confidence interval was wide and included clinically meaningful effects (HR: 2.07, 95% CI: 0.40–10.6, p = 0.4). Conclusions: In SOT recipients with EF-BSI, 30-day mortality is overwhelmingly driven by the host’s physiological response, manifested as septic shock, rather than the VR profile of the pathogen. The early recognition of severe sepsis/septic shock and the aggressive implementation of supportive care and source control measures in this setting are crucial. Full article

Magnetron-sputtered coatings consisting of multiple alternating layers of chromium and amorphous carbon (Cr/a-C)ml were deposited on HS6-5-2 steel with an intermediate chromium layer by varying deposition rates. Three series of coatings, S1, S2, and S3, with thicknesses of 1.74, 1.15, and 1.14 μm and average chromium contents of 89.3, 66.0, and 59.7 wt.% Cr, respectively, were obtained. Open-circuit potential, cyclic potentiodynamic measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize their corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl. The surfaces were observed with optical and scanning electron microscopy before and after the corrosion tests, and changes in the elemental composition were monitored by energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The protective properties of coatings from series S2 and S3 are similar and significantly better than those of S1. They are characterized by a corrosion current below 1 μA cm^–2 and a stable passive state up to over 0.9 V_Ag/AgCl. The coatings have cathodic behavior towards the substrate, and when the coatings are damaged, galvanic corrosion causes deep pits. Coatings deposited at lower rates and with higher carbon content demonstrate significantly enhanced corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl. All three series of Cr/(Cr/a-C)ml@HS6-5-2 exhibit identical corrosion behavior after compromising the coatings’ integrity. Full article

As distribution networks become increasingly intelligent, primary–secondary integrated distribution switches are replacing the traditional electromagnetic type. However, the high degree of integration intensifies inherent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges. This paper presents a field-circuit hybrid full-wave model to investigate switch characteristics during lightning strikes. A 3D full-wave model of the switch and a distributed parameter circuit model of the connecting lines are coupled via a network parameter matrix. This approach comprehensively accounts for the impacts of transmission lines and structural components on electromagnetic disturbances. Simulation and experimental results reveal that lightning strikes induce high-frequency damped oscillatory waves, primarily caused by traveling wave reflections along overhead lines. The characteristic frequency of disturbance is inversely proportional to the transmission line length. Additionally, internal components significantly influence this frequency; specifically, a larger voltage dividing capacitance in the voltage transformer results in a lower frequency. Model validation was performed using a 20 m transmission line setup. A 75 kV standard lightning impulse was injected into Phase B. At a distance of 500 mm from the voltage transformer, the measured radiated electric field amplitude was 14.12 kV/m (deviation < 5%), and the characteristic frequency was 1.11 MHz (deviation < 20%). These findings offer vital guidance for the lightning protection and EMC design of primary–secondary integrated distribution switches. Full article

To address the lack of efficient flexible protection measures for ocean engineering equipment operating in complex coupled wind–wave–current environments, this study develops a coupled “flexible wave-dissipating system” numerical model based on a validated three-dimensional numerical wave tank. The model is used to investigate, under both regular and irregular wave conditions, the influence of different wind and current incidence angles and the presence or absence of the breakwater on wave propagation and hydrodynamic responses. By comparing the significant wave height, transmission coefficient and wave dissipation efficiency in the sheltered region along with the drag force and free-surface pressure, the wave-attenuation and load-reduction performance of the flexible breakwater is quantitatively evaluated. The results demonstrate that deploying a flexible breakwater can significantly attenuate wave energy in the sheltered region, enhance wave dissipation efficiency, and reduce the transmission coefficient, thereby concurrently decreasing both the drag force and free-surface pressure. Under both wind and current conditions, the maximum loads occur at 0° head-on incidence. However, under 30° oblique wind–wave action, the flexible breakwater yields the most pronounced increase in dissipation efficiency compared to the case without a breakwater. A stable correlation is observed between dissipation efficiency and hydrodynamic loads, which can serve as a unified evaluation metric for assessing the protective performance of flexible breakwaters in ocean engineering applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a flowering plant widely used as a spice and natural medicine for millennia. Ginger demonstrates multiple protective effects, regulates cholesterol, and may reduce the risk of cancer and colitis. However, little attention has been paid to its potential to cause herb–drug interactions (HDIs). The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of ginger extract and its major components [⁶]-gingerol and [⁶]-shogaol with clinically relevant uptake and efflux transporters in vitro. Methods: Transporter-overexpressing cell lines of 25 uptake transporters and inside-out membrane vesicles containing 8 efflux transporters were employed to measure potential interactions. Results: Zingiber officinale extract at 150 µg/mL interacted with 17 of 33 transporters examined. These were further investigated for interactions with the purified active components. Seven and 16 transporters interacted with pure [⁶]-gingerol (100 µM) and [⁶]-shogaol (100 µM), respectively. To evaluate the risk of in vivo inhibition, IC₅₀ values were determined for the affected transporters. Based on standard risk assessment calculations, we confirmed previously reported inhibitory effects of ginger components on MDR1 (67.64 µM) and BCRP (9.931 µM), and revealed novel potential interactions with renal OAT3 (0.956 µM) and URAT1 (5.887 µM), hepatic OCT1 (4.287 µM) and BSEP (25.45 µM), and the ubiquitously expressed ENT1 (11.62 µM) ([⁶]-shogaol IC₅₀ values are shown in parentheses). Strong and isoform-selective inhibition of OAT3 by [⁶]-shogaol is particularly intriguing. Additionally, via cell viability experiments on a set of human cervical, breast, and oropharyngeal cancer cell lines, we demonstrated the antiproliferative effect of [⁶]-shogaol in vitro. Conclusions: Prolonged consumption of high-dose ginger supplements may pose a risk of transporter-mediated HDIs when consumed concomitantly with conventional medications. Our study encourages follow-up of the suspected effects in vivo. Full article

Lightning rods, while essential for protecting weather radars from direct lightning strikes, act as persistent non-meteorological scatterers that can interfere with signal transmission and reception and thereby degrade detection accuracy and product quality. Existing studies have mainly focused on X-band and C-band systems, and robust, measurement-based quantitative assessments for S-band dual-polarization radars remain scarce. In this study, a controllable tilting lightning rod, a high-precision Far-field Antenna Measurement System (FAMS), and an S-band dual-polarization weather radar (SAD radar) are jointly employed to systematically quantify lightning-rod impacts on antenna electromagnetic parameters under different rod elevation angles and azimuth configurations. Typical precipitation events were analyzed to evaluate the influence of the lightning rods on dual-polarization parameters. The results show that the lightning rod substantially elevates sidelobe levels, with a maximum enhancement of 4.55 dB, while producing only limited changes in the antenna main-beam azimuth and beamwidth. Differential reflectivity ($Z_{DR}$) is the most sensitive polarimetric parameter, exhibiting a persistent positive bias of about 0.24–0.25 dB in snowfall and mixed-phase precipitation, while no persistent azimuthal anomaly is evident during freezing rain; the co-polar correlation coefficient (${\rho }_{hv}$) is only marginally affected. Collectively, these results provide quantitative, far-field evidence of lightning-rod interference in S-band dual-polarization radars and provide practical guidance for more reasonable lightning-rod placement and configuration, as well as useful references for $Z_{DR}$-oriented polarimetric quality-control and correction strategies. Full article

Oxidative stress is a major factor in skin aging and various skin pathologies. Environmental pollutants exacerbate this stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupting the skin’s redox balance. Pycnogenol^®, a French maritime pine bark, extract is standardized to contain 70 ± 5% procyanidins and known to mitigate oxidative damage and inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the potential antipollution and antioxidant effects of Pycnogenol^® on skin. Ex vivo human skin explants were treated with varying concentrations of Pycnogenol^® (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) and then exposed to a mixture of pollutants. The expression of stress markers Nrf2 (Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2) and AHR (Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor) were evaluated using immunostaining. Lipid peroxidation levels were measured by quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The extract significantly decreased Nrf2 expression by 40% (p = 0.003) and 23% (p = 0.048) with a dose of 2% and 1%, respectively. After pollutant exposure, Pycnogenol^® (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) reduced Nrf2 over-expression in a dose–response manner by 29% (p = 0.03), 58% (p = 0.004) and 64% (p = 0.002) respectively. Pycnogenol^® at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% significantly reduced AHR over-expression by 61% (p < 0.0001), 76% (p < 0.0001) and 85% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Pycnogenol^® (1%, and 2%) decreased MDA levels following pollutant exposure by 17% (p = 0.06) and 25% (p = 0.01) respectively. In a dose-dependent manner, Pycnogenol^® exhibited a strong protective effect against pollution, significantly reducing pollutant-induced basal oxidative stress (MDA) and over-expression of Nrf2 and AHR, key factors in oxidative stress and detoxification. Pycnogenol^® also increased AHR expression in the absence of pollutants, which may reflect an adaptive cellular response. Full article

Sustainable development is a global priority, essential for meeting the social, economic, and environmental needs of future generations. Governments worldwide have undertaken extensive research efforts to identify effective pathways for achieving sustainable development. In 2017, the financial sector contributed 15% of the global GDP. Given the central role of financial systems in both national and global economies, their integration into sustainability initiatives is essential. The United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development highlights the importance of financial inclusion in addressing economic disparities, particularly in rural African areas where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line. This study examines the potential of Financial Technology (FinTech) to drive sustainable development in Nigeria, a country marked by high financial exclusion, wealth inequality, and poverty. Through textual analysis and semi-structured interviews, this research identifies three critical areas for investment to enhance the adoption of FinTech and promote sustainable growth: financial and educational literacy, an enabling environment with supportive policies, and robust regulatory measures to protect end-users. These initiatives are essential for building confidence and fostering greater adoption of FinTech in Nigeria. Full article

Background: Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage diseases and/or organ failure. However, access to healthy organs is often limited by challenges in organ preservation. Furthermore, upon transplantation, ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to increased organ rejection or graft failures. The work presented aims to address both challenges using an innovative nanomedicine platform for simultaneous drug and oxygen delivery. In recent studies, resveratrol (RSV), a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging agent, has been reported to protect against IRI by inhibiting ferroptosis. Here, we report the design, development, and scalable manufacturing of the first-in-class dual-function perfluorocarbon-nanoemulsion (PFC-NE) perfusate for simultaneous oxygen and antioxidant delivery, equipped with a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) reporter, longitudinal, non-invasive NIRF imaging of perfusate flow through organs/tissues during machine perfusion. Methods: A Quality-by-Design (QbD)-guided optimization was used to formulate a triphasic PFC-NE with 30% w/v perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB). Drug-free perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions (DF-NEs) and RSV-loaded nanoemulsions (RSV-NEs) were produced at 250–1000 mL scales using M110S, LM20, and M110P microfluidizers. Colloidal attributes, fluorescence stability, drug loading, and RSV release were evaluated using DLS, NIRF imaging, and HPLC, respectively. PFC-NE oxygen loading and release kinetics were evaluated during perfusion through the BMI OrganBank^® machine with the MEDOS HILITE^® oxygenator and by controlled flow of oxygen. The in vitro antioxidant activity of RSV-NE was measured using the oxygen radical scavenging antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assay. The cytotoxicity and ferroptosis inhibition of RSV-NE were evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results: PFC-NE batches maintained a consistent droplet size (90–110 nm) and low polydispersity index (<0.3) across all scales, with high reproducibility and >80% PFOB loading. Both DF-NE and RSV-NE maintained colloidal and fluorescence stability under centrifugation, serum exposure at body temperature, filtration, 3-month storage, and oxygenation. Furthermore, RSV-NE showed high drug loading and sustained release (63.37 ± 2.48% at day 5) compared with the rapid release observed in free RSV solution. In perfusion studies, the oxygenation capacity of PFC-NE consistently exceeded that of University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and demonstrated stable, linear gas responsiveness across flow rates and FiO₂ (fraction of inspired oxygen) inputs. RSV-NE displayed strong antioxidant activity and concentration-dependent inhibition of free radicals. RSV-NE maintained higher cell viability and prevented RAS-selective lethal compound 3 (RSL3)-induced ferroptosis in murine macrophages (macrophage cell line RAW 264.7), compared to the free RSV solution. Morphological and functional protection against RSL3-induced ferroptosis was confirmed microscopically. Conclusions: This study establishes a robust and scalable PFC-NE platform integrating antioxidant and oxygen delivery, along with NIRF-based non-invasive live monitoring of organ perfusion during machine-supported preservation. These combined features position PFC-NE as a promising next-generation acellular perfusate for preventing IRI and improving graft viability during ex vivo machine perfusion. Full article

Civil defence shelters constitute an essential component of safety systems in emergency situations. The aim of this article is to assess the modernization potential of existing civil defence shelters in Poland, using a representative facility located in Olsztyn (Poland) as a case study. The analysis is based on a review of the current legal framework and identification of legislative gaps that affect the implementation of effective protective solutions. Within the case study, a detailed technical assessment of the protective structure was carried out, focusing on construction, protection against radiation and contamination, fire safety, and user ergonomics. Based on this assessment, a comparative analysis was performed between the surveyed facility and current as well as proposed technical requirements. The results revealed partial compliance with regulations while identifying significant deficiencies. To address these issues, measures such as replacing ventilation units with modern systems featuring automatic control, installing EI120-certified doors, improving emergency exit dimensions, and adding emergency lighting were proposed. Subsequently, risks associated with modernization were identified in accordance with ISO 31000. The findings highlight the need for systematic modernization of existing protective structures, clarification of legal regulations, and increased investment, which are key conditions for improving civilian safety. Full article

Background: Vasicine (Vas) is a quinazoline alkaloid derived from Adhatoda vasica Nees, which has good anti-allergic asthma and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its specific functional mechanism on allergic asthma is unclear. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Vas on allergic asthma and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Initially, the therapeutic effects of Vas were assessed in ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice using airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), histopathological examinations, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Subsequently, a non-targeted metabolomic analysis was performed to examine the influence of Vas on lung metabolites, while molecular docking was utilized to clarify the mechanisms by which Vas intervenes in allergic asthma. Lastly, RBL-2H3 cells were employed in vitro to validate the metabolomic findings by measuring intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations, in addition to conducting ELISA and Western blot analyses. Results: In vivo, Vas alleviates AHR in mice with allergic asthma, enhances histopathological conditions, and reduces inflammatory factors. Non-targeted metabolomics analyses indicate that the primary pathway implicated in its intervention in allergic asthma may be the FcεRI pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking techniques were utilized to evaluate the binding affinity between Vas and proteins associated with this pathway. In vitro, Vas effectively inhibits degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells and diminishes the release of inflammatory factors by modulating the FcεRI/Lyn + Syk/MAPK pathway. Conclusions: These findings indicate that Vas may effectively alleviate allergic asthma by reducing inflammatory responses, decreasing AHR, and improving histopathological features. Furthermore, Vas seems to inhibit mast cell degranulation and modulate the FcεRI/Lyn + Syk/MAPK pathway. Full article

This study quantitatively analyzed the impact of concurrent large-scale wildfires that occurred in Korea in March 2025 on air quality in agricultural regions and identified potential risks to agricultural workers. Analysis of air quality data from eight agricultural sites nationwide revealed that the average concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 during the wildfire period increased by 47.3% and 24.9%, respectively, compared to non-fire periods. Multiple regression analysis indicated that PM₁₀ concentrations were dominated by physical dispersion and dilution effects driven by variables such as wind speed and distance. In contrast, PM_2.5 showed a strong positive correlation with relative humidity, suggesting it is significantly influenced by secondary formation and atmospheric stagnation. Notably, the potential for particulate matter accumulation was confirmed during high-humidity hours when atmospheric inversion layers form, combined with the basin topography characteristic of Korean rural areas. This implies that elderly agricultural workers may be exposed to high concentrations of hazardous substances even when smoke is not visually apparent. Therefore, this study suggests the necessity of establishing specific protective measures for agricultural workers, including the introduction of targeted, site-specific forecasting (“pinpoint forecasts”) for downwind farmlands and restrictions on outdoor work during early morning hours. Full article