Search Results (4,786)

Campylobacter is a leading foodborne bacterial pathogen, and poultry production is a major reservoir contributing to human exposure. Reducing Campylobacter at farm level is therefore critical to limit downstream contamination. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and quantitively summarise the current interventions and control measures applied in poultry farms to control the contamination and bird colonisation by Campylobacter. The Scopus electronic database was accessed to collect primary research articles that focused on observational studies and in vivo experiments, reporting results on Campylobacter concentrations or prevalence in both non-intervened and intervened groups. A total of 4080 studies were reviewed, from which 112 were selected and included in the meta-analysis according to predefined criteria, yielding 1467 observations. Meta-regression models were adjusted to the full data set and by intervention strategy based on the type of outcome measure (i.e., concentration and prevalence). In general terms, the results reveal that the effectiveness to reduce Campylobacter colonisation vary among interventions. A highly significant effect (p < 0.001) was observed in interventions such as organic acids, bacteriophages, plant extracts, probiotics, and organic iron complexes added to feed or drinking water; although drinking water was proven to be a more effective means of administration than feed for extracts and organic acids. In contrast, interventions such as chemical treatments, routine cleaning and disinfection, and vaccination showed both lower and more heterogeneous effects on Campylobacter loads. Vaccination effects were demonstrated to be driven by route and schedule, with intramuscular administration, longer vaccination periods and sufficient time before slaughter linked to greater reduction in Campylobacter colonisation. Probiotics, plant extracts and routine cleaning and disinfection were associated with lower Campylobacter prevalence in flocks. Meta-regression models consistently showed that the interventions were proven more effective when the sample analysed was caecal contents in comparison to faeces (p < 0.001). Overall, the findings of this meta-analysis study emphasise the application of a multi-barrier approach that combines targeted interventions with robust biosecurity and hygiene measures in order to reduce Campylobacter levels in poultry farms. Full article

This study addresses the issue of water losses in drinking water distribution networks, a problem exacerbated by climate change, drought, and aging infrastructure. The research was conducted in the operational area of Frýdek-Místek, managed by Severomoravské vodovody a kanalizace Ostrava a.s., covering 59 municipalities, 1024.4 km of pipeline, and more than 32,594 service connections. The objective was to evaluate the impact of implementing the “Leakage monitor” software system (ver. 19-11-2024), which focuses on continuous monitoring of minimum night flows (Q_min), on the reduction in Non-Revenue Water (NRW). The system, deployed since 2019, enables automated data collection, remote transmission, and analysis for timely leak detection and localization using acoustic and correlator methods within district metered areas. The results confirmed a reduction in NRW from 14.6% in 2019 to 11.5% in 2024. The implementation of a “Leak monitor” has proven to be an effective tool for improving operational efficiency and ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability of water supply systems. Full article

Aortic aneurysms and dissections are devastating vascular diseases with high mortality, yet no pharmacological therapy has proven effective in halting growth or preventing rupture. Surgical and endovascular repair remain the only treatment options for advanced disease. Animal models have been indispensable in defining mechanisms and testing candidate therapies, but the diversity of protocols, strain-dependent variability, and heterogeneous endpoints complicate interpretation and translation. This review provides an update focused on how to match models to specific research questions. We critically compare commonly used abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) models (angiotensin II ± hyperlipidemia, elastase, calcium chloride, β-aminopropionitrile BAPN hybrids, and mineralocorticoid agonist/fludrocortisone models) with thoracic aortopathy and dissection models (BAPN alone or with AngII, genetic models including Marfan and smooth muscle contractile mutations, and AngII + TGF-β blockade). We highlight practical considerations on segment specificity, rupture incidence, lipid dependence, comorbidities, and outcome measurement, with emphasis on rigor and reporting standards. A translational thread on platelet–intraluminal thrombus biology, including the emerging biomarker and therapeutic targets such as glycoprotein VI (GPVI), is integrated across models. We offer a decision grid and rigor checklist to harmonize model use, enhance reproducibility, and accelerate translation. Full article

The article presents an analysis of the mechanisms used by a vocational high school in Bulgaria to develop dual training and implement it sustainably. It focuses on the school management’s leadership role in the network of different stakeholders, demonstrating the importance of this aspect in the entire process of developing dual education. Apart from the case analysis of the Bulgarian vocational high school’s successful implementation of dual learning, the research strategy includes examining regulatory documents, evaluation reports and publications in media and by companies, as well as analyzing the attitudes among key stakeholders. An overview of the challenges facing dual education in Bulgaria is also provided. Based on the case study findings, the factors supporting the implementation and sustainability of the dual system have been identified. We conclude that the long-term development of the dual education model depends on the understanding that the formation of professional skills is a dynamic process, requiring attention to the needs of the local environment, adaptability to current changes and active participation by all stakeholders. The role of school leadership—with regard to both its motivation and activity—has proven to be essential, and therefore it should not be overlooked when creating state incentives to support dual training. Full article

With the advancement of industrial systems toward greater complexity and higher asset value, unexpected equipment failures now risk severe production interruptions, substantial economic costs, and critical safety hazards. Conventional maintenance strategies, which are primarily reactive or schedule-based, have proven inadequate in preventing unplanned downtime, underscoring a pressing demand for more intelligent monitoring solutions. In this context, intelligent spectral detection has arisen as a transformative methodology to bridge this gap. This review explores the integration of spectroscopic techniques with machine learning for equipment defect diagnosis and prognosis, with a particular focus on applications such as hydrogen leak detection and transformer oil aging assessment. Key aging indicators derived from spectral data are systematically evaluated to establish a robust basis for condition monitoring. The paper also identifies prevailing challenges in the field, including spectral data scarcity, limited model interpretability, and poor generalization across different operational scenarios. Future research directions emphasize the construction of large-scale, annotated spectral databases, the development of multimodal data fusion frameworks, and the optimization of lightweight algorithms for practical, real-time deployment. Ultimately, this work aims to provide a clear roadmap for implementing predictive maintenance paradigms, thereby contributing to safer, more reliable, and more efficient industrial operations. Full article

With the growing prominence of skin photodamage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the development of efficient and safe natural photoprotectants has become a major research focus. Ginsenoside Re (G-Re), a primary active component of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.), has attracted much attention due to its significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its systemic role and mechanism in protecting against photodamage remain unclear. In this study, a UVB-induced rat photodamage model was established to evaluate the protective effect of ginsenoside Re through histopathological staining, biochemical assay, and immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approach was applied to elucidate the molecular mechanism of G-Re protection and to establish the association between the photodamage phenotype, metabolic pathways, and gene functions. Following their identification via integrated multi-omics analysis, the key targets were subjected to verification via Western blotting. The results showed that G-Re could effectively alleviate UVB-induced pathological injury and reduce the level of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors, which could reverse regulate the abnormal expression of 265 differential genes and 30 metabolites. The glutathione metabolism pathway was proven as a key pathway mediating the protective effects of ginsenoside Re against skin photodamage via integrated analysis, WB verification, and molecular docking. The current study indicated that G-Re could be a promising natural sunscreen additive in cosmetical products. Full article

Biofouling is the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces and has negatively impacted several industries while aiding in the spread of invasive species. Traditional antifouling paints, such as tributyltin and copper-based paints, have proven toxic to marine environments, necessitating the use of novel, less toxic alternatives. Previous research has shown that antifouling paints made from essential oil-rich superfruits and medicinal herbs have been effective in preventing precipitation accumulation, including bacterial and mineral accumulation. This study examined the antifouling potential of spirulina and fucus, two algae rich in antioxidants and essential oils. Extracts were analyzed for antioxidant and essential oil content before being subjected to a three-week-long antifouling test. A post-test surface analysis was then performed, and the precipitation count per mm of slide was calculated, followed by a comparison with previous extracts from superfruits and medicinal herbs. After testing, fucus has a minimum bacterial count of 41.4 ± 2.0 per mm in freshwater and 14.0 ± 0.7 per mm in saltwater. Spirulina had a minimum precipitation count of 13.9 ± 2.8 per mm for freshwater and 6.6 ± 1.3 per mm for saltwater. As such, spirulina performed better than fucus, superfruits, and medicinal herbs in both saltwater and freshwater, except for when compared to results from ginger extracts in saltwater. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic skin disease. Although topical and systemic drugs with proven effectiveness are used in the treatment, ozone therapy is also applied as a treatment option based on clinical personal experience and with limited published knowledge. In this project, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of major ozone therapy in psoriasis patients together with biomarkers in serum. Methods: A total of 26 psoriasis patients and 19 healthy controls were included in the study. The disease severity was evaluated by the psoriasis area severity index score and grouped as mild, moderate/severe. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), sialic acid, and Sialic acid binding Ig-like Lectin-14 (Siglec-14) levels were investigated in controls and psoriasis patients. Results: Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score decreased significantly in psoriasis patients after ozone autohemotherapy application (p < 0.005). The values of IL-1β, sialic acid, and Siglec-14 after treatment in healthy subjects were statistically significantly higher than in psoriasis patients. It was found that Hs-CRP and Siglec-14 decreased in all patients after treatment, Hs-CRP decreased more significantly in mild psoriasis patients, and Siglec-14 decreased in both mild and moderate-severe groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our research results suggest that ozone autohemotherapy has clinical efficacy in psoriasis patients, inflammation also has a role in the mechanism of action, and its effectiveness in treatment can be evaluated with inflammation markers. Full article

Research laboratories in universities face a complex challenge: they must manage multiple projects, diverse teams, and tight deadlines, often with limited resources. While the business world has long used agile and quality management tools to navigate such complexity, these methods are surprisingly rare in academic research. In this study, we set out to bridge this gap. We implemented a combined management model, blending agile Scrum practices with proven quality tools like the Ishikawa diagram and PDCA cycle, within a pharmaceutical sciences research lab. Over a six-month period, we diagnosed key issues, created a structured action plan, and introduced an online platform to monitor progress continuously. Our approach led to a significant increase in productivity, with 65% of targeted articles being published or submitted and 75% of general lab activities completed. Perhaps just as importantly, communication improved dramatically, and the lab successfully met all its institutional deadlines. We conclude that this hybrid framework is not just a theoretical idea but a practical and powerful innovation. It provides a tangible blueprint for other research groups looking to enhance their productivity, streamline communication, and build a more adaptive and effective research culture in the face of academic complexity. Full article

This study presents the application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in the investigation of historical metal ore mining sites in the Lower Silesia region of Poland. The paper outlines the principles of the GPR method and details the measurement procedures used during fieldwork. GPR has proven to be an effective, non-invasive tool for identifying inaccessible or previously unknown underground mining structures, such as shafts, tunnels, and remnants of mining infrastructure. This capability is particularly valuable in the context of extensive and complex post-mining landscapes characteristic of Lower Silesia. The research presents findings from selected sites, demonstrating how GPR surveys facilitated the detection and subsequent archaeological exploration of historical workings. In several cases, the method enabled the recovery of access to underground features, which were then subjected to detailed documentation and preservation efforts. Following necessary safety and adaptation measures, some of these sites have been successfully opened to the public as part of regional tourism initiatives. The study confirms the utility of GPR as a key instrument in post-mining archaeology and mining heritage conservation, offering a rapid and reliable means of mapping subsurface structures without disturbing the terrain. Full article

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and big data analytics is transforming the governance, sustainability, and resilience of modern banking ecosystems. This study provides a multivariate bibliometric analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of research indexed in Scopus and Web of Science to explore how decentralized digital infrastructures and AI-driven analytical capabilities contribute to sustainable financial development, transparent governance, and climate-resilient digital societies. Findings indicate a rapid increase in interdisciplinary work integrating Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with large-scale data processing, federated learning, privacy-preserving computation, and intelligent automation—tools that can enhance financial inclusion, regulatory integrity, and environmental risk management. Keyword network analyses reveal blockchain’s growing role in improving data provenance, security, and trust—key governance dimensions for sustainable and resilient financial systems—while AI/ML and big data analytics dominate research on predictive intelligence, ESG-related risk modeling, customer well-being analytics, and real-time decision support for sustainable finance. Comparative analyses show distinct emphases: Web of Science highlights decentralized architectures, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts relevant to transparent financial governance, whereas Scopus emphasizes customer-centered analytics, natural language processing, and high-throughput data environments supporting inclusive and equitable financial services. Patterns of global collaboration demonstrate strong internationalization, with Europe, China, and the United States emerging as key hubs in shaping sustainable and digitally resilient banking infrastructures. By mapping intellectual, technological, and collaborative structures, this study clarifies how decentralized intelligence—enabled by the fusion of AI/ML, blockchain, and big data—supports secure, scalable, and sustainability-driven financial ecosystems. The results identify critical research pathways for strengthening financial governance, enhancing climate and social resilience, and advancing digital transformation, which contributes to more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. Full article

Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) are a type of recurrent neural network with built-in meaning in their architecture, originally devoted to modeling and scenario simulation tasks. These knowledge-based neural systems support feedback loops that handle static and temporal data. Over the last decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of contributions dedicated to developing FCM-based models and algorithms for structured pattern classification and time series forecasting. These models are attractive since they have proven competitive compared to black boxes while providing highly desirable interpretability features. Equally important are the theoretical studies that have significantly advanced our understanding of the convergence behavior and approximation capabilities of FCM-based models. These studies can challenge individuals who are not experts in Mathematics or Computer Science. As a result, we can occasionally find flawed FCM studies that fail to benefit from the theoretical progress experienced by the field. To address all these challenges, this survey paper aims to cover relevant theoretical and algorithmic advances in the field, while providing clear interpretations and practical pointers for both practitioners and researchers. Additionally, we will survey existing tools and software implementations, highlighting their strengths and limitations towards developing FCM-based solutions. Full article

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death (PCD) with pro-inflammatory properties, which is characterized by the swelling with bubbles and the release of LDH and inflammatory cell cytokines. Polyphyllin II (PPII) is the main active ingredient of the Chinese herb Rhizoma Paridis and has been proven to exert high efficacy against a variety of malignant tumors. At present, the anti-tumor research on PPII mainly focuses on apoptosis that is an anti-inflammatory type of PCD, but other potential modes of death cell death and mechanisms of PPII remain to be discovered. Here, we first found that PPII could effectively inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via pyroptosis. After treatment with PPII, the morphology of swelling with bubbles and the formation of pores in the cell membrane in HCC cells were observed, and LDH and cell cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ) were released. Furthermore, the flow cytometry results showed that PPII could activate oxidative stress by increasing Ca²⁺ influx, thereby promoting the production of ROS to exert anti-tumor effects. RNA sequencing revealed that pyroptosis is closely linked to several signaling pathways, including the MAPK, TNF, Rap1, mTOR, and FoxO pathways, as well as the PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway. An in vivo study demonstrated that PPII treatment suppressed liver tumor growth in mice by pyroptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and it showed no obvious side effects within a certain range. The Western blot results of tumor tissues revealed that the pyroptosis effect of PPII on liver cancer was associated with the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase1/GSDMD pathway, which upregulates the expression of NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase 1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 proteins and downregulates the expression of pro-Caspase 1 and GSDMD proteins. In summary, our findings revealed the pyroptosis effect and mechanism of PPII in HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PPII may be used as a potential pyroptosis inducer for HCC treatment in the future. Full article

The textile sector provides essential goods, yet it remains environmentally and socially intensive, driven by high water use, pesticide dependent monocropping, chemical pollution during processing, and growing waste streams. This review examines credible pathways to sustainability by integrating emerging plant-based fibres from hemp, abaca, stinging nettle, and pineapple leaf fibre. These underutilised crops combine favourable agronomic profiles with competitive mechanical performance and are gaining momentum as the demand for demonstrably sustainable textiles increases. However, conventional fibre identification methods, including microscopy and spectroscopy, often lose reliability after wet processing and in blended fabrics, creating opportunities for mislabelling, greenwashing, and weak certification. We synthesise how advanced molecular approaches, including DNA fingerprinting, species-specific assays, and metagenomic tools, can support the authentication of fibre identity and provenance and enable linkage to Digital Product Passports. We also critically assess environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and social assessment frameworks, including S-LCA and SO-LCA, as complementary methodologies to quantify climate burden, water use, labour conditions, and supply chain risks. We argue that aligning fibre innovation with molecular traceability and harmonised life cycle evidence is essential to replace generic sustainability claims with verifiable metrics, strengthen policy and certification, and accelerate transparent, circular, and socially responsible textile value chains. Key research priorities include validated marker panels and reference libraries for non-cotton fibres, expanded region-specific LCA inventories and end-of-life scenarios, scalable fibre-to-fibre recycling routes, and practical operationalisation of SO-LCA across diverse enterprises. Full article

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PsP), one of the main components of Polygonatumsibiricum used in traditional Chinese food and medicine, has important bioactive functions, but it is difficult to fully utilize PsP because of the degradative effect of digestive gastric juices. This study aimed to innovatively synthesize a new food formulation for PsP, namely, a PsP–hydroxyapatite (HAP) sustained-release system, so as to reduce its degradation. The new food formulation was optimized and evaluated by the response surface method (RSM) and by in vitro experiments. The optimal stirrer temperature, reaction pH, etching pH, and loading time for synthesizing PsP-HAP were 85.62 °C, pH 11.12, pH 8.40, and 5.10 h, respectively, all of which were different from the findings of other similar research studies. The average encapsulation rate of PsP-HAP reached (40.16 ± 1.54)%, and the content of PsP was 8.98%. Additionally, PsP-HAP appeared to be pH-responsive, and its continuous antioxidative effect was first proven by the DPPH assay and then cytologically by a total antioxidative capacity assay. The CCK-8 assay indicated that PSP-HAP did not induce toxicity. This study successfully developed a new food formulation for PsP which appears to have the potential to reduce the degradative effect of digestive gastric juices. Thus, it is possible to achieve full utilization of PsP by using this new sustained-release food formulation. Full article