Search Results (65,864)

With the rapid increase in global lithium demand, the exploration of newly discovered lithium in the bauxite of the Wenshan area in southeastern Yunnan has become increasingly important. However, the current research on clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area has primarily focused on local exploration, and large-scale predictive metallogenic studies remain limited. To address this, this study utilized multi-source remote sensing data from ZY1-02D and ASTER, combined with ALOS 12.5 m DEM and Sentinel-2 imagery, to carry out remote sensing mineral identification, structural interpretation, and prospectivity mapping for clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area. This study indicates that clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area is controlled by NW, EW, and NE linear structures and are mainly distributed in the region from north of the Wenshan–Malipo fault to south of the Guangnan–Funing fault. High-value areas of iron-rich silicates and iron–magnesium minerals revealed by ASTER data indicate lithium enrichment, while montmorillonite and cookeite identification by ZY1-02D have strong indicative significance for lithium. Field verification samples show the highest Li₂O content reaching 11,150 μg/g, with six samples meeting the comprehensive utilization criteria for lithium in bauxite (Li₂O ≥ 500 μg/g) and also showing an enrichment of rare earth elements (REEs) and gallium (Ga). By integrating stratigraphic, structural, mineral identification, geochemical characteristics, and field verification data, ten mineral exploration target areas were delineated. This study validates the effectiveness of remote sensing technology in the exploration of clay-type lithium and provides an applicable workflow for similar environments worldwide. Full article

Computational Thinking (CT) has been an important concept for the computer science education community in the last 20 years. In this work we performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the computational thinking of children from kindergarten to primary school. We compiled a large dataset of one hundred and twenty (120) studies from the literature. Through analysis of these studies, we tried to reveal important insights and draw interesting and valid conclusions. We analyzed various qualitative and quantitative aspects of the studies, including the sample size, the year of publication, the country of origin, the studies’ design and duration, the computational tools used, and so on. An important aspect of the work is to highlight differences between different study designs. We identified a total of 120 studies, with more than half of them (>50%) originating from Asian countries. Most studies (82.5%) conducted some form of intervention, aiming to improve their computational thinking in students. A smaller proportion (17.5%) were assessment studies in which the authors conducted assessments regarding the children’s computational thinking. On average, intervention studies had a smaller number of participants, but differences in duration could not be identified. There was also a lack of large-scale longitudinal studies. Block-based coding (i.e., Scratch) and Plugged and Unplugged activities were observed in high numbers in both categories of studies. CT assessment tools showed great variability. Efforts for standardization and reaching a consensus are needed in this regard. Finally, robotic systems have been found to play a major role in interventions over the last years. Full article

Upon reaching stabilized production in waterflooded reservoirs, waterflood performance curves are conventionally used to predict technically recoverable reserves (TRRs). However, as reservoirs enter high water-cut stages, the relationship between the relative permeability ratio and saturation becomes nonlinear, causing deflection in waterflood performance curves. This leads to systematic overestimation of both predicted TRR and ultimate recovery factors. To overcome these limitations in conventional TRR prediction methods, this study establishes a novel relative permeability ratio-saturation relationship based on characteristic relative permeability curve behaviors. The proposed model is validated for three distinct fluid-rock interaction types. We further develop a permeability-driven forecasting model for oil production rates and water cuts. Comparative analyses with a conventional waterflood curve methodology demonstrate significant accuracy improvements. The results show that while traditional methods predict TRR ranging from 78.40 to 92.29 million tons, our model yields 70.73 million tons—effectively resolving overestimation issues caused by curve deflection during high water-cut phases. This approach establishes a robust framework for determining critical development parameters, including economic field lifespan, strategy adjustments, and ultimate recovery factor. Full article

A facile and versatile strategy to obtain NPs@ZnAlO nanocomposite materials, comprising controlled-size nanoparticles (NPs) within a ZnAlO matrix is reported. The mono-(Au, Ni) and bimetallic (Ni-Au) NPs serving as an active phase were prepared by the polyol-alkaline method, while the ZnAlO support was obtained via the thermal decomposition of its corresponding layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursors. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the successful fabrication of the nanocomposites, including the synthesis of the metallic NPs, the formation of LDH-like structure, and the subsequent transformation to ZnO phase upon LDH calcination. The obtained nanostructures confirmed the nanoplate-like morphology inherited from the original LDH precursors, which tended to aggregate after the addition of gold NPs. According to the UV-Vis spectroscopy, loading NPs onto the ZnAlO support enhanced the light absorption and reduced the band gap energy. ATR-DRIFT spectroscopy, H₂-TPR measurements, and XPS analysis provided information about the functional groups, surface composition, and reducibility of the materials. The catalytic performance of the developed nanostructures was evaluated by the photodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA), under simulated solar irradiation. The conversion of BPA over the bimetallic Ni-Au@ZnAlO reached up to 95% after 180 min of irradiation, exceeding the monometallic Ni@ZnAlO and Au@ZnAlO catalysts. Its enhanced activity was correlated with good dispersion of the bimetals, narrower band gap, and efficient charge carrier separation of the photo-induced e⁻/h⁺ pairs. Full article

Wheelchair-mounted assistive robotic manipulators can provide reach and grasp functions for power wheelchair users. This in-lab study evaluated a vision-guided shared control (VGS) system with twelve users completing two multi-step kitchen tasks: a drinking task and a popcorn making task. Using a mixed methods approach participants compared VGS and manual joystick control, providing performance metrics, qualitative insights, and lessons learned. Data collection included demographic questionnaires, the System Usability Scale (SUS), NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and exit interviews. No significant SUS differences were found between control modes, but NASA-TLX scores revealed VGS control significantly reduced workload during the drinking task and the popcorn task. VGS control reduced operation time and improved task success but was not universally preferred. Six participants preferred VGS, five preferred manual, and one had no preference. In addition, participants expressed interest in robotic arms for daily tasks and described two main operation challenges: distinguishing wrist orientation from rotation modes and managing depth perception. They also shared perspectives on how a personal robotic arm could complement caregiver support in their home. Full article

Understanding the interplay between lightning activity and hydrometeor distribution is crucial for advancing knowledge of thunderstorm electrification processes. Using three-dimensional lightning mapping and dual-polarization radar observations, this study investigates the spatiotemporal correlations between low-frequency (LF) lightning sources and hydrometeors during a severe thunderstorm on 11 June 2014, in North Carolina, USA. The results reveal that lightning sources are predominantly observed above 6 km (near the −10 °C isotherm) and stabilize into a dual-peak vertical distribution as the storm progresses into its mature stage, with peaks located at 6–7 km (−10 °C to −15 °C) and 10–11 km (approximately −40 °C). Low-density graupel (LDG) and aggregates (AGs) dominate at lightning locations. Stronger updrafts lead to higher proportions of LDG and high-density graupel (HDG), and lower proportions of AG. LDG exhibits the strongest positive correlation with LF lightning sources, with a peak correlation coefficient of 0.65 at 9 km. During the vigorous development stage, HDG and hail (Ha) also show positive correlations with LF lightning sources, with peak correlation coefficients of 0.52 at 7 km and 0.42 at 8 km, respectively. As the storm reaches its mature phase, the correlation between LDG and lightning sources also displays a dual-peak vertical distribution, with peaks at 7–8 km and 13–14 km. Both the peak correlation coefficient and its corresponding height increase with the strengthening of updrafts, underscoring the critical role of updrafts in microphysical characteristics and driving electrification processes. Full article

Ensuring software quality during development requires effective regression testing. However, test suites in open-source libraries often grow large, redundant, and difficult to maintain. Most traditional test suite optimization methods treat test cases as atomic units, without analyzing the utility of individual instructions. This paper presents an intelligent method for test case synthesis using a Q-learning agent. The agent learns to construct compact test cases by interacting with an execution environment and receives rewards based on branch coverage improvements and simultaneous reductions in test case length. The training process includes a pretraining phase that transfers knowledge from the original test suite, followed by adaptive learning episodes on individual test cases. As a result, the method requires no formal documentation or API specifications and uses only execution traces of the original test cases. An explicit synthesis algorithm constructs new test cases by selecting API calls from a learned policy encoded in a Q-table. Experiments were conducted on two open-source C++ libraries of differing API complexity and original test suite size. The results show that the proposed method can reach up to 67% test suite reduction while preserving branch coverage, confirming its effectiveness for regression test suite minimization in resource-constrained or specification-limited environments. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern in Latin America, driven by rapid aging, widespread micronutrient inadequacies, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition, many older adults struggle to meet daily dietary micronutrients requirements, increasing the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the role of Multivitamin and Mineral supplements (MVMs) in promoting cognitive healthy aging among older adults in Latin America. Methods: A panel of nine experts in geriatrics, neurology, and nutrition applied a modified Delphi methodology to generate consensus statements. The panel reviewed the literature, engaged in expert discussions, and used structured voting to develop consensus statements. Results: Consensus was reached on 14 statements. Experts agreed that cognitive aging in Latin America is influenced by neurobiological, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, including widespread micronutrient inadequacies (vitamins B-complex, C, D, E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, copper, iron and selenium), which were identified as critical for global cognitive function and brain structures, yet commonly inadequate in the elderly. While a balanced diet remains essential, MVMs can be recommended as a complementary strategy to bridge nutritional gaps. Supporting evidence, including the COSMOS-Mind trials, demonstrate that MVM use improves memory and global cognition, and reduces cognitive aging by up to 2 years in older adults. Conclusions: MVMs offer a promising, accessible adjunct for cognitive healthy aging in Latin America’s elderly population, particularly where dietary challenges persist. Region-specific guidelines, public health initiatives, and targeted research are warranted to optimize outcomes and reduce health inequities. Full article

Prostate cancer accounts for approximately 1.5 million new diagnoses and 400,000 deaths every year worldwide, and demographic projections indicate a near-doubling of both figures by 2040. Despite existing treatments, 10–20% of patients eventually progress to metastatic castration-resistant disease (mCRPC). The median overall survival (OS) after progression to mCPRC drops to 24 months, and efficacy drops severely after each additional line of treatment. Omics platforms have reached advanced levels and enable the acquisition of high-resolution large datasets that can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PCa pathology. Genomics, especially DDR (DNA damage response) gene alterations, detected via tissue and/or circulating tumor DNA, efficiently guides therapy in advanced prostate cancer. Given recent developments, we have performed a comprehensive literature search to cover recent research and clinical trial reports (over the last five years) that integrate omics along three converging trajectories in therapeutic development: (i) predicting response to approved agents with demonstrated survival benefits, (ii) stratifying patients to receive therapies in clinical trials, (iii) guiding drug development as part of drug repurposing frameworks. Collectively, this review is intended to serve as a comprehensive resource of recent advancements in omics-guided therapies for advanced prostate cancer, a clinical setting with existing clinical needs and poor outcomes. Full article

Demand Side Management (DSM) plays a crucial role in modern energy systems, enabling more efficient use of energy resources and contributing to the sustainability of the power grid. This study examines DSM strategies within a multi-environment context encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, with a focus on diverse appliance types that exhibit distinct operational characteristics and user preferences. Initially, a single-objective optimization approach using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) is employed to minimize the total energy cost under a real Time-of-Use (ToU) pricing scheme. This heuristic method allows for the effective scheduling of appliance operations while factoring in their unique characteristics such as power consumption, usage duration, and user-defined operational flexibility. This study extends the optimization problem to a multi-objective framework that incorporates the minimization of CO₂ emissions under a real annual energy mix while also accounting for user discomfort. The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is utilized for this purpose, providing a Pareto-optimal set of solutions that balances these competing objectives. The inclusion of multiple objectives ensures a comprehensive assessment of DSM strategies, aiming to reduce environmental impact and enhance user satisfaction. Additionally, this study monitors the Peak-to-Average Ratio (PAR) to evaluate the impact of DSM strategies on load balancing and grid stability. It also analyzes the impact of considering different periods of the year with the associated ToU hourly schedule and CO₂ emissions hourly profile. A key innovation of this research is the integration of detailed, category-specific metrics that enable the disaggregation of costs, emissions, and user discomfort across residential, commercial, and industrial appliances. This granularity enables stakeholders to implement tailored strategies that align with specific operational goals and regulatory compliance. Also, the emphasis on a user discomfort indicator allows us to explore the flexibility available in such DSM mechanisms. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-objective optimization approach in achieving significant cost savings that may reach 20% for industrial applications, while the order of magnitude of the trade-offs involved in terms of emissions reduction, improvement in discomfort, and PAR reduction is quantified for different frameworks. The outcomes not only underscore the efficacy of applying advanced optimization frameworks to real-world problems but also point to pathways for future research in smart energy management. This comprehensive analysis highlights the potential of advanced DSM techniques to enhance the sustainability and resilience of energy systems while also offering valuable policy implications. Full article

The search for natural sources of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties has intensified in recent years. Among these, Tannat grape pomace (TGP), a primary byproduct of winemaking, stands out for its high phenolic content, although its bioactivity may be affected during gastrointestinal digestion. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of in vitro digestion on the antioxidant (ABTS, ORAC-FL, intracellular ROS inhibition), anti-diabetic (α-glucosidase inhibition), anti-obesity (lipase inhibition), and anti-inflammatory (NO inhibition) properties of five sugar-free biscuits formulated with varying percentages of TGP and sucralose. No significant differences were observed in the bioaccessible fractions (BFs, representing the compounds potentially released in the small intestine) between control biscuits and those enriched with TGP, suggesting limited release of phenolics at this stage. Conversely, the colonic fractions (CFs, simulating the material reaching the colon) from biscuits with higher TGP content exhibited greater bioactivities. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of the CF from the biscuit containing 20% TGP and 4% sucralose revealed a high content of procyanidin trimers, indicating the persistence of these specific phenolic compounds after in vitro digestion. These findings suggest that TGP-enriched biscuits may deliver health benefits at the colonic level and support their potential application in the formulation of functional foods. Further microbiota and in vivo studies should be assessed to confirm the latter. Full article

This study investigated the effect of an apple pectin coating enriched with gamma-decalactone (GDL) on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of strawberries over 9 days of refrigerated storage. Strawberries were coated with pectin solutions containing a plasticizer and emulsifier, with or without GDL, and compared to uncoated controls. The coatings were evaluated for their effects on fruit mass loss, pH, extract content (°Brix), firmness, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h*, ΔE), and microbial spoilage. The pectin coating limited changes in extract, pH, and color and slowed firmness loss. Notably, GDL-enriched coatings significantly reduced spoilage (14.29% after 9 days vs. 57.14% in the control) despite accelerating pulp softening. Extract content increased the most in the GDL group (from 9.92 to 12.00 °Brix), while mass loss reached up to 22.8%. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed coating type as a major factor differentiating sample quality over time. These findings demonstrate the potential of bioactive pectin-based coatings to enhance fruit preservation and support the development of active packaging strategies. Further studies should optimize coating composition and control the release kinetics of functional compounds. Full article

Objectives: To investigate the reliability and validity of the Singer Reflux Symptom Score (sRSS), a new patient-reported outcome questionnaire documenting the severity of reflux symptoms in singing voice is proposed. Methods: Amateur and professional singers consulting the European Reflux Clinic for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) symptoms and findings were prospectively recruited from January 2022 to February 2023. The diagnosis was based on a Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) > 13 and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) > 14. A control group of asymptomatic singer subjects was recruited from the University of Mons. The sRSS was rated within a 7-day period to assess test–retest reliability. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α in patients and controls. A correlation analysis was performed between sRSS and Singing Voice Handicap Index (sVHI) to evaluate convergent validity. Responsiveness to change was evaluated through pre- to post-treatment sRSS changes. The sRSS threshold for suggesting a significant impact of LPRD on singing voice was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Thirty-three singers with suspected LPRD (51.5% female; mean age: 51.8 ± 17.2 years) were consecutively recruited. Difficulty reaching high notes and vocal fatigue were the most prevalent LPRD-related singing complaints. The sRSS demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach-α = 0.832), test–retest reliability, and external validity (correlation with sVHI: r = 0.654; p = 0.015). Singers with suspected LPRD reported a significant higher sRSS compared to 68 controls. sRSS item and total scores significantly reduced from pre-treatment to 3 months post-treatment except for the abnormal voice breathiness item. ROC analysis revealed superior diagnostic accuracy for sRSS (AUC = 0.971) compared to sRSS-quality of life (AUC = 0.926), with an optimal cutoff at sRSS > 38.5 (sensitivity: 90.3%; specificity: 85.0%). Conclusions: The sRSS is a reliable and valid singer-reported outcome questionnaire for documenting singing symptoms associated with LPRD leading to personalized management of Singers. Future large-cohort studies are needed to evaluate its specificity for LPRD compared to other vocal fold disorders in singers. Full article

Background: Senescence, a state of permanent cell cycle arrest, is a complex cellular phenomenon closely affiliated with age-related diseases and pathological fibrosis. Cellular senescence is now recognized as a significant contributor to organ fibrosis, largely driven by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, such as in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and myocardial fibrosis, which can lead to heart failure, cystic fibrosis, and fibrosis in pancreatic tumors, to name a few. MASH is a progressive inflammatory and fibrotic liver condition that has reached pandemic proportions, now considered the largest non-viral contributor to the need for liver transplantation. Methods: We previously studied Oxy210, an anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory, orally bioavailable, oxysterol-based drug candidate for MASH, using APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, a humanized hyperlipidemic mouse model that closely recapitulates the hallmarks of human MASH. In this model, treatment of mice with Oxy210 for 16 weeks caused significant amelioration of the disease, evidenced by reduced hepatic inflammation, lipid deposition, and fibrosis, atherosclerosis and adipose tissue inflammation. Results: Here we demonstrate increased hepatic expression of senescence-associated genes and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), correlated with the expression of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatorygenes in these mice during the development of MASH that are significantly inhibited by Oxy210. Using the HepG2 human hepatocyte cell line, we demonstrate the induced expression of senescent-associated genes and SASP by TGF-β and inhibition by Oxy210. Conclusions: These findings further support the potential therapeutic effects of Oxy210 mediated in part through inhibition of senescence-driven hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in MASH and perhaps in other senescence-associated fibrotic diseases. Full article

This study investigates the potential of using downgraded chestnuts, which are unsuitable for commercial sale, from five distinct Greek regions to produce chestnut flour and formulate gluten-free biscuits. Chestnuts were dried and milled into flour, which was then used as the sole flour ingredient in the biscuit formulation, in order to assess its nutritional and functional contribution. The moisture, lipid, protein, and ash contents were analyzed in chestnut flour samples, which showed significant regional differences. Chestnut flour biscuits (CFB) were compared to wheat flour biscuits (WFB). CFB exhibited significantly higher ash content (3.01% compared to 0.94% in WFB) and greater antioxidant capacity, with DPPH scavenging activity reaching 70.83%, as opposed to 61.67% in WFB, while maintaining similar moisture and lipid levels. Although CFB showed slightly lower protein content, the elevated mineral and phenolic compound levels contributed to its functional value. These findings indicate that downgraded chestnuts can be upcycled into gluten-free bakery products with improved functional characteristics. Given their antioxidant activity and mineral content, chestnut flour biscuits may serve as a valuable option for gluten-free diets, supporting circular economy principles and reducing food waste. Full article