Search Results (15,002)

Olive tree cultivation occupies a central place in Algerian agriculture and is of considerable economic and cultural importance. Several production factors strongly influence the quality of olive oil. Among the determinants of this quality, the vegetative growth of the olive tree plays a crucial role, as it controls photosynthetic capacity, the distribution of assimilates, and fruit filling. These physiological mechanisms directly influence oil percentage, as well as fatty acid and phenolic compound compositions, and consequently, sensory characteristics such as bitterness and pungency. This study examines the quantitative relationships between vegetative growth, chemical parameters, and sensory attribute interactions that are still poorly understood using seven representative olive cultivars: local varieties (Chemlal, Bouchouk Lafayette, Blanquette de Guelma, Sigoise, and Limli) and European varieties (Frantoio and Belgentéroise). Vegetative growth was characterized by the average shoot length; fruit oil content was expressed as a percentage on a dry basis, and fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography after derivatization. The total polyphenol content was determined by spectrophotometry and expressed as concentration, and oxidative stability was measured using the Rancimat method. Sensory analysis was conducted by a trained panel in accordance with international recommendations. The results indicate substantial positive correlations between vegetative growth parameters, oil concentration, olive oil composition, and those sensory attributes related to polyphenols, for all varieties studied. This functional consistency suggests that improvement in one parameter is generally associated with improvement in others. The Algerian variety Chemlal stands out for its optimal performance profile in agronomic, chemical, and sensory aspects compared to the other varieties. These preliminary results suggest that optimizing oil characteristics is directly linked to the physiological and biochemical performance of the olive tree, thus confirming the relevance of a systems approach in the selection and management of olive varieties. Full article

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a progressive multisystem disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of misfolded transthyretin fibrils, leading to neurological, cardiac, gastrointestinal, urogenital, sexual, and ophthalmological involvement. While disease-modifying therapies have significantly improved survival and slowed disease progression, a substantial proportion of patients continue to experience a high symptomatic burden that markedly impairs quality of life. Symptomatic manifestations often occur early, may precede the diagnosis, and frequently persist despite etiological treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the symptomatic management of ATTR, with particular emphasis on autonomic dysfunction and its systemic consequences. We discuss current therapeutic strategies for orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal dysmotility, nutritional impairment, sexual dysfunction, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and ophthalmological involvement, highlighting both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Special attention is given to treatment limitations related to cardiac involvement, autonomic failure, and drug tolerability. Despite the clinical relevance of symptom control in ATTR, evidence-based recommendations remain scarce, and no dedicated guidelines currently exist. Most therapeutic approaches are derived from observational studies, expert opinion, and clinical experience. Improved awareness of symptomatic manifestations, early intervention, and a multidisciplinary, individualized approach are essential to optimize patient outcomes. Future research should focus on prospective studies and the development of structured symptomatic treatment algorithms to complement disease-modifying therapies and enhance patient-centered care in ATTR. Full article

Integrating third-party Machine Learning (ML) models into industrial Operational Technology (OT) creates a procurement deadlock: operators cannot verify vendor performance claims without sharing representative evaluation data with vendors, while vendors refuse to reveal proprietary model weights before purchase, rendering traditional safeguards such as Non-Disclosure Agreements technically unenforceable. This paper introduces a framework combining Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) with smart contracts to enable trust-minimized, cryptographically verifiable competitive model procurement in Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS). Vendors cryptographically prove that their model outperforms a legacy baseline without disclosing proprietary weights, a process we term cryptographic performance attestation, while the on-chain workflow automates escrow, proof verification, and best-vendor selection with arbiter-based dispute resolution. ZKP privacy is scoped to vendor model weights; operator-side evaluation-data confidentiality is managed separately via synthetic, de-identified, or public benchmark data. We analyze three ZKP workflow variations and evaluate them on consumer-grade hardware, achieving proving times of approximately three seconds and sub-dollar on-chain verification costs under Layer-2 fee assumptions for the recommended single-proof variation, while identifying computational trade-offs of recursive proof aggregation. The entire verification phase operates offline with no impact on real-time OT control paths, bridging the IT/OT pre-transaction trust gap while deferring artifact deployment to existing OT tooling. Full article

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Mill.) is a pseudocereal that has recently gained increasing interest among both farmers and scientists. Its low soil requirements, high adaptability, and high resistance to diseases and pests allow it to be cultivated in many regions of the world. It is recommended for various cultivation systems, especially for low-input and organic farming. Currently, buckwheat is grown mainly for seeds and less often for green fodder. Thanks to its above-average nutritional value and many benefits that support human health, it is considered one of the leaders in functional food. It can be a basic raw material for many food products such as flour, groats, and flakes, but can also be used as a valuable addition to crisps, bars and drinks. Recently, buckwheat’s usefulness in the energy industry, construction, medicine, and pharmacology has been confirmed. Buckwheat, as a plant species distinct from the dominant global crops, fits very well into the current standards and assumptions of sustainable development. Its cultivation and consumption are associated with a number of benefits not only for human health but also for the whole environment. It is considered a species that counteracts climate change. Buckwheat’s valuable properties include its positive impact on soil physicochemical properties, its enhancement of biodiversity, and its support for pollinators. It is considered a species that can be cultivated in a changing climate, generating a very low carbon footprint. The aim of this study was to determine the contemporary economic importance of buckwheat, its place among species supporting sustainable development, and to identify potential research areas that will contribute to strengthening buckwheat’s role in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Public debates about psychoactive substances have traditionally been organized around the pharmacology of compounds and the institutional control of supply. In digitally mediated societies, however, the pathways through which people encounter psychoactives are increasingly informational: search engines, recommender systems, social platforms, and—distinctively—conversational AI. These systems do not merely deliver neutral facts. They rank, frame, personalize, and conversationally validate claims in ways that can shape perceived norms, acceptable risk thresholds, and willingness to seek help. This opinion advances the concept of AI-mediated exposure to capture how algorithmic curation and interactive dialogue become upstream determinants of psychoactive-related harms and benefits across the continuum from everyday medicines to non-medical use. From a social-scientific ethics perspective, the central question is not whether AI is “good” or “bad,” but what obligations apply when AI performs interpretive authority in contexts characterized by vulnerability, stigma, and unequal access to trusted expertise. The paper argues for an ethics-centered governance framework grounded in four commitments: epistemic responsibility (how claims are generated, warranted, and communicated), relational responsibility (how users are treated in moments of uncertainty, distress, and stigma), distributive justice (who benefits and who bears risk under unequal conditions), and accountability (how behavior is evaluated, contested, and corrected over time). The aim is to treat conversational AI as a public-facing institution whose design choices must be ethically legible and publicly contestable, oriented toward harm reduction without intensifying surveillance, moralization, or inequity. Full article

Background: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) has emerged as a promising approach for improving quality while reducing costs. While evidence from tertiary hospitals suggests that outsourcing to VBHC networks can improve safety, efficiency, and satisfaction, less is known about its impact in low- and intermediate-complexity hospitals. The Madrid Regional Health System (RMHS), which stratifies hospitals by complexity, provides a unique opportunity to compare performance across management models. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes between low and intermediate-complexity hospitals outsourced to a VBHC network with those operating under public management and outsourced to traditional for-profit organizations. Methods: The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the RMHS 2024 annual audit report. Sixteen low- and intermediate-complexity hospitals were included: three outsourced to the VBHC network Quirónsalud and thirteen under public management and outsourced to a traditional private for-profit network. Monographic and long-term facilities were excluded. Variables included case mix complexity, quality and safety indicators (inpatient complications, hospital-acquired infections, low-risk cesarean sections), efficiency metrics (average and case-mix-adjusted length of stay), and patient satisfaction measures (survey scores and patient transfers under the Free Choice of Care Mandate). Continuous variables were compared using Mann–Whitney U tests and categorical variables with Chi-square tests. Results: Study hospitals managed more complex patients (median case-mix 1.06 vs. 0.88, p = 0.007). Despite this, no differences were found in complication rates. Hospital-acquired infections (3.47% vs. 5.46%, p < 0.001) and low-risk cesarean sections (16.1% vs. 19.3%, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in VBHC hospitals. Efficiency was improved, with shorter average length of stay (4.26 vs. 5.03 days, p = 0.031) and all study hospitals demonstrating lower-than-expected case-mix-adjusted stay, unlike several controls. Patient satisfaction was higher (0.91 vs. 0.87, p = 0.007), as were recommendation scores (0.96 vs. 0.92, p = 0.003). Patient transfers favored outsourced hospitals, with more patients choosing them and fewer leaving compared with controls. Conclusions: Low- and intermediate-complexity hospitals managed by a value-based network in Madrid achieved superior performance across safety, efficiency, and satisfaction indicators, despite treating more complex patients. These findings extend evidence for VBHC outsourcing beyond tertiary hospitals, highlighting potential for improved system-wide performance where universal coverage and hospital stratification ensure comparability. VBHC outsourcing may represent a viable strategy to enhance patient outcomes and optimize resource use in regional healthcare systems. Full article

At temperatures higher than 5 °C in the cooling chambers of refrigeration systems, bacteria multiply rapidly on fresh fishes, thereby leading to an increased risk of foodborne diseases. Maintaining the storage temperature within the recommended bounds of 0 °C and 5 °C is needed to maintain food safety and quality. This study presents model predictive control of a data-driven medium-temperature cold storage system using subspace system identification techniques. The identified linear model presents a holistic view of the whole system, with each subsystem cohesively linked together. The data-driven model was developed from synthetic data derived from a high-fidelity simulation benchmark model of a supermarket refrigeration system from Aalborg University, Denmark. The benchmark model consists of a medium-temperature closed display case, the suction manifold, and the compressor rack. The data of the expansion valve, suction pressure, compressor capacity, heat transfer rate, and ambient temperature were taken as inputs, while the data of the air and goods temperatures were taken as outputs based on expert knowledge. A linear model predictive controller was designed to control the temperature outputs of the identified linear model, and the outputs were compared with the proportional–integral dead band control used in the benchmark. Simulation results for 24 h showed that the model predictive controller was able to achieve an air temperature and a goods temperature within the recommended temperature range of 0 °C and 5 °C that guarantees safe storage of fresh fishes. These results imply that a reduced-order model of a commercial refrigeration system that is robust, reliable, and stable can be developed and controlled to achieve the goal of food safety, thereby guaranteeing food security and reducing costs. Full article

Mineral resources serve as a critical foundation for China’s energy system, with the Ordos Basin’s Tarangole mining area being a key mineral production base in the central and western regions. To support the restoration, development, and productivity enhancement of the mining area, this research systematically investigates the geological and mechanical properties of the sandstone in the region. Herein the innovation lies in its comprehensive analysis of the influence mechanisms of multiple factors—such as geological groups, particle size, evaluation indicators, sampling depth, temperature, and creep rate—on the mechanical behavior of sandstone. The study, through engineering geological surveys and mechanical testing of frozen sandstone (including uniaxial and triaxial creep tests), led to the following key findings: (1) the sandstone in the area is prone to softening and disintegration, classified as soft to moderately soft rock (UCS range: 5.14–10.26 MPa in natural state), with a basic quality grade of IV–V. (2) The thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the rock vary significantly with temperature. The recommended freezing temperature is −5 °C, based on engineering experience and economic considerations. (3) Freezing can effectively enhance the strength of sandstone (e.g., the strength of medium- and coarse-grained sandstone increases by 5 MPa at −20 °C compared to −10 °C), although it still falls within the category of extremely soft rock. (4) The water-ice phase transition induced by low temperatures significantly enhances the overall strength, stiffness, and deformation resistance of saturated sandstone. Accordingly, freezing measures can effectively enhance rock mass strength under low-temperature conditions. It is recommended that mining operations be prioritized during winter or colder seasons to ensure construction safety and efficiency. Full article

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)-strengthened steel plate systems demonstrate remarkable advantages in civil engineering structural rehabilitation, with their overall performance critically reliant on the interfacial bond behavior between CFRP and steel plates. This paper systematically reviews the typical failure modes, key factors influencing interfacial bond performance, and corresponding testing methodologies. Research indicates that interfacial shear stress dominates the failure process. Enhanced strengthening efficacy can be achieved by employing CFRP plates with optimized adhesive layer thickness (recommended 0.5–1.5 mm) and double-sided bonding configurations. Concurrently, substrate surface treatment and environmental factors (temperature–humidity, corrosion, etc.) significantly affect interfacial bond performance. Current research primarily focuses on the single-factor and strength failure performance of standard specimens, lacking a systematic understanding of the long-term durability and failure mechanisms of complex structures under multi-field coupling effects. This review further summarizes the distinctive features and application scenarios of innovative strengthening systems—including prestressed, unbonded, and shape memory alloy composite systems—to provide guidance for engineering selection and standardized design. Full article

Regulatory bodies have observed an increase in environmental issues due to firms’ interactions with the environment. Nonetheless, reconciliation actions are emerging, driven by the pursuit of sustainable development goals. This study investigated the impact of financial development and foreign direct investment on ecological footprints in sub-Saharan African nations, while examining the mediating role of regulatory quality and control for corruption. The research was motivated by the growing environmental degradation in the region amid growing capital inflows and financial market expansion. Using panel data of 18 sub-Saharan African countries between 1996 and 2023, sourced from the World Bank database and World Governance Indicators, we employed an Autoregressive Distributed Lag model to assess the short- and long-run relationships among ecological footprint, financial development, foreign direct investment, and key institutional factors. Results from the baseline model show that financial development significantly increases ecological footprints, while the effect of foreign direct investments is insignificant in the absence of institutional factors. However, when mediating variables are introduced, foreign direct investment significantly worsens ecological footprint, and regulatory quality and control for corruption show strong moderating effects, confirming the pollution haven hypothesis. Also, all control variables (trade openness, gross domestic product per capita, government expenditure, and population density) show significant outcomes with environmental sustainability. The findings underscore the importance of institutional factors in shaping sustainable foreign direct investment flows and financial systems. These research findings offer policy pathways for aligning investment strategies with sustainability goals in sub-Saharan Africa. Recommendations include strengthening the nation’s institutional framework, linking foreign direct investment to environmental compliance and promoting green finance policies across the region. Full article

Affective disorders, such as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, represent a major global health burden, with current treatments proving inadequate for a substantial proportion of patients. Emerging research highlights the microbiota–gut–brain (MGB) axis as a crucial bidirectional communication system influencing brain function and neuroplasticity through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. This narrative review examines probiotics—live beneficial microorganisms—as modulators of adult neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, two processes fundamentally implicated in the pathophysiology of affective disorders. Preclinical evidence demonstrates that specific strains, particularly from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, promote hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic function through epigenetic regulation via short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), notably butyrate-mediated histone deacetylase inhibition, modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways, regulation of neurotransmitter receptor expression across glutamatergic, GABAergic, and monoaminergic systems, and production of neuroactive peptides. Clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials and recent meta-analyses indicates that probiotic supplementation produces significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, with effects correlating to changes in gut microbiota composition and peripheral neuroplasticity biomarkers, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, significant methodological limitations persist, including small sample sizes, lack of standardization in probiotic strains and dosages, inconsistent outcome measures, and considerable interindividual variability. While the mechanistic and clinical evidence is biologically plausible and directionally promising, it is not yet sufficient to support definitive therapeutic recommendations. Future research must prioritize adequately powered clinical trials with standardized consortia, comprehensive multi-omics biomarker panels, and precision psychobiotic strategies guided by microbiome-defined patient stratification. Full article

As renewable energy penetration accelerates, battery energy storage systems have become essential for enhancing flexibility, reliability, and economic efficiency in power system operations. For the daily operations of grids, the unit commitment (UC) problem plays a central role in determining the optimized scheduling of generation resources, but current formulations rarely incorporate battery degradation dynamics. The accurate representation of battery aging is crucial, as degradation costs may influence dispatch. This review provides a synthesis of existing approaches for integrating battery degradation into UC formulations. We survey and compare major classes of degradation models and then examine how these models have been embedded into UC frameworks, highlighting trade-offs between modeling accuracy and tractability. This paper concludes with identified research gaps and recommendations for future UC formulations that more faithfully capture battery degradation while maintaining computational efficiency. This review aims to serve as a foundation for researchers and system operators seeking to incorporate realistic battery aging mechanisms into operational decision-making for the evolving low-carbon grid. Full article

Floating offshore wind holds immense promise for nations with deep coastal waters and robust wind resources. Taiwan, with 90% of its territorial waters deeper than 50 m and consistently strong wind speeds, is well-positioned to lead in this domain. However, recent project withdrawals by major developers have raised concerns over the sector’s viability. This paper investigates the stagnation of Taiwan’s floating wind industry by comparing its development framework with that of France, now a global frontrunner in floating offshore wind. Through a mixed-method approach combining literature review, techno-economic benchmarking, and thematic analysis of interviews with industry leaders, the research identifies key barriers in Taiwan, including insufficient port infrastructure, unclear regulatory frameworks, fragmented supply chains, and a lack of financial incentives. Drawing on lessons from France’s structured tendering system and phased industrial strategy, the paper outlines actionable recommendations for revitalizing Taiwan’s floating wind sector. These include policy reforms, supply chain enhancements, and demonstration-scale deployments. The findings aim to inform both policymakers and industry stakeholders in shaping a more viable future for floating offshore wind in Taiwan. Full article

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital education has transformed gamification from a motivational strategy into a data-driven, adaptive learning paradigm. This systematic review conceptualizes AI-supported gamification as an information-centered ecosystem integrating learning analytics, behavioral modeling, adaptive algorithms, and intelligent feedback mechanisms to enhance cognitive development and critical thinking. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025 were considered. Studies were included if they examined gamification in educational contexts with AI-driven or adaptive system components, while non-educational contexts, duplicates, and non-English publications were excluded. After screening and eligibility assessment, 100 studies were included in the final synthesis. The review examines how AI-driven personalization, neurotechnology, predictive modeling, and generative systems reshape the design and effectiveness of gamified e-learning environments. Architectural patterns identified include recommender systems, real-time behavioral adaptation, affect-aware feedback loops, and algorithmic content generation. Across the reviewed studies, AI-supported gamified systems were frequently associated with increased engagement and moderate improvements in executive functions, higher-order reasoning, and adaptive learning pathways. However, challenges related to system transparency, data governance, algorithmic bias, cognitive load management, and equitable access remain significant. The review was not registered. By framing gamification as an adaptive information system rather than solely a pedagogical intervention, this study proposes a structured taxonomy of AI-driven gamified architectures—including data acquisition, user modeling, predictive analytics, and adaptive feedback layers—and outlines research priorities for scalable, ethically grounded, and data-informed e-learning ecosystems. Full article

This article discusses the treatment course of an aggressive diabetic foot infection (DFI) complicated by the emergence of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). A 67-year-old man with long-standing diabetes presented with a nonhealing DFI that prompted antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement. However, the coexistence of DFI and PG may create a conflict in the treatment approach, as treating one condition may exacerbate the other. The patient responded positively to systemic corticosteroids and infliximab, and, despite conflicting recommendations on debridement, surgical intervention proved necessary. This report advocates for early PG diagnosis using the Delphi model and stresses the need for ongoing research regarding surgical debridement in these complex scenarios. Full article