Search Results (4,109)

Accurate Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) of cutting tools in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines is essential for minimizing downtime, improving product quality, and reducing maintenance costs. Previous studies have frequently applied deep learning, particularly Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks, for tool wear prediction and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction. However, they often rely on simplified datasets or single architectures limiting industrial relevance. This study proposes a novel ensemble-LSTM framework that combines LSTM, BiLSTM, Stacked LSTM, and Stacked BiLSTM architectures using a GRU-based meta-learner to exploit their complementary strengths. The framework is evaluated using the publicly available PHM’2010 milling dataset, a well-established industrial benchmark comprising comprehensive time-series sensor measurements collected under variable loads and realistic machining conditions. Experimental results show that the ensemble-LSTM outperforms individual LSTM models, achieving an RMSE of 2.4018 and an MAE of 1.9969, accurately capturing progressive tool wear trends and adapting to unseen operating conditions. The approach provides a robust, reliable solution for real-time predictive maintenance and demonstrates strong potential for industrial tool condition monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, creating an urgent need for novel biomarkers to improve risk stratification. The prognostic significance of the transmembrane glycoprotein CD44 and its isoforms (CD44s, v5, v6) in CCA remains controversial. This preliminary study aimed to investigate whether the combined loss of these isoforms could serve as a distinct prognostic indicator. Methods: We evaluated the expression of CD44s, CD44v5, and CD44v6 via immunohistochemistry on a retrospective cohort of 61 paraffin-embedded CCA patient tissue blocks from Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Survival analyses, including Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards models, were used to determine the prognostic value of individual isoforms and the complete absence of all three. Results: Expression of CD44s, CD44v5, and CD44v6 was found in 52.5%, 47.5%, and 82.0% of tumors, respectively. In univariate and multivariate analyses, the expression of any single isoform was not a significant predictor of overall survival. However, a subgroup of 8 patients (13.1%) was identified whose tumors were negative for all three isoforms, a phenotype we termed “CD44s-v5-v6 Null”. This status was significantly associated with advanced TNM stages (p = 0.022). Patients with these Null tumors also showed a clinically relevant, though not statistically significant, trend towards poorer survival (median 7.0 vs. 12.0 months, p = 0.336). Conclusions: Individual CD44 isoforms did not serve as reliable independent prognostic markers in this cohort. Instead, the complete loss of the CD44 expression program characterizes a potential “CD44s-v5-v6 Null” phenotype associated with advanced-stage disease. Full article

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has become a major threat to global tomato production due to its exceptional mechanical transmissibility and virion stability. Effective sanitation is essential for containment, yet the performance of commonly used disinfectants on greenhouse-relevant surfaces remains poorly characterized. This study evaluated multiple disinfectant formulations, applied by spraying or dipping, on polyethylene film, pruning shears, and human hands. After controlled inoculation with a standardized inoculum, treated surfaces were swabbed and extracts mechanically inoculated onto Nicotiana rustica L. Lesion number was visually quantified, and lesion area was measured using a computational image-analysis pipeline. Fifth-generation quaternary ammonium compounds (5°QAS) showed the highest virucidal activity on smooth, non-porous surfaces, reducing lesion numbers to fewer than 10 per leaf at 800–1000 ppm and maintaining infection severities below 1%. Glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm also performed strongly, achieving severities as low as 0.20% on plastic. Metallic pruning shears consistently retained infectious particles, with untreated controls exceeding 100 lesions per leaf and treated samples showing incomplete inactivation. Mechanical agents such as powdered milk and soap reduced infection but did not eliminate transmission. No clear dose–response trend was observed. The two most effective treatments, 5°QAS at 800–1000 ppm and glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm, significantly reduced or prevented systemic infection in tomato assays. These findings demonstrate that sanitation efficacy depends on formulation, surface type, and application method, providing operationally relevant guidelines for ToBRFV management. Full article

The use of underwater vehicles, either remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), has become increasingly relevant in the operation and maintenance (O&M) routines of offshore wind farms. This article provides a critical review of how these platforms are being integrated into inspection and maintenance tasks, contributing not only to safer and more precise operations but also to greater autonomy in challenging marine environments. Beyond the technical and operational aspects, this review highlights their growing connection with artificial intelligence, digital twins, and multi-robot collaboration. The studies analyzed indicate a progressive shift away from conventional methods, traditionally dependent on crewed vessels and manual inspections, toward more automated, sustainable, and integrated approaches that align with the environmental and social commitments of the offshore wind sector. Finally, emerging trends and persisting obstacles, notably energy autonomy, are discussed, outlining the requirements for consolidating a robust, connected, and sustainability-oriented model for offshore maintenance. Full article

Background: The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants represents a major public health concern. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables genomic surveillance, facilitating the detection and monitoring of mutations that impact viral evolution. Methods: In this study, full-length SARS-CoV-2 genomes were analyzed between February 2022 and March 2024 as part of routine genomic surveillance conducted in Verona, Italy. Mutations in the envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) structural proteins were investigated. Only substitutions with a total prevalence of greater than 1% in the study dataset were considered. Results: A total of 178 mutations were identified across the three proteins (E: 16; M: 33; N: 129), of which 18 met the inclusion threshold (E: 3; M: 5; N: 10). Mutations were classified according to temporal dynamics as fixed, emerging, or transient. Throughout the study period, fixed mutations were consistently prevalent, emerging mutations appeared later but persisted with an ascending trend, while transient mutations displayed a single frequency peak before disappearing. Several mutations were reported with potential structural or functional relevance based on the existing literature, while others remain of unknown significance. Conclusions: The mutational patterns detected in this study broadly reflect global evolutionary trends of SARS-CoV-2. These findings emphasize the importance of continued genomic surveillance and underline the need for integrated experimental approaches to clarify the biological and epidemiological impact of poorly characterized mutations. Full article

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-155-5p and miR-221-3p are key regulators of gene expression in cancer. Although both have been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), data on their regional expression profiles and clinical associations remain scarce, particularly in the Middle East. This study assessed the expression patterns and clinical relevance of miR-155-5p and miR-221-3p in CRC and PTC patients from Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq. Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples were collected from 60 CRC patients and 50 PTC patients. miRNA expression levels were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and analyzed by the ΔΔCt method, adjusted for tumor cellularity. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between miRNA expression and clinicopathological parameters. Results: miR-155-5p and miR-221-3p were frequently overexpressed in both CRC (65%) and PTC (72% and 68%, respectively). In CRC, miR-155-5p expression correlated significantly with histological grade, tumor location, and TNM stage (p < 0.05), while miR-221-3p did not show significant associations with clinicopathological features. In PTC, miR-155-5p exhibited a trend toward association with TNM stage (p = 0.02). No significant differences in expression levels of these miRNAs were observed between CRC and PTC samples. Conclusions: Overall, miR-155-5p and miR-221-3p are consistently overexpressed in CRC and PTC, indicating their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. miR-155-5p, in particular, shows promise as a marker of disease progression in CRC. These findings underscore the importance of region-specific studies in advancing our understanding of the molecular landscape of cancer. Full article

The rapid expansion and interdisciplinary nature of Physical Internet (PI) research have resulted in fragmented knowledge, limiting the ability of stakeholders to identify emerging trends, actionable insights and genuine research gaps. This study introduces a novel knowledge management approach that uses Graph Retrieval-Augmented Generation (GraphRAG) to systematically organize and integrate PI-related literature. A comprehensive knowledge graph was constructed by extracting and semantically modeling entities and relationships from 2835 academic papers, conference proceedings and international roadmaps. The developed system incorporates fuzzy semantic search and multiple retrieval strategies, including local, global and hybrid approaches, enabling nuanced, context-aware access to information. Stakeholder-specific prompts, tailored to the needs of industry, government and academia, demonstrate how GraphRAG can support the discovery of business model innovations, policy design and underexplored research areas. A comparative evaluation using cosine similarity and BERTScore confirms that graph-based strategies outperform standard LLM retrieval in providing relevant and comprehensive answers while also revealing connections that would be missed in manual reviews. The results demonstrate that the proposed GraphRAG model is a scalable and extensible framework for addressing knowledge gaps and promoting collaboration in PI research synthesis for sustainable logistics. The model also shows promise for application in other complex domains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a pressing global animal and public health challenge. There is limited data on AMR prevalence, trends, and drivers in bacterial pathogens from animal sources in Uganda. Thus, this study investigated the occurrence and factors associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacterial isolates recovered from clinical samples of animals submitted to the national veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Uganda. Methods: A retrospective study analyzed antibiogram data of bacteria from animal samples submitted to the Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Makerere University in Uganda between 2014 and 2020. The cleaned dataset comprised 590 cases with antibiogram data. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software version 4.5.2. Results: Gram-negative bacteria were predominant (74.4%) among the samples from clinical cases. The overall MDR proportion in the general bacteria population was 41.7% over the seven-year period. Among the clinically relevant bacteria, MDR was highest in Escherichia coli (57.2%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (35.8%) and Salmonella (15.5%). Univariable screening of predictors hypothesized that MDR was influenced by year of case submission, animal host type, and bacterial group (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression showed that isolates submitted in 2019 (vs. 2015) had significantly higher odds of MDR (aOR = 4.21; 95% CI: 1.62–13.14), indicating a marked temporal increase in resistance. Gram-negative bacteria (vs. Gram-positives) were also more likely to exhibit MDR (aOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.07–2.48). Conclusions: The high occurrence of MDR in bacterial pathogens from animal clinical submissions revealed the need for improved antimicrobial stewardship and integrated AMR surveillance in Uganda, particularly within the central region from which most diagnostic samples originated. Full article

The tourism sector faces constant changes in consumption patterns, competition, and globalisation, which require strategic adaptations. In this sense, marketing and innovation are relevant factors in tourism research, guiding the development of innovative strategies and practices. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of scientific production on marketing and innovation in tourism using Web of Science and Scopus as reference databases. Productivity, impact and collaboration indicators were evaluated, and co-occurrence analysis, thematic maps and factor analysis were applied to identify trends and relationships between topics. The results show sustained growth in the literature in recent decades, identifying five main thematic clusters and emerging trends in technology, sustainability, and collaboration. Spain and China stand out as the countries with the highest scientific output in this field, supported by international collaboration networks. These findings provide a basis for future research on how innovation and sustainability can influence business practice and tourism planning. Full article

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a widely used copolymer with applications across medical, pharmaceutical, and other industrial fields. Its biodegradability and biocompatibility make it one of the most versatile polymers for nanoscale drug delivery. The present review addresses current knowledge and recent advances in PLGA-based co-delivery nanoformulations with a special reference to design strategies, functional mechanisms, and translational potential. Conventional and advanced fabrication methods, the structural design of PLGA-based nanocarriers, approaches to scale-up and reproducibility, classification of co-delivery types, mechanisms governing drug release, surface modification and functionalization are all discussed. Special attention is given to PLGA-based co-delivery systems, encompassing drug–drug, drug–gene, gene–gene and multi-modal combinations, supported by recent studies demonstrating synergistic therapeutic outcomes. The review also examines clinical translation efforts and the regulatory landscape for PLGA-based nanocarriers. Unlike most existing reviews that typically focus either on PLGA fundamentals or on co-delivery approaches in isolation, this article bridges these domains by providing an integrated, comparative analysis of PLGA-based co-delivery systems and elucidating a critical gap in linking design strategies with translational requirements. In addition, by emphasising the relevance of PLGA-based co-delivery for combination therapies, particularly in cancer and other complex diseases, the review highlights the strong clinical and translational potential of these platforms. Key challenges, such as reproducibility, large-scale manufacturing, and complex regulatory pathways, are discussed alongside emerging trends and future perspectives. Taken together, this review positions PLGA-based co-delivery strategies as a critical driver for advancing precision therapeutics and shaping the future landscape of nanomedicine. Full article

This study examines the intricate pricing and coordination issues shaped by risk-averse behavior and retailer competition in the green supply chain. Firstly, we derive equilibrium strategies for stakeholders by employing models. The impact of the risk aversion level on pricing and greenness is analyzed. Secondly, we conduct comparative analyses of optimal decisions under the three models. Finally, we discuss the coordination of cost-sharing contracts and validate the relevant conclusions through numerical simulation analysis. By linking firms’ decision-making behaviors with product greenness, the study further shows how operational choices influence the overall sustainability performance of the supply chain. Our findings reveal a downward trend in wholesale price, greenness, and retail price as risk aversion levels escalate. Additionally, we uncover the dual effect of cost-sharing contracts: while they enhance environmental sustainability by boosting greenness, they also bolster supply chain profitability and facilitate coordination efforts. These insights offer practical guidance for establishing more sustainable green supply chains in competitive and risk-sensitive environments. Full article

This study aims to map the evolution of pico-hydropower and Michell–Banki (cross-flow) turbine research from 2000 to 2025 through a combined bibliometric analysis and qualitative mini-review. In total, 1036 Scopus-indexed records were initially identified and refined to 922 relevant publications for analysis. Bibliometric mapping with CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix identified publication trends and seven major thematic clusters (dominated by topics such as cross-flow turbine design, renewable energy integration, and asynchronous generators), while a qualitative mini-review of key studies provided contextual depth. The analysis detected 25 keywords with strong citation bursts, indicating a shift in focus over the last decade from traditional electrical regulation toward digitalization and additive manufacturing. The mini-review distilled three dominant lines of inquiry geometric design optimization, hydraulic performance characterization, and socio-economic evaluation and highlighted critical knowledge gaps, including the absence of standardized flow–head–efficiency (Q–H–η) performance data, sparse reporting of economic metrics like levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and limited high-altitude (above 3000 m) validation of pico-hydro systems. This study’s integrative approach is unique compared to prior bibliometric or technical reviews, providing a comprehensive overview of the pico-hydropower landscape and outlining a future research agenda to standardize experimental protocols, integrate economic analysis, and extend cross-flow turbine deployments to high-Andean regions. Full article

Fotis Kontoglou (1895–1965) was a prominent Greek painter and writer, known primarily for revitalizing byzantine painting in the 20th century and being one of the first artist-conservators in Greece active at this period. The current study represents the first systematic attempt to examine seven (7) icons (i.e., ecclesiastical panel paintings) attributed to Kontoglou, currently located in two famous monasteries in Laconia, Greece. The research utilized exclusively non-destructive analytical techniques, namely digital optical microscopy, UV-induced visible fluorescence photography (UVIVF), and portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) spectroscopy, to identify the materials—particularly pigments—employed in the corresponding paintings. The results are interpreted under the light of Kontoglou’s own writings on painting, in particular his “Ekphrasis” painting manual. Preliminary assessments of surface morphology and state of preservation were achieved through macroscopic and microscopic probing, as well as through inspection under ultraviolet light, while further analysis was performed using portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The results confirm the employment of both traditional and modern synthetic inorganic components, while comparisons with the pigments listed in Kontoglou’s “Ekphrasis” painting manual suggest his persistent use of a rather limited palette of pigments. Nevertheless, despite the fact that the paintings were executed in a small period of time (1954–1956), data revealed notable differentiation between the studied icons, which probably indicates procurement of materials from various sources. Given the scarcity of technical investigations of modern (20th century) paintings, this study is relevant and reveals some interesting hints, which may pertain to the trends of the mid-20th century Greek paint market, like, e.g., the rather limited distribution of Ti-white. Additionally, the current findings contribute considerably towards understanding Kontoglou’s artistic methods during a highly creative period and can be utilized to support future conservation efforts. Ultimately, the current preliminary study sheds light on some methodological aspects of the pertinent research and assists towards establishing a detailed protocol for future studies. Full article

Intravenous use of methcathinone synthesized at home from over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine poses significant health risks, including neurotoxicity, severe infections, and, in some cases, fatal outcomes. This study explores the public health implications of this hazardous practice. Post-mortem femoral blood and vitreous humor samples were analyzed using UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS. The method enabled differentiation of ephedrine (a metabolite of methcathinone in this context) from pseudoephedrine (a precursor), along with the identification of relevant metabolites. A literature review was also conducted to contextualize associated health risks. The validated method accurately quantified methcathinone, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and identified their metabolites. The simultaneous detection of the final product and unreacted precursor supported the hypothesis of chronic intravenous use of homemade methcathinone. Literature data emphasized the risks of manganese-induced encephalopathy, injection-related infections, and the harmful effects of intravenously administered tablet excipients. These issues disproportionately affect marginalized and high-risk populations. This case highlights the diagnostic value of the method and its importance for monitoring the health impacts of illicit stimulant use. Effective responses should include public education, harm reduction strategies, surveillance of emerging drug trends, and, above all, the application of advanced analytical methods capable of comprehensive evaluation in such cases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) is related to the occurrence of postoperative complications and may be a frequent event during major vascular surgery. The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) is a technology applied to predict hypotension and enable preventive interventions. This study aimed to compare intraoperative haemodynamic stability between patients monitored with the HPI algorithm and those monitored with arterial pressure cardiac output (APCO) monitoring. Methods: We performed a retrospective study including 100 adult patients undergoing elective major aortic surgery between January 2023 and June 2025. Fifty patients were managed with APCO monitoring and 50 with the HPI algorithm. The primary endpoint was time-weighted average mean arterial pressure below 65 mmHg (TWA-MAP < 65 mmHg). Secondary endpoints included total hypotension time, number and duration of hypotensive episodes, and time spent with MAP > 90 and > 100 mmHg. Multiple comparison correction (Holm–Bonferroni) was applied separately for hypotension and hypertension outcomes. Results: The primary outcome, TWA-MAP < 65 mmHg, did not differ significantly between groups (0.22 vs. 0.26 mmHg; $p=0.27$). After correction for multiple comparisons, no hypotension-related outcomes reached statistical significance, although clinically relevant trends were observed: the HPI group showed 50% shorter total hypotension time (5 vs. 10 min; $p_{\mathrm{uncorrected}}=0.03$, $p_{\mathrm{adjusted}}=0.18$) and 33% shorter episode duration. In contrast, patients in the HPI group spent significantly more time with elevated MAP: 38% vs. 25% of monitored time with MAP > 90 mmHg ($p_{\mathrm{adjusted}}=0.036$) and 18% vs. 9% with MAP > 100 mmHg ($p_{\mathrm{adjusted}}=0.036$). Conclusions: In patients undergoing major vascular aortic surgery, HPI monitoring did not significantly reduce the burden of hypotension after accounting for multiple comparisons, though clinically meaningful trends were noted. However, HPI use was associated with significantly increased hypertensive exposure, suggesting overly aggressive correction. These findings highlight the need for careful titration of interventions when using predictive algorithms and warrant further prospective randomised studies. Full article