Search Results (961)

With the acceleration of modernization, historical residences are facing increasingly prominent conflicts between cultural inheritance and contemporary visitor experiences. However, existing research on the revitalization of architectural heritage predominantly focuses on spatial functional replacement and value assessment, with insufficient attention paid to user-perceived issues and the transformation of architectural features into specific design practices. To address these gaps, this study takes the Ganxi Former Residence as an example and proposes an innovative pathway that integrates online review data, architectural meme theory, eye-tracking experiments, shape grammar, and design application, aiming to explore the contemporary transformation of architectural heritage in a user-demand-oriented manner. Based on 2845 valid online reviews, the study identified an imperfect signage system as the primary existing problem of the Ganxi Former Residence. Subsequently, comprehensive architectural meme maps encompassing architectural form memes, spatial memes, and cognitive memes were constructed based on architectural meme theory; high-visual-attention architectural factors were objectively screened through eye-tracking experiments; and these factors were innovatively evolved using shape grammar and applied to signage board design. Evaluation results indicate that the design proposal yielded positive effects in wayfinding clarity, aesthetic appeal, cultural fit, and overall satisfaction. This study not only accomplishes the cross-media transformation of traditional architecture from its physical form to visual signage boards but also provides a replicable and verifiable methodological paradigm for the creative transformation and innovative development of other architectural cultural heritage sites worldwide. Full article

Droplet microarrays are increasingly used for miniaturized, high-throughput biochemical assays, yet their fabrication commonly relies on complex lithographic processes, custom masks, or specialized coatings. Here we present a simple method for generating hydrophilic arrays on hydrophobic plastic substrates by combining ultrasonic atomization with off-the-shelf perforated masks. A fine mist of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution is directed through commercial diamond sieves onto polypropylene (PP) sheets and polystyrene (PS) sheets, forming hydrophilic spots surrounded by the native hydrophobic background. Static contact angle measurements confirm a strong local contrast in wettability (from 100.85 ± 0.91° on untreated PP to 39.96 ± 0.71° on patterned spots, from 95.68 ± 3.61° on untreated PS to 52.00 ± 0.85° on patterned spots), while Image analysis shows droplet CVs of 6–8% in aqueous dye solutions for 1.2–2.0 mm masks; in complex media (LB), droplet uniformity decreases. By mounting the moving mask on a motorized stage, we generate one-dimensional reagent gradients simply by controlling the moving mask motion during atomization. We further demonstrate biological compatibility by culturing Escherichia coli in LB droplets containing resazurin, and by performing localized antibiotic screening using a moving mask-guided streptomycin gradient. The resulting droplet-wise viability data yield an on-chip dose–response curve with an IC₅₀ of 5.1 µg · mL⁻¹ (95% CI: 4.5–5.6 µg·mL⁻¹), obtained from a single array. Covering droplets with Electronic Fluorinated Fluid maintains volumes within 5% of their initial value over 24 h. Compared with conventional droplet microarray fabrication, the proposed method eliminates custom mask production and cleanroom steps, is compatible with standard plastic labware, and intrinsically supports spatial gradients. These attributes make masked ultrasonic atomization a practical platform for high-throughput microfluidic assays, especially in resource-limited settings. Full article

Social media addiction (SMA) and social phobia (SP) are significant adolescent mental health concerns. In Saudi Arabia, despite high social media penetration, the association between these two constructs remains under-researched, particularly in the Aseer region. This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to March 2025, recruited 384 Saudi adolescents aged 11–19 from schools in the Aseer region using multistage cluster sampling. Participants completed validated self-report measures, including the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and the Al-Menayes Social Media Addiction Scale. A refined “Core SMA” subscale was created based on expert consensus criteria to enhance measurement precision. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe social phobia was 15.6%. A significant, moderate positive correlation emerged between SP and SMA (Spearman’s ρ = 0.294, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, and family income, adolescents with moderate social phobia had 2.15 times the odds of probable SMA compared to those with no SP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.15–4.04, p < 0.05), and this effect was more pronounced for those with severe social phobia (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.04–6.30, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates a clear relationship between social phobia severity and social media addiction among Saudi adolescents in the Aseer region. These findings support the urgent need for integrated mental health and digital literacy interventions that proactively screen for both conditions. Full article

The “Double High—Double Extra High” stage of offshore oilfields, where large pumps lift liquids, leads to a rapid rise in water concentration, which triggers a decrease in rock strength and exacerbates the risk of sand production; this leads to a blockage of the reservoir, thus restricting the release of production capacity. In this paper, for the typical weak cementation strength of unconsolidated sandstone of a Class I reservoir in the P oilfield, numerical simulation and indoor experimental methods are utilized to explore the plugging mechanism and law of the water-contenting conditions, with micro-sand and mud conditions, on the screen. Considering the combined effects of reservoir particulate transport plugging and near-well sand control media plugging, the additional pressure drop and skin factor calculation model is constructed, and a dynamic capacity prediction model for sand control wells is formed. By matching the physical properties of the target reservoir and optimizing the sand control method, the production capacity prediction model and the sand control optimization design method for the high water-content period of the unconsolidated sandstone reservoir are finally obtained. The results show that the median sand size of well A1 in the P oilfield Class I reservoir is 220 μm, the sand transportation diameter is about 15–20 m, the serious plugging area near the well is distributed in 2–2.5 m, and the predicted loss of production capacity is about 18%. The use of a foam metal screen can significantly reduce the plugging pressure and increase the flow of crude oil, which is 2.2 and 1.2 times higher than that of the precision mesh and pre-filled screen, respectively. These research results can provide technical support and theoretical guidance for the sustained, efficient, and stable production of sand reservoirs in the Bohai Oilfield. Full article

Enterococcus spp. are opportunistic pathogens and commensals in humans and animals and are widely used as indicators of bacterial exchange, providing insights into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence dissemination within the One Health continuum. Enterococcus from healthy companion animals and their tutors were characterized to compare AMR profiles and virulence traits between hosts and within households in Lisbon, Portugal. Fecal samples (n = 45) were collected from 17 animals and 11 tutors. Enterococci were recovered from selective media, subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR (RAPD-PCR) and species identification, tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and screened for virulence traits. Among animal isolates, 61% were Enterococcus faecalis, 29% E. faecium, and 10% E. hirae, whereas human enterococci comprised 52% E. faecalis, 35% E. faecium, 8% E. hirae, and 4% other species. Erythromycin resistance was identical in both groups (29%; Chi-squared test, p = 0.99). Ampicillin resistance was detected in all animal samples but was absent in human samples, whereas tetracycline and rifampicin resistance showed moderate host-specific patterns. Hemolytic activity was detected in 16% of animal and 31% of human isolates, all cylA-positive. Significant associations were observed between host origin and resistance to ampicillin and rifampicin, and between species and resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline. These findings suggest that companion animals can harbor, and potentially disseminate, AMR and virulence traits, reinforcing the need for One Health surveillance. Full article

Background: Aging in Western societies poses a growing challenge, placing increasing pressure on healthcare costs. Early identification of infections in elderly nursing home residents is crucial to reduce complications, mortality, and the burden on emergency departments. Methods: We performed a comparative analysis of machine learning models using XGBoost classifiers for infection detection, addressing incomplete daily physiological measurements (Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, Body Temperature, and Electrodermal Activity) through strict imputation protocols. We evaluated three model variants—Basic (clinical only), Air Pollution-added, and Social Media-integrated—while incorporating a novel Basal Module to personalize physiological baselines for each resident. Results: Results from the binary model indicate that physiological data provides a necessary baseline for immediate screening. Notably, social media integration emerged as a powerful forecasting tool, extending the predictive horizon to a 6-day lead time with an F1-score of 0.97. Complementarily, air pollution data ensured robust immediate detection (“nowcasting”). In the multiclass scenario, external data resolved the “semantic gap” of vital signs, improving sensitivity for specific infections (e.g., acute respiratory and urinary tract infections) to over 90%. Conclusions: These findings highlight that the strategic integration of environmental and digital signals transforms the system from a reactive monitor into a proactive early warning tool for long-term care facilities. Full article

Background: Treatment nonadherence in oncology is common. Surveys often miss why patients do not follow recommendations. We synthesised Natural Language Processing (NLP) studies, mainly sentiment analysis, of patient-generated content (social media, forums, blogs, review sites, and survey free text) to identify communication and relationship factors linked to nonadherence and concordance. Methods: We conducted a scoping review (PRISMA-ScR). Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus from 2013 to 15 June 2024 identified eligible studies. We included 25 studies. Data were charted by source, cancer type, NLP technique, and adherence/concordance indicators, then synthesised via discourse analysis and narrative synthesis. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) unmet emotional needs; (2) suboptimal information and communication; (3) unclear concordance within person-centred care; and (4) misinformation dynamics and perceived clinician bias. Sentiment analysis helped identify emotions and information gaps that surveys often miss. Conclusions: Patient-voice data suggest practical actions for nursing, including routine distress screening, teach-back, misinformation countermeasures, and explicit concordance checks to improve adherence and shared decision making. Registration: Not registered. Full article

Viable but non-culturable (VBNC) cells represent a reversible, metabolically active state that promotes the survival of bacteria under stressful conditions and their persistence in healthcare facilities and food industry. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines to identify in vitro methodologies for inducing and resuscitating VBNC Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to determine key influencing factors. Eligible studies reported in vitro resuscitation of these species. Searches were performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar up to July 2025. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data. Exclusion criteria included absence of original experimental data, focus on other species, or lack of clear VBNC definition. Risk of bias was qualitatively assessed. Analyses were descriptive without meta-analysis. Of the 1041 records, 24 articles (27 studies) were included. Resuscitation protocols typically employed standard culture media with additives and moderate incubation temperatures, with most successful recoveries occurring after 24–48 h. P. aeruginosa generally required less supplementation than Enterobacteriaceae. Reported mechanisms involved metabolic reactivation, oxidative stress modulation, nutrient sensing, and ribosome reactivation. The limitations of our study include protocol heterogeneity, lack of standardization, and selective reporting. While simple resuscitation methods were often effective, tailoring conditions to species-specific ecological preferences appears critical. Standardized approaches of VBNC cells will improve detection, risk assessment, and infection control. Full article

In the present study, we developed an efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. (paper mulberry) using leaf explants from a hybrid genotype. First, we optimized surface sterilization of leaf explants. Treatment with 0.6% (w/v) sodium hypochlorite for 8 min, followed by three rinses with sterile water and blotting on sterile filter paper, yielded a 33.60% explant survival rate and reduced contamination to 35.84%. Second, we refined the co-cultivation step for transformation using A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 carrying pCAMBIA1300-35S-eGFP. Leaf discs were infected for 20 min and co-cultured for 2 days on co-cultivation medium overlaid with sterile filter paper, which limited the overgrowth of A. tumefaciens. After co-cultivation, explants were transferred sequentially to callus induction, shoot induction, shoot multiplication, and rooting media supplemented with 250 mg·L⁻¹ cefotaxime and 200 mg·L⁻¹ Timentin, as well as 5.0 mg·L⁻¹ hygromycin at a concentration that completely suppressed regeneration of non-transformed explants. Meanwhile, after transfer to the callus induction medium, eGFP fluorescence was detected in resistant calli as an initial screening for transformants. The integration and expression of the transgene were further confirmed by PCR and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) after the resistant calli developed into plantlets. Collectively, this streamlined protocol provides a practical platform for functional genomics and genetic improvement of B. papyrifera. Full article

Smart virtual reality (VR) systems are becoming central to media production education, where immersive practice, real-time feedback, and hands-on simulation are essential. This review synthesizes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into human-centered, interactive VR learning for television and media production. Searches in Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and SpringerLink (2013–2024) identified 790 records; following PRISMA screening, 94 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized using a systematic scoping review approach. Across this corpus, common AI components include learner modeling, adaptive task sequencing (e.g., RL-based orchestration), affect sensing (vision, speech, and biosignals), multimodal interaction (gesture, gaze, voice, haptics), and growing use of LLM/NLP assistants. Reported benefits span personalized learning trajectories, high-fidelity simulation of studio workflows, and more responsive feedback loops that support creative, technical, and cognitive competencies. Evaluation typically covers usability and presence, workload and affect, collaboration, and scenario-based learning outcomes, leveraging interaction logs, eye tracking, and biofeedback. Persistent challenges include latency and synchronization under multimodal sensing, data governance and privacy for biometric/affective signals, limited transparency/interpretability of AI feedback, and heterogeneous evaluation protocols that impede cross-system comparison. We highlight essential human-centered design principles—teacher-in-the-loop orchestration, timely and explainable feedback, and ethical data governance—and outline a research agenda to support standardized evaluation and scalable adoption of smart VR education in the creative industries. Full article

The limited cultivability of Actinomycetota strains restricts the exploration of their novel antibiotics, highlighting the need for improved isolation techniques. This study employed a helper strain-assisted cultivation method which utilizes culture supernatants from helper strains to isolate diverse members of the Actinomycetota from millipedes and compared its efficacy with a standard method. Using a preliminary dual-layer solid media assay and subsequent confirmation experiments, eight helper strains (M3, M9, M13, N3, N4, N6, N8, and N9) were identified, whose supernatants promoted the growth of Actinomycetota and other microbes. Application of this method to millipede samples established a novel cultivation strategy based on co-cultivation with helper strains. The new method enabled the isolation of 233 bacterial species in total, of which 143 were species of the phylum Actinomycetota, including 49 novel species. In contrast, the standard method yielded only 42 total bacterial species and 29 species of Actinomycetota, with merely 8 novel species. Comparative diversity analysis revealed that the helper strain-assisted method yielded Actinomycetota strains from 85 genera, which was 3.5 times higher than the standard method. This demonstrates that the helper strain-assisted approach is a highly effective strategy for accessing diverse and novel microbial majority. Among the isolated Actinomycetota strains, 75 strains predicted to have high biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) numbers or expected to be novel species were screened for antibacterial activity. Fourteen strains (17%) exhibited inhibitory effects against at least one indicator bacterium. One novel strain, Streptomyces sp. N8-31, was selected for whole-genome sequencing. AntiSMASH analysis predicted 40 biosynthetic gene clusters in N8-31, with 60% showing less than 70% similarity to known clusters; among these, 20 clusters showed less than 50% similarity. These findings indicate that strain N8-31 is a rich reservoir of novel genetic resources, and its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity is likely linked to these unique secondary metabolite gene clusters. Critically, this study confirms that helper strain-assisted cultivation is a powerful tool for unlocking the hidden biosynthetic potential of previously inaccessible Actinomycetota. Full article

Background: Smartphones and social media (SPSM) use has become an integral part of life around the globe, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study investigated the association and strength of association between SPSM screen time and dietary and physical activity behaviours among adults in the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional household-based study was conducted in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, between June 2024 and March 2025. A total of 5152 adults aged 18 years and above were selected through a multistage stratified random sampling method. Data were obtained from structured interviews that collected information about demographics, SPSM use time, dietary habits and physical activity levels. The statistical analyses conducted using SPSS software. Results: The mean SPSM usage time was 277.6 ± 165.6 and 234.6 ± 170.8 min per day for smartphone and social media, respectively. Social networking was the main purpose for smartphone (71.7%) and social media (74.8%) usage. Higher SPSM use was significantly associated with more frequent consumption of unhealthy foods, including sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food, and energy drinks (p < 0.001). The associations between SPSM and dietary behaviour and physical activity were generally weak. Only social media usage time was significantly associated with physical activity (p = 0.012). Conclusion: SPSM use time is associated with dietary patterns and physical activity among adults in the UAE. Higher smartphone and social media screen time was associated with increased consumption of unhealthy foods and lower physical activity; however, the relationships were weak to moderate. Full article

Background/Objectives: Marker-based motion capture remains widely used for lower limb kinematics due to its high precision, although its application is often constrained by elevated operational costs and the requirement for controlled laboratory environments. Markerless methods, such as MediaPipe offer a promising alternative for extending biomechanical analyses beyond traditional laboratory settings, but evidence supporting their validity in controlled tasks is still limited. This study aimed to validate a pixel-based markerless pipeline for two-dimensional kinematic analysis of hip and knee motion during squatting. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers performed three squats with a maximum depth of 90°. Kinematic data were collected simultaneously using marker-based and markerless systems. For the marker-based method, hip and knee joint angles were calculated from marker trajectories within a fixed coordinate system. For the markerless approach, a custom pixel-based pipeline was developed in MediaPipe 0.10.26 to compute bidimensional joint angles from screen coordinates. A paired t-test was conducted using Statistical Parametric Mapping, and maximum flexion values were compared between systems with Bland–Altman analysis. Total range of motion was also analyzed. Results: The markerless pipeline provided valid estimates of hip and knee motion, despite a systematic tendency to overestimate joint angles compared to the marker-based system, with a mean bias of −17.49° for the right hip (95% LoA: −51.89° to 16.91°). Conclusions: These findings support the use of markerless tools in clinical contexts where cost and accessibility are priorities, provided that systematic biases are taken into account during interpretation. Overall, despite the systematic differences, the 2D MediaPipe-based markerless system demonstrated sufficient consistency to assist clinical decision-making in settings where traditional motion capture is not available. Full article

Background: Social media, especially Instagram, spreads nutrition-related information that often lacks scientific rigor. Many women report feeling inadequately informed about women’s health by healthcare professionals, turning to social media, increasing exposure to misinformation. Objectives: The NutriWomen platform aims to assess the quality, methodological soundness, and credibility of nutritional health claims and dietary recommendations on Instagram targeting women across different life stages. Its goal is to develop a systematic and scientifically grounded evaluation framework to assess Instagram nutrition-related claims and the methodological quality and interpretability of their supporting evidence, and to translate the results into accessible outputs that help women make informed nutrition decisions across life stages. Methods: This study follows a five-stage design Stage 1 involves a retrospective content analysis of Instagram posts containing nutrition-related claims targeted at women, identified through the “Top posts” function and screened using predefined criteria. Stage 2 assesses information quality using a validated 14-item tool. Stage 3 evaluates the scientific accuracy of claims by formulating PI(E)CO(TS) questions, selecting key outcomes, retrieving evidence from PubMed and the Cochrane Database, and appraising systematic reviews with a modified AMSTAR-2 tool incorporating GRADE ratings, when available. Stage 4 develops the NutriWomen website platform to translate assessments into accessible visual summaries. Stage 5 conducts a mixed-methods study with peri-, meno-, and postmenopausal women to explore information needs and evaluate platform usability through focus groups. Conclusions: The NutriWomen platform will be the first website to systematically publish the results of evaluations assessing the scientific quality of nutritional health claims on Instagram targeted at women across different life stages. It will provide a replicable methodology, and a digital tool designed to empower women with trustworthy nutrition information, with the potential to enhance health literacy and promote better health outcomes. Full article

This work quantifies the environmental sensitivity of tartaric–sulfuric acid (TSA) anodized and sealed 6061 and 7075 aluminum. Five alloy–temper states (6061-T4, 6061-T62, 7075-T0, 7075-T62, and 7075-T73) were TSA-treated, pore sealed and then exposed for eight weeks (56 days) to ambient air, 11 wt.% NaCl brine, or a microbiological medium, with weekly +20 °C/−20 °C freeze–thaw cycles. Tensile tests assessing yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation were conducted. Strength losses were modest in ambient conditions (<5%) but increased to ≈5–10% for yield and ≈2–9% for ultimate under saline and microbial conditions, particularly in the annealed 7075-T0 and peak-aged 7075-T62 states. Ductility was more sensitive, declining up to ≈30% for 6061-T4 and 6061-T62 in harsh media. Permutation-based inference within an additive screening model indicated that environmental exposure is strongly associated with the dominant share of the observed variability (R²_env ≈ 0.91–0.93 for yield, ultimate strength, and elongation), within the limits of the present dataset. These results suggest that freeze–thaw cycling, chloride exposure, and microbiological activity are consistent with the observed degradation trends. Over-aged 7075-T73 retained properties better than T62, highlighting the roles of temper and pore sealing quality in cold, saline, and microbiologically active service. Full article