Search Results (183)

The development of safer, more effective, and tumor-specific therapeutic strategies remains a major challenge in oncology. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often cause severe side effects and are limited in their ability to target deep-seated or resistant tumors. In this context, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive option, harnessing low-intensity ultrasound to activate sonosensitizers deep within tissues and generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that selectively induce cancer cell death. Interestingly, SDT can also be combined with other therapies to achieve synergistic effects. However, despite encouraging preclinical results, SDT clinical translation is hindered by the poor aqueous solubility, instability, and low tumor specificity of traditional sonosensitizers. To overcome these limitations, recent studies have focused on employing extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, as natural, biomimetic nanocarriers for sonosensitizer delivery. EVs offer unique advantages, including high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and intrinsic tumor-targeting ability, which make them ideal platforms for improving the therapeutic precision of SDT. Although several delivery strategies have been proposed, a comprehensive and focused overview of approaches specifically designed to enhance SDT performance using EVs is currently lacking. This review summarizes recent advances in integrating EVs with SDT for cancer treatment. It discusses the mechanisms underlying SDT, the engineering strategies developed to enhance exosome functionality, and the synergistic effects achieved through this combination. Furthermore, this review emphasizes that EV-based SDT not only enhances tumor accumulation of the therapeutic nanoplatforms, but also actively remodels the tumor microenvironment by improving oxygen availability, reversing immunosuppressive conditions, and triggering durable antitumor responses. Finally, the review addresses the translational challenges and outlines the critical future directions required to advance this promising therapeutic approach toward clinical application. Full article

Objectives: The present study compared the amplitude and spatial distribution of muscle excitation between a seated row performed with a fixed scapular position (fixed-SR) and a free scapular position (free-SR) in resistance-trained men, analyzing concentric and eccentric phases separately using high-density surface EMG (HD-sEMG). Methods: Fourteen resistance-trained males (age: 25 ± 4 years; stature: 1.74 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 76.22 ± 5.73 kg) performed fixed-SR and free-SR in a randomized cross-over design using 8-repetition maximum as the load for both variations. HD-sEMG grids recorded the activity from the upper/middle/lower trapezius, latissimus dorsi, lateral/posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and erector spinae. Normalized root mean squared (RMS) amplitude and excitation centroids in the mediolateral and craniocaudal planes were computed for the concentric and eccentric phases. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures statistical models, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: During the concentric phase, nRMS amplitude was greater for the posterior deltoid in fixed-SR compared with free-SR (effect size [ES] = 0.66), whereas no between-condition difference was observed for the remaining muscles. During the eccentric phase, nRMS amplitude was greater in the fixed-SR for the middle trapezius (ES = 0.67) and the latissimus dorsi (ES = 0.85), with no between-condition differences detected for the remaining muscles. The centroid position analysis revealed that, during the eccentric phase, the middle trapezius centroid was located more laterally in the fixed-SR condition (ES = 0.54), while the posterior deltoid centroid was positioned more caudally in the fixed-SR compared with the free-SR condition (ES = 0.22). Conclusions: The fixed-SR and free-SR conditions produce comparable overall muscle excitation patterns, while showing some quantitative and spatial differences in selected upper-back muscles. These results suggest that scapular constraint influences the distribution of muscular excitation rather than overall excitation levels. Accordingly, both variations can be effectively used in resistance training, selecting to fix or free the scapulae depending on the emphasis on the scapular movements rather than a substantial difference in muscle excitation. Full article

Urban environments, particularly university campuses, are increasingly exposed to thermal discomfort due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and intense solar radiation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of passive and hybrid cooling strategies, specifically sun-sail shading and mist cooling, in enhancing outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) in a university courtyard. The Van Dyck courtyard at the American University of Beirut, located on the East Mediterranean coast, was selected due to its heavy use between 10 am and 2 pm during summer, when ambient temperatures ranged between 32 and 36 °C and relative humidity between 21 and 33%. Thermal variations across four seating areas were analyzed using ENVI-met, a high-resolution microscale model validated against on-site data, achieving Mean Absolute Percentage Errors of 4% for air temperature and 5.2% for relative humidity. Under baseline conditions, Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) exceeded 58 °C, indicating severe thermal stress. Several mitigation strategies were evaluated, including three shading configurations, two mist-cooling setups, and a combined system. Results showed that double-layer shading reduced PET by 17.1 °C, mist cooling by 1.2 °C, and the combined system by 20.7 °C. Shading minimized radiant heat gain, while mist cooling enhanced evaporative cooling, jointly bringing thermal sensations closer to slightly warm–comfortable conditions. These cooling interventions also have sustainability value by reducing dependence on mechanically cooled indoor spaces and lowering campus air-conditioning demand. As passive or low-energy measures, shading and mist cooling support climate-adaptive outdoor design in heat-stressed Mediterranean environments. Full article

This article focuses on developing a high-performance coated knitted fabric for automotive seat covers designed to meet the demands of the automotive industry and offer a viable alternative to current products. To achieve this, polyester yarns—commonly used and widely accepted in the market—were selected. Using these materials, six different knitted fabrics were produced, including two two-thread single jersey and four interlock structures. After undergoing pretreatment, the fabrics were stabilized using a stenter machine. Subsequently, they were coated using three distinct coating formulations with four layers and tested for tensile strength, elongation, bonding strength, and abrasion resistance (Martindale test) to assess their mechanical properties, as well as color fastness to perspiration, light, and crocking. The test results were then analyzed to identify the better fabric characteristics and the most effective coating formulation among those studied. Full article

Background: Visual search supports action planning and target selection in daily life. Despite toileting being frequent yet high-risk in rehabilitation, gaze analyses specific to toileting remain limited. This study quantified visual search behavior during the approach phase of toileting. Methods: Twenty inpatients aged 65 years or older in a convalescent rehabilitation ward participated in the study. At the time of hospital admission, their gaze behavior from toilet room entry to arrival at the bowl was recorded using an eye tracker (Tobii Pro Glasses 2). Moreover, we evaluated a toilet-functional independence measure (toilet-FIM), comprising toileting, toilet transfer, and locomotion at discharge. Results: In multiple regression, a longer total gaze time directed towards the toilet seat was associated with a greater toilet-FIM independence (β = 0.446), whereas prolonged gaze to the toilet rim (β = −0.839) and to the right handrail (β = −0.621) were related to lower independence (adjusted R² = 0.715). Conclusions: A toilet seat-oriented gaze implies effective action planning for safe sit-down, whereas toilet rim- or handrail-oriented gazes may reflect responses to visual salience or compensatory visual strategies related to reduced independence. These observations could improve our understanding of older patients’ motor planning and spatial perception in toileting. Full article

The central purpose of this study is to develop and validate an advanced numerical model capable of simulating the vibrational behavior of the operator’s seat in a tractor-type agricultural vehicle designed for operation in protected horticultural environments, such as vegetable greenhouses. The three-dimensional (3D) model of the seat was created using SolidWorks 2023, while its dynamic response was investigated through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in Altair SimSolid, enabling a detailed evaluation of the natural vibration modes within the 0–80 Hz frequency range. Within this interval, eight significant natural frequencies were identified and correlated with the real structural behavior of the seat assembly. For experimental validation, direct time-domain measurements were performed at a constant speed of 5 km/h on an uneven, grass-covered dirt track within the research infrastructure of INMA Bucharest, using the TE-0 self-propelled electric tractor prototype. At the operator’s seat level, vibration data were collected considering the average anthropometric characteristics of a homogeneous group of subjects representative of typical tractor operators. The sample of participating operators, consisting exclusively of males aged between 27 and 50 years, was selected to ensure representative anthropometric characteristics and ergonomic consistency for typical agricultural tractor operators. Triaxial accelerometer sensors (NexGen Ergonomics, Pointe-Claire, Canada, and Biometrics Ltd., Gwent, UK) were strategically positioned on the seat cushion and backrest to record accelerations along the X, Y, and Z spatial axes. The recorded acceleration data were processed and converted into the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), allowing the assessment of vibration transmissibility and resonance amplification between the floor and seat. The combined numerical–experimental approach provided high-fidelity validation of the seat’s dynamic model, confirming the structural modes most responsible for vibration transmission in the 4–8 Hz range—a critical sensitivity band for human comfort and health as established in previous studies on whole-body vibration exposure. Beyond validating the model, this integrated methodology offers a predictive framework for assessing different seat suspension configurations under controlled conditions, reducing experimental costs and enabling optimization of ergonomic design before physical prototyping. The correlation between FEA-based modal results and field measurements allows a deeper understanding of vibration propagation mechanisms within the operator–seat system, supporting efforts to mitigate whole-body vibration exposure and improve long-term operator safety in horticultural mechanization. Full article

This study develops an integrated bi-level operations–assignment model to optimise express service on the Gyeongin Line, a core corridor connecting Seoul and Incheon. The upper level jointly selects express stops and time-of-day headways under coverage constraints—a minimum share of key stations and a maximum inter-stop spacing—while the lower level assigns passengers under user equilibrium using a generalised time function that incorporates in-vehicle time, 0.5× headway wait, walking and transfers, and crowding-sensitive dwell times. Undergrounding and alignment straightening are incorporated into segment run-time functions, enabling the co-design of infrastructure and operations. Using automatic-fare-collection-calibrated origin–destination matrices, seat-occupancy records, and station-area population grids, we evaluate five rail scenarios and one intermodal extension. The results indicate substantial system-wide gains: peak average door-to-door times fall by approximately 44–46% in the AM (07:00–09:00) and 30–38% in the PM (17:30–19:30) for rail-only options, and by up to 55% with the intermodal extension. Kernel density estimation (KDE) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) analyses show a leftward shift and tail compression (median −8.7 min; 90th percentile (P90) −11.2 min; ≤45 min share: 0.0% → 47.2%; ≤60 min: 59.7% → 87.9%). The 45-min isochrone expands by ≈12% (an additional 0.21 million residents), while the 60-min reach newly covers Incheon Jung-gu and Songdo. Backcasting against observed express/local ratios yields deviations near the ±10% band (PM one comparator within and one slightly above), and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) statistic and Mann–Whitney (MW) test results confirm significant post-implementation shifts. The most cost-effective near-term package combines mixed stopping with modest alignment and capacity upgrades and time-differentiated headways; the intermodal express–transfer scheme offers a feasible long-term upper bound. The methodology is fully transparent through provision of pseudocode, explicit convergence criteria, and all hyperparameter settings. We also report SDG-aligned indicators—traction energy and CO₂-equivalent (CO₂-eq) per passenger-kilometre, and jobs reachable within 45- and 60-min isochrones—providing indicative yet robust evidence consistent with SDG 9, 11, and 13. Full article

Personalized drug selection is crucial for treating complex diseases such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, where maximizing therapeutic efficacy is essential. Although precision medicine aims to tailor treatments to individual molecular profiles, existing machine learning models often fall short in selecting the best drug from multiple candidates. We present SEATS (Systematic Efficacy Assignment with Treatment Seats), which adapts conventional models like Random Forest and XGBoost for multiclass drug assignment by allocating probabilistic “treatment seats” to drugs based on efficacy. This approach helps models learn clinically relevant distinctions. Additionally, we assess an interpretable Optimal Decision Tree (ODT) model designed specifically for drug assignment. Trained on the BeatAML2 cohort and validated on the GDSC AML cell line dataset, integrating SEATS with Random Forest and XGBoost improved prediction accuracy and consistency. The ODT model offered competitive performance with clear, interpretable decision paths and minimal feature requirements, facilitating clinical use. SEATS reorients standard models towards personalized drug selection. Combined with the ODT framework it provides effective, interpretable strategies for precision oncology, underscoring the potential of tailored machine learning solutions in supporting real-world treatment decisions. Full article

As a pivotal component of the single-gear reducer, the casing of the miniature car reducer not only safeguards the internal transmission system but also interfaces seamlessly with the external structure. Currently, the structural design of domestic single-stage reducers primarily leans on experience and standardized specifications. To guarantee the reliable and stable operation of the casing, a high safety factor is often incorporated, which inevitably results in increased weight and necessitates secure bolting connections. This study presents an innovative scheme to design the flange with the box and realize the lightweight nature of the box by finite element analysis to reduce the manufacturing cost. Based on the working state of maximum torque and maximum speed, this study obtains the stress distribution of each bearing seat under different working conditions and carries out static and dynamic analysis combined with other coupling constraints. The analysis results show that the structure has high stiffness and strength, which is suitable for lightweight design, and that the first ten spontaneous vibration frequencies are far away from the excitation frequency of the inner and outer boundary, avoiding the resonance phenomenon. Moreover, this study proposes a new structure design method, which effectively improves the stiffness of the structure. Through the calculation of volume ratio before and after three optimizations, the optimal volume ratio of 30% is selected, unnecessary materials around the bearing seat are removed, and the layout of ribs is determined. After structural optimization, the weight of the shell is reduced by 10.2%, and both the static and dynamic characteristics meet the design requirements. Full article

The potential health risks of DC charging piles to human health were investigated by quantifying the internal electromagnetic exposure level. In this study, the transformer in the DC/DC circuit of a DC charging pile was selected as the radiation source, and two realistic human models (adult and child) were used as exposure subjects. A simulation model, including the vehicle body, charging pile, and transformer, was established using COMSOL(COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2) Multiphysics software to calculate the magnetic induction intensity (B-field) and electric field intensity (E-field) in various organs at distances of 0.1 m, 0.3 m, and 0.6 m from the charging pile. The results show that at 0.1 m, the peak B-field (1.91 µT) and E-field (447 mV/m) in the adult body were 1.91% and 2.07% of the ICNIRP occupational exposure limits, respectively, and 7.07% and 4.14% of the public exposure limits. For the child model, the peak electromagnetic exposure levels (2.31 µT and 259 mV/m) were only 8.56% and 2.40% of the public limits. Further evaluation of exposure levels for in-vehicle occupants during charging showed that the peak B-field and E-field for an adult driver and a child in the front passenger seat were 0.0225 × 10⁻² µT, 0.0237 × 10⁻² µT, 5.81 mV/m, and 5.82 mV/m, respectively, far below the ICNIRP public limits. Additionally, analyses at multiple frequency bands (85 kHz, 90 kHz, and 95 kHz) under a typical scenario (adult at 0.1 m from the charging pile) revealed that the B-field in the human body decreased with increasing frequency, while the E-field showed minimal variation due to shielding effects. All electromagnetic exposure levels were below both ICNIRP public and occupational limits, indicating the broad applicability of the results. Under normal operating conditions of DC charging piles, the electromagnetic exposure from the DC/DC transformer fully complies with safety standards and poses no threat to human health. This study provides a scientific basis for alleviating public concerns about the health risks of electromagnetic radiation from DC charging piles for electric vehicles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mindfulness has expanded from seated meditation to include embodied practices emphasizing somatic awareness and emotional regulation. Dance offers a creative, accessible pathway to mindfulness, especially in non-clinical settings where movement-based approaches may better support self-regulation, interoception, and well-being. This scoping review investigated empirical studies on dance-based mindfulness interventions targeting non-clinical, amateur and recreational populations. Methods: Six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible studies combined dance with mindfulness and somatic movement practices and were conducted with non-professional participants of all ages in non-clinical settings. Study selection, data extraction, and appraisal followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: Ten empirical studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning diverse populations from primary school children to older adults. Interventions included Dance/Movement Therapy, ballet with yoga, Sufi-inspired group dance, and school- or community-based mindful movement programs. Reported outcomes included improvements in body awareness, emotional regulation, stress reduction, self-compassion, social connection, and overall well-being. A thematic synthesis identified five domains: (1) psychological and emotional outcomes, (2) embodiment and self-compassion, (3) relational and social benefits, (4) feasibility and acceptability, and (5) sustained and preventive effects. Conclusions: Dance-based mindfulness interventions in recreational contexts show promising psychosomatic and emotional benefits. Although the current empirical base is limited and methodologically diverse, this scoping review provides a necessary foundation for understanding this emerging field. There remains a strong need for interventions that are theoretically grounded, culturally sensitive, and pedagogically integrated, particularly within classroom-based dance educational contexts. Full article

In modern industry, the spring full-lift safety valve is a key device for safe pressure relief of pressure-bearing systems. Its valve seat sealing surface is easily damaged after long-term use, causing internal leakage, resulting in safety hazards and economic losses. Therefore, it is of great significance to quickly and accurately diagnose its internal leakage state. Among the current methods for identifying fluid machinery faults, model-based methods have difficulties in parameter determination. Although the data-driven convolutional neural network (CNN) has great potential in the field of fault diagnosis, it has problems such as hyperparameter selection relying on experience, insufficient capture of time series and multi-scale features, and lack of research on valve internal leakage type identification. To this end, this study proposes a safety valve internal leakage identification method based on high-frequency FPGA data acquisition and improved CNN. The acoustic emission signals of different internal leakage states are obtained through the high-frequency FPGA acquisition system, and the two-dimensional time–frequency diagram is obtained by short-time Fourier transform and input into the improved model. The model uses the leaky rectified linear unit (LReLU) activation function to enhance nonlinear expression, introduces random pooling to prevent overfitting, optimizes hyperparameters with the help of horned lizard optimization algorithm (HLOA), and integrates the bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) and selective kernel attention module (SKAM) to enhance temporal feature extraction and multi-scale feature capture. Experiments show that the average recognition accuracy of the model for the internal leakage state of the safety valve is 99.7%, which is better than the comparison model such as ResNet-18. This method provides an effective solution for the diagnosis of internal leakage of safety valves, and the signal conversion method can be extended to the fault diagnosis of other mechanical equipment. In the future, we will explore the fusion of lightweight networks and multi-source data to improve real-time and robustness. Full article

This article discusses the current requirements for laboratory testing of the fire properties of seating in railway vehicles and the criteria for their assessment. The results of flammability and smoke tests performed on selected passenger seats and samples of the upholstery systems used in their construction are presented in order to find connections between them. It was demonstrated that the composition of the upholstery fabric has a significant impact on the burning behavior of the seats and the upholstery systems themselves, assuming that the same foam was used in their construction. Based on the conducted research, material composition analysis, and results, a lack of correlation was also found between the results of tests using a cone calorimeter and a furniture calorimeter. This confirms that the fire properties of upholstered products depend on many factors, including composition, shape, materials used, type of upholstery, and the design solutions of the finished seats. The tested upholstered products intended for railway applications are characterized by stochastic variability resulting from their specific applications and functional and operational properties. Full article

Pocket parks, recognized globally as compact yet multifunctional green spaces, promise a range of urban benefits. To realize these effectively, planners must understand the factors that drive park usage. However, development priorities vary across regions, necessitating analysis tailored to specific contexts. Existing research on park usage predominantly focuses on factors either external (factors outside the park’s boundaries, such as location and surrounding urban fabric) or internal (factors within the park’s boundaries, pertaining to design, amenities, and management), leaving room for refinement in indicator selection and model construction. To address this, we developed a comprehensive analytical framework incorporating 22 macro-, meso-, and micro-level factors spanning internal and external influences. This study investigated 40 pocket parks in Nanjing’s main urban area, employing visitor frequency and activity type diversity as quantitative indicators of usage efficiency. Park usage efficiency was compared for weekdays and weekends. Using correlation and regression models, we examined primary factors including accessibility, surrounding environment, layout, landscape features, amenities, and maintenance. The results showed that weekday and weekend patterns vary significantly in terms of visitor frequency and activity type diversity. The key determinants of pocket park usage efficiency were identified: proportion of recreational space (r = 0.609 on weekdays, r = 0.573 on weekends), plant species richness (r = 0.699 on weekdays, r = 0.761 on weekends), seat facility density (r = 0.645 on weekdays, r = 0.654 on weekends), and maintenance quality (r = 0.630 on weekdays, r = 0.667 on weekends). Service area coverage, green space ratio, and garbage bin density showed weaker but significant correlations. Based on these findings, targeted strategies were proposed to better accommodate diverse regional land-use demands. Full article

Objective: Microwave hyperthermia is a clinically validated adjunctive therapy in oncology, employing antenna applicators to selectively raise tumor tissue temperature to 40–44 °C. For deep-seated tumors, especially those in anatomically complex areas like the head and neck (H&N) region, phased array antennas are typically employed. Determining optimal antenna feeding coefficients is crucial to maximize the specific absorption rate (SAR) within the tumor and minimize hotspots in healthy tissues. Conventionally, this optimization relies on meta-heuristic global algorithms such as particle swarm optimization (PSO). Methods: In this study, we consider a deterministic alternative to PSO in microwave hyperthermia SAR-based optimization, which is based on the Alternating Projections Algorithm (APA). This method iteratively projects the electric field distribution onto a set of constraints to shape the power deposition within a predefined mask, enforcing SAR focusing within the tumor while actively suppressing deposition in healthy tissues. To address the challenge of selecting appropriate power levels, we introduce an adaptive power threshold search mechanism using a properly defined quality parameter, which quantifies the excess of deposited power in healthy tissues. Results: The proposed method is validated on both a simplified numerical testbed and a realistic anatomical phantom. Results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves heating quality comparable to PSO in terms of tumor targeting, while significantly improving hotspot suppression. Conclusions: The proposed APA framework offers a fast and effective deterministic alternative to meta-heuristic methods, enabling SAR-based optimization in microwave hyperthermia with improved tumor targeting and enhanced suppression of hotspots in healthy tissue. Full article