Search Results (472)

Ocean energy is an abundant, eco-friendly, and renewable energy resource that is useful for powering sensor networks connected to the maritime Internet of Things (MIoT). These sensor networks can be used to measure different marine environmental parameters that affect ocean infrastructure integrity and harm marine ecosystems. This ocean energy can be harnessed through hybrid nanogenerators that combine triboelectric nanogenerators, electromagnetic generators, piezoelectric nanogenerators, and pyroelectric generators. These nanogenerators have advantages such as high-power density, robust design, easy operating principle, and cost-effective fabrication. However, the performance of these nanogenerators can be affected by the wear of their main components, reduction of wave frequency and amplitude, extreme corrosion, and sea storms. To address these challenges, future research on hybrid nanogenerators must improve their mechanical strength, including materials and packages with anti-corrosion coatings. Herein, we present recent advances in the performance of different hybrid nanogenerators to harvest ocean energy, including various transduction mechanisms. Furthermore, this review reports potential applications of hybrid nanogenerators to power devices in marine infrastructure or serve as self-powered MIoT monitoring sensor networks. This review discusses key challenges that must be addressed to achieve the commercial success of these nanogenerators, regarding design strategies with advanced simulation models or digital twins. Also, these strategies must incorporate new materials that improve the performance, reliability, and integration of future nanogenerator array systems. Thus, optimized hybrid nanogenerators can represent a promising technology for ocean energy harvesting with application in the maritime industry. Full article

An FR4-based X-band low phase noise oscillator loading an additional high-Q cavity resonator was designed in this study using substrate-integrated suspended line (SISL) technology. The additional resonator was coupled to an oscillator by the transmission line (coupling TL). The impact of the additional resonator on startup conditions, Q factor enhancement, and phase noise reduction was thoroughly investigated. Three oscillators loading an additional high-Q cavity resonator, loading an additional high-Q cavity resonator and performing partial dielectric extraction, and loading an original parallel feedback oscillator for comparison were presented. The experimental results showed that the proposed oscillator had a low phase noise of −131.79 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from the carrier frequency of 10.088 GHz, and the FOM was −197.79 dBc/Hz. The phase noise was reduced by 1.66 dB through loading the additional resonator and further reduced by 1.87 dB through partially excising the substrate. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed oscillator showed the lowest phase noise and FOM compared with other all-FR4-based oscillators. The cost of fabrication was markedly reduced. The proposed oscillator also has the advantages of compact size and self-packaging properties. Full article

Conventional methods for generating knock-out or knock-in mammalian cell models using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing often require tedious single-cell clone selection and expansion. In this study, we develop and optimise rapid and robust strategies to engineer homozygous fluorescent reporter knock-in cell pools with precise genome editing, circumventing clonal variability inherent to traditional approaches. To reduce false-positive cells associated with random integration, we optimise the design of donor DNA by removing the start codon of the fluorescent reporter and incorporating a self-cleaving T2A peptide system. Using fluorescence-assisted cell sorting (FACS), we efficiently identify and isolate the desired homozygous fluorescent knock-in clones, establishing stable cell pools that preserve parental cell line heterogeneity and faithfully reflect endogenous transcriptional regulation of the target gene. We evaluate the knock-in efficiency and rate of undesired random integration in the electroporation method with either a dual-plasmid system (sgRNA and donor DNA in two separate vectors) or a single-plasmid system (sgRNA and donor DNA combined in one vector). We further demonstrate that coupling our single-plasmid construct with an integrase-deficient lentivirus vector (IDLV) packaging system efficiently generates fluorescent knock-in reporter cell pools, offering flexibility between electroporation and lentivirus transduction methods. Notably, compared to the electroporation methods, the IDLV system significantly minimises random integration. Moreover, the resulting reporter cell lines are compatible with most of the available genome-wide sgRNA libraries, enabling unbiased CRISPR screens to identify key transcriptional regulators of a gene of interest. Overall, our methodologies provide a powerful genetic tool for rapid and robust generation of fluorescent reporter knock-in cell pools with precise genome editing by CRISPR-Cas9 for various research purposes. Full article

Paper’s inherent hydrophilicity and porosity cause inadequate barrier properties, failing under high humidity/temperature. This study successfully developed a hydrophobic nanocoating agent (xLNPs-OTS) through silanization modification using D276 (lignin nanoparticles with a diameter of 276 nm) as the substrate and OTS (octadecyltrichlorosilane) as the functionalizing agent. By applying the coating to paper surfaces followed by a hot-pressing process, the paper achieved comprehensive performance enhancements, including superior water, oil, and vapor barrier properties, thermal stability, mechanical strength, frictional resistance, and self-cleaning capabilities. The Cobb 60 value of LOTSC3.5T120t30 (the coating made from the OTS silanized lignin with the coating amount of 3.5 g/m² and a hot-pressing at 120 °C for 30 min) coated paper is as low as 3.75 g/m², and can withstand hot water at 100 °C for 60 min. The Cobb 60 value of the LOTSC20T120t30 (the coating made from the OTS silanized lignin with the coating amount of 20 g/m² and a hot-pressing at 120 °C for 30 min) coated paper is reduced to 0.9 g/m², the Kit grade is 6, and all coated papers are endowed with self-cleaning features. This study advances lignin’s high-value utilization, driving sustainable packaging and supporting eco-friendly paper material development. Full article

Teachers’ 21st century technological pedagogical content knowledge affects their performance self-evaluations, and it is considered that their attitudes towards sustainable education disposition and their digital competencies may also have an impact on their performance self-evaluations and thus may significantly affect these relationships. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of teachers’ 21st century technological pedagogical content knowledge on their performance self-evaluations, and the moderating role of digital competencies mediated by sustainable educational disposition in the model established for this purpose was examined. The research sample consisted of 478 teachers (305 female (63.8) and 173 (36.2) male teachers) working in various fields in schools in Türkiye. Within the scope of the research, data analyses were carried out in SPSS 21 and PROCESS Macro package programs using Model 4 and Model 58 developed by Hayes (2022). As a result of the analyses, it was seen that sustainable education tendencies had a mediating role in the relationship between teachers’ 21st-century technological pedagogical content knowledge and their performance self-evaluations. In addition to this, it was seen that 21st-century technological pedagogical content knowledge, sustainable educational dispositions and performance self-evaluations depend on the level of digital competencies. Full article

Background and aims: Pneumococcal infections, primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, pose significant global public health challenges, particularly in vulnerable populations. In Saudi Arabia, the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination has been a crucial step towards its prevention. However, gaps in public knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine may hinder its effectiveness. Recent studies indicate a lack of awareness about the benefits of pneumococcal vaccination, suggesting a need for further investigation. This study determined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Saudi residents regarding pneumococcal infection and vaccination. Study design and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted across Saudi Arabia from November 2024 to March 2025. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire designed to evaluate KAP towards pneumococcal infection and vaccination. The sample size was calculated to be 385 participants. The questionnaire underwent expert validation and a pilot study to ensure clarity and reliability. The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms to collect the data. Data management was conducted using Microsoft Excel, and statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26. Results: This study included 1230 participants of whom 630 (51.2%) were females and 1075 (87.4%) were Saudi citizens. Almost half of the participants (50.2%) were aged 18–30 years, and 498 (40.5%) were married. The average knowledge score was 58.6%, indicating a moderate level of understanding among the participants regarding pneumococcal infection. Also, the average attitudes score was 70.6%, reflecting a generally positive outlook towards the importance of pneumococcal vaccination and its potential to limit infection spread. In addition, the average practices score was 68%, indicating a fairly good level of behaviors regarding vaccination practices. Statistical analyses showed that demographic factors and clinical characteristics significantly shape individuals’ KAP towards pneumococcal infection and vaccination. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need to improve KAP regarding pneumococcal infections and vaccinations among Saudi residents and could help in developing more targeted and effective public health interventions to protect Saudi residents from pneumococcal infections. Full article

Botulism is a severe muscle paralysis disease mediated by the botulinum toxin. Here, we reported a foodborne botulism case caused by Clostridium botulinum subtype A5(b3) from self-packaged vacuum spicy rabbit heads. Treatment for this case was delayed due to misdiagnosis and insufficient diagnostic capacity in three hospitals, which resulted in progressive clinical deterioration, and eventually, the patient was transferred to Shandong Public Health Clinical Center for specialized therapy. The case was suspected as foodborne botulism by the Qilu Medical-Prevention Innovation Integration pathway and multi-disciplinary consultation. An epidemiological investigation and laboratory confirmation revealed that the botulinum neurotoxin originated from vacuum-packaged spicy rabbit heads distributed via interprovincial cold chain logistics. After treatment with botulism antiserum, the patient’s condition significantly improved, and they were discharged after recovery. We revealed that this foodborne botulism outbreak was caused by the Clostridium botulinum A5(b3) subtype from food by whole-genome sequencing and SNP typing. All the strains belonged to Group I carrying the botulinum neurotoxin gene classified as the ha cluster. Toxin A was confirmed by MBA and other methods, while toxin B was non-functional due to the truncated bont/B gene. Other virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes were also detected. Our findings indicate that self-packaged vacuum meat products represent an emerging risk factor for botulism transmission when stored improperly. Importantly, the recurrent misdiagnosis in this case underscored the urgent need to enhance the training of healthcare professionals in medical institutions to improve the diagnostic accuracy and clinical management of botulism. Full article

This paper investigates sustainable decision systems within green E-business models by analyzing how different O2O (online-to-offline) fulfillment structures affect emission-reduction efforts and pricing strategies in a two-tier supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a new retailer. Three practical sales formats—package self-pickup, nearby delivery, and hybrid—are modeled using Stackelberg game frameworks that incorporate key factors such as inconvenience cost, logistics cost, processing fees, and emission-reduction coefficients. Results show that the manufacturer’s emission-reduction decisions and both parties’ pricing strategies are highly sensitive to cost conditions and consumer preferences. Specifically, higher inconvenience and abatement costs consistently reduce profitability and emission efforts; the hybrid model exhibits threshold-dependent advantages over single-mode strategies in terms of carbon efficiency and economic returns; and consumer green preference and distance sensitivity jointly shape optimal channel configurations. Robustness analysis confirms the model’s stability under varying parameter conditions. These insights provide theoretical and practical guidance for firms seeking to develop adaptive, low-carbon fulfillment strategies that align with sustainability goals and market demands. Full article

Background: The development of transcatheter mitral valves (TMVs) represents a major advancement in cardiology, driven in part by the growing elderly population. Elderly patients frequently suffer from secondary mitral regurgitation but are often ineligible for surgical valve replacement due to high procedural risks. This study aimed to develop a self-expanding TMV stent fabricated from a single nitinol tube, featuring two distinct central zones: a smaller-diameter valve-containing segment and a larger-diameter anchoring segment for the mitral annulus. Methods: We used the COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 software package for biotechnical engineering. Prototypes of stents and valves were manufactured in five sizes following a 22 Fr delivery system compatibility assessment and pulsatile-flow testing. Results: We bioengineered a novel stent design with an integrated porcine pericardial valve. The stents were laser-cut from nitinol tubes (4.5 mm outer diameter, 0.45 mm wall thickness) and heat-treated to achieve spatial configurations compatible with fibrous ring diameters of 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 mm. Pericardial leaflets and coverings were then mounted onto the stents. The resulting valves were successfully loaded into a 24 Fr delivery system and exhibited proper opening and closing function under pulsatile-flow testing. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the feasibility of a single-component, dual-diameter TMV stent, offering a promising solution for high-risk patients with mitral regurgitation. Full article

Background: Unlike other chronic diseases, cancer patients undergo different types of treatments that affect their well-being, and as a result, they tend to have different experiences from those of other chronic disease sufferers. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cancer diagnosis and coping strategies on patients in Vhembe District hospitals in Limpopo Province. Methodology: The study design used was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey. The target population included patients in the Vhembe District of Limpopo who had started treatment within the last year. Probability-stratified sampling was used to sample 207 patients from seven selected hospitals in Vhembe District. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and the data were analyzed using a software package for descriptive statistics (SPSS version 23). Tables were used to display the results visually, and chi-square tests were used to compare the variables. Ethical principles were considered for the participants’ privacy, anonymity, and informed consent. Findings: The findings revealed that the majority of patients 185 (89.4%) experienced a sense of psychosocial distress such as emotional pain; 142 (68.6%) participants experienced hopelessness and despair, 127 (61.3%) resorted to substance use, 160 (77.3%) did not have a positive attitude towards seeking the medical and other support resources available, only a minority resorted to spirituality, and 121 (63.2%) indicated seeking further clarity about the disease. The study recommends supporting cancer patients and their families through the cancer journey. Contributions: Clinicians should provide psychosocial support interventions to enhance mental health and quality of life in cancer patients, and decentralize oncology services by including primary care professionals in delivering chronic illness disease management strategies. Full article

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) holds significant promise as an option in the field of packaging materials due to its biodegradability and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it is vital for developing packaging materials while improving their heat resistance, and transparency is essential for guaranteeing its application. Using a self-assembled nucleating agent with hydrogen bonding and thermodynamically compatible transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), this study fabricated PLA micro-crystals with an interface blurred grain. Furthermore, the crystalline structure-property relationship was investigated in different isothermal crystallization conditions; it was possible to achieve higher crystallinity while maintaining the transparency of PLA/10 wt% PMMA/0.3 wt% nucleating agent blends. Compared to other temperatures, the crystallization rate of PLA blends under annealing conditions at 90 °C was higher when induced by three different nucleating agents. Particularly, in the presence of the TC-328 nucleating agent, the system exhibited a crystallinity of 32%, the smallest grain size, and an increased Tg of 61.3 °C, as well as an elevated heat deformation temperature (HDT) from 54.13 °C to 63.2 °C. The smaller nucleating agents with high surface energy enhanced the interaction between the PLA and PMMA, enhancing the PLA/PMMA tensile strength and HDT. These findings may pave the way for designing novel blends for packaging or heat-resistant devices. Full article

This work devised an on-device learning approach to self-calibrate Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems-based Inertial Measurement Units (MEMS-IMUs), integrating a digital signal processor (DSP), an accelerometer, and a gyroscope in the same package. The accelerometer and gyroscope stream their data in real time to the DSP, which runs artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The real-time sensor data are subject to errors, such as time-varying bias and thermal stress. To compensate for these drifts, the traditional calibration method based on a linear model is applicable, and unfortunately, it does not work with nonlinear errors. The algorithm devised by this study to reduce such errors adopts Radial Basis Function Neural Networks (RBF-NNs). This method does not rely on the classical adoption of the backpropagation algorithm. Due to its low complexity, it is deployable using kibyte memory and in software runs on the DSP, thus performing interleaved in-sensor learning and inference by itself. This avoids using any off-package computing processor. The learning process is performed periodically to achieve consistent sensor recalibration over time. The devised solution was implemented in both 32-bit floating-point data representation and 16-bit quantized integer version. Both of these were deployed into the Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit (ISPU), integrated into the LSM6DSO16IS Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which is a programmable 5–10 MHz DSP on which the programmer can compile and execute AI models. It integrates 32 KiB of program RAM and 8 KiB of data RAM. No permanent memory is integrated into the package. The two (fp32 and int16) RBF-NN models occupied less than 21 KiB out of the 40 available, working in real-time and independently in the sensor package. The models, respectively, compensated between 46% and 95% of the accelerometer measurement error and between 32% and 88% of the gyroscope measurement error. Finally, it has also been used for attitude estimation of a micro aerial vehicle (MAV), achieving an error of only 2.84°. Full article

The last-mile delivery crisis, exacerbated by the surge in e-commerce demands, continues to face persistent challenges. Logistics companies often overlook the possibility that recipients may not be at the designated delivery location during courier distribution, leading to interruptions in the delivery process and spatiotemporal mismatches between couriers and users. Parcel lockers (PLCs), as a contactless self-pickup solution, mitigate these mismatches but suffer from low utilization rates and user dissatisfaction caused by detour-heavy pickup paths. Existing PLC strategies prioritize operational costs over behavioral preferences, limiting their real-world applicability. To address this gap, we propose a user-centric path planning model that integrates spatiotemporal trajectory mining with kernel density estimation (KDE) to optimize PLC selection and conducted a small-scale experimental study. Our framework integrated user behavior and package characteristics elements: (1) Behavioral filtering: This extracted walking trajectories (speed of 4–5 km/h) from 1856 GPS tracks of four campus users, capturing daily mobility patterns. (2) Hotspot clustering: This identified 82% accuracy-aligned activity hotspots (50 m radius; ≥1 h stay) via spatiotemporal aggregation. (3) KDE-driven decision-making: This dynamically weighed parcel attributes (weight–volume–urgency ratio) and route regularity to minimize detour distances. Key results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness: a 68% reduction in detour distance for User A was achieved, with similar improvements across all test subjects. This study enhances last-mile logistics by integrating user behavior analytics with operational optimization, providing a scalable tool for smart cities. The KDE-based framework has proven effective in campus environments. Its future potential for expansion to various urban settings, ranging from campuses to metropolitan hubs, supports carbon-neutral goals by reducing unnecessary travel, demonstrating its potential for application. Full article

(1) Background: postoperative surgical-site infections are a significant complication in small-animal surgical procedures, with detected rates ranging from 0.8% to 18.1%, depending on the type of surgery. The sterilization process of surgical instruments is a crucial factor in infection control, but the shelf life of surgical instruments and the best packaging method are not precisely defined due to the multiple variables that influence them. This study aimed to assess the shelf life of surgical instruments stored under controlled environmental conditions in a veterinary hospital and compare two packaging methods: using a self-sealing single pouch versus a self-sealing double pouch. (2) Methods: a sample of 400 non-sterile screws was divided into three groups: Group 1 (175 screws in single pouches), Group 2 (175 screws in double pouches), and Group 3 (50 non-sterile screws as a control group to verify the microbial culture efficiency). Microbiological tests were conducted at 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, 182, and 390 days post-sterilization. (3) Results: no bacterial growth was detected on screws packaged in single and double pouches up to 182 days. However, after 390 days, bacterial growth was observed in one screw packaged in a single pouch. In Group 3, only two screws turned out to be bacteriologically positive. (4) Conclusions: no statistical difference was found between the two groups; however, the detection of a single positive screw in the single-pouch group raised a potential clinical consideration, suggesting the need for further studies based on events and time. Full article

This study investigates the influence of experiential programs (EPs) on enhancing consumer experience offerings at luxury resorts. EPs encompass a variety of activities, amenities, and services designed to immerse consumers in the local culture, scenery, and authenticity. The research focuses explicitly on EPs related to fitness, evening entertainment, children’s activities, and personalized experiences. By analyzing data from 30 resorts, significant trends and typologies within each category of EP emerged, highlighting the diverse ways in which resorts meet consumers’ desires for immersive and status-enhancing experiences. Valuable insights were gained through semi-structured interviews with two hoteliers, providing a deeper understanding of the strategic integration of EPs. Fitness EPs highlight activities, including hiking and yoga, whereas evening entertainment encompasses experiences like mixology, music, and astronomy education. For children, EPs prioritize cultural immersion through hands-on experiences, while personalized EPs—including romance packages and private dining—allow for consumer exclusivity. The research underscores how these EPs align with contemporary trends in conspicuous consumption, where luxury resorts leverage unique, high-quality, and culturally rich experiences to reinforce affluence and societal standing. The findings emphasize that EPs are a vital strategy for luxury resorts to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, enhancing consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and positive self-image. Full article