Search Results (1,214)

The scheduling of crude oil operations in marine refineries is a complex combinatorial problem, exacerbated by stochastic disruptions like vessel delays and port congestion. Traditional deterministic and expected-value approaches fail to mitigate high-impact tail events, causing severe demurrage and production bottlenecks. To address this, we propose a novel CVaR-Driven Reactive GRASP Simheuristic. This framework hybridizes GRASP with Monte Carlo simulation, embedding Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) into the adaptive memory to actively steer the search away from catastrophic logistical gridlocks. Overcoming standard “unlimited port capacity” assumptions, the model endogenously calculates demurrage dynamics and introduces an automated Failure Taxonomy for explainable insights. Evaluated on a 30-day industrial case study, representing a standard short-term operational scheduling horizon, under baseline conditions and severe dynamic disruptions (vessel delays, unit maintenance), the diagnostic reveals that over 80% of scheduling failures stem from endogenous port congestion rather than internal dead-ends. Furthermore, a comprehensive ablation study mathematically validates the superiority of the CVaR-driven memory over standard expected-cost optimization in preventing catastrophic tail-risk scenarios. Results demonstrate that this CVaR-driven approach effectively absorbs stochastic shocks, prevents stockouts, and minimizes worst-case costs, generating highly robust schedules in under three minutes. Ultimately, it provides a robust, risk-aware Decision Support System (DSS) for supply chain and operations managers. Full article

Parking space availability in densely populated areas has been declining for decades, while extending existing facilities is often not feasible. This paper proposes assigning vehicles to parking spots based on their predicted duration of stay as a means to increase the customer satisfaction of an existing facility. Real-world parking data from an Austrian shopping mall is analyzed to identify vehicle and contextual features that correlate with parking duration, and both regression and classification models are trained to estimate a visitor’s likely stay time upon arrival. A discrete-event simulation then compares four assignment strategies against an unguided baseline, covering a simple nearest-spot approach, a machine learning-based strategy, and a perfect-knowledge upper bound. The primary efficiency gain stems from the elimination of driver search time, which any structured assignment achieves regardless of prediction quality. Duration-aware placement provides a smaller, additional benefit at higher occupancy levels by reserving spaces near the entrance for short-stay visitors, and the gap between the classifier-based strategy and the perfect-knowledge bound remains moderate, confirming that even imperfect predictions yield a meaningful share of the theoretically achievable improvement. It must be noted, however, that the predictive accuracy of the models remains limited: regression errors are near 60 min and classifier accuracy is only modestly above chance, reflecting the fundamental difficulty of inferring individual visitor intent from observable vehicle and arrival features alone. This limitation constrains the practical applicability of duration-aware assignment and should be considered carefully in any real-world deployment decision. Full article

In arid and semi-arid regions, mesquite (Prosopis laevigata) pods represent a strategic feed resource for low-input livestock systems; however, the utilization of mesquite pod flour is severely limited by insect infestation during storage. This study evaluated the repellent effectiveness of Ricinus communis leaves and stems as plant-based additives for preserving mesquite pod flour against storage insects, primarily Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Dose-dependent repellency was assessed in a three-chamber choice-test system at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 20% (w·w⁻¹), combining short-term laboratory assays with a 14-month storage experiment under ambient conditions representative of rural dryland systems. R. communis leaves exhibited a strong concentration-dependent repellent effect, consistently outperforming stem material. Logistic regression indicated that each 1% increase in leaf concentration increased the odds of insects remaining in the untreated substrate by 17%. Long-term storage assays showed that botanical additives altered insect population structure, while only R. communis leaf powder at 10% showed lower total insect abundance relative to the control. Proximate analysis revealed additional protein contribution from R. communis leaves, while ricin-like proteins remained at low concentrations in vegetative tissues. Overall, the results validate a traditional preservation practice and support the use of R. communis leaf biomass as a plant-based additive for protecting mesquite flour in dryland livestock systems. Full article

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a dynamic endocrine-like microbial network that exerts systemic effects far beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging evidence supports the existence of a “gut-bone marrow axis” through which gut-derived signals orchestrate hematopoietic homeostasis. However, shifting from correlative observations to causal mechanisms remains a major challenge in defining precise microbial impacts on hematopoietic outcomes. In this review, we systematically synthesize current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms by which microbial products—specifically short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids—translocate into the systemic circulation to modulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function, lineage commitment, and the bone marrow microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss how gut dysbiosis acts as a driver of hematopoietic dysfunction, contributing to the pathogenesis of anemia, bone marrow failure, and hematologic malignancies such as leukemia. Beyond mechanistic insights, this review critically evaluates the therapeutic promise of emerging microbiota-targeted interventions, including precision probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT, which hold the potential to modulate hematopoietic function and support recovery. Although preclinical evidence is accumulating, these approaches are underpinned by limited yet mechanistically informative clinical evidence. Thus, these emerging interventions require rigorous mechanistic validation and well-designed clinical trials. Herein, by integrating multi-systemic perspectives, we provide a comprehensive framework for future research and clinical strategies aimed at leveraging the microbiota to treat hematologic disorders. Full article

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests play a crucial role in the Mediterranean region, providing essential ecological, social, and economic services. Increasing pressure from wildfires, pests, diseases, and climate change has led to a progressive decline of these ecosystems, making the development of innovative post-stripping management strategies urgent. This study evaluates the effectiveness of kaolin application on cork oak trees immediately after cork removal in a mixed forest in Sant Celoni (Barcelona, Spain). Short- and long-term physiological responses were assessed through stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence (OJIP test), while sap flux density (J_s) was continuously monitored over a four-month period (July–October 2023) using IoT-based TreeTalker® Cyber (Nature 4.0 s.r.l., Viterbo, Italy). Proximal vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI; and Normalized Difference Red Edge, NDRE) were also evaluated but showed no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05). Kaolin-treated trees (K) maintained significantly higher photosynthetic performance and stem water transport capacity compared to untreated stripped trees (nK), with effects persisting up to 140 days after stripping. These findings support kaolin application as a viable and low-cost tool for mitigating post-stripping physiological stress in cork oak forest management. Further research across multiple sites and consecutive harvesting cycles is recommended to fully assess its long-term implications for tree vitality and cork productivity. Full article

2-Ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is among the most widely adopted organic UVB filters in commercial sunscreens. Nevertheless, its practical application potential is limited by unfavorable formulation compatibility and safety risks stemming from systemic exposure after topical administration. In this study, an oil-continuous structured gel matrix consisting of EHMC, disteardimonium hectorite (DDH) and dextrin palmitate (DP) was constructed to enhance UVB photoprotection and modulate the plasma exposure profile of EHMC following topical application. Comprehensive characterizations including rheology, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, TGA and SEM collectively revealed that the combined incorporation of DDH and DP facilitates matrix structural rearrangement, enables EHMC to bind within the structured network, and promotes the formation of more intact continuous surface films. In vitro SPF assays demonstrated that the finished topical formulation SC-4 delivered superior UVB blocking efficacy compared with the EHMC-only control SC-1; furthermore, SC-4 exhibited improved short-term physical stability under the preset thermal and centrifugal acceleration test conditions. Follow-up skin safety assessments, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and pharmacokinetic assays verified that SC-4 elicited no remarkable acute skin irritation across all experimental conditions. Relative to SC-1, the reference formulation with EHMC as the sole UV filter, SC-4 displayed weaker EHMC-related distribution signals in skin tissues, accompanied by lower early plasma EHMC concentrations and a slightly lower AUC_0–48h trend. Collectively, these findings indicate that DDH/DP co-assembly serves as a viable matrix-structuring strategy to modulate EHMC-related skin distribution and early plasma exposure. Further research into UVA blocking performance, photostability, skin retention and transdermal permeation profiles, as well as long-term storage stability, is required to advance the development of broad-spectrum sunscreen formulations built on this novel matrix platform. Full article

Fresh broccoli is highly perishable, exhibiting rapid yellowing and quality deterioration with a short shelf life. In this study, we investigated the effects of nanomaterial-modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) bags with different thicknesses, designated as 2.5C (25 μm) and 4C (40 μm), on the physiological and biochemical changes in broccoli were evaluated during storage at 20 ± 1 °C for 8 days. Results showed that both MAP treatments remarkably delayed floret senescence by inhibiting the rapid color transition from green to yellow, as indicated by alterations in L*, a*, b*, and hue angle values, as well as by suppressing chlorophyll degradation. The 2.5C treatment exhibited a more pronounced effect during storage. MAP treatments helped maintain commercial quality by preserving total phenols and vitamin C (Vc) content, retaining stem firmness and surface glossiness, regulating post-opening respiration rate and reducing water loss. MAP treatments also effectively suppressed the accumulation of superoxide anion (O₂•⁻) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Furthermore, MAP treatments enhanced free radical scavenging capacity, as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS assays and the O₂•⁻ scavenging rate in broccoli. These results indicate that MAP treatment with an appropriate thickness (e.g., 2.5C) effectively inhibits excessive ROS production and enhances antioxidant capacity, thereby delaying floret chlorophyll degradation and senescence. This study provides a foundation for developing effective and green preservation strategies using physical MAP treatments for fresh broccoli. Full article

Higher education is undergoing a transition in which static multimodal resources are giving way to immersive learning environments powered by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). This PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review, prospectively registered in INPLASY (202610066), synthesizes evidence on immersive GenAI-based strategies in higher education, examining their reported contributions to sustainability, inclusion, and learning outcomes. Searches across Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ERIC (2022–2026) identified 1364 records; after quality appraisal using an adapted CASP instrument, 25 studies were included in a narrative and descriptive synthesis. Five strategy types emerged—VR-based simulations, virtual patient platforms, adaptive LLM tutoring systems, mixed/augmented reality environments, and 3D/metaverse configurations—with GPT-family models predominating (56%). The central finding is a structural reporting asymmetry: learning outcomes were explicitly documented in 23 studies (92%), whereas sustainability and inclusion were explicitly reported as outcome domains in only one study each (4%). Health sciences (36%) and educational technology (28%) dominated the evidence base, while Latin American, African, and most STEM contexts remained underrepresented. Immersive GenAI strategies are being evaluated for short-term instructional value, while their contribution to sustainable higher education remains underexamined. Advancing SDG 4 requires longitudinal designs, equity-oriented frameworks, and indicators capable of evaluating inclusion and durable learning gains across institutional contexts. Full article

Against the backdrop of the dual-carbon strategy, China’s civil aviation industry, as a high-energy-consumption and high-carbon-emission sector, faces mounting pressure for low-carbon transformation. As the dominant airlines within China’s civil aviation system, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines play a pivotal role in guiding the industry’s high-quality development. Employing the Global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) index model, this study constructs a global production frontier incorporating undesirable outputs to systematically measure the dynamic evolution of total factor productivity (TFP) for the three major airlines in the period 2005–2023, and further applies a combined static-dynamic regression framework to identify the firm-level heterogeneous mechanisms through which explanatory factors operate. The results reveal significant heterogeneity in TFP trajectories: China Southern Airlines exhibits the most stable efficiency with the lowest volatility; China Eastern Airlines displays the greatest volatility but the strongest post-crisis rebound; and Air China occupies an intermediate position in both efficiency level and volatility. This differentiation stems from fundamental differences in market positioning, strategic orientation, and resource allocation patterns. Market competitiveness exerts a significantly positive effect on TFP for both Air China and China Eastern Airlines. Technological innovation investment generates short-run negative effects across all three airlines, albeit with divergent magnitudes. Human capital accumulation acts as a positive driver for Air China but produces a negative effect for China Southern Airlines, attributable to a structural mismatch between aggressive talent upgrading and organizational absorptive capacity. Shifting the unit of analysis to the firm level, this study identifies three heterogeneous strategic archetypes—market-led, scale-expansion, and regional-deepening—and constructs a differentiated “one firm, one policy” framework to provide targeted policy guidance for improving airline efficiency and facilitating low-carbon transition under carbon constraints. Full article

Background: Intraoperative periprosthetic proximal femoral fractures (PPFFs) represent a significant complication during total hip arthroplasty (THA), especially when using cementless stems via a direct anterior approach (DAA). Methods: This retrospective case series evaluated 10 patients with Vancouver A2 PPFFs treated with 2.7 mm lag screws alone or in combination with plates during DAA THA or partial hip arthroplasty between January 2021 and March 2024. Results: All fractures healed. One patient experienced 1 cm of stem subsidence without the need for revision. The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 35.4 preoperatively to 85.6 postoperatively. Functional recovery and radiological stability were comparable between fixation methods, though the screw-only group experienced slightly more postoperative pain. Patients in the screw-and-plate group were significantly older than those in the screw-only group (p = 0.026). No significant differences were found between groups regarding surgical time (p = 0.62) or BMI (p = 0.82). Due to the limited number of subsidence events, the statistical comparison of subsidence rates was inconclusive. Conclusions: In this preliminary retrospective case series, the use of 2.7 mm lag screws and small locking plates appeared feasible and was associated with favorable short-term outcomes in selected Vancouver A2 intraoperative PPFFs during DAA. These findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in larger, prospective comparative studies. Full article

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are pivotal in surrogate broodstock technology. However, species-specific protocols for the efficient enrichment and long-term preservation of SSCs in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) are not yet fully established. In this study, we evaluated and optimized methods for the isolation and cryopreservation of P. olivaceus SSCs. First, we compared two enrichment methods, including Percoll density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) and differential plating (DP). Although SSCs enriched by both methods showed increased expression of SSC-specific marker genes, PDGC resulted in significantly greater enrichment than DP. A combination of PDGC and DP did not further improve enrichment efficiency, suggesting that PDGC alone is sufficient in P. olivaceus. Second, we optimized cryopreservation conditions according to various cryoprotectants. Among the conditions, SSCs cryopreservation using 1.3 M propylene glycol (PG) as a permeating agent and 0.2 M raffinose (Raf) as a non-permeating cryoprotectant provided the highest cell viability (56.1%), demonstrating a synergistic protective effect. Finally, preliminary in vivo migration and localization ability of the cryopreserved SSCs was confirmed through xenotransplantation into zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. PKH26-labeled donor cells exhibited successful initial localization and short-term persistence within the presumptive gonadal ridge of the recipients at 5 days post-transplantation. These findings provide an optimized protocol for the handling and preservation of P. olivaceus germline resources, contributing to the technical advancement of surrogate reproduction strategies in this species. Full article

Scaffolds designed for mechanically demanding soft tissue engineering applications should integrate mechanical support, efficient mass transfer, and good cellular compatibility. This work presents a one-pot method based on “radical-free click chemistry + carbodiimide coupling” to produce a double-network (DN) PEG–alginate cryogel. The PEG network is formed by a Michael addition reaction between thiol-based crosslinker and 8-arm PEG-acrylate. The second network is covalently crosslinked through EDC/NHS-mediated coupling of carboxyl groups in alginate and adipic acid dihydrazide (AAD). The subsequent freezing and gelation of the gel precursor at sub-zero temperatures results in an ice templated cryogel with an interconnected macroporous network. These cryogels demonstrate high elasticity, compressive modulus and rapid swelling equilibrium in aqueous environments, as well as controlled degradation under physiological conditions. Compared to the classical Ca²⁺ ion crosslinking systems, the covalent linking of the alginate in the double-network cryogel shows advantages in mechanical and structural stability. In addition, it is cell-compatible and allows culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with homogeneous infiltration. Furthermore, the double-network cryogels supports chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs upon treatment with chondrogenic media or macrophage-conditioned media for a short period of time. These results indicate that crosslinking chemistry and polymer composition can be used to modulate the balance between mechanical performance and degradation behavior, while maintaining cytocompatibility and an interconnected macroporous network, thereby providing a scaffold design strategy for applications that require coordinated mechanical support and mass transfer, such as cartilage-related tissue engineering. Full article

Corneal blindness remains a major cause of visual impairment worldwide and may result from trauma, infectious keratitis, degenerative disorders, endothelial dysfunction, and limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Although corneal transplantation remains the standard treatment for advanced disease, its effectiveness is limited by donor tissue shortage, immune-mediated rejection, postoperative complications, and progressive graft failure. These limitations have accelerated interest in regenerative approaches aimed at restoring native corneal structure and function. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a promising platform for corneal regeneration because of their pluripotency, self-renewal capacity, and potential for autologous or immune-compatible therapy. Recent advances in differentiation protocols have enabled the generation of corneal epithelial-like cells, stromal keratocyte-like cells, and corneal endothelial-like cells from iPSCs. Preclinical studies have demonstrated encouraging improvements in corneal transparency, epithelial restoration, fibrosis reduction, and endothelial function, while early clinical investigations, particularly in LSCD, have reported favorable short-term safety and functional outcomes. However, major translational barriers remain, including tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, genomic instability, manufacturing complexity, scalability, and long-term safety concerns. Stromal regeneration also remains comparatively underdeveloped relative to epithelial and endothelial applications. This review summarizes current differentiation strategies, biological mechanisms, preclinical and early clinical evidence, and the principal translational challenges associated with iPSC-based corneal regeneration. Overall, iPSC-derived corneal therapies demonstrate considerable regenerative potential, although further standardization, long-term safety evaluation, and multicenter clinical validation remain necessary before widespread clinical adoption. Full article

Current protocols for generating cortical interneurons from human pluripotent stem cells are hindered by slow differentiation kinetics and poor reproducibility across cell lines. Here, we present a defined small-molecule-based strategy that efficiently directs human-induced neural stem cells (hiNSCs) toward cortical GABAergic interneurons within 14–18 days, which is substantially faster than conventional methods. Short-term dual-SMAD and WNT inhibition rapidly commits hiNSCs to an interneuron progenitor fate, reaching transcriptional states equivalent to those obtained with prolonged protocols. Prolonged activation of Sonic Hedgehog (via SAG) further enhances lineage specification, markedly upregulating NKX2.1, FOXG1, GABA, somatostatin (SST), and parvalbumin (PV) expression, and enriching pathways associated with early functional maturation. Importantly, RNA-sequencing reveals that under identical induction conditions, hiNSCs differentiate more rapidly and homogeneously than human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which exhibit broader, less lineage-focused transcriptional trajectories. This differentiation strategy is highly reproducible across four genetically distinct hiNSC lines, with minimal off-target populations. Functionally, hiNSC-derived cortical interneurons display robust migratory behavior, produce abundant GABA, and survive transplantation into the adult mouse hippocampus, where they extend processes and form synapse-like structures. These findings establish a rapid, scalable, and robust approach for generating human cortical interneurons, supporting their safety and integration potential as a foundation for future cell replacement strategies in neurological disorders. Full article

This article proposes a sustainable approach to producing eco-friendly paper from fibers derived from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic species with potential high lignocellulose content. The research evaluated the possibility of using its biomass as a non-wood raw material for papermaking through an industrial-oriented processing framework. About 10 groups of water hyacinth samples were analyzed by separating their components (roots, leaves, and stems) to determine moisture content, dry biomass yield, fiber distribution, and performance in papermaking. Mechanical pulping and mild alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide were compared to evaluate their effects on fiber behavior and paper quality. The results showed a high moisture content in the biomass, averaging approximately 88%, while the remaining dry matter represented the usable fibrous material fraction. After fiber classification, it was revealed that the long fibers predominated over the short fibers and the fine fibers (waste), favoring the hydrogen bonding and structural anchoring during sheet formation. Mechanical quality analyses were conducted using the Corrugating Medium Test (CMT), Concora Crush Test (CCT), Ring Crush Test (RCT), and Short Compression Test (SCT). Untreated water hyacinth paper demonstrated mechanical properties comparable to those of an industrial reference paper, including consistent compression resistance and corrugating performance. In contrast, the alkaline-treated sample showed greater structural uniformity but lower mechanical strength due to fiber fragmentation and increased fine production. Overall, the findings showed that Eichhornia crassipes represents a viable and sustainable alternative to non-wood fibers for paper production, offering potential environmental benefits by serving as an invasive species and reducing dependence on wood-based raw materials. Full article