Search Results (3,677)

The mounting global concern regarding the accumulation of plastic waste underscores the necessity for the development of innovative solutions, with particular emphasis on the incorporation of plant-based biofillers into polymer composites as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. This review provides a comprehensive and structured overview of the recent progress (2020–2025) in the integration of plant-based biofillers into both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer matrices, with a focus on surface modification techniques, physicochemical characterization, and emerging industrial applications. Unlike the prior literature, this work highlights the dual environmental and material benefits of using plant-derived fillers, particularly in the context of waste valorization and circular material design. By clearly identifying a current research gap—the limited scalability and processing efficiency of biofillers—this review proposes a strategy in which plant-derived materials function as key enablers for sustainable composite development. Special attention is given to extraction methods of lignocellulosic fillers from renewable agricultural waste streams and their subsequent functionalization to improve matrix compatibility. Additionally, it delineates the principal approaches for biofiller modification, demonstrating how their properties can be tailored to meet specific needs in biocomposite production. This critical synthesis of the state-of-the-art literature not only reinforces the role of biofillers in reducing dependence on non-renewable fillers but also outlines future directions in scaling up their use, improving durability, and expanding performance capabilities of sustainable composites. Overall, the presented analysis contributes novel insights into the material design, processing strategies, and potential of plant biofillers as central elements in next-generation green composites. Full article

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease with limited treatment options focused primarily on symptom management. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary interventions may influence inflammation and pain through modulation of the gut microbiome and metabolome. Methods: We conducted a 4-week open-label pilot trial evaluating the effects of an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention (ITIS diet) in 20 patients with knee OA (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05559463, registered prior to enrollment; sponsor: University of California, San Diego; responsible party: Monica Guma; study start date: 1 October 2021). The following were assessed before and after the intervention: (1) clinical outcomes; (2) gut and salivary microbiomes; and (3) salivary, stool, and plasma metabolomes. Responders were defined as patients achieving ≥30% reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores. Results: The ITIS diet was well-tolerated, with good adherence (66.2%) and a significant improvement in clinical outcomes, including reduced pain and improved overall health measured with the visual analog scale (VAS). Responders (n = 8) showed distinct gut microbiome and metabolome profiles compared to non-responders (n = 12). Notably, taxa within the Lachnospiraceae family exhibited dynamic, bidirectional shifts post-intervention: Anaerostipes and Limivivens were enriched among responders and negatively correlated with pain scores, while Oliverpabstia and Fusicatenibacter were depleted following dietary intervention. These taxa also showed strong correlations with anti-inflammatory metabolites, including hydroxydecanoic acid derivatives and pyridoxine. Furthermore, subsequent network analysis revealed more structured and selective microbiome–metabolome interactions in responders, specifically post-intervention. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that a short-term anti-inflammatory dietary intervention was associated with meaningful changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome. Members of the Lachnospiraceae family emerged as key taxa associated with pain reduction and anti-inflammatory metabolite production. Our findings suggest that specific microbial responses—rather than global diversity changes—may underlie dietary responsiveness in OA. Although exploratory and limited by sample size, our results support further investigation into personalized, microbiome-informed nutritional strategies for OA management. Full article

Worldwide, 13.3% of food was wasted in 2020. Ethylene biosynthesis, responsible for fruit ripening, regulates key processes in plant growth and aging. Aptamers are DNA or RNA molecules with the capacity to bind with high affinity and specificity to proteins due to their three-dimensional structure. Therefore, conventional aptamer selection methods are often costly, inefficient, and time-consuming. In this context, in silico molecular docking offers an efficient alternative, enabling the evaluation of binding potential prior to experimental assays. This research identified aptamers with high predicted affinity for the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACC synthase) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACC oxidase) enzymes, essential in ethylene biosynthesis. Using ZDOCK for preliminary screening and HDOCK for refined analysis, aptamer-enzyme interactions were modeled. Aptamers AB451 and ABR6P.1 showed promising binding to ACC synthase, while RO33828 and O0O6O1 were optimal for ACC oxidase. These results represent a computational foundation for the development of aptamer-based inhibitors to potentially delay ripening and reduce postharvest losses. Experimental validation will be required to confirm their inhibitory function. Full article

Complex task crowdsourcing (CTC) integrates distributed talent, knowledge, and ideas into innovation via the web; however, task decomposition remains a critical challenge. While existing studies focus primarily on workflow management for specific tasks, they leave a gap in decomposing more complex, creative tasks, which are characterized by the absence of objective ground truths, nonlinear dependencies, and non-sequential processes. To address this gap, we propose a novel integrated task decomposition framework for CTC that comprises three interconnected components. First, primary decomposition considers knowledge reuse by identifying similar past task decomposition schemes to inform the initial breakdown. Second, modifications to the scheme are guided by work breakdown structure (WBS)-based principles, which also serve as a foundation when no prior knowledge is available. Third, to enhance executability, a task package model is proposed to combine subtasks that share common resources, thereby reducing coordination costs and avoiding waste of workers’ capabilities. To solve this model, we develop an improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to generate the final decomposition scheme. A case study from ZBJ.COM validates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to baseline algorithms, the improved NSGA-II better balances conflicting objectives and generates non-dominated solution sets with higher diversity and more uniform distribution. Full article

Temporal knowledge graphs (TKGs) are crucial for modeling evolving real-world facts and are widely applied in event forecasting and risk analysis. However, current TKG reasoning models struggle to separate causal signals from noisy observations, align temporal dynamics with semantic structures, and integrate long-term and short-term knowledge effectively. To address these challenges, we propose the Temporal Causal Contrast Graph Network (TCCGN), a unified framework that disentangles causal features from noise via orthogonal decomposition and adversarial learning; applies dual-domain contrastive learning to enhance both temporal and semantic consistency; and introduces a gated fusion module for adaptive integration of static and dynamic features across time scales. Extensive experiments on five benchmarks (ICEWS14/05-15/18, YAGO, GDELT) show that TCCGN consistently outperforms prior models. On ICEWS14, it achieves 42.46% MRR and 31.63% Hits@1, surpassing RE-GCN by 1.21 points. On the high-noise GDELT dataset, it improves MRR by 1.0%. These results highlight TCCGN’s robustness and its promise for real-world temporal reasoning tasks involving fine-grained causal inference under noisy conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools for fracture detection in radiographs are increasingly approved for clinical use but remain underutilized. Understanding physician attitudes before implementation is essential for successful integration into emergency care workflows. This study investigates the acceptance of an AI-based fracture detection tool among physicians in emergency care settings, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Methods: A cross-sectional, pre-implementation survey was conducted among 92 physicians across three hospitals participating in the SMART Fracture Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06754137). The questionnaire assessed the four core UTAUT constructs—performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC)—and additional constructs such as attitude toward technology (AT), diagnostic confidence (DC), and workflow efficiency (WE). Responses were collected on a five-point Likert scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to assess predictors of behavioral intention (BI). Results: PE was the strongest predictor of BI (β = 0.5882, p < 0.001), followed by SI (β = 0.391, p < 0.001), FC (β = 0.263, p < 0.001), and EE (β = 0.202, p = 0.001). These constructs explained a substantial proportion of variance in BI. WE received the lowest ratings, while internal consistency for SI and BI was weak. Moderator analyses showed prior AI experience improved EE, whereas more experienced physicians were more skeptical regarding WE and DC. However, none of the moderators significantly influenced BI. Conclusions: Physicians’ intention to use AI fracture detection is primarily influenced by perceived usefulness and ease of use. Implementation strategies should focus on intuitive design, targeted training, and clear communication of clinical benefits. Further research should evaluate post-implementation usage and user satisfaction. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study conducted a secondary and integrative analysis of qualitative data on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with biliary atresia who survive with their native livers. These individuals struggle with independence and self-care due to prolonged parental involvement. Prior studies have insufficiently clarified how AYAs and parents jointly navigate daily responsibility transitions during this period. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate this process and develop a practical model to support nursing care. Methods: Semi-structured interview data from eight adolescent–parent dyads (one male and seven females, aged 17–25; one father and seven mothers, aged 40–60) were reanalyzed using the modified grounded theory approach. By reframing the analytical focus on dyadic interactions, four transition phases were identified, which were then integrated with the findings of two prior studies to construct an integrative process model. Results: The transition comprised four phases: (1) parent-led recuperation, (2) a vicious cycle of control and rebellion, (3) passing the axis of responsibility, and (4) aligning the parent–child rhythm to create a patient-centered life. The transition processes were shaped by changes in cognition and behavior. The model illustrates mutual adaptation through communication, negotiation, and reflection, identifying opportunities for nursing intervention. Conclusions: This process model offers a practical framework for nurses to assess readiness for care transitions, support transitional role shifts, and co-develop care strategies. The model provides insights into relationship-based communication and shared decision-making in transitional care by capturing the relational dynamics between AYAs and their parents. Full article

Background: Posterior cranial fossa (PCF) infarctions are associated with elevated mortality rates; however, evidence regarding the prognostic value of comorbidity indices in this context remains scarce. This study investigates the association between the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI) and clinical outcomes in patients with PCF infarctions, aiming to evaluate the aCCI as a prognostic indicator. The aCCI is a validated scoring system that quantifies a patient’s burden of chronic diseases, adjusting for age, to estimate overall comorbidity risk. Methods: In this retrospective, single-center analysis spanning two years, patient data were assessed to determine correlations between aCCI scores and clinical outcomes at discharge, specifically the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to elucidate the relationships among these variables. Results: SEM demonstrated that higher pre-stroke comorbidity burden, as quantified by the aCCI, was significantly associated with increased stroke severity and poorer functional outcomes at discharge. The aCCI exhibited strong direct effects on both NIHSS (path coefficient: 0.70) and mRS (path coefficient: 1.43). Conclusions: Premorbid comorbidities, as measured by the aCCI prior to stroke onset, are significantly correlated with both neurological deficit and functional outcome at discharge in patients with PCF infarctions. These findings underscore the potential utility of the aCCI as a prognostic tool for outcome prediction in this patient cohort. Full article

Writing is essential across disciplines, yet undergraduate programs must balance writing instruction with discipline-specific content. To support writing development, we piloted an embedded writing tutor (WT) in two core public health courses serving primarily first-generation, low-income students of color. In this model, a tutor familiar with course content is integrated into the classroom to supplement traditional writing center support. Our aims were to examine (1) students’ perceptions of the WT compared to the university’s writing center, (2) the WT’s experiences and effective tutoring strategies, and (3) the instructor’s perspective on implementing the program. Using qualitative methods, the WT recorded field observations, the instructor compared course progression to prior semesters without embedded support, and students completed end-of-semester evaluations. Thematic analysis indicated that students valued the tutor’s accessibility, patience, and direct feedback, though perceived usefulness varied by course, likely due to differences in assignment structure. Challenges included role confusion and inconsistent feedback. Suggested improvements included requiring draft submissions, clarifying the tutor’s role, and aligning tutor and instructor feedback. Quantitative ratings of satisfaction were higher for the WT than for the writing center. Although the sample size was moderate (N = 79), these findings suggest embedded tutoring is a promising, equity-focused strategy for discipline-specific writing instruction. In the context of budget constraints in higher education, exploring alternative tutoring and pedagogical support models remains essential, particularly for underserved populations. Full article

The thermal, thermomechanical, and viscoelastic properties of continuous unidirectional (UD) glass fiber/high-density polyethylene (GF/HDPE) and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene/high-density polyethylene (UHMWPE/HDPE) tapes are characterized in this paper in order to support their use in extreme environments. Unlike prior studies that focus on short-fiber composites or limited thermal conditions, this work examines continuous fiber architectures under five operational environments derived from Army Regulation 70-38, reflecting realistic defense-relevant extremes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to identify melting transitions for GF/HDPE and UHMWPE/HDPE, which guided the selection of test conditions for thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). TMA revealed anisotropic thermal expansion consistent with fiber orientation, while DMA, via strain sweep, temperature ramp, frequency sweep, and stress relaxation, quantified their temperature- and time-dependent viscoelastic behavior. The frequency-dependent storage modulus highlighted multiple resonant modes, and stress relaxation data were fitted with high accuracy (R² > 0.99) to viscoelastic models, yielding model parameters that can be used for predictive simulations of time-dependent material behavior. A comparative analysis between the two material systems showed that UHMWPE/HDPE offers enhanced unidirectional stiffness and better low-temperature performance. At the same time, GF/HDPE exhibits lower thermal expansion, better transverse stiffness, and greater stability at elevated temperatures. These differences highlight the impact of fiber type on thermal and mechanical responses, informing material selection for applications that require directional load-bearing or dimensional control under thermal cycling. By integrating thermal and viscoelastic characterization across realistic operational profiles, this study provides a foundational dataset for the application of continuous fiber thermoplastic tapes in structural components exposed to harsh thermal and mechanical conditions. Full article

Background: Breast cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge despite advances in early detection and targeted therapies. The development of novel chemotherapeutic agents remains crucial, particularly those with selective cytotoxicity toward specific breast cancer subtypes. Methods: A series of ten hybrid indolyl-methylidene phenylsulfonylhydrazones and one bis-indole derivative were designed, synthesized, and structurally characterized using NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Prior to synthesis, in silico screening was performed to assess drug likeness and ADME-related properties. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was conducted for compound 3e. The cytotoxic potential of the synthesized compounds was evaluated using the MTT assay against MCF-7 (ER-α⁺) and MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis was conducted to identify key structural features contributing to activity. Results: Most compounds exhibited selective cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells. Notably, compound 3b demonstrated the highest potency with an IC₅₀ of 4.0 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 20.975. Compound 3f showed strong activity against MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀ = 4.7 μM). QSAR analysis revealed that the presence of a non-substituted phenyl ring and specific indolyl substituents (5-methoxy, 1-acetyl, 5-chloro) significantly contributed to enhanced cytotoxic activity and ligand efficiency. Conclusion: The synthesized phenylsulfonylhydrazone hybrids exhibit promising and selective cytotoxicity, particularly against ER-α⁺ breast cancer cells. Structural insights from QSAR analysis provide a valuable foundation for the further optimization of this scaffold as a potential source of selective anticancer agents. Full article

Background: Structured postoperative rehabilitation is not routinely provided for individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) after surgery, with physiotherapy typically limited to the immediate inpatient period. Telerehabilitation offers an accessible and supervised option to address persistent functional limitations, pain, and quality-of-life concerns in this population. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a synchronous telerehabilitation program—designed to support post-surgical recovery in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)—on trunk muscle endurance, trunk flexibility, functional capacity, pain severity, perception of appearance, and quality of life. Methods: Thirty-two individuals with AIS, who had undergone surgery 6 months to 2 years prior, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in a supervised telerehabilitation program twice weekly for eight weeks, while the control group received no exercise intervention. All outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The telerehabilitation group demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Post-intervention, the telerehabilitation group had superior trunk muscle endurance, flexibility, and quality-of-life scores, as well as reduced pain intensity (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in functional capacity or perception of appearance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A supervised telerehabilitation program initiated six months after surgery can effectively improve trunk muscle endurance, flexibility, pain intensity, and quality of life in individuals with AIS. These findings emphasize the value of structured post-surgical rehabilitation and raise awareness of the potential benefits of remotely delivered exercise programs in this population. Full article

Ensuring socially just, inclusive, and equitable education is a global imperative and, accordingly, a key concern for physical education (PE). While PE is widely recognized for its potential to contribute to these goals, research also highlights the persistence of discriminatory practices and injustices within the subject, underscoring the need to promote equity and social justice in PE. Social justice pedagogies (SJPs) offer a valuable framework for realizing these aims. This study explores how SJPs are understood and enacted in Austrian PE practice, with particular paid attention to how teachers describe, interpret, and navigate social justice in their pedagogical approaches. An exploratory qualitative design was employed, and 20 secondary school PE teachers were interviewed about their teaching practices. Teachers were recruited through an open call and volunteered to take part; their individual prior awareness or sensitivity to SJPs played no role in the selection process. The analysis, based on initial content–analytical structuring, led to the development of typologies. Findings revealed substantial variation in how SJPs are conceptualized and implemented in everyday teaching, reflecting differing levels of engagement with social justice principles. The predominance of approaches that fall short of fully embracing the critical and transformative potential of SJPs highlights a pressing need for professional development and systemic change in PE. Full article

Background/Objectives: Negative emotional inertia describes the extent to which a prior emotional state can predict the subsequent one, and it is considered a significant indicator of psychological maladjustment that has several negative consequences in the workplace. The current study tested a theoretical model in which the inertia of negative emotions is moderated by regulatory emotional self-efficacy beliefs (RESE) in managing negative affects across workers of different ages. Specifically, we hypothesized that RESE moderates the relation between negative emotions at consecutive time points, reducing their persistence, and that age would influence this relation, with older workers relying less on this resource than younger ones. Methods: Participants were 221 workers (57.8% females) exposed to social work stressors who reported their affectivity every evening for 31 consecutive days. We analyzed the data using dynamic structural equation models (DSEM), which enable examining within-person time series trends while estimating individual differences therein. Results/Conclusions: In line with our predictions, results suggest that emotional self-efficacy is a key personal resource that might be able to buffer individuals from emotional stasis, a resource primarily useful for younger workers who rely less on actual emotional regulation expertise than older adults. Full article

Confessions carry substantial weight in criminal investigations, yet little is known about the psychological mechanisms underlying suspects’ confession decisions. This research tested the hypothesis that situational pressures inherent to accusatorial interrogations deplete suspects’ self-regulatory resources, impairing their ability to make rational, self-protective decisions. We examined three potential mechanisms of self-regulatory depletion in accusatorial interrogations: (1) decision-making pressure, (2) fatigue, and (3) depleted self-regulatory reserves. Participants were interviewed about minor (Experiment 1; N = 154) or serious (Experiment 2; N = 486) prior criminal and unethical behaviors under conditions that manipulated whether they experienced both decision-making pressure and fatigue, fatigue alone, or neither. We operationalized decision-making pressure through a response-contingent consequence structure and fatigue through extended questioning. We measured self-regulatory capacity by assessing time spent on an unsolvable anagram task after the interview. Experiment 2 also manipulated whether participants’ pre-interview self-regulatory reserves were depleted by having some complete the unsolvable anagram task before, as opposed to after, the interview. The results suggested a role of decision-making pressure—alone and in combination with fatigue—in producing self-regulatory depletion but provided no evidence for the effect of experimentally depleted self-regulatory reserves. These findings offer empirical support for theories linking interrogation pressures to self-regulatory decline. Full article