Search Results (26,409)

Flood and flash flood events can generate severe hydraulic actions on civil structures, requiring modeling strategies able to link flow features to structural damage. This paper proposes a two-scale numerical framework based on advanced finite element modeling to assess the vulnerability of structures subjected to inundation and flood-driven impact. At the macroscale, the flood propagation and the interaction with the built environment are simulated through the depth-averaged Shallow Water Equations, adopting a time-explicit interface treatment to capture the evolution of the free surface. The macroscale model provides time-dependent water depth and flow velocity along the external surfaces of the structure, which are then used to derive hydrostatic and hydrodynamic actions, also in comparison with code-based formulations. At the mesoscale, these actions are transferred to a detailed structural model to investigate the nonlinear mechanical response of the building. Structural components are described through a coupled damage–plasticity constitutive law, enabling the prediction of stiffness degradation, cracking-driven damage patterns, and the identification of the most critical structural zones under flood loading. The proposed workflow is finally applied to a real structure located in the municipality of Cosenza (Italy), demonstrating the capability of the approach to combine hydraulic intensity measures with physics-based structural damage assessment, supporting scenario analyses and risk mitigation evaluations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Enteric drug forms are developed to delay drug release to avoid drug degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach or to prevent irritation of the stomach mucosa. The bioavailability of posaconazole (POS) after oral administration depends on stomach pH and food intake. Delayed-release tablets and unmodified oral suspension are the POS formulations currently available on the market. The oral suspension formulation is characterized by highly variable bioavailability, which may significantly affect therapy effectiveness. Methods: In this study, multi-unit drug forms with delayed and sustained POS release were designed. Polymeric microparticles consisting of sodium alginate (ALG), methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate copolymer (EUD), or both, were prepared using the spray-drying technique. The formulations that met the pharmacopoeia enteric release standards in the in vitro dissolution test were subjected to further in vitro evaluation via swelling and mucoadhesion assays, an antifungal activity test, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and thermal analysis. Results: It was shown that EUD formulations at concentrations of 5% and 6% provided enteric release, whereas ALG at 1.5% concentration exhibited a sustained, although not delayed, POS release profile. The optimal blended formulations (EAP15–EAP18), comprising 4% EUD with 1.5–2.0% ALG and either 1% or 4% POS, met the pharmacopoeia criteria for enteric dosage forms. Furthermore, these blends demonstrated the most favorable sustained-release profiles in the buffer phase, ranging from 2 to 3 h. The microparticles exhibited beneficial swelling and mucoadhesive properties, which are essential for prolonging contact with the intestinal mucosa; combined with antifungal properties. Conclusions: Obtained carrier may provide a promising preliminary basis for developing a multi-unit, sustained-release enteric dosage form for POS and future in vivo investigations. Full article

Conventional treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are often limited by suboptimal efficacy and potential adverse effects, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a multi-targeted cosmetic formulation containing TrinogeniX™, composed of synthetic small-molecule inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase, the prostaglandin D₂ receptor, and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, developed using the artificial intelligence-driven platform DeepZema^®, in individuals with AGA. This 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 56 participants, of whom 49 completed the study. Efficacy was assessed using phototrichogram analysis, visual evaluation by dermatologists, and subjective questionnaires. Safety was evaluated based on adverse event reports and dermatological examinations. The test group demonstrated a significant increase in hair density and thickness over 24 weeks (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Expert visual assessments confirmed greater improvements in the test group. Subjective evaluations revealed consistently greater perceived improvements in hair loss symptoms, hair richness, and front hairline conditions in the test group. No adverse events or clinically significant abnormalities were observed. The multi-targeted cosmetic formulation (Motifull hair tonic) significantly improved hair density, thickness, and overall hair condition without adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a safe and effective option for AGA. Clinical trial registration: CRIS No. KCT0010804: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of “Motifull Hair Tonic” (tentative name) for the alleviation of hair loss symptoms. Full article

The agricultural sector is undergoing a profound digital transformation driven by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, remote sensing, robotics, blockchain, and edge computing, which are being integrated into crop monitoring, irrigation management, disease detection, and supply chain transparency systems. This study employs systematic evidence mapping to characterize the applications of emerging digital technologies in sustainable agriculture; it delineates technological trajectories, areas of application, implementation gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 reporting protocol, 101 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (2020–2025) were identified, screened, and subjected to integrated thematic and bibliometric synthesis, using RStudio Version: 2026.01.1+403 and VOSviewer 1.6.20 for data mining on keywords and technological evolution patterns. Results show that deep learning and computer vision models achieved diagnostic accuracies of 90–99%, smart irrigation systems reduced water consumption by 10–30%, predictive yield models frequently reported R² values above 0.80, and greenhouse automation reduced energy consumption by approximately 20–30%. Blockchain-based architectures improved traceability and secure data transmission by 15–20%, while remote sensing integration enhanced spatial estimation accuracy up to R² = 0.92. The findings demonstrate a measurable transition toward data-driven, resource-efficient agricultural ecosystems supported by validated digital architectures. However, interoperability limitations, lack of standardized performance metrics, scalability challenges, and uneven geographical implementation—identified in nearly 40% of studies—highlight the need for harmonized evaluation frameworks, cross-platform integration standards, and long-term field validation to ensure sustainable and scalable digital transformation. Full article

Objective biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders remain an unmet clinical need. The electroretinogram (ERG), a non-invasive recording of the retinal response to light, has shown promise as a physiological marker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet existing classification approaches based on time-domain and time–frequency features achieve limited accuracy in clinically relevant multi-group scenarios. This study introduces ERG-Graph, a novel graph signal processing (GSP) framework that transforms each ERG waveform into a weighted, undirected graph through amplitude quantization and temporal-adjacency connectivity. Nine topological and spectral features, including total load centrality, clique number, algebraic connectivity, and clustering coefficient, were extracted from each graph to characterize the structural dynamics of the signal. Using light-adapted ERG recordings from 278 participants (ASD = 77, ADHD = 43, ASD + ADHD = 21, Control = 137), we evaluated these features across binary, three-group, and four-group classification scenarios using seven machine learning classifiers with 10-fold subject-wise cross-validation. The proposed ERG-Graph features achieved balanced accuracies of 0.91 (ASD vs. control, males) and 0.88 (ADHD vs. control, females). Critically, fusing ERG-Graph with time-domain features yielded a balanced accuracy of 0.81 for three-group classification (ASD vs. ADHD vs. control), representing an 11-percentage-point improvement over the previous benchmark of 0.70. Statistical analysis confirmed significant topological differences between groups (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.001; Cliff’s delta: large effect sizes), and SHAP analysis revealed that graph-theoretic features dominated the top-ranked predictors. These results demonstrate that graph-based topological features capture discriminative information in the ERG waveform that is inaccessible to conventional signal analysis methods, advancing the development of objective biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorder screening. Full article

This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial performance and color stability of silver (Ag)-modified polyurethane and waterborne coating systems applied to Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood after the specimens were subjected to UV aging for 24 h. Antimicrobial activity and color stability were evaluated before and after aging against Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, NCTC 13552), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) in accordance with the JIS Z 2801 standard. Color changes were determined using CIELab parameters (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE*) in accordance with the TS EN ISO 16474-3 standard. Prior to UV exposure, the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli occurred in Ag-modified waterborne varnish coatings, whereas the highest antifungal activity against C. albicans occurred in Ag-modified polyurethane paint systems. After UV aging, antimicrobial performance varied depending on the coating type. Particularly, Ag-modified waterborne varnish coatings retained significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus and exhibited the highest antifungal performance against C. albicans. Color analysis revealed that UV exposure also caused significant changes in all coating systems. The most pronounced variations were observed for the lightness difference (ΔL*), red–green color difference (Δa*), and yellow–blue color difference (Δb*) parameters, while the lowest total color difference (ΔE*) values were observed for Ag-modified polyurethane and Ag-modified waterborne varnish coatings. Overall, Ag-modified waterborne varnish systems demonstrated superior performance in both antimicrobial activity and color stability after UV aging. Full article

The study aimed to characterize the quality and evaluate the content of bioactive substances in cold-pressed pumpkin seed and walnut oils obtained from the specific varieties (Cucurbita pepo var. oleifera and Juglans regia L.). The analyses included the determination of acid value, peroxide value, and anisidine value. The content of chlorophylls and carotenoids was identified, and the fatty acid, phytosterol, and tocopherol profiles were characterized. The results were subjected to principal component analysis and compared with the physicochemical parameters of other popular niche oils. It was shown that both oils tested have unique, relatively simple fatty acid profiles (only 5–6 dominant acids were identified). In addition, significant differences in squalene content were observed: pumpkin seed oil showed a higher concentration than other vegetable oils. In contrast, walnut oil was found to lack squalene, which is atypical among the analyzed niche oils. Full article

To investigate the multi-factor aging mechanisms of silicone rubber used in the outer sheath of composite bushings, this study focused on HTV silicone rubber employed in the sheath layer of 1100 kV high-voltage bushings. The samples were subjected to temperature–humidity–corona coupled aging in a multi-factor aging platform. The aged samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, hydrophobicity measurements, hardness tests, and dielectric constant measurements. The results indicate that different aging factors affect the material differently. Corona aging primarily affects the sample surface, leading to substantial methyl group detachment, surface oxidation, and a decrease in hydrophobicity, with the local static contact angle decreasing by up to 70%. In contrast, wet heat aging affects the bulk material; under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, the internal small-molecule chains accelerate silicon-oxide crosslinking, leading to a marked increase in hardness and a relative dielectric constant that initially decreases and then increases. Considering the complex field environment, surface performance measurements are easily influenced by external factors. Therefore, hardness and relative dielectric constant are proposed as key indicators for evaluating the aging degree of silicone rubber sheaths in service. The findings provide a valuable reference for the service-life evaluation of composite bushings. Full article

The life insurance sector plays a critical role in the financial stability of countries due to its long-term liability structure and strong interaction with the financial system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of the life insurance sector in the EU and EEA countries using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Eight performance criteria reflecting financial stability, profitability, growth, and risk were used in the study. Criterion weights were determined using the Modified Preference Selection Index (MPSI) method, an objective method free from subjective judgments, and the performance ranking of the countries was obtained using the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method. The data used in the analysis were obtained from the insurance statistics database published by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA). The findings show that ROE is the most important indicator, and that Cyprus, Hungary, and Iceland exhibit a significant positive difference in the life insurance sector compared to other countries. This study provides a unique contribution to the limited literature on comparative analyses at the country level by examining the performance of the life insurance sector in EU and EEA countries using an objective weighting and integrated ranking approach. The study results reveal important findings for a comparative assessment of life insurance markets from the perspective of regulatory bodies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Based on cross-sectional data for 2024, the findings should be interpreted as a framework providing a country-level risk-sensitive performance comparison under varying conditions. Full article

Mental fatigue (MF) has been hypothesized to contribute to injury risk in athletes, but observational studies have not directly investigated this relationship. Therefore, the current study evaluates potential relationships between mental fatigue and subsequent injury occurrence in basketball. Using an observational design, we monitored fourteen male semi-professional basketball players (age: 22 ± 4 years; stature: 192.6 ± 8.8 cm; body mass: 85.5 ± 9.1 kg; Tier 3) from a single team for 21 weeks throughout the competitive season. Each week, the players participated in 5 team-based training sessions, 2–4 individual training sessions, and 1–2 official games. Subjective MF ratings were collected using 100 mm visual analogue scales twice a week (the day before and after the official game) and then averaged. Time-loss injuries were registered, noting the body location, mechanism, and context (training and games). Generalized logistic mixed models were employed to evaluate whether MF levels were associated with injury occurrence in the subsequent 1, 3, and 5 days and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of basketball activity. A total of 11 injuries were registered during the study (7.40 per 1000 h of basketball activity), with an average time loss of 12 ± 19 days. There were no associations between MF and injury occurrence in the following 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks (all p > 0.05, odds ratios: 1.00–1.28). In male semi-professional basketball settings, preliminary evidence indicates that MF might not be associated with injury occurrence. However, due to the dearth of injury events, the statistical power of this study is insufficient to detect potential small–medium effects. Therefore, the current results should be considered exploratory as opposed to a definitive rejection of the hypothesis. Future studies should evaluate the relationship between MF and injury risk in larger samples and among professional athletes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Asymptomatic hyperuricemia has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk; it is related to factors such as diet, genetic predisposition, and drug-related side effects. Impairment of uric acid control has been associated with the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin and tacrolimus, although available studies did not reach the same conclusions. Their widespread use in solid organ transplantation potentially exposes this population to higher cardiovascular risk. This systematic review aimed to assess their role in hyperuricemia risk compared with other immunosuppressive treatments and to clarify potential differences between cyclosporin and tacrolimus. Methods: The search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase, limited to adult subjects, using the following terms: ((cyclosporin) OR (cyclosporine) OR (tacrolimus) OR (calcineurin inhibitor)) AND ((uric acid) OR (urate) OR (hyperuricemia)) AND ((transplant) OR (transplantation)). We assessed the quality of the studies according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Results: After screening 639 manuscripts, we selected 36 studies that were relevant to our focus: 28 evaluated kidney transplant patients, while only eight focused on other solid organ transplants. Specifically, 20 studies compared calcineurin inhibitors with other immunosuppressants, while 15 assessed the impact of cyclosporin versus tacrolimus, and one study contributed to both scenarios. The prevalence of hyperuricemia ranged from 30 to 80% among patients receiving calcineurin inhibitors, with a slightly higher prevalence with cyclosporin than with tacrolimus (51–61% vs. 36–42%, respectively). The overall quality of the included studies was generally rated as low to moderate, with only ten studies focusing on uric acid control. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneity and overall quality of the available studies, no definitive conclusions can be drawn. In particular, the comparative effect of cyclosporin and tacrolimus remains uncertain because of conflicting findings across studies. Although calcineurin inhibitors may adversely affect uric acid control in transplant recipients, this association may be influenced by several confounding factors. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, even at early stages. Postmenopausal women represent a particularly vulnerable population due to estrogen deficiency, which promotes adverse cardiovascular remodeling. However, data specifically characterizing the cardiac phenotype of hypertensive postmenopausal women with mild-to-moderate CKD remain limited. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study including 413 hypertensive postmenopausal women consecutively referred to a tertiary center between 2019 and 2022. Participants were stratified into a CKD group with stage 3 CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m²; n = 213) and a control group without CKD (n = 200). All subjects underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and standardized transthoracic echocardiography. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) was assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate independent associations between CKD and cardiovascular abnormalities. Results: Compared with controls, women with CKD showed a significantly higher prevalence of LVH (46.7% vs. 21.5%), LVDD (55.8% vs. 36.0%), and CCS (15.5% vs. 7.5%) (all p < 0.01). The coexistence of LVH and LVDD identified a high-risk cardiac phenotype that was markedly more frequent in the CKD group (41.3% vs. 12.5%). After adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, duration of hypertension, smoking status, and antihypertensive therapy, stage 3 CKD remained independently associated with LVH, LVDD, and CCS. Conclusions: In hypertensive postmenopausal women, mild-to-moderate CKD is associated with a substantial burden of cardiac structural and functional abnormalities exceeding that attributable to hypertension alone, supporting early cardiovascular screening and an integrated cardiorenal approach. Full article

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant cardiovascular risk factor, frequently co-existing with systemic hypertension. While the association between OSA and blood pressure elevation is well documented, its specific prevalence and impact among patients with resistant hypertension remain a critical area of clinical investigation. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) specifically within a cohort of patients with resistant hypertension (RHT). Additionally, we sought to identify the clinical and anthropometric factors that distinguish RHT patients with OSA from non-resistant hypertensive and normotensive controls, thereby clarifying the increased hypoxic burden and polysomnographic differences unique to this high-risk population. Methods: A total of 300 patients presenting with OSA symptoms were included. Participants were classified into three groups: Group 0 (n = 100), normotensive individuals; Group 1 (n = 100), non-resistant hypertension; and Group 2 (n = 100), confirmed resistant hypertension. Standard overnight polysomnography (PSG) was performed on all participants. Demographic data, comorbidities, anthropometric measurements, and PSG parameters were recorded and compared across groups. Results: Of the subjects, 50.3% were female (sex), and the mean age was $49.5 \pm 12.3$ years. Patients with RHT (Group 2) were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus. OSA prevalence was 94% in Group 2 (37% severe), 89% in Group 1 (22% severe), and 74% in Group 0 (only 2% severe). In PSG analysis, AHI and ODI values were significantly higher in hypertensive groups (Groups 1 and 2) compared to normotensive individuals (Group 0), while minimum and mean oxygen saturations were significantly lower. Conclusions: OSA is both more prevalent and more severe in patients with resistant hypertension. Furthermore, hypertensive OSA patients are characterized by an increased hypoxic load compared to normotensives. Systematic investigation and detailed polysomnographic evaluation of OSA are of paramount importance in hypertensive individuals, particularly those with resistant hypertension. Full article