Search Results (26,947)

Wireless sensor network (WSN) coverage optimization is a challenging high-dimensional and nonlinear problem that directly affects network performance, including sensing quality, energy efficiency, and system reliability. Although metaheuristic algorithms have been widely applied to this problem, many existing methods still suffer from premature convergence, insufficient population diversity, and an imbalance between exploration and exploitation. To address these issues, this paper proposes a multi-strategy enhanced enterprise development optimization algorithm (MEEDOA) inspired by business management mechanisms. The proposed method integrates a hybrid population initialization strategy, an adaptive activity switching mechanism based on performance feedback, a multi-elite collaborative learning strategy, and a Lévy flight-based stagnation escape mechanism. These strategies are tightly coupled within a unified adaptive framework to improve global search capability, convergence speed, and robustness. Furthermore, a mathematical model for WSN deployment is constructed based on a binary sensing model and discrete coverage evaluation. From the perspective of symmetry, the sensing regions of sensor nodes exhibit significant geometric symmetry in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional deployment spaces. In the two-dimensional case, the sensing and communication regions are modeled as concentric circular structures, while in the three-dimensional case, the sensing regions are represented by isotropic spheres with symmetric spatial distributions. Such symmetry properties provide an effective basis for describing coverage behavior, reducing redundant overlap, and improving the uniformity of node deployment. Meanwhile, the proposed MEEDOA preserves population diversity and enhances search balance, enabling the algorithm to better capture symmetric coverage patterns and more effectively explore complex spatial deployment configurations. Extensive experiments on CEC2014, CEC2017, CEC2020, and CEC2022 benchmark functions demonstrate that MEEDOA achieves superior convergence accuracy, faster convergence speed, and stronger robustness compared with several state-of-the-art algorithms. Additional simulation results in WSN deployment applications verify its effectiveness in improving coverage performance under both symmetric and irregular spatial deployment scenarios. The results indicate that the proposed MEEDOA provides a reliable and efficient solution for complex global optimization problems and practical engineering applications. Full article

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in clinical chemotherapy, but its susceptibility to oxidation during the combined treatment with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) raises concerns regarding its therapeutic efficacy. To improve drug stability and targeted delivery efficiency, this study employed classical molecular dynamics simulations to systematically investigate the mechanisms by which CAP-generated active particles and electric fields influence DOX encapsulation by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their transmembrane transport. Within a specific range of active particle concentrations, DOX aggregation is suppressed, enabling its spontaneous entry into CNTs for encapsulation. The CAP-induced electric field further promotes the directional migration of DOX, and once a threshold field strength is reached, the encapsulation efficiency is significantly enhanced. Moreover, an appropriate concentration of active particles can lower this threshold, enabling high encapsulation efficiency at electric field strengths as low as 0.3 V/nm. The introduction of CNTs can reduce the exposure of DOX to active particles, thereby effectively protecting it from CAP-induced oxidation. Regarding transmembrane transport, CAP-induced lipid oxidation decreases membrane structural stability, facilitating the intracellular internalization of CNTs and promoting the release of DOX within target cells. Furthermore, under the combined effects of oxidation and electric fields, the pulling force required for CNT transmembrane transport further decreases, the size of transmembrane pores increases, and the transmembrane delivery of DOX is enhanced. These results demonstrate that, under plasma synergy, CNTs exhibit significant potential in enhancing the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. This work provides important theoretical support for the application of plasma in targeted cancer therapy and offers new insights for the design of precision cancer treatment strategies. Full article

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine across Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. While its ethnomedicinal applications span a range of conditions, including infections, inflammation, and anemia-related symptoms, its potential relevance to hematopoiesis has not been systematically examined. This narrative review synthesizes ethnomedicinal knowledge, phytochemical composition, and experimental evidence to explore the biological plausibility by which A. muricata may indirectly influence hematopoietic processes. Bioactive constituents of A. muricata, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and acetogenins, have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties in preclinical models. These effects are particularly relevant given the established roles of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in disrupting hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function and bone marrow homeostasis. Rather than proposing direct erythropoietic activity, this review emphasizes indirect, marrow-supportive mechanisms through which A. muricata may contribute to the preservation of hematopoietic function under conditions of physiological or inflammatory stress. The limitations of the current evidence base, including the predominance of in vitro and animal studies and the absence of direct hematopoietic endpoints in humans, are critically discussed. Overall, this review provides a cautious, integrative framework linking A. muricata bioactivity to hematopoietic regulation and highlights key gaps that must be addressed before any translational or clinical relevance can be established. Full article

Martensitic chromium-molybdenum steels such as 15Kh5M are widely used in high-temperature oil and gas equipment, but their weldability is limited by high hardenability and susceptibility to cold cracking, which usually necessitate energy-intensive preheating. This study evaluates an alternative route based on the combination of root-pass mechanical vibration (50 Hz, ~1 mm amplitude) and post-pass water-air jet cooling during mechanized GMAW. Three welding variants were compared: conventional preheated welding, vibration-assisted welding without preheating, and hybrid thermo-vibrational welding with active cooling. Among the tested conditions, the hybrid route produced the narrowest heat-affected zone, reducing its width from about 7 mm to about 3 mm, which is consistent with a compressed thermal cycle. Microhardness in the heat-affected zone decreased from 380 to 440 HV in the preheated condition to 330–370 HV in the hybrid condition. Optical microscopy further indicated a finer and more homogeneous transformed microstructure in the hybrid case. Results indicate that simultaneous vibro-treatment and controlled cooling effectively mitigate harmful metallurgical effects typically induced by rapid cooling, enabling preheat-free fabrication of thick-walled components. The proposed hybrid approach may offer energy savings, shorter production cycles, and improved automation compatibility in field welding applications. Full article

Aureobasidium pullulans is a polyextremotolerant yeast-like fungus increasingly recognized for its role in food ecosystems and its emerging potential in flavour development and nutrient modulation. However, systematic evaluations of autochthonous grape-associated populations integrating technological performance and safety-related traits remain limited. This study provides a broad phenotypic screening of 70 isolates from Maraština grapes (Dalmatia, Croatia), applying an integrated functional screening approach to link enzymatic potential, environmental resilience, and food safety. Most isolates displayed multiple hydrolytic enzymes, with widespread cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, esterase, and protease activities. Several isolates showed very high enzymatic indices, supporting their potential for plant-derived substrate transformation, aroma release, and food processing applications. β-glucosidase and urease activities were common, while amylase was limited. Ecological screening confirmed robust adaptability to salinity, osmotic stress, and wide pH ranges. Notably, 31% of isolates demonstrated phosphate solubilization capacity, indicating a possible contribution to mineral bioavailability and nutritional enhancement. Safety screening revealed decarboxylation of selected amino acids, while two isolates lacked detectable activity, highlighting them as candidates for further safety evaluation. Overall, this work establishes a framework for selecting A. pullulans isolates for next-generation, flavour-oriented and nutritionally enhanced food applications, supporting sustainable bioprocessing and future industrial validation. Full article

Acid Orange 3 (AO3) is a widely used azo dye in leather, paper, and textile dyeing. Untreated direct discharge into water bodies severely threatens human health and aquatic ecosystems, yet efficient degradation remains challenging for conventional technologies. In this work, RuO₂/CeO₂ heterostructure was synthesized and immobilized on a Ti substrate via controlled hydrothermal and annealing treatments, yielding RuO₂/CeO₂@Ti electrode. The electrode showed electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) over a wide pH range. Under optimized conditions (47 mA/cm², pH 6, 0.25 M NaCl), 150 mg/L AO3 was degraded by 95.89% within 180 min. The degradation mechanism was elucidated by GC-MS and DFT (density functional theory) calculations. The degradation process was dominated by indirect oxidation, sequentially involving azo bond cleavage, heterocyclic ring opening, desulfurization, denitrification, benzene ring cleavage, and mineralization of small molecules into H₂O and CO₂. Full article

Background: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most well-known and often published methods for 3D-printed drug delivery systems. In early scientific reports, the active pharmaceutical ingredients were added by soaking, but later, a new milestone was established, after researchers started to manufacture their own filaments by hot-melt extrusion (HME). The number of publications covering this method has multiplied in the last decade, a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers have been tested with versatile active pharmaceutical ingredient components, and various printing parameters and their effects have been investigated. Objectives: In this review, we aim to synthesize how the available quality by design approaches and the scientific results established so far can facilitate the creation of a guideline for appropriate quality production of HME-FDM 3D-printed pharmaceuticals. Methods: Based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of relevant publications from 2015 to 2025 was carried out using the PubMed database. Twenty-six articles were included, based on number of monitored parameters and methodological description. Reporting of important quality processes and material parameters was assessed. Results: HME, the FDM, and analytical testing experiences were compared and collected into three tables from the selected publications. In two different sections, the pharmacopeial dosage-form tests and the involvement of process analytical technologies (PAT) were also analyzed. We found that reporting of influential parameters is heterogenous, and lack of robust reporting schemes limits the development of QbD approaches. Conclusions: Regarding the data, trends were synthetized, and a guideline was created which is limited by inconsistent parameter reporting. Full article

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) established an initial strategy for maritime decarbonization and later specified its long-term target of achieving net-zero strategy by 2050. The institutional framework for mid-term measures was introduced by IMO, and mid-term measures were originally scheduled to be adopted at the end of 2025, but will be re-discussed in 2026 due to opposition from some current member states; South Korea relies on maritime transport for over 99% of its total import/export volume, meaning that the national shipping sector constitutes a core infrastructure supporting trade-driven economic activity. However, mid-term measures are expected to increase logistics costs and weaken route competitiveness and contract markets, affecting individual shipping companies and the entire export–import industrial base. However, quantitative analyses of the cross-industry ripple effects remain limited. Existing studies assess regulatory burdens on shipping but rarely estimate economy-wide spillovers or provide empirical guidance for policy strategies. Therefore, research is needed to move beyond regulatory interpretation, assess domestic response capabilities, and quantitatively analyze the macroeconomic impacts of mid-term measures to support sound policy decision-making. This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the nationwide economic impact of the IMO mid-term measures and propose strategic policy solutions for effective domestic responses. Full article

Background/Objectives: With an increasing number of older adults remaining physically active into later life, there is a growing need to understand how they manage pain and stress without relying on pharmacological treatment. Although regular physical activity supports functional independence and psychological resilience, many active older adults still experience fluctuating pain or stress. However, they often prefer non-pharmacological strategies and avoid analgesics, even when experiencing pain. Yoga interventions are widely used to address both physical and psychological components of health across diverse populations. Methods: Twenty-three adults aged ≥65 years participated in a once-weekly, 60 min yoga program. Pain intensity (VAS), pain vigilance and passive awareness (PVAQ), coping strategies (CSQ), and depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA and correlational analyses were conducted. Exploratory moderation analyses examined whether individual characteristics (physical activity, age, and yoga experience) influenced associations between changes in pain-related variables. Results: After participation in a 7-week yoga program, significant differences were observed: perceived stress decreased, and passive pain awareness increased. No significant changes occurred in pain intensity, fear, depression (although a decrease was observed), or coping strategies, although participants predominantly used adaptive coping at both time points. Moderation analyses showed that physical activity buffered the association between increased passive pain awareness and heightened pain, whereas age and prior yoga experience strengthened this association. Conclusions: Even in physically active older adults, yoga participation was associated with changes in passive pain awareness and reduced stress. However, increases in passive pain awareness may differentially influence pain depending on age, physical activity level, and previous yoga experience. Full article

Fungi are the main causative agents of plant diseases and are responsible for substantial and recurrent damage to agricultural systems. Their activity causes significant reductions in crop productivity and food quality, ultimately contributing to plant deterioration and economic losses. It is estimated that phytopathogenic fungi can compromise up to 30% of global agricultural production. To mitigate microbial deterioration, a wide range of control strategies have been employed, with chemical fungicides being one of the most widely used interventions. However, current approaches to fungal control are rapidly transforming owing to the growing prevalence of fungicide resistance, increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks governing chemical applications, and evolving market demands. Taken together, these factors impose new constraints and drive the development of more sustainable alternative options for effective food control. This review examines the diverse strategies used to control fungal diseases in plants, emphasizing advances in biocontrol agents and biofungicides, as well as emerging tools in the molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology fields. The aim is to highlight recent developments and prospects that can be integrated into comprehensive disease-management approaches. Full article

The development of highly sensitive and reliable strategies for microcystin-LR (MC-LR) monitoring remains critical for environmental safety and public health protection. Herein, we report a metallene-enabled electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing platform based on ultrathin PdMoCu trimetallic metallenes for femtogram-level MC-LR detection. The two-dimensional PdMoCu metallenes provide abundant active sites and accelerated interfacial charge-transfer kinetics through synergistic electronic modulation among Pd, Mo, and Cu atoms, significantly enhancing the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/TPrA ECL efficiency. By integrating a programmable H1–aptamer duplex interface, electrostatic enrichment of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was achieved, enabling target-responsive luminophore release via aptamer-triggered structural switching. This cooperative amplification mechanism, combining catalytic acceleration and DNA-mediated signal modulation, results in a sensitive signal-off detection mode. Under optimized conditions, the biosensor exhibited a wide linear response from 0.1 pg mL⁻¹ to 50 ng mL⁻¹ with a detection limit as low as 37 fg mL⁻¹. The platform demonstrated excellent selectivity against structural analogues, high reproducibility, and satisfactory recovery (99.3–102.0%) in real tap water samples. This work not only highlights the catalytic potential of trimetallic metallenes in ECL systems but also establishes a generalizable interfacial engineering strategy for ultrasensitive detection of trace environmental contaminants. Full article

Biomass gasification technology is a crucial pathway for obtaining clean syngas and achieving efficient utilization of carbon resources. However, tar is one of the main factors restricting the industrialization of biomass gasification technology. Among various solutions, catalytic steam reforming is regarded as the most promising solution. Currently, natural minerals and Ni-based catalysts have been demonstrated to be effective and economically viable for tar removal, which are widely used in industrial fluidized beds. Therefore, the basic reaction principles of tar steam reforming were briefly introduced. The development of tar steam reforming catalysts, focusing mainly on natural minerals and Ni-based catalysts, have been studied in this review. The catalytic cracking mechanisms of natural minerals such as dolomite and limestone, as well as the steam reforming mechanism of Ni-based catalysts, have been thoroughly summarized. In addition, the active sites of the catalysts, reaction pathways, and the essence of catalyst deactivation are discussed. Based on this, the catalytic effect of these two catalysts for steam reforming of tar in the fluidized bed was summarized. Further, the engineering challenges (such as mass transfer, wear, and continuous regeneration) and the corresponding process optimization measures were comprehensively reviewed, and future perspectives are discussed. Full article

Feed supplements play a crucial role in improving and maintaining fish health in modern aquaculture practices. Squalene is a functional lipid naturally present in fatty tissues, possessing numerous beneficial biological properties and wide applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, the effects of 100 mg/kg (S1), 200 mg/kg (S2), 300 mg/kg (S3), and 400 mg/kg (S4) of dietary squalene supplementation over four weeks on growth performance, antioxidation, hepatoprotection, hypoxia tolerance, immune relative genes expression, and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were assessed. The results showed that squalene supplementation significantly increased the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of largemouth bass (p < 0.05). Serum glucose (GLU) levels were significantly decreased in all squalene-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Squalene supplementation had minimal effect on serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol in (TCHO) levels. A decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) level, but accompanied by increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and hepatic catalase (CAT) activities, was observed in the S1 group supplemented with squalene. These suggest that squalene may mitigate free radical damage and promote health in largemouth bass. Dietary squalene supplementation enhanced intestinal enzyme activities (trypsin, lipase, and α-amylase) in largemouth bass without inducing any apparent hepatic or histopathological alterations. Squalene supplementation improved hypoxia tolerance and antiviral gene expression (mx, ifn-γ, and irf3) while suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokine (il-1β, il-8, and tnf-α). The survival rate following LMBRaV infection was significantly higher in the S1 group (100 mg/kg group) compared to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that adding squalene into the diet of largemouth bass at an optimal level of 100 mg/kg effectively promotes growth performance, enhances digestive enzyme activity and hypoxia tolerance, and modulates lipid metabolism and immune gene expression, thereby contributing to improved resistance against LMBRaV. These findings confirm that squalene can serve as a beneficial functional feed additive in aquaculture. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for effective disinfection strategies in order to minimize human exposure and reduce the risk of contagion in indoor environments. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation has proven to be an effective solution for inactivating a wide range of pathogens. However, traditional fixed UV-C systems suffer from limited coverage and lack operational flexibility. To address these limitations, this paper proposes an augmented reality (AR)-based teleoperation framework for an omnidirectional mobile robot equipped with a UV-C disinfection light. Unlike traditional toolchain integrations, our framework synergizes immersive spatial visualization of a reconstructed environment, operator-guided waypoint-based remote navigation, and real-time interaction with the disinfection payload in a single operational workflow. The system is implemented using a ROSMASTER X3 Plus robotic platform, which generates a three-dimensional representation of the environment through visual simultaneous localization and mapping using RTAB-Map. The result is a 3D map that is imported into the Unity game engine and deployed to a Meta Quest 3 head-mounted display, enabling immersive visualization and interaction. Communication between the AR interface and the robotic system is achieved via the ROS-TCP-Connection, allowing real-time data exchange and remote robot control. Through the AR interface, the operator can navigate the robot within the scanned environment and activate the UV-C light. Experimental validation conducted in a classroom demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed approach and shows measurable reductions in surface microbial load. These results indicate that our system-level integration of AR-assisted teleoperation with mobile UV-C robotics represents a feasible proof-of-concept for flexible, operator-guided disinfection of indoor spaces. Full article

Background: The integration of active breaks during the school day has been widely demonstrated to be effective in counteracting sedentary behaviors. The present study assessed the efficacy of a structured active breaks (ABs) intervention implemented during recess on multiple domains of Physical Literacy (PL) in primary-school children. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 139 children (aged 9–10 years). Classes were randomized into an Experimental Group (EG, n = 66) and a Control Group (CG, n = 73). The EG participated in an 8-week intervention (six sessions/week, ~10 min) consisting of coordinative and interdisciplinary motor tasks during recess. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included physical fitness (SLJ, 4 × 10 m SR, 6MWT, MBT), gross motor skills (TGMD-2), selective attention (Bell Test), physical activity levels (PAQ-C), physical self-perception (PSP), and enjoyment (PACES). Results: A mixed-design MANOVA revealed a significant multivariate Time × Group interaction (p < 0.001). Univariate analyses showed significant improvements in the EG compared to the CG for explosive strength (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), Gross Motor Quotient (p = 0.003), and selective attention (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the EG demonstrated significant increases in physical activity levels, self-perception, and enjoyment (p < 0.05). No significant gender interaction was found, indicating equal effectiveness for boys and girls. Conclusions: Transforming recess into a structured opportunity for movement through ABs effectively enhances physical, cognitive, and affective domains. This intervention represents a sustainable strategy for Health-Promoting Schools to foster PL and psychophysical well-being without reducing curricular instruction time. Full article