Search Results (82,078)

Mercury exposure has been linked to male infertility. Given that mercury chloride (HgCl₂) may promote an oxido-inflammatory milieu associated with pathophysiological derangements, it is hypothesised that Thymoquinone (TQ), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, may mitigate the gradual harmful effects of mercury exposure on rat testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus, as these organs are vital to reproductive function. To test this hypothesis, 40 rats (strain: Wistar; sex: male) were randomly assigned to five cohorts of eight rats each. After a 7-day acclimation, treatments were dispensed for 28 consecutive days accordingly: Cohort I: distilled water only, as control; Cohort II: HgCl₂ only (20 µg/mL); Cohort III: TQ only (2.5 mg/kg); Cohort IV: HgCl₂ + TQ (20 µg/mL + 2.5 mg/kg); and Cohort V: HgCl₂ + TQ (20 µg/mL + 5 mg/kg). Co-treatment with TQ preserved the body and organ weight of the HgCl₂ exposed animals. However, TQ did not reduce HgCl₂-induced dysfunction in sperm function and morphology. The serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and testosterone were increased significantly (p < 0.05) by TQ co-treatment, while decreasing the prolactin level. TQ administration also increased (p < 0.05) testicular enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activities, which HgCl₂ decreased. TQ administration increased (p < 0.05) HgCl₂-induced decreases in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and total sulfhydryl group (TSH) levels in the testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus of experimental rats. Further, TQ reduced HgCl₂-mediated increases in RONS-reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; LPO–lipid peroxidation; PC–protein carbonyl formation; and XO–xanthine oxidase activity. Furthermore, levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), were decreased (p < 0.05) in the co-treated groups, with a higher dose of TQ (5.0 mg/kg) showing a more pronounced protective effect. Additionally, TQ co-administration increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 and p53 protein levels (p < 0.05), thereby protecting the rats’ testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus from HgCl₂-induced apoptosis. Molecular docking simulation analysis revealed TQ interaction dynamics with PPAR-α and PPAR-δ to suppress NF-kB-mediated pro-inflammatory sequela as well as activate Nrf-2-mediated antioxidant defence system. These predicted biological effects of TQ resonate with the findings from the in vivo studies. Therefore, supplementation with TQ may help reduce chemical-induced toxicities, including HgCl₂‘s reproductive toxicity. Full article

Fungi from the genus Trichoderma have been extensively studied and used as biological control agents (BCAs) because of their versatile mechanisms of action. These include triggering systemic resistance, directly inhibiting pathogens, promoting plant growth, enhancing tolerance to abiotic stress, and producing auxins. However, the widespread application of the most studied Trichoderma strains has been limited by discrepancies between their potential results observed in controlled environments and the outcomes in greenhouses and field conditions. These differences are associated with context dependency, influenced by strain-specific traits, crop genotype, soil properties, and environmental factors. In this review, we examine the mechanisms of action, current challenges, and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of local strategies and detailed characterization of native strains to boost the effectiveness of Trichoderma-based products in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Collecting crop growth data in field environments is crucial for breeding research. The team’s current autonomous soybean phenotyping system requires manual control to start and stop data collection. To address the aforementioned issues, this study innovatively proposes an elliptical calibration rotating geofencing technique. Preprocess coordinates using Z-scores and mean fitting perform global error calibration via weighted least squares, calculate the inclination angle between the row direction and the relative standard direction by fitting a straight line to the same row of data, and establish a rotation model based on geometric feature alignment. Results show that the system achieves an average response time of 0.115 s for geofence entry, with perfect accuracy and Recall rates of 1, meeting the requirements for starting and stopping geographic fencing in soybean ridge trial plots. This technology provides the critical theoretical foundation for enabling a dynamic, on-demand automatic start–stop functionality in smart data collection devices for soybean field trial zones within precision agriculture. Full article

Background: Severe asthma is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, largely due to chronic corticosteroid exposure and persistent systemic inflammation. Data from different international registries indicate a significant prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with severe asthma, with large variations attributed to differences in treatment strategies and optimization of care. Aims and Methods: This study aims to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with severe asthma enrolled in the Severe Asthma Network Italy (SANI) registry who are receiving treatment with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and/or long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and compare the characteristics of patients with and without osteoporosis to identify key risk factors contributing to osteoporosis. Results: A total of 1813 patients receiving Step 5 GINA (mAbs, LAMAs) treatment were included in the final analysis, of whom 282 (15.5%) had osteoporosis. Osteoporosis prevalence was significantly higher in women (20.3%) compared to men (8.0%). The prevalence also increased with age (p < 0.001) and with asthma duration (p = 0.008). Patients with osteoporosis exhibited poorer asthma control, lower lung function (FEV1 and FVC), a higher rate of exacerbations, and more frequent chronic oral corticosteroid (OCS) use compared to those without osteoporosis. Nasal polyposis was not significantly associated with osteoporosis in this cohort. Conclusions: Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in individuals with severe asthma, mainly due to chronic corticosteroid exposure and persistent inflammation, and is associated with asthma duration, sex, age, frequent exacerbations, cumulative exposure to OCS, and reduced lung function. Early recognition of osteoporosis risk is essential, and biologic therapies offer a promising strategy to reduce OCS dependence, mitigate adverse effects, and improve long-term outcomes. Full article

This paper presents a sensorless control strategy for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives in industrial and automotive air compressor applications. The strategy utilizes an adaptive-gain sliding mode observer integrated with a refined back-EMF model to suppress chattering and improve convergence. The proposed approach achieves precise rotor position and speed estimation across a wide operational range without mechanical sensors. It directly addresses the critical needs of reliability, compactness, and resilience in automotive environments. Unlike conventional observers, its originality lies in the enhanced gain structure, enabling accurate and robust sensorless control validated through both simulation and hardware tests. Comprehensive simulation results demonstrate effective performance from 2000 to 8500 rpm, with steady-state speed tracking errors maintained below 0.4% at 2000 rpm and 0.035% at 8500 rpm under rated load. The control methodology exhibits excellent disturbance rejection capabilities, maintaining speed regulation within ±5 rpm under an 80% load disturbance at 8500 rpm while limiting q-axis current ripple to 2.5% of rated values. Experimental validation on a 2.2 kW PMSM-driven compressor test platform confirms stable operation at 4000 rpm with speed fluctuations constrained to 20 rpm (0.5% error) and precise current regulation, maintaining the d-axis current within ±0.07 A. The system demonstrates rapid dynamic response, achieving acceleration from 1320 rpm to 2365 rpm within one second during testing. The results confirm the method’s practical viability for enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance in industrial and automotive compressors systems. Full article

As urbanization accelerates, solid waste volume increases, making municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) a primary disposal method. However, low combustion efficiency and harmful gas emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NO_X), contribute to significant environmental pollution. Improving combustion efficiency and reducing pollutants are critical challenges in waste incineration. Due to the process’s complexity and operational fluctuations, traditional PID and model-based methods often fail to deliver optimal results, making this a key research focus. To address this, this paper proposes an optimal control method for the solid waste incineration process, aimed at improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. By establishing Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network prediction models for CO, CO₂, and NO_X, and integrating an improved Pelican Optimization Algorithm (IPOA), an optimized control strategy for air volume and pressure settings is developed. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances combustion efficiency while effectively reducing NO_X emissions. Furthermore, under varying operational conditions, the method can adaptively adjust the air volume and pressure settings, ensuring system adaptability to new conditions and maintaining both combustion efficiency and NO_X emission concentrations within target ranges. Full article

With an aging population and the widespread adoption of smart technologies, elderly residents’ perceived safety in smart apartments has become a critical determinant of their quality of life and their acceptance of technology. However, much of the current research remains confined to either technical or psychological dimensions, with insufficient attention to the systematic interactions among multiple factors as experienced by elderly populations. This study aims to systematically evaluate and optimize the living environments of older adults, with the goal of enhancing their overall quality of life and subjective well-being. This study employs the DANP–mV model to empirically analyze the safety perception of older adults in smart apartments, integrating case-based investigation and evaluation to propose targeted optimization strategies and improvement pathways. Unlike traditional approaches that treat criteria as independent, this hybrid model reveals the interdependencies among factors and establishes a more realistic prioritization of improvement actions. The study found that, compared with merely reinforcing physical security measures, factors such as enhanced remote security support, a stronger sense of control and coping confidence, and higher satisfaction with the protective system exert a more fundamental influence on the overall safety perception. These results demonstrate that adopting a systems-thinking approach shifts the focus of decision-making from superficial safety risks to underlying causal drivers, thereby mitigating resource allocation imbalances and enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of safety improvement measures. Full article

As a key form of deep foundation in civil engineering, the concrete pouring quality of cast-in-place piles directly determines the integrity and long-term bearing performance of the pile body. Accurate monitoring of the pouring interface is critical to preventing defects such as mud inclusion and pile breakage. To address the limitations of existing monitoring methods for concrete pouring interfaces, this paper proposes a full-pulse acoustic monitoring method for the concrete pouring interface of cast-in-place piles. Firstly, by constructing a hardware system platform consisting of “multi-level in-borehole sound sources + interface acoustic wave sensors + orifice full-pulse receivers + ground processors”, differential capture of signals propagating at different depths is achieved through multi-frequency excitation. Subsequently, a waveform data processing method is proposed to realize denoising, enhancement, and frequency discrimination of different signals, and a target feature recognition model that integrates cross-correlation functions and signal similarity analysis is established. Finally, by leveraging the differential characteristics of measurement signals at different depths, a near-field measurement mode and a far-field measurement mode are developed, thereby establishing a calculation model for the elevation position of the pouring interface under different scenarios. Meanwhile, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified through practical engineering cases. The results indicate that the proposed full pulse acoustic monitoring method can achieve non-destructive, real-time, and high-precision monitoring of the pouring interface, providing an effective technical approach for quality control in pile foundation construction and exhibiting broad application prospects. Full article

With the continuous increase in the penetration of single-phase microgrids in low-voltage distribution networks (LVDNs), the phase asymmetry of source–load distribution has made the problem of three-phase imbalance increasingly prominent. To address this issue, this paper proposes an active–reactive power coordinated optimization model for distribution network–microgrid clusters considering three-phase imbalance mitigation. The model is formulated within a master–slave game framework: in the upper level, the distribution network acts as the leader, formulating time-of-use prices for active and reactive power based on day-ahead forecast data with the objective of minimizing operating costs. These price signals guide the flexible loads and photovoltaic (PV) inverters of the lower-level microgrids to participate in mitigating three-phase imbalance. In the lower level, each microgrid responds as the follower, minimizing its own operating cost by determining internal scheduling strategies and power exchange schemes with the distribution network. Finally, the resulting leader–follower game problem is transformed into a unified constrained model through strong duality theory and formulated as a mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) problem, which is efficiently solved using the commercial solver Gurobi. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model fully exploits the reactive power compensation potential of PV inverters, significantly reducing the degree of three-phase imbalance. The maximum three-phase voltage unbalance factor decreases from 3.98% to 1.43%, corresponding to an overall reduction of 25.87%. The proposed coordinated optimization model achieves three-phase imbalance mitigation by leveraging existing resources without the need for additional control equipment, thereby enhancing power quality in the distribution network while ensuring economic efficiency of system operation. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly technologies has driven the development of green and bio-based synthesis methods for metallic nanoparticles. Among these, the microbial synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical methods, which often rely on hazardous reagents and harsh conditions. Bacteria and fungi are particularly attractive due to their ability to produce AgNPs with tunable size, shape, and surface properties through natural enzymatic and metabolic processes. This review provides a comparative analysis of bacterial and fungal synthesis routes, focusing on their distinct advantages, limitations, and optimal applications. Bacterial synthesis offers faster growth, simpler culture requirements, and greater potential for genetic manipulation, enabling precise control over nanoparticle (NP) characteristics. In contrast, fungal synthesis typically yields higher nanoparticle stability and is well suited for extracellular, scalable production. The review also summarizes key synthesis parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, reaction time), addresses reproducibility and scalability challenges, and highlights emerging research areas, including antibacterial bio-hybrid materials and bacterial-supported metallic catalysts. Overall, this comparative perspective provides a clear framework for selecting appropriate microbial systems for different technological applications and identifies future research directions to advance green nanotechnology. Full article

Background: Sotorasib, a KRAS G12C inhibitor, is approved for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has shown a distinct safety profile in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, post-marketing pharmacovigilance is crucial to identify real-world safety signals including sex-specific differences that may not be evident in controlled trial settings. Methods: This analysis reviewed 845 individual case safety reports (ICSRs) from the Eudra Vigilance (EV) database between 1 January 2021, and 8 April 2025, involving NSCLC patients treated with sotorasib. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were assessed by sex, seriousness, outcome, and system organ class (SOC). Disproportionality analyses were conducted to detect sex-specific safety signals, and results were compared with data from the CodeBreaK200 RCT by using a two-proportion z-test. Results: Among the ICSRs, 49.2% involved male and 40.1% female patients. Serious ADRs accounted for 47.5% of cases, with females at higher risk (relative risk [RR] = 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–1.40; p < 0.0001). The most frequently reported SOCs were neoplasms (15.8%), gastrointestinal disorders (15.3%), and hepatobiliary disorders (11.5%). Four sex-specific safety signals were identified: women had a significantly increased risk of cholestasis (RR = 3.37) and hepatotoxicity (RR = 3.01), while men were less likely to report decreased appetite (RR = 0.20) and rash (RR = 0.14). Real-world data showed lower reporting of diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and liver enzyme elevations (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Real-world pharmacovigilance supports the RCT findings and highlights sex-specific risks, thus emphasizing the importance of sex-aware monitoring and personalized toxicity management. Full article

The agri-food sector is currently undergoing a significant digital transformation, driven by climate change, frequent supply chain disruptions, and increasing demand for transparency and food safety. This article, based on a systematic review of 113 recent studies (in line with the PRISMA guidelines), delves into how emerging digital technologies, particularly blockchain, are reshaping agri-food supply chains towards sustainability, a circular economy, and complete product traceability from production to the final consumer. The paper identifies the main enabling factors, barriers, and implementation models of blockchain and other technologies associated with Industry 4.0 (IoT, artificial intelligence, smart contracts), highlighting their role in increasing the resilience of supply chains, optimising quality control, and sustainable resource management. A key contribution of the study is the introduction of the CTSAF (Converging Technologies for Sustainable Agri-Food Chains) conceptual framework, which provides practical implications for policymakers and organisations, enabling them to make informed decisions. The results also provide valuable insights for future research, supporting the transition to a more transparent, resilient, and sustainable global food system. Full article

The widespread integration of Internet-connected devices into industrial environments has enhanced connectivity and automation but has also increased the exposure of industrial cyber–physical systems to security threats. Detecting anomalies is essential for ensuring operational continuity and safeguarding critical assets, yet the dynamic, real-time nature of such data poses challenges for developing effective defenses. This paper introduces DataSense, a comprehensive dataset designed to advance security research in industrial networked environments. DataSense contains synchronized sensor and network stream data, capturing interactions among diverse industrial sensors, commonly used connected devices, and network equipment, enabling vulnerability studies across heterogeneous industrial setups. The dataset was generated through the controlled execution of 50 realistic attacks spanning seven major categories: reconnaissance, denial of service, distributed denial of service, web exploitation, man-in-the-middle, brute force, and malware. This process produced a balanced mix of benign and malicious traffic that reflects real-world conditions. To enhance its utility, we introduce an original feature selection approach that identifies features most relevant to improving detection rates while minimizing resource usage. Comprehensive experiments with a broad spectrum of machine learning and deep learning models validate the dataset’s applicability, making DataSense a valuable resource for developing robust systems for detecting anomalies and preventing intrusions in real time within industrial environments. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and virulent infectious disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), with mortality rates approaching 100% in domestic pigs. The global spread of ASF has caused enormous losses to the swine industry and species diversity, seriously affecting food safety in China. ASFV mainly infects the mononuclear system, inducing significant alterations in host-cell gene expression. Multigene family 360 (MGF360) genes play crucial roles in ASFV infection. To investigate the function of MGF360–4L, this study employed high-throughput RNA sequencing to analyze dynamic transcriptomic changes in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) infected with wild-type ASFV (ASFV-WT) or MGF360–4L deletion mutant (ASFVΔMGF360–4L). Results demonstrated that both viruses activated host innate immune responses during early infection, significantly upregulating immune-related genes. At 16 h post-infection, differentially expressed genes in ASFV-WT- and ASFVΔMGF360–4L-infected cells were enriched in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathways, suggesting a potential involvement of MGF360–4L in this process. This study elucidates novel ASFV–host interactions using transcriptomics, providing data to support ASF control strategies. Full article

This study explores a stochastic guarantee cost control (GCC) for time-varying systems with random parameters and asymmetric saturation actuators by employing the integral reinforcement learning (IRL) method in the dynamic event-triggered (DET) mode. Firstly, a modified Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaac (HJI) equation is formulated, and then the worst-case disturbance policy and the asymmetric saturation optimal control signal can be obtained. Secondly, the multivariate probabilistic collocation method (MPCM) is used to evaluate the value function at designated sampling points. The purpose of introducing the MPCM is to simplify the computational complexity of stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) methods. Furthermore, the DET mode is utilized to solve the SDP problem to reduce the computational burden on communication resources. Finally, the Lyapunov stability theorem is applied to analyze the stability of time-varying systems, and the simulation shows the feasibility of the designed method. Full article