Search Results (13,543)

In this study, a new approach was developed for the estimation of optimum parameters (ODP), in terms of materials and design in livestock barns, and for optimal design. For this purpose, two thousand simulations were run using Monte Carlo (MC) techniques and Latin hypercube methods using the Energy Plus program on a 50-head closed dairy farm. In this study, the heat balance in the barn was adapted to Energy Plus using an innovative approach, using heat balance equations according to the ASHRAE Standard. First, data normality was determined using the Shapiro–Wilk (SW) and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) tests. Data on thermal stress duration and energy consumption for dairy cattle welfare were estimated directly from the simulations, and sensitivity (SA) and uncertainty (UA) analyses were conducted. Furthermore, the statistical relationship between thermal comfort and energy consumption was determined using Pearson correlation. The predicted values obtained from the simulations were validated with barn values, and time-series overlay plots and histograms were generated. Furthermore, interpretations of the validation processes were made based on MBE, RSME, and R² statistical values. The study estimated an indoor thermal comfort temperature of 12 °C, and this value was taken into account in the innovatively developed simulations. The estimated optimum design parameters in the study resulted in energy reductions of 25% and 41% for walls and roofs, 48% and 19% for cooling and heating setpoint temperatures, 43% and 37% for window areas, and 75% and 40% for natural and mechanical ventilation, respectively. When the design parameters were evaluated holistically and analyzed in terms of average values, the new simulation model achieved approximately 50% energy savings. We believe that the newly developed approach will guide future planning for countries, the public, and private sectors to ensure animal welfare and reduce energy consumption. Full article

Prompt engineering (PE) has emerged as a transformative paradigm in software engineering (SE), leveraging large language models (LLMs) to support a wide range of SE tasks, including code generation, bug detection, and software traceability. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) combined with a co-citation network analysis of 42 peer-reviewed journal articles to map key research themes, commonly applied PE methods, and evaluation metrics in the SE domain. The results reveal four prominent research clusters: manual prompt crafting, retrieval-augmented generation, chain-of-thought prompting, and automated prompt tuning. These approaches demonstrate notable progress, often matching or surpassing traditional fine-tuning methods in terms of adaptability and computational efficiency. Interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in AI, machine learning, and software engineering is identified as a key driver of innovation. However, several research gaps remain, including the absence of standardized evaluation protocols, sensitivity to prompt brittleness, and challenges in scalability across diverse SE applications. To address these issues, a modular prompt engineering framework is proposed, integrating human-in-the-loop design, automated prompt optimization, and version control mechanisms. Additionally, a conceptual pipeline is introduced to support domain adaptation and cross-domain generalization. Finally, a strategic research roadmap is presented, emphasizing future work on interpretability, fairness, and collaborative development platforms. This study offers a comprehensive foundation and practical insights to advance prompt engineering research tailored to the complex and evolving needs of software engineering. Full article

To analyze and enhance the transient stability of a hydro-wind-PV VSC-HVDC transmission system, this paper establishes a transient stability analytical model and proposes strategies for stability improvement. Based on the dynamic interaction mechanisms of multiple types of power sources, an analytical model integrating GFM converters, GFL converters, and SGs is first developed. The EAC is employed to investigate how the factors such as current-limiting thresholds and fault locations influence transient stability. Subsequently, a parameter tuning method based on optimal phase angle calculation and delayed control of current-limiting modes is proposed. Theoretical analysis and PSCAD simulations demonstrate that various factors affect transient stability by influencing the PLL of converters and the electromagnetic power of synchronous machines. The energy transfer path during transient processes is related to fault locations, parameter settings of current-limiting modes in converters, and the operational states of equipment. The proposed strategy significantly improves the transient synchronization stability of multi-source coupled systems. The research findings reveal the transient stability mechanisms of hydro-wind-PV VSC-HVDC transmission systems, and the proposed stability enhancement method combines theoretical innovation with engineering practicality, providing valuable insights for the planning and design of such scenarios. Full article

Wood-derived ceramics represent a novel class of bio-based composite materials that integrate the hierarchical porous architecture of natural wood with high-performance ceramic phases such as silicon carbide (SiC). This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the fabrication of SiC woodceramics via two predominant sintering routes—reactive infiltration sintering and hot-press sintering—and elucidates their effects on the resulting microstructure and mechanical properties. This review leverages the intrinsic anisotropic vascular network and multiscale porosity and mechanical strength, achieving ultralightweight yet mechanically robust ceramics with tunable anisotropy and dynamic energy dissipation capabilities. Critical process–structure–property relationships are highlighted, including the role of ceramic reinforcement phases, interfacial engineering, and multiscale toughening mechanisms. The review further explores emerging applications spanning extreme protection (e.g., ballistic armor and aerospace thermal shields), multifunctional devices (such as electromagnetic shielding and tribological components), and architectural innovations including seismic-resistant composites and energy-efficient building materials. Finally, key challenges such as sintering-induced deformation, interfacial bonding limitations, and scalability are discussed alongside future prospects involving low-temperature sintering, nanoscale interface reinforcement, and additive manufacturing. This mini overview provides essential insights into the design and optimization of wood-derived ceramics, advancing their transition from sustainable biomimetic materials to next-generation high-performance structural components. This review synthesizes data from over 50 recent studies (2011–2025) indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, highlighting three key advancements: (1) bio-templated anisotropy breaking the porosity–strength trade-off, (2) reactive vs. hot-press sintering mechanisms, and (3) multifunctional applications in extreme environments. Full article

Introduction: Plant-based phospholipid (PP) liposomes are sustainable, biocompatible, and biodegradable carriers with advantages over synthetic and animal-derived lipids, including lower immunogenic risk and abundant availability from sources such as soy, sunflower, and canola. This systematic review examines their characteristics, innovations, and applications in breast cancer (BCA) therapy. Methods: A total of 43 studies published between 2010 and June 2025 were identified from MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on PP composition, drug delivery mechanisms, and therapeutic efficacy in in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical BCA models. Results: Advances include nanotechnology and ligand-targeted systems that improve stability, control drug release, and enhance tumor-specific uptake. PP liposomes co-loaded with chemotherapeutics showed synergistic anticancer effects, increased tumor accumulation, and reduced systemic toxicity. Personalized targeting strategies further improved therapeutic precision and minimized off-target effects. Conclusions: PP liposomes offer an innovative and environmentally sustainable approach for BCA treatment with demonstrated preclinical benefits in efficacy and safety. Translation to clinical practice requires standardized characterization, scalable production, and well-designed trials to confirm safety, dosing, and long-term effectiveness. Full article

The rapid development of transportation infrastructure in mountainous terrains, soft-soil foundations, and high-fill embankments poses stability challenges for conventional embankments, driving the application of advanced three-dimensional reinforced soil technologies. Geogrid with Strengthened Nodes (GSN) is one such innovation, forming a three-dimensional structure by placing block-shaped nodes at geogrid rib intersections. Current research on GSN focuses mainly on pullout tests and numerical simulations, while model-scale studies of its load-bearing deformation behavior and soil pressure distribution remain scarce. This study presents laboratory model tests to assess the reinforcement performance of GSN-reinforced embankments under static and dynamic strip loads. Under static loading, the ultimate bearing capacity of GSN-reinforced embankments increased by 74.58% compared with unreinforced cases and by 26.2% compared with conventional geogrids. Under dynamic loading, cumulative settlement decreased by 32.82%, and lateral displacement at the slope crest was reduced by 64.34%. The strengthened node design improved soil shear strength and controlled lateral deformation via enhanced lateral resistance, creating a more stable “reinforced zone” that alleviated local stress concentrations. Overall, GSN significantly enhanced embankment bearing capacity and stability, outperforming traditional geogrid reinforcement under both static and dynamic conditions, and providing a promising solution for challenging geotechnical environments. Full article

The intelligent optimization algorithm has become a key tool in complex and intertwined engineering and science fields. However, with the increasing complexity of the problem and the rapid expansion of the data scale, the performance of the algorithm has been challenged unprecedentedly. The artificial lemming algorithm has gradually emerged because of its unique structural design and efficient optimization performance and has been widely recognized by academic circles. However, in the face of more complex and challenging optimization and scheduling problems, it also exposed some obvious shortcomings. For example, the dispersion of the initial individual set in the algorithm is low, which leads to the low accuracy of the optimal solution. In addition, the exploitation ability of the algorithm is relatively weak, which leads to a slow convergence speed. Fortunately, this paper proposes an improved artificial lemming algorithm. Based on the in-depth analysis of the original algorithm, aiming at addressing the shortcomings of the original algorithm, some innovative mechanisms are introduced. In order to verify the effectiveness of the improved algorithm, a large number of experiments are carried out through global optimization test problems. The experimental results show that the performance of the algorithm has been obviously improved, and the accuracy and convergence speed of the solution are obviously better than the original algorithm and some baseline algorithms. In addition, this paper also applies the improved artificial travel algorithm to the cloud scheduling problem. These experimental results further verify the feasibility and effectiveness of this method in practical application and provide strong support for its application in a wider range of fields. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leadership in physical education plays a critical role in the holistic development of students, influencing variables such as satisfaction, group cohesion, and performance. Despite the abundance of cross-sectional studies, there is a paucity of longitudinal evidence exploring the temporal stability of these perceptions in adolescent populations, which limits the current understanding of leadership development in educational settings. This longitudinal study investigates how secondary and high school students perceive and prefer different leadership styles in PE and how these relate to gender, academic level, and sport participation, grounded in the multidimensional leadership model. The analysis is further contextualized by recent research emphasizing adaptive, evidence-based pedagogical approaches in physical education, the influence of competitive environments on leadership expectations, and the role of emotional support in training contexts. Methods: Using validated questionnaires (LSS-1 and LSS-2), five dimensions were assessed: Training and Instruction, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, Social Support, and positive feedback, considering variables such as gender, academic level, and extracurricular sport participation. Data were collected at two time points over a 12-month interval, enabling the identification of temporal patterns in students’ perceptions and preferences. Sampling procedures were clearly defined to enhance transparency and potential replicability, and the choice of a convenience sample from two private schools was justified by accessibility and continuity in longitudinal tracking. Although no a priori power analysis was conducted, the sample size (n = 370) was deemed adequate for the non-parametric analyses employed, with an estimated statistical power ≥ 0.80 for medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.3–0.5). Results: The results revealed a marked preference for leadership styles emphasizing social support and positive feedback, particularly among students engaged in sports. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified based on gender and academic maturity, with female students favoring democratic behavior and students in the fourth year of compulsory secondary education showing a stronger inclination toward styles prioritizing emotional support. Trends toward statistical significance (p < 0.10) were also reported, following precedents in the sport psychology and sport sciences literature, as they provide potentially relevant indications for future research directions. The congruence between perceived and preferred leadership emerged as a key factor in student satisfaction, confirming that adaptive leadership enhances students’ learning experiences and overall well-being. However, this satisfaction was inferred from congruence measures, rather than directly assessed, representing a key methodological limitation. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of physical education teachers tailoring their leadership styles to the individual and group characteristics of their students. The findings align with methodological approaches used in preference hierarchy analyses in sport contexts and support calls for individualized pedagogical strategies observed in sports medicine and training research. By providing longitudinal evidence on leadership perception stability and integrating recent cross-disciplinary findings, the study makes an original contribution to bridging the gap between educational theory and practice. The results address a gap in the literature concerning the temporal stability of leadership perceptions among adolescents, offering a theoretically grounded basis for future research and the design of pedagogical innovations in PE. Full article

This study, conducted in Cajón de Piedra, Santo Domingo Tehuantepec, analyzes women’s participation in Sembrando Vida (PSV), Mexico’s flagship reforestation and rural development program, through the lenses of community engagement and feminist care economy frameworks. The research employed convenience sampling and participatory workshops with 27 participants (20 men and seven women). Using innovative mixed methods, the study maps gendered labor divisions and PSV’s impact on women’s daily lives. The results reveal that while PSV enhances women’s productive labor visibility, it simultaneously exacerbates time poverty due to unpaid care work burdens and infrastructural deficits. The program’s contribution to community resilience is tempered by its reinforcement of traditional gender roles. These findings underscore the urgent need for intersectional policy design in rural development initiatives, highlighting the importance of this research in shaping future policies. Full article

Concealed water bodies within surrounding rock formations pose a serious threat to tunnel construction. To address this risk, this study integrates physics-based heat conduction theory with deep learning, unlike existing methods that treat temperature as isolated data points or rely solely on empirical models. The approach introduces three key innovations: (a) analytical temperature–location relationships for water body characterization; (b) pseudo-temporal modeling of spatial sequences and (c) physics-guided neural architecture design. First, a steady-state heat conduction model is established to characterize axial temperature distribution patterns caused by concealed water bodies during excavation. From this, quantitative relationships between temperature anomalies and the location and size of the water bodies are derived. Next, a deep learning model, ST-HydraNet, is proposed to treat tunnel axial temperature data as a pseudo-time series for hazard prediction. Experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves high accuracy (91%) and perfect precision (1.0), significantly outperforming existing methods. These findings show that the proposed framework provides a non-invasive, interpretable, and robust solution for real-time hazard detection, with strong potential for integration into intelligent tunnel safety systems. By enabling earlier and more reliable detection, the model directly enhances construction safety, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pain, anxiety, and distress are common yet frequently insufficiently managed issues for patients undergoing radiology and radiotherapy procedures. Immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), are emerging as innovative non-pharmacological approaches to alleviate such burdens through engaging interventions. This review, combining scoping and narrative methodologies, seeks to examine the current application, efficacy, and integration of these technologies to enhance patient care and wellbeing within diagnostic and oncological environments. Methods: Employing a mixed scoping and narrative review approach, this study conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (no date restrictions—search included studies up to May 2025) to identify relevant studies utilizing VR, AR, MR, or XR for mitigating pain, anxiety, or distress in patients undergoing radiology or radiotherapy. Two independent reviewers selected eligible papers, with data extracted systematically. The narrative analysis supplemented the scoping review by providing contextual insights into clinical relevance and technological challenges. Results: The screening process identified 76 articles, of which 27 were assessed for eligibility and 14 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on oncology and primarily employed VR as the immersive technology. VR has shown promising effects in reducing anxiety and pain—particularly during radiotherapy sessions and invasive procedures—and in supporting patient education through engaging, immersive experiences, making it a valuable approach meriting further investigation. Patient acceptance was notably high, especially among those with elevated distress levels. However, findings in radiology were less consistent, likely due to shorter procedure durations limiting the effectiveness of VR. The variability in outcomes highlights the importance of tailoring immersive interventions to specific procedures and patient needs. The narrative component identified key barriers, such as regulatory hurdles, standardization issues, and implementation challenges, that need addressing for broader clinical adoption. Conclusions: Immersive digital therapeutics are evolving from preliminary research tools toward more structured incorporation into clinical practice. Their future success relies on harmonizing technological advancements with patient-focused design and robust clinical evidence. Achieving this will require collaborative efforts among researchers, industry stakeholders, and healthcare providers. The integration of scoping and narrative review methods in this study offers a comprehensive perspective on the current landscape and informs strategic directions for advancing immersive technologies in radiology and radiotherapy. Full article

The development of energy-efficient propulsion systems for autonomous sailboats requires innovative sail designs that balance aerodynamic performance and maritime operational reliability. This study presents a novel rigid wing sail system comprising a NACA 0020 main sail with an embedded NACA 0018 tail sail, specifically designed for uncrewed ocean navigation. Through systematic CFD analysis using ANSYS Fluent 2022R1, three configurations were compared: (1) the proposed hybrid wing–tail system, (2) a single main wing sail, and (3) traditional flap sails. The investigation focused on two key design parameters—tail sail area (25–40% of main sail area) and deflection angle (0–15°)—that were evaluated across angles of attack from 0° to 30° under typical marine wind conditions. The results reveal three critical findings: First, the hybrid system achieves a 29.5% higher peak lift coefficient than a single wing sail and an 11.6% improvement over slotted-flap sails. Second, increasing the tail sail area to 35% of the main sail optimizes both the lift coefficient (C_L max = 1.16) and the lift-to-drag ratio (L/D = 7.5 at 9° angles of attack). Third, as the tail deflection angle increases, the maximum lift–drag ratio shifts forward, and at small angles of attack, the maximum lift–drag ratio increases by 40%. The hybrid wing–tail sail design proposed in this study significantly enhances the aerodynamic performance of uncrewed sailing boats, providing new insights for the sustainable development of marine renewable energy technologies and autonomous vessels. Full article

As the demand for new sustainable solutions for harvesting energy increases, the offshore energy sector focuses on optimising well-established state-of-the-art solutions while striving for new innovative approaches. Hybrid foundation designs have introduced new challenges and raised questions regarding scour and effective countermeasures. To further improve the knowledge regarding scour prediction, this paper presents and analyses the results from an experimental study behaviour of a riprap protection system for a monopile that determines and characterises scour on a flexible arrangement of overlapping sub-areas. The study was complemented by a novel series of tests using a hybrid foundation, where an oscillating surge wave energy converter (OSWEC) type was coupled to the monopile. Despite being submitted to similar hydrodynamic conditions, distinct differences in the scour rate and damage number (S_3D) were observed for both models. Although the OSWEC type contributed to local wave height attenuation (up to a 30% reduction on the leeward side of the hybrid monopile), its oscillatory motion severely aggravated scour, with measured damage rates two to three times higher than those observed in isolated monopiles. These results raise relevant questions about the applicability of existing design formulas for scour protection and underscore the necessity for revised criteria tailored to hybrid offshore foundations. Full article

Background: School lunch programs play a crucial role in shaping the nutritional status and academic performance of children, making them a cornerstone of public health initiatives worldwide. Objective: To elucidate emerging trends and propose a comprehensive framework for free school lunch as a nutrition policy through a combined bibliometric approach and critical review. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed to identify key thematic areas, influential research, and knowledge gaps from global literature databases, followed by a critical review synthesizing insights on nutritional adequacy, socio-cultural considerations, policy effectiveness, and innovative practices in free school meal programs. Results: The analysis revealed an increasing focus on sustainability, food waste management, and integration of nutrition education within school curricula, alongside notable disparities in implementation and accessibility, particularly in low-income regions. Conclusions: We propose a future-oriented framework emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, culturally adaptive meal designs, and utilization of technology for personalized nutrition strategies, contributing to the optimization of school lunch programs and advancement of sustainable development goals, particularly Zero Hunger and Quality Education. Full article

The transition towards a low-carbon energy system remains a critical challenge for regions heavily dependent on fossil fuels, such as Andalusia. This study proposes an energy planning framework based on the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) to model alternative scenarios and assess the feasibility of meeting the 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation targets. Three scenarios are evaluated, the Tendential Scenario (TS01), the Efficient Scenario (ES01), and the Efficient UJA (EEUJA) Scenario, with this last being specifically designed to ensure full compliance with regional energy goals. The results indicate that, while the Tendential Scenario falls short in reducing primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the Efficient Scenario achieves significant progress, though it is still insufficient to meet renewable energy integration targets. The proposed EEUJA Scenario introduces more ambitious measures, including large-scale electrification, smart grids, energy storage, and green hydrogen deployment, resulting in a 39.5% reduction in primary energy demand by 2030 and 97% renewable energy penetration by 2050. Furthermore, by implementing sector-specific decarbonisation strategies for the industry, transport, residential, and services sectors, Andalusia could position itself as a frontrunner in the energy transition while minimising economic and environmental risks. These findings underscore the importance of policy enforcement, technological innovation, and financial incentives in securing a sustainable energy future. The methodology developed in this study is replicable for other regions aiming for carbon neutrality and energy resilience through strategic planning and scenario analysis. Full article