Search Results (29,634)

Micro and small wind turbines (MAWTs) are increasingly integrated into residential and prosumer hybrid energy systems. However, their real-world performance often falls short of catalog specifications due to mismatched wind resources, siting limitations, and insufficient attention to human comfort. This paper presents a comprehensive decision-support framework for selecting the type and scale of MAWTs under actual local conditions. The energy assessment module combines aerodynamic performance scaling, wind speed-frequency modeling based on Weibull distributions, turbulence intensity adjustments, and component-level efficiency factors for both horizontal and vertical axis turbines. The framework addresses three key design objectives: efficiency—aligning turbine geometry and control strategies with local wind regimes to maximize energy yield; comfort—evaluating candidate designs for noise emissions, shadow flicker, and visual impact near buildings; and climate adaptation—linking turbine siting, hub height, and rotor type to terrain roughness, turbulence, and built environment characteristics. Case studies from low and moderate wind locations in Central Europe demonstrate how multi-criteria filtering avoids oversizing, improves the autonomy of hybrid PV–wind systems, and identifies configurations that may exceed permissible limits for noise or flicker. The proposed methodology enables evidence-based deployment of MAWTs in decentralized energy systems that balance technical performance, resilience, and occupant well-being. Full article

The exposure of endothelial cells to high glucose concentrations promotes angiogenesis. The present study investigated whether this pro-angiogenic effect of glucose is suitable to improve the capability of nanofat to vascularize implanted dermal substitutes. Nanofat was processed from white adipose tissue originating from green fluorescent protein (GFP)⁺ C57BL/6J donor mice and incubated for 1 h in Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution with or without (control) a high level of glucose (30 mM). The pretreated nanofat was seeded onto dermal substitutes, which were analyzed by intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry in dorsal skinfold chambers of GFP⁻ C57BL/6J mice to assess their vivo performance over a period of 14 days. A high level of glucose-pretreated nanofat did not induce a stronger immune response when compared to the control. However, it improved the vascularization of the implants, as shown by a significantly higher density of blood-perfused microvessels in the border zones (~3.6-fold increase) and more CD31⁺/GFP⁺ microvessels (~3-fold increase) inside the implants. Accordingly, high glucose-pretreated nanofat levels also enhanced the tissue integration of the dermal substitutes, as indicated by the deposition of more type I collagen (~2.9-fold increase). These findings suggest that the short-term exposure of nanofat to a high level of glucose represents a promising and clinically feasible strategy to enhance its regenerative properties when seeded onto dermal substitutes. Full article

Lake Batur is part of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark and an active caldera of Mount Batur on Bali Island, Indonesia, and it has no inlet or outlet. The current state of the lake has deteriorated due to severe environmental degradation. The lake’s management will focus on the environment and other aspects planned in an integrated, sustainable lake management scenario. The research aims to develop a Key Performance Indicator instrument to determine the lake’s sustainable status. These indicators included environmental, socio-cultural, economic, institutional-management, and infrastructure-technology aspects. The method used is Multi-Aspect Sustainability Analysis to determine its sustainable status and identify the factors that have the most leverage in actions to restore Lake Batur. The primary data was collected through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and field surveys. Respondents were stakeholders who knew the factual conditions of Lake Batur. The research results show that Lake Batur is in a state of alert or declining sustainability, even predicted to become critical if there is no significant management soon. The performance of all aspects is in the alert category (unsustainable or <50/100) except the social-cultural in the acceptable category (not yet ideal/sustainable). The management scenario of Lake Batur, at least increases to the acceptable category, includes controlling the number of floating net cages and the forest area, developing the potential of tourism and fisheries, reducing conflicts, establishing rules for lake use, increasing the role of the central government, and digitalization of lake management development, construction of water infrastructure and the use of renewable energy. Full article

Virtual-reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an emerging treatment for psychiatric disorders that enables immersive and controlled exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli. Recent developments integrate real-time physiological monitoring, including heart rate (HR), electrodermal activity (EDA), and electroencephalography (EEG), to dynamically tailor therapeutic interventions. This systematic review examines studies that combine VRET with physiological data to adapt virtual environments in real time. A comprehensive search of major databases identified fifteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria: all employed physiological monitoring and adaptive features, with ten using biofeedback to modulate exposure based on single or multimodal physiological measures. The remaining studies leveraged physiological signals to inform scenario selection or threat modulation using dynamic categorization algorithms and machine learning. Although findings currently show an overrepresentation of anxiety disorders, recent studies are increasingly involving more diverse clinical populations. Results suggest that adaptive VRET is technically feasible and offers promising personalization benefits; however, the limited number of studies, methodological variability, and small sample sizes constrain broader conclusions. Future research should prioritize rigorous experimental designs, standardized outcome measures, and greater diversity in clinical populations. Adaptive VRET represents a frontier in precision psychiatry, where real-time biosensing and immersive technologies converge to enhance individualized mental health care. Full article

APOBEC3B (A3B) has been implicated in host–virus interactions, but its role in SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that A3B is overexpressed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells from severe COVID-19 patients compared to those with mild disease. A3B knockdown in Caco-2 cells significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, likely through attenuation of the PKR-mediated integrated stress response, a pathway proposed to promote SARS-CoV-2. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data suggest that BALF cells from severe COVID-19 patients exhibit a repressed state for cellular translation, potentially mediated by eIF2α phosphorylation. However, in A549-ACE2 cells, SARS-CoV-2 does not activate PKR, but A3B knockdown still reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, suggesting an alternative mechanism of action in different cellular contexts. To further investigate A3B’s role in severe COVID-19, we employed Geneformer, a transformer-based machine learning model, which predicted that A3B knockout would perturb AMPD2 (adenosine monophosphate deaminase 2), a key enzyme in purine metabolism and immune regulation. We validated this prediction using bulk RNA-seq and clinical scRNA-seq data, confirming that AMPD2 expression is downregulated in severe COVID-19 but restored upon A3B knockdown. Together, these findings suggest that A3B plays a proviral role in SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating translational control and immune regulatory networks, warranting further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanistic details. Full article

Traffic-induced vibrations from road and rail systems pose a significant threat to the structural integrity and operational safety of buildings, especially masonry structures located near planned infrastructure such as tunnels. This study investigates the dynamic impact of such vibrations on a representative early 20th-century masonry building situated within the influence zone of a design railway tunnel. A comprehensive analysis combining geological, structural, and vibration propagation data was conducted. A detailed 3D finite element model was developed in Diana FEA v10.7, incorporating building material properties, subsoil conditions, and anticipated train-induced excitations. Various vibration isolation strategies were evaluated, including the use of block supports and vibro-isolation mats. The model was calibrated using pre-construction measurements, and simulations were carried out in the linear-elastic range to prevent resident-related claims. Results showed that dynamic stresses in masonry walls and wooden floor beams remain well below critical thresholds, even in areas with stress concentration. Among the tested configurations, vibration mitigation systems significantly reduced the transmitted forces. This research highlights the effectiveness of integrated numerical modelling and vibration control solutions in protecting structures from traffic-induced vibrations and supports informed engineering decisions in tunnel design and urban development planning. Full article

This study develops a new integral sliding mode-based method to address the decentralized adaptive fault-tolerant guaranteed cost control (GCC) problem via a dynamic event-triggered (DET) adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) approach. Firstly, integral sliding mode control technology is applied to eliminate the influence of actuator faults, which can guarantee that the large-scale system states stay on the sliding mode surface. Secondly, the ADP algorithm based on DET mode is employed to improve the control performance for equivalent sliding mode surface and reduce computational and communication overhead. Meanwhile, the GCC method is introduced to ensure that the performance cost function is less than an upper bound while maintaining system stability. Then, through Lyapunov stability analysis, it is proven that the presented DET-GCC method based on ADP algorithm can guarantee that all signals are uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the validity of the developed approach is confirmed through the simulation results. Full article

Lygus pratensis is a major pest of cotton, causing serious damage to cotton production. This study designed species-specific PCR detection primers for L. pratensis, established a detection system to identify L. pratensis DNA in the intestinal contents of predatory natural enemies, and investigated the control potential of four species’ predatory natural enemies against L. pratensis. The results indicated that 826 predatory natural enemies were collected from cotton fields belonging to two classes, five orders, and twelve families. Among these, 9 species of insecta natural enemies accounted for 54.12% of the total number of predatory natural enemies collected, while 14 species of arachnida predatory natural enemies comprised 45.88%. Of the 806 natural enemies tested, 5.58% were found to be positive for L. pratensis, all of which were arachnid predators, specifically Ebrechtella tricuspidata, Xysticus ephippiatus, Hylyphantes graminicola, and Oxyopes sertatus. The predation response of these four spider species to the fourth to fifth instar nymphs and adults of L. pratensis adhered to the Holling II model. The theoretical predation (a′/Th), daily maximum predation rate (T/Th), and searching effect for the fourth to fifth instar nymphs and adults of L. pratensis of the four spider species were assessed. According to the results, the species can be ranked in terms of their predatory and searching efficiency as follows: O. sertatus > E. tricuspidata > X. ephippiatus > H. graminicola. Four species of spiders had the highest theoretical predation against L. pratensis nymphs, ranging from 23.71 to 60.86, and adults, ranging from 22.14 to 50.25. Therefore, these four spider species could be utilized for L. pratensis management. This study identified the main predatory natural enemies of L. pratensis and their pest control capabilities, providing a scientific basis for selecting and utilizing natural enemies in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. This will help promote ecological and green pest control of L. pratensis in cotton-growing areas. Full article

Urban networks are a key force in reshaping regional resilience patterns. However, existing research has not yet systematically elucidated, from a physical–virtual integration perspective, the underlying mechanisms through which composite urban networks shape multidimensional urban resilience in regions confronted with severe environmental and infrastructural challenges. Northwest China, characterized by its extreme arid climate, pronounced core–periphery structure, and heavy reliance on overland transportation, provides an important empirical context for examining the unique relationship between network centrality and the mechanisms of resilience formation. Based on the panel data of 33 prefecture-level cities in northwest China from 2011 to 2023, this article empirically examines the impact of the composite urban network constructed by traffic and information flows on urban resilience from the perspective of network node centrality using a two-way fixed-effects model. It is found that (1) the spatial evolution of urban resilience in northwest China is characterized by “core leadership—gradient agglomeration”: provincial capitals demonstrate significantly the highest resilience levels, while non-provincial cities are predominantly characterized by medium resilience and contiguous distribution, and the growth rate of low-resilience cities is faster, which pushes down the relative gap in the region, but the absolute gap persists; (2) the urban network in this region is characterized by a highly centralized topology, which improves the efficiency of resource allocation yet simultaneously introduces systemic vulnerability due to its over-reliance on a limited number of core hubs; (3) urban network centrality exerts a significant positive impact on resilience enhancement (β = 0.002, p < 0.01) and the core nodes of the city through the control of resources to strengthen the economic, ecological, social, and infrastructural resilience; (4) multi-dimensional factors synergistically drive the resilience, with the financial development level, economic density, and informationization level as a positive pillar. The population size and rough water utilization significantly inhibit the resilience of the region. Accordingly, the optimization path of “multi-center resilience network reconstruction, classified measures to break resource constraints, regional wisdom, and collaborative governance” is proposed to provide theoretical support and a practical paradigm for the construction of resilient cities in northwest China. Full article

Early testicular development is vital for adult male fertility but remains highly vulnerable to stress during the suckling stage. Fermented Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is known for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, yet its role in testicular development remains unclear. In this study, Songliao Black piglets received 3% fermented Chinese chive (LK group) mixed with starter feed and compared to a control (OD group). Testicular samples at weaning (28 days) underwent transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Although no significant differences were observed in gross testicular morphology, the LK group significantly increased individual (13.85%) and litter (15.11%) weaning weights (p < 0.05), with elevated serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and a 32.2% rise in IgG levels (p < 0.05). Integrated analysis identified 76 shared pathways, including ferroptosis, insulin resistance, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and cAMP signaling. Upregulated genes in the LK group were mainly related to energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, immune regulation, steroidogenesis, and neuroendocrine signaling, suggesting improved metabolic activity, reduced oxidative stress, and accelerated reproductive maturation. Molecular docking indicated that kaempferol and isorhamnetin from Chinese chive bind strongly to proteins involved in testicular development. Overall, fermented Chinese chive supplementation enhances early testicular development in suckling piglets via integrated modulation of metabolic, immune, and signaling pathways, providing a nutritional strategy to optimize reproductive potential in breeding boars. 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

Advancements in bioinks and three-dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting have significantly advanced cardiovascular tissue engineering by enabling the fabrication of biomimetic cardiac and vascular constructs. Traditional 3D printing has contributed to the development of acellular scaffolds, vascular grafts, and patient-specific cardiovascular models that support surgical planning and biomedical applications. In contrast, 3D bioprinting has emerged as a transformative biofabrication technology that allows for the spatially controlled deposition of living cells and biomaterials to construct functional tissues in vitro. Bioinks—derived from natural biomaterials such as collagen and decellularized matrix, synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polycaprolactone (PCL), or hybrid combinations—have been engineered to replicate extracellular environments while offering tunable mechanical properties. These formulations ensure biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical strength, and high printing fidelity, thereby maintaining cell viability, structural integrity, and precise architectural resolution in the printed constructs. Advanced bioprinting modalities, including extrusion-based bioprinting (such as the FRESH technique), droplet/inkjet bioprinting, digital light processing (DLP), two-photon polymerization (TPP), and melt electrowriting (MEW), enable the fabrication of complex cardiovascular structures such as vascular patches, ventricle-like heart pumps, and perfusable vascular networks, demonstrating the feasibility of constructing functional cardiac tissues in vitro. This review highlights the respective strengths of these technologies—for example, extrusion’s ability to print high-cell-density bioinks and MEW’s ultrafine fiber resolution—as well as their limitations, including shear-induced cell stress in extrusion and limited throughput in TPP. The integration of optimized bioink formulations with appropriate printing and bioprinting platforms has significantly enhanced the replication of native cardiac and vascular architectures, thereby advancing the functional maturation of engineered cardiovascular constructs. Full article

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles are utilized to assess the color stability and surface roughness of heat-temperature vulcanized maxillofacial silicone under simulated aging conditions. Silicone specimens were created with different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (0 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4 wt%) and pigmented with two inherent colors (soft brown and rose silk). The color stability was evaluated by calculating the CIELAB color space, and the surface roughness was analyzed both before and after UV exposure. The applied method considerably improved color stability, with the best results achieved when 1 wt% and 3 wt% ZnO were used. During the aging periods, the soft brown pigment was more resistant to discoloration than rose silk. The incorporation of ZnO resulted in a reduction in the initial surface roughness parameters, while simultaneously increasing the surface’s resistance to UV-induced degradation. Substantial increases in roughness were observed in the control samples. By contrast, adding ZnO improved surface integrity. In conclusion, including an optimized amount of ZnO nanoparticles to heat-polymerized maxillofacial silicone can increase the lifespan of silicone prostheses, providing a smooth appearance and resistance to environmental factors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) remains a major global cause of morbidity and mortality, exerting substantial health and economic burdens. Increasing evidence suggests that systemic inflammation plays a pivotal role in HF pathophysiology, with key cytokines; interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) contributing to disease progression and worsening cardiac function. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients with HF compared to control subjects, to assess differences in these inflammatory mediators between groups, and to explore their relationship with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: A case–control study was conducted at the Madinah Cardiac Center between October 2024 and April 2025, including 61 patients diagnosed with HF and 65 age- and sex-matched controls without HF. Serum concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical parameters, including LVEF and echocardiographic data, were recorded and analyzed. Results: Patients with HF demonstrated significantly elevated levels of IL-1 (6.77 ± 1.17 vs. 1.27 ± 0.42 pg/mL, p < 0.001), IL-6 (54.12 ± 4.64 vs. 9.29 ± 1.72 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and TNF-α (235.56 ± 18.88 vs. 67.37 ± 6.28 pg/mL, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Higher inflammatory marker levels were associated with reduced LVEF and more advanced New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, indicating a clear link between systemic inflammation and HF severity. Conclusions: The significant elevation of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in HF patients highlights the pivotal role of inflammation in disease progression and severity, offering valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that may inform future therapeutic strategies. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of these key pro-inflammatory cytokines in relation to LVEF, this study presents an integrated perspective on the inflammatory profile associated with HF. Full article