Search Results (26,390)

This systematic review analyzes emerging inducers that optimize the germination process of cereals and pseudocereals to enhance bioactive compound production, categorizing them as physical (UV-B radiation, electromagnetic fields, ultrasound, cold plasma), chemical (phytohormones, minerals, growth regulators), and biological (concurrent fermentation, microbial extracts). The results reveal that these inducers significantly increase specific metabolites such as GABA enrichment (up to 800%), phenolic compounds (50–450%), and carotenoids (30–120%) in various bioactive cereals and functional pseudocereals. The underlying mechanisms include enzymatic activation, signal transduction, and controlled stress responses, which improve the bioavailability of phenolics and other bioactive compounds. Critical technological considerations for industrial implementation, bioavailability, and biological efficacy of these compounds are addressed. Synergies between inducers demonstrate exceptional potential for developing ingredients with optimized bioactive properties, especially when combining physical and biological processes. This integrated approach represents a promising frontier in food technology for producing cereals and pseudocereals with enhanced nutritional and functional profiles, applicable in chronic disease prevention and functional food formulation. Full article

Process simulation plays a crucial role in modern manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, decision making, and system optimization. However, its adoption varies across industries and regions, influenced by factors such as technological readiness, organizational culture, and workforce expertise. This study explores the application of process simulation in the Saudi manufacturing industry, investigating the extent of its use, key success stories, documented benefits, and barriers to adoption. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry leaders and engineers to capture real-world insights into how simulation is implemented and perceived. Findings reveal that while simulation has led to measurable improvements in productivity, cost efficiency, and operational decision making, challenges such as technical constraints, resistance to change, and a shortage of skilled professionals hinder wider adoption. These insights not only reflect the current state of simulation in Saudi manufacturing but also suggest broader implications for industries in other regions facing similar challenges. Understanding the key drivers and barriers to simulation adoption can help shape policies, training programs, and investment strategies to maximize benefits of simulation in manufacturing globally. Full article

Improving the precision of forest vegetation carbon stock estimation is essential for scientifically evaluating its economic value and ecological benefits. This study aims to investigate the impact of different estimation methods on carbon stock assessment. Taking the forest vegetation of the Zixi Mountain Nature Reserve as the research object, the carbon stock of the arbor layer was estimated using four approaches: the variable biomass expansion factor method, the biomass expansion factor method, the volume conversion method, and the continuous function method of the biomass conversion factor. The carbon stocks of economic forests and shrublands were estimated using the average biomass method. The economic value of forest carbon storage was then evaluated through the market value method and the optimal pricing approach for forest carbon sinks. The results revealed no significant differences among the four estimation methods. The estimated arbor forest carbon stocks were 692,548.39 tC, 672,599.83 tC, 673,161.07 tC, and 400,369.17 tC, respectively, with an overall average of 609,669.62 tC. The biomass expansion factor method and the volume conversion method produce the most consistent results. The corresponding relative errors were 13.59%, 10.32%, 10.41%, and −34.33%, respectively. The continuous function method of the biomass conversion factor exhibited the greatest variability, mainly due to the influence of Pinus yunnanensis parameters. Among all methods, the biomass expansion factor method yielded the smallest relative error, making it the most suitable for estimating arbor carbon stocks in the study area. The total average economic value of forest carbon storage in the region was estimated at CNY 58.09 million. Among all forest types, Pinus yunnanensis contributed the highest carbon value, totaling CNY 50.48 million. In terms of economic value per unit area, Pinus armandii ranked first, with CNY 11,418.92 per hectare. Among different age groups of arbor forests, middle-aged stands had the highest carbon sequestration value, reaching CNY 36.87 million. Across all functional zones, the core zone showed the greatest economic value at CNY 29.34 million. Enhancing forest resource protection to maximize both carbon sink capacity and economic returns, as well as promoting forest carbon trading, can bring additional economic benefits to Southwest China while contributing to the achievement of the national “dual carbon” goals. Full article

To address the challenges of dispersing aerial targets such as bird flocks at civilian airports and drones conducting low-altitude surveillance in critical areas, including ports and convention centers, this paper proposes a hybrid Artificial Potential Field-Particle Swarm Optimization (APF–PSO) algorithm. The proposed solution integrates the real-time collision-avoidance capability of the artificial potential field method with the global network-optimization characteristics of the particle swarm algorithm to maximize protective coverage. Simulation results demonstrate that the hybrid algorithm achieves optimal performance in dispersion of aerial targets based on protective coverage under safety constraints, confirming its superior performance. The key innovations lie in implementing a dynamic repulsion field with exponential gain for emergency maneuvers, introducing a vertical avoidance module to resolve deadlock issues, and establishing a novel decoupled cooperative paradigm for scalable aerial protection networks. Full article

This work examines the performance of a multi-antenna cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network that employs short-packet communications and operates under the effect of hardware impairments. Specifically, a multi-antenna source transmits superposition-coded NOMA signals to a near user and a far user. Acting as a decode-and-forward (DF) relay, the near user adopts successive interference cancellation (SIC) to decode and subsequently forward the message intended for the far user. In addition, the transmission strategy at the source is the maximum ratio transmission (MRT) and the reception strategy at the far user is selection combining (SC). For Nakagami-m fading channels, closed-form expressions for the average block error rate (BLER) and effective throughput are derived. Then, the effective throughput is maximized through the optimization of the blocklength, accounting for constraints on transmission latency and reliability. The results obtained from simulations confirm the analytical findings and demonstrate that the proposed scheme, with a two-antenna source configuration, achieves a superior effective throughput, reaching up to 240% at a transmit signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 33 dB, compared to the existing NOMA scheme in the literature. Full article

Basketball requires high-intensity, multidirectional movements that place significant stress on the ankle joint. Limited dorsiflexion and reduced change-of-direction (COD) ability are associated with impaired movement efficiency and may contribute to injury mechanisms. Isometric training may help address these limitations in professional players. To assess the effects of a season-long isometric intervention program on ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance in professional basketball players. Fourteen professional players (mean age 25.6 ± 3.9 years) completed a season-long isometric intervention program (5 days/week), which included three force-steady sustained running postures and two gym-based exercises performed at 80% maximal voluntary contraction for 15–20 s per repetition (12 reps/set, 3 sets/session). Significant improvements were observed in both ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance. Dorsiflexion increased by 34.0% in the left leg and 19.4% in the right leg (Lunge Test). COD performance in the L-Test improved by 10.0% for the leftwards side and 11.6% for the rightward side from pre- to post-intervention. Isometric training improved ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance in professional basketball players, suggesting potential performance benefits and enhanced movement efficiency in multidirectional tasks. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable biorefinery approaches calls for efficient, environmentally benign strategies to valorize agricultural residues and ensure their complete utilization. This study explores the combination of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and microwave heating technology as a greener process for the selective fractionation of agri-food waste residues in a zero-waste perspective. Within this framework, five representative biomasses were thoroughly investigated, namely brewer’s spent grain, raw and parboiled rice husks, rapeseed cakes, and hemp hurds. DES formulation was selected for its ability to solubilize and separate lignocellulosic components, enabling the recovery of a polysaccharide-rich fraction, lignin, and bioactive compounds. DES extraction was performed using both microwave heating and conventional batch heating, enabling a direct comparison of the two methods, the optimization of a more sustainable fractionation process, and the maximization of yields while preserving the functional integrity of the recovered fractions. A comprehensive characterization of the separated fractions was carried out, revealing that the two fractionation methods do not yield significant differences in the composition of the primary components. Moreover, a ¹³C CP-MAS NMR analysis of the recovered lignins demonstrates how this analytical technique is a real fingerprint for the biomass source. The results demonstrate the great potential of microwave DES-mediated fractionation as a mild, tunable, and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, aligning with green chemistry principles and opening new approaches for the full valorization of waste byproducts Full article

This study valorized camel milk residue (CMR) via optimized bacterial fermentation to produce bioactive peptides with hypoglycemic potential. Screening of eleven bacterial strains identified four optimal starters. Artificial neural network (ANN) simulation significantly outperformed response surface methodology (RSM) in modeling and prediction, as evidenced by its superior performance in key statistical metrics, including R², RMSE, and AAD(%), ultimately achieving a maximized yield of TCA-soluble nitrogen (TCA). Under optimized conditions, a TCA yield of 39.8% was achieved and experimentally validated. Ultrafiltration yielded a highly bioactive peptide fraction (<1 kDa), which exhibited significant inhibition of α-amylase (80.7%) and α-glucosidase (32.0%). The peptides exhibited high stability under various conditions, highlighting their industrial potential. This study explores the application of ANN-RSM optimization for the valorization of camel milk residue (CMR). Our findings provide a sustainable strategy for transforming CMR into a high-value anti-diabetic ingredient, which could contribute to extending the camel milk value chain. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increasingly recognized as decisive actors in photocatalytic redox chemistry, dictating both the selectivity and efficiency of target reactions, while most photocatalytic systems generate a mixture of ROS under illumination. Recent studies have revealed that tailoring the generation of specific ROS, rather than maximizing the overall ROS yield, holds the key to unlocking high-performance and application-specific catalysis. In this context, the selective production of specific ROS has emerged as a critical requirement for achieving target-oriented and sustainable photocatalytic transformations. Among the various photocatalytic materials, polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) has garnered considerable attention due to its metal-free composition, visible-light response, tunable structure, and chemical robustness. More importantly, the tunable band structure, surface chemistry, and interfacial environment of PCN collectively make it an excellent scaffold for the controlled generation of specific ROS. In recent years, numerous strategies including molecular doping, defect engineering, heterojunction construction, and co-catalyst integration have been developed to precisely tailor the ROS profile derived from PCN-based systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ROS regulation in PCN-based photocatalysis, with a focus on type-specific strategies. By classifying the discussion according to the major ROS types, we highlight the mechanisms of their formation and the design principles that govern their selective generation. In addition, we discuss representative applications in which particular ROS play dominant roles and emphasize the potential of PCN systems in achieving tunable and efficient photocatalytic performance. Finally, we outline key challenges and future directions for developing next-generation ROS-regulated PCN photocatalysts, particularly in the context of reaction selectivity, dynamic behavior, and practical implementation. Full article

This study presents a general 3 × 5 × 5 factorial experimental design to maximize the Power Coefficient (Cp) of an H-Darrieus hydrokinetic turbine equipped with external accessories. Five accessory configurations (standard, cycloidal, flat plate, curve, and blocking plate), three solidity levels, and five Tip-Speed Ratio (TSR) levels were evaluated as main factors under the hypothesis that these factors significantly influence Cp. The data analyzed were obtained from numerical simulations, and their processing was conducted using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), linear regression models, and response surfaces in the software programs Minitab 21 and RStudio V4.4.2. ANOVA makes it possible to determine the statistical significance of the effect of each factor and their interactions on the obtained Cp, identifying the accessories, TSR, and solidity that have the greatest impact on turbine performance. The results indicate that the optimal configuration to maximize Cp includes the flat-plate accessory, a solidity of 1.0, and a TSR of 3.2. From the linear regression models, mathematical relationships describing the system’s behavior were established, while the response surface analysis identified optimal operating conditions. These findings provide an effective tool for optimizing H-Darrieus turbine designs, highlighting the positive impact of accessories on performance improvement. Full article

Digital twins represent a transformative innovation for battery energy storage systems (BESS), offering real-time virtual replicas of physical batteries that enable accurate monitoring, predictive analytics, and advanced control strategies. These capabilities promise to significantly enhance system efficiency, reliability, and lifespan. Yet, despite the clear technical potential, large-scale deployment of digital twin-enabled battery systems faces critical governance barriers. This study identifies three major challenges: fragmented standards and lack of interoperability, weak or misaligned market incentives, and insufficient cybersecurity safeguards for interconnected systems. The central contribution of this research is the development of a comprehensive governance framework that aligns these three pillars—standards, market and regulatory incentives, and cybersecurity—into an integrated model. Findings indicate that harmonized standards reduce integration costs and build trust across vendors and operators, while supportive regulatory and market mechanisms can explicitly reward the benefits of digital twins, including improved reliability, extended battery life, and enhanced participation in energy markets. For example, simulation-based evidence suggests that digital twin-guided thermal and operational strategies can extend usable battery capacity by up to five percent, providing both technical and economic benefits. At the same time, embedding robust cybersecurity practices ensures that the adoption of digital twins does not introduce vulnerabilities that could threaten grid stability. Beyond identifying governance gaps, this study proposes an actionable implementation roadmap categorized into short-, medium-, and long-term strategies rather than fixed calendar dates, ensuring adaptability across different jurisdictions. Short-term actions include establishing terminology standards and piloting incentive programs. Medium-term measures involve mandating interoperability protocols and embedding digital twin requirements in market rules, and long-term strategies focus on achieving global harmonization and universal plug-and-play interoperability. International examples from Europe, North America, and Asia–Pacific illustrate how coordinated governance can accelerate adoption while safeguarding energy infrastructure. By combining technical analysis with policy and governance insights, this study advances both the scholarly and practical understanding of digital twin deployment in BESSs. The findings provide policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and system operators with a clear framework to close governance gaps, maximize the value of digital twins, and enable more secure, reliable, and sustainable integration of energy storage into future power systems. Full article

Optimal camera placement (OCP) is a crucial task for ensuring adequate surveillance of both indoor and outdoor environments. While several solutions to this problem have been documented in the literature, there are still research gaps related to the maximization of surveillance coverage, particularly in terms of optimal placement of omnidirectional camera (OC) sensors in indoor and partially occluded environments via metaheuristic optimization algorithms (MOAs). In this paper, we present a study centered on several popular MOAs and their application to OCP for OC sensors in indoor environments. For our experiments we considered two experimental layouts consisting of both a deployment area, and visual obstructions, as well as two different omnidirectional camera models. The tested MOAs include popular algorithms such as PSO, GWO, SSO, GSA, SMS, SA, DE, GA, and CMA-ES. Experimental results suggest that the success in MOA-based OCP is strongly tied with the specific search strategy applied by the metaheuristic method, thus making certain approaches preferred over others for this kind of problem. Full article

Objective: this systematic review with a meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the available body of published peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies on the effects of different doses and types of strength training (ST) on body composition, physical performance, and protein or calcium intake in older people with osteosarcopenia. Method: a systematic literature search was conducted between July 2024 and August 2025 using five databases: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed methodological quality and certainty of evidence. Hedge’s g effect sizes were calculated for the abovementioned variables for the meta-analysis. Results: the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42025643858). Of 141 registers, seven RCTs with 349 participants were included. Seven overall and two subgroup meta-analyses showed significant increases in skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI; p < 0.01), maximal isometric handgrip strength (MIHS; p = 0.03), and protein intake (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in bone mineral density (BMD), body fat percentage (BFP), gait speed, and calcium intake. However, meta-analysis by subgroups showed significant decreases in BFP (p = 0.01) in favor of elastic band training versus resistance training, with no significant differences in BMD. Conclusions: ST in older people with osteosarcopenia conditions increases SMMI, MIHS, and protein intake. Full article

The integration of renewable energy into distribution networks has led to voltage violations and increased network losses. Traditional control devices, with slow response, struggle to precisely control power flow in active distribution networks (ADNs). Optimizing from both supply and demand sides, an ADN power flow optimization method is proposed for accurate and dynamic power flow regulation to address these issues. On the demand side, the peak, valley, and flat periods are divided by the fuzzy transitive closure method. Balancing user satisfaction maximization and load fluctuation minimization, time-of-use (TOU) prices are solved by the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). On the supply side, operating cost and voltage deviation minimization are objectives, with a proposed optimization method coordinating precise continuous regulation devices and low-cost discrete ones. After second-order cone programming and linearization, the multi-objective model is solved via the normalized normal constraint (NNC) algorithm to get a solution set, from which the optimal solution is selected using Entropy Weight and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (EW-TOPSIS). The results indicate that, in comparison with the proposed method, ADN not implementing demand-side TOU pricing strategies exhibits an increase in operating costs by 13.83% and a rise in voltage deviation by 4.14%. Meanwhile, ADN utilizing only traditional discrete control devices demonstrates more significant increments, with operating costs increasing by 182.40% and voltage deviation rising by 113.02%. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes in cardiac surgery, but its role in patients undergoing HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is unclear. This study evaluated the association between albumin levels and postoperative outcomes, aiming to define a clinically meaningful cut-off for risk stratification. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 205 adult patients who underwent HM3 implantation at a single center from June 2014 to December 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified an optimal pre-implant albumin cut-off of <32 g/L. This threshold, derived using the maximal Youden Index, provided a sensitivity of 52.1%, specificity of 71.6%, and an AUC of 0.64 (95% CI 0.56–0.71), with internal bootstrapping validation confirming model stability, and calibration demonstrating good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. Kaplan–Meier analysis assessed freedom from hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAEs) and survival. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated albumin and other variables as independent risk factors for HRAEs. Results: Patients with pre-implant albumin <32 g/L had higher rates of HRAEs, including stroke (24.9% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.004) and bleeding (38.1% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.012). Freedom from HRAEs was significantly lower in the hypoalbuminemia group (45.2% vs. 69.8%, p < 0.001) and competing risk-adjusted cumulative incidence for HRAE was higher, but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.11), one-year HRAE-free survival was also reduced (68.5% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, low albumin (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.93, p = 0.026) and temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support (HR 3.32, 95% CI 2.05–5.39, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of HRAEs. Conclusions: Low preoperative albumin is independently associated with increased HRAEs and reduced one-year survival after HM3 implantation. Compared with the traditional 35 g/L threshold, the ROC-derived 32 g/L cut-off offered superior balance between sensitivity and specificity, underscoring its clinical utility. Albumin may serve as a simple, pragmatic, and cost-effective biomarker for preoperative risk assessment and optimization. Full article