Search Results (975)

Faced with complex, ever-changing battlefield environments and diverse attacks, enabling warship combat systems to recover rapidly and effectively after damage is key to enhancing resilience and sustained combat capability. We construct a representative naval battle scenario and propose an integrated Attack-Defense-Recovery Strategy (ADRS) grounded in warship system models for different attack types. To address high parameter sensitivity, weak initial pheromone feedback, suboptimal solution quality, and premature convergence in traditional ant colony optimization (ACO), we introduce three improvements: (i) grid-search calibration of key ACO parameters to enhance global exploration, (ii) a non-uniform initial pheromone mechanism based on the wartime importance of equipment to guide early solutions, and (iii) an ADRS-consistent state-transition rule with group-based starting points to prioritize high-value equipment during the search. Simulation results show that the improved ACO (IACO) outperforms classical ACO in convergence speed and solution optimality. Across torpedo, aircraft/missile, and UAV scenarios, ADRS-ACO improves over GRS-ACO by 7.2%, 0.3%, and 5.5%, while ADRS-IACO achieves gains of 34.9%, 17.1%, and 16.7% over GRS-ACO and 25.9%, 16.7%, and 10.6% over ADRS-ACO. Overall, ADRS-IACO consistently delivers the best solutions. In high-intensity, high-damage torpedo conditions, ADRS-IACO demonstrates superior path planning and repair scheduling, more effectively identifying critical equipment and allocating resources. Moreover, under multi-wave combat, coupling with ADRS effectively reduces cumulative damage and substantially improves overall warship-system resilience. Full article

Coumarin derivatives, whether natural or synthetic, have attracted considerable interest from medicinal chemists due to their versatile biological properties. Their appealing pharmacological activities—such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticoagulant, and antioxidant effects—combined with the ease of their synthesis and the ability to introduce chemical modifications at multiple positions have made them a widely explored class of compounds. In the scientific literature, there are many examples. On the other hand, dithiocarbamates, originally employed as pesticides and fungicides in agriculture, have recently emerged as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer and microbial infections. Moreover, dithiocarbamates bearing diverse organic functionalities have demonstrated significant antifungal properties against resistant phytopathogenic fungi, presenting a promising approach to combat the growing global issue of fungal resistance. Dithiocarbamates linked to coumarin derivatives have been shown to exhibit cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines, including MGC-803 (gastric), MCF-7 (breast), PC-3 (prostate), EC-109 (esophageal), H460 (non-small cell lung), HCCLM-7 (hepatocellular carcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), MDA-MB-435S (mammary adenocarcinoma), SW480 (colon carcinoma), and Hep-2 (laryngeal carcinoma). Numerous studies have revealed that the inclusion of a dithiocarbamate moiety can provide central nervous system (CNS) activity, particularly through inhibitory potency and selectivity toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and MAO-B). Recently, it has been reported that coumarin–dithiocarbamate derivatives exhibit α-glucosidase inhibitory effects and also possess promising antimicrobial activity. This study presents an overview of recent progress in the chemistry of coumarin–dithiocarbamate derivatives, with a focus on their biological activity. Previous review papers focused on coumarin derivatives as multitarget compounds for neurodegenerative diseases and described various types of compounds, with dithiocarbamate derivatives representing only a small part of them. Our work deals exclusively with coumarin dithiocarbamates and their biological activity. Full article

This systematic literature review addresses the critical challenge of ensuring robustness and adaptability in AI-based machine health monitoring (MHM) systems. While the field has seen a surge in research, a significant gap exists in understanding how to effectively manage data scarcity, unknown fault types, and the integration of diverse data streams for real-world industrial applications. The problem is magnified by the rarity of failure events, which leads to imbalanced datasets and hampers the generalizability of predictive models. To synthesize the current state of research and identify key solutions, we followed a rigorous, modified PRISMA methodology. A comprehensive search across Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Litmaps initially yielded 3235 records. After a multi-stage screening process, a final corpus of 85 peer-reviewed studies was selected. Data were extracted and synthesized based on a thematic framework of 13 core research questions. A bibliometric analysis was also conducted to quantify publication trends and research focus areas. The analysis reveals a rapid increase in research, with publications growing from 1 in 2018 to 35 in 2025. Key findings highlight the adoption of transfer learning and generative AI to combat data scarcity, with multimodal data fusion emerging as a crucial strategy for enhancing diagnostic accuracy. The most active research themes were found to be Predictive Maintenance and Edge Computing, with 12 and 10 references, respectively, while critical areas like standardization remain under-explored. Overall, this review shows that AI benefits machine health monitoring but still faces challenges in reproducibility, benchmarking, and large-scale validation. Its main limitation is the focus on English peer-reviewed studies, excluding industry reports and non-English work. Future research should develop standardized datasets, energy-efficient edge AI, and socio-technical frameworks for trust and transparency. The study offers a structured overview, a roadmap for future work, and underscores the importance of AI in Industry 4.0. Full article

Background: Blast-induced spinal cord injuries (bSCI) account for 75% of all combat-related spinal trauma and are associated with long-term functional impairments. However, limited studies have evaluated the neuropathological outcomes in the spinal cord following blast exposure. Objectives In this study, we aimed to determine the acute and sub-acute neuropathological changes in the spinal cord of ferrets after blast exposure. Methods: An advanced blast simulator was used to expose ferrets to tightly coupled repeated blasts. The Catwalk XT system was used to detect gait performances in ferrets at 24 h and 1 month post-blast exposure. After euthanasia, the cervical spinal cord samples were collected at 24 h or 1 month post-blast. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate changes in the gene expression of multiple Toll-like Receptors (TLR), Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes and cytokines. Western blotting was performed to investigate markers of axonal injury (Phosphorylated-Tau, pTau; Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy Chain, pNFH; and Neurofilament Light Chain present in degenerating neurons, NFL-degen) and neuroinflammation (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, GFAP; and Ionized Calcium Binding Adaptor Molecule, Iba-1). Results: Blast exposure significantly affected the gait performances in ferrets, especially at 24 h post-blast. Multiple TLRs, COX-2, Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly upregulated in the spinal cord at 24 h after blast exposure. Although only TLR3 was significantly upregulated at 1 month, non-significant increases in TLR1 and TLR2 were observed in the spinal cord at 1 month post-blast. Phosphorylation of Tau at serine (Ser396 and Ser404) and threonine (Thr205) increased in the spinal cord at 24 h and 1 month post-blast exposure. The increased expression of pNFH and NFL-degen proteins was evident at both time points. The expression of GFAP, but not Iba-1, significantly increased at 24 h and 1 month following blast exposure. Conclusions: Our results indicate that blast exposure causes acute and sub-acute neuroinflammation and associated axonal injury in the cervical spinal cord. These data further suggest that inhibition of TLRs and/or COX-2 enzyme might offer protection against blast-induced injuries to the spinal cord. Full article

This article focuses on two dimensions of social sustainability in contemporary cities: (1) social participation as a form of communication between residents and city authorities and (2) urban inclusivity. The assessment of these dimensions was conducted on a representative sample of 1863 residents from 19 Polish cities, seeking to answer the following research question: How do residents assess two key dimensions of social sustainability: social participation and urban inclusivity? The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. The findings indicate that social participation in the studied cities is not fully developed. Respondents positively evaluate the idea of participatory budgets but are not satisfied with the cooperation between city authorities and residents, or with the possibilities for controlling local government actions. In terms of urban inclusivity, residents perceive themselves as quite open to diversity, but critically assess the city authorities’ efforts to counteract social exclusion. The research also shows that despite similar regional conditions, the social sustainability varies considerably, which highlights the importance of local policy in creating fully sustainable Smart Cities. The findings advance Smart City theory through practical social sustainability assessment and identification of improvement areas. This diagnosis provides insights for municipal authorities and offers guidance for policymakers developing legislation to foster social sustainability, strengthen civic participation, and combat urban exclusion. Full article

Background: The adoption of a healthy lifestyle and eating habits in children represents a major public health objective worldwide, with significant implications for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases in adulthood. In Italy, the “OKkio alla SALUTE” Surveillance System (National Institute of Health) has been in place since 2007 to periodically monitor the nutritional status and health-related behaviors of children aged 8 to 9 years old. Methods: Data were collected as part of the 2023 nutritional surveillance survey in the Tuscany Region through questionnaires completed by both children and their parents. A cluster sample design was adopted. The weight and height of children were directly measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between measured variables (unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles) and overweight or obesity. Results: A total of 1427 children participated. In our sample, 17% of children were overweight, 5.7% were obese, and 1.3% were severely obese, totaling 24% of children classified as overweight. Tuscany’s rates are lower than the national average of 28.8%. Children whose parents had a low level of education were nearly twice as likely to consume sugary drinks daily (OR_adj = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.22–3.18) and to lead a sedentary lifestyle (OR_adj = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.33–2.97). Children from families reporting financial hardship were more likely to consume fruit and vegetables less than once a day (OR_adj = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.12–4.92) and to spend more time in sedentary activities (OR_adj = 3.30; 95% CI: 1.66–6.56). Regarding overweight, including obesity, children from economically challenged families had nearly double the risk of being overweight compared to those from financially stable households (OR_adj = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.09–2.98). Conclusions: The aim of our study was to evaluate which family factors are associated with unhealthy lifestyles in order to assess and, if appropriate, confirm the need for targeted and integrated interventions involving families, schools, and local communities to promote healthy lifestyles and effectively combat childhood obesity in Tuscany. Full article

Background: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Mycoplasma genitalium poses a significant challenge to global public health, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies, including vaccine development. Methods: In this study, we employed an immuno-informatics-based reverse vaccinology approach augmented with artificial intelligence-driven tools, to identify and characterize potential B-cell and T-cell epitopes from the hypothetical proteins (HPs) retrieved from the genome of the MG_G37T strain, a previously uncharacterized yet promising vaccine target. Using multiple softwares, a systematic pipeline was utilized to assess the sub-cellular localization, antigenicity, and allergenicity of the selected proteins. Results: Sub-cellular localization analysis identified the presence of several outer membrane and extracellular proteins in the genome of MG_G37T, indicating their surface association and accessibility to immune surveillance. Antigenicity and allergenicity prediction tools led to the identification of two top-scoring hypothetical proteins (fig|2097.71.peg.1 (UniProt ID: P22747) and fig|2097.70.peg.33 (UniProt ID: Q57081)) that demonstrated strong antigenic potential, non-allergenic properties, and suitability as vaccine candidates. Epitope mapping and structural modeling analyses further validated the immunogenic potential of these epitopes, highlighting their ability to interact with host immune components effectively. Comparative analyses with mouse allelic regions indicated the potential translational relevance of these predicted epitopes for preclinical studies. Conclusions: In particular, this study highlights the potential of these two hypothetical proteins as a promising vaccine candidate and provides a strong reason for experimental validation towards the design and development of effective vaccines to combat M. genitalium infections in the era of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility, and 28-day mortality between patients with Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia (ABB) and non-baumannii Acinetobacter bacteremia (NBAB) after rapid matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) species identification. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of adult ABB and NBAB patients over >7 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for 28-day mortality. Results: Of 273 episodes of Acinetobacter species bacteremia, 224 (82.1%) were ABB and 49 (17.9%) were NBAB. NBA isolates were predominantly A. nosocomialis (49%), with smaller proportions of A. bereziniae, A. junii, A. ursingii, and others. The primary sites of infection in NBAB cases were the intra-abdomen, urinary tract, intravascular catheters, and lungs. While only 4.0% of A. baumannii isolates were susceptible to carbapenem, 87.8% of non-baumannii Acinetobacter isolates were susceptible. Multivariate analysis revealed that low carbapenem resistance was independently associated with NBAB. Additionally, a higher Pitt bacteremia score, septic shock, continuous renal replacement therapy, inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, and thrombocytopenia were independent risk factors for the 28-day mortality in patients with ABB. Conclusions: Although less common than ABB, NBAB cases are increasing and exhibit lower carbapenem resistance. Rapid MALDI-TOF MS identification enables timely and appropriate antibiotic treatment. The key factors driving the 28-day mortality include illness severity, septic shock, renal replacement therapy, inappropriate antibiotics, and thrombocytopenia, highlighting the need for early risk assessments and tailored management. Ongoing surveillance and species-specific strategies are essential for combating resistant Acinetobacter infections. Full article

Table tennis (TT) is a high-speed sport requiring integrated cognitive and motor skills. However, the existing assessment tools have failed to replicate its sport-specific demands. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Reactive Table Tennis test designed to assess cognitive–motor performance in TT. Sixty athletes were recruited from TT, combat sports (CS), team sports (TS), and track and field (TF). Participants were required to react to 10 visual stimuli randomly emitted from three devices placed 3 m frontally by performing 1.5 m lateral or frontal displacements. Athletes passed through a timing gate using either both hands (B) or only one hand (O) under two conditions: with consecutive stimulus presentation (C) and with a 0.8 s delay between stimuli (D), simulating the typical inter-shot time observed during the rallies. Each participant completed three trials per condition on three non-consecutive days. Results showed the highest reliability under the delayed conditions (ICC_BD = 0.969; ICC_OD = 0.961), along with lower coefficients of variation than for the consecutive conditions. TT players performed significantly faster (p < 0.05) than other athletes under BD, OD, and BC but not under OC conditions. The mean of three trials is recommended for more accurate assessments. The proposed test proved to be a valid and reliable tool, especially under the both hand-delay condition, and is suitable for large-scale use in TT. Full article

The rise of antibiotic resistance has transformed once-curable infections into urgent global health threats, leaving hospitals with outbreaks, patients with prolonged illnesses, and doctors with limited therapeutic options. The era of antibiotic resistance is no longer a distant concern; it is a pressing reality demanding innovative solutions. Among emerging alternatives, cold plasma a partially ionized state of matter enriched with reactive species offers a multi-targeted antimicrobial strategy. Unlike conventional antibiotics, cold plasma disrupts bacterial survival through diverse mechanisms, including membrane rupture, protein and nucleic acid damage, and oxidative stress that overwhelms microbial defenses. This review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms of cold plasma, the factors influencing its antimicrobial efficacy, and its applications across healthcare, food safety, and environmental protection. In addition, it highlights the synergistic potential of cold plasma when combined with antibiotics, nanomaterials, or bacteriophages to enhance effectiveness against resistant pathogens. While challenges remain regarding safety validation, standardization, and large-scale application, cold plasma represents a promising non-traditional approach to complement existing therapies. This review not only summarizes recent progress but also outlines future directions, emphasizing its potential role in combating antibiotic resistance. Full article

Oxidative stress, a state resulting from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant capacity, is a significant contributor to the development of various human pathologies, including malignancies, cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, and the aging process. Antioxidants, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, are vital in neutralizing free radicals and protecting against cellular damage. Given the limitations of synthetic antioxidants, such as potential toxicity and variable effectiveness, there has been a growing focus on biotechnological methods for producing these essential compounds. This review, titled “Engineering Antioxidants with Pharmacological Applications: Biotechnological Perspectives”, explores the latest developments in this field by examining how biological systems are being utilized to create a wide range of antioxidants. We discuss key production strategies, including the use of microbial cell factories, enzyme-driven synthesis, plant cell cultures, and metabolic engineering. The review provides specific examples of biotechnologically derived antioxidants, such as enzymatic defenses like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as non-enzymatic molecules like carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins. We also evaluate the therapeutic potential of these bio-engineered antioxidants, analyzing preclinical and clinical data on their effectiveness in disease prevention and treatment. The mechanisms by which these compounds combat oxidative stress are also discussed. Finally, we address the current hurdles in scaling up production and managing costs while also outlining future research avenues, such as the creation of new production systems, advanced delivery technologies, and the discovery of novel antioxidant compounds through bioprospecting and synthetic biology. This comprehensive review highlights the potential of biotechnology to offer sustainable and impactful solutions for managing oxidative stress and enhancing overall health. Full article

As part of recent measures to combat global warming, automobiles are required to be electrified and their weight reduced, leading to the advancement of multi-material structures that include aluminum alloys and aluminum die castings. Conventional fusion welding methods for joining aluminum alloys and steel materials have poor joining performance due to differences in thermal conductivity between the materials and the presence of oxide films. Friction stir welding (FSW) has been attracting attention in recent years because it is a solid-phase joining method and can also be used to join dissimilar materials. In this study, FSW overlay joints were fabricated: Aluminum alloy AA6111 was used for the upper plate, AA6061 was used for the lower plate. Non-destructive testing was performed on each joint to instantly inspect and visualize joint defects. In the case of FSW joints, no difference was observed in the heat transfer process when the joints were heated directly, but the location of the hooking could be identified by heating from a distance from the joints. The results of the analysis of the temperature change at the defect location showed a difference in heat propagation. Full article

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, where conventional chemotherapy is often limited by severe side effects and drug resistance. Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive triterpenoid saponins isolated from the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, have demonstrated potential in combating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, their efficacy under nutrient-deficient conditions remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginsenosides on the growth and death of lung cancer cells under low-nutrient conditions and to explore the underlying mechanisms. A549 cells were divided into two groups: one cultured in 10% serum and another under serum-free conditions, followed by treatment with ginsenosides CK, Rh2(S), and Rg3(S) for 24 h. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using a CCK-8 assay, Calcein/PI fluorescence staining, Hoechst 33258 staining, and flow cytometry. Potential targets and signaling pathways of ginsenosides were predicted using network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses. The mRNA expression of key genes was measured by qRT-PCR, and mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using JC-1 staining. The results showed that ginsenosides induced dose-dependent apoptosis in serum-starved A549 cells. Bioinformatics analysis suggested the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway, which was supported by decreased Akt mRNA levels and increased FoxO mRNA expression. Furthermore, mRNA levels of Bim, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 were significantly upregulated, accompanied by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings indicate that under serum deprivation, ginsenosides enhance apoptosis in A549 cells, likely through the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway. Full article

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies, globally prevalent nutritional disorders, underscore the need for effective fortification strategies in staple foods like rice. This study evaluates a bioprocess-based technique for single (SF) and double fortification (DF) of two heritage red rice genotypes (Chennangi—CH, Karungkuruvai—KK) to enhance mineral content and bioavailability. Whole rice grains were germinated in sodium iron EDTA and zinc chloride solutions (SF: 50 and 100 mg/L Fe/Zn; DF: Fe + Zn at a 2:1 ratio). Mineral quantification via microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MPAES) revealed that SF significantly increased fortified mineral content but reduced accessibility of the non-fortified mineral. In contrast, DF substantially enhanced both Fe (2-fold) and Zn (7-fold) content while improving bioaccessibility (Fe: 2–2.5x; Zn: 3–7x), supported by reduced phytate levels. Both genotypes exhibited high Zn accumulation and retention. Cooked DF rice has good sensory acceptability and improved cooking characteristics. At daily consumption levels of 30–150 g, DF rice could meet 16–70% of Fe and nearly 100% Zn Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) across age groups. This simple, scalable bioprocessing method effectively enhances Fe and Zn bioavailability in wholegrains, offering a promising solution to combat micronutrient deficiencies through dietary staples, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 and 3) by promoting accessible nutrition for healthier populations. Full article

Many trauma-focused psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) focus on the most distressing trauma. However, military personnel are often exposed to multiple traumatic experiences. This study aimed to evaluate and categorize the top three traumatic experiences identified by United States (U.S.) military service members seeking treatment for PTSD and compare frequency of trauma types by demographic/military characteristics. Active duty service members and veterans (N = 110) with PTSD identified and ranked their top three most distressing experiences. Behavioral health professionals classified experiences according to one categorical and four dichotomous classification schemes. The categorical scheme included life threat to self, life threat to others, aftermath of violence, traumatic loss, moral injury by self, and moral injury by others. The Life Threat to Self classification represented the largest portion of categorical experiences (43%). Most experiences were dichotomously classified as military-related (86%), combat-related (70%), non-sexual (91%), and trainability (versus futility; 71%). Women were more likely to report sexual traumatic experiences and less likely to report military- and combat-related experiences. Military occupational specialty, number of deployments, time in military, active duty status, and marital status were also associated with different classification rates. There was noteworthy variability in types of experience across top three traumas, especially among certain subpopulations. Full article