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Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Urology and Nephrology

Alberto Zambudio-Munuera

,

Irene Millan-Ramos

,

Patricia Rodriguez-Parras

,

Francisco Gutierrez-Tejero

,

Maria Teresa Melgarejo-Segura

,

Miguel Arrabal-Martin

,

Miguel Angel Arrabal-Polo

Abstract: Background/Objectives Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is widely used in contemporary prostate cancer surgery, although surgeons enter robotic practice through heterogeneous training pathways. This study aimed to compare early oncological and functional outcomes after RARP between two experienced robotic surgeons with different surgical backgrounds once the learning curve had been surpassed. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, consecutive, single-center study including patients undergoing RARP after completion of the learning curve (>40 cases) by two experienced robotic surgeons with different surgical backgrounds. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and early oncological and functional outcomes were compared between surgeons. Pentafecta achievement was assessed as an exploratory composite outcome. Appropriate non-parametric and categorical statistical tests were applied. Results: Ninety-three patients were included (55 operated on by surgeon A and 38 by surgeon B). Preoperative clinical and pathological characteristics were largely comparable between groups, except for prostate volume. Median operative time was significantly shorter for surgeon A (70 vs. 120 minutes, p < 0.001). Postoperative morbidity was low, with no major complications and no differences in length of hospital stay. At 6 months, urinary continence and erectile function recovery rates were high and comparable between surgeons. Oncological outcomes, including positive surgical margin rates and biochemical recurrence, did not differ significantly, although recurrence events were infrequent and follow-up was limited. Overall pentafecta achievement was modest and similar between groups (23.6% vs. 21.1%, p = 0.77), with positive surgical margins emerging as the main limiting factor. Conclusions: In this exploratory post–learning curve analysis, early oncological and functional outcomes after RARP were similar between surgeons with different surgical backgrounds. These findings should be interpreted cautiously and considered hypothesis-generating.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology

Pablo J. Díaz-Santana

,

Antonio Fernández

,

Josue Díaz-Delgado

,

Cristian M. Suárez-Santana

,

Óscar Quesada-Canales

,

Vidal Martín

,

Eva Sierra

,

Nakita Câmara

,

Manuel Arbelo

Abstract: The scientific understanding of cetacean pathology has advanced significantly in recent decades. However, data concerning the health status of members of the family Kogiidae remain scarce. This study presents a comprehensive pathological assessment and determination of causes of death in 45 stranded kogiids, comprising 35 Kogia brevi-ceps and 10 K. sima, along the coasts of the Canary Islands between 1999 and 2018. Causes of death (CD) were classified as natural (30/45; 66.6%) or anthropogenic (11/45; 24.4%), while the cause remained undetermined in 4 cases (9%). Among natural causes, the most prevalent etiologies included trauma (13/30; 43.3%), infectious (7/30; 23.3%), parasitic (5/30; 16.6%), cardiomyopathy (3/30; 10%), malnutrition (1/30; 3.3%), and fetal distress (1/30; 3.3%). Anthropogenic causes were vessel collisions (7/11; 63.6%), interactions with fishing activities (2/11; 18.2%), and foreign body-associated pathology (2/11; 18.2%). Notably, intra-interspecific traumatic interactions were overrepresented in this cohort, and variable degrees of gross and histologic cardiomyopathic changes were observed in 68.9% of individuals (31/45) without evident sex bias. Septicemia caused by Clostridium perfringens and Cl. tertium was confirmed in three cases. Additionally, cervical gill slit adenitis by Crassicauda sp. (15/45; 33%) and parasitic gastritis by Anisakis sp. (27/45; 60%), were frequent findings. These findings provide novel insights into the pathologic spec-trum affecting kogiids and enhance the current understanding of their health status, with implications for diagnostic protocols, stranding response, and conservation strat-egies.

Review
Physical Sciences
Quantum Science and Technology

Manqoba Q. Hlatshwayo

,

Manav Babel

,

Dalila Islas-Sanchez

,

Konstantinos Georgopoulos

Abstract: Quantum computing has been rapidly evolving as a field, with innovations driven by industry, academia, and government institutions. The technology has the potential to accelerate computation for solving complex problems across multiple industrial sectors. Finance and economics, with many problems exhibiting computationally heavy requirements, is a high-profile sector where quantum computing could have a significant impact. Therefore, it is important to identify and understand to what extent the technology could find utility in the sector. This technical review is written for quantum applications researchers, quantitative analysts in finance and economics, and researchers in related mathematical sciences. It is divided into two parts: (i) a survey of quantum algorithms pertinent to problems in finance and economics, and (ii) mapping of several use cases in the sector to the potential quantum algorithms presented in part (i). We discuss some challenges on the pathway to achieving quantum advantage. Ultimately, this review aims to be a catalyst for interdisciplinary research that will accelerate the advent of the practical advantages of quantum technologies to solve complex problems in this sector.

Communication
Computer Science and Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Yaswanth Sai Kamma

Abstract: This paper introduces a server-driven orchestration layer for parameter-server training that adaptively bounds iteration skew among workers at runtime, using recent pushtimestamp telemetry to minimize straggler waiting while preserving convergence in distributed AI systems. The mechanism selects per-iteration, per-worker staleness allowances within a configurable band, turning gradient exchange into a feedbackcontrolled service that balances throughput and consistency under both homogeneous and heterogeneous GPU clusters. A formal analysis establishes convergence guarantees comparable to bounded-staleness methods via an O( √ T) regret bound, aligning systems control with algorithmic stability for large-scale training. A reference implementation in MXNet integrates worker/server procedures and a synchronization controller that simulates nearterm iteration timelines, granting extra steps to the current fastest worker only when it minimizes projected wait time. Empirically, on CIFAR-10/100 with AlexNet and ResNet variants across multiGPU, multi-node deployments, the approach accelerates time-toaccuracy versus bulk-synchronous and fixed-staleness baselines, while matching the agility of asynchronous execution without its instability risks. The results position adaptive staleness control as a practical distributed-systems primitive—coordinating parameter exchange through runtime telemetry to sustain high iteration throughput with robust convergence in production AI training pipelines.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Argyrios Kalaitzidis

,

Eirini Sarrou

,

Dimitrios Katsantonis

,

Spyridon Koutroubas

,

Panagiotis G. Kougias

,

Nicholas E. Korres

Abstract: To assess digestate’s efficacy as a fertilizer for basil development, a two-year pot experiment was established, comprising four fertilization treatments: chemical fertilizer (F), digestate (D), combined chemical fertilizer and digestate (1:1, FD), and unfertilized control (C). Key metrics assessed included: plant height, chlorophyll concentration index (CCI), total biomass (TB), leaf production (LP), essential oil yield, and composition. Post-harvest soil analysis evaluated nutrient and heavy metal content and pathogen contamination in soil and leaves. FD treatment produced the highest TB (68.2 g plant⁻¹) and LP (52.7 g plant⁻¹). Digestate application substantially enhanced substrate nutrient availability, increasing extractable phosphorus by 68.5%, potassium by 134.4%, and organic matter by 54.7%. Essential oil yield was significantly higher in the control plants. Notably, different fertilization regimes altered secondary metabolite synthesis. Specifically, fertilization with digestate favored sesquiterpenes synthesis, inorganic fertilization enhanced methyleugenol and β-farnesene synthesis, while the control showed higher limonene, eugenol, and linalool. Heavy metal accumulation in the soil was negligible, remaining well within regulatory limits. Salmonella spp. were not detected. Pathogen concentration in the soil was low, while Enterococcus faecalis were marginally below EU safety limits (100 cfu g⁻1) on the leaves.

Brief Report
Biology and Life Sciences
Cell and Developmental Biology

Valeria Y. Vasileva

,

Vladislav I. Chubinskiy-Nadezhdin

Abstract: PIEZO1 are Ca2+-permeable mechanogated channels that play a crucial role in numerous fundamental cellular responses. Ca2+ influx via PIEZO1 could control the activity of various Ca2+-dependent molecules within the cells, thus activating Ca2+-dependent signaling processes and reactions. Previously we have demonstrated Ca2+-mediated coupling between PIEZO1 and KCa channels in the plasma membrane of transformed mouse fibroblasts, where Ca2+ influx through PIEZO1 stimulates the activity of functionally co-localized KCa channels. Importantly, the selective PIEZO1 activator, Yoda1, inhibited transformed fibroblast migration, induced F-actin assembly and stress fiber formation. However, the impact of PIEZO1-KCa channel coupling to the observed effects remains unknown. Here, we performed the molecular identification of KCa channels in transformed mouse fibroblasts. Importantly, TRAM-34, a specific KCa3.1 channel blocker, abrogated the effect of Yoda1 on F-actin organization and fibroblast motility. We could conclude that KCa3.1 channels in the plasma membrane are primary downstream effectors and critical contributors to the decrease in transformed fibroblast migration and F-actin assembly caused by selective PIEZO1 activation.

Review
Engineering
Automotive Engineering

Pramod Kale

,

Atharva Joshi

,

Shadaab Kazi

,

Abhishek Katore

,

Geeta Kahane

,

Aryan Vijay Kakade

,

Sanika Giri

,

Siddhant Kaswa

Abstract: Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) are critical for maintaining optimal operating temperatures (20-40°C) in lithium-ion batteries, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale energy storage [1,2]. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as a transformative solution, leveraging latent heat absorption/release during phase transitions to provide passive thermal regulation [3]. This review systematically evaluates inorganic (salt hydrates), organic (paraffins, fatty acids), and composite PCMs, analyzing their thermophysical properties, performance characteristics, and implementation challenges in BTMS applications [4,5]. Key findings reveal that advanced composite PCMs with thermal conductivity enhancers (graphene, metal foams) can achieve 3-5× improvement in heat dissipation while maintaining >90% of base latent heat capacity [6,7]. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for next-generation PCM development and integration strategies.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Pharmacy

Jie Li

,

Nanqi Shao

,

Ying Gao

,

Baojian Li

,

Yinglai Yang

,

Jianguang Li

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Astragalus root is a classical qi-tonifying traditional Chinese medicine that has demonstrated potential therapeutic efficacy in T2DM and NAFLD. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects on the comorbidity of these two disorders remain unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms by which astragalus root ameliorated T2DM-NAFLD comorbidity. Methods: Network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro experiments were employed to elucidate the potential roles and mechanisms of astragalus root in the management of T2DM-NAFLD comorbidity. Results: A total of 25 bioactive constituents and 152 corresponding targets associated with astragalus root were identified. PPI network analysis revealed the top ten core candidate targets, among which six possessed suitable crystal structures for molecular docking, including IL-6, AKT1, JUN, TNF, CASP3, and ESR1. KEGG analysis further identified the PI3K-AKT as the most significantly en-riched pathway. Molecular docking of the principal bioactive constituent formononetin from astragalus root with the six core targets was conducted using AutoDock4 software. Molecular dynamics simulations verified the stability of the interactions between for-mononetin and each of the six core target proteins. In vitro experiments demonstrated that formononetin obviously decreased lipid droplet accumulation, downregulated TC and TG levels, suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, decreased ROS and MDA levels, and enhanced GSH content and SOD activity. These therapeutical effects were achieved through inhibition of protein expression within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study determined the potential therapeutic targets and underlying mechanisms of formononetin derived from astragalus root in the T2DM-NAFLD management, thereby providing a scientific basis for its clinical application.

Article
Business, Economics and Management
Economics

Paula Holland

,

Zoe Qu

,

Zeb Etheridge

,

Christo Rautenbach

,

Chris Tanner

Abstract: Climate change poses significant risks to New Zealand’s coastal agriculture through both slow-onset hazards (e.g., gradual sea-level–induced groundwater rise) and sudden-onset hazards (e.g., increasing frequency and severity of storms). These physical changes threaten the productivity and economic viability of coastal farms. However, few studies assess their combined economic impacts in a manner that supports land-use planning. This paper presents a conceptual framework to examine the implications of interacting slow- and sudden-onset climate hazards for New Zealand dairy farms, informed by real-world consultation with subject-matter experts to support feasibility analysis. We draw conclusions that illustrate the monetary impacts on farms associated with potential absorptive, adaptive, and transformational responses. The findings highlight the critical role of timing as environmental conditions deteriorate under climate change, as well as the need for policy frameworks that recognize and monetize the contribution of ecosystem services provided by coastal vegetation habitats to social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing. Incorporating these values into present-day financial decision-making is essential for supporting climate-related financial risk reduction and long-term land-use planning. Without such frameworks, the most beneficial land-use transitions are unlikely to be affordable or sustainable in New Zealand, especially towards year 2100.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology

Aparna Pushkaran-Ajitha

,

Saby C Sebastian

,

Justin Davis Kollannur

,

Karun Kaniyamattam

Abstract: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary animal disease causing substantial productivity losses and economic burdens in livestock systems. This study aimed to examine FMD transmission dynamics in Indian cattle populations and to evaluate the potential impact of key control strategies using a system dynamics approach. A Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered–Carrier (SEIRC) model was developed to represent disease progression, incorporating causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow structures to capture feedback mechanisms and time delays inherent to FMD epidemiology. Model simulations were conducted by systematically varying critical parameters, including the basic reproduction number (R₀), duration of infectivity, vaccination coverage, persistence of the carrier state, and duration of movement restrictions during outbreaks. The results indicated that higher R₀ values accelerated disease spread and increased peak infection levels, while shorter infectious periods resulted in more abrupt outbreaks. Vaccination coverage of at least 75% effectively stabilized the susceptible population and reduced epidemic risk. In simulated scenarios, an R₀ of 4 combined with a 14-day infectious period led to the elimination of infectious animals. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of integrated control strategies, particularly high vaccination coverage and timely movement restrictions, for reducing outbreak magnitude and duration, and provide evidence-based insights to support FMD prevention and control planning in endemic settings.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Otolaryngology

Rehab Simsim

,

Brian Rotenberg

Abstract: Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder in the adult population characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic activation, and sleep fragmentation. It is linked to significant cardiovascular, metabolic, neurocognitive, and psychosocial morbidity. There is increasing evidence that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence remains suboptimal in many patients and in those patients, surgery is often indicated. Methods: This review presents an updated, protocol-driven surgical approach grounded in clinical evidence and experience, highlighting the role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and personalized multi-level interventions for adult patient with OSA. Integration of anatomical phenotyping and DISE-directed planning enables precise surgical targeting. The protocol emphasizes patient selection, individualized treatment based on obstruction patterns, and perioperative optimization. This surgical algorithm improves success rates and long-term outcomes in patient’s intolerant of CPAP therapy. Results: A DISE guided, and multilevel surgical approach include: uvulopalatoplasty, septoplasty, tongue base reduction, palatoplasty and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). Preoperative assessments include BMI and the STOP BANG along with Epworth Sleepiness scale, while postoperative care emphasizes follow up polysomnography and adjunctive therapies only when necessary. Regional experiences in Saudi Arabia and Canada underscore the importance of standardized, evidence-based surgical care. Conclusion: The purpose of this article is to establish a clear protocol for managing patients diagnosed with OSA, drawing from a review of existing literature and the insights of experienced surgeons in the field of sleep apnea, and updating current protocols with modern evidence.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems

Oğuzhan Ay

,

Sezgin Gunes

,

Ilknur Akansu

,

Merve Emirhan

,

Zehra Tolar Sozkesen

,

Ayse Simsek

Abstract: Objective: This study explores the utility of electrocardiogram parameters in conjunction with machine learning models for the early diagnosis of neonatal transient tachypnea (TTN). TTN is a common cause of respiratory distress in neonatal intensive care units, and early diagnosis has the potential to reduce invasive interventions and shorten hospital stays. Methods: The study retrospectively examined data from 101 neonates diagnosed with TTN and 82 healthy neonates, utilizing parameters such as P, QRS, T angles, and frontal QRS-T angle obtained from ECG. Results: Decision Tree, Neural Network, Random Forest, Boosting, and Support Vector Machine models were utilized among the machine learning algorithms. The dataset was split into 65% for training, 20% for validation, and 15% for testing. According to the findings, the Random Forest classification model demonstrated superior performance compared to other models, achieving 71.4% test accuracy, an average AUC value of 0.790, and a Matthews Correlation Coefficient of 0.443. The MCC value indicated that the Random Forest model possesses reliable predictive power even with imbalanced datasets. Notably, ECG parameters such as PR interval, V2 T voltage, and SV1 voltage were identified as the most significant features influencing the model's predictive performance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ECG-based machine learning models can enhance clinical decision-making by facilitating non-invasive, rapid, and accurate diagnosis of TTN. Such artificial intelligence-driven systems hold the potential to mitigate unnecessary interventions, expedite treatment initiation, and improve neonatal prognoses. Future efforts should focus on enhancing model interpretability through the incorporation of explainable AI methodologies to facilitate their seamless integration into clinical practice.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Oncology and Oncogenics

Connie D Cao

,

J. Robert McCorkle

,

Donglin Yan

,

Hoda Saghaeiannejad Esfahani

,

Rani Jayswal

,

Dava Piecoro

,

Ning Li

,

Lauren A. Baldwin

,

Rachel W. Miller

,

Christopher P. Desimone

+3 authors

Abstract: Objective: The development of ABCB1-mediated resistance limits the clinical efficacy of paclitaxel. Lapatinib is a small-molecule reversible tyrosine kinase and ABCB1 inhibitor that could prevent resistance. Our objective was to de-termine a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the combination of paclitax-el and lapatinib. Methods: A phase 1 dose-escalation study utilizing a Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design in recurrent ovarian cancer patients. Patients were pretreated with pulsed lapatinib in the 48 hours preceding weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) in 28-day cycles for up to 3 cycles. We evaluated three lapatinib doses, escalating from 750 to 2,000 mg orally twice daily. Results: Sixteen patients were eligible and evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. Patients received a median of three prior therapies. Three patients were treated at dose level 1, six at dose level 2, and seven at dose level 3. There was one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in dose level 2 (diarrhea) and another in dose level 3 (neutropenia), with a posterior DLT estimate of 0.17, 95% credible in-terval of (0.01, 0.53) for dose level 3 based on isotonic regression. The most common grade 1-2 adverse effects were diarrhea (87.5%), leukopenia (56.3%), and anemia (50%). One (6.25%) patient had a complete response, and 7 (43.75%) patients had partial responses for an overall response rate (ORR) of 50%. The clinical responses are supported by a significant decreasing trend in CA 125 over six cycles (p=0.0001). Among the seven patients treated at the RP2D, the ORR was 71.4%. Conclusions: The combination of paclitaxel and lapatinib is safe and with an efficacy signal. The RP2D is weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 combined with lapatinib 2,000 mg twice daily two days before the paclitaxel dose. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04608409.

Article
Business, Economics and Management
Finance

Tsolmon Sodnomdavaa

Abstract: Research on forecasting corporate financial performance has rushed from traditional econometric models toward machine learning, deep learning, and high-precision hybrid AI architectures. These methods can capture nonlinear relationships, high-dimensional structures, and regime shifts in financial data more effectively, which has driven their widespread adoption. At the same time, practical requirements for interpretability, regulatory transparency, and model risk governance have made explainable AI an essential component of modern forecasting systems. This Structured Literature Review synthesizes ninety-three empirical studies published between 2000 and 2025 using a PRISMA-informed selection procedure. It evaluates the actual contributions of hybrid AI and explainable AI to corporate financial performance forecasting. The review shows that econometric and machine learning hybrids, ensemble learning models, DEA-based machine learning frameworks, deep learning combined with signal processing, and multimodal architectures are extensively used and collectively improve predictive accuracy and stability. Methods such as SHAP, LIME, partial dependence, and individual conditional effect analyses, attention mechanisms, and counterfactual reasoning significantly enhance model interpretability, support managerial decision-making, and strengthen compliance with regulatory expectations. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including the predominance of static data analysis, limited generalizability, and the lack of architectures designed for realistic deployment. Future research should focus on multimodal data integration, causal AI, adaptive, real-time learning frameworks, and explainable hybrid systems aligned with regulatory and governance requirements.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Alan J. Pine

,

John H. Rappole

Abstract: We provide generalizations of the conventional logistic population dynamics models suitable for periodic breeders, such as migratory birds, occupying varied habitats during the breeding cycle. These models require separate density dependencies for the birth and death rates, which may be habitat specific. Some analytical functional forms for the density dependencies are discussed where the population controlling mechanisms are each characterized by a distinct carrying capacity and saturation power. Multiple mechanisms might be operative simultaneously with the smallest carrying capacity usually dominating, but subject to influence from the others. We compare the dynamics and applicability for corresponding continuous differential and discrete difference population models. Generally, the differential models are stable, but exhibit repetitive seasonal variations for periodic breeders. The inherent delays in the discrete models may yield instabilities for large birth rates, as is known for single habitats, and may lead to significant discrepancies from the differential models for periodic breeders. The discrete models are also applicable to the life cycles of metamorphic and spawning species with non-overlapping generations. Threshold effects are also considered.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Life Sciences

Μaria Antoniadou

,

Theodoros Varzakas

Abstract: Background: Healthcare professionals experience continuous biological and psychosocial stressors that may disturb oral and systemic homeostasis. Alterations in salivary secre-tion, mucosal immunity, and microbiome composition reflect adaptive cellular responses to chronic occupational stress. Understanding these mechanisms may provide a biologi-cal framework for resilience and wellbeing in clinical everyday practice. Objective: To narratively review the evidence linking oral cellular and molecular mechanisms, -salivary biomarkers, epithelial and immune cell activity, and microbiome dynamics- with stress, fatigue, burnout, and wellbeing outcomes among healthcare professionals. Methods: A PRISMA-guided search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Oral Health identified studies investigating oral cellular or molecular parameters in relation to occu-pational stress or wellbeing indicators in healthcare settings. Eligible designs included observational, experimental, and interventional studies. Data were extracted using stand-ardized forms, quality was appraised via ROBINS-I and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and results were synthesized thematically. Results: Evidence from 99 studies suggests that chronic occupational stress elevates salivary cortisol, oxidative stress markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), while reducing protective salivary immuno-globulin A and microbiome diversity. Balanced oral immune and microbial profiles were associated with better psychological adaptation and lower fatigue indices. Conclusions: Oral cellular homeostasis offers a promising window into the biological underpinnings of occupational stress and resilience in healthcare professionals. Systematic integration of salivary and mucosal biomarkers into workplace wellbeing programs could enhance ear-ly detection of dysregulated stress physiology. Future interdisciplinary research should bridge oral biology, occupational medicine, and mental health to strengthen sustainable wellbeing strategies across the health workforce.

Review
Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Ali Ali

,

Siti Marwangi Maharum

,

Zuhanis Mansor

Abstract: Substrates have become essential enabling materials for creating lightweight electronic components, particularly supporting advanced telecommunication technologies. This progress is driven by continuous advancements in novel substrate materials and cut-ting-edge fabrication techniques, pushing the limits of high-frequency device design. This paper explores both the challenges and breakthroughs in 5G mmWave substrate technology, focusing on recent developments in materials, device fabrication and integration methods that enhance performance and providing an in-depth analysis on the importance of mmWave technology. This paper highlights the key concerns in substrates design to researchers and academicians accelerates invention and commercialization of substrate designs in areas such as antenna engineering and integrated circuit technologies as well as addressing key issues like scalability and thermal impact in flexible substrates. Since matters related to material losses and substrates’ fabrication constraints are increasingly severe at high frequencies, mmWave substrates are highly needed to be look at, therefore this paper details the particular issues related to mmWave propagation and manufacturing design processes for high-frequency devices. Aims at optimizing antenna and system reliability by employing advanced design and materials as well as outlines the existing gaps that need a clarification to augment 5G mmWave infrastructure and services.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Food Science and Technology

Pei Yu Loe

,

Yusuke Ohsaki

,

Suh-Ching Yang

,

Hitoshi Shirakawa

,

Wan-Chun Chiu

Abstract: The study aims to investigate the effect of full-fat rice bran (FFRB; Tainung No. 81, Taiwan) at various doses on insulin resistance, muscle atrophy, and gut microbiome in ovariectomized (OVX) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Thirty-six female ICR mice were grouped into six: young sham-operated mice fed an AIN-93M diet, OVX mice fed an AIN-93M diet, OVX mice fed a HFD, and OVX mice fed a HFD with 5%, 10%, and 20% FFRB. FFRB intervention attenuated HFD-induced weight gain and visceral fat accumulation, improved insulin resistance, and enhanced grip strength in OVX mice. Notably, 20% FFRB significantly upregulated muscle protein synthesis genes (MyoG, mTOR, eIF-4EBP1) and downregulated muscle atrophy markers (FOXO1, MuRF-1), while reducing the inflammatory cytokine IL-6. 20% FFRB also improved gut barrier integrity by upregulating colonic tight junction genes (Occludin and ZO-1) and increased the abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria Muribaculum genus. 10% FFRB significantly downregulated FOXO1 and increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001 genus. In conclusion, FFRB intervention, particularly at 20%, effectively mitigated HFD-induced insulin resistance and muscle atrophy, potentially through modulation of gut microbiota and enhancement of gut barrier function.

Article
Computer Science and Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Haibing Wang

,

Mu-Jiang-Shan Wang

Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful medium for immersive human–computer interaction, where users’ emotional and experiential states play a pivotal role in shaping engagement and perception. However, existing affective computing approaches often model emotion recognition and immersion estimation as independent problems, overlooking their intrinsic coupling and the structured relationships underlying multimodal physiological signals. In this work, we propose a modality-aware multi-task learning framework that jointly models emotion recognition and immersion estimation from a graph-structured and symmetry-aware interaction perspective. Specifically, heterogeneous physiological and behavioral modalities—including eye-tracking, electrocardiogram (ECG), and galvanic skin response (GSR)—are treated as relational components with balanced structural roles, while their cross-modality dependencies are adaptively aggregated to preserve interaction symmetry and allow controlled asymmetry across tasks, without introducing explicit graph neural network architectures. To support reproducible evaluation, the VREED dataset is further extended with quantitative immersion annotations derived from presence-related self-reports via weighted aggregation and factor analysis. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed framework consistently outperforms recurrent, convolutional, and Transformer-based baselines, achieving higher accuracy (75.42%), F1-score (74.19%), and Cohen’s Kappa (0.66) for emotion recognition, as well as superior regression performance for immersion estimation (RMSE = 0.96, MAE = 0.74, R-squared = 0.63). Beyond empirical improvements, this study provides a structured interpretation of multimodal affective modeling that highlights symmetry, coupling, and symmetry breaking in multi-task learning, offering a principled foundation for adaptive VR systems, emotion-driven personalization, and dynamic user experience optimization.

Article
Engineering
Energy and Fuel Technology

Ricardo José Pontes Lima

,

Juarez Pompeu de Amorim Neto

,

Vanja Fontenele Nunes

,

André Valente Bueno

,

Carla Freitas de Andrade

,

Maria Eugênia Vieira da Silva

,

Paulo Alexandre Costa Rocha

Abstract: We analyzed the behavior of a “Solar Wall” and validated the apparatus with three nanofluids (silver, titanium dioxide and a hybrid compound) in view of their photothermal conversion performance. The factors considered were the temperature gain in relation to the base fluid, the stored energy and the specific absorption rate. A cost survey was carried out to find out the profit of each nanofluid. Five concentrations were studied for each nanofluid. A hybrid nanofluid formed by the previous ones was also tested. The results presented that the Solar Wall has achieved repeatability, and we can state that it is suitable for the tests on other nanofluids. The silver and hybrid nanofluids performed better, the first obtained a temperature gain of 10.2 °C compared to the base fluid and the hybrid reached 9.9 °C. Regarding the energy gain, the silver-based obtained a gain of 31.93%, and the hybrid obtained 34.52%. The SAR values for the silver nanofluid were higher than the titanium-based, nevertheless the cost to generate an energy unit using the former was higher than in the titanium case. The silver-based and the hybrid nanofluids obtained improved photothermal conversion, being the most promising options.

of 5,465

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