Abstract: This paper presents an outline of the problems facing the Polish energy sector. It high-lights the significant role of wind energy in the National Power System, while limiting the possibility of installing new wind farms. It is suggested that repowering and ex-tending the operational life of wind turbines will be an important solution to this problem. The possibility of using data from existing turbines to inform operational strategies was analyzed. Historical data was obtained for selected wind turbines and statistically analyzed. The main goal of the study was to develop regression models for wind conditions and electricity production. The best fit between the actual distribu-tions of the analyzed variables and selected theoretical distributions was determined. It was demonstrated that in the analyzed case, the Log-Normal distribution provided a better fit than the Weibull distribution, preferred by the energy industry.

Abstract:

The production of pear (Pyrus communis L.) nurseries is essential to providing high-quality planting material for the establishment of a successful orchard. Thus, encouraging early vegetative growth and seedling vigor during the nursery period requires optimal fertilization. Under temperate continental circumstances in northwest Romania, this study assessed the impact of various NPK fertilizer rates on the shoot fresh weight of pear nursery trees. The study was carried out in 2025 using a factorial design with two Romanian cultivars (‘Napoca’ and ‘Monica’) and four fertilization treatments (N₀P₀K₀, N₈P₈K₈, N₁₆P₁₆K₁₆, and N₂₄P₂₄K₂₄), set up in a randomized block system with five replications. At progressively higher rates of 50, 100, and 150 kg ha⁻¹, a totally water-soluble 16–16–16 fertilizer was applied. At the conclusion of the growing season, the fresh weight of the shoots was measured. The accumulation of shoot biomass was significantly and gradually impacted by fertilization. The fresh weight of the shoots rose by 29%, 45%, and 59% as compared to the unfertilized control (0.42 kg tree⁻¹) under the treatments of N₈P₈K₈, N₁₆P₁₆K₁₆, and N₂₄P₂₄K₂₄. There were no discernible cultivar-dependent variations at any fertilization level, and both cultivars showed almost equal growth responses. These findings show how strongly the growth of pear nursery shoots depends on the availability of NPK and offer helpful advice for maximizing fertilization techniques to enhance the quality of planting materials.

Abstract: ExecMesh introduces cryptographically verifiable computation as a foundational primitive for regulatory compliance and audit trail requirements in AI/ML systems [1–3]. By combining commitmentbased verification with secure multi-party oracles and a two-tier regulatory architecture, ExecMesh enables enterprises to meet FDA, SEC, and EU AI Act requirements while maintaining the benefits of decentralized infrastructure. Immediate Value Proposition: ExecMesh provides immediate value as an audit trail and provenance layer for regulated AI systems, independent of advances in zero-knowledge proof technology. Even without full verification of large neural networks, the system delivers cryptographic guarantees for data integrity, execution timestamps, and pipeline reproducibility—meeting core regulatory requirements today.

Abstract: Accurate precipitation prediction is critical for water security and disaster mitigation, yet remains challenging due to atmospheric complexity and class imbalance in rainfall data. This study introduces an integrated "architecture-feature-augmentation" framework to address these limitations. Through systematic comparison of CNN-LSTM and Trans-former architectures, we identify a fundamental trade-off: CNN-LSTM demonstrates higher enhanceability, achieving 80% recall for heavy rainfall when combined with phys-ics-informed augmentation, while Transformer shows superior inherent sensitivity (75% recall) but greater vulnerability to data distribution shifts. Feature engineering benefits are model-specific, significantly improving CNN-LSTM but often introducing redundancy for Transformer. Notably, oversampling techniques like SMOTE achieve peak F1 scores but with substantial generalization gap (ΔF1 > 0.47), indicating overfitting risks, whereas physics-informed augmentation proves more reliable. We establish a principled decision framework: for robust predictions, use CNN-LSTM with physics-informed augmentation; for peak performance where risks are tolerable, employ CNN-LSTM with SMOTE. These findings provide scientific guidance for extreme weather preparedness and water resource management.

Abstract: This study investigates the differences in flexural behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) arising from variations in test methods and key experimental parameters. Flexural tensile tests were conducted on 51 specimens representing 17 combinations of test variables, including steel fiber length (13 mm and 19.5 mm), specimen cross-sectional dimensions (75×75 mm, 100×100 mm, and 150×150 mm), presence or absence of a notch, and loading configuration (three-point and four-point loading). The tests were performed in accordance with ASTM C1609 and EN 14651, and both deflection and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) were normalized by the span length to compare the influence of each parameter. The notched specimens demonstrated significantly improved reliability, exhibiting up to an 8.4-fold reduction in standard deviation due to the consistent initiation of cracking. Regarding size effects, the 75×75 mm specimens showed an overestimation of flexural performance due to the wall effect of fiber distribution, whereas the 100×100 mm and 150×150 mm specimens exhibited similar flexural responses. The comparison of loading configurations revealed that three-point loading produced up to 11.7% higher flexural tensile strength than four-point loading, attributable to concentrated moment–shear interaction and the combined effects of fiber bridging and shear resistance mechanisms. In addition, specimens with longer steel fibers (19.5 mm) exhibited 5.2–9.7% higher flexural performance than those with shorter fibers (13 mm), which is attributed to enhanced interfacial bonding and improved crack dispersion capacity.

Abstract:

Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with numerous risk factors, yet its precise cause remains unclear. Here, we describe a novel framework for AD pathogenesis, whereby diverse risk factors converge on neuromodulatory subcortical systems to confer AD risk or resilience. Neuromodulatory projection neurons are uniquely fragile due to their large size, sparse myelination, and high basal metabolic demands. We propose that the increased prevalence of AD in older adult populations likely reflects a universal weakness within these projection systems, which is increasingly exposed as cellular transport and maintenance mechanisms deteriorate with age. The key insight of this ‘neuromodulatory fragility framework’ is that neuromodulatory system dysfunction is sufficient to explain both tau hyperphosphorylation and b-amyloid (Ab) plaque formation, the two pathological hallmarks of AD. We therefore predict that strengthening or preserving the endogenous functions of these systems in midlife represents the most effective strategy for preventing AD.

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of array height, irradiance, and wind speed on temperature difference and thermal gradients in photovoltaic (PV) arrays operating in hot, arid conditions. A field experiment was conducted in Mesa, Arizona (latitude 33° N), using two fixed-tilt PV module arrays installed at different elevations—one at 1 m and the other at 2 m above ground level. Each array comprised seven monocrystalline PV modules arranged in a single row with an 18° tilt angle optimized for summer performance. Data were collected between June and September 2025 and the analysis was restricted to 10:00–13:00 h to avoid shading and ensure uniform irradiance exposure on both arrays. Measurements included module backsheet temperatures at the center and edge modules, ambient temperature, plane-of-array (POA) irradiance, and wind speed. By maintaining identical orientation, tilt, and exposure conditions, the evaluation isolated the effect of height on module operating temperature and intra-array thermal gradients. Results indicate that the 2 m array consistently operated 1–3°C cooler than the 1 m array, confirming the positive impact of elevation on convective cooling. This reduction corresponds to a 0.4–0.9 % improvement in module efficiency or power based on standard temperature coefficients of crystalline silicon modules. The 1 m array exhibited a mean edge–center temperature gradience of −1.54°C, while the 2 m array showed −2.47°C, indicating stronger edge cooling in the elevated configuration. The 1 m array displayed a broader temperature range (−7 °C to +3°C) compared to the 2 m array (−5°C to +2°C), reflecting greater variability and weaker convective uniformity near ground level. The temperature gradience became more negative as irradiance increased, signifying intensified edge cooling under higher solar loading. Conversely, wind speed inversely affected ΔT, mitigating thermal gradients at higher airflow velocities. Overall, elevating PV arrays enhances convective heat transfer, reduces module temperature, and improves reliability and power output. These findings highlight the importance of array height, array length, irradiance, and wind conditions in optimizing PV system thermal and electrical performance.

Abstract: Background: Bipolar disorder secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common, mechanistically distinct, and notoriously treatment-resistant. Rapid-acting glutamatergic antidepressants such as ketamine are effective in bipolar depression but remain inaccessible to most patients.Case presentation: We describe a woman in her mid-thirties with documented right frontal atrophy after a severe violence-related subdural hematoma in 2009, subsequent onset of cyclothymic-to-bipolar illness, and recent severe depressive relapse with insomnia, auditory hallucinations, PHQ-9 = 22 and GAD-7 = 14. Conventional treatment (valproate, low-dose risperidone, lemborexant, and Deanxit [flupentixol 0.5 mg + melitracen 15 mg]) produced minimal benefit. On 5 November 2025, low-dose dextromethorphan 30 mg nightly and piracetam 600 mg nightly were added. Melitracen, a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor, inadvertently prolonged dextromethorphan exposure, effectively replicating the pharmacokinetic principle of Auvelity® while piracetam supplied AMPA positive allosteric modulation.Results: Within four weeks the patient reported marked mood stabilization and reduced ruminations. Transient mild hypomania with moria-like inappropriate laughter emerged, prompting spontaneous reduction of dextromethorphan to 22.5 mg nightly and upward titration of piracetam to 1 200 mg, after which euthymia was restored and maintained. No dissociation or worsening psychosis occurred.Conclusions: This case provides the first clinical illustration that an ultra-low-cost, fully oral glutamatergic oral regimen (dextromethorphan + unintended CYP2D6 inhibition + piracetam) can produce ketamine-class speed and magnitude of response in secondary bipolar depression after TBI, even at dextromethorphan doses far below those in licensed combinations. The narrow therapeutic window and hypomanic overshoot highlight the heightened glutamatergic sensitivity of the post-TBI brain.

Abstract: Introduction: Prostate cancer (PC) treatment is limited by resistance mechanisms and cumulative toxicities, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. While curcumin and piperine exhibit potent anticancer properties, their clinical utility is severely compromised by poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism. Areas covered: This review critically analyzes the preclinical and clinical landscape of curcumin and piperine nanoformulations (CPN) for PC treatment. We utilized PubMed and Scopus (2000–2025) to evaluate molecular mechanisms, focusing on CYP17A1 inhibition, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, and ferroptosis. The report examines the physicochemical attributes of nanocarriers, including PLGA and liposomes, and addresses translational barriers such as the heterogeneity of the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, stromal density, and piperine-mediated drug–drug interaction risks. Expert opinion: While nano-encapsulation enhances the therapeutic index of curcumin, clinical translation remains stalled by a reliance on passive targeting and insufficient manufacturing scalability. Future success depends on shifting from "beaker" synthesis to microfluidic production (Quality by Design) and adopting active targeting (e.g., PSMA-directed delivery) to penetrate the prostate stroma. Without these strategic pivots and biomarker-driven trials, CPNs risk remaining an academic curiosity rather than evolving into a viable clinical intervention.

Abstract: Difficult access and a lack of in situ data limit monitoring of high-Andean wetlands, which are key components of water regulation in central Chile. This study analyzes the multitemporal dynamics of vegetation in three high Andean wetlands of the headwater (1HW), lateral (2LW), and confluence (3CW) types in the Los Nogales Nature Sanctuary between 2018 and 2025. We integrated Sentinel-2 Level 2A images, annual accumulated precipitation from the ERA5-Land product (lag-1 year), and high-resolution UAV-derived boundaries to characterize six spectral indices (NDVI, EVI, NDRE704, NDRE705, NDWI, and SAVI) and their relationship with water variability. Annual precipitation ranged from ~420 to 780 mm during a regional megadrought. The headwater wetland showed the greatest climate sensitivity, with significant correlations between the previous year's precipitation and NDVI, NDRE705, EVI, SAVI, and NDWI (|R| ≥ 0.70; p < 0.05), while in the lateral and confluence wetlands, the relationships were moderate or weak. Multitemporal mosaics showed maximum vegetative vigor between 2018 and 2021, followed by a decline. Overall, the results confirm that integrating the Sentinel-2 series, climate reanalysis, and UAV delimitation is an effective tool for ecohydrological monitoring and management of high-Andean wetlands.

Abstract:

This is the first scientific report on the fruit characteristics of Chondrodendron tomentosum Ruiz & Pav. (Menispermaceae). Biometric and physicochemical parameters were characterized across three fruit ripening stages (green, turning, ripe). Additionally, proximate composition was determined in ripe fruits, and methanol concentration (25–75%), ultrasonic amplitude (30–70%), and time (1–15 min) were optimized using response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken design. During ripening, weight increased by +47.7% (3.89 to 5.74 g; p < 0.0001), TSS by +26.1% (7.00 to 8.83 °Brix), pH decreased by 32.0% (6.28 to 4.27), and acidity increased by 276% (0.25 to 0.94%). The quadratic models demonstrated high predictive accuracy (R² > 96.5%; p < 0.004). Optimal conditions (57% methanol, 70% amplitude, and 15 min) maximized total anthocyanin content (120.71 ± 1.89 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/L), total phenols (672.46 ± 5.84 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant capacity (5857.55 ± 60.20 µmol Trolox/100 g) in ripe fruits. Anthocyanins were undetectable in green fruits, reaching 46.01 mg C3G/L in turning fruits and 120.71 mg/L in ripe fruits (162% higher than turning fruits). Principal component analysis (90.6% variance) revealed synchronized co-accumulation of anthocyanins and phenols, enhanced by vacuolar acidification. These results position ripe C. tomentosum fruits as a raw material for natural colorants, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.

Abstract: This article examines the growing inadequacy of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of human progress in a world shaped by ecological fragility, socio-technical transformations, and civilizational transitions. While GDP served as a convenient post-war metric for national accounting, it now obscures critical dimensions of wellbeing, including ecological sustainability, relational capabilities, and systemic resilience. Drawing from complexity economics, relational sociology, and post-growth political economy, the article proposes a renewed understanding of value as emergent, interconnected, and ecologically embedded.Complexity economics demonstrates that economies are not linear production machines but adaptive systems shaped by feedback loops, cooperation, and innovation. Relational perspectives from Sen, Nussbaum, and Appadurai highlight capabilities, agency, and aspiration as fundamental components of wellbeing beyond monetary aggregates. Post-growth scholarship—including recent contributions from Hickel, Raworth, and Stiglitz—calls for civilizational metrics aligned with planetary boundaries and distributive justice.The article synthesizes these paradigms to propose a multidimensional framework integrating ecological boundaries, relational wellbeing, and systemic capabilities. Special attention is given to Africa and the Global South, where informal economies, urban complexity, and community resilience constitute fertile ground for post-GDP experimentation.Overall, the analysis argues that moving beyond GDP is not merely a technical adjustment but a civilizational shift toward a regenerative, capability-enhancing, and complexity-aware understanding of prosperity fit for the twenty-first century.

Abstract: Rice is a widely cultivated staple crop that serves as the primary source of carbohydrates for more than half of the global population. Elite parents with superior agronomic traits play a crucial role in rice breeding systems. In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing of the rice cultivar GuiHeFeng and its nine derivative lines, identifying a total of 6,633,507 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The percentage of GuiHeFeng traceable blocks (GTBs) in the 9 derivatives ranged from 48.94% to 63.2%. Based on SNP analysis, we found 1310 key GuiHeFeng traceable blocks, which were derived from GuiHeFeng and present in all 9 derivatives. Moreover, 375 selective sweeps (SSWs) were identified, of which 20 were also located within the kGTBs. These 20 SSWs were regarded as key genomic regions for rice breeding. After the association test, 20 alleles including 17 genes were identified on the kGTBs, and 38 significant genes were found within the key genomic regions. A total of 295 SNPs related to agronomic traits were detected by GWAS analysis. This research identifies genomic segments and agronomically important genes/QTLs that will serve as essential targets for genomic selection in rice breeding.

Abstract: Cherry tomatoes are highly appreciated for their nutritional value, but remain highly perishable due to rapid respiration and senescence. This study evaluated the combined effect of plasma-activated water (PAW), a sodium caseinate-based edible coating, and antioxidant active packaging on the quality evolution of minimally processed (MP) cherry tomatoes stored at 1 °C, 4 °C, and 8 °C for 15 days. Samples subjected to the full treatment (PAW wash + coating + active packaging) are hereafter referred to as prototype samples, while untreated fruits served as controls. Physical, chemical, nutritional, and microbiological parameters were monitored and modelled using pseudo-zero- and first-order kinetics, with temperature dependence described through the Arrhenius equation. The combined treatment significantly reduced the degradation rates of pH, titratable acidity, total polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity, with kinetic constants up to 45% lower than those of the controls. Prototype samples better preserved polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity across all temperatures, particularly at 1 °C and 4 °C. Microbial loads were generally comparable between groups. However, prototype samples exhibited lower Enterobacteriaceae at 8 °C and higher yeast/mould counts at 4 °C and 8 °C. Overall, the multi-hurdle approach effectively slowed quality deterioration without affecting visual appearance. The kinetic modelling framework enabled reliable shelf-life prediction, highlighting the potential of combining mild, sustainable technologies to enhance the quality and safety of MP cherry tomatoes.

Abstract: We develop a unified and mathematically rigorous framework for Fractional Spectral Degeneracy Operators (FSDOs), a broad class of anisotropic non-local operators that combine fractional diffusion with spatially dependent degeneracy of variable strength. This formulation generalizes classical Spectral Degeneracy Operators by allowing degeneracy exponents θ_i ∈ (0, 2), thereby capturing a continuum of diffusion regimes ranging from mildly singular behavior to near-critical ultra-degeneracy. Motivated by applications in anomalous transport, intermittent turbulence, and heterogeneous or fractal media, we introduce weighted fractional Sobolev spaces tailored to the anisotropic metric generated by the degeneracy. Within this setting, we establish fractional Hardy and Poincaré inequalities that guarantee coercivity and control of the associated bilinear forms. Building on these foundations, we prove essential self-adjointness, compact resolvent, and a complete spectral decomposition for FSDOs. A detailed heat kernel parametrix is constructed using anisotropic pseudo-differential calculus, yielding sharp small-time asymptotics and, through a Tauberian argument, a fractional Weyl law whose exponent depends explicitly on the dominant degeneracy direction. We further obtain Bessel-type expansions for eigenfunctions near the singular locus and derive fractional Landau inequalities that encode an uncertainty principle adapted to the weighted fractional geometry. As an application, we introduce Fractional SDO-Nets, a class of neural operators whose layers incorporate the inverse FSDO. These architectures inherit stability, non-locality, and anisotropic scaling from the underlying operator and provide a principled mechanism for learning fractional and degenerate diffusion phenomena from data.

Abstract: Fulgides are a group of organic compounds that exhibit photochromic properties both in solid state and in solutions. The compounds attracted research attention due to their wide potential applications including photochromic eyewear, smart windows, optical switch, data storage, chemical and biological sensors. We are reporting here the synthesis and crystal structures of fulgides of four different substituents at the para position of a phenyl moiety in the molecules. It was found among the 4 structures that 1) all the 4 compounds packed in space groups of an inversion center; 2) the distance between the two carbon atoms C8 and C11, which form a single C-C bond in the cyclized products, falls in the range of 3.5-3.7 Å; 3) the torsion angle, defined by C6-C3-C4-C11, falls in the range of 23.4o to 32.5o. The fulgides exhibited photochromism. The fulgides should have no ferroelectric property due to their crystallization into centrosymmetric spaces groups.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biotechnological potential of thermophilic mi-croorganisms isolated from chernozem soil during composting of poultry manure. The ef-ficiency of the strains was determined by their effect on organic matter degradation, humi-fication intensity, and nitrogen accumulation. The correlation between the quality indica-tors of composting process was assessed with the gross values, taking into account the proportion of compost fractions. The strains were identified as: Aeribacillus pallidus KCTC 3564T (cellulolytic), Neobacillus sedimentimangrovi FJAT-2464T, Aeribacillus composti N.8T, Caldifermentibacillus hisashii N-11T (nitrogen fixers) and Acinetobacter pittii CIP 70.29T, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida NBRC 103162T (nitrifies). It was found that all the bacteria increase the proportion of small fractions by 19.0-19.9%. The gross content of humic acids increases under the influence of nitrifiers (15.5%) and nitrogen fixers (5.5%). The total nitrogen content increases under cellulolytics (13.8%) and nitrogen fixers (20.2%). The smallest fraction (≤0.25 mm) in nitrogen fixers and nitrifies variants has the greatest bioreclamation properties, by 16.4% and 12.9%. Targeted microbial strains pro-vide the direction of the transformation processes while biocomposting. It can also be con-cluded that assessing the quality of composting based on the fraction distribution can be a promising element of the biofermentation process monitoring.

Abstract: Against the backdrop of the global energy transition, the efficient exploitation of marine renewable energy has become a key pathway toward carbon neutrality. Wind–wave hybrid systems (WWHSs) have attracted increasing attention due to their resource complementarity, efficient spatial utilization, and shared infrastructure. However, most existing studies focus on single components or local optimization. A systematic integration of the full technology chain remains limited, hindering the transition from demonstration projects to commercial deployment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the technological evolution and key characteristics of offshore wind turbine (OWT) foundations and wave energy converters (WECs). Fixed-bottom foundations remain the mainstream solution for near-shore development. Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) represent the core direction for deep-sea deployment. Among WEC technologies, oscillating buoy (OB) WECs are the dominant research pathway. Yet high costs and poor performance under extreme sea states remain major barriers to commercialization. On this basis, the paper summarizes three major integration modes of WWHSs. Among them, hybrid configurations have become the research focus due to their structural sharing, hydrodynamic coupling, and significant cost and energy synergies. Furthermore, the review synthesizes optimization strategies for both technology design and spatial layout, aiming to enhance energy capture, structural stability, and overall economic performance. Finally, the paper critically identifies current research gaps and bottlenecks, and outlines key technological pathways required for future commercial viability. These include the development of high-performance adaptive power take-off (PTO) systems, deeper understanding of multi-physics coupling mechanisms, intelligent operation and maintenance enabled by digital twins, and comprehensive life-cycle techno-economic and environmental assessments. This review aims to provide a systematic reference for the advancement of multi-energy offshore systems and to support future integrated energy development in deep-sea environments.

Abstract: Small plastics polymers have the potential to bioaccumulate in tissues and initiate toxicity, raising concerns about the long-term impacts towards filter-feeders such as freshwater mussels. The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicity of two common plastic polymers (polyvinyl chloride-PVC; polyethylene terephthalate-PET) and the plasticizer dibutylphthalate (DBP) to quagga mussels Dreissena bugensis. Mussels were exposed to 5, 50 and 100 µg/L of the above compounds for 96h at 15oC. They were then analyzed for total plastic accumulation, esterase, peroxidase, lipids and protein aggregation in the soft tissues. The data revealed that DBP reduced survival at concentrations > 5 µg/L and all died at 100 µg/L. An estimated bioavailability factor of 90, 40 and 1580 for PVC, PET and DBP was determined. These differences could be explained by particle size and form for PVC (0.5 µm fiber) and PET (2 µm diameter). DBP tissue levels were also detected in mussels exposed to PVC and PET suggesting its presence in plastics. Esterase activity was strongly increased in DBP (ester)-treated mussels and was slightly decreased in mussels exposed to ester-containing PET. The biomarker data also revealed an increase in lipids, peroxidase and protein aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. It is concluded that these compounds are bioavailable to mussels and the changes in esterase activity could be a factor leading to oxidative stress and protein aggregation in mussel tissues.

Abstract: The Arousal Appraisal Model (AAM) is proposed as a theoretical framework in which emotion is understood as one phase in a broader process of arousal regulation. In this account, low-load contemplation, matched-load action, excess-load emotion, and overload collapse/freeze all arise from the dynamic regulation of physiological arousal within the human nervous system. Drawing on affective neuroscience, cognitive appraisal theory, and contemplative research, the model reframes emotion as part of a regulatory process that emerges when amygdala-driven activation overshoots behavioral capacity, leaving surplus energy to be carried as tension and affect. Extending Schachter and Singer’s (1962) two-factor theory, the AAM situates arousal, appraisal, and integrative awareness along a single regulatory axis: when mobilization remains below the level needed to organize action, it is registered as low-load contemplation or passing wishes; when mobilization and capacity are well matched in a given task, matched-load action arises, with flow-like states as vivid exemplars; when activation exceeds available capacity, emotion is experienced as differentiated feeling; and when activation surpasses even this range, overload can result in collapse, freezing, or functional shutdown. Synthesizing empirical findings from misattribution studies, neuroimaging of arousal–appraisal coupling, and flow-state research, the Arousal Appraisal Model offers a testable account of how shifts in physiological activation are organized, through appraisal, into cognition, behavior, and subjective experience across the full range from contemplative low load to survival-driven shutdown. Unlike Yerkes–Dodson, circumplex, or “window of tolerance” frameworks, which remain largely descriptive, the Arousal Appraisal Model offers a mechanistic account of how changing mobilization–capacity ratios organize arousal into contemplation, action, emotion, and collapse along a single regulatory axis.