Search Results (2,775)

This research, with its potential to revolutionise the construction industry, aims to develop quaternary-blended composites (QBC) by replacing 80% of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with metakaolin, rice husk ash, and wood ash combined with discrete hybrid natural fibres at a volume fraction of 0.5%. This study investigates the mechanical properties, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, and impact strength of the QBC at various curing ages of 7, 28, and 56 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to assess the microstructural characteristics. This research aimed to formulate a novel quaternary binder that may minimise our reliance on cement. The experimental results indicate that the mix labelled M4L2 exhibited superior compressive and split tensile strength performance, with percentage increases of approximately 51.03% and 29.19%, respectively. Meanwhile, the M5L1 mix demonstrated enhanced impact energy, with a percentage increase of about 36.40% in 56 days. SEM observations revealed that the MC4 mix contained unhydrated portions and larger cracks. In contrast, the presence of fibres in the M4L2 mix contributed to crack resistance, resulting in a denser matrix and improved microstructural properties. This study also employed an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the compressive, tensile, and impact strength characteristics of the QBC, with the predictions aligning closely with the experimental results. An investigation was conducted to determine the ideal number of hidden layers and neurons in each layer. The model’s effectiveness was evaluated using statistical metrics such as correlation coefficient (R), coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MEA), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The findings suggest that the developed QBCs can effectively reduce reliance on conventional cement while offering improved mechanical properties suitable for sustainable construction practices. Full article

Ecosystems and their services to society have exhibited dramatic degradation all over the world, and landscape planning based on ecosystem service (ES) science is a promising way to mitigate ES loss and improve human well-being. However, ecosystem health, which is crucial for intrinsic ecosystem values, may be overlooked in ES-based landscape planning. Therefore, we proposed a landscape functional zoning method by combining the ES and EH using the Jinan Southern Mountainous Area as a case study. Specifically, we first quantified and mapped six ESs (including regulating, cultural, and provisioning services) and three EH properties (ecosystem vigor, organization, and resilience). Then, we used coupling coordination analysis to determine the coordination of the ES and EH, and adopted bundle analysis to reveal ES-EH compositions. Finally, landscape functional zones were delineated by spatially overlapping the maps of ES-EH bundle types and coupling coordination degrees. The results show that the different ESs and EH properties exhibited uneven spatial distributions. In terms of the ES-EH coupling coordination degree, high values were located along the mountains and aggregated in the eastern part of the study area, and the Caishi town had the highest coupling coordination degree on the town scale. Furthermore, five ES-EH bundle types were identified, i.e., bundles of multifunctionality, subordinate multifunctionality, the highest crop production, ESs and EH properties of medium levels, and ESs and EH properties of low levels. Finally, nine landscape functional zones based on the ES-EH bundle and coupling coordination were identified, and the grids within one zone were homogeneous in terms of their ES-EH compositions and coupling coordination. This study can contribute to the integration of ES and EH into landscape planning and provides a zoning method as a spatial instrument to achieve synergic ES-EH management. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRNA) exert regulatory actions via base pairing with their binding sites on target mRNAs. Cooperative binding, i.e., synergism, among binding sites on an mRNA is biochemically well characterized. We studied whether this synergism is reflected in the global relationship between miRNA-mediated regulatory activity and miRNA binding site count on the target mRNAs, i.e., leading to a non-linear relationship between the two. Recently, using our own and public datasets, we have enquired into miRNA regulatory actions: first, we analyzed the power-law distribution pattern of miRNA binding sites; second, we found that, strikingly, mRNAs for core miRNA regulatory apparatus proteins have extraordinarily high binding site counts, forming self-feedback-control loops; third, we revealed that tumor suppressor mRNAs generally have more sites than oncogene mRNAs; and fourth, we characterized enrichment of miRNA-targeted mRNAs in translationally less active polysomes relative to more active polysomes. In these four studies, we qualitatively observed obvious positive correlation between the extent to which an mRNA is miRNA-regulated and its binding site count. This paper summarizes the datasets used. We also quantitatively analyzed the correlation by comparative linear and non-linear regression analyses. Non-linear relationships, i.e., accelerating rise of regulatory activity as binding site count increases, fit the data much better, conceivably a transcriptome-level reflection of cooperative binding among miRNA binding sites on a target mRNA. This observation is potentially a guide for integrative quantitative modeling of the miRNA regulatory system. Full article

While adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are successfully used in a variety of in vivo gene therapy applications, they continue to be hampered by the immune system. Here, we sought to identify innate and cytokine signaling pathways that promote CD8⁺ T-cell responses against the transgene product upon AAV1 vector administration to murine skeletal muscle. Eliminating just one of several pathways (including DNA sensing via TLR9, IL-1 receptor signaling, and possibly endosomal sensing of double-stranded RNA) substantially reduced the CD8⁺ T-cell response at lower vector doses but was surprisingly ineffective at higher doses. Using genetic, antibody-mediated, and vector engineering approaches, we show that blockade of at least two innate pathways is required to achieve an effect at higher vector doses. Concurrent blockade of IL-1R1 > MyD88 and TLR9 > MyD88 > type I IFN > IFNaR pathways was often but not always synergistic and had limited utility in preventing antibody formation against the transgene product. Further, even low-frequency CD8⁺ T-cell responses could eliminate transgene expression, even in MyD88- or IL-1R1-deficient animals that received a low vector dose. However, we provide evidence that CpG depletion of vector genomes and including TLR9 inhibitory sequences can synergize. When this construct was combined with the use of a muscle-specific promoter, transgene expression in muscle was sustained with minimal local or systemic CD8⁺ T-cell response. Thus, innate immune avoidance/blockade strategies by themselves, albeit helpful, may not be sufficient to prevent destructive cellular responses in muscle gene transfer because of the redundancy of immune-activating pathways. Full article

The behavior of wheat straw biomass (WS), woody sawdust biomass (WB), and their blends during catalytic co-pyrolysis are analyzed in the presence of CaO catalyst, which is obtained from the calcination of mussel shells. Synergy analysis of blends and pure materials is measured by studying the difference between theoretical and experimental values of wt.%/min, (RL%), and (WL%), which correspond to maximum weight loss rate, residue left, and weight loss, respectively. The Coats–Redfern method is utilized for evaluating the thermo-kinetic properties. The chemical reaction order model F1 is the best model that describes the Ea of 60.05 kJ/mol and ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S values of 55.03 kJ/mol, 162.26 kJ/mol, and −0.18 kJ/mol.K, respectively, for the optimum blend 80WS−20WB, reducing the thermo-kinetic properties. Model D3 showed better results for the Ea, ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S for the 5% CaO blend, which certified the viability of co-pyrolysis of WS and WB, while DTG indicated that exothermic and endothermic reactions occur together. Full article

The infrared image colorization technique overcomes the limitation of grayscale characteristics of infrared images and achieves cross-modal conversion between infrared and visible images. Aiming at the problem of lack of infrared-visible pairing data, existing studies usually adopt unsupervised learning methods based on contrastive loss. Due to significant differences between modalities, reliance on contrastive loss alone hampers the learning of accurate semantic features. In this paper, we propose DC-Net, which is a dual-branch contrastive learning network that combines perceptual features and multiscale residual attention for the unsupervised cross-modal transformation of infrared to visible images. The network comprises a patch-wise contrastive guidance branch (PwCGB) and a perceptual contrastive guidance branch (PCGB). PwCGB focuses on discerning feature similarities and variances across image patches, synergizing patch-wise contrastive loss with adversarial loss to adaptively learn local structure and texture. In addition, we design a multiscale residual attention generator to capture richer features and adaptively integrate multiscale information. PCGB introduces a novel perceptual contrastive loss that uses perceptual features from pre-trained VGG16 models as positive and negative samples. This helps the network align colorized infrared images with visible images in the high-level feature space, improving the semantic accuracy of the colorized infrared images. Our unsupervised infrared image colorization method achieves a PSNR of 16.833 and an SSIM of 0.584 on the thermal infrared dataset and a PSNR of 18.828 and an SSIM of 0.685 on the near-infrared dataset. Compared to existing algorithms, it demonstrates substantial improvements across all metrics, validating its effectiveness. Full article

In E. coli, transcriptional activation is often mediated by the C-terminal domain of RpoA, the α subunit of RNA polymerase. Random mutations that prevent activation of the arabinose P_BAD promoter are clustered in the RpoA C-terminal domain (α-CTD). We have isolated functional suppressors of rpoA α-CTD mutations that map to araC, the main transcriptional regulator of ara genes, or to the P_BAD promoter. No mutation was found in the DNA regulatory region between araC and P_BAD. Most suppressors that improve P_BAD transcription are localized to the N-terminal domain of AraC. One class of araC mutations generates substitutions in the core of the N-terminal domain, suggesting that they affect its conformation. Other suppressors localize to the flexible N-terminal arm of AraC. Some, but not all, suppressors confer an arabinose constitutive phenotype. Suppression by both classes of araC mutations requires the α-CTD to stimulate expression from P_BAD. Surprisingly, in rpoA⁺ strains lacking Crp, the cAMP receptor protein, these araC mutations largely restore arabinose gene expression and can essentially bypass Crp activation. Thus, the N-terminal domain of AraC exhibits at least three distinct activities: dimerization, arabinose binding, and transcriptional activation. Finally, one mutation maps to the AraC C-terminal domain and can synergize with AraC mutations in the N-terminal domain. Full article

Purpose: An innovative eyedrop formulation based on a combination of 0.2% hyaluronic acid and 0.001% hydrocortisone sodium phosphate (Idroflog^®, Alfa Intes, Italy; HAC eyedrops) was granted a European Patent in 2016 and has been available on the market since 2019 in Europe and in other countries around the world. HAC eyedrops aim to synergize the moisturizing effects of hyaluronic acid with the mild anti-inflammatory properties of low-dose hydrocortisone, offering a more effective and safer alternative for treating dry eye disease (DED), targeting both tear film instability and dysfunctional para-inflammation. The activity of HAC eyedrops has been explored in different post-marketing clinical trials, in addition to preclinical studies. In this narrative review, we explored the available evidence on the use of HAC eyedrops for the management of para-inflammation in DED patients to provide a comprehensive overview of efficacy and safety data related to the use of this medical device in routine clinical practice. Methods: A literature search for preclinical and clinical data involving treatment with HAC eyedrops was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, considering only original research articles published in English, without time restrictions. Results: One preclinical and four clinical papers were retrieved. Preclinical evidence suggests that 0.001% hydrocortisone is able to control the expression of inflammatory markers, and this, together with the hydrating and lubricating properties of hyaluronic acid, leads to improvements in DED clinical signs, such as tear volume and the stability of the tear film. The results of clinical trials demonstrate that HAC eyedrops are able to improve the signs and symptoms of DED and that 0.001% low-dosage hydrocortisone can be helpful in preventing the progression to chronic stages of DED. Conclusions: HAC eyedrops represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of dysfunctional para-inflammation and offer a valuable addition to the armamentarium of treatments for DED. Full article

One of the main causes of poor prognoses in patient with glioblastoma (GBM) is drug resistance to current standard treatment, which includes chemoradiation and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ). In addition, the concept of cancer stem cells provides new insights into therapy resistance and management also in GBM and glioblastoma stem cell-like cells (GSCs), which might contribute to therapy resistance. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) stimulates astroglial differentiation of GSCs and thereby reduces their self-renewal capacity. Exposure of GSCs to BMP4 may also sensitize these cells to TMZ. A recent phase I trial has shown that local delivery of BMP4 is safe, but a large variation in survival is seen in these treated patients and in features of their cultured tumors. We wanted to combine TMZ and BMP4 (TMZ + BMP4) therapy and assess the inter-tumoral variability in response to TMZ + BMP4 in patient-derived GBM cultures. A phase II trial could then benefit a larger group of patients than those treated with BMP4 only. We first show that simultaneous treatment with TMZ + BMP4 is more effective than sequential treatment. Second, when applying our optimized treatment protocol, 70% of a total of 20 GBM cultures displayed TMZ + BMP4 synergy. This combination induces cellular apoptosis and does not inhibit cell proliferation. Comparative bulk RNA-sequencing indicates that treatment with TMZ + BMP4 eventually results in decreased MAPK signaling, in line with previous evidence that increased MAPK signaling is associated with resistance to TMZ. Based on these results, we advocate further clinical trial research to test patient benefit and validate pathophysiological hypothesis. Full article

The increasing need for continuous innovation has given rise to a substantial increase in co-creation initiatives. Since the co-creation of value involves customers participating in the creation of product offerings voluntarily and actively, this investigation tries to understand what drives customers to participate in these co-creation initiatives. To do so, this study employs a probabilistic sample of 683 users enrolled in Linux forums for open-source software distributions. The path analysis and bootstrap samples revealed that customers who exhibit a high innate innovativeness and feel that they belong in the online community show a greater motivation towards platform exploration and participation in co-creation. Moreover, the effect of this synergic interaction on their co-creation participation was partially mediated by the normative dimension of their intrinsic motivation, while the hedonic dimension was not a strong predictor of co-creation contributions. This study fills the voids in the existing literature by showcasing the relevance of personal characteristics, beyond individual motivation, in co-creation behavior. Full article

Complex and nonlinear optimization challenges pose significant difficulties for traditional optimizers, which often struggle to consistently locate the global optimum within intricate problem spaces. To address these challenges, the development of hybrid methodologies is essential for solving complex, real-world, and engineering design problems. This paper introduces FVIMDE, a novel hybrid optimization algorithm that synergizes the Four Vector Intelligent Metaheuristic (FVIM) with Differential Evolution (DE). The FVIMDE algorithm is rigorously tested and evaluated across two well-known benchmark suites (i.e., CEC2017, CEC2022) and an additional set of 50 challenging benchmark functions. Comprehensive statistical analyses, including mean, standard deviation, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, are conducted to assess its performance. Moreover, FVIMDE is benchmarked against state-of-the-art optimizers, revealing its superior adaptability and robustness. The algorithm is also applied to solve five structural engineering challenges. The results highlight FVIMDE’s ability to outperform existing techniques across a diverse range of optimization problems, confirming its potential as a powerful tool for complex optimization tasks. Full article

This paper examines the impact of stringent regulations on personal data protection on customer perception of data security and online shopping behavior. In the context of the rapidly expanding e-commerce landscape, ensuring the security of personal data is a complex and crucial task. The study of several legal frameworks, including Malaysia’s compliance with EU regulations and Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law, provides valuable insights into consumer data protection. The challenges of balancing data safeguarding and unrestricted movement and tackling misuse by external entities are significant and require careful consideration. This research elucidates the pivotal role of trust in e-commerce environments and the deployment of innovative e-commerce models designed to minimize personal data sharing. By integrating advanced privacy-enhancing technologies and adhering to stringent regulatory standards such as the GDPR, this study demonstrates effective strategies for robust data protection. The paper contributes to the academic discourse by providing a comprehensive framework that synergizes legal, technological, and procedural elements to fortify data security and enhance consumer trust in digital marketplaces. This approach aligns with international data protection standards and offers a pragmatic blueprint for achieving sustainable data security in e-commerce. Full article

Food security is threatened by climate change and associated abiotic stresses that affect the flowering stage and the biochemistry of flowers and fruits. In tomato, managed insect pollination and grafting elite tomato varieties onto robust rootstocks are widely practiced commercially to enhance tomato crop profitability, particularly under suboptimal conditions. However, little is known about rootstock–pollinator interactions and their impact on the chemical composition of fruit. In this study, a commercial tomato F1 hybrid (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was self-grafted and grafted onto a set of experimental rootstocks and cultivated under optimal and saline (75 mM NaCl) conditions in the presence of managed bumblebee pollinators (Bombus terrestris). The number of visits (VN) and total visiting time (TVT) by pollinators to different grafted plants were monitored through an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tracking system, while targeted metabolites (hormones, sugars, and organic and amino acids) and mineral composition were analyzed in the fruit juice by UHPLC-MS and ICP-OES, respectively. Pollinator foraging decisions were influenced by the rootstocks genotype and salinity treatment. Experimental rootstocks predominantly increased pollinator attraction compared to the self-grafted variety. Interestingly, the pollinator parameters were positively associated with the concentration of abscisic acid, salicylic acid, malate and fumarate, and tyrosine in salinized fruits. Moreover, a high accumulation of sodium was detected in the fruits of the plants most visited by pollinators, while rootstock genotype-specific responses were found for nitrogen and potassium concentrations. In addition to the known effect on yield, these findings underscore the synergic interactions between rootstocks, pollinators, and environmental stressors on tomato fruit composition. Full article

Background: Cellulose derivatives are gaining much attention in medical research due to their excellent properties such as biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, non-toxicity, sustainability, and low cost. Unfortunately, cellulose does not exhibit antimicrobial activity. However, derivatives like hydroxyethyl cellulose represent a proper matrix to incorporate antimicrobial agents with beneficial therapeutic effects. Methods: Combining more antimicrobial agents into a single composite material can induce stronger antibacterial activity by synergism. Results: Therefore, we have obtained a hydroxyethyl-cellulose-based material loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles and cinnamon essential oil as the antimicrobial agents. The cinnamon essential oil was loaded in mesoporous silica particles to control its release. Conclusions: The composite films demonstrated high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains, impairing the bacterial cells’ viability and biofilm development. Such antimicrobial films can be used in various biomedical applications such as topical dressings or as packaging for the food industry. Full article

SBA-15 and organic ionic liquid were incorporated in a post-grafting technique for generating a bifunctional ionic liquid embedded mesoporous SBA-15. The prepared heterogeneous catalyst was employed for the first time to synthesize N-alkylated indoline-2,3-dione at mild conditions to afford excellent yields in a short reaction time. The synthesized DABCOIL@SBA-15 catalyst was meticulously characterized by various techniques, such as FT-IR, solid-state ¹³C NMR, solid-state ²⁹Si NMR, small-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N₂ adsorption–desorption. Further, the morphological behavior of the catalyst was studied by SEM and TEM. The thermal stability and number of active sites were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Hammett equation was used to analyze the synergetic effect of the catalyst and substituent effects on the N-alkylated products of 5-substituted isatin derivatives, which resulted in a negative slope. This negative slope indicates a positive charge in the transition state. Notably, the DABCOIL@SBA-15 catalyst demonstrated its practicality by being reused for seven cycles with consistently high catalytic activity. Full article