The remediation of arsenic(As)-contaminated soil is essential for achieving sustainable environmental and agricultural development.Among various techniques,soil washing has emerged as a promising method due to its rap...The remediation of arsenic(As)-contaminated soil is essential for achieving sustainable environmental and agricultural development.Among various techniques,soil washing has emerged as a promising method due to its rapid,efficient,and thorough decontamination capabilities.This review critically examines the application of soil washing technology in the treatment of As-contaminated soil.Specifically,this paper discusses the mechanisms of four types of washing agents(inorganic detergents,chelating agents,surfactants,and microbial agents),focusing on processes such as acid dissolution,electrostatic interaction,ion exchange,and chelation,and the factors affecting washing efficiency.The concentration of washing agent and the initial p H are the key factors influencing the washing effect.The paper also summarizes the application conditions and the corresponding removal rates for different individual washing agents and compares their effectiveness,biodegradability,and environmental impacts.Among these,natural chelating agents are highlighted for their promising potential in As removal.While individual washing agents show certain effectiveness,the combined use of multiple washing agents and the optimization of washing sequence are necessary to achieve superior remediation outcomes.The synergistic effects of combining natural chelating agents with reducing agents,surfactants,and inorganic washing agents,as well as the integration of nanomaterials with chelating agents and microbial agents are summarized,demonstrating their efficiency and stability in soil remediation.By reviewing the current state of research,this paper provides essential insights for the selection of washing agents and the optimization of washing parameters in the remediation of As-contaminated soil.展开更多
Artificial intelligence(AI)is reshaping financial systems and services,as intelligent AI agents increasingly form the foundation of autonomous,goal-driven systems capable of reasoning,learning,and action.This review s...Artificial intelligence(AI)is reshaping financial systems and services,as intelligent AI agents increasingly form the foundation of autonomous,goal-driven systems capable of reasoning,learning,and action.This review synthesizes recent research and developments in the application of AI agents across core financial domains.Specifically,it covers the deployment of agent-based AI in algorithmic trading,fraud detection,credit risk assessment,roboadvisory,and regulatory compliance(RegTech).The review focuses on advanced agent-based methodologies,including reinforcement learning,multi-agent systems,and autonomous decision-making frameworks,particularly those leveraging large language models(LLMs),contrasting these with traditional AI or purely statistical models.Our primary goals are to consolidate current knowledge,identify significant trends and architectural approaches,review the practical efficiency and impact of current applications,and delineate key challenges and promising future research directions.The increasing sophistication of AI agents offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation in finance,yet presents complex technical,ethical,and regulatory challenges that demand careful consideration and proactive strategies.This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving landscape,highlighting the role of agent-based AI in the ongoing transformation of the financial industry,and is intended to serve financial institutions,regulators,investors,analysts,researchers,and other key stakeholders in the financial ecosystem.展开更多
Although amide-and hydrazide-based nucleating agents have been extensively used to enhance the crystallization performance of poly(lactic acid)(PLA),structurally similar nucleating agents exhibit significant differenc...Although amide-and hydrazide-based nucleating agents have been extensively used to enhance the crystallization performance of poly(lactic acid)(PLA),structurally similar nucleating agents exhibit significant differences in their crystallization-promoting efficiency,and the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In this study,a series of nucleating agents,including N,N-diphenylterephthalamide(DPTA),N,N,N-triphenyl-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide(TPTA),N,N-diphenyl terephthalohydrazide(DBTA),and N,N,N-tribenzoyl-1,3,5-benzenetricarbohydrazide(TBTA),were designed and synthesized to investigate the differences in their effects on the crystallization performance of PLA.Density functional theory(DFT)and molecular dynamics(MD)simulations showed that DBTA had a smaller electrostatic potential difference(66.2 kcal/mol).During the cooling process,DBTA could stably form more intermolecular hydrogen bonds with PLA and exhibit a higher interaction energy,thus theoretically enabling more efficient promotion of PLA crystallization.Further differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)results revealed that at a 0.5wt%loading of DBTA,the crystallization peak temperature of the PLA-DBTA composite reached 118.1℃during cooling,whereas no distinct crystallization peak was observed for pure PLA under identical conditions.The crystallinity of the composite was significantly increased to 58.4%compared to 14.6%of pure PLA.Moreover,under isothermal crystallization at 130℃,DBTA reduced the half-crystallization time of PLA to 2.9min,while the half-crystallization time for pure PLA was 27.4 min.Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)results also confirmed that DBTA promoted the formation of gt conformational isomers of PLA during the crystallization process.This study elucidates the mechanism behind the performance differences between structurally similar nucleating agents in regulating PLA crystallization from the perspective of molecular electrostatic potential and hydrogen bonding interactions,providing a theoretical basis for the molecular design of efficient nucleating agents.展开更多
Industrial waste salts are commonly used to make value-added snow-melting agents to ensure traffic safety in northern China during winter and spring after snowfall.However,heavy metals in industrial waste salts may po...Industrial waste salts are commonly used to make value-added snow-melting agents to ensure traffic safety in northern China during winter and spring after snowfall.However,heavy metals in industrial waste salts may pose certain environmental risks.Snow-melting agents and snow samples were collected and analyzed from highways,arterial roads,footbridges,and other locations in Beijing after the snowstorm in December 2023.It was found that the main component of snow-melting agents was sodium chloride with high concentrations of Cu,Mn,and Zn,which are not regulated in the current policies,despite the recent promotion of environmentally friendly snow-melting agents.The Pb,Zn and Cr contents of some snow samples exceeded the limitation value of surface water quality standards,potentially affecting the soil and water environment near roadsides,although the snow-melting agents comply with relevant standards,which indicates the policy gap in the management of recycled industrial salts.We reviewed and analyzed the relevant standards for snow-melting agents and industrial waste salts proposed nationally and internationally over the past 30 years.Through comparative analysis,we proposed relevant policy recommendations to the existing quality standards of snow-melting agents and the management regulations of industrial waste salts,and the formulation of corresponding usage strategies,aimed at reducing the potential environmental release of heavy metals from the use of snow-melting agents,thereby promoting more sustainable green urban development and environmentally sound waste management.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.Cumulative evidence indicates that excess hydrogen peroxide,a potent neutrophilic chemotactic agent,produced by colonic epithel...BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.Cumulative evidence indicates that excess hydrogen peroxide,a potent neutrophilic chemotactic agent,produced by colonic epithelial cells has a causal role leading to infiltration of neutrophils into the colonic mucosa and subsequent development of UC.This evidence-based mechanism identifies hydrogen peroxide as a therapeutic target for reducing agents in the treatment of UC.CASE SUMMARY Presented is a 41-year-old female with a 26-year history of refractory UC.Having developed steroid dependence and never achieving complete remission on treatment by conventional and advanced therapies,she began treatment with oral R-dihydrolipoic acid(RDLA),a lipid-soluble reducing agent with intracellular site of action.Within a week,rectal bleeding ceased.She was asymptomatic for three years until a highly stressful experience,when she noticed blood in her stool.RDLA was discontinued,and she began treatment with oral sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate(STS),a reducing agent with extracellular site of action.After a week,rectal bleeding ceased,and she resumed oral RDLA and discontinued STS.To date,she remains asymptomatic with normal stool calprotectin while on RDLA.CONCLUSION STS and RDLA are reducing agents that serve as highly effective and safe therapy for the induction and maintenance of remission in UC,even in patients refractory or poorly controlled by conventional and advanced therapies.Should preliminary findings be validated by subsequent clinical trials,the use of reducing agents could potentially prevent thousands of colectomies and represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of UC.展开更多
Current treatments for glioblastoma face challenges such as the blood-brain barrier and lack of targeted therapy,compounded by the aggressive nature,high invasiveness,and heterogeneity of the disease.Exosomes,a subtyp...Current treatments for glioblastoma face challenges such as the blood-brain barrier and lack of targeted therapy,compounded by the aggressive nature,high invasiveness,and heterogeneity of the disease.Exosomes,a subtype of extracellular vesicles are emerging as promising nanocarrier drug delivery systems to address these limitations.Exosomes released by all cell types can be easily obtained and modified as delivery vehicles or therapeutic agents.A systematic review was conducted to evaluate various methods for exosome isolation,characterization,engineering or modification,drug loading and delivery efficiency,including exosome biodistribution and treatment efficacy.A search of four databases for in vitro and in vivo studies(2000–,2023)identified 6165 records,of which 23 articles were found eligible and included for analyses.Most studies applied ultracentrifugation(UC)for exosomes isolation.Cancer cell lines being the most frequently used source of exosomes,followed by stem cells.The incubation approach was predominantly utilized to modify exosomes for drug loading.In vivo analysis showed that exosome biodistribution was primarily concentrated in the brain region,peaking in the first 6 h and remained moderately high.Compared to native exosomes and untreated control groups,utilizing modified native exosomes(cargo loaded)for treating glioblastoma disease models led to more pronounced suppression of tumor growth and proliferation,enhanced stimulation of immune response and apoptosis,effective restoration of drug chemosensitivity,increased anti-tumor effect and prolonged survival rates.Modified exosomes whether through incubation,sonication,transfection,freeze-thawing or their combination,improve targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy against glioblastoma.展开更多
This study constructs a reflective feedback model based on a pedagogical agent(PA)and explores its impact on students’problem-solving ability and cognitive load.A quasi-experimental design was used in the study,with ...This study constructs a reflective feedback model based on a pedagogical agent(PA)and explores its impact on students’problem-solving ability and cognitive load.A quasi-experimental design was used in the study,with 84 students from a middle school selected as the research subjects(44 in the experimental group and 40 in the control group).The experimental group used the reflective feedback model,while the control group used the factual feedback model.The results show that,compared with factual feedback,the reflective feedback model based on the pedagogical agent significantly improves students’problem-solving ability,especially at the action and thinking levels.In addition,this model effectively reduces students’cognitive load,especially in terms of internal and external load.展开更多
A new coumarin derivative C2 was constructed to act as a highly effective turn-on fluorescent probe for Cu^(2+)ions.The introduction of Cu^(2+)could lead to the hydrolytic cleavage of the phenylhydrazone moiety in C2 ...A new coumarin derivative C2 was constructed to act as a highly effective turn-on fluorescent probe for Cu^(2+)ions.The introduction of Cu^(2+)could lead to the hydrolytic cleavage of the phenylhydrazone moiety in C2 and the transformation into strongly fluorescent aldehyde C1.Probe C2 could recognize Cu^(2+)through a marked fluorescence enhancement with the detection limit as low as 150 nmol/L.By virtue of this unique catalytic hydrolysis reaction,compound C2 displayed highly selective response toward Cu^(2+)over other common ions even in the presence of excessive competitive ions.Furthermore,there was a good linear relationship between the intensity change and the concentration of Cu^(2+)ions,which was beneficial for the exactly quantitative detection.Especially,the efficient detection of Cu^(2+)with C2 for the practical application was successfully performed in gas-generating agents detection.展开更多
Nanolipid carriers and traditional emulsion containing chemical sunscreens were prepared using emulsification combined with ultrasonic technology.The nanolipid carriers showed superior performance in sunscreen encapsu...Nanolipid carriers and traditional emulsion containing chemical sunscreens were prepared using emulsification combined with ultrasonic technology.The nanolipid carriers showed superior performance in sunscreen encapsulation,slow release and skin impermeability,and provided an excellent nanolipid slow-release encapsulation system for sunscreens.As observed by transmission electron microscopy,the nanolipid carriers were spherical shape,with smooth surface and uniform distribution,and the particle sizes were mainly concentrated in the range of 230 to 250 nm without agglomeration.The nanolipid carriers significantly improved the sunscreen performance through the synergistic effect of scattering and chemical absorption,and showed better UV stability than traditional sunscreen,indicating their photoprotective function.In vitro release experiments showed that the nano-lipidic carriers exhibited better release control when loaded with octyl methoxycinnamate(OMC)and butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane(BDFM)sunscreens than traditional traditional emulsions,with the cumulative release rate of OMC in the nano-lipidic carriers decreasing by 17.17% to 30.24% within 12 hours,and that of BDFM decreasing by 26.67% to 44.67%.26.67% to 44.16%.The results of the in vitro permeation experiment further confirmed that the nanolipid carriers could effectively encapsulate the sunscreens and prevent them from penetrating the skin barrier,thus reducing the skin irritation.Compared with traditional traditional emulsion,the cumulative penetration of OMC in nanostructured lipid carriers was 2.24μg/cm^(2)in 4 hours,while the cumulative penetration was reduced by 68.05%.The cumulative penetration of BDFM in the nanostructured lipid carrier was 3.24μg/cm^(2),with a 64.04%reduction in cumulative penetration.展开更多
【Objectives】Si and microbial application could relieve the crop replanting problems(CRPs).We further studied the change of key microorganisms that are related to the beneficial effects,aiming at provide reference fo...【Objectives】Si and microbial application could relieve the crop replanting problems(CRPs).We further studied the change of key microorganisms that are related to the beneficial effects,aiming at provide reference for the manufacture and application of both microbial agents and Si fertilizer in food lily production.【Methods】A field experiment was conducted over a three-year period,from March 2019 to March 2022.The experimental field had been continuously cultivated with lily for 9 years.Three treatments were established:silicon fertilizer(SF),microbial agents(“Special 8^(TM)”,MF),and combined application of silicon fertilizer and microbial agents(SMF).A control group with blank soil(CK)was also included.At seedling stage of Lanzhou lilies in 2020 and 2021,the shoot and bulb dry weight,and the plant height and stem diameter of Lanzhou lilies were investigated for calculation of seedling index.In July 2020,20 plants were selected in each plot,and root zone soils were sampled at a depth of 20 cm,10 cm away from the roots,and then mixed to form a composite sample.The soil available Si and organic matter content were analyzed,and the fungal community structure and some specific microbial groups in soils were determined with high-throughput sequencing of ITS.【Results】All the three treatments significantly enhanced the lily plant growth and the seedling index,compared to CK.Besides,SF and MF treatments increased the relative abundances(RA)and diversity of fungal communities,and altered the community structures.The RA of some specific groups were found to be significantly correlated with the seedling index and/or soil available Si.Of them,the RA of the genera Fusarium,Dactylonectria,Humicola,Stilbella,and the species Humicola_grisea showed a positive correlation,while that of the genera Mortierella,Stilbella,Holtermanniella,and the species Mortierella_fatshederae showed a negative correlation with seedling index.The genera Fusarium,Stilbella,the species Humicola_grisea,and Dactylonectria_estremocensis showed a positive correlation,while the genura Stilbella,and the species Mortierella fatshederae showed a negative correlation with available Si content.In the co-occurence network of top twenty fungal genera and top sixteen bacterial genera(RA>0.2%),Holtermanniella was the only genus that interacted with the bacteria and negatively correlated with bacterial genus Blastococcus.Holtermanniella was also the most densely connected genera,followed by the genus Fusarium,Didymella and Humicola.In addition,the genus Holtermanniella was the key species connecting fungal and bacterial community in soil.Fungal functional prediction revealed that SF,MF and SMF treatments decreased plant pathogens guilds and increased the beneficial guilds Ectomycorrhizal,plant saprophyte,leaf saprophyte,and arbuscular mycorrhizal compared to CK.【Conclusions】Combined application of silicon fertilizer and microbial agents can alleviate continuous replanting problems of Lanzhou lilies through restoring the fungal community diversity,and promoting plant residue depredation,thus reducing soil born disease incidence.The beneficial genus Humicola and its one species H.grisea acts as bioconversion,and the genus Acremonium acts as plant pathogen inhibitor.展开更多
Given that the citrus psyllid is the primary vector of citrus Huanglongbing(HLB),there is an urgent need to control this pest to mitigate the spread of the disease.This paper reviews the current research on two predom...Given that the citrus psyllid is the primary vector of citrus Huanglongbing(HLB),there is an urgent need to control this pest to mitigate the spread of the disease.This paper reviews the current research on two predominant control strategies:chemical control and biological control agents,in managing the citrus psyllid.It emphasizes the mechanisms of action,efficacy,and application advancements of these control methods.Finally,the paper analyzes the principal challenges associated with the sustainable management of citrus psyllids and offers perspectives for future research.展开更多
Conventional echocardiography can sometimes pose a challenge to diagnosis due to sub-optimal images.Ultrasound contrast agents(UCAs)have been shown to drastically enhance imaging quality,particularly depicting the lef...Conventional echocardiography can sometimes pose a challenge to diagnosis due to sub-optimal images.Ultrasound contrast agents(UCAs)have been shown to drastically enhance imaging quality,particularly depicting the left ventricular endocardial borders.Their use during echocardiography has become a valuable tool in non-invasive diagnostics.UCAs provide higher-quality images that may ultimately reduce the length of hospital stays and improve patient care.The higher cost associated with UCAs in many situations has been an impediment to frequent use.However,when used as an initial diagnostic test,UCA during rest echocardiogram is more cost-effective than the traditional diagnostic approach,which frequently includes multiple tests and imaging studies to make an accurate diagnosis.They can be easily performed across multiple patient settings and provide optimal images that allow clinicians to make sound medical decisions.This consequently allows for better diagnostic accuracies and improvement in patient care.展开更多
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)is the name used to describe several potentially life-threatening infections and disorders that happen when HIV has severely compromised the immune system.The primary effect of...Acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)is the name used to describe several potentially life-threatening infections and disorders that happen when HIV has severely compromised the immune system.The primary effect of HIV is to decrease host immunity,exposing the host to external pathogens.The development of pharmaceutical drugs that directly cure the infection is crucial because of the current wide-ranging epidemic of HIV.Most therapeutic anti-HIV drugs are nucleosides.However,their high toxicity and potential for drug resistance restrict their use.Many of the most effective clinical drugs used to inhibit HIV,the activation of latent HIV,and AIDS have been obtained from natural sources.This review focuses on potential natural medicinal products for treating and managing HIV and AIDS.Notwithstanding,further clinical research studies are needed to understand the subject and its dynamics.展开更多
COMPUTATIONAL experiments method is an essential tool for analyzing,designing,managing,and integrating complex systems.However,a significant challenge arises in constructing agents with human-like characteristics to f...COMPUTATIONAL experiments method is an essential tool for analyzing,designing,managing,and integrating complex systems.However,a significant challenge arises in constructing agents with human-like characteristics to form an AI society.Agent modeling typically encompasses four levels:1)The autonomy features of agents,e.g.,perception,behavior,and decision-making;2)The evolutionary features of agents,e.g.,bounded rationality,heterogeneity,and learning evolution;3)The social features of agents,e.g.,interaction,cooperation,and competition;4)The emergent features of agents,e.g.,gaming with environments or regulatory strategies.Traditional modeling techniques primarily derive from ABMs(Agent-based Models)and incorporate various emerging technologies(e.g.,machine learning,big data,and social networks),which can enhance modeling capabilities,while amplifying the complexity[1].展开更多
Objectives:This review aimed to systematically analyze the technological frameworks,application scenarios,and outcomes of large language model-driven agents(LLMDAs)in nursing practice,and to summarize ethical,technolo...Objectives:This review aimed to systematically analyze the technological frameworks,application scenarios,and outcomes of large language model-driven agents(LLMDAs)in nursing practice,and to summarize ethical,technological,and practical challenges,guiding future research and clinical implementation.Methods:This scoping review was conducted following the JBI guidelines.Five databases(PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,APA PsycNet,Cochrane Library)were systematically searched for peer-reviewed English-language studies from inception until September 9,2025.Eligible studies were screened by title and abstract,with full-text assessments conducted independently by two reviewers.Results:Twenty-five studies published between 2023 and 2025 were included,involving nine countries,primarily China(n=9)and the United States(n=9).Technological architectures were categorized into three types:collaborative models for solving complex tasks through multi-agent division of labor;augmentative models to enhance the accuracy of information outputs;and interactive models focusing on natural interactions and robotic task execution.Application scenarios included clinical,home-based,and community care.Studies indicated that LLMDAs can enhance diagnostic accuracy,optimize resource allocation,and improve patient experience.Primary ethical challenges identified included data privacy,reliability of generated content,and ambiguous attribution of responsibility.Conclusions:LLMDAs offer a novel paradigm for intelligent transformation in nursing care through integrative technological frameworks.They demonstrate considerable potential in enhancing clinical decision-making accuracy,efficiency of care delivery,and patient satisfaction.Addressing existing ethical,technical,and practical challenges is essential for facilitating broader clinical adoption.展开更多
Energy security is the association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption.Access to cheaper energy has become essential to the functioning of modern economies.Howeve...Energy security is the association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption.Access to cheaper energy has become essential to the functioning of modern economies.However,the uneven distribution of energy supplies among countries has led to significant challenges.International energy relations have contributed to the globalization of the world,leading to energy security and energy vulnerability at the same time.The first article in Science Direct for energy security appeared in 1993 with authors from USA.Gradually the number of articles and their origin increases.In 2024 we observe a boom of these publications-30(not only in Science Direct)and one planned for 2025.The recent article explores these publications and sorts them by origin and content.The content is distributed in five topics:computer technologies impact,artificial intelligence applications,environmental management and energy security,economics and policy for energy security,and emerging technologies for energy security.Since the share of AI usage is relatively small the author suggests scenarios for AI agents’application in various situations concerning environmental decisions,failures,cyber-attacks,performance,and pricing.展开更多
Clinical pharmacy is on the cusp of exponential change powered by artificial intelligence agents,automation,data analytics,and robotics.Blockchain will enhance data integrity and transparency,and Augmented and Virtual...Clinical pharmacy is on the cusp of exponential change powered by artificial intelligence agents,automation,data analytics,and robotics.Blockchain will enhance data integrity and transparency,and Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies will revolutionise training,patient education,and simulation-based care planning.Clinical pharmacists need to be ready and upskill to prepare for emerging technologies.The ethical,regulatory,and educational frameworks surrounding artificial intelligence and precision medicine will require constant attention,but the potential benefits for patient outcomes are unprecedented.Clinical pharmacists are in a prime position to design a new era in precision medicine,where technology works hand in hand with humans to transform healthcare.展开更多
Domain randomization is a widely adopted technique in deep reinforcement learning(DRL)to improve agent generalization by exposing policies to diverse environmental conditions.This paper investigates the impact of diff...Domain randomization is a widely adopted technique in deep reinforcement learning(DRL)to improve agent generalization by exposing policies to diverse environmental conditions.This paper investigates the impact of different reset strategies,normal,non-randomized,and randomized,on agent performance using the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(DDPG)and Twin Delayed DDPG(TD3)algorithms within the CarRacing-v2 environment.Two experimental setups were conducted:an extended training regime with DDPG for 1000 steps per episode across 1000 episodes,and a fast execution setup comparing DDPG and TD3 for 30 episodes with 50 steps per episode under constrained computational resources.A step-based reward scaling mechanism was applied under the randomized reset condition to promote broader state exploration.Experimental results showthat randomized resets significantly enhance learning efficiency and generalization,with DDPG demonstrating superior performance across all reset strategies.In particular,DDPG combined with randomized resets achieves the highest smoothed rewards(reaching approximately 15),best stability,and fastest convergence.These differences are statistically significant,as confirmed by t-tests:DDPG outperforms TD3 under randomized(t=−101.91,p<0.0001),normal(t=−21.59,p<0.0001),and non-randomized(t=−62.46,p<0.0001)reset conditions.The findings underscore the critical role of reset strategy and reward shaping in enhancing the robustness and adaptability of DRL agents in continuous control tasks,particularly in environments where computational efficiency and training stability are crucial.展开更多
This paper discusses the importance of standards in the fire extinguishing agent industry,and highlights the vital role of the standards in promoting technological innovation.China’s standards for fire extinguishing ...This paper discusses the importance of standards in the fire extinguishing agent industry,and highlights the vital role of the standards in promoting technological innovation.China’s standards for fire extinguishing agent products have evolved significantly,aligning with industrial development,market demands,regulatory requirements,to respond to the great impact of international competition in the industry.The paper analyzes the current state of China’s standards,including their composition and integration with industry growth,green development strategies,and international harmonization.Future development strategies for the standards framework should focus on valid period estimation,fire test model development,and raw material selection guidelines.By implementing these strategies,China’s fire protection industry can enhance product quality,contribute to public safety,and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2023YFC3706703)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51874018)。
文摘The remediation of arsenic(As)-contaminated soil is essential for achieving sustainable environmental and agricultural development.Among various techniques,soil washing has emerged as a promising method due to its rapid,efficient,and thorough decontamination capabilities.This review critically examines the application of soil washing technology in the treatment of As-contaminated soil.Specifically,this paper discusses the mechanisms of four types of washing agents(inorganic detergents,chelating agents,surfactants,and microbial agents),focusing on processes such as acid dissolution,electrostatic interaction,ion exchange,and chelation,and the factors affecting washing efficiency.The concentration of washing agent and the initial p H are the key factors influencing the washing effect.The paper also summarizes the application conditions and the corresponding removal rates for different individual washing agents and compares their effectiveness,biodegradability,and environmental impacts.Among these,natural chelating agents are highlighted for their promising potential in As removal.While individual washing agents show certain effectiveness,the combined use of multiple washing agents and the optimization of washing sequence are necessary to achieve superior remediation outcomes.The synergistic effects of combining natural chelating agents with reducing agents,surfactants,and inorganic washing agents,as well as the integration of nanomaterials with chelating agents and microbial agents are summarized,demonstrating their efficiency and stability in soil remediation.By reviewing the current state of research,this paper provides essential insights for the selection of washing agents and the optimization of washing parameters in the remediation of As-contaminated soil.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of North Macedonia through the project“Utilizing AI and National Large Language Models to Advance Macedonian Language Capabilties”。
文摘Artificial intelligence(AI)is reshaping financial systems and services,as intelligent AI agents increasingly form the foundation of autonomous,goal-driven systems capable of reasoning,learning,and action.This review synthesizes recent research and developments in the application of AI agents across core financial domains.Specifically,it covers the deployment of agent-based AI in algorithmic trading,fraud detection,credit risk assessment,roboadvisory,and regulatory compliance(RegTech).The review focuses on advanced agent-based methodologies,including reinforcement learning,multi-agent systems,and autonomous decision-making frameworks,particularly those leveraging large language models(LLMs),contrasting these with traditional AI or purely statistical models.Our primary goals are to consolidate current knowledge,identify significant trends and architectural approaches,review the practical efficiency and impact of current applications,and delineate key challenges and promising future research directions.The increasing sophistication of AI agents offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation in finance,yet presents complex technical,ethical,and regulatory challenges that demand careful consideration and proactive strategies.This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving landscape,highlighting the role of agent-based AI in the ongoing transformation of the financial industry,and is intended to serve financial institutions,regulators,investors,analysts,researchers,and other key stakeholders in the financial ecosystem.
基金supported by the Project of the National Science Foundation of China(Nos.52173033,51773044 and 51603047)Foshan Science and Technology Innovation Project(No.FS0AA-KJ919-4402-0145)。
文摘Although amide-and hydrazide-based nucleating agents have been extensively used to enhance the crystallization performance of poly(lactic acid)(PLA),structurally similar nucleating agents exhibit significant differences in their crystallization-promoting efficiency,and the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In this study,a series of nucleating agents,including N,N-diphenylterephthalamide(DPTA),N,N,N-triphenyl-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide(TPTA),N,N-diphenyl terephthalohydrazide(DBTA),and N,N,N-tribenzoyl-1,3,5-benzenetricarbohydrazide(TBTA),were designed and synthesized to investigate the differences in their effects on the crystallization performance of PLA.Density functional theory(DFT)and molecular dynamics(MD)simulations showed that DBTA had a smaller electrostatic potential difference(66.2 kcal/mol).During the cooling process,DBTA could stably form more intermolecular hydrogen bonds with PLA and exhibit a higher interaction energy,thus theoretically enabling more efficient promotion of PLA crystallization.Further differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)results revealed that at a 0.5wt%loading of DBTA,the crystallization peak temperature of the PLA-DBTA composite reached 118.1℃during cooling,whereas no distinct crystallization peak was observed for pure PLA under identical conditions.The crystallinity of the composite was significantly increased to 58.4%compared to 14.6%of pure PLA.Moreover,under isothermal crystallization at 130℃,DBTA reduced the half-crystallization time of PLA to 2.9min,while the half-crystallization time for pure PLA was 27.4 min.Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)results also confirmed that DBTA promoted the formation of gt conformational isomers of PLA during the crystallization process.This study elucidates the mechanism behind the performance differences between structurally similar nucleating agents in regulating PLA crystallization from the perspective of molecular electrostatic potential and hydrogen bonding interactions,providing a theoretical basis for the molecular design of efficient nucleating agents.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22176200)the Industrial Innovation Entrepreneurial Team Project of Ordos 2021.
文摘Industrial waste salts are commonly used to make value-added snow-melting agents to ensure traffic safety in northern China during winter and spring after snowfall.However,heavy metals in industrial waste salts may pose certain environmental risks.Snow-melting agents and snow samples were collected and analyzed from highways,arterial roads,footbridges,and other locations in Beijing after the snowstorm in December 2023.It was found that the main component of snow-melting agents was sodium chloride with high concentrations of Cu,Mn,and Zn,which are not regulated in the current policies,despite the recent promotion of environmentally friendly snow-melting agents.The Pb,Zn and Cr contents of some snow samples exceeded the limitation value of surface water quality standards,potentially affecting the soil and water environment near roadsides,although the snow-melting agents comply with relevant standards,which indicates the policy gap in the management of recycled industrial salts.We reviewed and analyzed the relevant standards for snow-melting agents and industrial waste salts proposed nationally and internationally over the past 30 years.Through comparative analysis,we proposed relevant policy recommendations to the existing quality standards of snow-melting agents and the management regulations of industrial waste salts,and the formulation of corresponding usage strategies,aimed at reducing the potential environmental release of heavy metals from the use of snow-melting agents,thereby promoting more sustainable green urban development and environmentally sound waste management.
文摘BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.Cumulative evidence indicates that excess hydrogen peroxide,a potent neutrophilic chemotactic agent,produced by colonic epithelial cells has a causal role leading to infiltration of neutrophils into the colonic mucosa and subsequent development of UC.This evidence-based mechanism identifies hydrogen peroxide as a therapeutic target for reducing agents in the treatment of UC.CASE SUMMARY Presented is a 41-year-old female with a 26-year history of refractory UC.Having developed steroid dependence and never achieving complete remission on treatment by conventional and advanced therapies,she began treatment with oral R-dihydrolipoic acid(RDLA),a lipid-soluble reducing agent with intracellular site of action.Within a week,rectal bleeding ceased.She was asymptomatic for three years until a highly stressful experience,when she noticed blood in her stool.RDLA was discontinued,and she began treatment with oral sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate(STS),a reducing agent with extracellular site of action.After a week,rectal bleeding ceased,and she resumed oral RDLA and discontinued STS.To date,she remains asymptomatic with normal stool calprotectin while on RDLA.CONCLUSION STS and RDLA are reducing agents that serve as highly effective and safe therapy for the induction and maintenance of remission in UC,even in patients refractory or poorly controlled by conventional and advanced therapies.Should preliminary findings be validated by subsequent clinical trials,the use of reducing agents could potentially prevent thousands of colectomies and represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of UC.
基金supported by the Bridging Grant from Universiti Sains Malaysia (R501LR-RND003–0000001319–0000)funding through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2020/TK0/USM/02/32–6171275) awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
文摘Current treatments for glioblastoma face challenges such as the blood-brain barrier and lack of targeted therapy,compounded by the aggressive nature,high invasiveness,and heterogeneity of the disease.Exosomes,a subtype of extracellular vesicles are emerging as promising nanocarrier drug delivery systems to address these limitations.Exosomes released by all cell types can be easily obtained and modified as delivery vehicles or therapeutic agents.A systematic review was conducted to evaluate various methods for exosome isolation,characterization,engineering or modification,drug loading and delivery efficiency,including exosome biodistribution and treatment efficacy.A search of four databases for in vitro and in vivo studies(2000–,2023)identified 6165 records,of which 23 articles were found eligible and included for analyses.Most studies applied ultracentrifugation(UC)for exosomes isolation.Cancer cell lines being the most frequently used source of exosomes,followed by stem cells.The incubation approach was predominantly utilized to modify exosomes for drug loading.In vivo analysis showed that exosome biodistribution was primarily concentrated in the brain region,peaking in the first 6 h and remained moderately high.Compared to native exosomes and untreated control groups,utilizing modified native exosomes(cargo loaded)for treating glioblastoma disease models led to more pronounced suppression of tumor growth and proliferation,enhanced stimulation of immune response and apoptosis,effective restoration of drug chemosensitivity,increased anti-tumor effect and prolonged survival rates.Modified exosomes whether through incubation,sonication,transfection,freeze-thawing or their combination,improve targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy against glioblastoma.
基金023 Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education General Project:Research on an interdisciplinary teaching model to promote the development of computational thinking in the context of the new curriculum standards[Grant NO:Y202351596]Key Project of Zhejiang Provincial Education Science Planning:Research on an interdisciplinary teaching model to promote students’computational thinking from multiple analytical perspectives[Grant NO:2025SB103].
文摘This study constructs a reflective feedback model based on a pedagogical agent(PA)and explores its impact on students’problem-solving ability and cognitive load.A quasi-experimental design was used in the study,with 84 students from a middle school selected as the research subjects(44 in the experimental group and 40 in the control group).The experimental group used the reflective feedback model,while the control group used the factual feedback model.The results show that,compared with factual feedback,the reflective feedback model based on the pedagogical agent significantly improves students’problem-solving ability,especially at the action and thinking levels.In addition,this model effectively reduces students’cognitive load,especially in terms of internal and external load.
文摘A new coumarin derivative C2 was constructed to act as a highly effective turn-on fluorescent probe for Cu^(2+)ions.The introduction of Cu^(2+)could lead to the hydrolytic cleavage of the phenylhydrazone moiety in C2 and the transformation into strongly fluorescent aldehyde C1.Probe C2 could recognize Cu^(2+)through a marked fluorescence enhancement with the detection limit as low as 150 nmol/L.By virtue of this unique catalytic hydrolysis reaction,compound C2 displayed highly selective response toward Cu^(2+)over other common ions even in the presence of excessive competitive ions.Furthermore,there was a good linear relationship between the intensity change and the concentration of Cu^(2+)ions,which was beneficial for the exactly quantitative detection.Especially,the efficient detection of Cu^(2+)with C2 for the practical application was successfully performed in gas-generating agents detection.
文摘Nanolipid carriers and traditional emulsion containing chemical sunscreens were prepared using emulsification combined with ultrasonic technology.The nanolipid carriers showed superior performance in sunscreen encapsulation,slow release and skin impermeability,and provided an excellent nanolipid slow-release encapsulation system for sunscreens.As observed by transmission electron microscopy,the nanolipid carriers were spherical shape,with smooth surface and uniform distribution,and the particle sizes were mainly concentrated in the range of 230 to 250 nm without agglomeration.The nanolipid carriers significantly improved the sunscreen performance through the synergistic effect of scattering and chemical absorption,and showed better UV stability than traditional sunscreen,indicating their photoprotective function.In vitro release experiments showed that the nano-lipidic carriers exhibited better release control when loaded with octyl methoxycinnamate(OMC)and butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane(BDFM)sunscreens than traditional traditional emulsions,with the cumulative release rate of OMC in the nano-lipidic carriers decreasing by 17.17% to 30.24% within 12 hours,and that of BDFM decreasing by 26.67% to 44.67%.26.67% to 44.16%.The results of the in vitro permeation experiment further confirmed that the nanolipid carriers could effectively encapsulate the sunscreens and prevent them from penetrating the skin barrier,thus reducing the skin irritation.Compared with traditional traditional emulsion,the cumulative penetration of OMC in nanostructured lipid carriers was 2.24μg/cm^(2)in 4 hours,while the cumulative penetration was reduced by 68.05%.The cumulative penetration of BDFM in the nanostructured lipid carrier was 3.24μg/cm^(2),with a 64.04%reduction in cumulative penetration.
基金Key Research project of Gansu Province of China(22YF7NA108)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31860549)+1 种基金Industry Supporting Project from Education Department of Gansu Province(2023CYZC-49)Major Science and Technology project of Gansu province(24ZDNA006)。
文摘【Objectives】Si and microbial application could relieve the crop replanting problems(CRPs).We further studied the change of key microorganisms that are related to the beneficial effects,aiming at provide reference for the manufacture and application of both microbial agents and Si fertilizer in food lily production.【Methods】A field experiment was conducted over a three-year period,from March 2019 to March 2022.The experimental field had been continuously cultivated with lily for 9 years.Three treatments were established:silicon fertilizer(SF),microbial agents(“Special 8^(TM)”,MF),and combined application of silicon fertilizer and microbial agents(SMF).A control group with blank soil(CK)was also included.At seedling stage of Lanzhou lilies in 2020 and 2021,the shoot and bulb dry weight,and the plant height and stem diameter of Lanzhou lilies were investigated for calculation of seedling index.In July 2020,20 plants were selected in each plot,and root zone soils were sampled at a depth of 20 cm,10 cm away from the roots,and then mixed to form a composite sample.The soil available Si and organic matter content were analyzed,and the fungal community structure and some specific microbial groups in soils were determined with high-throughput sequencing of ITS.【Results】All the three treatments significantly enhanced the lily plant growth and the seedling index,compared to CK.Besides,SF and MF treatments increased the relative abundances(RA)and diversity of fungal communities,and altered the community structures.The RA of some specific groups were found to be significantly correlated with the seedling index and/or soil available Si.Of them,the RA of the genera Fusarium,Dactylonectria,Humicola,Stilbella,and the species Humicola_grisea showed a positive correlation,while that of the genera Mortierella,Stilbella,Holtermanniella,and the species Mortierella_fatshederae showed a negative correlation with seedling index.The genera Fusarium,Stilbella,the species Humicola_grisea,and Dactylonectria_estremocensis showed a positive correlation,while the genura Stilbella,and the species Mortierella fatshederae showed a negative correlation with available Si content.In the co-occurence network of top twenty fungal genera and top sixteen bacterial genera(RA>0.2%),Holtermanniella was the only genus that interacted with the bacteria and negatively correlated with bacterial genus Blastococcus.Holtermanniella was also the most densely connected genera,followed by the genus Fusarium,Didymella and Humicola.In addition,the genus Holtermanniella was the key species connecting fungal and bacterial community in soil.Fungal functional prediction revealed that SF,MF and SMF treatments decreased plant pathogens guilds and increased the beneficial guilds Ectomycorrhizal,plant saprophyte,leaf saprophyte,and arbuscular mycorrhizal compared to CK.【Conclusions】Combined application of silicon fertilizer and microbial agents can alleviate continuous replanting problems of Lanzhou lilies through restoring the fungal community diversity,and promoting plant residue depredation,thus reducing soil born disease incidence.The beneficial genus Humicola and its one species H.grisea acts as bioconversion,and the genus Acremonium acts as plant pathogen inhibitor.
基金Supported by National Undergraduate Training Programs for Innovation and Entrepreneurship(202510580009)Special Project for Promoting the Coordinated Development of Urban and Rural Areas and Regions by Introducing Scientific and Technological Achievements of Guangdong Province into Counties and Towns(2025B0202010051)Project of High-quality Development in Hundred Counties,Thousands Towns and Ten Thousand Villages of Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology:Key Dispatch Project for Rural Science and Technology Commissioners(KTP20240704).
文摘Given that the citrus psyllid is the primary vector of citrus Huanglongbing(HLB),there is an urgent need to control this pest to mitigate the spread of the disease.This paper reviews the current research on two predominant control strategies:chemical control and biological control agents,in managing the citrus psyllid.It emphasizes the mechanisms of action,efficacy,and application advancements of these control methods.Finally,the paper analyzes the principal challenges associated with the sustainable management of citrus psyllids and offers perspectives for future research.
文摘Conventional echocardiography can sometimes pose a challenge to diagnosis due to sub-optimal images.Ultrasound contrast agents(UCAs)have been shown to drastically enhance imaging quality,particularly depicting the left ventricular endocardial borders.Their use during echocardiography has become a valuable tool in non-invasive diagnostics.UCAs provide higher-quality images that may ultimately reduce the length of hospital stays and improve patient care.The higher cost associated with UCAs in many situations has been an impediment to frequent use.However,when used as an initial diagnostic test,UCA during rest echocardiogram is more cost-effective than the traditional diagnostic approach,which frequently includes multiple tests and imaging studies to make an accurate diagnosis.They can be easily performed across multiple patient settings and provide optimal images that allow clinicians to make sound medical decisions.This consequently allows for better diagnostic accuracies and improvement in patient care.
基金funding this work through the Large Research Group Project under grant number RGP.02/513/45.
文摘Acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)is the name used to describe several potentially life-threatening infections and disorders that happen when HIV has severely compromised the immune system.The primary effect of HIV is to decrease host immunity,exposing the host to external pathogens.The development of pharmaceutical drugs that directly cure the infection is crucial because of the current wide-ranging epidemic of HIV.Most therapeutic anti-HIV drugs are nucleosides.However,their high toxicity and potential for drug resistance restrict their use.Many of the most effective clinical drugs used to inhibit HIV,the activation of latent HIV,and AIDS have been obtained from natural sources.This review focuses on potential natural medicinal products for treating and managing HIV and AIDS.Notwithstanding,further clinical research studies are needed to understand the subject and its dynamics.
基金supported in part by National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF0900800)National Natural Science Foundation of China(62472306,62441221,62206116)+2 种基金Tianjin University’s 2024 Special Project on Disciplinary Development(XKJS-2024-5-9)Tianjin University Talent Innovation Reward Program for Literature&Science Graduate Student(C1-2022-010)Shanxi Province Social Science Foundation(2020F002).
文摘COMPUTATIONAL experiments method is an essential tool for analyzing,designing,managing,and integrating complex systems.However,a significant challenge arises in constructing agents with human-like characteristics to form an AI society.Agent modeling typically encompasses four levels:1)The autonomy features of agents,e.g.,perception,behavior,and decision-making;2)The evolutionary features of agents,e.g.,bounded rationality,heterogeneity,and learning evolution;3)The social features of agents,e.g.,interaction,cooperation,and competition;4)The emergent features of agents,e.g.,gaming with environments or regulatory strategies.Traditional modeling techniques primarily derive from ABMs(Agent-based Models)and incorporate various emerging technologies(e.g.,machine learning,big data,and social networks),which can enhance modeling capabilities,while amplifying the complexity[1].
文摘Objectives:This review aimed to systematically analyze the technological frameworks,application scenarios,and outcomes of large language model-driven agents(LLMDAs)in nursing practice,and to summarize ethical,technological,and practical challenges,guiding future research and clinical implementation.Methods:This scoping review was conducted following the JBI guidelines.Five databases(PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,APA PsycNet,Cochrane Library)were systematically searched for peer-reviewed English-language studies from inception until September 9,2025.Eligible studies were screened by title and abstract,with full-text assessments conducted independently by two reviewers.Results:Twenty-five studies published between 2023 and 2025 were included,involving nine countries,primarily China(n=9)and the United States(n=9).Technological architectures were categorized into three types:collaborative models for solving complex tasks through multi-agent division of labor;augmentative models to enhance the accuracy of information outputs;and interactive models focusing on natural interactions and robotic task execution.Application scenarios included clinical,home-based,and community care.Studies indicated that LLMDAs can enhance diagnostic accuracy,optimize resource allocation,and improve patient experience.Primary ethical challenges identified included data privacy,reliability of generated content,and ambiguous attribution of responsibility.Conclusions:LLMDAs offer a novel paradigm for intelligent transformation in nursing care through integrative technological frameworks.They demonstrate considerable potential in enhancing clinical decision-making accuracy,efficiency of care delivery,and patient satisfaction.Addressing existing ethical,technical,and practical challenges is essential for facilitating broader clinical adoption.
文摘Energy security is the association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption.Access to cheaper energy has become essential to the functioning of modern economies.However,the uneven distribution of energy supplies among countries has led to significant challenges.International energy relations have contributed to the globalization of the world,leading to energy security and energy vulnerability at the same time.The first article in Science Direct for energy security appeared in 1993 with authors from USA.Gradually the number of articles and their origin increases.In 2024 we observe a boom of these publications-30(not only in Science Direct)and one planned for 2025.The recent article explores these publications and sorts them by origin and content.The content is distributed in five topics:computer technologies impact,artificial intelligence applications,environmental management and energy security,economics and policy for energy security,and emerging technologies for energy security.Since the share of AI usage is relatively small the author suggests scenarios for AI agents’application in various situations concerning environmental decisions,failures,cyber-attacks,performance,and pricing.
文摘Clinical pharmacy is on the cusp of exponential change powered by artificial intelligence agents,automation,data analytics,and robotics.Blockchain will enhance data integrity and transparency,and Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies will revolutionise training,patient education,and simulation-based care planning.Clinical pharmacists need to be ready and upskill to prepare for emerging technologies.The ethical,regulatory,and educational frameworks surrounding artificial intelligence and precision medicine will require constant attention,but the potential benefits for patient outcomes are unprecedented.Clinical pharmacists are in a prime position to design a new era in precision medicine,where technology works hand in hand with humans to transform healthcare.
基金supported by the Deputyship for Research&Innovation,Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia(Project No.MoE-IF-UJ-R2-22-04220773-1).
文摘Domain randomization is a widely adopted technique in deep reinforcement learning(DRL)to improve agent generalization by exposing policies to diverse environmental conditions.This paper investigates the impact of different reset strategies,normal,non-randomized,and randomized,on agent performance using the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(DDPG)and Twin Delayed DDPG(TD3)algorithms within the CarRacing-v2 environment.Two experimental setups were conducted:an extended training regime with DDPG for 1000 steps per episode across 1000 episodes,and a fast execution setup comparing DDPG and TD3 for 30 episodes with 50 steps per episode under constrained computational resources.A step-based reward scaling mechanism was applied under the randomized reset condition to promote broader state exploration.Experimental results showthat randomized resets significantly enhance learning efficiency and generalization,with DDPG demonstrating superior performance across all reset strategies.In particular,DDPG combined with randomized resets achieves the highest smoothed rewards(reaching approximately 15),best stability,and fastest convergence.These differences are statistically significant,as confirmed by t-tests:DDPG outperforms TD3 under randomized(t=−101.91,p<0.0001),normal(t=−21.59,p<0.0001),and non-randomized(t=−62.46,p<0.0001)reset conditions.The findings underscore the critical role of reset strategy and reward shaping in enhancing the robustness and adaptability of DRL agents in continuous control tasks,particularly in environments where computational efficiency and training stability are crucial.
基金supported by the specialized fund project for the fundamental research operation of central-level public welfare scientific research institutes,titled“Research on the International Standards System Construction and Updates in the Field of Fire Protection(Project No.2023SJ09)”.
文摘This paper discusses the importance of standards in the fire extinguishing agent industry,and highlights the vital role of the standards in promoting technological innovation.China’s standards for fire extinguishing agent products have evolved significantly,aligning with industrial development,market demands,regulatory requirements,to respond to the great impact of international competition in the industry.The paper analyzes the current state of China’s standards,including their composition and integration with industry growth,green development strategies,and international harmonization.Future development strategies for the standards framework should focus on valid period estimation,fire test model development,and raw material selection guidelines.By implementing these strategies,China’s fire protection industry can enhance product quality,contribute to public safety,and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.
