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Rising greenhouse gas emissions stemming from road transport have intensified the need for efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion technologies. Hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles have emerged as a viable solution, integrating internal combustion engines and fuel cells with electric motors to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This article reviews and analyzes energy management strategies for the principal powertrain topologies of hybrid electric vehicles, focusing on achieving solution optimality in real-time applications. A thorough and comprehensive overview of rule-based, optimization-based, and learning-based energy management strategies is presented, highlighting their main attributes and providing a comparative analysis in terms of fuel economy improvements, real-time implementation feasibility, and computational complexity, while simultaneously identifying and uncovering areas requiring further research in the field. We found that while rule-based methods offer simplicity and real-time capability, their adaptability remains limited. Optimization-based and learning-based approaches, although often achieving near-optimal solutions, face challenges due to their high computational demands and integration complexities. Our analysis also revealed the importance of leveraging vehicle connectivity and intelligent transportation systems for future energy management developments, which will contribute to broader sustainability goals in the automotive sector.

We present a single-capture multimodal bright-field (BF) and quantitative phase imaging (QPI) approach that enables the analysis of large, connected, or extended samples, such as confluent cell layers or tissue sections. The proposed imaging concept integrates a fiber-optic Mach–Zehnder interferometer-based off-axis digital holographic microscopy (DHM) with an inverted commercial optical BF microscope. Utilizing 8-bit grayscale dynamic range multiplexing, we simultaneously capture both BF images and digital holograms, which are then demultiplexed numerically via Fourier filtering, phase aberration compensation, and weighted image subtraction procedures. Compared to previous BF-DHM systems, our system avoids synchronization challenges caused by multiple image recording devices, improves acquisition speed, and enhances versatility for fast imaging of large, connected, and rapidly moving samples. Initially, we perform a systematic characterization of the system’s multimodal imaging performance by optimizing numerical as well as coherent and incoherent illumination parameters. Subsequently, the application capabilities are evaluated by multimodal imaging of living cells. The results highlight the potential of single-capture BF-DHM for fast biomedical imaging.

Reducing reliance on fossil fuels has driven the development of innovative technologies in recent years due to the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Since the automotive industry is one of the main contributors of high CO2 emissions, the introduction of more sustainable solutions in this sector is fundamental. This paper presents a novel energy management system for fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles based on dynamic programming and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system methodologies to optimize energy distribution between battery and fuel cell, therefore enhancing powertrain efficiency and reducing hydrogen consumption. Three different approaches have been considered for performance assessment through a simulation platform developed in MATLAB/Simulink 2023a. Further validation has been conducted via a rapid control prototyping device, showcasing significant improvements in hydrogen usage and operational efficiency across different drive cycles. Results manifest that the developed controllers successfully replicate the optimal control trajectory, providing a robust and computationally feasible solution for real-world applications. This research highlights the potential of combining advanced control strategies to meet performance and environmental demands of modern heavy-duty vehicles.

Cytotoxicity quantification of nanoparticles is commonly performed by biochemical assays to evaluate their biocompatibility and safety. We explored quantitative phase imaging (QPI) with digital holographic microscopy (DHM) as a time-resolved in vitro assay to quantify effects caused by three different types of organic nanoparticles in development for medical use. Label-free proliferation quantification of native cell populations facilitates cytotoxicity testing in biomedical nanotechnology. Therefore, DHM quantitative phase images from measurements on nanomaterial and control agent incubated cells were acquired over 24 h, from which the temporal course of the cellular dry mass was calculated within the observed field of view. The impact of LipImage™ 815 lipidots® nanoparticles, as well as empty and cabazitaxel-loaded poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles on the dry mass development of four different cell lines (RAW 264.7, NIH-3T3, NRK-52E, and RLE-6TN), was observed vs. digitonin as cytotoxicity control and cells in culture medium. The acquired QPI data were compared to a colorimetric cell viability assay (WST-8) to explore the use of the DHM assay with standard biochemical analysis methods downstream. Our results show that QPI with DHM is highly suitable to identify harmful or low-toxic nanomaterials. The presented DHM assay can be implemented with commercial microscopes. The capability for imaging of native cells and the compatibility with common 96-well plates allows high-throughput systems and future embedding into existing experimental routines for in vitro cytotoxicity assessment.

The assessment of nanoparticle cytotoxicity is challenging due to the lack of customized and standardized guidelines for nanoparticle testing. Nanoparticles, with their unique properties, can interfere with biochemical test methods, so multiple tests are required to fully assess their cellular effects. For a more reliable and comprehensive assessment, it is therefore imperative to include methods in nanoparticle testing routines that are not affected by particles and allow for the efficient integration of additional molecular techniques into the workflow. Digital holographic microscopy (DHM), an interferometric variant of quantitative phase imaging (QPI), has been demonstrated as a promising method for the label-free assessment of the cytotoxic potential of nanoparticles. Due to minimal interactions with the sample, DHM allows for further downstream analyses. In this study, we investigated the capabilities of DHM in a multimodal approach to assess cytotoxicity by directly comparing DHM-detected effects on the same cell population with two downstream biochemical assays. Therefore, the dry mass increase in RAW 264.7 macrophages and NIH-3T3 fibroblast populations measured by quantitative DHM phase contrast after incubation with poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles for 24 h was compared to the cytotoxic control digitonin, and cell culture medium control. Viability was then determined using a metabolic activity assay (WST-8). Moreover, to determine cell death, supernatants were analyzed for the release of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH assay). In a comparative analysis, in which the average half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of the nanocarriers on the cells was determined, DHM was more sensitive to the effect of the nanoparticles on the used cell lines compared to the biochemical assays.

The combination of micro synthetic structures with bacterial flagella motors represents an actual trend for the construction of self-propelled micro-robots. The development of methods for fabrication of these bacteria-based robots is a first crucial step towards the realization of functional miniature and autonomous moving robots. We present a novel scheme based on optical trapping to fabricate living micro-robots. By using holographic optical tweezers that allow three-dimensional manipulation in real time, we are able to arrange the building blocks that constitute the micro-robot in a defined way. We demonstrate exemplarily that our method enables the controlled assembly of living micro-robots consisting of a rod-shaped prokaryotic bacterium and a single elongated zeolite L crystal, which are used as model of the biological and abiotic components, respectively. We present different proof-of-principle approaches for the site-selective attachment of the bacteria on the particle surface. The propulsion of the optically assembled micro-robot demonstrates the potential of the proposed method as a powerful strategy for the fabrication of bio-hybrid micro-robots.

A retrospective study was conducted on 186 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer without metastases who received an ablative dose of 100 mCi (3.7 GBq) iodine-131 after total thyroidectomy. Six months to one year after ablation, 155/186 patients (83%) had a negative scan. Diagnostic scanning with 5 mCi (185 MBq) performed 72 h or 3 months before ablation did not interfere with treatment success compared to patients not submitted to pre-therapy scanning. Pre-ablation cervical uptake values < 2% were associated with a higher ablation efficacy (94%), from 2 to 5% showed 80% success and values > 5%, 60% (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the responsive and no responsive groups in terms of age, sex, histological type or size of the primary tumor. 11% of the patients with low stimulated Tg (< 2 ng/ml) presented discrete thyroid bed uptake on follow-up diagnostic scan (< 0.5%) without definitive residual disease and 89% had negative uptake on scan. The patients with Tg > 2 ng/ml presented thyroid bed (10/12) or ectopic (2/12) uptake on follow-up diagnostic scan. An ablative dose of 100 mCi shows a high rate of efficacy, especially when cervical uptake is < 2%; no difference was noted between patients assessed by scan within 72 h or 3 months before treatment and those not scanned; follow-up diagnostic scan can be avoided in low risk patients with stimulated Tg < 2 ng/ml.

Introduction: Strawberry production in Brazil is of significant economic and scientific importance but faces challenges that require contextualized analyses of scientific production.   Objective: The objective is to analyze the scientific production on strawberries in Brazil using a bibliometric and systematic review approach, focusing on publications between 1999 and 2023.   Method: A systematic and bibliometric review was conducted using the Web of Science database and the ProKnow-C method. The descriptors used were “Fragaria x Ananassa” AND “Brazil,” and article selection followed specific filters, such as publication period (1999-2023) and open access.   Results: The results revealed that scientific production has been concentrated in the South and Southeast regions, with a focus on agricultural management, genetics, and pest and disease control. The year 2019 had the highest number of publications, while 2022 stood out for citation volume. Moura et al. (2022) and Crizel et al. (2020) were the most cited studies, and Resende, J. V. T. and Andriolo, J. L. were the most relevant authors. The most frequent keywords were growth, quality, and harvest.   Research Implications: The results have practical and theoretical implications, such as the development of strategies to optimize strawberry production and the guidance of future research in the field.   Originality/Value: The originality of the study lies in the detailed analysis of 24 years of publications, providing insights into the evolution of the topic and supporting strategic decisions related to strawberry cultivation in Brazil.

Resumo Introdução A definição de parâmetros assistenciais é de relevância para a execução de ações de saúde pública. Objetivo Descrever um percurso para elaboração de parâmetros de produção e de cobertura para endodontia e periodontia. Método Parâmetros de cobertura foram calculados a partir das necessidades normativas identificadas no levantamento epidemiológico de saúde bucal em Minas Gerais. Parâmetros de produção per capita foram calculados a partir das necessidades normativas, dos dados de produção do SIA/SUS e da capacidade instalada nos serviços. A análise foi desenvolvida no módulo Complex Samples do Programa SPSS. Resultados 6,2% (IC 95% 5,2%-7,3%) e 2,9% (IC 95% 2,2%-3,9%) dos indivíduos apresentavam, pelo menos, uma necessidade de tratamento endodôntico e periodontal, respectivamente. Em relação à produção, tanto a capacidade potencial de produção dos serviços especializados quanto a produção média registrada no SIA/SUS são muito inferiores às necessidades normativas globais da população. Conclusão A endodontia apresentou cobertura populacional e média de procedimentos maiores do que a periodontia. Os parâmetros de cobertura populacional podem ser utilizados para a organização dos serviços. Abstract Background The definition of care parameters is relevant to the implementation of public health actions. Objective Describe a methodologic route for the elaboration of parameters on population coverage and production in endodontics and periodontics. Method Coverage parameters were calculated from the normative needs identified in the epidemiological survey of oral health in Minas Gerais. Production parameters were calculated based on normative requirements, SIA/SUS production data and installed capacity in the services. The analysis was developed in the Complex Samples module of the SPSS Program. Results 6.2% (95% CI 5.2%-7.3%) and 2.9% (CI 95% 2.2%-3.9%) needed endodontic and periodontal treatment, respectively. Both the potential production capacity of the specialized services and the average production recorded in the SIA/SUS were much lower than the overall normative needs of the population. Conclusion Endodontics presented a population coverage and average of procedures greater than that of periodontics. Population coverage parameters can be used to organize services.