Search Results (1,491)

In football, accurately pinpointing key events like passes is vital for analyzing player and team performance. Despite continuous technological advancements, existing tracking systems still face challenges in accurately synchronizing events and positional data accurately. This is a case study that proposes a new method to synchronize events and positional data collected during football matches. Three datasets were used to perform this study: a dataset created by applying a custom algorithm that synchronizes positional and event data, referred to as the optimized synchronization dataset (OSD); a simple temporal alignment between positional and event data, referred to as the raw synchronization dataset (RSD); and a manual notational data (MND) from the match video footage, considered the ground truth observations. The timestamp of the pass in both synchronized datasets was compared to the ground truth observations (MND). Spatial differences in OSD were also compared to the RSD data and to the original data from the provider. Root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were utilized to assess the accuracy of both procedures. More accurate results were observed for optimized dataset, with RMSE values of RSD = 75.16 ms (milliseconds) and OSD = 72.7 ms, and MAE values RSD = 60.50 ms and OSD = 59.73 ms. Spatial accuracy also improved, with OSD showing reduced deviation from RSD compared to the original event data. The mean positional deviation was reduced from 1.59 ± 0.82 m in original event data to 0.41 ± 0.75 m in RSD. In conclusion, the model offers a more accurate method for synchronizing independent datasets for event and positional data. This is particularly beneficial for applications where precise timing and spatial location of actions are critical. In contrast to previous synchronization methods, this approach simplifies the process by using an automated technique based on patterns of ball velocity. This streamlines synchronization across datasets, reduces the need for manual intervention, and makes the method more practical for routine use in applied settings. Full article

Legumes are among the most important crops globally, serving as a major food source for protein and oil. In tropical regions, the cultivation of legumes has expanded significantly due to the increasing demand for food, plant-based products, and sustainable agriculture practices. However, tropical environments pose unique challenges, including high temperatures, erratic rainfall, soil infertility, and a high incidence of pests and diseases. Indeed, legumes are vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, and nematodes. This review highlights the importance of legumes in tropical farming and discusses major diseases affecting productivity and their impact on the economy, environment, and lives of smallholder legume farmers. We emphasize the use of legume genetic resources and breeding, and biotechnology innovations to foster resistance and address the challenges posed by pathogens in legumes. However, an integrated approach that includes other cultivation techniques (e.g., crop rotation, rational fertilization, deep plowing) remains important for the prevention and control of diseases in legume crops. Finally, we highlight the contributions of plant genetic resources to smallholder resilience and food security. Full article

Background/Objectives: Collaboration in mental health care is essential for implementing a model oriented towards the psychosocial rehabilitation of people based on multifaceted interventions involving different actors and sectors of society to respond to demands. Despite the benefits presented by the scientific evidence, there are still many barriers to collaborative care, and professionals continue to struggle in reorienting their conduct. The current situation demands organization and the framing of well-founded action plans to overcome challenges, which in turn requires a detailed understanding of collaborative practices in mental health care and their conceptual boundaries. A concept analysis was undertaken to propose a working definition of collaborative practices in mental health care (CPMHC). Methods: This paper used the Walker and Avant concept analysis method. This includes identifying the defining concept attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. A literature search was carried out from November 2024 to February 2025 in three databases (Medline, CINAHL, and LILACS), considering studies published between 2010 and 2024. Results: The final sample of literature investigated consisted of 30 studies. The key attributes were effective communication, building bonds, co-responsibility for care, hierarchical flexibility, articulation between services, providers and community, monitoring and evaluating of care processes, and attention to the plurality of sociocultural contexts. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis contributes to guiding future research and policy development of collaborative practices in mental health, considering the individual, relational, institutional, and social levels. Further research is possible to deepen the understanding of the production of collaborative practices in mental health in the face of the complexity of social relations and structural inequities. Full article

Museums may acquire archaeological artefacts discovered by non-specialists or amateur archaeologists, holding the potential to promote the safeguarding of cultural heritage by integrating the local community in their activities. However, this also creates an opportunity for the fraudulent sale of modern forgeries presented as archaeological artefacts, resulting in the need for a critical assessment of the artefact’s authenticity prior to acquisition by the museum. In 2019, the regional museum in Cáceres (Spain) was offered the opportunity to acquire a Phoenician-Punic head pendant, allegedly discovered in the vicinity of the city. The artefact’s authenticity was assessed by traditional approaches, including typological analysis and analysis of manufacture technique, which raised doubts about its purported age. VP-SEM-EDS analysis of the chemical composition of the different glass portions comprising the pendant was used for non-invasive determination of glassmaking recipes, enabling the identification of glass components incompatible with known Iron Age glassmaking recipes from the Mediterranean. Further comparison with historical and modern glassmaking recipes allowed for the identification of the artefact as a recent forgery made from glasses employing modern colouring and opacifying techniques. Full article

Olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) are an environmental problem in the Mediterranean region, and it is crucial to explore strategies for their treatment and repurposing. The chemical precipitation technique (CPT) has been presented as a cost-effective wastewater treatment solution that might be applied to OMWW. The CPT-resulting precipitant subproducts (sludge) may be reprocessed (e.g., agricultural fertilizer and/or soil amendment), while the treated wastewater may be repurposed or reused (e.g., irrigation, aquaponic, or industrial processes). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CPT in treating wastewater from the olive oil industry from an ecotoxicological perspective. Additionally, to assess the safe use of the obtained sludge in CPT treatment, its effects on soil biota were assessed. For this, a set of ecotoxicological assays using freshwater (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna and Danio rerio), terrestrial invertebrates (Folsomia candida and Enchytraeus crypticus), and plants (Brassica oleracea and Lolium perenne) were used as model organisms. Results demonstrated that CPT reduced OMWW toxicity to freshwater organisms, offering a favorable outlook on CPT’s potential as a wastewater treatment method. Increasing application rates of sludge in soil reduced the shoot biomass and the hydric content of both plants compared to the control. Survival of F. candida and E. crypticus was not affected by sludge in soil at any tested application rate, yet sludge application negatively affected the reproduction of both species, even at relevant sludge application rates (2%) of sludge in soils. Overall, the applicability of this sludge obtained by the CPT treatment in soils should be carefully evaluated due to the observed adverse effects on soil biota. Although the results of CPT were promising in reducing the toxicity of OMWW for these aquatic species, some adjustments/improvements should be performed to improve this technique and use all the obtained resources (treated water and sludge) in a fully circular perspective. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a versatile plant with significant medicinal, industrial, and recreational applications. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, whose production is influenced by environmental factors, such as radiation, temperature, and humidity. Radiation, for instance, is essential for photosynthetic processes, acting as both a primary energy source and a regulator of plant growth and development. This review covers key factors affecting C. sativa cultivation, including photoperiod, light spectrum, cultivation methods, environmental controls, and plant growth regulators. It highlights how these elements influence flowering, biomass, and cannabinoid production across different growing systems, offering insights for optimizing both medicinal and industrial cannabis cultivation. Studies indicate that photoperiod sensitivity varies among cultivars, with some achieving optimal flowering and cannabinoid production under extended light periods rather than the traditional 12/12 h cycle. Light spectrum adjustments, especially red, far-red, and blue wavelengths, significantly impact photosynthesis, plant morphology, and secondary metabolite accumulation. Advances in LED technology allow precise spectral control, enhancing energy efficiency and cannabinoid profiles compared to conventional lighting. The photoperiod plays a vital role in the cultivation of C. sativa spp., directly impacting the plant’s developmental cycle, biomass production, and the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. The response to photoperiod varies among different cannabis cultivars, as demonstrated in studies comparing cultivars of diverse genetic origins. On the other hand, indoor or in vitro cultivation may serve as an excellent alternative for plant breeding programs in C. sativa, given the substantial inter-cultivar variability that hinders the fixation of desirable traits. Full article

The transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is vital for newborn calf health and is typically assessed through blood sampling to measure serum or plasma IgG or total protein levels. Saliva offers a less invasive alternative. This study evaluated the potential of saliva for assessing TPI. Saliva and serum samples were collected from 20 calves at birth and on days 1, 2, and 7 of life to measure IgG, IgA, IgM, and total protein concentrations. Colostrum fed to the calves was also analyzed for gross composition and immunoglobulin content. Colostrum intake and composition were associated with saliva IgG (R² = 0.48; p = 0.019), saliva IgM (R² = 0.73; p = 0.02), and saliva total protein (R² = 0.41; p = 0.043). Serum IgG and IgA levels were predicted by saliva IgG (p < 0.001; R² = 0.33) and IgA (p < 0.001; R² = 0.13), respectively, though predictive accuracy varied by calf age (IgG: p < 0.001; R² = 0.40; IgA: p < 0.001; R² = 0.91). In conclusion, the results suggest that both saliva IgG and IgA concentrations could be used to predict IgG and IgA serum concentrations. Nevertheless, further studies are still needed to clarify the best time for sample collection. Full article

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi and Babesia caballi. It affects equids, representing significant health and economic concerns for the equine industry. EP is endemic in Portugal, so developing and implementing preventive strategies is essential. Accessing veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) through a survey is a suitable approach, and no such studies have been conducted in Portugal until now. A KAP survey was applied to 41 Portuguese equine vets, representing mainly the Alentejo region. The average knowledge score went from medium to high, correctly identifying the causative agents, transmission routes and clinical signs. Knowledge gaps mostly concerned the identification of T. haneyi as an agent, transplacental transmission, duration of infection and diagnostic methods. Reported practices were appropriate overall, including enhancing breeders’ awareness of the disease and its prevention. Diagnostic and treatment protocols were generally consistent with current recommendations; however, these protocols are not yet fully standardized. Our findings highlight key areas where increasing expertise is needed and could serve as a foundation for future evidence-based guidelines to improve EP control in Portugal. Full article

Almond decline and dieback have become significant challenges in newly established orchards, with symptoms including internal necrosis, canker, and external gummosis. This work aims to explore the potential fungal and bacterial causative agents through metabarcoding and traditional culture plate isolation across six almond cultivars. Our results emphasize the multifactorial nature of almond decline and dieback, with possible co-infections by opportunistic fungi and bacteria playing a central role. Classical isolation identified 47 fungal species or genera, including Diaporthe amygdali, Diplodia corticola, Phytophthora sp., and several Fusarium species. Almond metabarcoding revealed a more diverse microbial community, highlighting the prevalence of soilborne pathogens such as Neocosmospora rubicola, Dactylonectria estremocensis, and Plectosphaerella niemeijerarum. Soil metabarcoding suggested that these pathogens likely originate from nursery substrates or soils shared with other crops, such as olives and vineyards, that serve as a source of inoculum. ‘Soleta’ generally presented lower richness when compared to the other tested cultivars, suggesting a higher degree of biotic stress and decreased plant resilience. This study highlights the value of integrating NGS approaches to comprehensively study complex diseases and the need for further research on pathogen interactions and cultivar susceptibility for the future development of new sustainable, targeted management strategies in almond orchards. Full article

As the cradle of Jiangnan culture, Suzhou is home to a dense concentration of historical architectural heritage that is currently facing existential threats from rapid urbanization. This study aims to develop a spatial heritage corridor network for conservation and sustainable utilization. Using kernel density estimation, this study identifies 15 kernel density groups, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to pinpoint clusters of historical architectural heritage and assess the involved resistance factors. Current Effective Conductance (CEC) theory is further applied to model spatial flow relationships among heritage nodes, leading to the delineation of 27 heritage corridors and revealing a spatial structure characterized by one primary core, one secondary core, and multiple peripheral zones. Based on 15 source points, six cultural relics-themed routes are proposed—three land-based and three waterfront routes—connecting historical sites, towns, and ecological areas. The study further recommends a resource management strategy centered on departmental collaboration, digital integration, and community co-governance. By integrating historical architectural types, settlement forms, and ecological patterns, the research builds a multi-scale narrative and experience system that addresses fragmentation while improving coordination and sustainability. This framework delivers practical advice on heritage conservation and cultural tourism development in Suzhou and the broader Jiangnan region. Full article

Knowing the specific characteristics and animal tuberculosis risk factors present and applying good practices are crucial points in combating tuberculosis (TB) in a Mediterranean multi-species scenario. The objective of this work is to statistically analyze the association between the existence of TB in areas with a marked game–livestock interface, with various complementary factors found in 30 extensive farms in southern Portugal, such as the number of animals of each large game species present in the territory and the frequency of their sightings. Collecting this information, an inferential statistical analysis was conducted to obtain information on the association type between TB occurrence in the farms and the presence of highlighted factors. The main statistical results show an association between the presence of large game species and TB occurrence in the analyzed areas. Thus, in a multi-species scenario, large game species are a crucial component in TB maintenance, namely when stricter contact occurs. This could be one of the reasons why TB continues to circulate and why the eradication process is so difficult; the risk of zoonotic transmission is evident. It is crucial to apply biosecurity tools to improve the alignment and structure of natural resource management strategies. Full article

Nursing students often face emotional challenges related to death and dying, affecting their psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and academic success. Cultural and educational factors may influence how they experience and manage these stressors. This study aimed to compare fear of death, emotional intelligence, coping with death, and academic burnout among second-year nursing students in Spain and Portugal to identify cross-cultural differences. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 174 second-year nursing students from the University of Extremadura (Spain) and the University of Évora (Portugal) during the 2023/2024 academic year. The instruments used included the Collett–Lester Brief Fear of Death Scale, the Trait Meta-Mood Scale—24 ítems, the Bugen’s Coping with Death Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests and Welch’s t-tests, depending on variance homogeneity. A two-way ANOVA was also conducted to explore interactions between gender and nationality. The Spanish sample comprised 86 women and 21 men, and the Portuguese sample included 58 women and 9 men. The mean age across the sample was 21.5 years (SD = 4.15). No significant differences were observed in fear of death or emotional intelligence between the two groups. However, Portuguese students showed significantly better coping with death, but also higher academic burnout and cynicism. Spanish students reported greater perceived efficacy. Although emotional intelligence and death anxiety were similar, Portuguese students demonstrated stronger coping skills but experienced more burnout. This suggests that coping alone may not buffer academic stress, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored interventions to enhance emotional readiness and reduce burnout. Full article

Cheese production is an ancient practice that is associated with the food and cultural identity of different peoples. There are over 500 cheese types globally, including 207 with protected denomination of origin (PDO) and 70 with protected geographical indication (PGI) status in the European Union (EU). Each cheese has various biochemical compositions, production methods, and maturation environments. This study has provided a critical review of the environmental impacts of cheese production, focusing on energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the integration of renewable energy sources as sustainable strategies for this sector. Based on case studies and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, the analysis revealed significant variability in energy use (3.0 to 70.2 MJ/kg) and GHG emissions (up to 22.13 kg CO₂ eq/kg), influenced by factors such as the cheese type, production complexity, system boundaries, and the technological or geographical context. Particular attention was given to heat treatment, refrigeration, and maturation processes, which contribute substantially to the overall energy footprint. The paper also discusses the methodological challenges in LCA studies, including the role of co-product allocation and database limitations. Finally, strategic renewable energy options, such as biogas recovery and solar thermal integration, are discussed as sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of the dairy sector and support its sustainability. Full article

Moroccan oil shale ash (MOSA) represents an underutilized industrial by-product, particularly in the Rif region, where its high mineral content has often led to its neglect in value-added applications. This study highlights the successful conversion of MOSA into amorphous mesoporous silica (AS-Si) using a sol–gel process assisted by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) as a soft template. The resulting AS-Si material was extensively characterized to confirm its potential for environmental remediation. FTIR analysis revealed characteristic vibrational bands corresponding to Si–OH and Si–O–Si bonds, while XRD confirmed its amorphous nature with a broad diffraction peak at 2θ ≈ 22.5°. SEM imaging revealed a highly porous, sponge-like morphology composed of aggregated nanoscale particles, consistent with the nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm. The material exhibited a specific surface area of 68 m²/g, a maximum in the pore size distribution at a pore diameter of 2.4 nm, and a cumulative pore volume of 0.11 cm³/g for pores up to 78 nm. DLS analysis indicated an average hydrodynamic diameter of 779 nm with moderate polydispersity (PDI = 0.48), while a zeta potential of –34.10 mV confirmed good colloidal stability. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and DSC suggested the thermal stability of our amorphous silica. The adsorption performance of AS-Si was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) as model pollutants. Kinetic data were best fitted by the pseudo-second-order model, while isotherm studies favored the Langmuir model, suggesting monolayer adsorption. AS-Si could be used four times for the removal of MB and Cipro. These results collectively demonstrate that AS-Si is a promising, low-cost, and sustainable adsorbent derived from Moroccan oil shale ash for the effective removal of organic contaminants from aqueous media. Full article

Plastic waste and water pollution demand circular economy-driven innovations. This review examines metal–organic framework (MOF) synthesis from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste for wastewater treatment. Depolymerized PET yields terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol—essential MOF precursors. We evaluate the following: (1) PET depolymerization (hydrolysis, glycolysis, ammonolysis) for monomer recovery efficiency; (2) MOF synthesis (solvothermal, microwave, mechanochemical) using PET-derived linkers; (3) performance in adsorbing heavy metals, dyes, and emerging contaminants. PET-based MOFs match or exceed commercial adsorbents in pollutant removal while lowering costs. Their tunable porosity and surface chemistry enhance selectivity and capacity. By converting waste plastics into functional materials, this strategy tackles dual challenges: diverting PET from landfills and purifying water. The review underscores the environmental and economic benefits of waste-sourced MOFs, proposing scalable routes for sustainable water remediation aligned with zero-waste goals. Full article