Search Results (8,303)

SiO₂ aerogel cement composites (SACCs) are promising for building insulation, but how their residual thermal performance evolves after high-temperature exposure remains unclear, limiting fire protection assessment. In this study, SACC specimen with aerogel contents of 0%, 5%, 7%, and 10% were heat-treated at 400, 600, 700, 800, and 1000 °C. After cooling, their post-exposure thermal performance and microstructure were characterized via mass loss, density, thermal conductivity, MIP, and SEM. Results obtained at room temperature showed that with increasing treatment temperature, thermal conductivity first decreases and then increases, reaching a minimum after 700 °C treatment for the A7 specimens (from 0.092 to 0.063 W/(m·K)). Microstructural analysis of cooled specimens revealed that this non-monotonic behavior arises from three heat-induced changes: the cement matrix, aerogel aggregates, and the interfacial gap between them. After treatment at 700 °C, the gap corresponds to a Knudsen number of 0.01–0.02, entering the slip-flow regime. Combined with the low thermal conductivity of the cement matrix, this yields the best insulation. After treatment at 800 °C and above, the gap exceeded 60 μm, shifting heat transfer to the continuum regime and reducing insulation capacity. A thermal conductivity prediction model based on these post-exposure mechanisms agreed well with the experimental results. Full article

Disinformation is a global challenge that affects areas such as politics, health, economics, and science and is spread rapidly by social media (SM), suggesting the necessity of advancing educational proposals to strengthen critical thinking (CT) and digital literacy (DL). This quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive study identified the self-perception that master’s students (n = 72; at three Spanish universities; October 2024–March 2025) have regarding their DL, along with their CT, in post-truth and fake news settings. A self-administered online questionnaire (53 items) was conducted, covering aspects such as the responsible use of information and platforms, algorithmic perceptions, actions taken to verify this information, and concepts of CT, post-truth, and fake news. The results show that Instagram (97%) and WhatsApp (96%) predominated, with a notable proportion of users (86%) reporting that algorithms influenced them ‘highly’ or ‘moderately’. Despite being aware of disinformation they find on social media (65%) as well as its close link to hate speech (90% who ‘strongly’ or ‘somewhat’ agreed), this knowledge does not fully translate into taking measures to counter it. In fact 61% of respondents report sharing news on at least some occasions, while only 25% are able to identify a professional fact-checking organization. In conclusion, these findings suggest the merit of assessing the prevalence of skills such as Critical Thinking (CT) and strategies like fact-checking among students in other postgraduate education systems. Such assessments could inform the potential promotion of media and digital literacy as cross-curricular skills in education. This approach would help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the active verification needed to counter disinformation. Full article

The prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is rising globally, yet access to continuous care remains limited, particularly in rural low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluated the acceptability and psychosocial predictors of retention in a linkage-to-care (LTC) intervention for patients with chronic conditions in rural South Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study with a retrospective cohort component among 1673 patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and/or HIV in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Acceptability and psychosocial factors were assessed cross-sectionally using a theory-informed, interviewer-administered questionnaire between January and June 2024. Retention in care over the preceding six months (July–December 2023) was extracted from routine clinic records and classified as consistent (no gaps > 6 months between visits) or inconsistent (≥1 gap > 6 months. Logistic regression examined associations between psychosocial factors and retention outcomes, adjusting for age, gender, marital status, and diagnostic category. Overall, 25.1% of participants maintained consistent retention over six months, while 74.9% were retained inconsistently. Acceptability of the LTC intervention varied significantly by diagnosis (p < 0.001): 79.5% of participants with multimorbidity rated the intervention as acceptable compared to 54.9% with hypertension, 64.5% with diabetes, and 46.8% with HIV. However, only 12.8% of multimorbid participants agreed that intervention activities fit well with their daily lives. In adjusted analyses, participants who were not happy to participate had 85% lower odds of consistent retention (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.09–0.22) and 7.2 times higher odds of inconsistent retention (AOR = 7.2, 95% CI: 4.8–10.9). Most participants supported de-identified data sharing, though privacy concerns were elevated among those with multimorbidity. Acceptability of LTC interventions differs by diagnosis, with multimorbid patients reporting poorer alignment with daily routines. Retention is strongly associated with emotional engagement and self-efficacy, suggesting that LTC interventions should integrate psychosocial support and be contextually adapted for multimorbid patients in rural settings. Full article

This study explored individual differences among senior high school students in detecting and correcting logical errors in mathematical reasoning. Eight participants with high and average mathematical abilities each were recruited from a key high school in Shanghai to solve three error-detecting tasks by thinking aloud; they were then interviewed. Results showed that high ability students performed better in answering time, validation judgment, detection, explanation, and correction of logical errors. The cognitive processes for detecting and correcting logical errors were a combination of five types of cognitive behaviors—read, analyze, check, judge and correct. Although their specific combination methods were different, the two groups exhibited two different detecting styles. Error detection of high ability students was more active and effective, and their thinking processes were smooth and concise. The average ability group was more passive in error detection, more dependent on mathematical texts, and more stuck in the thinking process. Both groups agreed on the value of logical error-detecting tasks, although the high ability group had a more positive attitude toward them. Full article

Structural colors generated by interference, diffraction, or light scattering offer vivid visual effects without dyes or electronic components, making them promising for flexible optical sensing. This work reports a simple stretch–plasma–release (S-P-R) strategy to fabricate wrinkled photonic elastomers (WPEs). The flexible periodic structures exhibit mechanically responsive structural colors, as tensile strain alters the grating period, generating optical signals that can be visualized and quantified by spectroscopy. The wrinkle period is tunable in the range of 0.4–3.42 μm by adjusting plasma power, exposure time, pre-stretch ratio, and film thickness. A dumbbell-shaped substrate design reduces edge-induced stress concentration. It shows improved wrinkle uniformity, with the coefficient of variation reduced from 6.64% to 2.74%, and experimental colors agreeing well with modified Bragg condition predictions. The reflection peak shows a significant shift from 356 nm to 658 nm with varying viewing angles. Patterned plasma treatment enables the selective generation of wrinkled structures, producing bright color patterns. The structural color can be fully erased at a critical strain of 20% and recovered upon release, remaining stable over multiple loading–unloading cycles. With excellent mechanical compliance and optical tunability, these materials are well-suited for integration with hydrogel-based systems and show promise for wearable devices, security marking, and anti-counterfeiting applications. Full article

The quasi-steady low-Reynolds-number flow induced by a linear chain of multiple slip spheres translating along their common axis in a Newtonian fluid is investigated. The particles are allowed to differ in radius, Navier slip coefficient, migration velocity, and interparticle spacing. A semi-analytical solution of the governing Stokes equation is obtained using a boundary collocation method. Hydrodynamic interactions among the particles are shown to be significant under appropriate geometric and surface conditions. For the two-sphere configuration, the computed hydrodynamic forces agree closely with previously published asymptotic solutions derived via the twin multipole expansion method. In the three-sphere case, the presence of a third particle substantially modifies the forces acting on the other two, demonstrating non-negligible many-body interaction effects. The interaction strength is found to be more pronounced for smaller particles or those with lower slip coefficients. Calculations for longer particle chains further reveal a clear hydrodynamic shielding effect within the assembly. Full article

The current study assesses farmers’ knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, potato crop inputs and production practices, healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds, and their perceptions of agricultural extension services. A stratified random sample of 262 potato farmers from Hail, Qassim, Tabuk, Riyadh, and Al-Jawf was selected according to the Yamane equation. The number of completed and validated questionnaires was 231. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents have strong knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, potato crop production practices, and the selection of healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds. Moreover, the majority of farmers agreed with the role of agricultural extension in disseminating knowledge of sustainable agricultural potato cultivation practices. Farmers’ age and education level significantly influenced their knowledge of selecting healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds. Farming experience significantly influenced knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, crop inputs, production practices, and high-quality potato seeds. Monthly farm income and income from potato farms significantly influenced farmers’ knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, potato crop inputs, production practices, and healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seed selection. Regarding agricultural extension services, education level, monthly farm income, and income from potato crops influenced farmers’ perceptions of their effectiveness in disseminating information about sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, the findings of multiple regressions indicate that farmers’ income from potato farms affects their knowledge of land preparation and healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds. Farming experience and income from potato farms significantly affect farmers’ knowledge of crop inputs and production practices. Education and monthly farm income affect farmers’ perceptions of agricultural extension services. The study emphasizes the need for educational programs, training, and workshops under the supervision of the Agricultural Extension Department to enhance farmers’ knowledge of sustainable potato cultivation practices. The government should provide subsidized advanced agricultural technologies in the study area, thereby enhancing crop production and livelihoods. Support from the government and the extension department would help reduce potato imports and the economic burden by improving local potato production. Full article

Sustainable development was documented in two Dutch case studies on arable farms acting as living labs, showing that methods are available to assess indicators and thresholds of ecosystem services in line with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both farms met the various thresholds and thus obtained the lighthouse qualification, implying that these farmers can follow in the future their own type of successful management. The government, representing its citizens, should not prescribe farmers what to do but require them to reach the goals of sustainable development in their own professional way. Meeting the thresholds is the overall goal and that should also apply to various broadly defined farming systems emphasizing, for example, regenerative, organic, circular, nature-inclusive and high-tech-precision management. Current environmental regulations for agriculture in England and the Netherlands focus on payment for a variety of single management measures that have no quantitative relation with ecosystem services unless indicator measurements and assessments would be made. Questions are currently raised within the scientific community about the living lab concept and about methods and procedures to measure indicators and thresholds for ecosystem services. If the community cannot agree on an operational methodology soon, a scientifically sound expression for sustainable agriculture will remain beyond reach. Full article

In 1988, two seminal studies were published almost simultaneously in the same scientific journal. Both spurred the field of brain energy metabolism research in new directions, culminating in a long-lasting debate that appeared to split its practitioners into two factions that seem unwilling to agree on what metabolic processes are fueling the active brain with adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The first study used rat hippocampal slices to demonstrate the ability of lactate to support neuronal function as the sole oxidative mitochondrial substrate. The second study demonstrated that upon brain stimulation, glucose consumption is not accompanied by respective oxygen consumption, but a non-oxidative glucose utilization or what has become known as “aerobic glycolysis”. Consequently, for almost four decades, researchers in this field have been divided between those who profess that brain activity is supported by oxidative lactate metabolism and those who insist that non-oxidative glucose metabolism supports it. Hypotheses for both concepts were offered, “The Astrocyte Neuron Lactate Shuttle Hypothesis” and “The Efficiency Tradeoff Hypothesis,” respectively. To bridge the gap between the two groups, a recent editorial, authored by over twenty leading investigators, was published. The editorial received two separate responses from investigators who supported the non-oxidative glucose consumption as the main process supporting neural activity, signaling that the gap between the two groups remained. The present perspective highlights the principal disagreements that divide this utmost important field of research. It argues that the main reason for these disagreements is rooted in the assumption that pyruvate is the end-product of aerobic glycolysis, even when many among those who adhere to this assumption accept that in the active brain glycolysis is the main provider of the necessary ATP and the end-product is lactate under aerobic conditions. The consideration of a paradigm shift, according to which lactate is the real end-product of glycolysis, independent of the presence or absence of oxygen, could bridge the great divide between those who separate glycolysis into two outcomes and those who profess that there is only one, prefix-less glycolytic pathway that always ends with the production of lactate. Full article

Background: Professional identity formation (PIF) and wellbeing are increasingly being recognised in postgraduate Family Medicine (FM) education. Role models are central to both, yet traditional learning activities often struggle to implement them effectively. Podcasts offer a flexible medium that may support these goals. This study examines the potential of postgraduate medical education (PGME) podcasts, such as the European Young Family Doctor’s Movement (EYFDM) podcast, to promote PIF and wellbeing. Methods: This mixed-methods study analyses podcast use, role modelling effects, and PIF among young general practitioners (GPs). In 2024, 57 participants, including students, FM trainees, and specialists, completed an online questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative items. Descriptive and analytical statistics were combined with qualitative content analysis (Kuckartz). Sentiment analysis was conducted using artificial intelligence, and triangulation enhanced credibility. Results: Within the trainees and specialists of the study population, most participants (70%; 32/46 SPs) reported regularly using podcasts for PGME, and particularly young female GPs in Western Europe. In our study population, 90% (27/30 SPs) agreed that the podcasts broadened their perspective on professional opportunities in FM. Many participants reported reflections on potential career pathways and PIF. Exposure to role models significantly increased motivation to work in FM (χ² (1) = 10.7, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Podcasts may help address gaps in affective competency training, including wellbeing and PIF, while integrating easily into busy routines. Findings suggest a positive influence on career attitudes, with role modelling supporting PIF and motivation in FM. Full article

Wildfires are among the key drivers of transformation in boreal ecosystems; however, the mechanisms of postfire recovery in the arid regions of Eurasia remain insufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to identify the role of burn severity and associated edaphic and hydrological factors in shaping the natural regeneration trajectories of Scots pine forests in the Kostanay region of northern Kazakhstan. This study is based on the integration of field data on seedling regeneration and soil conditions with the analysis of long-term satellite-derived indices (NDVI, NDMI, and NBR). Sample plots were grouped according to fixed burn severity classes, which enabled a consistent statistical comparison and reduced the interpretative ambiguity that has characterized previous studies in the region. The results indicate that pine forest regeneration is most successful under low and moderate burn severity, where seed sources are preserved and favourable moisture conditions are maintained. In contrast, high burn severity leads to a reduction in regenerative potential and a shift in recovery trajectories toward deciduous or sparsely vegetated communities. The spectral indices derived from the remote sensing data strongly agreed with the field-based indicators, confirming their suitability for assessing postfire vegetation dynamics. Soil properties act as important modifying factors of recovery processes, particularly under conditions of limited water availability. These findings enhance the current understanding of postfire recovery mechanisms in the arid part of the boreal zone and highlight the need for differentiated management of postfire landscapes. The integration of field observations with remote sensing data provides a robust framework for monitoring and forecasting recovery processes under an increasingly intensified fire regime. Full article

This study investigates the fabrication, characterization, and computational analysis of a Ti6Al4V porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering (BTE). The main objective is to address the stress-shielding effect caused by the mismatch in the mechanical properties between the scaffold and surrounding bone. An octet-truss architecture was considered to design a highly porous scaffold (with 80.5% porosity) and fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM). The scaffold was then treated with post-processing chemical etching in oxalic acid to remove surface defects and tailor topography. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that etching effectively removed adhered unmelted powder particles and created a distinct micro-textured strut surface (with increased roughness) that is conducive to osseointegration. The etching process also uniformly thinned down the struts and resulted in 10% mass loss. A compression test gave the scaffold’s compliance-corrected elastic moduli of 4.54 ± 0.18 GPa (pre-etching) and 3.53 ± 0.06 GPa (post-etching). These values closely match with the stiffness of human trabecular bone reported in the literature. The experimental modulus results were validated with a finite element model that predicted 4.188 GPa, which agrees well with the experiment. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamic simulations evaluated a permeability of 8 × 10^–9 m², consistent with transport in bone-like structures. Full article

TC4DT (ELI) is a damage-tolerant titanium alloy characterized by high fracture toughness and slow crack propagation rates, and is, therefore, considered one of the standard materials for model fasteners in modern equipment. However, its high yield strength leads to excessive tool wear and forming defects. This paper presents a complete FE simulation framework to investigate the thread-rolling process of TC4DT(ELI) bolts M16 × 1.5. Using the actual geometries of the workpiece and rollers, an elasto-plastic three-dimensional finite element model was built in ABAQUS/Explicit to perform verification simulations, with the theoretical blank diameter and forming force as the reference benchmarks. The simulation results agreed well with the actual industrial data. This study carried out single-factor analyses of the effect of three important process parameters—the roll speed, friction coefficient, and initial temperature—on the resulting stress–strain distribution, forming force, and thread formation depth. A modal analysis was performed in ANSYS Workbench to check the structural integrity and avoid resonance while operating. According to the results, the optimized parameters decreased the maximum forming force by 14.8% and improved thread filling. Compared with experimental data, the simulation error in the blank diameter was controlled within 1.2%. The present work, a reliable numerical underpinning for replacing expensive and time-consuming trial-and-error processes, forms a basis for high-performance titanium alloy fasteners and assists in the wider application of such fasteners in modern equipment and any advanced manufacturing industries. Full article

Background/Objectives: The initial systematic review of “Concurrent Disorder Management Guidelines. Systematic Review” assessed the quality of the concurrent disorders’ clinical management guidelines in 2020, including the guidelines in the field from 2000 to 2020. Twenty-four guidelines were identified and assessed with AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation). As dual disorder needs increased specifically among the younger population, requiring significant healthcare resources, more efficient approaches targeting complex concurrent disorders are essential. Since 2020, multiple new guidelines have been developed in response to new developments in the field of substance use disorder management. This systematic review update aimed to identify and appraise all new available concurrent disorder management guidelines to strategize the management of concurrent disorders, support better outcomes and further research directions. Methods: The review was registered, and protocol is available in the international register—PROSPERO. Literature searches were performed by two independent authors in electronic databases and the gray literature. The inclusion criteria were English language clinical management guidelines for adult concurrent disorders between 2020 and 2025. Sources that were not formal clinical guidelines, not addressed to physicians for adult age group, addressed to intellectual/developmental disability, or written in languages other than English were excluded. Results: The initial search resulted in 5003 records. A total of eight new guidelines were identified and assessed with AGREE II, highlighting the consistent gap in the evidence-based management recommendations. Conclusions: The appraised guidelines had similar quality to the 2020 findings, supporting dual or combined treatment; however, all guidelines had multiple domains not developed rigorously and with methodological limitations. Levels of complexity and staging of treatment were not considered in recommendations. Average domain scores were very low, with the lowest being applicability and editorial independence. Development of high-quality, rigorously developed, evidence-based guidelines, addressing staging, resource implications, and patient involvement is recommended as the evidence base remains underdeveloped. Full article

Background: Monitoring skeletal muscle mass (SMM) during radiotherapy (RT) is important, as SMM loss is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Cone-beam CT (CBCT), acquired before each RT fraction, offers the potential to track the lumbar skeletal muscle index (LSMI) over time. However, CBCT has lower image quality than conventional CT. This study assessed the agreement between CT and CBCT and evaluated the reliability of LSMI measurements in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Patients who underwent both CT and CBCT on the same day during RT were included. The cross-sectional muscle area at C3 was measured, converted to L3, and used to calculate the LSMI. Two researchers analyzed all scans, with one repeating the measurements. Agreement and reliability were quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and visualized with Bland–Altman plots. Results: LSMI measurements showed excellent agreement between CBCT and CT (ICC: 0.97–0.99; 95% CI: 0.95–0.99). The intrarater (ICC: 0.99; 95% CI 0.98–0.99) and interrater reliability (ICC: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.66–0.99) were high. Bland–Altman plots, however, revealed wide limits of agreement. Conclusion: CBCT provides reliable LSMI measurements and agrees well with CT, but the observed variability suggests cautious interpretation. When both modalities are available, CT remains the preferred standard for SMM assessment. Full article