Search Results (808)

Mental health services have an interest in maintaining psychosocial safety for consumers, carers, and staff alike. While much discussion around safety in service delivery pertains to the likelihood of patients engaging in damaging behaviours, we take the position that community attitudes towards safety offer more expansive, relational, and spatial definitions of safety. In a survey consisting of a mix of open and closed questions of 279 Australians aged 16–87 years, participants were asked to comment on their experiences of safety and unsafety in emergency mental health service use, as well as what they consider to be a safe or unsafe service. Applying a thematic analysis to the data, findings showed that emergency departments are not safe or appropriate for mental health consumers. Participants had heterogenous but largely consistent ideas about what made a service safe. Elements of safety mentioned by participants included a therapeutic orientation to time; service predictability; sensory dimensions of safety; and feeling understood. For some participants, notions of safety and unsafety dictated not only their satisfaction with services but overall likelihood of service use, thereby emphasising the critical importance of community attitudes towards safety in service design and delivery. Full article

Understanding the seasonal behaviour of sewer failures is essential for infrastructure reliability and sustainable asset management. This study presents a seasonality-centred, data-driven analysis of monthly sewer failures over a 15-year period (2010–2024) in a major city in south-eastern Poland. The assessment is based exclusively on operational failure records, allowing intrinsic temporal regularities to be extracted without the use of external meteorological covariates. Seasonal Decomposition of Time Series by LOESS (STL), Autocorrelation Function (ACF), Seasonal Index (SI) and the Winter–Summer Index (WSI) were applied to quantify periodicity, seasonal amplitude and long-term variability. The results confirm a pronounced annual cycle, with failures peaking around March and reaching minima in September, supported by a strong autocorrelation at a 12-month lag (r ≈ 0.45). The mean WSI value (1.05) indicates a nearly balanced but still winter-sensitive pattern, while annual WSI values ranged from 0.71 to 1.51. The STL seasonal amplitude remained structurally stable at ≈61 failures throughout the study period, while annual values showed a modest but statistically significant increasing tendency. Trend analysis showed no significant monotonic trend in the deseasonalized series (Z ≈ 0.89, p = 0.37), whereas the raw series exhibited a weak but significant upward trend (τ ≈ 0.33, p < 0.001), largely attributable to short-term operational variability rather than to changes in intrinsic failure rate. The study demonstrates that long-term operational data alone are sufficient to capture seasonal and long-term dynamics in sewer failures. The presented framework supports utilities in integrating seasonality diagnostics into preventive maintenance, resource allocation and resilience planning, even in the absence of detailed climatic datasets. Full article

Predictive process monitoring estimates the future behaviour of running process instances based on historical event logs, with typical tasks including next-activity prediction, remaining-time estimation, and risk assessment. Existing recurrent and Transformer-based models achieve strong accuracy on individual logs but transfer poorly across processes and underuse the rich graph structure of event data. This paper introduces ProcessGFM, a domain-specific graph pretraining prototype for predictive process monitoring on event graphs. ProcessGFM employs a hierarchical graph neural architecture that jointly encodes event-level, case-level, and resource-level structure and is pretrained in a self-supervised manner on multiple benchmark logs using masked activity reconstruction, temporal order consistency, and pseudo-labelled outcome prediction. A multi-task prediction head and an adversarial domain alignment module adapt the pretrained backbone to downstream tasks and stabilise cross-log generalisation. On the BPI 2012, 2017, and 2019 logs, ProcessGFM improves next-activity accuracy by 2.7 to 4.5 percentage points over the best graph baseline, reaching up to 89.6% accuracy and 87.1% macro-F1. For remaining-time prediction, it attains mean absolute errors between 0.84 and 2.11 days, reducing error by 11.7% to 18.2% relative to the strongest graph baseline. For case-level risk prediction, it achieves area-under-the-curve scores between 0.907 and 0.934 and raises precision at 10% recall by 6.7 to 8.1 percentage points. Cross-log transfer experiments show that ProcessGFM retains between about 90% and 96% of its in-domain next-activity accuracy when applied zero-shot to a different log. Attention-based analysis highlights critical subgraphs that can be projected back to Petri net fragments, providing interpretable links between structural patterns, resource handovers, and late cases. Full article

Effective placement of liquid bioproducts in the root zone is essential for improving plant health and productivity in organic strawberry cultivation, yet subsurface application is often constrained by soil compaction typical of perennial production systems. This study evaluated the penetration behaviour of a fluorescent tracer solution applied using a newly developed subsurface applicator equipped with a disc coulter and integrated with an interrow cultivator. Field experiments were conducted on loamy sand prepared at three compaction levels: COMPACTED, NATURAL and LOOSE. Liquid distribution was assessed using UV fluorescence imaging and quantitative image analysis in ImageJ, enabling measurement of both penetration depth and cross-sectional wetted area. Soil physical properties including bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity (permeability), water-holding capacity, and mechanical resistance were analyzed alongside liquid infiltration patterns. Results showed that soil compaction substantially limited both the depth and spread of the injected liquid, whereas loosening the soil prior to application significantly enhanced bioproduct placement within the target 15–20 cm root zone. Correlation analysis confirmed strong relationships between soil structure and liquid behaviour. The integrated loosening–application system demonstrates considerable potential for precise, efficient in-soil delivery of liquid bioproducts in organic strawberry production. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine nutrition-related knowledge (NRK) and the implementation of national dietary guidelines (NDGs) as nutrition-related practices (NRPs) among women, identifying profiles and their determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 1294 Polish women (mean age 35.8 ± 14.6 years) was conducted in the period June 2021–December 2022 using the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method. K-means cluster analysis was applied to standardized variables (NRK and NRP scores, age, and BMI), with the optimal number of clusters determined using the elbow method, to identify major participant profiles representing knowledge and practices with respect to the NDGs. Results: Three distinct clusters were identified. The “High” cluster showed median NRK and NRP scores of 15 (IQR = 14–17) and 11 points (IQR = 10–13), significantly higher than those of the “Low” (11 (IQR = 9–13) and 8 points (IQR = 7–10); p < 0.001) and “Moderate” cluster (13 (IQR = 11–14) and 7 points (IQR = 6–9); p < 0.001), respectively. There were significant differences between clusters in socio-demographics, lifestyle, and health-related distribution. Cluster “High” (38% of sample) had the best NRK and NRP scores and more advantageous socio-economic and lifestyle profiles (higher education, employment, better financial situation, normal BMI, less smoking and higher levels of physical activity), p < 0.001; “Moderate” (39%) was characterized by average to relatively good NRK but weaker implementation of NRPs, particularly among younger women, representing more advantageous socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related characteristics (p < 0.001); and “Low” (23% of sample) comprising middle-aged and older women with lower education, more frequent rural residence, poorer financial status, less favourable lifestyle factors, the lowest NRK and NRP scores, higher prevalence of overweight or obesity, and the lowest level of physical activity (p < 0.001)—thus indicating a marked knowledge–practice gap, with this group constituting a potential high-risk population. Conclusions: Greater awareness of national dietary guidelines among women is observed alongside higher nutrition-related knowledge and healthier dietary practices. A persistent gap between knowledge and practical implementation among women highlights the need for interventions that support behaviour change alongside nutritional education. Targeted public health strategies are required for women with lower levels of nutrition-related knowledge and less favourable lifestyle profiles. Full article

Understanding destination image perceptions is critical for tourism destinations seeking to maintain competitive advantage and foster visitor loyalty. While the traditional literature suggests that first-time and repeat visitors differ significantly in their cognitive and affective destination image perceptions due to experiential differences, emerging evidence from destinations with established branding challenges these conventional assumptions. Thailand, as a globally prominent destination with sustained branding initiatives since 1998, provides an ideal context for examining whether visitor experience moderates destination image formation and loyalty outcomes. This study investigates differences in cognitive and affective destination image perceptions and destination loyalty between first-time and repeat international travellers to Thailand, applying the cognitive–affective–behavioural (CAB) model to examine how these constructs influence revisit and recommendation intentions across visitor segments. Data were collected from 392 international tourists visiting three major southern coastal destinations in Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, and Phang-Nga) through face-to-face surveys using purposive sampling. The sample comprised 185 first-time travellers and 207 repeat visitors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with multigroup analysis was employed to examine structural relationships and test for significant differences between visitor cohorts using parametric, Welch–Satterthwaite, and permutations tests. Contrary to theoretical expectations, multigroup analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between first-time and repeat travellers across all examined pathways (all permutation p-values > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated equivalent perceptions regarding how cognitive image influences affective image, and how these dimensions affect revisit and recommendation intentions. Affective image emerged as the dominant predictor of destination loyalty for both segments, while cognitive image primarily served as an enabler of emotional responses. These findings challenge traditional assumptions about experiential differences between visitor types suggesting that mature destinations with consistent long-term branding may achieve perceptual uniformity that transcends direct experience. Destination marketing organizations should implement unified rather than segmented strategies, prioritizing emotional engagement mechanisms over rational attribute promotion to cultivate destination loyalty across all visitor segments. However, these findings are specific to coastal leisure destination and may not fully generalize to other destination types. Full article

Background/Objectives: A need for suicide prevention and postvention strategies in Higher Education was identified in the United Kingdom and has more recently been addressed with policies that provide national guidance for organisations. However, a paucity of qualitative research related to the lived and living experiences of attempted suicide in young adults remains. The experts in attempted suicide are those who have experienced it and the objective of our study was to learn from these lived experiences, with a particular focus on 16–25-year-olds in Further and Higher Education. Methods: The research presented in this article was part of a nationwide study in the UK which included 21 semi-structured interviews with young adults who met these criteria on the impact of attempting suicide on a personal, interpersonal, and institutional level, and support service experiences and engagement. It aimed to answer two key questions: 1. What can we learn from the lived experiences of young adults who have attempted suicide? and 2. How can these findings be applied to better meet the needs of young adults experiencing suicidal thoughts/behaviour in Further and Higher Education? Results: Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data, and four main themes were identified: firstly, the impact on ‘self’, including emotional and psychological impact; secondly, ‘others’, revealing the impact of and on relational factors, stigma, and judgement; thirdly, ‘systemic’, which highlighted support service experiences and barriers to accessing and engaging with possible support, and, fourthly, ‘what helps or could help’ on a relational, educational, and institutional level. Conclusions: The findings from this study generate new insights into this under-explored and stigmatised area and point to key barriers to support and gaps in service provision. Attempting suicide is one of the highest risk factors for a death by suicide and this study highlights the need for additional policy and support guidance for attempted suicide in Further and Higher Education. Full article

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education offers new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable learning. This study investigates the impact of an AI-enabled microlearning cycle—comprising short instructional videos, formative quizzes, and structured discussions—on student engagement, inclusivity, and academic performance in postgraduate management education. A mixed-methods design was applied across two cohorts (2023, n = 138; 2024, n = 140). Data included: (1) survey responses on engagement, accessibility, and confidence (5-point Likert scale); (2) learning analytics (video views, quiz completion, forum activity); (3) academic results; and (4) qualitative feedback from open-ended questions. Quantitative analyses used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, regressions, and subgroup comparisons; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed significant improvements across all dimensions (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (r = 0.35–0.48). Engagement, accessibility, and confidence increased most, supported by behavioural data showing higher video viewing (+19%), quiz completion (+21%), and forum participation (+65%). Regression analysis indicated that forum contributions (β = 0.39) and video engagement (β = 0.31) were the strongest predictors of grades. Subgroup analysis confirmed equitable outcomes, with non-native English speakers reporting slightly higher accessibility gains. Qualitative themes highlighted interactivity, real-world application, and inclusivity, but also noted quiz-related anxiety and a need for industry tools. The AI-enabled microlearning model enhanced engagement, equity, and academic success, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By combining Cognitive Load Theory, Kolb’s experiential learning, and Universal Design for Learning, it offers a scalable, pedagogically sustainable framework. Future research should explore emotional impacts, AI co-teaching models, and cross-disciplinary applications. By integrating Kolb’s experiential learning, Universal Design for Learning, and Cognitive Load Theory, this model advances both pedagogical and ecological sustainability. Full article

Disabled people commonly report experiencing predetermined perceptions and assumptions of disability that form barriers towards understanding and treating disabled people equally. This process is known as ableism; a specific type of ableism called benevolent ableism intends to help and solicit assistance towards disabled people, but instead dismisses their capacity to advocate for their own needs, resulting in help that is deemed overly enforced, assumptive, and unwanted. A focus group and one informal interview were conducted to investigate the views and experiences of people living with cerebral palsy (CP), highlighting how benevolent ableism operates in their own lives, with additional forms of ableism also explored. Thematic analysis (TA) was applied to the data, resulting in three broad themes: benevolent ableism, strategies to improve and reduce ableism, and othering. The findings revealed that benevolent ableism was present when help was assumed, overly requested despite rejections of help, and belittling in nature; positive forms of assistance allowed the person with CP to instigate help and was accommodating; other forms of ableism were encountered, such as invasive staring, being treated like a child, charitable praise, being ignored within the medical setting, and lowered perceptions of capabilities. In order to diminish these difficult experiences and encourage practices, behaviours, and ideologies that promote less prejudice, participants mentioned education and improved interaction as being important aspects. Furthermore, this research poses wider implications for family members, teachers, medical professionals, and the general public to learn appropriate approaches toward disabled people and gain a better understanding of disability. Full article

Background/Objectives: In Romania, therapeutic program programs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focus mainly on behavioral and educational approaches, with limited integration of adapted physical activity (APA). Therapeutic swimming may provide complementary benefits, addressing both physical and psychosocial challenges. This study explored parent-perceived changes across an adapted therapeutic swimming program, following ABA therapy, on the well-being, learning, attention, physical activity, and social functioning of children with ASD. A custom-developed parent-report tool (PPQ-Autism-Swim) was used to measure perceived changes across key developmental domains. Methods: Thirty-nine children with ASD were recruited, of whom 36 completed the full 8-week swimming intervention. Parent-report questionnaires, developed by behavioral therapists under the supervision of a clinical psychologist, were administered at three time points: 8 weeks before swimming (T − 8), immediately before swimming after Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy (T0), and 8 weeks after swimming (T + 8). The questionnaire assessed five subscales: general well-being, physical activity and energy, attention and focus, learning and cognitive progress, and self-confidence and social behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated-measures ANOVA, and thematic analysis of qualitative parental feedback. ABA therapy served as a behavioral baseline, allowing comparison with subsequent gains from swimming. Results: Parents reported higher scores across time points, suggesting perceived changes in several domains. From T − 8 to T0, moderate gains followed ABA therapy, while from T0 to T + 8, therapeutic swimming was associated with improvements. At T + 8, 35 of 36 children showed measurable progress, particularly in physical activity regulation and self-confidence. Parental feedback emphasized calmer behavior, improved sleep, increased social interaction, and greater pride in new skills. Reliability testing indicated good to excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.78–0.91). Conclusions: Therapeutic swimming appears to be an effective and motivating form of adapted physical education, complementing behavioral therapies and addressing multiple developmental challenges in children with ASD. Full article

The paper presents the results of numerical simulation of the dynamic behaviour of the post-tensioned beams subjected to a constant force impulse load over time and a short-term force impulse load varying over time. Abaqus programme was used for numerical analysis, introducing necessary and detailed modifications to the modelling and calibration parameters. The numerical dynamics models were calibrated using results previously obtained from our own experimental and numerical static analysis. To estimate the dynamic strength of structural materials, the dynamic strength coefficient was applied in the concrete damage plasticity model, and the Johnson–Cook model was used to describe the evolution of the dynamic yield strength of steel elements. An explicit procedure was used to solve the dynamic equilibrium equations. The selection of the Rayleigh damping parameter and the methodology for determining the external load in a dynamic problem are discussed. The study presents new results on the influence of the type of force impulse loading and variable prestressing eccentricity in numerical simulations of post-tensioned beams. The results of the simulation show that the post-tensioned beams achieved a lower dynamic load capacity under a constant force impulse load of approximately 5% compared to the static load capacity achieved in the experimental static tests, regardless of the assumed prestressing eccentricity. A dynamic load capacity significantly exceeded the static load capacity under short-term time-varying force impulse loading. The beam with the larger prestressing eccentricity achieved a dynamic load capacity of 211% of the static load capacity, while the beam with the smaller prestressing eccentricity achieved a dynamic load capacity of 198% of the static load capacity. Full article

This review examines the animal welfare implications associated with the purse seine fishing method as applied to the following small pelagic species: Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), Peruvian anchoveta (Engraulis ringens), Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias), and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). The analysis is based on synthesized data from the purse seine Method Profile, recently introduced in the catch branch of the fair-fish database—an open-access platform dedicated to compiling, evaluating, and systematically categorizing technical and/or scientific literature on aquatic animal behaviour and welfare. The Method Profile is a novel tool that outlines the commercial relevance of the respective fishing method, its target species, and general operational setup. It provides a structured overview of welfare hazards encountered across the main phases of the fishing process, including prospection, setting, capture, hauling, emersion, gear release, sorting, storage, and stunning and slaughter. In addition, this profile also addresses bycatch and discarding issues as well as environmental hazards associated with the fishing method. Identified welfare concerns in purse seining for the four small pelagic species include high stress levels resulting from intense crowding—primarily leading to hypoxia, mechanical injuries, and mortality—as well as issues related to scooping or pumping fish on board, (live) storage, and the lack of effective stunning and slaughter protocols. Furthermore, the bycatch rate of (undersized) target and diverse non-target species, as well as ghost fishing from abandoned, lost, or discarded gear, pose significant risks requiring effective mitigation. In this review, we critically evaluate factors influencing the welfare outcomes of the four pelagic species caught by purse seine and discuss potential mitigation strategies, such as operational improvements, gear modifications, and management measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: In Pakistan, 41.7% of women of reproductive age and 53.7% of children aged 6–59 months are anaemic. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional supplementation programme, underpinned with behaviour change communication and implemented through Lady Health Workers (LHWs), in reducing anaemia among pregnant and lactating women as well as 6–59-month-old children. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with an intervention and a control group. A total of 2821 and 2410 pregnant and lactating women and 3397 and 3277 children aged 6–59 months participated in the baseline and endline surveys, respectively. The study areas were matched for demographic and economic characteristics, and both had routine public-sector health and nutrition programmes, including iron–folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. The participants in the intervention group received additional nutritional support. Throughout the pregnancy and in the first six months of exclusive breast feeding, women were provided 5 kg (165 g/day) of wheat soya blend (WSB) per month. Children aged 6–23 months received lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS), and those aged 24–59 months received micronutrient powder. We applied a difference-in-difference (DID) analysis with kernel propensity score matching to assess the impact on anaemia, a secondary outcome of a stunting prevention programme. Results: Maternal anaemia (both pregnant and breastfeeding women) declined substantially in the intervention areas from 80.4% to 62.6% compared with a smaller reduction in the control areas (80.0% to 72.9%). The DID estimate showed a 10.7-percentage-point (pp) greater decline in maternal anaemia (p ≤ 0.001). Both pregnant and lactating women benefited, with DID reductions of 16.7 pp (p ≤ 0.001) and 9.4 pp (p = 0.005), respectively. The largest gains occurred among women in higher-wealth quintiles, with reductions up to 22.6 pp (p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, childhood anaemia showed no overall significant difference between intervention and control areas (DID = −0.7 pp, p = 0.73). However, significant improvements were observed among male children (DID = −10.3 pp, p = 0.001) and those in higher-wealth quintiles (DID = −15.0 pp, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that LHWs can effectively reduce maternal anaemia when iron–folic acid supplementation is complemented with WSB and targeted behaviour change communication. Full article

Developing durable hydrophobic and oleophobic textiles using simple and environmentally responsible techniques remains a challenge. This study aimed to determine how the structure of organosilicon silanes—specifically the type of functional group (fluorinated alkyl, long alkyl, or benzyl group) and the presence of an ester linker formed via the thiol–Michael addition—affects the wetting behaviour of cotton fabrics. Five silanes were synthesized and applied using a mild pad–dry–cure silanization process. The modified fabrics were evaluated through water and oil contact angle (WCA, OCA) measurements, water absorption tests, droplet-stability analysis, and washing-durability assessment. All treated samples exhibited hydrophobicity, while the silane containing a C6 perfluoroalkyl chain provided both hydrophobic and oleophobic performance. This fabric showed a WCA of 152° and an OCA of 126° (hexadecane), which remained essentially unchanged after 10 washing cycles (153° and 126°, respectively). Water absorption decreased by 91%, and droplets remained stable for at least 30 min. SEM, and SEM-EDS confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of the silane coating. These results demonstrate that short-chain fluorinated silanes and long-chain alkyl silanes can form durable low-surface-energy layers on cotton using a straightforward and efficient process, offering a promising route for high-performance functional textiles. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable proteins has driven interest in Limnospira platensis (Spirulina) due to its high protein content. However, the presence of the cell wall limits the availability and recovery of proteins within it. Conventional alkaline extraction is widely applied but often results in low yields and excessive solvent consumption. This study compares the efficiency and functional properties of Spirulina proteins extracted using an alkaline method and high-pressure homogenisation (HPH) at 20, 50, 80 and 100 MPa. Following isoelectric precipitation, proteins were collected in precipitate and supernatant fractions and characterized for yield, solubility, phycobiliproteins content, emulsifying and foaming properties, water– and oil–holding capacity, thermal stability and rheological behaviour. Microscopy confirmed progressive cell disruption with increasing homogenization pressures. HPH at 50 MPa increased protein extraction by 28% compared to alkaline extraction and significantly (p < 0.05) improved solubility, oil-holding capacity, foaming and emulsion properties. Phycobiliproteins, particularly C–phycocyanin, were more efficiently recovered in HPH supernatants, achieving a higher purity index than the alkaline method. Rheological analysis showed weak gel-like network formation, whereas excessive mechanical stress reduced functionality. Overall, HPH emerges as an interesting method for obtaining Spirulina proteins with enhanced technological properties; however, pressure optimisation is required to avoid denaturation and functionality loss. Full article