Search Results (8,359)

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the additional value of [¹⁸F]F-fluorocholine ([¹⁸F]F-FCH) PET/CT over contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) in detecting the recurrence of brain metastases (BMs) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with lung cancer brain metastases (LCBMs). Methods: Thirty-one patients with suspected recurrence of BM in LCBM after SRS were enrolled in this retrospective study. They underwent both [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT and CE-MRI within 2 weeks. The tumor imaging parameters and clinical features were analyzed. The results of histopathology or radiographic follow-up served as the reference standard for the final diagnosis. Results: In these 31 patients, there were 54 lesions, of which 27 lesions were proven to be BM recurrence, while 27 lesions were non-recurrence. [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT showed high radiotracer uptake in recurrent lesions of BM and identified 24 positive lesions (88.89% of sensitivity), while CE-MRI indicated 23 positive lesions (85.19% of sensitivity). [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT indicated higher specificity (81.48%) and accuracy (85.19%) in detecting recurrence of BM than CE-MRI (40.74% and 62.96%, both p < 0.05), particularly in frontal lobes and cerebella. For lesion sizes, the accuracy of [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT in detecting recurrent lesions was higher than that of CE-MRI for lesions over 1.0 cm but below 2.0 cm (p = 0.016). The detective performance of [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT combined with CE-MRI was higher than [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT or CE-MRI alone (all p < 0.05). Interestingly, TLC (≥4.11) was significantly correlated with poor intracranial PFS (iPFS), meaning it was a significant prognostic factor for iPFS. Conclusions: This study identified that compared with CE-MRI, [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT demonstrated higher specificity and accuracy in diagnosing recurrence of BM in LCBM after SRS. Combining [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT with CE-MRI has the potential to improve diagnostic performance for recurrence of BM and management of patient treatment. TLC was an independent risk factor for iPFS. Full article

This longitudinal study examines how perceived brand globalness (PBG) influenced sustainable purchase intentions (SPI) between 2021 and 2024, incorporating factors such as perceived brand quality (PBQ), perceived brand prestige (PBP), brand–cause fit (BCF), and the moderating effect of consumer ethnocentrism (CE). Using survey responses from 415 participants, the study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS4. The findings reveal that CE emerged as significant in 2024, while PBP’s impact on SPI weakened—suggesting a growing consumer association of prestige with sustainability. Heightened post-pandemic ethical awareness further underscores the importance of brand values. Contrary to earlier research indicating low CE in developing markets, the 2024 results demonstrate an unexpected rise in CE, highlighting its evolving significance. Overall, the study emphasizes the necessity for global brands to adopt sustainable, locally attuned strategies to succeed in developing countries. Full article

Petrological knowledge on weathering processes controlling the mobility of chemical elements is still limited in the dry tropical zone of Cameroon. This study aims to investigate the mobility of major and trace elements during rhyolite weathering and soil formation in Mobono by understanding the mineralogical and elemental vertical variation. The studied soil was classified as Cambisols containing mainly quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, smectite, kaolinite, illite, calcite, lepidocrocite, goethite, sepiolite, and interstratified clay minerals. pH values ranging between 6.11 and 8.77 indicated that hydrolysis, superimposed on oxidation and carbonation, is the main process responsible for the formation of secondary minerals, leading to the formation of iron oxides and calcite. The bedrock was mainly constituted of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Na₂O, Fe₂O₃, Ba, Zr, Sr, Y, Ga, and Rb. Ce and Eu anomalies, and chondrite-normalized La/Yb ratios were 0.98, 0.67, and 2.86, respectively. SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, Na₂O, and K₂O were major elements in soil horizons. Trace elements revealed high levels of Ba (385 to 1320 mg kg⁻¹), Zr (158 to 429 mg kg⁻¹), Zn (61 to 151 mg kg⁻¹), Sr (62 to 243 mg kg⁻¹), Y (55 to 81 mg kg⁻¹), Rb (1102 to 58 mg kg⁻¹), and Ga (17.70 to 35 mg kg⁻¹). LREEs were more abundant than HREEs, with LREE/HREE ratio ranging between 2.60 and 6.24. Ce and Eu anomalies ranged from 1.08 to 1.21 and 0.58 to 1.24 respectively. The rhyolite-normalized La/Yb ratios varied between 0.56 and 0.96. Mass balance revealed the depletion of Si, Ca, Na, Mn, Sr, Ta, W, U, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd and Lu, and the accumulation of Al, Fe, K, Mg, P, Sc, V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Rb, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Pb, Th, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb during weathering along the soil profile. Full article

This study assesses the quality of financial reporting in ten Central and Eastern European countries using a methodology based on natural language processing (NLP) techniques. 570 annual reports of companies listed on the main index on the stock exchanges of 10 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, over the period 2019–2023, were evaluated to determine the degree of convergence of the following four measurable qualitative characteristics: relevance, exact representation, comparability and understandability. The main objective is to identify consistency in the quality of accounting information based on the application of an international financial reporting framework. The applied methodology eliminates subjective variability by implementing a standardized scoring system, aligned with the criteria developed by NiCE, using libraries such as spaCy and NLTK for term extraction, respective sentiment analysis and word frequency evaluation. The results reveal significant heterogeneity in all characteristics examined, with statistical tests confirming substantial differences between countries. The investigation of relevance revealed partial convergence, with three dimensions achieving complete uniformity, while the exact representation showed the highest variability. The assessment of comparability showed a significant difference between countries’ extreme values, and in terms of comprehensibility a formalistic approach was evident, with technical dimensions outweighing user-oriented aspects. The overall quality index varied significantly across countries, with a notable average deterioration in 2023, indicating structural vulnerabilities in financial reporting systems. These findings support initial hypotheses on the lack of homogeneity in the quality of financial reporting in the selected region, despite the implementation of international standards. Full article

TiAl alloy offers advantages including low density, high specific strength and stiffness, and excellent high-temperature creep resistance. It is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and chemical sectors, as well as in other fields. However, at temperatures of 800 °C and above, it forms a porous oxide film predominantly composed of TiO₂, which fails to provide adequate protection. Applying high-temperature protective coatings is therefore essential. Oxides demonstrating protective efficacy at elevated temperatures include Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, and SiO₂. The Pilling–Bedworth Ratio (PBR)—defined as the ratio of the volume of the oxide formed to the volume of the metal consumed—serves as a critical criterion for assessing oxide film integrity. A PBR value greater than 1 but less than 2 indicates superior film integrity and enhanced oxidation resistance. Among common oxides, Al₂O₃ exhibits a PBR value within this optimal range (1−2), rendering aluminum-based compound coatings the most extensively utilized. Aluminum coatings can be applied via methods such as pack cementation, thermal spraying, and hot-dip aluminizing. Pack cementation, being the simplest to operate, is widely employed. In this study, a powder mixture with the composition Al:Al₂O₃:NH₄Cl:CeO₂ = 30:66:3:1 was used to aluminize γ-TiAl intermetallic compound specimens via pack cementation at 600 °C for 5 h. Subsequent isothermal oxidation at 900 °C for 20 h yielded an oxidation kinetic curve adhering to the parabolic rate law. This treatment significantly enhanced the high-temperature oxidation resistance of the γ-TiAl intermetallic compound, thereby broadening its potential application scenarios. Full article

Background: this research presents an integrated approach to enhancing the sustainability of plastic bag supply chains in Indonesia by addressing critical issues related to ineffective post-consumer waste management and low recycling rates. The objective of this study is to develop a combined framework of material flow analysis (MFA) and sustainable supply chain planning to improve demand forecasting and inflow management across the plastic bag lifecycle. Method: the research adopts a quantitative method using the XGBoost algorithm for forecasting and is supported by a polymer-based MFA framework that maps material flows from production to end-of-life stages. Result: the findings indicate that while production processes achieve high efficiency with a yield of 89%, more than 60% of plastic bag waste remains unmanaged after use. Moreover, scenario analysis demonstrates that single interventions are insufficient to achieve circularity targets, whereas integrated strategies (e.g., reducing export volumes, enhancing waste collection, and improving recycling performance) are more effective in increasing recycling rates beyond 35%. Additionally, the study reveals that increasing domestic recycling capacity and minimizing dependency on exports can significantly reduce environmental leakage and strengthen local waste management systems. Conclusions: the study’s novelty lies in demonstrating how machine learning and material flow data can be synergized to inform circular supply chain decisions and regulatory planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Due to the significant overlap in symptoms between COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, a multiplex PCR-based platform was developed to simultaneously detect 22 respiratory pathogens. Target sequences were retrieved from the GenBank database and aligned using Clustal Omega 2.1 to identify conserved regions prioritized for primer design. Primers were designed using Primer Express^® 3.0.1 and evaluated in Primer Explorer to ensure specificity and minimize secondary structures. A multiplex strategy organized primers into three groups, each labeled with distinct fluorophores (FAM, VIC, or NED), allowing for detection by conventional PCR or capillary electrophoresis (CE). Methods: After reverse transcription for RNA targets, amplification was performed in a single-tube reaction. A total of 340 clinical samples—nasopharyngeal and saliva swabs—were collected from patients, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The automated analysis of electropherograms enabled precise pathogen identification. Results: Of the samples analyzed, 57.1% tested negative for all pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 was the most frequently detected pathogen (29%), followed by enterovirus (6.5%). Positive results were detected in both nasopharyngeal and saliva swabs, with SARS-CoV-2 predominating in saliva samples. Conclusion: This single-tube multiplex PCR-CE assay represents a cost-effective and robust approach for comprehensive respiratory pathogen detection. It enables rapid and simultaneous diagnosis, facilitating targeted treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) results in prolonged muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, and delayed return to sport. Cross-education (CE), unilateral training of the uninjured limb, has been proposed as an adjunct therapy to promote bilateral adaptations. This scoping review evaluated the functional and neuroplastic effects of CE rehabilitation post-ACLR. Following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro were searched up to February 2025. A bibliometric analysis was also conducted to report keyword co-occurrence and identify trends in this line of research. Of 333 screened references, 14 studies (price index: 43% and low-to-moderate risk of bias) involving 721 participants (aged 17–45 years) met inclusion criteria. CE protocols (6–12 weeks; 2–5 sessions/week) incorporating isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises demonstrated strength gains (10–31%) and strength preservation, alongside improved limb symmetry (5–14%) and dynamic balance (7–18%). There is growing interest in neuroplasticity and corticospinal excitability, although neuroplastic changes were assessed heterogeneously across studies. Findings support CE as a feasible and low-cost strategy to complement early-stage ACLR rehabilitation, especially when direct loading of the affected limb is limited. Standardized protocols for clinical intervention and neurophysiological assessment are needed. Full article

In response to global sustainability challenges and digital transformation, this conceptual paper explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human Resource Management (HRM), and Circular Economy (CE). Drawing on Resource-Based View, Stakeholder Theory, Institutional Theory, and the Socio-Technical Systems perspective, we propose an integrated framework in which AI and HRM function as complementary enablers of sustainable, circular transformation. The framework identifies enablers (e.g., green HRM, digital infrastructure), barriers (e.g., ethical concerns, skill gaps), and contextual mediators. This study contributes to sustainability and digital innovation literature and suggests practical pathways for ethically aligning workforce and AI capabilities in CE adoption. Full article

Diamond, renowned for its exceptional electrical, physical, and chemical properties, including ultra-wide bandgap, superior hardness, high thermal conductivity, and unparalleled stability, serves as an ideal candidate for next-generation high-power and high-temperature electronic devices. Among diamond-based devices, Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) have garnered significant attention due to their simple architecture and superior rectifying characteristics. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in diamond SBDs, focusing on both metal–semiconductor (MS) and metal–interlayer–semiconductor (MIS) configurations. For MS structures, we critically analyze the roles of single-layer metals (including noble metals, transition metals, and other metals) and multilayer metals in modulating Schottky barrier height (SBH) and enhancing thermal stability. However, the presence of interface-related issues such as high densities of surface states and Fermi level pinning often leads to poor control of the SBH, limiting device performance and reliability. To address these challenges and achieve high-quality metal/diamond interfaces, researchers have proposed various interface engineering strategies. In particular, the introduction of interfacial layers in MIS structures has emerged as a promising approach. For MIS architectures, functional interlayers—including high-k materials (Al₂O₃, HfO₂, SnO₂) and low-work-function materials (LaB₆, CeB₆)—are evaluated for their efficacy in interface passivation, barrier modulation, and electric field control. Terminal engineering strategies, such as field-plate designs and surface termination treatments, are also highlighted for their role in improving breakdown voltage. Furthermore, we emphasize the limitations in current parameter extraction from current–voltage (I–V) properties and call for a unified new method to accurately determine SBH. This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights into interface engineering strategies and evaluation protocols for high-performance diamond SBDs, paving the way for their reliable deployment in extreme conditions. Full article

Thermal analysis (TA) has been a valuable tool for controlling the carbon equivalent (CE) of cast irons. Additionally, this technique can provide enhanced control over melt quality, allowing for the avoidance of defects such as undesirable graphite morphology and the formation of carbides. To obtain the most valuable information from the TA, it is necessary to minimize the variations in the filling operation of the TA cups. However, the mass and pouring temperature of TA cups can vary in TA’s typical foundry operations. A design of experiments was performed to determine whether specific parameters of cooling curves used for quality control can distinguish the inoculation effect in the melt when the mass and the pouring temperature of TA cups are varied. The minimum temperature of the eutectic arrest proved to be a robust inoculation potential control parameter when variations in the cup’s mass were within a range of 268–390 g and were filled at any pouring temperature between 1235 and 1369 °C. Lighter cups under 268 g and poured at a low temperature are not suitable for controlling inoculation potential by TA; however, they remain helpful in controlling CE. These later cups are related to cooling times of less than 180 s, which can serve as a criterion for discarding unsuitable samples. A bimodal population of cell surfaces was revealed in the samples, with the population of small cells being proportionally more numerous in samples with lower TE_min values. Full article

Background and Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) following pelvic osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is technically challenging due to altered acetabular morphology. This study aimed to compare radiographic cup position and perioperative characteristics of THA after three common pelvic osteotomies—periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), shelf procedure, and Chiari osteotomy—with primary THA in Crowe type I DDH. Methods: A retrospective review identified 25 hips that underwent conversion THA after pelvic osteotomy (PAO = 12, shelf = 8, Chiari = 5) and 25 primary THAs without prior osteotomy. One-to-one matching was performed based on sex (exact match), age (within 5 years), and BMI (within 2 kg/m²) without the use of propensity scores. Cup inclination, radiographic anteversion, center-edge (CE) angle, and cup height were measured on standardized anteroposterior radiographs (ICC = 0.91). Operative time, estimated blood loss, and use of bulk bone grafts or reinforcement rings were reviewed. One-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test and chi-square test were used for statistical comparison. Results: Cup inclination, anteversion, and CE angle did not differ significantly among groups. Cup height was significantly greater in the PAO group than in controls (29.0 mm vs. 21.8 mm; p = 0.0075), indicating a more proximal hip center. The Chiari and shelf groups showed upward trends, though not significant. Mean operative time tended to be longer after PAO (123 min vs. 93 min; p = 0.078). Bulk bone grafts and reinforcement rings were more frequently required in the PAO group (17%; p = 0.036 vs. control), and occasionally in Chiari cases, but not in shelf or control groups. Conclusions: THA after PAO is associated with higher cup placement and greater need for reconstructive devices, indicating increased technical complexity. In contrast, shelf and Chiari conversions more closely resemble primary THA. Preoperative planning should consider hip center translation and bone-stock restoration in post-osteotomy THA. Full article

Cacao genotypes propagation through plant tissue culture represents a strategic approach for establishing a core collection of elite plants to be used as a donor material source, necessary for increasing new planting areas of cacao. This study aimed to evaluate somatic embryo regeneration in ten native fine-aroma cacao genotypes (INDES-06, INDES-11, INDES-14, INDES-32, INDES-52, INDES-53, INDES-63, INDES-64, INDES-66, INDES-70) from the INDES-CES germplasm collection, under in vitro conditions using culture medium supplemented with different concentrations of Thidiazuron (0, 10, and 20 nM). Our results showed an average of 20 and 100% of callogenesis in all genotypes evaluated, but the callus development did not appear after early stages of its induction; however, primary somatic embryos were observed after 42 days after TDZ treatment in the INDES-52, INDES-53, INDES-64, INDES-66, INDES-70 genotypes. The INDES-52 genotype was more responsive to under 20 nM of TDZ, generating an average of 17 embryos per explant. This study contributes to the adaptation and establishment of a protocol for somatic embryo regeneration of fine-flavor cacao genotypes. Full article

This pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—provided in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine:isoleucine:valine—combined with exercise on fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life in older adults. Twenty participants (63% female; BMI: 35 ± 2 kg/m²; age: 70.5 ± 1.2 years) were randomized to 8 weeks of either exercise + BCAAs (100 mg/kg body weight/d) or exercise + placebo. The program included moderate aerobic and resistance training three times weekly. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, chair stands, gait speed, VO₂ max, and a 400 m walk. Psychological health was evaluated using the CES-D, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and global pain, fatigue, and quality of life using a visual analog scale (VAS). Significant group x time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.03), chair stands (p < 0.01), and 400 m walk time (p < 0.01). Compared to exercise + placebo, exercise + BCAAs showed greater improvements in strength, mobility, and endurance, along with reductions in fatigue (−45% vs. +92%) and depressive symptoms (−29% vs. +5%). Time effects were also observed for ISI (−30%), FAS (−21%), and VAS quality of life (16%) following exercise + BCAA supplementation. These preliminary results suggest that BCAAs combined with exercise may be an effective way to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue and depressive symptoms in older adults. Full article

Endoscopic ultrasonography represents a crucial aspect of the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. The echo-endoscopic features of pancreatic lesions, particularly their contrast behavior with the advent of Contrast-Enhanced EUS (CE-EUS) and Contrast Enhanced Harmonic-EUS (CH-EUS), can predict a lesion’s aggressiveness, depending on its nature. According to this, CH-EUS could be applied to structure an even more dedicated approach to patient care, for example, to ascertain eligibility for surgical intervention of a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cases deemed borderline resectable. In addition to PDAC, other significant issues pertain to the management of small neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). In this context, CH-EUS can be crucial. The aim of this review is to underline the most recent evidence for EUS and CH-EUS applications in pancreatic lesion aggressiveness assessment and to focus on possible future research directions to further extend the application of CH-EUS in this field. Full article