Search Results (4,389)

The conversion of rough marble blocks into building products is environmentally intensive in terms of energy and water consumption and the generation of solid fragments and marble sludge (MS). This LCA study evaluates the environmental impact of two marble processing plants (for sawing and cutting) with respect to alternative scenarios of MS management including its (a) land disposal (baseline scenario—BS), (b) land disposal after filter pressing (current scenario—CS) and (c) partial valorization in cement mortars associated with the application of solar energy (eco-friendly scenario—ES). In this context, a “gate-to-gate” methodology is applied, while three main steps are considered: the sawing and cutting of marble blocks (main process) and the MS disposal and reuse. The LCA results indicate that terrestrial acidification (TAP), freshwater eutrophication (FEP), climate change and ozone depletion decreased by 10.8 to 37.1% by the adaptation of the BS and by 18 to 38.2% by the adaptation of the ES. At the same time, cumulative energy demand increases by 25.3% and 28.9%, respectively. The contribution analysis showed that the main process has the dominant effect on the examined categories. The contribution of the disposal step on TAP and FEP decreased by 61.6% and 47.9% via the application of the valorization technique. Full article

Landscape fragmentation is a dynamic process with multiple effects. In addition to reducing the area of priority ecosystems such as mangroves, it also generates alterations in ecological functions and environmental processes, with significant socioeconomic and ecological consequences. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of anthropic development on landscape fragmentation within the Environmental System (ES) that includes the Arroyo Moreno Ecological Reserve (REAM) and the Tembladeras-Laguna Olmeca Ecological Reserve (RETLO), located in central Veracruz Mexico. Fragstats V4.3 Beta software was used to analyze landscape metrics at the patch, class, and landscape levels, using nine indicator metrics for assessing fragmentation. The analysis of the metrics at the three levels showed a reduction in the total area for some classes such as Mangrove (MG), Water Bodies (WB), and Agricultural and Livestock (AL). Class-level metrics such as total area, percentage of landscape, and number of patches showed greater differences for some classes between 2001 and 2023. However, some values increased in 2015. However, this research is considered the first study conducted in the area to comprehensively use a set of landscape metrics at three organizational levels, offering a more accurate description of the status of priority ecosystems (RAMSAR sites) such as the wetlands of the coastal zone of Veracruz. It also demonstrated the importance of the constantly expanding anthropic development in the study area over the last 20 years and the potential pressure it exerts on biodiversity conservation sites such as wetlands. Full article

Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE) encompasses more than the acquisition of environmental knowledge; it nurtures holistic learner development and empowers learners to understand and respond to human impacts on the environment. Schoolgrounds, when effectively utilised, provide a readily available resource for promoting environmental learning through context-based pedagogy. Yet, a review of the literature reveals a paucity of research in South Africa examining schoolgrounds as enablers of ESE. This study explored the accessibility and use of schoolgrounds to support environment-inclined pedagogy in Grade 7 Natural and Social Sciences at two schools in the Mpumalanga Province. Adopting a qualitative–interpretive paradigm, the study employed a phenomenological case study design, using purposive and convenient sampling to select participants and research sites. The sample comprised 46 participants: 40 learners, 4 teachers, and 2 principals. Data were generated through observations, semi-structured interviews, and survey questionnaires, and were thematically analysed. Findings indicate that while schoolgrounds are accessible to both teachers and learners, their pedagogical use remains limited and largely incidental. The study argues that more deliberate integration of schoolgrounds into teaching practices is needed. It concludes with education policy and pedagogical recommendations aimed at promoting schoolground-based ESE as a vital contributor to sustainability-oriented teaching and learning. Full article

Background: Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare tumor that affects children, adolescents, and young adults. ES is associated with high morbidity in all patients and high mortality for those who present with metastatic disease. A chromosomal translocation, either t(11;22)(q24;p12) or t(21;22)(q22;q12) leads to the fusion oncoproteins EWS::FLI1 or EWS::ERG in 95% of ES patients. We recognized a critical need for a stably sourced high-affinity antibody that recognizes EWS::FLI1 with maximal specificity. Understanding EWS::FLI1 protein complexes is a pivotal gap in ES knowledge that necessitates the development of antibodies capable of identifying native proteins in solution. Further, variable epitope sequencing of a monoclonal antibody enables the construction of degraders and nanobody identifiers. Methods: Monoclonal antibodies were produced following informed peptide synthesis, injection, and hybridoma creation. Hybridoma antibodies were validated for specificity and function. Results: Our results indicate that the FLI1 1.2 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes the EWS::FLI1 fusion oncoprotein, can be reliably applied to multiple molecular biology applications like immunoblot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. This FLI1 1.2 monoclonal antibody has a high affinity of 0.3 nM KD to EWS::FLI1. In terms of specificity, this antibody is highly specific to EWS::FLI1 and some cross reactivity with ERG. Conclusions: This reagent will provide the research community with valuable tools for further biochemical and genomic interrogation of the oncogenic activity of EWS::FLI1 in ES. Full article

Modern cosmology continues to struggle with unresolved questions concerning the origins of dark matter and dark energy. To explore these challenges, this study presents the Source Energy Field Theory (SEFT)—a new theoretical framework that offers an alternative view of how cosmic structures may form and evolve. SEFT envisions the universe as filled with a fundamental energy field, where the observed cosmological redshift does not result from accelerated expansion but rather emerges from the distance-dependent modulation of the energy field and the curvature produced by this field. To evaluate this idea, a nonlinear wave equation was developed to connect redshift with right ascension, declination, and distance. The model was optimized using 1701 observational data points from the Pantheon+ and SH0ES samples, which include Type Ia supernovae and Cepheid variables spanning distances from 6.3 to 17,241 Mpc. Its performance was compared with that of the standard ΛCDM model. SEFT achieved a slightly lower root-mean-square error (145.521 vs. 147.665 Mpc), a marginally higher determination coefficient (R² = 0.9910 vs. 0.9908), and significantly improved information criteria values (ΔAIC = −41.753, ΔBIC = −19.997). These results provide robust statistical support for SEFT and suggest that it can complement—and potentially extend—the ΛCDM paradigm in describing the structure and evolution of the universe. Full article

With the development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, multimachine collaborative operations have become the core model for increasing mission effectiveness. However, large-scale UAV clusters face challenges such as dynamic security threats, heterogeneous data fusion difficulties, and resource-constrained decision-making delays. Traditional single-machine intelligent architectures have limitations when addressing new threats, such as insufficient real-time response capabilities. To address these issues, this paper presnts an LLM-layered collaborative security architecture (LLM-LCSA) for multimachine collaborative security. This architecture optimizes the spatiotemporal fusion efficiency of multisource asynchronous data through cloud–edge–end collaborative deployment, combining an end lightweight LLM, an edge medium LLM, and a cloud-based foundation LLM. Additionally, a Mixture of Experts (MoEs) intelligent algorithm that dynamically activates the most relevant expert models by leveraging a threat–expert association matrix is introduced, thereby increasing the accuracy of complex threat identification and dynamic adaptability. Moreover, a resource-aware multi-objective optimization model is constructed to generate optimal decisions under resource constraints. Simulation results indicate that compared with traditional methods, LLM-LCSA achieves an average 7.92% improvement in the threat detection accuracy, reduces the system’s total response time by 44.52%, and enables resource scheduling during off-peak periods. This architecture provides an efficient, intelligent, and scalable solution for secure collaboration among UAV swarms. Future research should further explore its application potential in 6G network integration and large-scale swarm environments. Full article

Pain remains a major clinical challenge due to its complex physiopathology and limited treatment options. In this context, several supplements based on palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) are known for their neuroprotective properties. ALA-based supplements have shown potential, but concerns about adverse effects persist. This study examines the formulations of two commercial products based on ALA and PEA, IperALA^® and IperALA^® Forte, in which ALA and vitamin D3 are replaced with Coriandrum sativum extract (C. sativum e.s.), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH), assessing improvement of neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the new formulation. Intestinal, blood–brain barrier (BBB), and central nervous system (CNS) models were sequentially stimulated with the test compounds. Both formulations were assessed for cytotoxicity, barrier integrity, permeability, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroprotection-related biomarkers. IperALA^® Forte demonstrated superior performance compared to IperALA^® and individual agents. It enhanced cell viability, preserved intestinal and BBB integrity, and improved compound permeability. Notably, it reduced ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1), while increasing analgesic markers (CB2R, GABA) in the central system. The replacement of ALA and vitamin D3 with C. sativum, NAC, and GSH in IperALA^® Forte significantly improved the neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory profile of the supplement. These results indicate a possible connection between the observed neuroprotective properties and the pathways involved in nociception and pain regulation, stating the hypothetical potential relevance of this approach for the treatment of pain-related conditions. Full article

Background and Objectives: This systematic review aimed to analyze published peer-reviewed studies on the effects of exergaming (EXG) compared to conventional physical exercise (CPE) interventions on health status in older people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) according to training dose. Materials and Methods: Using six generic databases: PubMed, EBSCO, Medline, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science, the PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed methodological quality and certainty. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024575969). Results: Out of 805 records, 14 randomized controlled trials with 406 older people with PD were included. Seven overall meta-analyses showed significant improvements (p < 0.01) in favor of EXG in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS, ES = 0.90), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI, ES = 0.77) and quality of life questionnaire (PDQ-39, ES = 0.52), without significant improvements (p > 0.05) in the Unified PD Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Timed Up-and-Go and Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Four subgroup meta-analyses, according to training schedules, showed that there were significant improvements (p < 0.05) in BBS in favor of EXG at >8 weeks of training (ES = 1.38), >3 weeks per week (ES = 1.18), <45 min duration (ES = 0.99), and with >20 total sessions (ES = 1.31). Both weeks and total sessions were predictors of BBS performance in EXG interventions in older people with PD. Conclusions: EXG is an innovative alternative to improve the health status in balance, gait, and quality of life variables in older people with PD, with a high potential for clinical practice in this population. The training dose is a determinant (weeks and total sessions) that varies the response to intervention in the BBS. Full article

The separation of oil-in-water emulsions from industrial wastewater remains a significant challenge, particularly under saline conditions. This study evaluated bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes from Komagataeibacter hansenii for filtering synthetic effluents with high oil content (ES1) and saline oil-in-water emulsions (ES2). FTIR confirmed the incorporation of lipophilic compounds into the BC matrix. Crystallinity decreased from 78.8% to 40% following ES1 filtration, while a new peak at 2θ ≈ 31.8° appeared in ES2, indicating salt deposition. TGA revealed increased mass loss in the oil-saturated membrane (BCO), whereas the saline-exposed membrane (BCOS) exhibited higher thermal stability. SEM showed fiber compaction and localized deposition of oil and salt, corroborated by EDS, which identified Na, Cl, Ca, and elevated oxygen levels. Mechanical testing indicated that oil acted as a plasticizer, increasing the elongation at break of BCO, while salt crystallization enhanced BCOS stiffness. The membranes removed up to 98% of organic load (BOD and COD), 69% of oils and greases, and reduced turbidity and apparent color by 92%. Partial salt retention (~23%) and a significant decrease in dissolved oxygen were also observed. These results demonstrate the potential of BC membranes as an effective and sustainable solution for the treatment of complex oily and saline wastewater. Full article

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant health burden in the U.S, particularly among ethnic minorities. We identified patient-level risk factors contributing to advanced-stage (AS) diagnosis and poor survival to guide strategies to address GC-related health disparities. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 18,396 histologically confirmed GC cases (4102 early-stage (ES) and 14,294 AS) diagnosed between 2000 and 2019, using data from the California Cancer Registry linked to the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Eligible cases were adults age ≥ 18 with complete diagnostic and follow-up data. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of AS-GC and five-year disease-specific (DSS) and overall-survival (OS) outcomes. Analyses were further stratified by Asian and Hispanic subgroups. Results: Korean heritage was the strongest predictor of ES-GC [OR 0.58 (95% CI, 0.47–0.71), p < 0.001] and was independently associated with the lowest GC-specific mortality risk [HR 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67–0.80), p < 0.0001]. The youngest age group (18–44 years) had the highest AS-GC rate (91.4%). Asian ethnicity, receipt of care at NCI-designated cancer centers, and prior upper endoscopy were associated with improved OS and DSS. In contrast, comorbidities such as GERD, diabetes, liver disease, smoking and alcohol abuse, and older age ≥ 75, U.S.-birth, and rural residence were linked to worse outcomes. Conclusions: Distinct demographic, clinical, and healthcare access factors contribute to disparities in GC outcomes. These findings support the development of culturally tailored early-detection programs, and risk-based screening for GC care, particularly in vulnerable populations. Full article

Objectives: Motor imagery (MI) may enhance post-stroke recovery, but evidence of its benefit over conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT) is inconsistent. This study evaluated the effect of MI combined with CRT on upper-limb recovery, accounting for methodological quality and publication bias. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in multiple databases up to July 2025. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane RoB 2 tool, respectively. Analyses included the calculation of effect sizes (ES), heterogeneity, sensitivity, publication bias, and GRADE-based certainty assessment. Results: From 4074 records, 10 randomized controlled trials (n = 255) were included. The initial pooled analysis showed a small-to-moderate effect of MI + CRT versus CRT alone (ES = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.16–0.74). However, the overall ES calculated with a robust variance estimator was −0.06 (95% CI: −0.21, 0.08). Most trials had methodological limitations (mean PEDro = 6.0; high risk of bias in 7/10 studies). The GRADE evaluation indicated a very low certainty of evidence. Conclusions: The initially observed positive effect of MI combined with CRT is not robust. When accounting for statistical dependencies and potential biases, the effect vanishes and is no different from zero. Current evidence does not support the use of MI as a standalone adjunct to CRT. Larger, high-quality RCTs with standardized protocols are required to establish any potential clinical relevance. Full article

Background and Objectives: Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as cognitive training, transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have shown promise in improving cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia. However, the long-term effects of repeated non-invasive interventions remain unknown. This study investigated whether repeated non-invasive interventions administered over a span of 1 to 3 years were associated with slower cognitive decline compared to typical AD progression, and whether longer no-treatment intervals between treatments predicted greater post-treatment decline. Materials and Methods: Seventy-three participants living with dementia or AD received 2 to 9 blocks of non-invasive treatments (including tES, rTMS, cognitive training). Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) scores were collected longitudinally up to 3 years (36 months), across multiple intervention and assessment sessions. A mixed-effects model was used to estimate the rate of cognitive decline, adjusting for baseline age, sex, and baseline cognition (MoCA) with participants being the random effect. The observed rate of change was compared to a meta-analysis estimate of AD progression. Additionally, a linear mixed-effects model using robust sandwich estimation of standard errors was employed to assess whether the no-treatment interval was associated with changes in ADAS-Cog scores. Results: Participants showed a significantly slower rate of cognitive decline than expected from the AD reference rate (p < 0.001), with many demonstrating stabilized ADAS-Cog scores during their respective treatment periods, ranging from 1 to 3 years. Medication analyses revealed no significant effect of AD medications, antidepressants, antihypertensives, or cholesterol-lowering agents on cognitive outcomes. Furthermore, longer no-treatment intervals were significantly associated with greater post-treatment decline (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Repeated non-invasive treatments seem to slow the rate of cognitive decline in individuals living with dementia when administered over a prolonged period. This study provides evidence supporting the feasibility and effects of personalized long-term non-invasive treatment strategies for dementia. Full article

Diabetes is a global and local epidemic, with an exponential growth trend in prevalence rates. This article presents data collected through a survey administered to a probabilistic sample of patients enrolled in a diabetes control program within a network of health institutions in Cali, Colombia. The purpose of the survey was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to diabetes. The survey was designed as part of the quantitative component of a mixed methods macroproject, and the questionnaire was developed based on a review of the literature and the research team’s expertise in the field. The results of the article correspond to the description of the database and combine raw survey data with additional analytical variables derived from grouped response options or recoded items. The data provides a valuable source of information for further research and for decision-makers interested in diabetes risk management. In conclusion, this database enables other broader studies on factors related to adherence to conventional treatments and the use of nonconventional treatments for type 2 diabetes. Full article

The presented research delivers a comprehensive evaluation of anticorrosive cathodic electrodeposition (CED) coatings through an integrated performance and process capability analysis—an approach that remains extremely limited in the literature, particularly in the context of statistically designed experiments (DoEs) applied to CED systems. This study therefore addresses a notable gap by focusing on the role of polymerization variables in determining coating quality through DoE to quantify the influence on coating thickness uniformity, adhesion integrity and impact resistance, while all other deposition parameters were rigorously controlled. Prior to coating application, all specimens were prepared and conditioned in accordance with ISO 1513:2010. Coating thickness was determined in compliance with ISO 2808:2019, adhesion was characterized by cross-cut methodology according to ISO 2409:2020 and dynamic mechanical resistance was evaluated using a falling-weight apparatus in accordance with ISO 6272-1:2011. The obtained datasets were subjected to statistical capability analysis within the PalstatCAQ environment, providing Cp, Cpk, Pp and Ppk indices in line with ISO 22514-7:2021 and IATF 16949:2016 requirements. Results evidenced non-linear dependencies of thickness formation on curing parameters, with potential capability indices (Cp > 1.8; Pp ≈ 1.4) indicating favorable process dispersion, while performance indices (Cpk < 0.5; Ppk < 0.4) revealed systematic mean shifts and deviations from normality confirmed by Shapiro–Wilk and Anderson–Darling tests. Adhesion testing demonstrated a direct correlation between curing conditions and interfacial bonding, reaching ISO Grade 0 classification. Complementary impact resistance assessments corroborated these findings, showing that insufficient curing induced extensive cracking and delamination. Furthermore, SEM–EDX analysis performed on Sample n.3 of X₂ variable confirmed the chemical integrity and multilayered structure of the CED coating. Full article

Background: This study aimed to analyze and compare the internal and external training load responses in U16 female basketball players participating in a micro-cycle with the U18 team from the same club. Methods: Twelve U16 and six U18 female basketball players completed two U18-team training sessions (MD-3 and MD-1; 90 min each). The internal load (heart rate metrics) and external load (accelerations, decelerations, speed, and distance) were measured using Polar Team Pro sensors. Differences between groups were analyzed using t-tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes. Results: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between age categories for either the internal or external load variables. U16 players showed slightly higher maximum heart rate percentages (96.5% vs. 94.7%, ES = 0.29) but similar average heart rate and time in heart rate zones. For the external load, both groups exhibited comparable values in total distance, average speed, and movement across speed and acceleration/deceleration zones. Effect sizes were mostly small, with moderate differences found in specific acceleration and deceleration zones. Conclusions: U16 players training with the U18 team experienced similar internal and external loads, suggesting that they can cope with the physical and physiological demands of older-age-group training. These findings support the inclusion of younger players in higher-age-group training environments as part of their long-term athletic development. Full article