Search Results (639)

The Mw 7.8 Gorkha Earthquake of 25 April 2015 triggered over 25,000 landslides across central Nepal, with 4775 events concentrated in Gorkha District alone. Despite substantial advances in landslide susceptibility mapping, existing studies often overlook the compound role of post-seismic rainfall and lack robust spatial validation. To address this gap, we validated an ensemble machine learning framework for co-seismic landslide susceptibility modeling by integrating seismic, geomorphological, hydrological, and anthropogenic variables, including cumulative post-seismic rainfall. Using a balanced dataset of 4775 landslide and non-landslide instances, we evaluated the performance of Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models through spatial cross-validation, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) explainability, and ablation analysis. The RF model outperformed all others, achieving an accuracy of 87.9% and a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.94, while XGBoost closely followed (AUC = 0.93). Ensemble models collectively classified over 95% of observed landslides into High and Very High susceptibility zones, demonstrating strong spatial reliability. SHAP analysis identified elevation, proximity to fault, peak ground acceleration (PGA), slope, and rainfall as dominant predictors. Notably, the inclusion of post-seismic rainfall substantially improved recall and F1 scores in ablation experiments. Spatial cross-validation revealed the superior generalizability of ensemble models under heterogeneous terrain conditions. The findings underscore the value of integrating post-seismic hydrometeorological factors and spatial validation into susceptibility assessments. We recommend adopting ensemble models, particularly RF, for operational hazard mapping in earthquake-prone mountainous regions. Future research should explore the integration of dynamic rainfall thresholds and physics-informed frameworks to enhance early warning systems and climate resilience. Full article

The precise prediction of soil settlement under applied loads is of paramount importance in the field of geotechnical engineering. Conventional analytical approaches often lack the capacity to accurately represent the rate-dependent deformations exhibited by soft soils. Creep affects the integrity of geotechnical structures and can lead to loss of serviceability or even system failure. Over time, they deform, the soil structure can be weakened, and consequently, the risk of collapse increases. Despite extensive research, regarding the creep characteristics of soft soils, the prediction of creep deformation remains a substantial challenge. This study explores soil consolidation settlement by employing three different material models: the Soft Soil Creep (SSC) model implemented in PLAXIS 2D, alongside two user-defined elasto-viscoplastic models, specifically Creep-SCLAY1S and the non-associated creep model for Structured Anisotropic Clay (n-SAC). Through the simulation of laboratory experiments and the Lilla Mellösa test embankment situated in Sweden, the investigation evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of these models. The results demonstrate that the predictions produced by the SSC, n-SAC, and Creep-SCLAY1S models are in close correspondence with the field observations, in contrast to the more simplistic elastoplastic model. The n-SAC and Creep-SCLAY1S models adeptly represent the stress–strain response in CRS test simulations; however, they tend to over-predict horizontal deformations in field assessments. Further investigation is advisable to enhance the ease of use and relevance of these sophisticated models. Full article

In the socio-institutional framework of the Minangkabau society in West Sumatra, Indonesia—where women are typically assumed to have full power over land due to the matrilineal system of land ownership—this study asks: To what extent do women actually exercise power over land ownership and decision-making, and what factors influence this power? Comprising 212 households, a methodical household survey carried out in 2024 across the regencies of Lima Puluh Kota and Padang Pariaman employed quantitative approaches and comparative analysis across rural and peri-urban areas. The survey results confirm the initial hypothesis, showing high rates of land ownership among women in West Sumatra, largely attributed to the matrilineal system. Land ownership by itself, though, does not significantly increase women’s influence in households. Rather, women’s decision-making in Lima Puluh Kota is strongly influenced by other assets such as ownership of cattle, poultry, and electronic items; in Padang Pariaman, time allocated to farming and social events has more influence. These findings underline the complex reality behind nominal land rights and practical empowerment, thereby stressing the need to consider broader socioeconomic factors. The report advises more research on how religious interpretations and modernization are altering West Sumatra’s customary matrilineal customs and women’s empowerment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emotional interactions between mothers and children are essential for later developmental outcomes such as children’s health, social competence, and language skills. However, an observational assessment of such interactions cannot reveal how mothers perceive their relationships with their children. Therefore, in this study, we translated and validated the Japanese version of the Emotional Availability Self-Report (EA-SR-J) and examined its factor structure, reliability, and validity. Methods: The participants were 739 Japanese mothers with children aged from 1 month to 5 years and 11 months. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed 19 items and four factors (Affect Quality, Hostility, Mutual Attunement, and Child Involvement with Parent) for the EA-SR-J. However, Intrusiveness was removed, and some items were assigned to different factors compared with the original scale. Cronbach’s alpha of each subscale ranged from 0.81 to 0.88, indicating sufficient internal consistency. The convergent validity of the scale was confirmed with expected correlations with variables related to attachment and child-rearing style. Discriminant validity was confirmed by group differences in variables related to children’s autism spectrum disorder symptoms and mothers’ depression symptoms. Conclusions: Although the EA-SR-J contains fewer items than the original scale, with the Intrusiveness item removed, it remains a reliable and valid tool. Further studies using the Emotional Availability Scale based on observation are needed in the future. Full article

Medium-high-hydrostatic-pressure (MHHP) treatment can induce the spore to germinate via activating the germination receptor, subsequently resulting in the loss of the heat resistance of the spore and finally killing the germinated spore, although the ungerminated spore, even after MHHP treatment, can survive. This study aims to clarify the pasteurization effect of the combination of MHHP treatment with post-/pre-heating treatment on Bacillus subtilis spores suspended in soy milk as a food model. Regarding the results, the D value, as a known heat resistance indicator of the MHHP-treated spore, decreased in comparison with the untreated spore. However, the activation energies required for killing both the untreated and the MHHP-treated spores were equivalent, which indicated that the heat conductivity of the ungerminated spores might be increased by MHHP treatment. When the spore was subjected to pre-heating treatment and subsequently to MHHP treatment, the pasteurization effect of MHHP treatment differed with the pre-heating temperature. Pre-heating treatment at 80 °C could promote pasteurization, while that at 90–100 °C could suppress it, which might be caused by the heat activation/inactivation of germination receptors. From these results, the presence of post-/pre-heat treatment could be an important factor for the pasteurization of B. subtilis spores via MHHP treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Semiquantitative grading of the vertebral body (SQ) is an easy screening method for vertebral body deformation. The validity of SQ as a risk factor and screening tool for incident osteoporotic fractures in the vertebral body (OF) was investigated using retrospective case-control data. Methods: Outpatients with osteoporosis who were followed up for ≥2 years as patients with osteoporosis were recruited. All of them were tested using X-ray images of the lateral thoracolumbar view and other tests at baseline. Patients were classified according to the SQ grade, and potential risk factors were compared for each SQ group. Cox regression analyses were conducted on the incident OFs. Statistical differences in the possible risk factors among the groups and the likelihood of incident OFs in the variables were examined. After propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) for confounding factors, the possibility of incident OFs was compared between the SQ grade groups. Results: In the crude dataset, the probability of incident OF in SQ Grade 3 was significantly higher than in other grade groups. Using a Cox regression analysis in multivariate mode, SQ grade was the only statistically significant factor for incident OF. However, no significant differences were observed between PSM and IPTW. Conclusions: These results suggest that the SQ classification was inappropriate for predicting incident OFs. However, the grading showed a significantly higher risk than that available for screening. Full article

Objectives: Although hippocampal-sparing whole-brain irradiation (HS-WBI) offers potential neurocognitive benefits, it poses challenges in treatment planning. This study aimed to compare the dose distributions of biaxially rotational dynamic radiation therapy (BROAD-RT) with a novel O-ring-type linear accelerator (OXRAY) and conventional non-coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning (Conv-VMAT) in HS-WBI treatment plans. Methods: This study included 10 patients with brain metastases from lung cancer at our institution. The hippocampus was contoured using gadolinium-based contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and hippocampal-sparing regions were created using a 5 mm margin around the hippocampus. Two virtual plans (BROAD-RT and Conv-VMAT) with 30 Gy in 10 fractions were created to compare the dose distributions in the planning target volume (PTV), hippocampus, eyes, and lens. All plans were analyzed using a paired t-test. Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) hippocampus-Dmax, -Dmean, -D100%, and -V10 were 11.10 (0.61), 7.95 (0.20), 7.01 (0.19), and 0.42 (0.34) for BROAD-RT and 16.10 (0.57), 9.89 (0.75), 8.24 (0.34), and 39.05 (25.89) for Conv-VMAT, respectively. All hippocampal parameters were significantly better with BROAD-RT than with Conv-VMAT (p < 0.01). The PTV-D98, -D50, -D2, -V35, and -homogeneity index did not exhibit significant differences between BROAD-RT and Conv-VMAT. Although lens-Dmax was significantly better in BROAD-RT than in Conv-VMAT (p < 0.01), no significant differences were observed in the eye-Dmax and chiasm-Dmax between BROAD-RT and Conv-VMAT. The mean (SD) BROAD-RT beam delivery time was 313.60 (34.91) s. Conclusions: BROAD-RT improved hippocampal sparing with acceptable PTV coverage and PTV homogeneity in HS-WBI planning. In addition, BROAD-RT has a clinically acceptable treatment duration. Full article

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae meal is a notable alternative protein source that is widely used in the aquaculture industry. Recently, it has also gained recognition for enhancing the immune performance of various aquaculture species. However, studies identifying the specific bioactive substances responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of mealworm larvae meal remain limited. In this study, we isolated and purified a bioactive substance from mealworm and incorporated it into zebrafish (Danio rerio) diets at concentrations of 0, 10, and 100 µg/g; the zebrafish were fed this diet for 14 days. To assess the transcriptional changes induced by the bioactive substance, we performed RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis on intestinal and liver tissues. Subsequently, zebrafish were challenged with Edwardsiella tarda via immersion in order to evaluate the protective effects of the bioactive substance. The results demonstrated that a dietary inclusion of 100 µg/g of the bioactive substance optimized the immune performance of zebrafish. Additionally, challenge tests revealed that the dietary inclusion of the bioactive substance from mealworms positively influenced pathogen resistance, although these effects were not consistently significant. Full article

This review synthesizes four decades (1980–2024) of marine oil spill research in the Philippines, analyzing 80 peer-reviewed publications sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, Clarivate, and Google Scholar. Findings show that oil spill research activity spikes after major spills, particularly the 2006 Guimaras incident, which accounts for over half of the reviewed studies and were mostly concentrated in the field of biology, followed by social sciences. Mangroves are the most studied as they are the widely affected ecosystem in the Philippines. Despite the number of published articles on oil spills in the Philippines, only the major events were emphasized, and small-scale spills remain under documented. Research on small-scale oil spills and the country’s two recent big oil spills (Mindoro Oil Spill and Manila Bay Oil Spill), particularly in a country’s environmentally sensitive areas, must be conducted in collaboration with academic institutions and relevant stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding and formulate appropriate countermeasures in the event of future spills. The review also highlights limited application of advanced techniques such as hydrocarbon fingerprinting, geospatial analysis, and next-generation DNA sequencing, limiting comprehensive assessments of oil fate and ecological effects. Addressing these gaps through interdisciplinary collaboration is critical to improving oil spill response, environmental management, and policy formulation in the Philippines’ complex archipelagic setting. Full article

Background/Objectives: The membrane protein a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) are highly expressed in various human carcinomas and play an important role in cancer characteristics. And among these, ADAM32 is highly expressed in hepatoblastoma (HBL) and plays an important role in oncogenic properties. However, the regulatory mechanism has not been determined. Recently, it has been reported that some ADAMs are regulated by HIF, which is an important transcription factor in response to hypoxia. Therefore, we decided to study the regulatory mechanisms of ADAM32 under hypoxic conditions by using HBL, breast, and lung cancer cell lines. Methods/Results: When these cells were exposed to 1% O₂ (hypoxia), it was found that the levels of ADAM32 increased at 48 h in HepG2, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 but not in HUH-6 or lung cancer lines. However, the promoter activity of the ADAM32 gene in HepG2 remained unchanged under hypoxic conditions, suggesting that the level of ADAM32 in HBL is regulated by factors other than the promoter activity. From the microarray data, we found that the level of IGF2BP2, which is an m⁶A-related molecule, correlated with that of ADAM32, and these levels were decreased by HIF1A knockdown. And IGF2BP2 knockdown decreased the expression of ADAM32 and attenuated the increased expression of ADAM32 under hypoxic conditions. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the oncogenic gene ADAM32 is regulated by IGF2BP2 and that IGF2BP2 could be a molecular target for HBL anticancer therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: While sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated additional non-glycemic benefits for renal protection in individuals with type 2 diabetes, less evidence is available for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). To determine whether the adjunctive use of the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin confers kidney protection in individuals with T1D, we retrospectively analyzed data from a real-world cohort examined at 25 centers in Japan. Methods: We enrolled 359 subjects aged 20–74 years with T1D (IPRA group: 159 ipragliflozin users; control [CTRL] group: 200 non-users). The primary outcome was changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to 24 months after the initiation of ipragliflozin. The secondary outcomes were all other changes, including the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) and urinary protein–creatinine ratio (UPCR). Results: The IPRA group’s eGFR decline slopes were 0.79 mL/min/1.73 m²/year milder than the CTRL group’s after propensity score matching, but this difference was not significant. The subjects complicated by chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as UACR ≥ 30 mg/g and/or UPCR ≥ 0.5 g/g and/or eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² showed changes in UPCR (g/g) from baseline to 24 months that were significantly lower in the IPRA group (−0.27 ± 1.63) versus the CTRL group (0.18 ± 0.36) (p = 0.016). No significant increase in adverse events (including severe hypoglycemia and hospitalization due to ketosis/ketoacidosis or cardiovascular diseases) was observed in the IPRA group. Conclusions: Adjunctive treatment with ipragliflozin exerted potential renal benefits by decreasing proteinuria in T1D subjects with CKD. Further investigations are required to determine whether its additional benefits exceed the increased risk of ketoacidosis. Full article

Eucalyptus camaldulensis of the Myrtaceae family shows high resistance to aluminum (Al) ions and contains various compounds such as steroids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins. Although the ellagitannin oenothein B (12) isolated from E. camaldulensis exhibits remarkable properties for Al detoxification, likely contributing to its Al resistance, other ellagitannin oligomers present in E. camaldulensis have not been investigated in detail. In this study, novel dimeric and trimeric ellagitannin oligomers eucarpanin D₂ (1) and eucamalin A (2), together with known gallotannins (7, 8, and 10), monomeric ellagitannins (4–6, and 11), and dimeric ellagitannins (3, 9, and 12–14), were isolated from E. camaldulensis leaves. The structures of these novel compounds were elucidated based on their chemical and physicochemical properties, including the orientations of tergalloyl groups in compounds 1 and 2. Similar to compound 12, previously isolated from the roots of E. camaldulensis, the ellagitannins demonstrated good Al detoxification properties. Hence, these tannins may play a critical role in the high Al resistance of E. camaldulensis in acidic soils. This paper reports for the first time the isolation of ellagitannin oligomers from the leaves of E. camaldulensis. Full article

This study investigates the application of proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control enhanced with an optimized particle swarm optimization (OPSO)-type neural network (NN) to improve the control performance of a pneumatic servo system. Traditional PID methods struggle with inherent nonlinearities in pneumatic servo systems. To address this limitation, we integrate two OPSO-type NNs within the PID framework, thereby developing a robust control strategy that compensates for these nonlinear characteristics. The OPSO-type NNs are particularly efficient in solving complex optimization problems without requiring differential information, demonstrating superior simplicity and efficacy compared to traditional methods, such as genetic algorithms. In our approach, one of the OPSO-type NNs is utilized to tune the PID controller gains, while the other adjusts the control output. The experimental results show that the proposed method enhances the position control accuracy of the pneumatic servo system. Furthermore, this approach holds promise for improving the responsiveness, stability, and disturbance suppression capabilities of pneumatic systems, paving the way for advanced control applications in this field. Full article

Salt as sodium chloride is an essential mineral present in food which is involved in physiological functions such as nutrient intestinal absorption, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. It plays a critical role in food flavoring and ingestive behavior, serving as the basis of one of the five basic tastes. However, excessive salt intake is widely recognized as a risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases, such as hypertension, making salt reduction a key strategy in terms of public health. In that overall context, the aim of this review is to recapitulate the various approaches for salt intake reduction which have been implemented, with a focus on the use of L-glutamate in umami as a sodium substitute. Umami substances, like salt, are one of the five basic tastes and have the potential to enhance the flavor of food while simultaneously reducing salt intake. Several clinical trials have shown that L-glutamate can compensate for the reduction in saltiness while improving the overall palatability of food. This characteristic makes umami substances a valuable element in the context of salt reduction. By incorporating L-glutamate into the diet, it becomes possible to maintain a balanced nutritional intake while reducing salt, making it an effective approach toward a healthier diet. At the same time, L-glutamate-induced salt intake reduction potentially alleviates stress-related indicators associated with salt reduction. Thus, the strategic use of L-glutamate as compound involved in umami taste can help compensate for changes in taste perception due to salt reduction, enabling individuals to maintain meal satisfaction while transitioning to healthier dietary habits with lower salt. Full article

S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is the standard treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after curative surgery in Japan. Our prior research suggested that a lower postoperative geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) predicts S-1 discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs). This study aimed to validate the GNRI as a predictor of S-1 non-completion using an independent cohort. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 180 patients who underwent curative PDAC resection at Dokkyo Medical University from January 2010 to March 2023. Postoperative GNRI values were recorded as part of nutritional screening. Data on S-1 therapy completion and related clinical factors were analyzed statistically. Results: Patients were classified based on S-1 completion (N = 93) and non-completion (N = 48). GNRI values were significantly lower in the non-completion group. A GNRI threshold of 94.4, identified in a prior study, effectively distinguished patients at risk of discontinuation. Univariate analysis confirmed that a GNRI of ≥94.4 was a significant predictor of successful S-1 completion [hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence-free survival (RFS), 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–2.28 and for overall survival (OS), 1.89; 95% CI 1.20–2.99]. Conclusions: This study validated previous findings, confirming that the postoperative GNRI reliably identifies patients at risk of S-1 non-completion due to AEs after PDAC surgery. The GNRI serves as a practical marker for optimizing patient care and enhancing AC efficacy. Full article