Search Results (2,143)

Background: Supported standing is commonly prescribed for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) to support musculoskeletal health and participation. However, objective data on plantar loading under different positioning conditions are limited, particularly in individuals with severe motor impairment (GMFCS IV–V). This study quantified plantar loading as an operational measure of foot weight-bearing during supported standing across combinations of verticalization angle and hip/knee flexion. Methods: Twenty-six children and adolescents with CP (GMFCS IV–V; 6–17 years) were assessed using a standardized back-supported standing system. Plantar loading was measured with two calibrated force plates at six verticalization angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°) combined with four hip/knee flexion angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°). Loading was expressed as a percentage of body weight (% BW). Effects were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Plantar loading increased progressively with increasing verticalization angles across all hip/knee flexion conditions. Clinically relevant loading levels (>70% BW) were achieved at a verticalization angle of 60° in most flexion conditions. Maximum plantar loading was observed at 90° verticalization combined with 30° hip/knee flexion (96.4% BW). At 90° verticalization, plantar loading remained substantial even with 45° hip/knee flexion (81.4% BW). Increasing hip/knee flexion did not result in a linear reduction in plantar loading; a significant decrease was observed only at 45° flexion. Conclusions: Verticalization angle is the primary determinant of plantar loading during supported standing in children and adolescents with severe CP. Clinically meaningful plantar loading—and thus effective foot weight-bearing—can be achieved at moderate verticalization angles despite hip and knee flexion, supporting flexible positioning strategies. Full article

Introduction: End-of-life (EOL) HIV cure-related research offers a unique opportunity to advance scientific discovery while honoring the values, dignity, and legacy of people with HIV. However, participation remains demographically skewed, mirroring long-standing inequities in who is informed, invited, and supported to take part. Synthesizing eight years of experience, published literature reviews, and community engagement from the University of California San Diego’s Last Gift program, we propose strategies to embed justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (JEDIA) throughout the design and implementation of EOL HIV cure-related studies. Discussion: Using intersectionality as a structural analytic framework, we examine how interlocking systems and social determinants shape access, consent, and participant experience, and we translate ethics into action across three themes and eight domains. As examples, we facilitate equitable access by implementing solutions that address gaps limiting awareness and feasibility of participation. We establish ongoing consent through multi-session consent processes with teach-back methods, clear healthcare proxy pathways, and explicit separation of research activities from clinical care. We center lived experiences by partnering with people with HIV and community groups, customizing participation, and honoring cultural and spiritual needs. We enable real-time course correction by using a dashboard that monitors enrollment patterns and representation. Conclusions: An intersectionality-informed, participant-centered approach is both feasible and essential to ensure HIV cure-related research advances with fairness, trust, and global relevance. Programs such as the Last Gift show that scientific rigor, integrity, and participant dignity can coexist, establishing a model for equitable HIV cure discovery. Full article

Thailand’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and producing no emissions by 2065 requires their reliable renewable energy means to be expanded upon quickly. Biomass is an important resource for this. Even though there are many biomass power plants in Thailand, the further expansion of biomass energy is being held back by several problems, such as unclear rules and feedstock instability, which is worsening because of climate change. This study formulates an investor-focused Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework to rank the policy instruments that bolstered investor confidence in 2024–2025. Expert opinions were gathered through a Delphi-validated process and examined via eigenvector-based weighting and consistency checks. The findings indicate that law and regulatory policy is the most successful intervention (0.31), followed by economic incentives (0.24) and R&D support (0.18). Sub-criteria analysis reveals that regulatory clarity and the stability of feedstock supply—aggravated by climate-induced yield risks—are the predominant factors influencing investment decisions. Sensitivity analysis substantiates this ranking, indicating that fundamental regulatory reform is necessary to realize the full efficacy of financial or technological incentives. These results provide policymakers with a clear method to make decisions about how to align biomass roadmaps with the needs of the private sector. This will help emerging economies make a smooth and long-lasting transition to clean energy. Full article

Pawnshop buildings are places where pawn transactions are conducted. They are usually composed of a front shop and a back building, and their shape resembles a fortress. As a typical gambling city, pawnshops in Macau appeared as early as the Qing Dynasty. By the late Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) and early Republic of China (1912–1949), they had become a common market. They reached their peak during the Anti-Japanese War and were an important financial institution for the people to solve their urgent needs. Today, many pawnshop buildings have become architectural heritage sites and are distributed around the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site. Their location is consistent with the evolution of urban space and the development of gambling and tourism industries. However, existing research lacks systematic research based on spatial quantification technology and it has yet to be determined whether there is a spatial alignment relationship between pawnshop location and urban spatial structure. This paper takes the whole of Macau as the research area and combines DepthmapX space syntax, GIS analysis, and historical data comparison of pawnshop buildings to explore the path dependence characteristics of pawnshop building location and the service radius law in urban space. The study found that the location of pawnshop buildings in Macau has evolved through three stages: initially relying on traditional market spaces, then gathering around casino areas during a stable phase, and finally becoming closely tied to the core areas of gambling venues in the prosperous stage. It shows a path dependence that is continuously strengthened on nodes with low traffic resistance. The service radius of pawnshop buildings exhibits an unbalanced characteristic, with a dense core area and a blank peripheral area, forming a multi-level system of a 200 m core service circle, a 400 m extended service circle, and an 800 m radiation service circle. This study proposes pathways for the adaptive reuse and activation of traditional pawnbroking architectural heritage. For instance, by drawing on the operational model of the Tak Seng On Pawnshop, the integration of cultural exhibition and livelihood services can be realized, thereby providing practical references for the adaptive reuse and conservation of heritage assets. This study offers dual theoretical and practical support for the conservation of pawnbroking architectural heritage in Macau, the site selection and planning of modern pawnbroking establishments, and the optimization of the city’s urban spatial structure. Meanwhile, it enriches the research system on the spatial alignment between the peripheral financial industry and urban space. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the neck and back, are prevalent across various professions, stemming from prolonged static postures and awkward neck flexions. This study investigated the efficacy of a passive exoskeleton, designed to alleviate musculoskeletal neck and back strain, in a simulated neck flexion task. Ten participants performed tasks involving neck flexion at angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°, both with and without the exoskeleton. Additionally, the impact of using a headlight was evaluated at a 45° neck flexion angle. Wearable electromyography sensors were used to quantify muscle activity as an indicator of neuromuscular loading, while subjective discomfort was assessed using the Rate of Perceived Exertion scale, and endurance times were recorded. The results demonstrated significant reductions in neck and lower back muscle activity (median values up to 31.0%) and perceived discomfort (median values up to 50.0%), with the most improvements at 30° and 45° neck flexion angles. Participants reported 50% higher endurance time when using the exoskeleton. Minimal benefits were observed at 15° flexion, likely due to reduced musculoskeletal demand at this angle. These findings highlight the potential of exoskeletons as an ergonomic intervention to mitigate neck and back strain in occupations where high degrees of neck flexion are prevalent. Full article

Rabies is an acute, progressive, viral encephalitis. Warm-blooded vertebrates are susceptible. Major reservoirs reside in the Chiroptera and Carnivora. Among the latter, representatives include dogs, ferret badgers, foxes, jackals, mongooses, raccoons, and skunks. Within the Carnivora, pinnipeds represent a diverse group of >30 extant species. These marine mammals range from the Arctic to Antarctica, but there is no review about rabies in this group. Apparently, only a single 1980 case of rabies occurred from Svalbard in a ringed seal (Phoca hispida). However, in 2024, incidental cases appeared within South African Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus). Retrospective testing of archival material identified suspect cases dating back to 2022. Currently, more than 80 cases have been documented in seals. Moreover, a new 2025 focus appeared in Namibia and cases in Angola are predictable. Viral characterization supports spillover infection via rabid black-backed jackals (Lupulella mesomelas). A host shift appears likely, with ongoing seal intraspecific transmission. Given the unique nature of this epizootic, implications for the southern hemisphere abound. Unfortunately, comprehensive data are lacking on pinniped specimens examined outside of southern Africa. For example, although Antarctica is considered ‘rabies-free’, minimal international standards for support are unmet. No routine laboratory-based surveillance occurs. This enzootic rabies focus among seals in southern Africa presents unique challenges for the region and a rare opportunity for considering broader surveillance. Besides targeted parenteral vaccination of fur seals, local engagement involves vagrant species, including elephant (Mirounga leonina) and leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx). The void of regional pinniped surveillance, especially encompassing the Southern Ocean would require considerable proactive local resolution and much wider collaboration regarding future concerns to both public health and conservation biology. Full article

Breaking the talent bottleneck in agriculture and forestry and establishing an effective channel for transmitting intellectual achievements from university graduates to rural areas are crucial for building a high-quality rural revitalization workforce. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining systematic surveys based on a five-point Likert scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.982) with machine learning modeling to analyze the factors influencing the employment of graduates from agricultural and forestry institutions. Key findings indicate that respondents generally recognize the importance of salary and benefits, express high satisfaction with occupational environments and living conditions, and acknowledge the effectiveness of training systems and promotion channels. The Genetic Algorithm-Back Propagation (GA-BP) predictive model constructed in this study demonstrates outstanding performance, achieving coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.983 and 0.960 on the training and test sets, significantly outperforming traditional measurement methods. This research not only provides data-driven support for optimizing employment policies in agricultural and forestry institutions but also showcases an innovative application of artificial intelligence in analyzing employment factors, offering an interdisciplinary research paradigm for talent strategies aimed at advancing smart agriculture. Full article

Based on its rich information of chemical specificity, Raman spectroscopy has been widely applied for in vivo biomedical investigations. For extracting quantitative information of target constitution, it is imperative to establish a robust model for unveiling the relationship between spectral features with/without priori references. By integrating a variety of traditional machine learning and artificial neural network algorithms, an integrated Raman spectra analysis toolbox (AI-Assisted Raman Spectra Analysis Toolbox [AI-Raman] V 1.0) was developed for spectral processing, model training, and regression analysis by using MATLAB R2024a. Besides the utilization of back propagation artificial neural network and convolutional neural network algorithms, classical machine learning algorithms, such as partial least squares regression and support vector regression, were also compacted as the supporting functions of presented toolbox. A spectral dataset obtained from nailfold from different subjects was utilized to evaluated the feasibility and performance of the developed software, which demonstrated that the analysis software can predict glucose concentrations by in vivo Raman spectral measurement. With a friendly graphics interface, the analytical model can be customized and optimized for accomplishing the desired objectives, which will benefit many Raman-based inventions, especially for biomedical transformations. Full article

The accelerated closure of hard coal mines across Europe contrasts with Poland’s continued structural reliance on coal extraction and coal-based power generation, increasing the urgency of credible post-mining development models. This article investigates the potential transformation of the end-of-life Bobrek coal mine in Bytom (Poland), drawing on methodological and business-model insights from the European Union (EU) Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) POTENTIALS and GreenJOBS projects. A combined methodological framework is applied, including structural analysis to identify key transformation variables, morphological analysis to explore alternative redevelopment pathways, and multicriteria assessment to configure coherent scenarios integrating renewable energy systems and circular-economy activities. The results show that an industrial eco-park backed by a virtual power plant (VPP), comprising photovoltaic installations, a mine-water-based geothermal heating system, and small-scale wind turbines, is technically feasible and environmentally sustainable. In parallel, three circular-economy business lines, the recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic panels, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and refrigeration units, were assessed as possible economic cores of the envisaged eco-park. Overall, the proposed model enables effective reuse of mining infrastructure, supports low-emission industrial activity, and aligns with EU climate policy objectives. The Bobrek site may serve as a reference for post-mining redevelopment in other coal regions. Full article

This study examines how rural Indonesian women entrepreneurs navigate the gendered structures and institutional barriers that shape their entrepreneurial experiences. Grounded in the Gender and Development (GAD) framework, the research employs a qualitative, interpretive design and draws on 22 semi-structured interviews with women entrepreneurs from diverse regions and sectors. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns of constraint, agency, and transformation within women’s narratives. Findings reveal that patriarchal norms and time poverty continue to restrict women’s visibility and resource access. Nevertheless, they exercise negotiated agency through adaptive strategies such as front-stage/back-stage role division, emotional resilience, and collective peer support. Over time, these adaptive behaviors evolve into transformative practices, such as digital market-making, gender-conscious leadership, and intergenerational empowerment, that challenge structural inequalities from within. The study refines GAD theory by conceptualizing empowerment as cyclical and context-embedded, rather than linear or absolute. Policy implications emphasize reforms linking inclusion to transformation through childcare-linked training, collateral access, digital literacy, and institutional support for women’s networks. Overall, entrepreneurship emerges as both a livelihood strategy and a transformative social practice redefining gender relations in Indonesia. Full article

Managing electronic waste (e-waste) in the Philippines is a critical challenge, no with roughly 80% handled by an informal sector using hazardous methods. This study develops a context-specific Circular Economy (CE) framework for urban Manila by quantifying the behavioral, institutional, and socio-economic factors influencing recycling efficiency. Using a hybrid methodology, quantitative data were collected from 435 informal recyclers. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) supported 16 of 18 hypothesized pathways from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), though Perceived Behavioral Control did not directly affect Intention. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) sensitivity analysis identified economic factors, Income Level (84.01%) and Financial Incentives (82.86%), as the dominant predictors of behavior, followed by the Cultural–Cognitive Pillar (80.98%). This necessitates modifying the TPB for subsistence economies, where economic survival acts as a super-moderator. The resulting CE framework mandates inclusive policies, prioritizing “Economic First Interventions” like buy-back schemes to equitably integrate informal recyclers into formal Extended Producer Responsibility systems. Full article

The accurate remote sensing retrieval of chlorophyll-a (Chla) concentrations in highly turbid estuarine waters remains challenging due to complex optical conditions. In this study, a small sample machine learning-based retrieval framework tailored for limited training samples was developed for the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) by integrating Sentinel-3 OLCI satellite imagery with long-term fixed-station Chla observations from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. Normalized remote sensing reflectance features derived from multiple OLCI spectral bands were used as model inputs, and the performance of support vector regression (SVR) and a back propagation neural network (BPNN) was evaluated and compared with those of traditional second-order polynomial models. The results show that SVR achieves the best overall performance on both training and independent testing datasets, with a higher accuracy, smaller systematic bias, and more stable generalization capability, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing complex nonlinear relationships under limited sample conditions. Specifically, for the training and testing datasets, the correlation coefficients between SVR-predicted and measured Chla reach 0.88 and 0.78, RMSEs are 1.75 and 1.23 mg/m³, and biases are −0.29 and 0 mg/m³, respectively. The retrieval results further reveal the clear spatiotemporal patterns of Chla concentration in the PRE, characterized by a west–high and east–low spatial distribution and pronounced seasonal migration. Elevated Chla concentrations occur mainly in the lower estuary during summer, retreat toward the upper estuary in winter, and shift to the middle estuary during spring and autumn. This study provides a practical methodological reference for the operational remote sensing monitoring of water quality in optically complex and highly turbid estuarine environments. Full article

Low back pain (LBP) remains one of the most prevalent and disabling musculoskeletal conditions worldwide, shaped by interacting mechanical, neurophysiological, inflammatory, vascular, and behavioral factors. Conventional care often relies on generalized exercise programs and episodic, predominantly subjective assessment, which can underrepresent inter-individual heterogeneity and longitudinal change. Recent bioengineering advances enable continuous, multimodal monitoring of objective correlates of function—neuromuscular activation and coordination (sEMG/polyEMG), movement patterns and activity exposure (IMU), and complementary physiological context (e.g., autonomic and perfusion-related signals). Rather than measuring pain directly, these signals can contextualize symptoms, support treatment stratification within non-surgical care, and enable trajectory monitoring with early non-response flags to guide timely rehabilitation adjustment under clinician oversight. When integrated with transparent, implementation-oriented analytics, biosensing can also support incremental closed-loop rehabilitation through patient-facing feedback and adaptive progression rules. This review synthesizes current and emerging biosensing approaches for LBP and highlights key translational requirements—outcome-linked validation, standardization, and workflow integration—to bridge engineering innovation with clinically usable, data-informed rehabilitation. Full article

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly adopted across logistics and service operations, yet limited research explains how it supports back-end event logistics or what factors enable or hinder its implementation. This study investigates how AI can be applied across event logistics processes and identifies the key barriers and critical success factors shaping its adoption. Methods: A sequential exploratory qualitative design was employed. First, semi-structured interviews with experienced event professionals generated context-specific insights. These findings informed a two-round Delphi study with 10 experts, where items were prioritised and consensus assessed using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and chi-square tests. Results: The results indicate that AI delivers the greatest value in pre-event planning activities, particularly scheduling and supplier coordination. Resistance to change and the lack of industry-specific AI tools emerged as the main adoption barriers, while technological infrastructure, system integration, and change management were identified as critical success factors. Conclusions: The study provides practical guidance for event organisers and technology providers by highlighting where AI investments are most likely to generate operational benefits and how organisational readiness can be strengthened. It also underscores the need for improved sustainability-focused tools and better data practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: White-collar workers experience a unique dual burden of high psychological demands and prolonged static loading, creating a need to understand how physical resilience may mitigate these stressors. This study investigated the moderating role of specific muscle fitness components in the associations between work stress, burnout, and well-being among white-collar workers. To address the gap in task-specific physical resilience, we employed a cross-sectional design involving 321 full-time employees. Methods: Work stress (job control and demands), burnout, and well-being were assessed via structured questionnaires, while grip strength, abdominal endurance, and back muscle endurance were objectively measured. Results: Results indicated that the muscle fitness components were not directly associated with either burnout or well-being. However, the moderation model for burnout was significant (F = 15.837, p < 0.001; adjusted R² = 0.278), where back muscle endurance significantly moderated the association between psychological job demands and burnout (β = −0.121, p < 0.05), whereas no such moderating effect was observed for well-being. In contrast, no such moderating effect was observed for well-being, nor did grip strength or abdominal endurance exhibit significant buffering effects on either psychological outcome. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the relevance of task-specific physical resources in sedentary environments, specifically that back endurance functions as a buffer against burnout but may be insufficient to directly enhance overall well-being. The results suggest that while integrating task-specific physical assessments is vital for burnout prevention, psychosocial organizational support remains essential for fostering comprehensive well-being. Full article