Search Results (5,360)

Background/Objectives: Health literacy is a critical determinant of health, closely linked to behaviours, outcomes, and broader social determinants. Given that young people navigate distinct social contexts and health-related challenges compared to adults, understanding how to support their health literacy development during this important period is essential for lifelong wellbeing. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of academics and community-based practitioners regarding the concept of health literacy in young people and the importance of supporting its development. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants (academics n = 17, health and wellbeing practitioners n = 9, policy/research n = 4) based across Europe and Australasia, with experience in youth health literacy. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three key themes were identified: (i) Building lifelong health agency: From early foundations to transitional autonomy; (ii) Navigating novel health changes; and (iii) Structural inequities and intergenerational barriers in health literacy. Conclusions: Participants emphasised that youth health literacy interventions should move beyond didactic, individual-level information delivery toward fostering critical digital competencies and addressing structural barriers through participatory co-design with young people. Full article

Anisotropy is a first-order control on rock mass behaviour in foliated, veined, and fabric-controlled ground, yet it remains underrepresented in routine geotechnical practice. This paper presents a review of the literature on anisotropic rock mass behaviour, organised around three identified gaps: the absence of an integrated explanation linking structure, and excavation response; the underdeveloped treatment of spatially variable anisotropy in mine-scale numerical models; and the limited incorporation of precursory monitoring evidence into mainstream geomechanical design. The review is selective rather than encyclopaedic, covering experimental characterisation of directional strength and stiffness, the mechanical role of microstructure and fabric morphology, excavation damaged zone development, constitutive and spatial modelling strategies, seismic source characterisation, laboratory precursor detection, and data collection practice. The review finds that anisotropy changes the path to failure and the spatial organisation of damage, not merely the peak strength, and that constitutive sophistication without a geologically admissible representation of fabric is insufficient to reproduce the mechanism, location, and temporal evolution of damage around underground excavations. Full article

Bearing-grade PEEK composites are intended to improve sliding performance, but filler addition does not necessarily reduce friction. This study compared the dry sliding tribological behaviour of neat PEEK and hybrid PEEK containing PTFE, graphite, and carbon fibre against 42CrMo4+QT steel. Ring-on-block tests were performed at nominal PV values of 0.3–3.2 MPa·m/s, contact pressures of 0.87–5.82 MPa, and sliding velocities of 0.26–0.55 m/s. Each material–condition combination was tested using three independent specimens. Coefficient of friction was calculated from simultaneously measured tangential and normal forces, and subsurface temperature was recorded continuously. Initial and post-test surfaces were examined using optical and extended depth-of-field microscopy. Group mean COF values ranged from 0.052 to 0.123. Hybrid PEEK exhibited a higher numerical mean COF than neat PEEK in all six operating conditions, with relative differences of approximately 1.53–8.36%. Two-factor ANOVA estimated an overall hybrid-minus-neat difference of +0.003388 COF units (95% CI 0.001279–0.005496; p = 0.0029), whereas none of the six condition-specific neat–hybrid comparisons was significant after Holm correction. Initial temperature, maximum temperature, and baseline-normalised temperature rise were reported for every specimen and treated descriptively. Both materials reached stable sliding states without seizure or uncontrolled thermal escalation. Post-test EDF observations showed a denser pattern of fine grooves on neat PEEK, whereas hybrid PEEK exhibited comparatively smoother intervening regions interrupted by fewer but locally deeper features. Mass changes remained close to the capability of the applied balance and did not permit quantitative wear-rate comparison. The results show that the investigated hybrid formulation did not provide a dry-friction reduction advantage over neat PEEK under the tested conditions. Full article

Magnesium alloys are attractive for temporary orthopaedic applications because of their biodegradability and favourable mechanical properties; however, their relatively rapid degradation under physiological conditions remains a challenge. In this study, the microstructural evolution, residual stress and electrochemical corrosion behaviour of WE43, a rare earth-containing magnesium alloy with yttrium, neodymium and zirconium as alloying elements, coated with titanium, were investigated as functions of deposition time using direct-current magnetron sputtering. Titanium coatings were deposited for 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 h, producing coating thicknesses of approximately 500, 650, 1000 and 1400 nm, respectively. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction revealed progressive changes from fine-grained to dense and, subsequently, coarse-grained morphologies with increasing deposition time. The 2 h coating exhibited the largest crystallite size (27.17 ± 3.42 nm) and a moderate compressive residual stress of 605.3 ± 15.11 MPa. Potentiodynamic polarisation measurements showed that the 2 h coating produced the lowest corrosion current density (0.133 ± 0.026 mA/cm²) and calculated corrosion rate (2.93 ± 0.57 mm/year), representing a 67% reduction relative to independently measured, uncoated WE43 (8.87 ± 1.11 mm/year). The 3 h coating exhibited a higher compressive residual stress of 992.4 ± 21.7 MPa and a higher corrosion rate of 4.81 ± 0.74 mm/year, accompanied by localised microcracking after corrosion testing. Contact-angle measurements performed on the uncoated alloy and the 2 h coating showed an increase from 75.0 ± 2.1° to 83.0 ± 1.8°. Overall, the results indicated that corrosion performance was governed by the combined effects of coating morphology, crystallographic development and residual stress, with the 2 h deposition condition providing the most favourable balance under the present experimental conditions. Full article

Natural fibres, both bio-based and mineral-derived, are increasingly investigated for use in mortar as a means of improving technical efficiency while potentially reducing reliance on synthetic fibres where performance and durability are adequate. This review synthesises mortar-focused evidence across cement-based binders, air lime and natural hydraulic lime binders, gypsum-based binders and clay-based binders, with emphasis on mix designs, fibre–matrix interactions, durability-related behaviours and engineering applications. Across binder systems, the most consistently reported benefit of fibre incorporation is improved crack control and post-crack integrity, provided that fibre dispersion, dosage, and workability are adequately controlled. Some formulations also exhibit reduced measured drying shrinkage, whereas changes in compressive and flexural strength are inconsistent, reflecting the effects of fibre type and content, water demand, density, pore structure and matrix–fibre bonding. Durability is strongly binder- and exposure-dependent. For cement-based mortars, alkaline and calcium-rich pore solution remain key limits for many plant fibres, especially under wetting–drying exposure. For lime-based, gypsum-based and clay-based mortars, chemical attack is generally less severe, but performance and property retention remain sensitive to moisture history, curing path and conditioning. Hygrothermal and hygric effects are conditional and should be considered alongside density, moisture state, pore structure and water uptake. Overall, natural fibres are most convincing when crack control, post-crack integrity, compatibility or moisture-related performance are required, rather than for universal strength or durability improvement. For that, further studies and optimisation are needed. Full article

Oculomics uses ocular images, ocular biofluids and functional ocular tests to extract diagnostic information on local or systemic biological states. Most current evidence is cross-sectional: one retinal photograph, OCT scan, OCTA examination or tear sample is compared with a reference population, or converted into a diagnostic or prognostic score. This approach is useful for screening and risk enrichment, but it does not show whether the same patient is changing over time. In this review, dynamic oculomics, or oculomic kinetics, is presented as a diagnostic-monitoring approach based on repeated ocular measurements within the same individual. Its object is the personal trajectory: baseline level, short-term variability, long-term drift, response to stimulus, recovery and modification by treatment. We discuss the biological basis of ocular trajectories, the limits imposed by local ocular regulation and disease, and the technical constraints of fundus photography, structural OCT, OCTA, functional challenge tests, tear analysis, aqueous humour analysis, continuous intraocular pressure monitoring and home-based imaging. We also examine artificial intelligence, validation, governance, health-economic considerations and practical implementation. The available evidence does not support a universal ocular surrogate for systemic disease. More realistic applications include detection of unexpectedly rapid tissue change, individualised risk stratification, treatment-response assessment and recognition of discordance between systemic markers and ocular tissue behaviour. Full article

Human thermophysiological responses differ greatly between individuals. However, textile and clothing systems are usually designed using average population data. They also follow the idea that one product can provide acceptable comfort for most users. This perspective paper introduces the concept of thermophysiological comfort classes (CCs). The aim is to group continuous physiological differences into a small number of practical categories. Similar to anthropometric sizing, each CC includes people who show similar physiological responses and comfort perceptions under defined environmental and activity conditions. The proposed framework combines physiological measurements, environmental and behavioural factors, subjective evaluations, and individual characteristics. Data science and artificial intelligence can support data processing, feature selection, clustering, and validation. At first, the development of CCs will require detailed questionnaires and several types of measurements. The long-term goal, however, is to identify a small set of reliable indicators for a practical assessment protocol. The concept may support textile products designed for representative thermophysiological profiles rather than for an average user. Comfort-class assignment may also change over time. Thermophysiological classification is therefore proposed as a complement to anthropometric sizing and as a basis for personalised and industrially scalable textile design. Full article

This study investigates the effect of Arundodonax L.-derived lignin on the rheological behaviour, mechanical performance and oxidative ageing resistance of bitumen. Arundo donax is a fast-growing invasive grass with high lignin content, representing a promising sustainable biomass source for bitumen modification. Lignin was extracted via the Acid Detergent Lignin method, yielding a fine powder (50–300 μm). The incorporation of 6 wt% lignin into a 35/50 paving-grade bitumen induced significant changes in binder behaviour. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the polyaromatic and oxygenated nature of lignin and indicated that its interaction with bitumen is primarily physical, involving polar intermolecular interactions rather than chemical bonding. Lignin modification significantly increased stiffness, elasticity, and rutting resistance, as evidenced by higher softening point, complex modulus, and recovery after creep loading. Furthermore, FTIR analysis confirmed a reduced susceptibility to oxidative ageing, demonstrated by lower increases in carbonyl and sulfoxide indexes after ageing. This suggests distinct antioxidant activity associated with the phenolic structures of lignin. Despite these benefits, severe long-term ageing led to a marked reduction in fatigue life, ductility, low-temperature cracking resistance, and adhesive properties. Overall, these results demonstrate that Arundo donax-derived lignin is a promising sustainable modifier for bitumen, though optimisation of the dosage and blending conditions is necessary to balance durability against long-term fracture performance. Full article

Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and epidemiological projections indicate that its incidence will continue to increase. Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasms. Quality of life is a key component of oncology care and is significantly influenced by nutritional status and dietary habits. Methods: The study included 52 adult patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire based on the QEB (Questionnaire of Eating Behaviour) and WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life—BREF) instruments, supplemented with questions regarding changes in dietary habits and the use of dietary counseling following diagnosis. Nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and quality of life across four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of statistical significance. Results: Cancers of the colon and rectum—reported either as unspecified colorectal cancer or as separately specified colon or rectal cancer—together accounted for the largest share of diagnoses (26 diagnoses, representing 44.8% of the 58 total reported diagnoses). Quality-of-life assessment revealed the lowest scores in the physical domain and the highest scores in the social domain. The youngest participants achieved the highest scores in the psychological domain, whereas the lowest scores across all domains were observed among individuals aged over 60 years. Following diagnosis, 63.5% of participants reported reviewing and modifying their dietary habits; however, the majority had not received dietary counseling. Women reported higher fruit and vegetable consumption than men, while higher educational attainment was associated with greater self-assessed nutritional knowledge. Conclusions: Among patients with gastrointestinal cancers surveyed in this study, the physical domain of quality of life had the lowest WHOQOL-BREF score. Most participants reported modifying their dietary habits after diagnosis, although most had not received formal dietary counseling. Higher educational attainment was associated with higher self-assessed nutritional knowledge. Given the small convenience sample and cross-sectional design, these findings should be considered exploratory. Full article

The massive integration of variable renewable energy sources (vRES) in Central Europe is fundamentally transforming electricity price formation and straining transmission grids. However, existing academic metrics, such as the RES Capture Price, offer only a static view of investor revenues and fail to capture dynamic market rigidity and systemic risks during periods of high instantaneous vRES penetration. This study addresses this literature gap by introducing two novel and transparent methodological parameters: Market Exposure to Green Overproduction (MEGO) and the Price Divergence Coefficient (PDC). Formulated as conditional non-parametric indicators, the MEGO index quantifies the conditional probability of price collapse and the loss of market elasticity during hours when vRES penetration exceeds critical thresholds (α = 0.50 to 0.80) of systemic load. Conversely, the PDC index measures the frequency of substantial price non-convergence across neighbouring bidding zones (CZ, PL, FR) relative to the German reference market (DE). Based on an extensive dataset spanning from 2015 to mid-2026—capturing the transition to 15 min market time units— the empirical results reveal a distinct change in market behaviour. While the frequency of price collapse during high-vRES periods was lower in earlier years and temporarily reduced during the 2022 energy crisis, the post-crisis period (2024–2026) exhibits substantially higher MEGO values, with periods in which wind and solar generation exceeded 80% of instantaneous system load being associated with prices at or below 0 EUR/MWh in up to 60% of the evaluated intervals. Concurrently, the PDC analysis reveals persistent spatial price non-convergence, particularly in France and Poland. These patterns coincided with major changes in European electricity-market conditions, including the implementation of Core Flow-Based Market Coupling, variations in nuclear availability and evolving cross-border network conditions; however, the PDC indicator alone does not permit causal attribution to any individual factor. The proposed MEGO and PDC parameters provide policymakers, transmission system operators (TSOs), and investors with an intuitive diagnostic framework for dimensioning grid flexibility, energy storage, and cross-border infrastructure in the decarbonization era. Full article

Exposing foams stabilized by photoswitchable surfactants to UV light induces changes in surface surfactant concentration, leading to significant alterations in foam behaviour such as the generation of Marangoni flow and change in foam drainage patterns. The occurrence of Marangoni flow can be observed when either all elements of the foam or only their films are exposed to UV light. Conversely, changes in foam drainage occur when a macroscale portion of a foam column is exposed to UV light. To explore these phenomena, numerical models are developed and validated using experimental data. These models simulate the scale and profile of Marangoni flow from foam networks to films, as well as the drainage flow within the foam network. Microscale findings demonstrate that Marangoni flow can be controlled by adjusting the intensity and duration of UV light exposure. Macroscopically, the drainage profile in exposed foam regions undergoes significant changes with varying UV intensity. Furthermore, beyond a certain threshold, the foam drainage reverses direction, contrary to gravity. The effect of foam interfacial mobility on the reversed drainage of both interior and exterior foams is analyzed. The findings provide a potential tool to control foam drainage behaviour without the need to modify other variables. Full article

This research investigates the relationships between climate change, biodiversity and nature-based tourism in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR), integrating the behavioural perspective of Generation Z into an adaptive management framework. This study uses a mixed methodological approach, combining time series analysis of the period 2000–2025 with behavioural modelling, based on the primary data study. The analysis of this study includes indicators for the four complementary dimensions, namely: the climate dimension, the biodiversity dimension, the tourism activity dimension, and the behavioural dimension. The relationships among climate variables, biodiversity and tourism are investigated using AutoRegressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models, while the behavioural component is analysed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method, applied to a sample of 419 respondents. The results highlight the existence of relationships among climate change, biodiversity and tourist activity, confirming the role of biodiversity as a central element of the attractiveness of nature-based tourism. At the same time, concern for biodiversity significantly influences the intention to visit natural destinations among Generation Z people. Therefore, our research contributes to the literature regarding socio-ecological systems and provides recommendations for the development of adaptive management aimed at biodiversity conservation and strengthening the resilience of sustainable tourism in the Danube Delta. Full article

Background: Intraoperative hypotension during major abdominal surgery is common and can result from changes in preload, afterload, or myocardial contractility. Recognising the underlying cause is essential for targeted haemodynamic management. Arterial dP/dt_max has been proposed as a surrogate marker for ventricular systolic function, but its behaviour during fluid and vasopressor administration under general anaesthesia remains not fully understood. This study evaluated changes in radial arterial dP/dt_max following protocol-guided fluid administration and norepinephrine boluses during intraoperative hypotension. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 88 adult patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery with continuous radial arterial waveform monitoring. Hypotensive episodes were defined as a mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg persisting for at least 60 s and were managed according to a predefined algorithm based on stroke volume variation and dynamic arterial elastance. The primary outcome was the change in arterial dP/dt_max from baseline to 5 min after fluid administration. Linear mixed-effects models were used to account for repeated intervention episodes within patients. Results: A total of 502 protocol-guided intervention episodes contributed by 76 patients were included in the primary analysis: 228 fluid-treated episodes and 274 norepinephrine-treated episodes. Estimated mean arterial dP/dt_max increased from 517 mmHg·s⁻¹ (95% CI 477–557) at baseline to 631 mmHg·s⁻¹ (95% CI 591–671) at 5 min during fluid-treated episodes and from 575 mmHg·s⁻¹ (95% CI 536–615) to 647 mmHg·s⁻¹ (95% CI 608–686) during norepinephrine-treated episodes (both p < 0.001). A significant intervention-condition-by-time interaction was observed (F = 5.55, p = 0.019), indicating that temporal evolution of arterial dP/dt_max differed between the two algorithm-defined haemodynamic conditions. Conclusions: Radial arterial dP/dt_max increased after both fluid administration and norepinephrine, confirming its sensitivity to haemodynamic loading conditions. It should therefore be interpreted as an integrated haemodynamic variable influenced by ventricular performance, preload, and arterial properties rather than as a direct measure of intrinsic myocardial contractility. Full article

Lying behaviour reflects cattle welfare response. This study aimed to investigate changes in salivary profiles and production variables based on lying time in dairy cows to identify potential biomarkers of rest-related changes. Over a three-month period, lying time was monitored in 15 healthy commercial dairy cows using accelerometric collars. Saliva samples were analyzed for relevant biomarkers. The LMM showed that salivary cortisol (β = 0.481, 95% CI: 0.204–0.758, p = 0.001) and total adenosine deaminase (tADA, β = 0.011, 95% CI: 0.005–0.017, p < 0.001) were positively associated with daily lying time, whereas creatinine kinase (CK) was negatively associated with daily lying time (β = −0.015, 95% CI: −0.030 to −0.001, p = 0.035). Metabolic stress can drive cows to prioritize lying, revealing a coping response to sub-optimal welfare. Increased salivary tADA reflects inflammatory conditions that alter animal behaviour by enhancing lying time. Increasing CK indicates muscle tissue injury, and physical strain may be due to acute restlessness or sustained standing. The findings suggest that changes in lying behaviour may be associated with changes in salivary analytes. The results are encouraging but require validation in larger and more diverse populations before routine application in dairy welfare assessment. Full article

The circadian clock, located in the mammalian hypothalamus, regulates biological rhythms with a period of approximately 24 h, influencing nearly all body functions. Its timing is synchronised daily by external cues, primarily light, which align internal rhythms with the environmental cycle. Through this entrainment, the circadian system orchestrates physiological processes such as the sleep–wake cycle, feeding behaviour, gene expression and body temperature regulation. Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, also plays a key role as a synchroniser by facilitating sleep onset. Changes in environmental time cues, such as those experienced by shift workers, can disrupt the body’s natural 24-h rhythms. This situation can lead to fatigue, significantly impacting accident rates and productivity, and, in the long term, to an increased risk of various health conditions. A Phase Response Curve (PRC) illustrates how the clock’s phase is affected by stimuli administered at different points in the circadian cycle. In particular, both light and melatonin can induce phase shifts, but the direction and magnitude of this shift depend on the timing of administration. Understanding the PRC enables the design of interventions to realign circadian rhythms and improve adaptation to shift work. This review explores the physiological and clinical effects of circadian disruption in shift workers and discusses strategies to mitigate its impact. Full article