Search Results (2,563)

Granite formations provide suitable geological conditions for building gravity dams. However, the presence of intruding granite creates a fractured zone. The interaction of this fractured zone with structural planes and faults can create geological conditions that are unfavorable for the anti-sliding stability of gravity dams. This paper identifies the dominant structural planes that affect the anti-sliding stability of dams by studying the three-dimensional intersection relationships between groups of structural planes, faults, and fracture zones. The three-dimensional distribution and occurrence of the dominant structural planes directly impact the anti-sliding stability and sliding failure mode of gravity dams. Through comprehensive field investigations and systematic analysis of engineering geological data, the spatial distribution characteristics of structural planes and fracture zones were quantitatively characterized. Subsequently, the potential for deep-seated sliding failure of the gravity dam was rigorously evaluated and conclusively dismissed through application of the rigid body limit equilibrium method. It was established that the sliding mode of the foundation of the dam under this combination of structural planes is primarily shallow sliding. Additionally, based on the engineering geological data of the area around the dam, a three-dimensional finite element numerical model was developed to analyze stress–strain calculations under seepage stress coupling conditions and compared with calculations made without considering seepage stress coupling. The importance of seepage in the anti-sliding stability of the foundation of the dam was determined. The research findings provide engineering insights into enhancing the anti-sliding stability of gravity dams in granite distribution areas by (1) identifying critical structural planes and fracture zones that control sliding behavior, (2) demonstrating the necessity of seepage-stress coupling analysis in stability assessments, and (3) guiding targeted reinforcement measures to mitigate shallow sliding risks. Full article

Background/Objective: Understanding how chronic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) influence long-term physical activity (PA) is essential for developing condition-specific rehabilitation strategies. This study aimed to examine whether baseline diagnoses of knee OA and COPD are independently associated with the trajectories of PA decline over five years in U.S. adults, informed by the disablement process model. Methods: We analyzed data from 855 adults aged ≥45 years enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). The participants were categorized into three baseline groups, control (n = 122), knee OA (n = 646), and COPD (n = 87), based on self-reports and prior clinical assessments. PA was measured annually for five years using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). General linear mixed models assessed changes in PA over time, adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates. Results: Compared to the controls, participants with knee OA had a significant decline in PA over time (β = −6.62; 95% CI: −15.4 to −2.19; p = 0.014). Those with COPD experienced an even greater decline compared to the knee OA group (β = −11.2; 95% CI: −21.7 to −0.67; p = 0.037). These associations persisted after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, and smoking. Conclusions: Baseline knee OA and COPD were independently associated with long-term reductions in PA. These findings underscore the importance of early, tailored rehabilitation strategies, particularly pulmonary rehabilitation, in preserving functional independence among older adults with chronic conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Substance use disorders and eating disorders frequently co-occur and are both associated with increased aggression. As a result, individuals with these conditions are overrepresented in prison populations. The present study investigated whether symptoms of eating disorders in male forensic psychiatric inpatients with substance use disorders are associated with heightened aggression. To this end, various forms of aggressive behavior—including spontaneous and reactive aggression, excitability, and violent offenses—were analyzed. Methods: Fifty-six male patients from two forensic psychiatric hospitals in Germany participated in the study. Symptoms of eating disorders were evaluated with the German version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and aggression was measured with the Short Questionnaire for the Assessment of Aggression Factors (K-FAF) and by considering the violent index offense. Data were analyzed by generalized linear models, with age and body mass index (BMI) included as covariates. Results: Higher EDE-Q scores significantly predicted increased spontaneous aggression and excitability. However, no significant association was found between eating disorder symptoms and reactive aggression or the likelihood of a violent index offense. Age and BMI did not significantly influence any aggression subscales. Conclusions: The findings suggest that in patients with substance use disorder, eating disorder symptoms may be linked to heightened internalized forms of aggression. These results support the clinical relevance of screening for eating disorder symptoms in forensic psychiatric settings and integrating dietary interventions into therapeutic efforts to manage aggression. Full article

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) for pesticide approval in the context of predatory insects remains inadequate as it often overlooks the influence of agricultural practices. An increasing number of studies have shown that prolonged and synergistic pesticide exposure can elevate insect mortality. However, such effects remain largely unstudied in non-target predatory carabid beetles. The carabid beetle Platynus assimilis was subjected to repeated oral and continuous contact exposure to low doses of prothioconazole (20 g ha⁻¹), lambda-cyhalothrin (0.4 g ha⁻¹), or their combination over a 64-day period. The food consumption rate, body mass, locomotor activity, and mortality were monitored throughout the experiment. All pesticide-treated groups showed significantly increased final mortality, with median lethal times (LT₅₀) of 51.6 days for prothioconazole, 60.3 days for lambda-cyhalothrin, and 12.2 days for their combination. A significant synergistic effect on mortality was observed in the combined treatment group, with the highest synergistic ratio detected 20 days after the first exposure. Pesticide-treated beetles exhibited significant abnormalities in locomotor activity and body mass compared to the untreated group. These findings demonstrate that both time-cumulative mortality and potential synergistic interactions, reflecting field-realistic conditions, must be considered in ERA. Failure to do so may lead to an underestimation of pesticide toxicity to predatory carabids. Full article

Monitoring sediment concentration in water bodies is crucial for assessing water quality, ecosystems, and environmental health. However, physical sampling and sensor-based approaches are labor-intensive and unsuitable for large-scale, continuous monitoring. This study employs machine learning models to estimate suspended sediment concentration using images captured in natural light, named RGB, and near-infrared (NIR) conditions. A controlled dataset of approximately 1300 images with SSC values ranging from 1000 mg/L to 150,000 mg/L was developed, incorporating temperature, time of image capture, and solar irradiance as additional features. Random forest regression and gradient boosting regression were trained on mean RGB values, red reflectance, time of captured, and temperature for natural light images, achieving up to 72.96% accuracy within a 30% relative error. In contrast, NIR images leveraged gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture features and temperature, reaching 83.08% accuracy. Comparative analysis showed that ensemble models outperformed deep learning models like Convolutional Neural Networks and Multi-Layer Perceptrons, which struggled with high-dimensional feature extraction. These findings suggest that using machine learning models and RGB and NIR imagery offers a scalable, non-invasive, and cost-effective way of sediment monitoring in support of water quality assessment and environmental management. Full article

Carbon fiber (CF) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors due to their high strength, stiffness, and low density. However, significant waste is generated during manufacturing and after the use of CFRPs. Traditional disposal methods like landfilling and incineration are unsustainable. CFRP machining processes, such as drilling and milling, produce fine chips and dust that are difficult to recycle due to their heterogeneity and contamination. This study investigates the oxidation behavior of CFRP drilling waste from two types of materials (tube and plate) under oxidative (non-inert) conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed from 200 °C to 800 °C to assess weight loss related to polymer degradation and carbon fiber integrity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze morphological changes and fiber damage. The optimal range for removing the polymer matrix without significant fiber degradation has been identified as 500–600 °C. At temperatures above 700 °C, notable surface and internal fiber damage occurred, along with nanostructure formation, which may pose health and environmental risks. The results show that partial fiber recovery is possible under ambient conditions, and this must be considered regarding the harmful risks to the human body if submicron particles are inhaled. This research supports sustainable CFRP recycling and fire hazard mitigation. Full article

To enable the practical application of passive back-support exoskeletons employing pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) in tasks such as agricultural work, we evaluated their assistive effectiveness in a half-squatting posture with a staggered stance. In this context, assistive force profiles were adjusted according to body posture to achieve more effective support. The targeted assistive force profile was designed to be continuously active from the standing to the half-squatting position, with minimal variation across this range. The assistive force profile was developed based on a PAM contractile force model and implemented using a cam mechanism. The effectiveness of assistance was assessed by measuring body flexion angles and erector spinae muscle activity during lifting and carrying tasks. The results showed that the assistive effect was greater on the side with the forward leg. Compared to the condition without exoskeleton assistance, the conventional pulley-based system reduced muscle activity by approximately 20% whereas the cam-based system achieved a reduction of approximately 30%. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) via cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is a recommended therapeutic strategy for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who are refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Although PVI has demonstrated efficacy in reducing AF recurrence and improving patients’ quality of life, its impact on respiratory function is not well understood, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions. The aim of the study was to search for functional predictors of the respiratory system in the process of evaluating the efficiency of clinical assessment of CBA in patients with AF. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 42 patients with symptomatic AF who underwent CBA, assessing their respiratory function through spirometry before and 30 days after the procedure. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing lung disease and cardiac insufficiency. The impact of variables such as body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) on spirometry parameters was analyzed using statistical tests. Results: No significant changes were observed in overall post-PVI spirometry parameters for the full cohort. However, post hoc analyses revealed a significant decline in ΔMEF₇₅ in patients with CAD and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², whereas ΔFEV₁/FVCex was significantly increased in patients with HF, as well as in patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 50%. Conclusions: CBA for AF does not universally affect respiratory function in the short term, but specific subgroups, including patients with CAD and a higher BMI, may require post-procedure respiratory monitoring. In addition, PVI may improve lung function in patients with HF and reduced EF. Full article

Adolescence represents a critical period of neurodevelopment during which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a fundamental role in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. While exercise-BDNF relationships are well-documented in adults, evidence in adolescents remains limited and inconsistent. This systematic review examined the effects of exercise modalities on circulating BDNF concentrations in adolescent populations. A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases (FECYT, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library) through June 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised adolescents, exercise interventions, BDNF outcomes, and randomized controlled trial design. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. From 130 initially identified articles, 8 randomized controlled trials were included, with 4 rated as excellent and the other 4 as good quality. Exercise modalities included aerobic, resistance, concurrent, high-intensity interval training, Taekwondo, and whole-body vibration, with durations ranging 6–24 weeks. Four studies demonstrated statistically significant BDNF increases following exercise interventions, four showed no significant changes, and one reported transient reduction. Positive outcomes occurred primarily with vigorous-intensity protocols implemented for a minimum of six weeks. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to high heterogeneity in populations, interventions, and control conditions. Moreover, variation in post-exercise sampling timing further limited comparability of BDNF results. Future research should standardize protocols and examine longer interventions to clarify exercise-BDNF relationships in adolescents. Full article

Air pollution is linked to childhood mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries globally. There is growing evidence linking air pollution to asthma and other respiratory diseases in children. Studies have shown that children are likely to experience asthma due to their narrow airways and their heightened sensitivity to environmental irritants. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ambient air pollution and respiratory diseases in children under the age of 5. The study will be conducted in the informal township of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, South Africa. A quantitative approach will be used in this cross-sectional analytical study. Data will be collected using different tools that include a questionnaire to determine the prevalence of asthma and respiratory disease and potential risk factors. While environmental air pollution will be measured using Radiello passive samplers and Gillian pumps. Data will be analyzed using the latest version of the STATANow/MP 19.5 software. Furthermore, health risk assessment will be conducted for lifetime non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk estimation following the USEPA framework. The study will identify environmental triggers that exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions in other similar community settings and will contribute to the body of knowledge in public health. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg. Full article

Background: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) represents an important public health challenge, especially among education workers, whose intense routine can negatively impact eating habits. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the regular consumption of UPF among employees of the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific and Technological Education (RFEPCT) in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, carried out with 1563 education workers. Validated instruments on eating habits (PeNSE), mental health (DASS-21) and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref) were used. The regular consumption of UPF was defined as intake on ≥5 days in the last seven days. The association between the regular consumption of UPF and sociodemographic, occupational, behavioral, mental health and quality of life variables was assessed by Poisson regression with robust variance, generating adjusted prevalence ratios (PRadj) and respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: The regular consumption of UPF was associated mainly with female gender, a lower age group, Southeast and Midwest regions, dissatisfaction with sleep and the body, physical inactivity and poor sleep quality. In addition, the findings suggested a significant relationship between the worst stress scores and soft drinks (PRadj: 2.11; CI: 1.43–3.13), anxiety and soft drinks (PRadj: 1.83; CI: 1.24–2.70) and depression and industrialized/ultra-processed salty foods (PRadj: 2.43; CI: 1.82–3.26). The same was observed in the scores for the worst perception of quality of life, where there was a prevalence of up to 2.32 in the psychological domain and the consumption of industrialized/ultra-processed salty foods. Conclusions: The findings indicate that multiple interrelated factors—individual, psychosocial and occupational—are associated with the consumption of UPF among education workers. These results reinforce the importance of institutional policies that integrate actions to promote dietary health, mental health care and improved working conditions in the education sector. Full article

Understanding how habitat conditions drive morphological adaptations in animals is critical in ecology, yet amphibian studies remain limited. This study investigated intraspecific variation in ecomorphological traits of three montane stream-dwelling frogs (Quasipaa boulengeri, Amolops sinensis, and Odorrana margaratae) across elevation gradients in Tianping Mountain, China. Using morphological measurements and environmental variables collected from ten transects, we analyzed functional traits related to feeding and locomotion and assessed their associations with microhabitat variables. Significant trait differences between low- and high-elevation groups were detected only in Q. boulengeri, with high-elevation individuals exhibiting greater body mass and shorter hindlimbs. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that microhabitat variables, particularly air humidity, flow rate, and rock coverage, were linked to trait variations. For example, air humidity and flow rate significantly influenced Q. boulengeri’s body and limb proportions, while flow rate affected A. sinensis’s snout and limb morphology. In addition, sex and seasonal effects were also associated with trait variations. These results underscore amphibians’ phenotypic plasticity in response to the environment and highlight the role of microhabitat complexity in shaping traits. By linking habitat heterogeneity to eco-morphology, this study advocates for conservation strategies that preserve varied stream environments to support amphibian resilience amid environmental changes. Full article

In arid and semi-arid climates, where water scarcity is a persistent challenge, accurately estimating reference evapotranspiration (ET) becomes essential for sustainable water management and agricultural planning. The objectives of this study are to compare hourly ET among P–M ASCE, P–M FAO, and P–M KSA mathematical models. In addition to the accuracy assessment of daily ET derived from hourly timestep calculations for the P–M ASCE, P–M FAO, and P–M KSA. To achieve these goals, a total of 525,600-min data points from the Riyadh region, KSA, were used to compute the reference ET at multiple temporal resolutions: hourly, daily, hourly averaged over 24 h, and daily as the sum of 24 h values, across all selected Penman–Monteith (P–M) models. For hourly investigation, the comparison between reference ET computed as average hourly values and as daily/24 h values revealed statistically and practically significant differences. The Wilcoxon test confirmed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) with R² of 94.75% for ASCE, 94.87% for KSA at h_plt = 50 cm, 92.41% for FAO, and 92.44% for KSA at h_plt = 12 cm. For daily investigation, comparing the sum of 24 h ET computations to daily ET measurements revealed an underestimation of daily ET values. The Wilcoxon test confirmed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001), with R² exceeding 90% for all studied reference ET models. This comprehensive approach enabled a rigorous evaluation of reference ET dynamics under hyper-arid climatic conditions, which are characteristic of central Saudi Arabia. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature emphasizing the importance of high-frequency meteorological data for improving ET estimation accuracy in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been placed among the risk factors for fragility (osteoporotic) fractures, particularly in menopausal women amid modern clinical practice. Objective: We aimed to analyze the bone status in terms of mineral metabolism assays, blood bone turnover markers (BTM), and bone mineral density (DXA-BMD), respectively, to assess the 10-year fracture probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) upon using conventional FRAX without/with femoral neck BMD (MOF-FN/HF-FN and MOF+FN/HF+FN) and the novel model (FRAXplus) with adjustments for T2D (MOF+T2D/HF+T2D) and lumbar spine BMD (MOF+LS/HF+LS). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional, pilot study, from January 2023 until January 2024, in menopausal women (aged: 50–80 years) with/without T2D (group DM/nonDM). Inclusion criteria (group DM): prior T2D under diet ± oral medication or novel T2D (OGTT diagnostic). Exclusion criteria: previous anti-osteoporotic medication, prediabetes, insulin therapy, non-T2D. Results: The cohort (N = 136; mean age: 61.36 ± 8.2y) included T2D (22.06%). Groups DM vs. non-DM were age- and years since menopause (YSM)-matched; they had a similar osteoporosis rate (16.67% vs. 23.58%) and fracture prevalence (6.66% vs. 9.43%). In T2D, body mass index (BMI) was higher (31.80 ± 5.31 vs. 26.54 ± 4.87 kg/m²; p < 0.001), while osteocalcin and CrossLaps were lower (18.09 ± 8.35 vs. 25.62 ± 12.78 ng/mL, p = 0.002; 0.39 ± 0.18 vs. 0.48 ± 0.22 ng/mL, p = 0.048), as well as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (16.96 ± 6.76 vs. 21.29 ± 9.84, p = 0.013). FN-BMD and TH-BMD were increased in T2D (p = 0.007, p = 0.002). MOF+LS/HF+LS were statistically significant lower than MOF-FN/HF-FN, respectively, MOF+FN/HF+FN (N = 136). In T2D: MOF+T2D was higher (p < 0.05) than MOF-FN, respectively, MOF+FN [median(IQR) of 3.7(2.5, 5.6) vs. 3.4(2.1, 5.8), respectively, 3.1(2.3, 4.39)], but MOF+LS was lower [2.75(1.9, 3.25)]. HF+T2D was higher (p < 0.05) than HF-FN, respectively, HF+FN [0.8(0.2, 2.4) vs. 0.5(0.2, 1.5), respectively, 0.35(0.13, 0.8)] but HF+LS was lower [0.2(0.1, 0.45)]. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetic menopausal women when compared to age- and YSM-match controls had a lower 25OHD and BTM (osteocalcin, CrossLaps), increased TH-BMD and FN-BMD (with loss of significance upon BMI adjustment). When applying novel FRAX model, LS-BMD adjustment showed lower MOF and HF as estimated by the conventional FRAX (in either subgroup or entire cohort) or as found by T2D adjustment using FRAXplus (in diabetic subgroup). To date, all four types of 10-year fracture probabilities displayed a strong correlation, but taking into consideration the presence of T2D, statistically significant higher risks than calculated by the traditional FRAX were found, hence, the current model might underestimate the condition-related fracture risk. Addressing the practical aspects of fracture risk assessment in diabetic menopausal women might improve the bone health and further offers a prompt tailored strategy to reduce the fracture risk, thus, reducing the overall disease burden. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight or obesity are strongly associated, with a high prevalence of these concomitant conditions contributing significantly to global healthcare costs. Given this burden, there is an urgent need for effective interventions. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies represent a promising strategy to address both conditions simultaneously. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth-based interventions for the management of adults with T2D and overweight/obesity. Specifically, it assessed the quantitative impact of these interventions on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to 9 July 2025. The inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using mHealth interventions in adults with T2D and overweight/obesity, reporting HbA1c or weight as primary or secondary outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2. A total of 13 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Results: Meta-analysis indicated significant improvements after 6–12 months of intervention in HbA1c (MD −0.23; 95% CI −0.36 to −0.10; p < 0.001; I² = 72%), body weight (MD −2.47 kg; 95% CI −3.69 to −1.24; p < 0.001; I² = 79%), total cholesterol (MD −0.23; 95% CI −0.39 to −0.07; p = 0.004; I² = 0%), and LDL (MD −0.27; 95% CI −0.42 to −0.12; p < 0.001; I² = 0%). Conclusions: mHealth interventions are effective and scalable for managing T2D and obesity, particularly when incorporating wearable technologies to improve adherence. Future research should focus on optimizing personalization, engagement strategies, and long-term implementation. Full article