Search Results (18,518)

In the digitally saturated hospitality environment, research on digital transformation remains dominated by macro-level adoption trends and user-generated content, while the potential of micro-level web-behavioural data remains largely untapped. Recent systematic reviews highlight a fragmented body of literature and note that hospitality studies seldom address first-party behavioural data or big-data analytics capabilities. To address this gap, we collected clickstream, navigation and booking-funnel data from five luxury hotels in the Mediterranean and employed big-data analytics integrated with simulation modelling—specifically fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM)—to model causal relationships among digital touchpoints, managerial actions and customer outcomes. FCM is a robust simulation tool that captures stakeholder knowledge and causal influences across complex systems. Using a case-study methodology, we show that first-party behavioural data enable real-time insights, support knowledge-based decision-making and drive digital service innovation. Across a 12-month panel, visitor volume was strongly associated with search traffic and social traffic, with the total-visitors model explaining 99.8% of variance. Our findings extend digital-transformation models by embedding micro-level behavioural data flows and simulation modelling. Practically, this study offers a replicable framework that helps managers integrate web-analytics into decision-making and customer-centric innovation. Overall, embedding micro-level web-behavioural analytics within an FCM framework yields a decision-ready, replicable pipeline that translates behavioural evidence into high-leverage managerial interventions. Full article

Additive manufacturing has promising potential for the development of 3D-printed protective structures such as stab-resistant body armor. However, no research to date has examined the impact of 3D printing parameters on the protective performance of such 3D-printed structures manufactured using fused filament fabrication technology. This study, therefore, investigates the effects of five key printing parameters: layer thickness, print speed, print temperature, infill density (Id), and layer width, on the mechanical and protective performance of 3D-printed polycarbonate (PC) armor. A Taguchi L₂₇ matrix was employed to systematically analyze these parameters, with toughness, stab penetration depth, and armor panel weight as the primary responses. ANOVA results, along with the Taguchi approach, demonstrated that Id was the most influential factor across all print parameters. This is because a higher Id led to denser structures, reduced voids and porosities, and enhanced energy absorption, significantly increasing toughness while reducing penetration depth. Morphological analysis supported the statistical findings regarding the role of Id on the performance of such structures. With optimized printing parameters, no penetration to the armor panels was recorded, outperforming the UK body armor standard of a maximum permitted knife penetration depth of 8 mm. Moreover, an artificial neural network (ANN) utilizing the 5-14-12-3 topology was created to predict the toughness, stab penetration depth, and armor panel weight of 3D-printed armors. The ANN model demonstrated better prediction performance for stab penetration depth compared to the Taguchi method, confirming the successful application of such an approach. These findings provide a critical foundation for the development of high-performance 3D-printed protective structures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common clinical problem that frequently necessitates time-sensitive decisions regarding esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS). Although established high-risk criteria guide the indication for EGDS, coins—despite their high prevalence—are not uniformly classified as high-risk FBs. In this study, we aimed to delineate epidemiology and endoscopic outcomes and to identify predictors of EGDS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of children younger than 15 years presenting to an urban emergency department (ED) with suspected or confirmed FB ingestion between 2014 and 2020. After applying exclusion criteria, 757 patients remained for analysis. Data abstracted included demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, type and location of FB, ED length of stay (EDLOS), and whether EGDS was performed along with its outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of EGDS, including age group, sex, symptom presence, established high-risk criteria, and type of FB (coin, button battery, magnet). Results: Among 757 children (median age 17.0 months; 54.0% male), 55.2% were asymptomatic. EGDS was performed in 47 of the 757 children (6.2%), with a success rate of 74.5% (35/47). Among EGDS cases, the most common foreign bodies were coins (29.8%), button batteries (27.7%), and magnets (17.0%). In multivariable models, established high-risk criteria were the dominant determinant of EGDS (adjusted OR ≈ 179.4; 95% CI, 29.9–1075.8; p < 0.001). Compared with button batteries, coin ingestion was independently associated with EGDS (adjusted OR ≈ 7.26; 95% CI, 1.07–49.31; p = 0.042). Conclusions: Established high-risk criteria were the primary determinant of EGDS, and coin ingestion showed a possible independent association with EGDS; these findings suggest that coin ingestion may warrant consideration as a potential high-risk factor when determining whether endoscopy is indicated. Full article

Background/Objective: Understanding the training effect in high-level running is important for performance optimization and injury prevention. This includes awareness of how different running surface types (e.g., hard versus soft) may modify biomechanics. Recent studies have demonstrated that deep learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), can accurately classify human activity collected via body-worn sensors. To date, no study has assessed optimal signal type, sensor location, and model architecture to classify running surfaces. This study aimed to determine which combination of signal type, sensor location, and CNN architecture would yield the highest accuracy in classifying grass and asphalt surfaces using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. Methods: Running data were collected from forty participants (27.4 years + 7.8 SD, 10.5 ± 7.3 SD years of running) with a full-body IMU system (head, sternum, pelvis, upper legs, lower legs, feet, and arms) on grass and asphalt outdoor surfaces. Performance (accuracy) for signal type (acceleration and angular velocity), sensor configuration (full body, lower body, pelvis, and feet), and CNN model architecture was tested for this specific task. Moreover, the effect of preprocessing steps (separating into running cycles and amplitude normalization) and two different data splitting protocols (leave-n-subject-out and subject-dependent split) was evaluated. Results: In general, acceleration signals improved classification results compared to angular velocity (3.8%). Moreover, the foot sensor configuration had the best performance-to-number of sensor ratio (95.5% accuracy). Finally, separating trials into gait cycles and not normalizing the raw signals improved accuracy by approximately 28%. Conclusion: This analysis sheds light on the important parameters to consider when developing machine learning classifiers in the human activity recognition field. A surface classification tool could provide useful quantitative feedback to athletes and coaches in terms of running technique effort on varied terrain surfaces, improve training personalization, prevent injuries, and improve performance. Full article

On the south–central Iberian Peninsula, big game hunting is traditionally carried out using big-game hunting under the “Montería” modality, with dog packs. Breeders of these dogs value their versatility in both chasing and capturing prey. In this context, the most popular breed is the Large-sized Podenco Andaluz, colloquially known as Podenco Campanero. In this study, we aimed to morphologically characterize the hounds of the Sierra Morena in Córdoba and evaluate their possible relationships with other Spanish hunting dog breeds. For this purpose, 255 dogs were measured to obtain sixteen morphometric measurements and eleven indices. To assess morphostructural differentiation, we applied multivariate methodologies. The Podenco Campanero exhibited pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly (p < 0.001) longer, taller, wider, and deeper than females. The morphostructural model of this breed demonstrated considerable homogeneity and harmony, and the population exhibited distinct morphostructural characteristics, with body size and regional width varying between individuals. The morphometric characteristics of the breeds used in Monterías on the central and southern Iberian Peninsula highlight that the diversity of these local genetic resources is shaped by genetic relationships and selective breeding models chosen by dog pack breeders, which depend on the hunting modality and the terrain characteristics where it is practiced. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the relationship between metabolism and eating behavior may improve how we treat and prevent obesity. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone secreted by the liver with a putative role in energy expenditure, energy intake, and weight regulation. In this secondary analysis, we studied how fasting FGF21 is correlated with eating behavior and decision making, as measured by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), respectively. Methods: Participants (n = 98; women = 19; white = 31) were medically healthy, between 18 and 55 years of age, weight-stable 6 months before admission, and had normal glucose regulation. Women were premenopausal and not pregnant. Pearson partial correlations were determined, accounting for age, sex, and body fat percentage. A mediation analysis examining whether the association between hunger and IGT score was mediated by FGF21 values was performed using general linear models. Results: In partial correlations adjusted for age, sex, and body fat percentage, we found that fasting FGF21 concentrations were positively correlated with hunger susceptibility (sum of internal and external cues) (partial r = 0.26, p = 0.02) and internal hunger (partial r = 0.22, p = 0.04), disinhibition (partial r = 0.27, p = 0.01), and better decision making (higher IGT scores) (partial r = 0.40, p = 0.0001). We also found a correlation between hunger susceptibility and better decision making, including the same covariates (partial r = 0.25, p = 0.03). However, this correlation was mediated (36%) by fasting FGF21. Conclusions: In this study, participants with greater susceptibility to hunger cues had higher IGT scores (better decision making) in the setting of higher fasting FGF21 concentrations. This provides further evidence of the role of FGF21 in the interplay between eating behavior and decision making. Further studying this topic may improve our understanding of the complex relationship between assessing energy requirements and cognitive processes related to eating behavior. Full article

Background and objectives: Early recurrence (ER) following curative-intent surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor prognosis. Identifying preoperative risk factors for ER is essential for optimizing perioperative strategies. This study aimed to investigate perioperative predictors of ER, with a specific focus on tumor localization. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 163 patients who underwent R0 or R1 resection for PDAC. ER was defined as recurrence within 6 months postoperatively. Two separate multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted: one including only preoperative variables, and one including both pre- and postoperative factors. Results: ER occurred in 35.6% of patients and was associated with significantly worse overall survival (median 9 vs. 21 months, p < 0.001) and post-recurrence survival (5 vs. 8 months, p = 0.008). Preoperative ECOG performance status > 0 (OR 3.31, p = 0.013) and CA 19-9 > 208 U/mL (OR 3.18, p = 0.022) were identified as independent predictors of ER. In the postoperative model, tumor localization in the body/tail (OR 3.23, p = 0.035), tumor size > 3.25 cm, lymph node ratio > 0.13, and absence of adjuvant therapy were also significant. Notably, tumor location did not influence overall survival. Conclusions: Tumor localization in the body/tail of the pancreas is independently associated with early recurrence but not overall survival. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating tumor site into preoperative risk stratification and support the consideration of neoadjuvant therapy in select anatomically resectable patients, particularly those with left-sided tumors. Full article

Background: Pediatric asthma is a multifactorial condition influenced by environmental, biological, and social determinants. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new variables that may have affected the severity and management of asthma in children and adolescents, particularly through changes in healthcare access, treatment adherence, and exposure to environmental risk factors. Objective: To evaluate the association between asthma severity and various factors including nutritional status, corticosteroid use, COVID-19 vaccination, and pollutant exposure before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using 307 medical records of patients aged 3 to 17 years. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional indicators, history of corticosteroid use, vaccination status against COVID-19, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Asthma severity was assessed using the pulmonary score, and multiple statistical analyses, including logistic regression using the Bayesian Logistic Regression Model (BLRM), were employed to identify significant associations. Results: The analysis revealed a statistically significant impact of the pandemic on hospitalization rates (p = 0.0187) and the use of corticosteroids (p = 0.009), indicating changes in asthma management during this period. Notable differences were observed in the geographic distribution of mild versus severe asthma cases prior to the pandemic, associated with nutritional status and gender (p = 0.018). During the pandemic, breastfeeding history, body weight, and hospitalization emerged as significant predictors of asthma severity (p < 0.05). In addition, breastfeeding in young children (aged 3 to 6 years) and hospitalization were strongly associated with pulmonary scores, with significance values of 0.022 and 0.012, respectively, as identified by the BLRM. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the pandemic context influenced both the clinical course and management of pediatric asthma. Preventive strategies should consider individual and environmental factors such as nutrition, early-life health practices (e.g., breastfeeding), and equitable access to appropriate asthma care and vaccination. Tailoring pediatric asthma management to these variables may improve outcomes and reduce disparities in disease severity. Full article

Land use/land cover (LULC) change is a key driving factor influencing the dynamics of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage. In high-groundwater-level coal resource-based cities (HGCRBCs), the interplay of urban expansion, mining disturbances, and land reclamation makes the carbon storage evolution process more complex. This study takes Jining, Zaozhuang, and Heze cities in Shandong Province as the research area and constructs a coupled analytical framework of “mining–reclamation–carbon storage” by integrating the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS), Probability Integral Method (PIM), InVEST, and Grey Multi-Objective Programming (GMOP) models. It systematically evaluates the spatiotemporal characteristics of carbon storage changes from 2000 to 2020 and simulates the carbon storage responses under different development scenarios in 2030. The results show that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the total carbon storage in the region decreased by 31.53 Tg, with cropland conversion to construction land and water bodies being the primary carbon loss pathways, contributing up to 89.86% of the total carbon loss. (2) Among the 16 major LULC transition paths identified, single-process drivers dominated carbon storage changes. Specifically, urban expansion and mining activities individually accounted for nearly 70% and 8.65% of the carbon loss, respectively. Although the reclamation path contributed to a recovery of 1.72 Tg of carbon storage, it could not fully offset the loss caused by mining. (3) Future scenario simulations indicate that the ecological conservation scenario yields the highest carbon storage, while the economic development scenario results in the lowest. Mining activities generally lead to approximately 3.5 Tg of carbon loss, while post-mining reclamation can restore about 72% of the loss. Full article

Background: Liver regeneration is a complex process involving multiple signaling pathways that coordinate hepatocyte proliferation, survival, and tissue repair. Natural compounds like silymarin, ursolic acid, quercetin, and resveratrol have shown regenerative potential, though their precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. 6-O-trans-feruloyl catalpol (6FC), a major bioactive compound from Catalpa ovata, exhibits anti-inflammatory and potential antioxidant effects via regulation of NF-κB signaling and redox-sensitive pathways such as Akt and MAPK, which are critical for cell survival and proliferation. Moreover, 6FC exhibits peroxynitrite-scavenging activity, suggesting its potential antioxidant properties that may protect hepatocytes from oxidative damage during regeneration. However, the role of 6FC in liver regeneration has not been elucidated, positioning it as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for hepatic repair. Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether 6FC promotes hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in vivo using a 2/3 PHx mouse model, and to validate its proliferative effects in vitro with HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells. Methods: A 2/3 PHx liver regeneration model was used to evaluate 6FC-mediated liver regeneration. Histological and molecular analyses assessed hepatocyte proliferation and signaling activation. HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells were also used to examine 6FC proliferative effects in vitro. Results: 6FC significantly promoted liver regeneration by restoring the liver-to-body weight ratio and reducing serum ALT and AST levels without inducing excessive immune responses. Mechanistic studies revealed that 6FC activates Akt and MAPK pathways, increases the expression of critical growth factors, and upregulates cell cycle regulators. These effects were also observed in HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells, suggesting that 6FC may enhance hepatocyte proliferation without triggering excessive immune responses. Conclusions: 6FC accelerates hepatocyte proliferation and promotes liver regeneration by activating key redox-sensitive signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a natural antioxidant-based therapeutic agent. Full article

As high-speed railway systems continue to develop toward intelligent operation, axle box bearings integrated with sensors have become key components for real-time condition monitoring. However, introducing sensor-embedded slots disrupts the structural continuity and thermal conduction paths of traditional bearing rings. This results in localized stress concentrations and thermal distortion, which compromise the bearing’s overall performance and service life. This study focuses on a double-row tapered roller bearing used in axle boxes and develops a multi-physics finite element model incorporating the effects of sensor-embedded grooves, based on Hertzian contact theory and the Palmgren frictional heat model. Both contact load verification and thermo-mechanical coupling analysis were performed to evaluate the influence of two key design parameters—groove depth and arc length—on equivalent stress, temperature distribution, and thermo-mechanical coupling deformation. The results show that the embedded slot structure significantly alters the local thermodynamic response. Especially when the slot depth reaches a certain value, both stress and deformation due to thermo-mechanical effects exhibit obvious nonlinear escalation. During the design process, the length and depth of the arc-shaped embedded slot, among other parameters, should be strictly controlled. The study of the stress and temperature characteristics under the thermos-mechanical coupling effect of the axle box bearing is of crucial importance for the design of the intelligent bearing body structure and safety assessment. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder connected with insulin resistance (IR), low-grade inflammation, dyslipidemia, and altered adipokine secretion. We evaluated serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, IL-6, and TNF-α in 150 women with PCOS, stratified by IR status (IR, n = 76; non-IR, n = 74), and examined their associations with anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory, and atherogenic parameters. Anthropometric data included body weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), while IR was assessed using HOMA-IR and the Matsuda index. Serum adipokines were measured using ELISA, and lipid parameters and atherogenic indices—including non-HDL cholesterol, AIP, leptin/adiponectin, and adiponectin/resistin ratios—were calculated. Women with IR had higher levels of leptin, visfatin, resistin, and TNF-α, and lower levels of adiponectin. Leptin correlated positively with weight, WHtR, HOMA-IR, and atherogenic indices. Adiponectin showed the strongest and most consistent associations with anthropometric indices, HOMA-IR, and the Matsuda index. Resistin was linked to IR indices and IL-6, and visfatin correlated negatively with HDL-C and insulin sensitivity. In a multivariate general linear model, WHtR, but not HOMA-IR, remained independently associated with higher leptin levels and with atherogenic indices. These findings suggest that in PCOS, central adiposity rather than IR explains a substantial part of the adverse adipokine and inflammatory profile, thereby contributing to elevated cardiometabolic risk and highlighting the need for targeted treatment strategies. Full article

Oxaliplatin is an anticancer drug used to treat colorectal and gastric cancers. In many cases, chemotherapy is discontinued due to adverse events caused by anticancer drugs. To address this challenge, we developed a sustained-release drug delivery system using polycaprolactone sheets embedded with oxaliplatin (oxaliplatin sheets) and evaluated their therapeutic potential in murine models of colon and gastric cancers. Antitumor efficacy was compared with conventional intraperitoneal administration by monitoring tumor volume, body weight, and systemic oxaliplatin concentrations over 21 days, along with histopathological assessment of tumors and hepatic tissue. Oxaliplatin sheets demonstrated superior tumor suppression, significantly reduced Ki-67 positivity, and mitotic indices. Additionally, antitumor effects and blood oxaliplatin levels were consistent regardless of implantation site. Notably, oxaliplatin sheets significantly decreased weight loss compared with intraperitoneal administration. In our analysis of liver pathology, we found that hepatic sinusoidal obstruction and hepatocellular degeneration were significantly increased after intraperitoneal administration compared with untreated mice and mice treated with oxaliplatin sheets. Furthermore, treatment with oxaliplatin sheets improved survival. Thus, our oxaliplatin sheets exhibited effective tumor control and reduced side effects, indicating their potential as a promising treatment for advanced gastric and colorectal cancers. Full article

As the environmental regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) become more stringent, the accurate prediction of ship propulsion performance has become essential. Under ballast conditions where the draft is shallow, the propeller approaches the free surface, causing complex phenomena such as ventilation and surface piercing, which reduce propulsion efficiency. The conventional virtual disk (VD) method cannot adequately capture these free-surface effects, leading to deviations from model propeller results. To resolve this, a correction formula that accounts for the advance ratio (J) and submergence ratio (h/D) has been proposed in previous studies. In this study, the correction formula was simplified and implemented in a CFD environment using a field function, enabling dynamic adjustment of body force based on time-varying submergence depth. A comparative analysis was conducted between the conventional VD, modified VD, and model propeller using POW and self-propulsion simulations for an MR tanker and SP598M propeller. The improved method was validated in calm and regular wave conditions. The results showed that the modified VD method closely matched the performance trends of the model propeller, especially in free surface-interference conditions (e.g., h/D < 0.5). Furthermore, additional validations in wave-induced self-propulsion confirmed that the modified VD method accurately reproduced the reductions in wake fraction and thrust deduction coefficient, unlike the overestimations observed with the conventional VD. These results demonstrate that the modified VD method can reliably predict propulsion performance under real sea states and serve as a practical tool in the early design stage. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of obesity globally has increased steadily in the past decades. Obesity, sarcopenic obesity (SO) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) commonly coexist. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has demonstrated potential anti-obesity properties. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-obesity efficacy of UA in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, with a particular focus on its impact on muscle function and NAFLD. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice (6 weeks old) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20 per group): a control group (CON) fed a normal chow diet, a high-fat diet group (HFD), and a UA treatment group (UA). The HFD and UA groups received a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to induce obesity. Thereafter, mice in the UA group were administered UA orally once daily for 6 weeks. Results: In HFD-induced obese mice, UA administration significantly reduced body weight (BW), abdominal fat weight and liver weight; improved grip strength and muscle weight; and enhanced lipid profiles, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and free fatty acid levels in serum. UA also improved histological changes in the liver and abdominal adipose tissues, regulated serum GH, IGF-1, T3, T4 and leptin levels and downregulated the inflammation-associated gene expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in abdominal adipose tissue. Conclusions: UA could enhance muscle strength, improve lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis and might be considered a potential therapeutic agent for managing obesity and related metabolic diseases. Full article