Search Results (28)

The codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) is a major pest of pome fruits worldwide, guided by semiochemicals to locate hosts and oviposition sites. Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), although less studied, is also affected by this pest. This study aimed to identify behaviorally active compounds for codling moth by characterizing the volatilome of quince cultivars. Volatile profiles were analyzed across four phenological stages (flowering, unripe, growth, and ripe fruit) using solid-phase microextraction and GC–MS. The cultivars evaluated were Champion, INTA 37, INTA 117, and INTA 147. Female oviposition behavior and neonate larval host choice were also assessed. Identified volatiles included esters, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and norisoprenoids. Among monoterpenes, limonene, consistently detected across all cultivars and stages, emerged as a key kairomone. Volatile composition varied across phenological stages, with the fruit growth stage exhibiting the highest diversity and abundance of compounds previously reported as behaviorally active. This pattern coincided with peak female oviposition and larval host selection. Females oviposited mainly on leaf surface, whereas during ripening, eggs were deposited on fruit lacking pubescence. Overall, INTA 147 was the most preferred cultivar. These findings highlight quince volatiles, particularly Limonene, as potential candidates for the development of semiochemical-based tools to improve codling moth management. Full article

This study investigates the crucial role energy leaders play in driving strategic energy management (SEM) and accelerating cost savings within a manufacturing organization and consequently, the industrial sector. Whereas energy efficiency can be seen as an innovative business practice with irrefutable cost benefits, its effective implementation requires strategic leadership and a structured approach. This research analyzes data collected from 120 participants representing 71 companies attending the Energy Bootcamp events organized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Plants program. The collected data focused on the state of SEM implementation, the presence and responsibilities of energy leaders, and the formation and function of energy teams. The findings reveal a significant gap between the perceived importance of SEM and its actual adoption, highlighting the need for strong leadership to drive behavioral changes by championing energy efficiency initiatives. Results indicate that effective energy leaders possess a diverse skill set, including the ability to secure top management buy-in, foster a culture of energy consciousness, and collaborate across departments. This study emphasizes the importance of empowering energy leaders with clearly defined roles and responsibilities as well as the authority to build and lead cross-functional energy teams. Furthermore, integrating energy management into existing organizational structures and leveraging readily available resources are identified as key factors for successful implementation. This research underscores how dedicated leadership and effective SEM practices help achieve industrial energy efficiency goals, providing practical insights for organizations seeking to improve performance and contribute to a resilient future. Full article

Background/Objectives: As the aging population is growing globally, oral health has become integral to ensuring healthy aging and quality of life. This study assessed the oral health status of older adults in a Malaysian long-term care facility and explored caregiver-reported challenges in providing oral care. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was applied, involving 115 residents aged ≥60 years and 16 caregivers in a public facility. The residents’ oral health was assessed using interviewer-assisted questionnaires (demography, dependency level, Oral Frailty Five-item Checklist), clinical examinations (dental caries status, number of remaining teeth, oral and denture hygiene), and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Focus group discussions with caregivers were conducted, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Quantitative data were descriptively analyzed using SPSS version 29.0. Results: Over one-third of the residents (39%) were moderately to highly dependent on caregivers. All had experienced dental caries, with most having fewer than 20 teeth (92.9%) and requiring dentures (81.7%). Overall, both oral and denture hygiene were poor. Assessment of oral frailty indicated that the majority of residents (94.8%) were at risk of impaired oral function. A thematic analysis identified four key themes influencing oral health: (1) health and oral health conditions of residents; (2) variety in oral care practices; (3) older adults’ attitudes and behaviors; and (4) system factors. These themes were mapped in a conceptual framework demonstrating multilevel influences on oral care. Conclusions: Despite the single-center design, these findings provide actionable insights for improving geriatric oral health policies in Malaysia. Practical recommendations include integrating oral health into aged-care standards, expanding mobile dental services, and establishing oral care champions within facilities. Addressing these challenges is critical to improving quality of life and aligning long-term care practices with the WHO’s healthy aging priorities. Full article

This research aims at examining the progress of retail demand forecasting and customer classification via regression models and RFM analysis in the retail chain industry. Entailing actual retail sales data, this work utilizes three regression models:—MLP Regressor, Ridge Regressor, and KNN Regressor to forecast sales. Of them, the MLP Regressor yielded the least Mean Squared Error (MSE = 2.66 × 10) and the best coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9398) stressing its ability to identify deviations from linearity in the sales data. Also, RFM analysis, augmented by K-Means clustering, successfully categorized customers into actionable segments: loyal customers, champions, at-risk, and hibernating. Exploratory data analysis (EDA) findings indicated dramatic changes in sales and revenue, activities, and customer interactions, and products. The combined application of these approaches offers operational solutions in product acquisition, marketing communication, and revenue enhancement. The study advances current research by integrating predictive regression models with RFM segmentation, offering a dual-framework that enhances retail demand forecasting and customer behavior analysis, thereby bridging a critical gap in data-driven decision-making. However, bearing in mind that the lack of demographic data and limited feature variety may constrain the model’s ability to capture personalized customer behaviors, the findings provide a foundation for integrating more diverse datasets and advanced learning approaches for improved retail analytics. Full article

There is inadequate availability and access to behavioral health services to meet demand, and this issue amplified during the pandemic, creating a mental health crisis. Group therapy is an effective way to meet this need. The rapid implementation of telehealth group psychotherapy as part of a Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration program in a U.S. safety-net health care setting is described. Implementation lessons are summarized as barriers or facilitators, using thematic analysis of qualitative data from meeting notes. Major facilitators identified include having key staff serve as technology champions, dedicated administrative leadership to operationalize workflows, and communication and collaboration across teams and layers of infrastructure. Major barriers include uncertainty about operational workflows and technological challenges. While group visit volume initially waned, it began to rebound and quantitative analysis of demographic data shows that important underserved populations were reached. Frequent communication, collaboration, and adaptation among teams are critical elements for improving the likelihood of successful telehealth group therapy. It is feasible to expeditiously implement telehealth group psychotherapy in safety-net health care systems with limited resources. Full article

The adoption of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) offers a transformative potential to enhance educational quality, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while promoting sustainable digital transformation. However, resistance to LMS implementation often undermines these benefits. Initial perceptions of an Organizational Change Readiness (OCR) play a crucial, as they shape attitudes and behaviors, often resulting in rumors, disengagement, and resistance. The objective of the study is to explore how attributes of change, leadership support, internal organizational context, and attributes of change targets impact OCR in the context of LMS implementation. Drawing from organizational change management and information systems literature, this study examines key factors influencing these early perceptions within LMS initiatives. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 316 university personnel across seven public universities and three private colleges. Data were analyzed using partial least squares, revealing that vision clarity, change appropriateness, top-management support, project champion effectiveness, and organizational flexibility explaining 75% of the variance in perceived OCR. Conversely, factors such as change efficacy, organizational history of change, organizational conflicts, and group self-efficacy demonstrated limited influence. These findings underscore the importance of aligning LMS initiatives with institutional goals, fostering sustainable digital practices, and enhancing policy frameworks to facilitate smooth adoption. This study provides actionable insights for promoting sustainable educational transformation in HEIs, particularly in contexts where traditional teaching methods prevail and resistance to technological change is common. Full article

The 21st century has spotlighted environmental sustainability in global discourse, urging businesses to act responsibly amidst climate change and resource depletion. This study explores the role of green human resource management (GHRM) in fostering the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) among employees, enhancing organizational commitment (OC), and promoting organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment (OCBE) within the hospitality industry. Findings demonstrate that GHRM practices, including green recruitment, training, and performance management, significantly improve environmental performance and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. Data were collected from 382 employees working in 5-star hotels in South Korea, utilizing a structured online survey to gather insights into GHRM’s influence on NEP, OC, and OCBE. The analysis was conducted using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to rigorously test the hypothesized relationships among these constructs. However, integrating GHRM with NEP presents challenges, such as aligning organizational culture with eco-centric values and overcoming resistance to change. Motivated by the urgent need for sustainability, this research underscores the necessity for integrated HRM approaches to achieve sustainability. A key motivation behind this integration is to establish a workforce that not only understands but actively champions environmental stewardship, thereby strengthening the organization’s reputation and competitive advantage. Additionally, challenges such as balancing short-term operational costs with long-term environmental goals persist, requiring strategic commitment and effective resource allocation. Recommendations include embedding sustainability in HR policies, providing comprehensive environmental training, incentivizing green initiatives, establishing robust monitoring systems, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to reduce the ecological footprint. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable business practices and highlights the strategic importance of eco-leadership. Full article

Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant health issue in combat sports. This study investigated the differences between the different types of female wrestlers and the frequency at which EDs occur in the elite population, and it also sought to establish which factors are predictors of EDs. This study was comprised of 22 elite, female wrestlers who were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: having previously been the Spanish champion, being part of the Spanish national team, participating in at least one international championship, and having a history of ED. Data collection involved five questionnaires: demographic data, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, the Edinburgh (BITE), the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The results revealed diverse levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, with BITE scores indicating abnormal eating patterns. Group comparisons exposed significant distinctions in eating behaviors based on competition and training experience. Regression analyses showed competition and training experience as predictors of bulimia severity and symptoms. The study revealed prevalent extreme weight-control practices, including fasting, diuretic and laxative use, and binge eating. This research emphasizes the importance of EDs in Olympic wrestling, urging a comprehensive approach involving education, support, and policy implementation by coaches, health professionals, and sports organizations to prioritize athletes’ well-being and discourage unhealthy weight-control practices. Full article

Climatic changes are now a global reality with widespread repercussions for individuals and businesses worldwide. The responsibility to adapt behaviors and protect the environment is shared by all of humanity. Business leaders can play a pivotal role in expediting this transformation by shifting their focus from pure profit-seeking to becoming value-driven entities that actively contribute to societal betterment while championing environmental conservation and sustainable profitability. This transition, however, poses certain challenges, notably the higher costs associated with ecofriendly materials, which can strain a company’s financial equilibrium. Furthermore, a significant number of organizations overlook the untapped potential of their data, a valuable asset that could significantly bolster their competitive position. To address these challenges, this study aims to provide actionable guidance for business leaders by using a notable data framework to reassess their capabilities and dynamically adapt to external environments. Our method relies on data mining algorithms and business intelligence tools to report data. The results pinpoint which products are greatly in demand, so leaders can be assured their investment in redesigning products yields profit, improves product freshness, and eliminates waste. By bridging the gap between profitability and environmental responsibility, this study endeavors to empower businesses to thrive in a sustainable, value-driven future. Full article

This study explores low-carbon behavior (LCB), considering a number of psychological predictors deemed important according to the theory of planned behavior and the norm-activation model. Four distinct clusters were identified by conducting a cluster analysis of data collected from an online survey of young people in Croatia in 2022, revealing both consistent and inconsistent patterns of LCB. The study highlights the complexity of factors influencing LCB and utilizes a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to identify specific configurations of psychological variables that contribute to high and not-high levels of LCB within each cluster. The results validate the significance of established psychological determinants in explaining variations in low-carbon intentions and behaviors among young people, challenging the assumption of intention as the single best determinant of LCB and underscoring the presence of multiple causal complexities and equifinalities. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the asymmetric effects of different psychological conditions on high and not-high levels of LCB, suggesting that consistent and inconsistent LCBs cannot simply be viewed as opposite poles of the same continuum and that a variety of pathways can be explored to enhance carbon reduction activities. Full article

Schoolchildren are in their formative years, and therefore at an ideal stage in their lives to take in knowledge and best practices that will guide their future behavior. Through the Roll Back Antimicrobial Resistance (RBA) Initiative in Tanzania, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) School Clubs have successfully educated and empowered schoolchildren to become antibiotic guardians and AMR champions. Using appropriate language and consideration of the local context, the project has employed a variety of innovative activities, including AMR arts and crafts, competitions, storytelling and interactive learning that would teach children in an engaging and enjoyable manner. The School Club project has demonstrated how a mix of fun-based knowledge and skills transfer methods and rewarding competitions can change antimicrobial use knowledge and practice in schoolchildren. Full article

Mega sports events may encounter safety and security challenges related to risk management issues such as overcrowding, disorderly behavior, assaults, and security breaches. An incident during the Champions League Final in France in 2022 serves as an example of such challenges. Therefore, this study focuses specifically on the Champions League Final in France, 2022, and presents a situational scenario analysis for safety and security professionals. The objective is to enhance situational awareness and improve risk management strategies for similar events. The study commences by investigating the awareness among security and safety professionals regarding the potential consequences of mega sporting events, utilizing a post-hoc damage evaluation of France ’22. It then compares the effectiveness of fixed and drone cameras in surveillance imaging, aiming to identify ways to enhance situational analysis for improved risk management. The findings indicate that safety and security professionals acknowledged the negative outcomes of adverse events and demonstrated higher situational awareness when using drone surveillance as opposed to relying solely on fixed cameras. They also expressed positive attitudes towards the adoption of surveillance for mega sporting events. Moreover, the study introduces a model for drone surveillance scenario analysis, designed for dynamic decision-making. This model has been developed and aligned to effectively integrate drone surveillance and enhance situational awareness, not only for mega sports events but also for similar applications in various contexts. This research contributes to the understanding of risk management and situational awareness in the realm of mega sports events. It underscores the significance of drone surveillance and proposes strategies to enhance security professionals’ ability to respond effectively to potential threats, ensuring the safety of participants and spectators. Full article

The combining of the heterostructure construction and active sites modification to remodel the traditional wide-band-gap semiconductor SrTiO₃ for improving visible light absorption capacity and enhancing photocatalytic performance is greatly desired. Herein, we research a novel GO/Rh-SrTiO₃ nanocomposite via a facile hydrothermal method. The champion GO/Rh-SrTiO₃ nanocomposite exhibits the superior photocatalytic overall water splitting performance with an H₂ evolution rate of 55.83 μmol∙g⁻¹∙h⁻¹ and O₂ production rate of 23.26 μmol∙g⁻¹∙h⁻¹, realizing a breakthrough from zero with respect to the single-phased STO under visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm). More importantly, a series of characterizations results showed that significantly improving photocatalytic performance originated mainly from the construction of heterostructure and more active sites rooted in Rh metal. In addition, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanisms and the transport behavior of photogenerated carriers have been revealed in deeper detail. This work provides an effective strategy for heterostructure construction to improve solar utilization through vastly expanding visible light response ranges from traditional UV photocatalysts. Full article

The crystallinity properties of perovskite influence their optoelectrical performance in solar cell applications. We optimized the grain shape and crystallinity of perovskite film by annealing treatment from 130 to 170 °C under high humidity (relative humidity of 70%). We found that the grain size, grain interface, and grain morphology of the perovskite are optimized when the sample was annealed at 150 °C for 1 h in the air. At this condition, the perovskite film is composed of 250 nm crystalline shape grain and compact inter-grain structure with an invincible grain interface. Perovskite solar cells device analysis indicated that the device fabricated using the samples annealed at 150 °C produced the highest power conversion efficiency, namely 17.77%. The open circuit voltage (V_oc), short-circuit current density (J_sc), and fill factor (FF) of the device are as high as 1.05 V, 22.27 mA/cm₂, and 0.76, respectively. Optoelectrical dynamic analysis using transient photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies reveals that (i) carrier lifetime in the champion device can be up to 25 ns, which is almost double the carrier lifetime of the sample annealed at 130 °C. (ii) The interfacial charge transfer resistance is low in the champion device, i.e., ~20 Ω, which has a crystalline grain morphology, enabling active photocurrent extraction. Perovskite’s behavior under annealing treatment in high humidity conditions can be a guide for the industrialization of perovskite solar cells. Full article

(1) Background: the aim of this study was to determine the factors that affect the occurrence of behaviors related to possible eating disorders in Spanish high-performance Olympic wrestling athletes. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 22 elite female wrestlers selected through purposive sampling with inclusion criteria of (i) having been a national champion, (ii) having been part of the Spanish team, and (iii) suffering or having suffered from an eating disorder. The semistructured interviews were conducted online and lasted between 20 and 40 min. A statistical analysis was performed with NVivo10 software. (3) Results: the athletes showed a series of issues grouped into three main themes, which were divided into the following categories—firstly, the reasons why wrestlers lose weight; secondly, the inadequate procedures they use; and, finally, the reference persons involved in the process. (4) Conclusions: The training conditions in high-performance sports have psychological and behavioral effects on wrestlers. Wrestlers have to move down to lower categories; however, they do not take into account how this practice influences their health when using inadequate procedures. Rapid and significant weight loss produces negative effects, especially in the female population, generating an incidence of eating disorders. The information obtained provided elements of interest for reflection on possible solutions to prevent existing eating disorders. Full article