Search Results (6,568)

This study intends to provide insights and challenges for the shape of the B movement, an emerging paradigm that fosters cross-sectoral partnerships and encourages ethical business practices through so-called purpose-driven businesses. Focusing on Italy, the first European country to adopt this managerial model, the research investigates Italian Benefit Corporations, known as Società Benefit (SB), and their most appealing sustainability claims from a consumer perspective. The analysis intends to inform theory development by assuming the cultural and creative industry (CCI) as a field of interest, utilizing a within-subjects experimental design to analyze data from a diverse consumer sample across various contexts. The results indicate that messaging centered on economic sustainability emerged as the most effective in generating positive consumer responses, highlighting a prevailing inclination toward pragmatic factors such as affordability, economic accessibility, and tangible benefits rather than social issues. While sustainable behaviors are not yet widespread, latent ethical sensitivity for authentic, value-driven businesses suggests that economic and ethical dimensions can be strategically synthesized to enhance consumer engagement. This insight highlights the role of BCs in catalyzing a shift in consumption patterns within ethical-based and creative-driven sectors. Full article

Background: Access to safe and reliable water and sanitation remains a critical public health and development challenge, with rural and low-income communities being disproportionately affected by inadequate services and heightened exposure to waterborne diseases. Despite global efforts and infrastructure-based progress indicators, significant disparities persist, and these often overlook users’ perceptions of water quality, reliability, and safety. This study explores the determinants of household satisfaction with drinking water in rural areas, comparing subjective user feedback with official access data to reveal gaps in current monitoring approaches and support more equitable, user-centered water governance. Methods: This study was conducted in Kazakhstan’s Atyrau Region, where 1361 residents from 86 rural villages participated in a structured survey assessing household access to drinking water and perceptions of its quality. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression to identify key predictors of user satisfaction, with results compared against official records to evaluate discrepancies between reported experiences and administrative data. Results: The field survey results revealed substantial discrepancies between official statistics and residents’ reports, with only 58.1% of respondents having in-house tap water access despite claims of universal coverage. Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified key predictors of user satisfaction, showing that uninterrupted supply and the absence of complaints about turbidity, odor, or taste significantly increased the likelihood of higher satisfaction levels with drinking water quality. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical need to align official water access statistics with household-level experiences, revealing that user satisfaction—strongly influenced by supply reliability and sensory water quality—is essential for achieving equitable and effective rural water governance. Full article

Background. Physicomechanical properties and clinical service of bulk-fill composites depend on their adequate polymerization and depth of cure. Some manufacturers claim that these composites can be adequately cured when used in bulks exceeding 4 mm. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare Vickers microhardness (VMH) and depth of cure (DOC) of six contemporary bulk-fill resin composites at depths of 4 mm and 6 mm. Material and methods. Six bulk-fill composites were evaluated in this study: 1. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), (TEC); 2. Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA), (FBF); 3. Filtek One Bulk Fill (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA, (FOB); 4. SonicFill 2 (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA), (SF2); 5. Admira Fusion X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (AFX); 6. GrandioSO X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (GSX). The 18 specimens (3 of each composite) were prepared in split Teflon moulds of 4 mm diameter and 6 mm thickness. All composites were cured in standard mode for 20 s using LED LCU (D-Light Duo, RF-Pharmaceuticals Sarl, Geneva, Switzerland; 1200–1300 mW/cm). The VMH was measured using a digital Micro Hardness Tester Shimadzu (HMV-2T E, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan). A 50 g (0.5 N) load force was applied for 30 s. Each specimen was measured at five places selected by chance at each level (N = 15). The hardness ratio or DOC was calculated for all samples as the ratio of bottom and surface microhardness at levels of 4 and 6 mm. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results. Significant reduction in VMH was observed for all tested materials when comparing top surface and bottom (p < 0.01). The highest VMH was obtained for GSX and AFX, and the lowest for TEC. The results show that the degree of polymerization was adequate for all tested materials at a depth of 6 mm, since the hardness ratio exceeded 0.80 in all cases. The hardness ratio at 4 mm was high for all tested composites ranging from 0.91 for TEC to 0.98 for GSX. All composites showed adequate DOC at the bottom of the 6 mm bulk samples. However, the hardness ratio was the highest for Admira Fusion X-tra (0.96) and GrandioSO X-tra (0.97). Conclusions. All tested materials showed a significant decrease in microhardness from the top surface to the bottom. The DOC was adequate for all bulk-fill composites at a depth of 6 mm cured under standard mode for 20 s. All bulk-fill resin composites evaluated in this study can be used in bulk, up to 6 mm. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia exhibiting 90% mortality without prompt treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE)-treated TTP in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with mortality, demographics, and clinical comorbidities. We queried the United States Renal Data System for ESRD patients starting dialysis between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2018, using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes for thrombotic microangiopathy, with a TPE procedure code entered within 7 days. Methods: Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess mortality, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Results: Among 1,155,136 patients, increased age [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94–0.96]; black race (OR = 0.67, CI: 0.51–0.89); and Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 0.43, CI: 0.28–0.66) were associated with a lower risk of TPE-treated TTP diagnosis, whereas female sex (OR = 1.59, CI: 1.25–2.02) and tobacco use (OR = 2.08, CI: 1.58–2.75) had a higher risk. A claim for TPE-treated TTP carried a lower risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.024, CI: 0.021–0.028). Female sex, black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and hypothyroidism were also associated with decreased all-cause mortality. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ESRD patients with TPE-treated TTP are significantly protected from mortality compared with ESRD patients without this diagnosis. Full article

This paper focuses on the problem, claimed in some works, of the non-existence of finite-time stable equilibria in nonlinear fractional differential equations. After dividing the equilibrium point into the initial equilibrium point and the finite-time equilibrium point, we provide sufficient conditions for the equilibrium point of a fractional stochastic differential equation. Then the finite-time stability of the equilibrium points of nonlinear fractional stochastic differential equations is presented. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is illustrated through an example. Full article

The construction sector emphasises circular economy principles that prioritise eco-design strategies, particularly the usage of secondary raw materials. The growing interest in using industrial hemp as a sustainable building material in the construction sector is driven by its versatility. Industrial hemp has been preferential in comparison to other traditional building materials due to its lower global warming impact. Claims regarding the environmental benefits of hemp-containing construction materials based on the single impact category could be misleading; therefore, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies including multiple environmental indicators should be implemented. This study aims to compare two alternative wall designs regarding their environmental impacts. The comparative LCA study for hempcrete and prefabricated walls used in residential buildings was assessed using IPCC and ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment methods. The study highlighted a significant discrepancy depending on the number of environmental indicators considered, as well as between characterised and weighted LCA results. A hempcrete wall was recognised as a slightly (13.63%) better alternative when assessed by the single-issue IPCC method, while its total burden assessed by the ReCiPe method was recognised to be significantly (2.78 times) higher. Based on the results from this case study, regulators could re-evaluate the appropriateness of reporting LCA results solely on the midpoint level, particularly when limited to a single impact indicator, while producers in the construction sector should recognise the threat of greenwashing when reporting using a single impact indicator only. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid touted for a variety of medical benefits, including alleviation of anxiety. While legalization of hemp-derived products in the United States (containing ≤0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [d9-THC] by weight) has led to a rapid increase in the commercialization of hemp-derived CBD products, most therapeutic claims have not been substantiated using clinical trials. This trial aimed to assess the impact of 6 weeks of treatment with a proprietary hemp-derived, full-spectrum, high-CBD sublingual solution similar to those available in the marketplace in patients with anxiety. Methods: An open-label pilot clinical trial (NCT04286594) was conducted in 12 patients with at least moderate levels of anxiety. Patients self-administered a hemp-derived, high-CBD sublingual solution twice daily during the 6-week trial (target daily dose: 30 mg/day CBD). Clinical change over time relative to baseline was assessed for anxiety, mood, sleep, and quality of life, as well as changes in cognitive performance on measures of executive function and memory. Safety and tolerability of the study product were also evaluated. Results: Patients reported significant reductions in anxiety symptoms over time. Concurrent improvements in mood, sleep, and relevant quality of life domains were also observed, along with stable or improved performance on all neurocognitive measures. Few side effects were reported, and no serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: These pilot findings provide initial support for the efficacy and tolerability of the hemp-derived, high-CBD product in patients with moderate-to-severe levels of anxiety. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are indicated to obtain robust data regarding efficacy and tolerability of these types of products for anxiety. Full article

Although there is growing agreement between scholars about the crucial role of Maraimalai Adigal in the early stage of the Tamil nationalist movement, the state of current understanding of this “religious phase of Tamil nationalism” is far from satisfactory. Authors of this article focused on three important claims in the currently accepted view on the character and goals of Adigal’s religious reform. The first stance portrays his efforts for purification of the Tamil language from foreign influences as “anti-Aryan” and “anti-Sanskritic.” The second claim describes the reformer’s efforts as a move from polytheism to “Shaiva monotheism”, and builds on ideas of the early Orientalists and Christian missionaries in India who formulated the “Sanskritic hegemony” thesis. As an assumption running through the debates about Adigal’s reforms, there is conviction that the Tamil intellectual basically accepted the crystallizing Aryan Invasion Theory as true description of both Ancient India and roots of the social problems in Tamilnadu of his times. In their thorough analysis of Adigal’s work and scholarly debates, authors of this article disclose the role of unexamined assumption about religious competition being the main form of cultural encounters in India, and argue for very different understanding of Adigal’s efforts to revive Shaivism. Full article

Background and objectives: Trismus is a frequent and debilitating complication in people with head and neck cancer (HNC) which leads to significant functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation interventions are commonly recommended to manage or prevent trismus. However, in many randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the theoretical justification for these interventions is poorly articulated, and the underlying biological or physiological mechanisms are not described in detail, limiting our understanding of why certain treatments may (or may not) work. This review aimed to identify and analyze how RCTs report the rationale for rehabilitation interventions and the explanations used to manage this population. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases (PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched up to May 2025 for RCTs evaluating rehabilitation interventions for the management or prevention of treatment-induced trismus in patients with HNC. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively, focusing on the type of intervention, the rationale for its use, and the proposed mechanisms of action. Results: Of 2215 records identified, 24 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies focused on preventive interventions—primarily exercise therapy—while the remainder addressed established trismus using exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, or combined treatment modalities. The rationales provided for intervention selection were heterogeneous and often lacked depth, with most studies justifying interventions based on their potential to improve mouth opening or reduce fibrosis but rarely grounding these claims in detailed pathophysiological models. Only half of the studies provided any mechanistic explanation for the intervention’s effects, and these were typically generic or speculative. Conclusions: RCTs investigating rehabilitation interventions for treatment-induced trismus in patients with HNC frequently lack comprehensive rationales and mechanistic explanations for their interventions. This gap limits the ability to refine and optimize treatment approaches, as the underlying processes driving clinical improvements remain poorly understood. Future research should be guided by theoretical models and include objective outcomes to better elucidate the mechanisms of action of interventions to inform clinical practice. Full article

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 465 million individuals are affected by type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and could benefit from managing their condition with a high-quality diet based on proper, nutrient-rich food choices. A plant-based diet not only has health benefits but also helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the Mediterranean diet has the most beneficial effect on overall health. In contrast, ultra-processed foods have a negative impact on T2DM outcomes. Reviewing the nutritional profile of different meals, snacks and desserts would be helpful in enhancing their quality, strengthening the role of dietitians and doctors and protecting against T2DM complications. This approach would also increase simplification and education for consumers. The PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up to May, from 2000 (based on publication date). The results support the need to reinforce health claims and highlight public demand for food choices while also improving patient quality of life. Full article

We describe an attempt to derive the binarity rate of samples of 166 A-, F-, G-, and K-type stars from LAMOST DR5 and 1000 randomly selected presumably single stars from Gaia DR3 catalogs. To this end, we compared continua of the observed spectra with the continua of synthetic spectra from within 3700 $<\lambda <9097$ Å. The latter spectra were reduced to the LAMOST set of wavelengths, while the former ones were smoothed. Next, we searched for every observed star of the nearest synthetic spectrum using a four-parameter representation—$T_{\mathrm{eff}}$, $logg$, $\left[\mathrm{Fe}/\mathrm{H}\right]$, and a range of interstellar absorption values. However, rms deviations of observed spectra from synthetic ones appeared to be not sufficient to claim that any of the stars is a binary. We conclude that comparison of the intensity of pairs of spectral lines remains the best way to detect binarity. Full article

Background: Crystalline glucosamine sulfate (cGS) claims to be a stabilized form of glucosamine sulfate with a defined crystalline structure intended to enhance chemical stability. It is proposed to offer pharmacokinetic advantages over regular glucosamine sulfate (rGS) which is stabilized with potassium or sodium chloride. However, comparative human bioavailability data are limited. Since both forms dissociate in gastric fluid into constituent ions, the impact of cGS formulation on absorption remains uncertain. This pilot study aimed to compare the bioavailability of cGS and rGS using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Methods: Ten healthy adults received a single 1500 mg oral dose of either cGS or rGS with a 7-day washout between interventions. Capillary blood samples were collected over 24 h. Glucosamine and its metabolite concentrations were quantified by Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and pharmacokinetic parameters—including maximum concentration (C_max), time to reach C_max (T_max), and area under the curve (AUC)—were calculated. Results: Mean AUC_0–24, C_max, T_max, and T_½ values for glucosamine and glucosamine-6-sulfate (GlcN-6-S) were comparable between cGS and rGS. Although the AUC_0–24 for glucosamine was modestly higher with rGS (18,300 ng·h/mL) than with cGS (12,900 ng·h/mL), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.136). GlcN-6-S exposure was also similar between formulations (rGS: 50,700 ng·h/mL; cGS: 50,600 ng·h/mL), with a geometric mean ratio of 1.39, a delayed T_max (6–8 h) and longer half-life, consistent with its role as a downstream metabolite. N-acetylglucosamine levels remained stable, indicating potential homeostatic regulation. Conclusions: This pilot study found no significant pharmacokinetic advantage of cGS over rGS. These preliminary findings challenge claims of cGS’ pharmacokinetic superiority, although the small sample size limits definitive conclusions. Larger, adequately powered studies are needed to confirm these results. Full article

Seafood processing byproducts (SB) such as bones and skin can be safely used as food ingredients to increase profitability for the seafood sector and provide nutritional value. An online survey of 716 US adult seafood consumers was conducted to explore SB trial intent, responsiveness to health and safety information, and associated elicited emotions (nine-point Likert scale). Consumers’ SB-elicited emotions were defined as those changing in reported intensity (from a baseline condition) after the delivery of SB-related information (dependent t-tests). As criteria for practical significance, a raw mean difference of >0.2 units was used, and Cohen’s d values were used to classify effect sizes as small, medium, or large. Differences in willingness-to-try, responsiveness to safety and health information, and SB-elicited emotions were found based on self-reported gender and race, with males and Hispanics expressing more openness to SB consumption. SB-elicited emotions were then used to model consumers’ willingness-to-try foods containing SB via logistic regression modeling. Traditional stepwise variable selection was compared to variable selection using raw mean difference > 0.2 units and Cohen’s d > 0.50 constraints for SB-elicited emotions. Resulting models indicated that extrinsic information considered at the point of decision-making determined which emotions were relevant to the response. These new approaches yielded models with increased Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) values (lower values indicate better model fit) but could provide simpler and more practically meaningful models for understanding which emotions drive consumption decisions. Full article

Speaker burn-in is a controversial practice in the audio world, based on the belief that new devices reach optimal performance only after a certain period of use. Supporters claim it improves component flexibility, reduces initial distortion, and enhances sound quality—especially in the low-frequency range. Critics, however, emphasize the lack of scientific evidence for audible changes and point to the placebo effect in subjective listening tests. They argue that modern manufacturing and strict quality control minimize differences between new and “burned-in” devices. This study cites a standard describing a preliminary burn-in procedure, specifying the exact conditions and duration required. Objective tests revealed slight changes in speaker impedance and amplitude response after burn-in, but these differences are inaudible to the average listener. Notably, significant variation was observed between speakers of the same series, attributed to production line tolerances rather than use-related changes. The study also explored aging processes in speaker materials to better understand potential long-term effects. However, subjective listening tests showed that listeners rated the sound consistently across all test cases, regardless of whether the speaker had undergone burn-in. Overall, while minor physical changes may occur, their audible impact is negligible, especially for non-expert users. Full article

Background/Objectives: This case study presents the first documented use of a low-cost, simulated, patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed model to support presurgical planning for an infant with Apert syndrome in a resource-limited setting. The primary objectives are to (1) demonstrate the value of 3D printing as a simulation tool for preoperative planning in low-resource environments and (2) identify opportunities for future AI-enhanced simulation models in craniofacial surgical planning. Methods: High-resolution CT data were segmented using InVesalius 3, with mesh refinement performed in ANSYS SpaceClaim (version 2021). The cranial model was fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) on a Creality Ender-3 printer with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament. Results: The resulting 3D-printed simulated model enabled the surgical team to assess cranial anatomy, simulate incision placement, and rehearse osteotomies. These steps contributed to a reduction in operative time and fewer complications during surgery. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the value of accessible 3D printing as a simulation tool in surgical planning within low-resource settings. Building on this success, the study highlights potential points for AI integration, such as automated image segmentation and model reconstruction, to increase efficiency and scalability in future 3D-printed simulation models. Full article