Search Results (3,772)

Background/Objectives. Social and Emotional Education (SEE) interventions during early childhood have shown considerable promise in enhancing children’s emotion understanding, social competence, and behavioural adjustments. However, few studies have examined their long-term impact, especially across the preschool-to-primary school transition. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a manualized SEE program, Timmy’s Trip to Planet Earth, in promoting emotional, behavioural, and social functioning over time. Methods. A quasi-experimental longitudinal design was adopted with pre- and post-test assessments conducted approximately 18 months apart. Participants were 89 typically developing children (aged 59–71 months), assigned to an experimental group (n = 45) or a waiting-list group (n = 44). The program combined teacher training, classroom-based lessons, home activities, and teachers’ ongoing implementation support. The effectiveness of the program was measured via the Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation (SCBE-30). Results. Significant Time × Group interactions were observed for the TEC External and Mental components, indicating greater improvements in emotion recognition and mental state understanding in the intervention group. The SDQ revealed significant reductions in conduct problems and increased prosocial behaviours. In the SCBE-30, a significant interaction effect was found for social competence, with the intervention group showing greater improvement over time compared to the control group. Conclusions. The findings suggest that SEE programs can produce meaningful and lasting improvements in children’s emotional and social skills across key educational transitions. Teacher training and family involvement likely played a critical role in supporting the program’s sustained impact. Full article

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally important oilseed cash crop, yet its limited genetic diversity and unique reproductive biology present persistent challenges for conventional crossbreeding. Traditional breeding approaches are often time-consuming and inadequate, mitigating the pace of cultivar development. Essential for double fertilization and programmed cell death (PCD), DUF679 membrane proteins (DMPs) represent a membrane protein family unique to plants. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the DMP gene family in peanuts was conducted, which included the identification of 21 family members. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these genes were segregated into five distinct clades (I–V), with AhDMP8A, AhDMP8B, AhDMP9A, and AhDMP9B in clade IV exhibiting high homology with known haploid induction genes. These four candidates also displayed significantly elevated expression in floral tissues compared to other organs, supporting their candidacy for haploid induction in peanuts. Subcellular localization prediction, confirmed through co-localization assays, demonstrated that AhDMPs primarily localize to the plasma membrane, consistent with their proposed roles in the reproductive signaling process. Furthermore, chromosomal mapping and synteny analyses revealed that the expansion of the AhDMP gene family is largely driven by whole-genome duplication (WGD) and segmental duplication events, reflecting the evolutionary dynamics of the tetraploid peanut genome. Collectively, these findings establish a foundational understanding of the AhDMP gene family and highlight promising targets for future applications in haploid induction-based breeding strategies in peanuts. Full article

This paper presents a numerical simulation study evaluating carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) feasibility for the Turceni Power Plant in Oltenia, Romania, using the nearby depleted Bibești-Bulbuceni gas reservoir. A comprehensive reservoir model was developed using Petrel software, integrating geological and reservoir engineering data for the formations of the Bibești-Bulbuceni structure, which is part of the western Moesian Platform. The static model incorporated realistic petrophysical inputs for the Meotian reservoirs. Dynamic simulations were performed using Eclipse compositional simulator with Peng–Robinson equation of state for a CH4-CO₂ system. The model was initialized with natural gas initially in place at 149 bar reservoir pressure, then produced through depletion to 20.85 bar final pressure, achieving 80% recovery factor. CO₂ injection simulations modeled a phased 19-well injection program over 25 years, with individual well constraints of 100 bar bottom-hole pressure and 200,000 Sm³/day injection rates. Results demonstrate successful injection of a 60 Mt CO₂, with final reservoir pressure reaching 101 bar. The modeling framework validates the technical feasibility of transforming Turceni’s power generation into a net-zero process through CCS implementation. Key limitations include simplified geochemical interactions and relying on historical data with associated uncertainties. This study provides quantitative evidence for CCS viability in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, supporting industrial decarbonization strategies. The strategy not only aligns with the EU’s climate-neutral policy but also enhances local energy security by repurposing existing geological resources. The findings highlight the potential of CCS to bridge the gap between current energy systems and a sustainable, climate-neutral future. Full article

The present study highlights the critical role of surface type, insect species, and exposure duration in determining the efficacy of surface-applied insecticides in stored-product pest management. Four insecticides were sprayed and evaluated on different surfaces (concrete, metallic, plastic, and ceramic) against two beetles: the red flour beetle and the tobacco beetle. Alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad exhibited rapid and high efficacy, particularly on non-porous surfaces such as metal and ceramic, whereas pirimiphos-methyl was less effective initially and required extended exposure to achieve complete mortality, especially against Tribolium castaneum. In contrast, Lasioderma serricorne showed greater susceptibility across all insecticides and surfaces. Spinosad maintained high efficacy across all surface types, suggesting broader applicability under variable conditions. The reduced performance of insecticides on concrete surfaces underscores the influence of substrate porosity on insecticide bioavailability. Additionally, the observed delayed mortality effect in all treatments indicates that even brief exposure can result in lethal outcomes, emphasizing the long-term potential of these applications. These findings underscore the need for surface-specific application strategies and support the integration of surface treatments into comprehensive pest management programs. Further research is warranted under simulated field conditions to assess residual efficacy over time and in the presence of food, thereby enhancing the relevance of laboratory findings to real-world storage environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Decision-analytic Bayesian approaches are ideally suited for designing clinical trials. They have been used increasingly over the last 30 years in developing medical devices and drugs. A prototype trial is a bandit problem in which treating participants is as important as treating patients in clinical practice after the trial. Methods: This article chronicles the use of the Bayesian approach in clinical trials motivated by bandit problems. It provides a comprehensive historical and practical review of Bayesian adaptive trials, with a focus on bandit-inspired designs. Results: The 20th century saw advances in Bayesian methodology involving computer simulation. In the 21st century, methods motivated by bandit problems have been applied in designing scores of actual clinical trials. Fifteen such trials are described. By far the most important Bayesian contributions in clinical trials are the abilities to observe the accumulating results and to modify the future course of the trial on the basis of these observations. In the spirit of artificial intelligence, algorithms are programmed to learn the optimal treatment assignments over the remainder of the trial. Conclusions: Bayesian trials are still nascent and represent a small minority of clinical trials, but their existence is changing the way investigators, regulators, and government and industry sponsors view innovation in clinical trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Health literacy plays a fundamental role in adolescents’ health-related decisions and behaviors. The aim of our study was to assess the level of health literacy among 16–17-year-old students in Southern Hungary and to examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the autumn of 2024 in Baranya and Somogy counties. A total of 133 students completed a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic variables and health behaviors. Health literacy was measured using the validated HELMA-H instrument. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Overall, 62.7% of the students demonstrated adequate, while 37.3% demonstrated inadequate levels of health literacy. No significant association was found between overall health literacy and sociodemographic variables; however, partial associations were observed on specific subscales. Boys reported better access to health information (p = 0.037), while children of mothers with higher educational attainment scored better in comprehension (p = 0.042) and appraisal (p = 0.036). In the case of the numeracy subscale, children of mothers with the lowest educational level showed significantly better results (p = 0.006). Students with higher health literacy levels were less likely to smoke or consume caffeine; however, a reverse trend was observed regarding alcohol consumption. Physical activity showed a positive association with healthier behaviors (p < 0.05). Discussion: The use of digital technologies, interactive learning strategies, and the involvement of family members—especially mothers—may support the development of health-conscious decision-making in adolescents. Consequently, health education programs should focus not only on knowledge transfer but also on fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. Full article

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms and to determine the optimal exercise prescription for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval. Results: Aerobic exercise significantly alleviated depressive symptoms in PD patients (SMD, −0.68, p = 0.002). Subgroup analyses revealed that moderate intensity aerobic exercise (SMD, −0.72, p = 0.0006), interventions conducted for ≥12 weeks (SMD, −0.85, p = 0.04), ≥3 times per week (SMD, −0.68, p = 0.002), ≥60 min per session (SMD, −0.57, p < 0.0001), and ≥180 min per week (SMD, −0.87, p = 0.0002) were more effective in improving depressive symptoms in PD patients, especially in PD patients with a disease duration of ≤6 years (SMD, −1.00, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Integrating the available data, it is clear that aerobic exercise is a proven method for alleviating depressive symptoms in PD patients. This meta-analysis provides empirical support for clinicians to recommend that PD patients engage in aerobic exercise regimens of no less than 12 weeks’ duration, performed at a minimum frequency of three sessions per week, with each session lasting in excess of 60 min and a cumulative weekly duration of at least 180 min, to effectively attenuate depressive symptomatology. Earlier implementation of aerobic exercise interventions is recommended, as PD patients in the early stages of the disease (up to 6 years post-diagnosis) may derive the greatest benefit in terms of depression symptom improvement from such programs. Full article

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance and body composition in female basketball players. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD420251006285). A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed, with intervention durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Despite differences in protocols, a majority of studies reported improvements in VO_2max (6/9), explosive strength (7/9), agility (5/6), and speed (5/6) and reductions in body mass and fat percentage (3/3). These findings highlight HIIT as an effective method for enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as optimizing body composition. Despite variations in study protocols, HIIT consistently offers improvements in performance, irrespective of training level. The results underscore the importance of HIIT in preparing athletes, not only during the preseason but also throughout the competition period. Coaches should consider integrating HIIT into training programs, adjusting intensity and volume based on the season to optimize performance and prevent overtraining. Full article

Driven by carbon neutrality and peak carbon policies, hydrogen energy, due to its zero-emission and renewable properties, is increasingly being used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (H-FCVs). However, the high cost and limited durability of H-FCVs hinder large-scale deployment. Hydrogen internal combustion engine hybrid electric vehicles (H-HEVs) are emerging as a viable alternative. Research on the techno-economics of H-HEVs remains limited, particularly in systematic comparisons with H-FCVs. This paper provides a comprehensive comparison of H-FCVs and H-HEVs in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO) and hydrogen consumption while proposing a multi-objective powertrain parameter optimization model. First, a quantitative model evaluates TCO from vehicle purchase to disposal. Second, a global dynamic programming method optimizes hydrogen consumption by incorporating cumulative energy costs into the TCO model. Finally, a genetic algorithm co-optimizes key design parameters to minimize TCO. Results show that with a battery capacity of 20.5 Ah and an H-FC peak power of 55 kW, H-FCV can achieve optimal fuel economy and hydrogen consumption. However, even with advanced technology, their TCO remains higher than that of H-HEVs. H-FCVs can only become cost-competitive if the unit power price of the fuel cell system is less than 4.6 times that of the hydrogen engine system, assuming negligible fuel cell degradation. In the short term, H-HEVs should be prioritized. Their adoption can also support the long-term development of H-FCVs through a complementary relationship. Full article

The scientific investment decision of Park-level Integrated Energy System (PIES) projects is of great significance to energy enterprises for improving the efficient utilization of funds, promoting green and low-carbon transformation, and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. This paper proposed a two-stage investment framework that integrates a multi-objective 0–1 programming model with a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique to determine the optimal PIES project investment portfolios under the constraint of quota investment. First, a multi-objective (MO) 0–1 programming model was constructed for typical PIES projects in Stage-I, which considers economic and environmental benefits to obtain Pareto frontier solutions, i.e., PIES project portfolios. Second, an evaluation index system from multiple dimensions was established, and a hybrid MCDM technique was adopted to comprehensively evaluate the Pareto frontier solutions in Stage-II. Finally, the proposed model was applied to an empirical case, and the simulation results show that the decision framework can achieve the best overall benefit of PIES project portfolios with maximal economic benefit and minimum carbon emissions. In addition, the robustness analysis was performed by changing the indicator weights to verify the stability of the proposed framework. This research work could provide a theoretical tool for investment decisions regarding PIES projects for energy enterprises. Full article

Prenatal and postnatal skeletal muscle development in ruminants is coordinated by interactions between genetic, nutritional, epigenetic, and endocrine factors. This review focuses on the influence of maternal nutrition during gestation on fetal myogenesis, satellite cell dynamics, and myogenic regulatory factors expression, including MYF5, MYOD1, and MYOG. Studies in sheep and cattle indicate that nutrient restriction or overnutrition alters muscle fiber number, the cross-sectional area, and the transcriptional regulation of myogenic genes in offspring. Postnatally, muscle hypertrophy is primarily mediated by satellite cells, which are activated via PAX7, MYOD, and MYF5, and regulated through mechanisms such as CARM1-induced chromatin remodeling and miR-31-mediated mRNA expression. Hormonal signaling via the GH–IGF1 axis and thyroid hormones further modulate satellite cell proliferation and protein accretion. Genetic variants, such as myostatin mutations in Texel sheep and Belgian Blue cattle, enhance muscle mass but may compromise reproductive efficiency. Nutritional interventions, including the plane of nutrition, supplementation strategies, and environmental stressors such as heat and stocking density, significantly influence muscle fiber composition and carcass traits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of skeletal muscle programming in ruminants, tracing the developmental trajectory from progenitor cell differentiation to postnatal growth and maturation. These insights underscore the need for integrated approaches combining maternal diet optimization, molecular breeding, and precision livestock management to enhance muscle growth, meat quality, and production sustainability in ruminant systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The resistance mutations EGFR^{L858R/T790M/C797S} in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are key factors in the reduced efficacy of Osimertinib. Predicting the inhibitory effects of Osimertinib derivatives against these mutations is crucial for the development of more effective inhibitors. This study aims to predict the inhibitory effects of Osimertinib derivatives against EGFR^{L858R/T790M/C797S} mutations. Methods: Six models were established using heuristic method (HM), random forest (RF), gene expression programming (GEP), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), polynomial kernel function support vector machine (SVM), and mixed kernel function SVM (MIX-SVM). The descriptors for these models were selected by the heuristic method or XGBoost. Comprehensive learning particle swarm optimizer was adopted to optimize hyperparameters. Additionally, the internal and external validation were performed by leave-one-out cross-validation ($Q_{LOO}^2$), 5-fold cross validation ($Q_{5-fold}^2$) and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), $Q_{F1}^2$, and $Q_{F2}^2$. The properties of novel EGFR inhibitors were explored through molecular docking analysis. Results: The model established by MIX-SVM whose kernel function is a convex combination of three regular kernel functions is best: $R^2$ and RMSE for training set and test set are 0.9445, 0.1659 and 0.9490, 0.1814, respectively; $Q_{LOO}^2$, $Q_{5-fold}^2$, CCC, $Q_{F1}^2$, and $Q_{F2}^2$ are 0.9107, 0.8621, 0.9835, 0.9689, and 0.9680. Based on these results, the IC₅₀ values of 162 newly designed compounds were predicted using the HM model, and the top four candidates with the most favorable physicochemical properties were subsequently validated through PEA. Conclusions: The MIX-SVM method will provide useful guidance for the design and screening of novel EGFR^{L858R/T790M/C797S} inhibitors. Full article

After primary frequency regulation in large-scale wind farms is completed, the power dip phenomenon occurs during the rotor speed recovery phase. This phenomenon may induce a secondary frequency drop in power systems, which poses challenges to system frequency security. To address this issue, this paper proposes a frequency security-oriented optimal dispatch model for multi-regional power systems, taking into account the risks of secondary frequency drop. In the first stage, risk-averse day-ahead scheduling is conducted. It co-optimizes operational costs and risks under wind power uncertainty through stochastic programming. In the second stage, frequency security verification is carried out. The proposed dispatch scheme is validated against multi-regional frequency dynamic constraints under extreme wind scenarios. These two stages work in tandem to comprehensively address the frequency security issues related to wind power integration. The model innovatively decomposes system reserve power into three distinct components: wind fluctuation reserve, power dip reserve, and contingency reserve. This decomposition enables coordinated optimization between absorbing power oscillations during wind turbine speed recovery and satisfies multi-regional grid frequency security constraints. The column and constraint generation algorithm is employed to solve this two-stage optimization problem. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed model effectively mitigates frequency security risks caused by wind turbines’ operational state transitions after primary frequency regulation, while maintaining economic efficiency. The methodology provides theoretical support for the secure integration of high-penetration renewable energy in modern multi-regional power systems. Full article

Introduction: Breast cancer therapy is a common cause of lymphedema. The accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the affected extremity leads to a progressive path—swelling, inflammation, and fibrosis—namely, irreversible changes. Methods: A scientific literature analysis was performed on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) from inception until 30 June 2024. Results: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is indeed an important healthcare burden both due to the significant patient-related outcomes and the overall social impact of this condition. Even though lymphedema is not life-threatening, the literature underlined harmful consequences in terms of pain, infections, distress, and functional impairment with a subsequent and relevant decrease in quality of life. Currently, since there is no cure, the therapeutic approach to BCRL aims to slow disease progression and prevent related complications. A comprehensive overview of postmastectomy lymphedema is offered. First, the pathophysiology and risk factors associated with BCRL were detailed; then, diagnosis modalities were depicted highlighting the importance of early detection. According to non-negligible changes in patients’ everyday lives, novel criteria for patients’ functioning assessment are reported. Regarding the treatment modalities, a wide array of conservative and surgical methods both physiologic and ablative were analyzed with their own outcomes and downsides. Conclusions: Combined strategies and multidisciplinary protocols for BCRL, including specialized management by reconstructive surgeons and physiatrists, along with healthy lifestyle programs and personalized nutritional counseling, should be compulsory to address patients’ demands and optimize the treatment of this harmful and non-curable condition. The Lymphedema-specific ICF Core Sets should be included more often in the overall outcome evaluation with the aim of obtaining a comprehensive appraisal of the treatment strategies that take into account the patient’s subjective score. Full article

Maternal mental illness significantly impacts caregiving, influencing both mothers and their children. This narrative review examines the challenges faced by mothers with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which often disrupt caregiving routines, emotional stability, and social integration. These difficulties can hinder secure attachments and contribute to adverse developmental outcomes in children, including heightened risks of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and cognitive impairments. Children of mothers with mental illnesses are 1.8 times more likely to develop emotional or behavioral problems and face a 2.7 times higher risk of suicidal ideation during adolescence. Intergenerational transmission of mental illness is also prevalent, with affected children showing a 2.5 times greater likelihood of developing mental illnesses in adulthood. Effective interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based approaches, and community programs integrating parenting education and mental health resources. These strategies have demonstrated improvements in maternal well-being and child resilience. The review highlights the need for comprehensive policies addressing maternal mental health, early intervention for children, and culturally sensitive support systems to break cycles of intergenerational mental illness. Future research should prioritize evaluating long-term intervention effectiveness and exploring innovative tools like digital mental illnesses solutions to support affected families. Full article