Search Results (1,009)

Korea has a high population density, considering the size of its territory. Therefore, the importance of convenient and comfortable apartment buildings and high-rise residential–commercial complex buildings has been rising. In addition, because of the improvement in the standard of living along with continuous national economic growth, the interest in well-being and the expectation of a quiet life with a comfortable and pleasant residential environment have also been increasing. However, Koreans have a lifestyle involving sitting on the floor, so floor impact noise has been occurring more and more frequently. Because of this, neighborly disputes have been a serious social problem. And lately, damage and disputes from noise between floors have been increasing much more. The present work, therefore, used waste tire chips as a resilient material for reducing floor impact noise in order to recycle waste tires effectively. Also, a compounded resilient material, which combines EPS (expanded polystyrene), a flat resilient material on the upper part, with waste tire chips for the lower part, was developed. After constructing waste tire chips at a standardized test building, experiments with both light-weight and heavy-weight floor impact noise were performed. The tests confirmed that waste tire chips, when used as a resilient material, can effectively reduce both light-weight and heavy-weight floor impact noise. Full article

Introduction: Burnout syndrome, long described as an “occupational phenomenon”, now affects 15–20% of the general workforce and more than 50% of clinicians, teachers, social-care staff and first responders. Its precise nosological standing remains disputed. We conducted a mechanistic review of electroencephalography (EEG) studies to determine whether burnout is accompanied by reproducible brain-function alterations that justify disease-level classification. Methods: Following PRISMA-adapted guidelines, two independent reviewers searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and reference lists (January 1980–May 2025) using combinations of “burnout,” “EEG”, “electroencephalography” and “event-related potential.” Only English-language clinical investigations were eligible. Eighteen studies (n = 2194 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesised across three domains: resting-state spectra/connectivity, event-related potentials (ERPs) and longitudinal change. Results: Resting EEG consistently showed (i) a 0.4–0.6 Hz slowing of individual-alpha frequency, (ii) 20–35% global alpha-power reduction and (iii) fragmentation of high-alpha (11–13 Hz) fronto-parietal coherence, with stage- and sex-dependent modulation. ERP paradigms revealed a distinctive “alarm-heavy/evaluation-poor” profile; enlarged N2 and ERN components signalled hyper-reactive conflict and error detection, whereas P3b, Pe, reward-P3 and late CNV amplitudes were attenuated by 25–50%, indicating depleted evaluative and preparatory resources. Feedback processing showed intact or heightened FRN but blunted FRP, and affective tasks demonstrated threat-biassed P3a latency shifts alongside dampened VPP/EPN to positive cues. These alterations persisted in longitudinal cohorts yet normalised after recovery, supporting trait-plus-state dynamics. The electrophysiological fingerprint differed from major depression (no frontal-alpha asymmetry, opposite connectivity pattern). Conclusions: Across paradigms, burnout exhibits a coherent neurophysiological signature comparable in magnitude to established psychiatric disorders, refuting its current classification as a non-disease. Objective EEG markers can complement symptom scales for earlier diagnosis, treatment monitoring and public-health surveillance. Recognising burnout as a clinical disorder—and funding prevention and care accordingly—is medically justified and economically imperative. Full article

Two of the renowned figures of Edo-era Kokugaku (National Learning), Motoori Norinaga and Ueda Akinari, famously debated the merits of their scholarly approaches to Japanese antiquity during the latter half of the eighteenth century. Their intellectual dispute was the result of the radical conclusions reached by Tō Teikan in his Shōkōhatsu (An Outburst of Provocations; 1781) in which he argued that the Korean peninsula and China influenced ancient Japan, and that Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu, was from Ryukyu. While Akinari supported the notion of continental influence on ancient Japan, Norinaga did not, and while the former was mostly agnostic about Jimmu’s Ryukyuan roots, the latter opposed that as well. Norinaga, however, was not opposed to the idea of ancient ties between Ryukyu and Japan, an issue with which Akinari’s silence seemed to signify some degree of agreement. This commonality between these two intellectual giants demonstrated the extent to which Japanese intellectuals of the Edo period viewed the Ryukyu Kingdom (now Okinawa Prefecture) as occupying an ambivalent geopolitical space, in which it was neither fully foreign nor fully native. At the same time, Akinari’s historiographical approach to Japanese antiquity, which emerged in his debate with Norinaga, exerted an influence on nineteenth-century depictions of Ryukyu’s historical and cultural ties to Japan, chiefly Kyokutei Bakin’s Chinsetsu yumiharizuki (Fantastic Tales of the Moon Bow; 1811). Full article

Platform contracts are a central element of digital work and therefore present a number of legal challenges, in particular with regard to the classification of the legal relationship based on them. In this paper, the two forms of platform work, work on demand via apps and crowdwork, are analysed, with a separate analysis which highlights legal doctrinal inconsistencies. In doing so, we will also discuss the related problematic and varied jurisprudence. This jurisprudence illustrates the complex dispute between the worker and the platform company. Finally, the new Platform Directive of the European Union, which may not hold the key to a real solution to the problem of setting up an appropriate legal qualification system for platform workers, will be analysed. The study is based on the desk-research method, presenting national and EU legislation and case law through qualitative analysis. Full article

This study examines the complex process of Islam’s localization in Sudan, focusing on how hospitality, Sufi dhikr, and Mawlid celebrations integrate with Islamic practices. Drawing on three years of qualitative fieldwork, it demonstrates how Sudan’s geography, ethnic diversity, and historical heritage enable the blending of core religious principles with local customs. Sufi brotherhoods—particularly Qādiriyya, Tījāniyya, Shādhiliyya, and Khatmiyya—play a pivotal role in local culture by incorporating traditional musical, choreographic, and narrative art forms into their rituals, resulting in highly dynamic worship and social interaction. In Sudan, hospitality emerges as a near-sovereign social norm, reflecting the Islamic ethics of charity and mutual assistance while remaining deeply intertwined with local traditions. Islam’s adaptability toward local customs is further illustrated by the vibrant drumming, chanting, and dancing that enhance large-scale Mawlid al-Nabi celebrations, uniting Muslims under a religious identity that goes beyond dogmatic definitions. Beyond their spiritual meanings, these Sufi practices and networks also serve as tools for social cohesion, often functioning as support systems in regions with minimal state presence. They help prevent disputes and foster unity, demonstrating the positive impact of a flexible Islam—one that draws on both scripture and local traditions—on peacebuilding in Sudan. While highlighting the country’s social realities, this study offers insights into how Islam can function as a transformative force within society. Full article

The effects of changes in China’s final demand structure on its forestry sector and associated supply chains have not been thoroughly examined. This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the quantitative relationships and underlying mechanisms between these interactive changes. Using China’s 153-sector input–output tables from the National Bureau of Statistics and applying a Leontief-based input–output model, we conducted scenario simulations through three distinct schemes, generating both quantitative and qualitative results. Our findings indicate that (1) For China’s forestry sector and its entire value chain to thrive, policymakers should boost consumer demand. This can better stimulate the development of forestry and the “agriculture-forestry-animal husbandry-fishery services” sector and related service industries; (2) Increased investment demand effectively stimulates the development of tertiary industries and secondary industries within the forestry supply chain and boosts the demand and production of intermediate products; (3) Changes in net exports have a significant impact on forestry and the forestry industry chain. To reduce dependence on foreign timber resources, China should strategically expand commercial plantation development; (4) Regarding intermediate product production, investment has a more pronounced effect on increasing total volume compared to consumption. Additionally, the Sino–US tariff disputes negatively impact the forestry industries of both countries. China needs to accelerate import substitution strategies for timber products, adjust international trade markets, and expand domestic consumption and investment to ensure the healthy and stable development of its forestry sector. Full article

Background: Well-designed endurance training leads to improved cardiovascular fitness and sports performance in prolonged exercise tasks, with the adaptations depending on multiple factors, including the training modality and the population in question. It is still disputable how the type of training affects myocardial remodeling, and the information on myocardial remodeling by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly scarce. Methods: The current study investigated changes in cardiac structure after volume-progressive HIIT in running mode. As part of their conditioning program, amateur athletes (mean ± SD age of 18.2 ± 1.0 years) exclusively conducted HIIT in a volume-progressive fashion over 7 weeks (a total of 21 sessions). Peak oxygen uptake as well as 200 m and 2000 m running performance were measured, and transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Training improved running performance, increased the peak oxygen uptake and left atrium diameter (from 32.0 ± 2.5 to 33.5 ± 2.3 mm; p = 0.01), and induced ~11% thickening of the left-ventricular posterior wall (7.5 ± 0.7 to 8.2 ± 0.4 mm; p = 0.01) and interventricular septum (7.6 ± 0.7 to 8.6 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.02), but not the dilation of left-ventricular, right-ventricular, or right atrium chambers. Conclusions: HIIT of just 127 km of running per 8.5 h during 7 weeks was sufficient to improve aerobic capacity and running performance, and induce left-ventricular wall hypertrophy and left atrium dilation, in young healthy athletes. Full article

The paper aims to determine the associations of mediators’ religiosity, assessed as self-reported religious belief and religious practice frequency, with their recognition of the existence of a work ethic of mediators, their personal approach to the occupation, their values, their adherence to the rules of mediation, and their perception of its objectives. The article is based on the results of a quantitative study conducted among Polish court mediators (n = 391). It was found that the mediators who were religious believers and regularly practiced their religion were more often convinced about the existence of a work ethic, treated work in their occupation as an opportunity to help people, and remained neutral in disputes, but they were also more inclined to violate the principle of impartiality by being prepared to conduct mediation in their friends or family members’ cases. Our research on mediators’ work ethic may be useful in raising the standards of mediator training in specific areas of specialization, including working with migrants and multicultural communities, enhancing the effectiveness of mediations, improving their quality, and boosting the level of disputants’ satisfaction. Full article

The Shabaosi gold field is located in the western Mohe Basin, part of the northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China, and contains multiple gold deposits. However, the sources of the ore-forming materials, the fluid evolution, and the genesis of these gold deposits have been disputed, especially regarding the classification of these deposits as either epithermal or orogenic gold systems. Based on detailed field geological investigations and previous research, we conducted systematic research on the Shabaosi, Sanshierzhan, Laogou, and Balifang gold deposits using fluid inclusion and H-O-S-Pb isotope data, with the aim of constraining the fluid properties, sources, and mineralization processes. Fluid inclusion analyses reveal diverse types, including vapor-rich, vapor–liquid, CO₂-bearing, CO₂-rich, and pure CO₂. Additionally, only a very limited number of daughter mineral-bearing fluid inclusions have been observed exclusively in the Laogou gold deposit. During the early stages, the peak temperature primarily ranged from 240 °C to 280 °C, with salinity concentrations between 6 and 8 wt% NaCl equiv., representing a medium–low temperature, low salinity, and a heterogeneous CO₂-CH₄-H₂O-NaCl system. With the influx of meteoric water, the fluids evolved gradually into a simple NaCl-H₂O system with low temperatures (160–200 °C) and salinities (4–6 wt%). The main mineralization stage exhibited peak temperatures of 220–260 °C and salinities of 5–8 wt% NaCl equiv., corresponding to an estimated formation depth of 1.4–3.3 km. The δD_V-SMOW values (−138.3‰ to −97.0‰) and δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW values (−7.1‰ to 16.2‰) indicate that the magmatic–hydrothermal fluids were progressively diluted by meteoric water during mineralization. The sulfur isotopic compositions (δ³⁴S = −0.9‰ to 1.8‰) and lead isotopic ratios (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.398–38.579, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.571–15.636, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.386–18.477) demonstrate that the gold predominantly originated from deep magmatic systems, with potential crustal contamination. Comparative analyses indicate that the Shabaosi gold field should be classified as a epizonal orogenic gold system, which shows distinct differences from epithermal gold deposits and corresponds to the extensional tectonic setting during the late-stage evolution of the Mongol–Okhotsk orogenic belt. Full article

Project delays remain a persistent challenge in the construction industry, having significant financial implications and contributing to disputes between project participants. Forensic Delay Analysis (FDA) has emerged as a specialised function that identifies the root causes of such delays, quantifies their duration, and assigns responsibility to the appropriate parties. While FDA is a widely practised process, it has yet to fully exploit the potential of emerging technologies. This study explores the integration of both existing and emerging technologies for enhancing FDA processes. A Design Science Research (DSR) approach is adopted, with data collection methods that involve the use of the literature, archival materials, case studies and survey methods. The research demonstrates how the use of technologies, such as database management systems (DBMSs), building information modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI) and games engines, can improve the analytical efficiency, data management, and presentation of findings through a case study. The study showcases the transformative potential of these interventions in streamlining FDA processes, ultimately leading to more accurate and efficient resolution of construction disputes. The proposed process is exemplified by the development of a prototype: the Forensic Information Modelling Visualiser (FIMViz). The FIMViz is a practical tool that has received positive evaluation by FDA experts. The prototype and the enhanced FDA process model that underpins it demonstrate significant advancement in FDA practices, promoting improved decision-making and collaboration between project participants. Further development is needed, but the results could ultimately streamline the FDA process and minimise the uncertainties in FDA outcomes, thus reducing the incidence of costly disputes to the wider economic benefit of the industry generally. Full article

While many continuous distributions are known, the list of discrete ones (usually derived from counting) often reported is relatively short. This list becomes even shorter when dealing with dichotomous observables: binomial, hypergeometric, negative binomial, and uniform. Binomial distribution is important for medical studies, since a finite sample from a population included in a medical study with yes/no outcome resembles a series of independent Bernoulli trials. The problem of calculating the confidence interval (CI, with conventional risk of 5% or otherwise) is revealed to be a problem of combinatorics. Several algorithms dispute the exact calculation, each according to a formal definition of its exactness. For two algorithms, four previously proposed case studies are provided, for sample sizes of 30, 50, 100, 150, and 300. In these cases, at 1% significance level, ordered sequences defining the confidence bounds were generated for two formal definitions. Images of the error’s alternation are provided and discussed. Both algorithms propose symmetric solutions in terms of both CIs and actual coverage probabilities. The CIs are not symmetric relative to the observed variable, but are mirrored symmetric relative to the middle of the observed variable domain. When comparing the solutions proposed by the algorithms, with the increase in the sample size, the ratio of identical confidence levels is increased and the difference between actual and imposed coverage is shrunk. Full article

Responding to the challenges of global climate change and domestic air pollution, Taiwan revised its energy policy in recent years, introducing an energy transition strategy focused on low-carbon and clean energy. However, if photovoltaic installations are not properly sited, they may have negative impacts on the local environment. Previous research on renewable energy has primarily focused on policy evaluation, with limited attention given to case studies that examine the suitability of site selection for PV system installations. Thus, this study incorporates the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to explore the criteria for evaluating site suitability for ground-mounted PV systems. This study considers existing sites with completed ground-mounted PV systems in Tainan City as case study subjects. The results indicate that the most important factor, as prioritized by experts, is the distance from Class I environmentally sensitive areas, followed by the duration of insolation, proximity to the electrical grid, and distance from residential areas. The evaluation model developed in this study provides a valuable reference for future site selection of ground-mounted PV systems. Establishing dedicated PV energy parks also may offer a viable solution to mitigate disputes related to the deployment of ground-mounted PV systems. Full article

As an emerging e-commerce model, live streaming e-commerce integrates instant interaction, content marketing, and online sales to bring consumers a new shopping experience. However, there are many risks in the process of live e-commerce transactions. Identifying key risk factors and implementing targeted control measures are crucial for promoting the sustainable and healthy development of live streaming e-commerce. This paper firstly constructs a business model of live streaming e-commerce transactions according to the transaction scenario and summarizes 24 risk factors from the three dimensions of live streaming e-commerce platforms, merchants, and anchors based on relevant national standards and other relevant literature. Secondly, the Delphi method is employed to modify and optimize the initial risk factors. On this basis, the social network model of risk factors is constructed to determine the influence relationship among risk factors. By calculating the degree centrality, factor types are segmented, and key risk factors as well as influence paths are identified. Finally, corresponding countermeasures and suggestions are proposed. The results indicate that Credit Evaluation System Perfection, Service Evaluation System Perfection, Qualification Audit Mechanism Perfection, Dispute Complaint Handling Channels Perfection, Risk Identification Mechanism Perfection, Platform Qualification, Merchant Qualification, and Merchant Credit are the critical risk factors affecting live streaming e-commerce transactions. Full article

In response to the growing prevalence of tariffs as instruments of economic policy and strategic competition, this paper introduces a formal mathematical framework for optimizing counter-tariff strategies. We model the global trade ecosystem as a multi-layered, directed, weighted hypergraph, where vertices represent countries, industries, and subindustries, and hyperedges capture complex trade relationships and supply chain dependencies. The proposed framework employs bilevel optimization techniques to maximize strategic impact on target economies while minimizing self-inflicted economic costs. Through integration of graph theory, spectral analysis, and multilevel optimization methods, we develop a rigorous formalism that enables policymakers to identify optimal counter-tariff portfolios under various constraints. Our model explicitly accounts for industrial interdependencies, where export competitiveness depends on imported inputs, thus providing a more realistic representation of global value chains. Case studies applying our model to historical trade disputes demonstrate its capacity to generate superior strategic outcomes compared to conventional approaches. The framework’s axiomatic foundation allows for rapid recalibration in response to shifting economic conditions and policy objectives. Full article

Three different vegetable oils, namely coconut oil, palm olein and olive oil, were analyzed for mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) in our laboratory and in five commercial laboratories well recognized for their expertise in this field. The analysis consisted of a preliminary quantitative estimation of MOH content by hyphenated liquid chromatography–gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (LC-GC-FID), followed by a confirmatory analysis of MOH components by two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-ToF). The results provided by the six laboratories were compared to check their consistency, which would have led to a hypothetical commercial agreement or dispute scenarios, for instance. The comparison was based merely on information provided by the laboratories in their analytical reports (i.e., the methodology was not challenged, and chromatograms were not reviewed). Additionally, some of the laboratories were willing to provide some more information or details of the analysis. Similar quantitative results were provided by all six laboratories, emphasizing the utility of the current available harmonized guidelines and official standards for this method. However, as regards confirmatory results, discrepancies were observed among some laboratories in terms of the detection of MOH markers at low levels and the interpretation of GCxGC-ToF information. Even taking into account the limitation of this study as regards the reduced number of laboratories included, it highlights the need for harmonizing the GCxGC-ToF confirmatory method for MOHs in order to increase the alignment of results between laboratories for this kind of analysis. Full article