Search Results (3,277)

Generative AI has rapidly entered college writing classrooms, raising practical questions about how student texts are changing and what that means for instruction. This study analyzes 255 final-draft analytical essays written in first-year writing classes across three instructional contexts—pre-Gen-AI (Winter/Spring 2022), AI-prohibited, and AI-permitted with specified uses (Winter/Spring 2024). We combined holistic quality ratings of essays with Coh-Metrix indices of writing volume, lexicality, referential cohesion, and syntax. Analytically, we estimated a regression of essay quality on class type and demographics, and MANCOVAs (with essay score and demographics as covariates) for the four linguistic constructs. Essay quality did not differ by AI policy. However, compared to 2022, essays of AI-permitted classes were organized into fewer but shorter paragraphs; displayed greater lexical diversity and used less frequent, less familiar vocabulary; showed lower local and global anaphor overlap (other cohesion indices were stable); and exhibited lower verb-phrase, passive, and negation densities but higher gerund density. We interpret these as selective redistributions of linguistic resources rather than uniform gains or losses. For instructors, the actionable implication is two-fold: leverage AI-era gains in lexical precision while explicitly teaching referential continuity and clause-level strategies that sustain argumentative coherence. Full article

The rapid diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing has reshaped how consumers interact with digital content and evaluate ethical aspects of firms. The present study examines how familiarity with and trust in AI shape consumers’ acceptance of AI-based advertising and, in turn, their ethical purchasing behavior. Data were collected from 505 Greek consumers through an online survey and analyzed using hierarchical and logistic regression models. Reliability and validity tests confirmed the robustness of the measurement instruments. The results show that familiarity with AI technologies significantly enhances trust and ethical confidence toward AI systems. In turn, trust in AI strongly predicts the consumers’ acceptance of AI-driven advertising, while acceptance positively affects ethical consumption intentions. The findings also confirm a mediating relationship, indicating that acceptance of AI-based advertising transmits the effect of AI rust to ethical consumption. By integrating ethical and technological dimensions within a single behavioral model, the study provides a more comprehensive view of how consumers form attitudes toward AI-enabled marketing. Overall, the findings highlight that transparent and responsible AI practices can strengthen brand credibility, foster ethical engagement, and support more sustainable consumer choices. Full article

Practices with medical cyclotrons to produce PET radiopharmaceuticals in Latin America represent a technological advance for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer, but they involve occupational risks due to exposure to ionizing radiation. This study evaluates the perception of risk in 46 radiopharmacy service workers in 13 countries in the region (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Dominican Republic and Venezuela), analyzing differences by gender and age. The questionnaire, validated by reliability analysis (Cronbach’s coefficient α > 0.7), was statistically analyzed with means, standard deviations (SD) and standard errors (SE), 95% confidence intervals (Student’s t-distribution), and coefficients of variation (CV) to assess the dispersion of each variable. The results reveal general underestimation in dimensions such as reversibility of consequences (SD = 0.7142, SE = 0.1053) and familiarity (SD = 0.8410, SE = 0.124), promoting complacency, while immediacy of consequences shows overestimation (SD = 0.9760, SE = 0.1439), amplifying anxiety. By gender, women tend to overestimate (e.g., immediacy = 2.5) and men underestimate (e.g., confidence = 1.78); by age, young people (26–45 years old) overestimate more than older people (≥46 years old). These deviations, with high QoL indicating heterogeneity, suggest interventions such as continuous training, real-time monitoring, and communication campaigns to balance perception. Practical recommendations include job rotations to reduce underestimation due to familiarity and simulations to mitigate emotional overestimation, which are aligned with IAEA regulations (GSR Part 3, SSG-46) to promote a sustainable safety culture. Full article

This article explores the use of borrowed chants and melodies to create and affirm sanctity in late medieval martyr saints’ liturgies, with a focus on Jan Hus, St Adalbert, and St Demetrius within the Bohemian and Hungarian liturgical traditions. Common, Semi-Common, and Proper chants with contrafacted melodies played an important role in providing intertextual nuance and establishing a shared sound with earlier repertories. This shared context then imbued both familiarity and authority on the new chants, and therefore the celebration, legitimising a new feast from its inception and adding a layer of sonic complexity reaching beyond the words. The borrowed sounds thus underpinned the sanctity of the new feasts and anchored new liturgical practices within established musical traditions. Full article

Ultrasound is the primary, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating renal anatomy and function in both acute and chronic settings. Familiarity with normal kidney morphology, cortical and parenchymal thickness, echogenicity, and Doppler parameters is essential for differentiating normal findings from early manifestations of disease. This review summarizes established reference ranges and anatomical variants from the 1950s to 2025, highlighting differences related to age, sex, body habitus, and ethnicity. Practical emphasis is placed on the interpretation of renal size, cortical thickness, echogenicity, and resistive indices in clinical scenarios such as chronic kidney disease, renovascular hypertension, acute obstruction, and renal transplantation. By integrating sonographic measurements with clinical and laboratory findings, clinicians can achieve timely diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and guide therapeutic decisions while minimizing the need for invasive or radiation-based imaging. Full article

The transition to sustainable food systems requires communication strategies that resonate with consumers’ values, not only technological innovation. This study examines how values-centric communication can shape German consumers’ responses to alternative proteins, focusing on insect-based snacks. A desk-based synthesis of recent studies, guided by Schwartz’s value theory, identified Tradition and Security as dominant drivers of food choice and yielded five communication requirements: Cultural familiarity, Emotional safety, Simplicity and clarity, Trust and credibility, and Routine integration. These were operationalised into communication guidelines and short on-pack claims, which were applied to a refined packaging prototype. An exploratory focus group (N = 7) then compared reactions to the original versus the refined packaging, analysed using McGuire’s communication–persuasion stages. Within this small exploratory group, participants reported that familiar formats, a reassuring tone, clear visual hierarchy, and salient trust cues made them more willing to consider trying the product, whereas information overload, claim–image incongruence, value-incongruent brand naming, and delayed recognition of insect content appeared to impede acceptance. The study contributes an integrative analytic lens combining Schwartz’s value theory with McGuire’s model and a set of testable guidelines for value-aligned food communication. Because the empirical evidence is based on a single small student focus group with fixed presentation order, bundled manipulations, and hypothetical intentions, these results are exploratory and self-reported and should be interpreted cautiously; future research should employ counterbalanced factorial designs with behavioural outcomes. Full article

Background: The importance of integrating enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in gynecologic oncology has been proven in numerous studies. However, the actual adherence to protocol among institutions remains inconsistent in clinical practice, particularly among those without prior structured implementation. This pragmatic multicenter study provides a preliminary report from the ongoing ERGO (Enhanced Recovery in Gynecologic Oncology) cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06655506) and aims to evaluate adherence to enhanced recovery protocols during the early phases of its adoption as well as identify factors that determine low uptake. Methods: Overall, 300 consecutive patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery across five institutions were included in the present study. Adherence to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative enhanced recovery elements was documented using standardized forms. Optimal adherence was predetermined as fulfillment of more than 70% of the enhanced recovery components included in the pathway. Multinomial analysis was used to identify predictors of adherence. Results: Overall, 70.3% of patients achieved optimal adherence; however, rates varied across centers (26.9–84.4%), reflecting the limited institutional familiarity with enhanced recovery pathways in most participating centers. The actual volume of cases handled was an important determinant of adherence, with high-volume units consistently demonstrating substantially higher compliance compared with lower-volume hospitals. Routine preoperative items demonstrated high uptake, whereas several intraoperative and early postoperative components showed low and heterogeneous implementation, which might be the result of anesthesiology-driven practices. Higher surgical complexity and poorer performance status independently predicted reduced adherence. Visual mapping confirmed that complex procedures resulted in lower adherence. Conclusions: The significant variability in enhanced recovery protocol adherence that was observed in our study indicates the need to institute structured workflows that help increase team familiarization, particularly in high-complexity cases and centers new to these elements. Full article

Classical thermodynamics (CT) has become integrated into everyday life, especially through its applications in engineering. In contrast, out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics (OET) is often viewed as a fundamental science that seems distant from daily experiences. While “energy” is a familiar term in households, “entropy,” which refers to degraded energy, remains enigmatic. This gap in understanding has significant implications for developing effective sustainability practices. CT typically emphasizes the efficiency of individual systems that produce work, often overlooking the entropy production that occurs within larger, interconnected systems. This paper aims to establish a philosophical framework that transforms OET into what is referred to as “lived thermodynamics.” This framework is grounded in pragmatism, particularly drawing from the early synthesis of thermodynamics and evolutionary theory proposed by Charles S. Peirce. A central aspect of this approach involves shifting the focus from traditional “systems” to out-of-equilibrium assemblages. In these assemblages, the physical trends of entropy production are often interrupted and redirected by evolutionary innovations and random events. The evolving envelope of open systems within these assemblages manifests an increasing rate of entropy production. This synthesis of thermodynamics and evolutionary theory builds on Lotka’s pioneering contributions and contemporary theories, particularly Vermeij’s work on the evolution of power. The framework introduces a sustainability criterion based on entropy. By applying this criterion, OET can evolve into “lived thermodynamics,” fostering a holistic understanding of energy use in devices and technological systems while considering the broader implications of entropy production in the out-of-equilibrium assemblages in which we live. Full article

Salmonella is a Gram-negative enteric bacterium responsible for the foodborne and waterborne disease salmonellosis, which was the second most reported foodborne gastrointestinal infection in humans in the European Union in 2023. Animals represent the principal reservoir of this pathogen, with animal-derived food products serving as the main route of transmission to humans. In a household context, having numerous animals can be a crucial factor for contracting Salmonella spp. infection. In the present study, we report a case of a familiar outbreak of Salmonella Thompson that occurred in 2024 in central Italy, involving an infant and the companion animals (a dog, a cat and ten birds) of the family’s farm. To support the epidemiological investigations, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were conducted on strains from the human case and from animals. Eleven strains were isolated in total, from fecal samples collected from the child and the animals at different times. WGS confirmed the genetic relatedness between human and animal isolates, supporting the hypothesis of a shared source of infection, but genes or plasmid involved in antibiotic resistance were not found. Moreover, AST revealed that isolates were fully susceptible to major antimicrobial classes tested. Despite being an uncommon serotype, the involved Salmonella Thompson serovar 6,7: k:1,5 O:7 (C1) demonstrated a high pathogenic potential, emphasizing the need for vigilance even toward serotypes not typically associated with major public health concerns. Moreover, these findings underscore the critical need for an integrated One Health approach to effectively monitor, prevent, and control zoonotic infections. Full article

This paper seeks to study the religious persecution faced by Indian Christians. To address the topic, the researcher interviewed 30 members of the Indian Christian community living in Canada. The participants were asked questions about their familiarity with anti-Christian discrimination followed by questions on whether they had experienced discrimination, felt pressure to convert away from Christianity, or seen vandalism against churches and other sites. The participants were also asked whether they believe Christians are a forgotten minority. Results showed that while participants were aware of anti-Christian discrimination in the country, few experienced it, witnessed vandalism, or felt pressure to convert. The participants were divided on the question of being a forgotten minority in India. The paper revealed that tensions between Indian Christians and the government appear centred more on political issues rather than religious differences. Full article

Like with skin, both men and women—regardless of ethnicity—gradually lose satisfaction with changes in hair brought about by ageing. Especially when such transition is apparent by others, and that the hair condition has a significant role in an individual’s overall physical appearance and self-perception. Beyond the familiar age-related signs such as hair greying, hair loss, and hair fragility, this review includes current knowledge of biological processes underlying hair pigmentation and hair growth, highlights variations in gender and ethnicity, as well as delineates hair fibre diameter, ellipticity, and elasticity properties that collectively contribute to the characteristics of aged hair. Additionally, in view of the rising importance of enhancing scalp skin health to promote healthy hair growth, the latter part of the review focuses on age-associated alterations to the scalp skin and its microbiome. Consideration of the morphological changes in the hair fibre, biological processes occurring within the hair follicle and its enveloping scalp environment provide a unique, holistic overview of hair and scalp changes during ageing. Finally, after acknowledging the impact caused by chronological ageing and environmental stresses, it is important to recognise that healthy tresses are largely influenced by scalp skin care, and this stimulates the advancement of appropriate cosmetic solutions that help delay or improve the appearance of aged hair. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cephalic-phase insulin responses (CPIRs) are characterized as the pre-absorptive release of insulin triggered by sensory stimuli associated with eating or drinking. CPIRs are beneficial because they reduce postprandial elevations in blood glucose. Methods: We investigated whether the flavor of two different types of laboratory chow elicits a CPIR in mice (C57BL/6). Results: First, we tried unsuccessfully to replicate a prior report that a single bite from a familiar chow pellet elicits a CPIR. Second, we determined that a minimum of 15 s of chewing on a familiar chow was necessary to elicit a CPIR. Third, we asked whether the chow-induced CPIR required prior exposure to the same chow. We tested the responses to a standard and a purified chow, which had similar macronutrient compositions. Mice raised on standard chow generated a CPIR to standard chow but not the novel purified chow. After 4 (but not 2) weeks of exposure to the purified chow, however, the mice generated a CPIR to it. Likewise, mice raised on purified chow generated a CPIR to purified chow but not to the novel standard chow. After 2–4 weeks of exposure to standard chow, however, the mice conditioned a CPIR to it. It follows that mice had to condition CPIRs to each type of chow. Fourth, we established that olfactory impairment eliminated the conditioned CPIR to standard chow (when it was familiar), but not to purified chow (when it was familiar). Conclusions: The flavor of familiar chow reliably triggered a CPIR in mice, but this response had to be conditioned through dietary exposure. Olfaction was a critical component of the conditioned stimulus for standard but not purified chow. Full article

Background: We investigated the role of pharmacists in adverse event (AE) management during renal cell carcinoma (RCC) drug therapy by surveying patients, physicians, and pharmacists. We identified the types of AEs for which pharmacist involvement is beneficial and explored measures to promote pharmacist intervention. Methods: This was an ad hoc analysis of a questionnaire-based cross-sectional web survey conducted from May to June 2022 among patients undergoing RCC drug therapy, physicians prescribing RCC treatments, and pharmacists involved in oncology care in Japan. Results: A total of 83 patients with metastatic RCC, 165 physicians, and 218 pharmacists were included. Among patients, 28.9% reported experiencing AEs or symptoms requiring pharmacist intervention. Most physicians (78.2%) and pharmacists (96.3%) supported pharmacist involvement in AE management. Notably, 35.6% of patients who reported no AEs or symptoms requiring pharmacist intervention acknowledged difficulty in communicating AEs to their physicians. Regarding desired pharmacist interventions for AEs, patients prioritized rash/pruritus, fatigue, and diarrhea; physicians emphasized stomatitis and anorexia; pharmacists identified constipation, stomatitis, and diarrhea. The most common reason patients valued pharmacist involvement was the reassurance of support from multiple healthcare providers. Physicians and pharmacists valued pharmacists’ greater familiarity with AE management, particularly considering physicians’ limited time. Raising awareness among patients and healthcare professionals, patient requests, and improving institutional support were strategies to enhance pharmacist involvement. Over 86% of healthcare professionals considered pharmaceutical outpatient clinics necessary to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusions: This study highlights widespread support among patients, physicians, and pharmacists for pharmacist involvement in managing AEs during RCC drug therapy. Full article

(1) Background: Ankle joint range of motion is recognized as abnormal in individuals with ankle sprains and Chronic ankle instability (CAI), especially in the dorsiflexion movement. This research investigated the test–retest and inter-rater reliability of the Motustech Beyond IMU for dorsiflexion movement following only one hour of rater training and familiarization. (2) Methods: In total, 62 subjects were evaluated for the inter-rater reliability and test–retest with a one-week interval. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), along with the Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC), was determined for each test of reliability. Standard error of measurement, coefficients of variation, limits of agreement (LoA) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were used for the measurement error analysis. (3) Results: Test–retest reliability was ranked excellent (ICC = 0.949) and very high (CCC = 0.897) for both ankle dorsiflexion measurements. On the other hand, Inter-Rater reliability was evaluated as good (ICC = 0.881–0.906) and very high (CCC = 0.783–0.811). However, the measurement error analysis showed poor absolute agreement (LoA), indicating that the resulting measurement variability is considered clinically unacceptable for high-precision applications. (4) Conclusions: Beyond Inertial demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability for ankle dorsiflexion movements, although measurement error analysis showed considerable absolute error. Consequently, it may be considered a reliable tool for single-rater monitoring of ankle dorsiflexion ROM in non-clinical settings such as general physical activity and amateur sports. Future research should investigate its potential role in injury prevention contexts. Full article

With support from European funding, a digital picture book library was developed to assist families with limited access to age-appropriate books in a familiar language. This study examines how a multilingual group of families engaged with the library. Specifically, it investigates the frequency of visits, the range of titles accessed, the extent of rereading, the navigational strategies used to support comprehension, and the languages chosen during reading. Log data were collected over approximately four months in two kindergarten groups (28 users) and one childcare center serving 3-year-old children (48 users). About one-third of participants read at least one complete book, although most did so only once or a few times. Among families who used the library more consistently, all titles were accessed, and many were reread. Some users showed remarkable navigation patterns: they repeatedly revisited early scenes, suggesting a self-guided strategy for building familiarity before progressing through the story. Despite the multilingual backgrounds of the families, books were read predominantly in the societal language. Overall, the findings suggest that the digital library is appealing to families and, when implemented on a broader scale, has the potential to support the language development of a substantial number of children. Full article