Search Results (311)

Urban soundscape management is a central challenge to the livability and sustainability of cities and requires approaches that complement level indicators with frameworks capable of integrating context, use and experience. In this framework, the present work applies a multilayer methodology to the Old Town of Bilbao, understood as a useful case study to explore the applicability of soundscape reading in historic centers with intense coexistence of commercial, hospitality and catering uses, pedestrian, logistical and cultural uses. The methodology is organized into two phases. The first focuses on the recording and documentation of control points and routes through sound fieldwork, perceptual descriptions and homogeneous systematization of information. From this corpus, a qualified sound map and a first visual characterization of the sound identity are elaborated. The second phase presented in this article, consists of the interpretative synthesis of the corpus through five analytical dimensions and the preparation of fragments and sound sequences conceived for future application through reactivated listening. The results are presented at three levels: (1) a traceable documentary corpus of records, files and synthetic representations; (2) a comparative reading by dimensions that identifies spatial contrasts between interior, exterior and perimeter, as well as relationships between urban form, uses, persistence, masking and salience; and (3) a set of operational audio materials prepared for subsequent comparison with inhabitants and users. In a transversal way, type–token reading distinguishes between the diversity of sounds and dominance by repetition. The article does not yet carry out participatory validation of these materials; its contribution consists of proposing and applying a traceable analytical protocol as a basis for future phases of social contrast and applied discussion. Full article

Multimodal freight transportation networks are increasingly exposed to natural and human-made disruptions, yet prior research remains fragmented in how disruptions are represented, which modeling techniques are applied, and how results are validated, limiting comparability and actionable guidance for resilient planning. This study presents a PRISMA-guided systematic review of disruption modeling in multimodal freight networks. A total of 21 studies were identified and coded to address three research questions concerning (RQ1) which analytical and computational modeling techniques are applied; (RQ2) to what extent models represent cross-modal interdependencies, cascading failures, and recovery processes; and (RQ3) what validation, calibration, and empirical testing strategies are employed. The review shows that optimization-based approaches and hybrid frameworks dominate the literature, complemented by fewer network science and data-driven methods. Most studies model disruptions as node/link failures and/or capacity degradation using static single-event scenarios, and explicit representations of cascading effects, operational delay propagation, and time-evolving recovery trajectories remain relatively rare. While many studies rely on real network data, formal calibration and historical backtesting against observed disruption events are uncommon, and validation is primarily case study-based. These findings highlight the need for more dynamic resilience modeling, stronger uncertainty quantification, standardized reporting of performance and resilience metrics, and greater use of empirically grounded validation to improve the generalizability and decision relevance of multimodal freight resilience models. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into cybersecurity tools to improve threat detection, anomaly identification, and incident response. However, organisations, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often struggle to discover, evaluate, and effectively use AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions due to skills gaps, usability challenges, and fragmented tool ecosystems. This paper presents the advaNced cybErsecurity awaReness ecOsystem for SMEs (NERO), a human-centric cybersecurity ecosystem that combines a cybersecurity marketplace with a competency-based training and awareness platform to support the practical adoption of advanced cybersecurity technologies. The NERO Marketplace enables structured discovery, comparison, and assessment of cybersecurity tools based on usability, operational relevance, and competency alignment. Complementing this, the NERO Training Platform delivers modular, multi-modal training aligned with the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) to develop the human competencies required to operate advanced cybersecurity systems. This study contributes a socio-technical framework that addresses the gap between AI tool availability and organisational readiness through ECSF role-based competency mapping and iterative design-based evaluation. The platform targets technical roles like Cybersecurity Implementer to ensure training is aligned with the operational requirements of critical infrastructure protection. Results from cross-sector SME training activities show measurable improvements in cybersecurity awareness, knowledge, and user satisfaction, with knowledge gains exceeding 30% in some modules. Finally, the paper provides a structural mapping of these cross-sectoral results to the maritime defence domain, specifically addressing legacy OT systems and intermittent connectivity constraints. Full article

This article explores the role of Christian ethics in fostering community development within the South African context. Guided by the central question, how can Christian ethics contribute to sustainable and equitable community development in South Africa? The study examines the ethical principles and theological values that can address pressing societal issues, including poverty, inequality, and social fragmentation. Sub-questions include: What ethical frameworks within Christian thought support transformative social engagement? How can churches and faith-based organisations mobilise communities for collective action and empowerment? The analysis is grounded in a Christian-ethical framework shaped primarily by liberation theology’s emphasis on justice, the preferential option for the poor, and transformative social engagement, complemented by insights from African communitarian ethics and Protestant moral traditions. The study emphasises the importance of integrating Christian ethics into community development strategies, highlighting their potential to inspire moral responsibility, promote social cohesion, and drive holistic well-being. By aligning ethical reflection with practical application, this article offers a critical framework for understanding how faith-based principles can catalyse meaningful societal change. This investigation is significant as it provides actionable insights for religious leaders, policymakers, and development practitioners working to advance community resilience and justice in South Africa. This article contributes to a deeper understanding of how Christian ethics are vital for transforming societies. It offers insights for scholars and practitioners seeking to enhance community development within South Africa. Full article

Urban micromobility systems are increasingly deployed to support sustainable transportation goals; however, their overall sustainability performance remains inconsistently assessed across environmental, social, economic, and operational dimensions. This study proposes a conceptual framework for evaluating the sustainability of urban micromobility systems, with a particular focus on e-scooters. It clarifies and restructures fragmented indicators into distinct, non-overlapping sustainability dimensions. The framework is structured around five impact areas: Environment, Economy, Users, Transport Performance, and Safety, complemented by two enabling components, namely the legal framework and business model, which are conceptualized as preconditions for system feasibility rather than performance dimensions. Building on existing sustainability assessment literature, the framework consolidates established indicators while introducing micromobility-adapted and context-specific indicators, such as service availability and operational characteristics, to better capture the distinctive features of shared micromobility systems. The resulting framework provides a structured and flexible tool for researchers, planners, and policymakers, emphasizing that micromobility sustainability depends not only on measured impacts, but also on governance, operational design, and local implementation conditions. Full article

Edible insects are increasingly recognized as sustainable and nutrient-dense ingredients with potential applications across diverse food systems. While their use in solid foods has been widely explored, the incorporation of insect-derived ingredients into beverages remains fragmented and insufficiently conceptualized. This narrative review critically examines the current state of insect-based beverages, integrating technological, nutritional, cultural, and market-oriented perspectives. Rather than adopting a fully systematic review methodology, this article synthesizes representative scientific literature, traditional practices, and emerging commercial examples to explore how edible insects are being positioned within two distinct yet complementary pathways: (i) functional beverages targeting nutrition, gut health, sports performance, immunity, and meal replacement, and (ii) experiential beverages driven by culinary storytelling, tradition, ritual, and sensory innovation, such as insect-infused beers and spirits. Relevant sources were identified through searches of major scientific databases using combinations of keywords such as edible insects, entomophagy, insect-based beverages, functional beverages, and insect protein, with emphasis on peer-reviewed literature published mainly over the past two decades, complemented by representative examples of traditional practices and emerging commercial products. The review discusses the nutritional and biofunctional potential of insect-derived proteins, lipids, and chitin-related components, with particular emphasis on their behavior in liquid matrices, including solubility, stability, flavor impact, and processing constraints. Technological challenges associated with beverage formulations are critically assessed. In parallel, consumer perception is examined through the lens of neophobia, sensory expectations, and the role of cultural framing and gastronomy in facilitating acceptance. By bridging food science, beverage technology, and food culture, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and research priorities for advancing insect-based beverages beyond niche applications. It argues that future development in this field will depend not only on technological optimization and a regulatory framework, but also on the deliberate design of products that integrate functionality with meaningful culinary and cultural narratives. Full article

Human–Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are increasingly important in vehicles and other safety-critical systems, yet approaches to their usability and User eXperience (UX) evaluation remain fragmented. This systematic literature review investigates how HMIs are empirically evaluated across domains, with a primary focus on automotive HMIs, complemented by evidence from related safety-critical domains. The review examines UX and usability evaluation methodologies, tools, standards, and technological trends reported in recent research. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2025 were considered if they addressed empirical usability or UX evaluation of HMIs. Searches were conducted in Scopus and ScienceDirect databases following PRISMA guidelines. From n = 659 records initially identified, n = 82 papers were included in the final analysis. The literature was synthesized using a descriptive and narrative approach, focusing on evaluation contexts, testing methodologies, sensor-based tools, applied standards, and assessment metrics. Most papers investigated automotive HMIs, while fewer addressed aerospace, industrial, maritime, and other safety-critical applications. Simulation-based user testing emerged as the dominant evaluation approach, frequently supported by eye-tracking and physiological sensing technologies and subjective evaluation questionnaires. A more detailed analysis revealed that adherence to international standards (e.g., ISO 9241 and ISO 26262) was not always consistently evident. Overall, the evidence highlights substantial methodological heterogeneity, fragmented adoption of standards, and limited cross-domain comparability. While today UX and usability evaluation can benefit from continuous technological advances, the field lacks standardized and replicable assessment protocols. Future research should prioritize stronger integration of standards, multimodal evaluation approaches, and longitudinal study designs. Full article

Portugal’s demographic ageing calls for effective strategies to address mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, fragmented evidence on digital tools limits their clinical application. This review aimed to map the landscape of validated digital cognitive rehabilitation platforms in Portugal for older adults with MCI and AD and to analyze their effectiveness, usability, and implementation barriers. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, seven studies published between 2015 and 2025 were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, complemented by manual searches and platform website analysis. Methodological quality, assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools, ranged from 69% to 100%. The included studies evaluated platforms such as the Systemic Lisbon Battery (SLB), Digi&Mind, NeuroVRehab.PT, and the Fit4Alz project. Findings indicate improvements in global cognition, executive functioning, and attention. Multimodal interventions combining digital cognitive training and physical exercise produced more consistent cognitive benefits than isolated approaches. Despite initially low digital literacy among older adults, high adherence and motivation were reported, supported by gamification, user-centred design, and cultural adaptation. Although Portuguese digital platforms show strong potential for cognitive rehabilitation, the evidence base is constrained by methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and short intervention durations. Future research should prioritize long-term follow-up and remote monitoring through telerehabilitation. Full article

Background: Despite its high vaccination coverage, pertussis remains a public health concern due to waning vaccine-induced immunity and the emergence of pertactin (Prn)-negative strains. Nevertheless, anti-Prn antibodies and memory B cells elicited by vaccinations may contribute to long-term immunity and protection against Prn-positive strains. While most vaccination studies focus on serum antibodies, data on memory B cells remain limited. Methods: In this study, we implemented a flow cytometry-based approach to characterize Prn-specific B-cell fluctuations following Tdap booster vaccination in five healthy adults. Total and Prn- and tetanus toxoid fragment C (TTC)-specific plasma cells and memory B cells were analyzed at baseline and at 7, 14, 21, and 90 days post-vaccination using Prn Klickmers^® and TTC tetramers. Following this, cellular responses were correlated with antigen-specific serum IgG and IgA levels. Results: Prn-specific and TTC-specific memory B cells increased on days 14 and 7 post-vaccination, respectively, accompanied by a phenotypic shift from IgMD+ to IgG+ cells. Clear expansions of total as well as Prn- and TTC-specific plasma cells occurred on day 7. These plasma cells primarily comprised IgG+, but an increase in Prn-specific IgA+ plasma cells was also observed. The numbers of Prn-specific IgG+ memory B cells on day 7 post-vaccination correlated weakly with serum anti-Prn IgG levels at later time points. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to use flow cytometry to evaluate Prn-specific B-cell responses and report their fluctuations over time following vaccination. These findings support the potential of this method to complement serological assays and improve our understanding of vaccine-induced immunity. Full article

Urban green infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing environmental resilience in cities, particularly in arid regions characterized by water scarcity, soil salinity, and high climatic stress. However, arid coastal cities remain insufficiently studied with regard to spatially explicit assessments of the structure and dynamics of green infrastructure. This study evaluates the state and spatial organization of urban green infrastructure in Aktau, Kazakhstan, over the period 2015–2025, with the most recent satellite observations obtained in June 2025. Sentinel-2 satellite imagery was used to calculate seasonal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) values, and zonal statistics were applied to assess intra-urban differentiation across functional zones. In addition, inventory-based indicators—Green Planting Density (GPD), Structural Composition of Greenery (SCG), and Protective Green Infrastructure (PGI)—were integrated to complement the remote sensing analysis. The results indicate a moderate overall increase in mean NDVI values (from 0.21 to 0.28), with the most significant growth observed in central and coastal areas (ΔNDVI = +0.12; ΔSAVI = +0.21), while industrial and newly developed zones exhibit only limited changes. Despite these localized improvements, the spatial configuration of green infrastructure remains fragmented, reflecting a persistent center–periphery asymmetry in urban greening. These results underline the importance of irrigation practices and spatially targeted greening strategies for improving vegetation conditions in arid urban environments. The proposed integrated approach combining satellite-derived vegetation indices and inventory-based indicators can serve as a useful tool for monitoring urban green infrastructure and supporting evidence-based planning in arid coastal cities. Full article

Schistosomiasis japonicum transmission in Indonesia has declined substantially over recent decades, placing it in the last miles of elimination in the Western Pacific Region. As programmes transition from control to interruption of transmission, surveillance systems must be capable of detecting residual transmission. This study synthesised routine epidemiological data from 2015 to 2025 to assess Indonesia’s readiness for elimination and to identify key surveillance gaps in near-elimination settings. Descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted using national surveillance data from two endemic districts in Central Sulawesi, complemented by programme reports on mass drug administration, human diagnosis, animal reservoir surveillance, and snail surveys. Results showed that while prevalence in humans has remained low and responsive to mass drug administration, transmission persists through infected animal reservoirs and intermediate snail hosts. Surveillance performance is constrained by limited diagnostic capacity, inconsistent snail survey coverage, fragmented paper-based reporting systems, and weak integration across human, animal, and environmental sectors. These findings indicated that low prevalence in humans alone is insufficient to demonstrate interruption of transmission, particularly in zoonotic schistosomiasis. In conclusion, Indonesia’s experience highlights the need to strengthen near-elimination surveillance through sensitive diagnostics, integrated One Health approaches, and digitally enabled data systems to sustain elimination and support future verification of schistosomiasis transmission interruption. Full article

Growing water scarcity across the European Union (EU) increases the need for improved water-use efficiency in water-intensive sectors such as recreational facilities. This study evaluates the feasibility of integrating alternative water sources—including rainwater, graywater, and filter backwash water—into swimming pool operations through a comparative analysis of EU legislation and selected national regulatory frameworks. The study is based on a structured desk review of scientific literature, legal documents, and technical standards published between 2010 and 2025, complemented by a qualitative SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Previous studies indicate that public swimming pool facilities may consume approximately 20–50 m³ of water per day, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative water supply strategies. However, regulatory fragmentation and the absence of harmonized EU-level quality standards for recreational water reuse remain the main barriers to wider implementation. While Regulation (EU) 2020/741 establishes minimum requirements for reclaimed water reuse in agricultural irrigation, no dedicated framework exists for swimming pool facilities. Among the analyzed options, rainwater harvesting and graywater reuse appear to be the most feasible solutions. Clearer regulatory guidance and risk-management procedures could support the safe adoption of alternative water sources and contribute to improving water-use efficiency in the recreational sector. Full article

A miniaturized variant of the artificial luciferase (ALuc), named picALuc, has been generated through the deletion of N- and C-terminal residues in ALuc. Although picALuc is small and active, questions remain regarding its the structural organization and inter-residue interactions in the protein. Here, combining computational analysis and mutational studies, we show that the E50A mutation in picALuc results in an increased bioluminescence activity of the protein. Specifically, we generated a structural model of picALuc using the available structure of the Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) that revealed a ‘hole’ in the structure due to the deletion of N-terminal α-helices. Gaussian-accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulation revealed a rapid ‘compaction’ of the picALuc structure during the initial phase of the simulation and a number of residues such as E10, E50, and D94 showed salt bridge interactions. Mutation of the residues E10, E50, and D94 individually to an A revealed increased bioluminescence activity of the E50A mutant, while E10A and D94A mutants showed activities similar to the WT protein in living cells. In vitro assays revealed an increase in the V_max of the E50A mutant, while K_half and thermal stability of the mutant remained unchanged. Further, dynamic cross-correlation and principal component analyses of the GaMD simulation trajectories of the WT and the E50A mutant picALuc revealed altered collective dynamics in the protein. Finally, we developed a protein fragment complementation assay using picALuc that allows for the monitoring protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in live cells. We envisage that the brighter picALuc reported here will find broad applicability in developing bioluminescence-based assays. Full article

Autoantibodies targeting α6β4 integrin have been identified in individual patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP). Reactivity against α6 integrin has been associated with oral lesions, while anti-β4 integrin reactivity has been linked to ocular involvement. However, the pathogenic effects of these antibodies have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the pathogenic potential of anti-α6 and anti-β4 integrin IgG both in vitro and in vivo. Immune complexes of anti-α6 and anti-β4 integrin induced the release of reactive oxygen species from normal human leukocytes and stimulated CXCL2 secretion in cultured murine C5N keratinocytes. In vivo, repeated injections of IgG against a recombinant fragment of β4 integrin into C57BL/6 mice led to palpebral conjunctival swelling and mild oral lesions. The latter was observed following injection of IgG against a recombinant fragment of α6 integrin. Histopathological analysis revealed subepithelial inflammatory infiltrates without evidence of split formation. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy showed linear deposits of IgG at the basement membrane zone in most tissues, whereas C3 deposition was largely absent. This lack of complement activation was corroborated by a complement fixation assay, which confirmed that IgG against α6 and β4 integrin failed to induce C3 deposition in normal murine conjunctivae, buccal mucosa, or skin. Collectively, these findings indicate that IgG autoantibodies against α6 and β4 integrin exhibit pathogenic activity in vitro and induce mild disease in vivo, possibly due in part to relatively inefficient complement activation in this model. Full article

The convergence of climate change, migration, and health represents a critical global challenge, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region illustrating acute vulnerabilities while offering insight relevant beyond the region. Increasing exposure to extreme heat, droughts, and floods drives displacement, constrained mobility, and adaptive migration, placing additional pressure on already stretched health systems. This paper proposes an integrated Nexus Action Framework for Climate Change, Migration, and Health (NAF-CMH) to address these interlinked dynamics and move beyond fragmented, sector-specific responses. The framework conceptualizes human mobility both as a potential resilience strategy and as a determinant of health, encompassing climate-affected migrants, displaced populations, and those experiencing involuntary immobility across diverse pathways and settings. It promotes systematic integration of health considerations into climate adaptation and migration governance and situates these interventions within the broader agenda of climate-resilient health systems. Drawing on a non-systematic narrative review of peer-reviewed and grey literature, complemented by the authors’ expertise, the paper identifies seven interrelated pillars for coordinated policy and operational action. While grounded in MENA-specific vulnerabilities, the framework is flexible and adaptable to other regions facing climate-driven mobility challenges. By providing an operational architecture for multisector collaboration, the NAF-CMH supports policymakers, public health authorities, and migration actors in strengthening resilience, reducing vulnerability and safeguarding health amid accelerating climate impacts and evolving mobility patterns. Full article