Search Results (1,555)

Millions of puppies are welcomed into the homes of families around the world each year. However, understanding the ways in which puppies are bred and raised by their breeders, as well as the perspectives and perceptions underpinning these practices, is still in its infancy. The current study administered an online survey to 200 Australian dog breeders to investigate their breeding program characteristics, breeding dog selection, understanding of the importance of early experiences in puppyhood, and the extent and diversity of their puppy rearing and socialisation practices. Results indicated that breeders were motivated by breed improvement and producing dogs for themselves rather than providing companion dogs, despite most of their puppies being placed in companionship roles. The participating breeders also acknowledged the important role they play in shaping puppies’ behaviour and temperament, which was reflected in both their breeding dog selection and in their rearing and socialisation practices. The majority of breeders housed their litters within their residence for the initial weeks of life but the socialisation experiences they provided were variable in type and frequency. Longer-term breeders and those with larger, more intensive programs reported providing human-focused socialisation experiences less frequently, though the correlational nature of these findings require cautious interpretation. Whilst future research should endeavor to explore these results more comprehensively among a more diverse sample, these findings provide valuable insight into the breeding, rearing, and socialisation process undertaken by dog breeders in Australia. Full article

With the advancement of low-carbon and sustainable development initiatives, electric scooters, recognized as essential transportation tools and leisure products, have gained significant popularity, particularly among young people. However, the current electric scooter market is plagued by severe product similarity. Once the initial novelty fades for users, the usage frequency declines, resulting in considerable resource wastage. This research collected user needs via surveys and employed the KJ method (affinity diagram) to synthesize fragmented insights into cohesive thematic clusters. Subsequently, a hierarchical needs model for electric scooters was constructed using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) principles, enabling systematic prioritization of user requirements through multi-criteria evaluation. By establishing a house of quality (HoQ), user needs were transformed into technical characteristics of electric scooter products, and the corresponding weights were calculated. After analyzing the positive and negative correlation degrees of the technical characteristic indicators, it was found that there are technical contradictions between functional zoning and compact size, lightweight design and material structure, and smart interaction and usability. Then, based on the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), the contradictions were classified, and corresponding problem-solving principles were identified to achieve a multi-functional innovative design for electric scooters. This research, leveraging a systematic industrial design analysis framework, identified critical pain points among electric scooter users, established hierarchical user needs through priority ranking, and improved product lifecycle sustainability. It offers novel methodologies and perspectives for advancing theoretical research and design practices in the electric scooter domain. Full article

This study explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in overhauling conventional housing rental systems. It specifically addresses persistent issues, such as information asymmetry, fraudulent listings, weak Rental Agreements, and data breaches. A comprehensive review of ten academic publications highlights the architectural frameworks, underlying technologies, and myriad benefits of decentralized rental platforms. The intrinsic characteristics of blockchain—immutability, transparency, and decentralization—are pivotal in enhancing the credibility of rental information and proactively preventing fraudulent activities. Smart contracts emerge as a key innovation, enabling the automated execution of Rental Agreements, thereby significantly boosting efficiency and minimizing reliance on intermediaries. Furthermore, Decentralized Identity (DID) solutions offer a robust mechanism for securely managing identities, effectively mitigating risks associated with data leakage, and fostering a more trustworthy environment. The suitability of platforms such as Hyperledger Fabric for developing such sophisticated rental systems is also critically evaluated. Blockchain-based systems promise to dramatically increase market transparency, bolster transaction security, and enhance fraud prevention. They also offer streamlined processes for dispute resolution. Despite these significant advantages, the widespread adoption of blockchain in the rental sector faces several challenges. These include inherent technological complexity, adoption barriers, the need for extensive legal and regulatory adaptation, and critical privacy concerns (e.g., ensuring compliance with GDPR). Furthermore, blockchain scalability limitations and the intricate balance between data immutability and the necessity for occasional data corrections present considerable hurdles. Future research should focus on developing user-friendly DID solutions, enhancing blockchain performance and cost-efficiency, strengthening smart contract security, optimizing the overall user experience, and exploring seamless integration with emerging technologies. While current challenges are undeniable, blockchain technology offers a powerful suite of tools for fundamentally improving the rental market’s efficiency, transparency, and security, exhibiting significant potential to reshape the entire rental ecosystem. Full article

The problem associated with the manifestation of burnout syndrome is the subject of ongoing interest. In recent years, occupational burnout has been actively studied among professionals in the helping professions (teachers, physicians, social workers, psychologists, prison officers, etc.). However, the phenomenon has been poorly studied among freelancers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to fill this gap by determining the level of burnout syndrome among Bulgarian freelancers and investigate the influence of some work environment factors on professional burnout in the sample. A survey of 1138 freelancers was carried out using the Burnout Self-Assessment Questionnaire developed by Maslach and a questionnaire developed in-house to explore the factors of the occupational environment and ask questions related to socio-demographic factors. Hypotheses are tested using correlation analysis and structural equation modelling. The study reveals high levels of emotional exhaustion (40.91%, n = 484). High values on the scale of depersonalization were reported for 26,3% of the respondents (n = 311). Only 3.1% of the respondents (n = 37) had high values on the reduced personal accomplishment scale. The high levels of burnout among freelancers could be influenced by the specific characteristics of their work environment and the nature of their tasks. Full article

This study investigated the nuanced influence of urban morphology on the thermal performance of nine mass housing blocks (21–26, 28–30) in New Belgrade’s Central Zone. These blocks, showcasing diverse structures, provided a robust basis for evaluating the design parameters. ENVI-met simulations were used to assess two scenarios: an “asphalt-only” environment, isolating the urban structure’s impact, and a “real-world” scenario, including green infrastructure (GI). Overall, the findings emphasize that while GI offers mitigation, the inherent urban built structure fundamentally determines thermal outcomes. An urban block’s thermal performance, it turns out, is a complex interplay between morphological factors and local climate. Crucially, simple metrics like Green Area Percentage (GAP) and Building Coverage Ratio (BCR) proved unreliable predictors of thermal performance. This highlights the critical need for urban planning regulations to evolve beyond basic surface indicators and embrace sophisticated, context-sensitive design principles for effective heat mitigation. Optimal performance arises from morphologies that actively manage heat accumulation and facilitate its dissipation, a characteristic exemplified by Block 22’s integrated design. However, even the best-performing Block 22 remains warmer compared to denser central areas, suggesting that urban densification can be a strategy for heat mitigation. Given New Belgrade’s blocks are protected heritage, targeted GI reinforcements remain the only viable approach for improving the outdoor thermal comfort. Full article

This article describes the design, methods, and baseline characteristics of the social needs assessment (SNA) of participants enrolled in an ongoing randomized clinical trial implementing a comprehensive approach to improving diabetes self-management and providing an intensive Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (iDSMES) Program at St. Vincent’s House Clinic, a primary care practice serving resource-challenged diverse populations in Galveston, Texas. Standardized SNA was conducted to collect information on financial needs, psychosocial well-being, and other chronic health conditions. Based on their identified needs, participants were referred to non-medical existing community resources. A series of in-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of participants. A team member independently categorized these SNA narratives and aggregated them into two overarching groups: medical and social needs. Fifty-nine participants (with a mean age of 53 years and equal representation of men and women) completed an SNA. Most (71%) did not have health insurance. Among 12 potential social needs surveyed, the most frequently requested resources were occupational therapy (78%), utility assistance (73%), and food pantry services (71%). SNA provided data with the potential to address barriers that may hinder participation, retention, and outcomes in diabetes self-management. SNA findings may serve as tertiary prevention to mitigate diabetes-related complications and disparities. Full article

The acoustic field of an opera house is much more difficult to predict than those of concert halls because, in the fly tower, the absorption characteristics vary from time to time, according to the opera piece layout. For this reason, the paper aims to find a simplified fly tower model to be used as a fixed reference in a preliminary acoustic prediction for opera houses. Firstly, referring to a case study, the effects of the fly tower Depth and absorptive characteristics are investigated to identify the simplified model. As a traditional opera is set on an empty stage, and modern pieces are supported by a virtual projected environment, the influence of the variable stage elements on Reverberation Time RT, Clarity C80, and Strength G is considered, comparing the traditional Semiramide opera to a modern digital one, according to the Just Noticeable Difference JND. Results confirm the utility of the suggested fly tower model, which does not require any set definition. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of a modified infratemporal fossa approach (ITFA) that preserves the posterior external auditory canal (EAC) in patients with tumors in the infratemporal fossa and skull base, focusing on postoperative hearing and facial nerve function. Methods: This retrospective study included nine patients who underwent ITFA with posterior EAC preservation for tumor removal while minimizing facial nerve rerouting. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative hearing levels, facial nerve function, tumor characteristics, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Air-bone gaps (ABG) were assessed using pure tone audiometry, and facial nerve function was assessed using the House–Brackmann grading system. Results: The cohort consisted of eight female patients and one male patient, with a mean tumor size of 3.0 cm. Surgical outcomes were promising, with no statistically significant increase in postoperative ABG and well-preserved facial nerve function. Only one patient developed postoperative grade II facial palsy. A residual tumor was identified in one case with extensive meningioma, which has remained stable, and no recurrence or regrowth was noted during the follow-up period (mean: 3.7 years). The modified approach minimized complications related to conductive hearing loss and facial nerve dysfunction. Conclusions: The modified ITFA with posterior EAC preservation provides a promising alternative to conventional ITFA for managing deep-seated tumors. It preserves both hearing and facial nerve function while ensuring adequate tumor resection. Full article

The modern Chinese architectural heritage combines sturdy Western materials with delicate Chinese styling, mainly adopting brick-timber structural systems that are highly vulnerable to fire damage. The study assesses the fire spread characteristics of the First Faculty House, a 20th-century architectural heritage located at a university in China. The assessment is carried out by analyzing building materials, structural configuration, and fire load. By using FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator (PyroSim version 2022)) and SketchUp software (version 2023) for architectural reconstruction and fire spread simulation, explores preventive measures to reduce fire risks. The result show that the total fire load of the building amounts to 1,976,246 MJ. After ignition, flashover occurs at 700 s, accompanied by a sharp increase in the heat release rate (HRR). The peak ceiling temperature reaches 750 °C. The roof trusses have critical structural weaknesses when approaching flashover conditions, indicating a high potential for collapse. Three targeted fire protection strategies are proposed in line with the heritage conservation principle of minimal visual and functional intervention: fire sprinkler systems, fire retardant coating, and fire barrier. Simulations of different strategies demonstrate their effectiveness in mitigating fire spread in elongated architectural heritages with enclosed ceiling-level ignition points. The efficacy hierarchy follows: fire sprinkler system > fire retardant coating > fire barrier. Additionally, because of chimney effect, for fire sources located above the ceiling and other hidden locations need to be warned in a timely manner to prevent the thermal plume from invading other sides of the ceiling through the access hole. This research can serve as a reference framework for other Modern Chinese Architectural Heritage to develop appropriate fire mitigation strategies and to provide a methodology for sustainable development of the Chinese architectural heritage. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Rapid Access and Stabilization Program (RASP), launched in Nova Scotia in April 2023, aims to improve timely psychiatric care, reduce reliance on emergency services, and provide early intervention. This study describes the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the RASP participants and examines their association with acute service use. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study used self-reported surveys and administrative data from 738 RASP participants. Descriptive statistics summarized key sociodemographic and clinical variables. Associations between these characteristics and acute service use (emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, and mobile crisis calls) were examined using chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons. Results: The sample was predominantly female (65.2%) and aged 20–40 years (38.4%). Despite high rates of severe anxiety (53.9%) and depression (36.0%), acute service use was low: emergency department visits (7.2%), mobile crisis calls (1.0%), and inpatient admissions (0.8%). Preliminary analyses showed that education level and housing status were associated with ED visits and inpatient admissions. However, these associations did not remain statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. Conclusions: Although mental health symptom severity was high, acute mental health service use remained low after RASP enrollment, indicating the program’s potential in reducing reliance on crisis services. No participant characteristics were significantly associated with acute service use after adjustment, underscoring the complexity of predicting utilization and the need for robust multivariable models. Continued investment in rapid access programs may be essential to improving timely mental health care and supporting early intervention strategies. Full article

As high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) advance in speed and complexity, quasi-static design methods may underestimate the fatigue risks associated with high-frequency dynamic excitations. This study quantifies the contribution of gear meshing-induced vibrations (2512 Hz) to fatigue damage in EMU gearbox housings, revealing resonance amplification of local stresses up to 1.8 MPa at 300 km/h operation. Through integrated field monitoring and bench testing, we demonstrated that gear meshing excites structural modes, generating sustained, very high-cycle stresses (>10⁸ cycles). Crucially, fatigue specimens were directly extracted from in-service gearbox housings—overcoming the limitations of standardized coupons—passing the very high-cycle fatigue (VHCF) test to derive S-N characteristics beyond 10⁸ cycles. Results show a continuous decline in fatigue strength (with no traditional fatigue limit) from 10⁸ to 10⁹ cycles. This work bridges the gap between static design standards (e.g., FKM) and actual dynamic environments, proving that accumulated damage from low-amplitude gear-meshing stresses (3.62 × 10¹¹ cycles over a 12 million km lifespan) contributes to a 16% material utilization ratio. The findings emphasize that even low-magnitude gear-meshing stresses can significantly influence gearbox fatigue life due to their ultra-high frequency, warranting design consideration beyond current standards. Full article

Out of 2495 samples, L. monocytogenes was isolated from 262 (10.5%). Among these, 30 isolates (11.5% of the 262) exhibited unique phenotypic and genetic characteristics compared to reference strains. Hemolysin-negative L. monocytogenes isolates have been increasingly reported in recent years and are challenging to identify due to their altered phenotypic traits and limitations of standard microbiological methods. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of MALDI-TOF MS in identifying and differentiating 30 hemolysin-negative and hemolysin-positive L. monocytogenes isolates and 12 reference strains, using both a commercial Bruker database and a proprietary in-house database developed from newly characterized isolates. The Bruker database correctly identified only 21% of the environmental isolates, misclassifying most as L. innocua, and showed 83.3% accuracy for reference strains. In contrast, the in-house database achieved 96.6% and 100% accuracy for the environmental and reference strains, respectively. Statistical methods, including hierarchical clustering, heatmaps, PCA, and Pearson correlation, revealed grouping based on phenotypic traits and origin, with key peptides influencing classification. Biomarkers linked to hemolysis and antibiotic resistance differentiated the environmental isolates from reference strains. These findings highlight the need for the development of customized spectral databases to improve the detection of L. monocytogenes in food safety monitoring. Full article

Zirconium-89 (⁸⁹Zr) is a widely used radionuclide in immune-PET imaging due to its physical decay characteristics. Despite its importance, the production of ⁸⁹Zr radiopharmaceuticals remains largely manual, with limited cost-effective automation solutions available. To address this, we developed an automated system for the agile and reliable production of radiopharmaceuticals. The system performs transmutations, dissolution, and separation for a range of radioisotopes. Steps in the production of ⁸⁹Zr-oxalate are used as an exemplar to illustrate its use. Three-dimensional (3D) printing was exploited to design and manufacture a target holder able to include solid targets, in this case an ⁸⁹Y foil. Spot welding was used to attach ⁸⁹Y to a refractory tantalum (Ta) substrate. A commercially available CPU chiller was repurposed to efficiently cool the metal target. Furthermore, a commercial resin (ZR Resin) and compact peristaltic pumps were employed in a compact (10 × 10 × 10 cm³) chemical separation unit that operates automatically via computer-controlled software. Additionally, a standalone 3D-printed unit was designed with three automated functionalities: photolabelling, vortex mixing, and controlled heating. All components of the assembly, except for the target holder, are housed inside a commercially available hot cell, ensuring safe and efficient operation in a controlled environment. This paper details the design, construction, and modelling of the entire assembly, emphasising its innovative integration and operational efficiency for widespread radiopharmaceutical automation. Full article

With the rapid advancement of urbanization, the increasing demand and insufficient supply of public service facilities for children have become urgent problems requiring resolution. This study employs the Shannon diversity index, the location entropy, spatial autocorrelation, and the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of children’s public service facilities in the central urban area of Shenyang. The findings of the study are as follows: (1) There are significant differences in the spatial distribution of children’s public service facilities. Higher quantity distribution and diversity index are observed in the core area and Hunnan District compared to the peripheral areas. The Gini coefficient of various facilities is below the fair threshold of 0.4, but 90.32% of the study units have location entropy values below 1, indicating a supply–demand imbalance. (2) The spatial distribution of various facilities exhibits significant clustering characteristics, with distinct differences between high-value and low-value cluster patterns. (3) The spatial distribution of facilities is shaped by four factors: population, transportation, economy, and environmental quality. Residential area density and commercial service facility density emerge as the primary positive drivers, whereas road density and average housing price act as the main negative inhibitors. (4) The mechanisms of influencing factors exhibit spatial heterogeneity. Positive driving factors exert significant effects on new urban areas and peripheral zones, while negative factors demonstrate pronounced inhibitory effects on old urban areas. Non-linear threshold effects are observed in factors such as subway station density and public transport station density. Full article

Environmental comfort and air pollution are among the most important indicators for assessing the population’s quality of life in urban agglomerations. This study aims to explore long-term memory in air pollution time series by analyzing the dynamics of the Hurst exponent and evaluating the predictability index. This type of statistical pre-forecast analysis is essential for developing accurate forecasting models for such time series. The effectiveness of air quality monitoring systems largely depends on the precision of these forecasts. The Ekibastuz coal-mining center, which houses one of the largest coal-fired power stations in Kazakhstan and the world, with a capacity of about 4000 MW, was chosen as an example for the study. Data for the period from 1 March 2023 to 31 December 2024 were collected and analyzed at the Ekibastuz coal-fired power station. During the specified period, 14 indicators (67,527 observations) were collected at 10 min intervals, including mass concentrations of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀, as well as current mass consumption of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, dust, and NO_x. The detrended fluctuation analysis of a time series of air pollution indicators was used to calculate the Hurst exponent and identify long-term memory. Changes in the Hurst exponent in regards to dynamics were also investigated, and a predictability index was calculated to monitor emissions of pollutants in the air. Long-term memory is recorded in the structure of all the time series of air pollution indicators. Dynamic analysis of the Hurst exponent confirmed persistent time series characteristics, with an average Hurst exponent of about 0.7. Identifying the time series plots for which the Hurst exponent is falling (analysis of the indicator of dynamics), along with the predictability index, is a sign of an increase in the influence of random factors on the time series. This is a sign of changes in the dynamics of the pollutant release concentrations and may indicate possible excess emissions that need to be controlled. Calculating the dynamic changes in the Hurst exponent for the emission time series made it possible to identify two distinct clusters corresponding to periods of persistence and randomness in the operation of the coal-fired power station. The study shows that evaluating the predictability index helps fine-tune the parameters of time series forecasting models, which is crucial for developing reliable air pollution monitoring systems. The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the method of trended fluctuation analysis can be the basis for creating an indicator of the level of air pollution, which allows us to quickly respond to possible deviations from the established standards. Environmental services can use the results to build reliable monitoring systems for air pollution from coal combustion emissions, especially near populated areas. Full article