Search Results (36,735)

Public Open Spaces (POSs) on university campuses play a vital role in promoting student well-being, fostering social interaction, and enhancing academic engagement. Yet, in Indian technical institutions, these spaces are often underutilized due to poor design integration, lack of thermal comfort, and minimal user-centered planning. This study applies the Campus Open Space Index (COSI) to assess the functionality, inclusivity, and experiential quality of POSs at two premier Indian institutions, IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee. COSI evaluates campus POSs across five dimensions: Physical Planning, Engagement, Need Perception & Behavior, Thermal Comfort, and Management. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys (n = 522), field observations, and spatial mapping, six open spaces from each campus were analyzed. The aspect-wise COSI results indicate that IIT Delhi performs better in Management (75.84%) and Thermal Comfort (60.56%), while IIT Roorkee performs better in Engagement (71.68%); both campuses show deficits in universal accessibility and climate responsiveness. The study reveals that POS effectiveness depends not only on spatial layout but also on user behavior, comfort, and perceived safety. COSI provides a replicable and scalable assessment model that supports data-driven decision-making for campus planners and administrators. This research advocates for participatory, student-centric planning approaches to transform campus POSs into more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable environments aligned with educational and social goals. Full article

Background: Persistent endodontic infections remain a significant challenge in root canal therapy, primarily due to the complexity of root canal anatomy and the formation of resistant microbial biofilms. Conventional irrigants, including sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine, show limited penetration into dentinal tubules and reduced efficacy against mature biofilms, contributing to treatment failure. Electrically charged lipid nanoparticles (ECLNs), such as cationic solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and liposomes, have emerged as potential adjunctive systems to enhance intracanal antimicrobial delivery. This focused narrative review, informed by a structured literature search, aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate preclinical and exploratory clinical evidence regarding the use of electrically charged lipid nanoparticles for antibiotic delivery and biofilm control in root canal disinfection. Methods: A structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010–2026) identified 312 records, of which 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis. The majority of included studies were in vitro investigations, followed by ex vivo studies using extracted human teeth, with only a limited number of exploratory animal or clinical studies. Overall, the level of evidence was predominantly preclinical. Results: Across studies, ECLNs demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared with free antibiotics or non-charged formulations, with improved biofilm interaction, enhanced penetration into dentinal tubules, and sustained antimicrobial release. However, most investigations relied on mono-species Enterococcus faecalis biofilm models, and substantial heterogeneity in nanoparticle formulation and methodology was observed. Clinical evidence remains scarce. Conclusions: Although these findings about ECLNs suggest a promising experimental adjunct for root canal disinfection, current evidence remains largely preclinical and insufficient to support routine clinical application. Standardized formulations, clinically relevant multispecies biofilm models, and well-designed controlled clinical trials are required to establish safety, efficacy, and translational feasibility. Full article

The effects of three metabolizable energy (ME) levels and the use of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) were evaluated on broiler performance and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 35 d of age. In total, 1944-d-old Ross AP95 male broilers were randomly distributed to six treatments (12 replicates/treatment). Diets were formulated to contain three ME levels (standard energy [SE], −50 kcal/kg reduced energy [−50 RE] and −100 kcal/kg reduced energy [−100 RE]) in all feeding phases with or without GAA inclusion. For the nutrient-metabolizable analysis, 960-day-old male broilers were separately raised in floor pens until 14 d of age and randomly distributed to six treatments (16 replicates/treatment). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s test at p ≤ 0.05. There was a significant interaction for the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 21 days, in which the PC diet showed better FCR when GAA was included. In the evaluation of the main effects, an effect of metabolizable energy (ME) was observed on body condition score (BCS) at 7 and 21 days, feed intake (FI) at 21 and 35 days, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 21 days, with the PC diet showing better FCR and lower FI. An effect of GAA was observed on feed conversion ratio at 21 days, with the inclusion of GAA in the diet showing better FCR. In conclusion, broilers fed SE diets with GAA, beyond better performance, had improved AME and AMEn compared to broilers fed RE diets without GAA in starter diets. Full article

The identification of calcareous foraminifera and nannofossils in archaeological ceramics (tiles and bricks from the Archaic to Roman ages) of Naxos and Taormina (Sicily) has, along with other evidence and archaeometric analyses, addressed aspects of technology and raw material source areas. Microfossils, like the other aplastic inclusions, help to interpret ceramic pastes. This paper provides, for northeastern Sicily, a contribution demonstrating the importance of an integrated approach in the study of archaeological ceramics; micropaleontological analysis supports mineralogical, petrographic and chemical data to constrain interpretations of provenance and technology. The preservation of foraminifera calcitic tests and coccoliths is an additional key to identifying errors, failures and strategies during the ancient ceramic firing process. Comparisons with the micropaleontological content of locally outcropping clay deposits have allowed for the unambiguous identification of the clay sources used for ancient ceramic production in the region. Full article

Background: As populations age and digitalization accelerates globally, understanding whether digital inclusion can enhance the economic well-being of older adults is critical for achieving sustainable development. However, empirical evidence on the mechanisms linking digital life to sustainable income among older populations remains limited. Design: This study utilizes data from the 2023 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), comprising 3127 respondents aged 55 and older. We employ ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with city fixed effects, instrumental variable estimation, and mediation analysis to examine the impact of digital life on income and its underlying mechanisms, with a focus on sustainability outcomes. Results: Digital life significantly enhances income levels among older adults, a finding robust to endogeneity and sensitivity checks. Heterogeneity analysis shows stronger effects for rural seniors, those in western regions, and older women. Mediation analysis reveals that digital engagement boosts income through four pathways—employment, material capital, social capital, and human capital—each contributing to the economic sustainability of aging populations. Conclusions: Digital inclusion serves as a mechanism to transform seniors’ dormant assets into productive capital, thereby promoting sustainable income and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Policies should prioritize targeted digital literacy training, age-friendly platform design, and integration with social protection systems to foster inclusive and sustainable aging societies. Full article

With the goal of maximizing opportunities for inclusivity for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this systematic narrative review, which allows for more interpretive inferences, investigates the use of magic-based interventions to determine if the skills needed for learning and performing magic tricks have commonality with skills needed to improve social skills deficits, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) (i.e., deficits in social–emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication used for social interaction, and developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships). The main purpose of this article is to highlight empirical studies that explore how using magic tricks with students with ASD might be beneficial in social skills development, particularly social–emotional reciprocity. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a systematic narrative review was conducted. This resulted in a total of 129 articles reviewed and discussed using an integrative narrative synthesis approach. The findings reveal elements in common in both learning and performing magic tricks and skills needed to improve social skills, including nonverbal communication skills used for social interactions. Skills gained when learning and performing magic tricks also share overlapping elements needed to create and maintain friendships. Conceptually, findings suggest that learning and performing magic tricks provide a natural setting to practice skills needed to successfully attain social–emotional reciprocity, which could, theoretically, increase inclusion opportunities for students with ASD. Therefore, educators may consider including magic tricks in the classroom setting as a strategy to improve social skills deficits of students with ASD. Full article

This study aimed at determining the effects of phytase alone and in combination with XAP at full matrix specifications on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, toe ash, gastrointestinal organ weight and pH, energy utilisation (AME, AMEn, and ME:GE), and the digestibility of key nutrients in the jejunum and ileum of broilers fed complex diets. Day-old mixed-sex Cobb 500 broilers (n = 384) were assigned to four dietary treatments with eight replicates of 12 birds per treatment from d 0 to 42, with energy utilisation determination from d19 to 21 and digestibility determination at d21. The treatments were as follows: a positive control (treatment 1, PC) formulated meeting nutritional requirements and three test diets reformulated with reduced nutrients and energy according to respective matrix values of the enzymes used. The enzymes supplemented are: treatment 2, a mixed enzyme (NC1 + XAP, 100 g/ton with activities of 2000 U/kg xylanase, 200 U amylase and 4000 U protease, respectively); treatment 3, a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (NC2 + PhyG) at 1000 FTU/kg; and treatment 4 (NC3 + XAP + PhyG, PhyG at 1000 FTU/kg and XAP combination). Overall, enzyme inclusion with full matrix application maintained overall weight gain, feed intake and the FCR. There were significant increases in starch, Ca, P and Na digestibility with almost all enzyme inclusions (p < 0.05). NC2 + PhyG and NC3 + XAP + PhyG reduced the feed cost/kg live gain compared to PC (p = 0.006). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the full matrix values for phytase alone or in combination with XAP may lower the cost/kg live gain while maintaining the growth performance of broilers offered a complex diet with increased use of locally available ingredients (rapeseed and lupins). Full article

This study explores how innovation, economic diversification, and digitalization are boosting Oman’s efforts toward building a smart economy within the context of Oman’s banking and financial regulatory sector, while considering the role of artificial intelligence and governmental support. Supported by the and the Resource-Based View and Innovation Diffusion Theory, this study views innovative and digital competences as key national resources that help governments and organizations to adapt to technological variation and reinforce economic pliability. By using a quantitative approach and convenient sampling, the data were collected through a closed-ended structured questionnaire from 296 individuals representing businesses across Oman and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. The results demonstrate that innovation, diversification, and digitalization have a positive and significant impact on governmental support, which eventually plays a mediating role in leading the implementation of a smart economy. Although artificial intelligence was expected to strengthen the effects of digitalization and innovation, the findings reveal that its moderating role is not yet significant, suggesting an early stage of AI diffusion within the banking sector. These results not only confirm Resource-Based View and Innovation Diffusion Theory in an emerging economy but also present practical understandings for business leaders and policymakers. Furthermore, these findings underscore the importance of institutional readiness and diffusion maturity in shaping the role of advanced technologies in smart economy development. This study also suggests that incorporating AI-driven innovation, digital capability development, and strong governance can support Oman to attain the Vision 2040 goals of endorsing diversification, inclusive economic growth, and sustainability in the digital era. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hip displacement is a common problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Typically, the recommended hip surveillance imaging for these children consists of an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph, from which we calculate the migration percentage (MP) to determine treatment plans (conservative/preventive therapy, femoral osteotomy, femoral and pelvic osteotomies, and salvage surgery). However, little is known about the accuracy of MP for treatment planning. We aim to compare treatment plans based on MP thresholds with plans determined by an orthopedic surgeon following review of the hip CTs. Methods: We retrospectively identified hip CTs performed in children who were ≤18 years old with CP (11/2018—07/2024). The inclusion criteria were: (1) a pelvic radiograph performed 6 months prior to the hip CT; and (2) no surgeries between the pelvic radiograph and the hip CT. These hip CTs were randomized and blindly reviewed by an orthopedic surgeon to determine each child’s treatment plan (CT-treatment). Separately, a pediatric radiologist blindly reviewed the randomized pelvic radiographs and measured each hip’s MP to determine each child’s treatment plan (XR-treatment). We used kappa-agreement and Bland–Altman analyses to compare XR- and CT-treatments. Results: Our study cohort consisted of 139 children (mean age = 9.3 ± 3.8 years; male = 90) with 278 hips. The proportion of agreement and unweighted kappa between XR- and CT-treatment were both low: 0.532 (148/278) and 0.339, respectively. Bland–Altman analyses showed that XR-treatment and CT-treatment were exchangeable when MP ≤ 10% but were not exchangeable otherwise. Conclusions: We should be cautious about relying exclusively on pelvic radiographs and subsequent MP calculation in making treatment decisions for hip displacement in children with CP since many anatomic details become evident on 3D imaging. Full article

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains understudied in China despite its public health significance. Previous research lacks comprehensive analysis of how Chinese media frames this issue, creating a gap in understanding the sociocultural factors shaping public discourse. This study employs corpus-based framing analysis of 603 news articles (435,581 words) from major Chinese newspapers spanning 2012–2022, a period encompassing significant legal developments including the 2016 Domestic Violence Law. We analyze how IPV is framed through examination of keyword frequencies, collocation patterns, and concordance analysis. Our findings reveal that IPV is predominantly framed as matrimonial conflict and family dispute rather than criminal violence requiring state intervention. We argue that framing IPV as a ‘family issue’ operates as a spatial containment strategy, relocating violence to the domestic sphere while rerouting intervention into administrative/civil channels rather than criminal accountability spaces. Our findings reveal significant imbalances in stakeholder representation, with government and legal voices dominating the public discourse domain while community support organizations are marginalized. Source attribution patterns produce uneven zones of legitimacy, where state actors occupy authorized public space while survivors’ experiences remain confined to private, silenced domains. This research enhances the understanding of IPV media coverage in China while highlighting the need for more inclusive public discourse. Full article

Rapid urbanization and increasing traffic volumes necessitate effective road safety measures, particularly in metropolitan areas. Enhancing road safety is a fundamental pillar of social sustainability as it directly reduces the socio-economic burden of traffic accidents and promotes resilient urban environments. This article analyzes the impact of infrastructural traffic-calming devices on road safety parameters using a GIS-based method. This study provides a quantitative tool for monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of sustainable transport infrastructure. The study examines six different types of devices across 44 locations within the GZM Metropolis, Poland, utilizing official police data (Accident and Collision Records System—SEWIK) from a period of two years before and two years after implementation. The primary parameters analyzed include the frequency of incidents, the severity of injuries, and the structure of accident types. The results demonstrate a substantial positive association following the interventions, with an average 41.33% reduction in road incidents across all tested devices. Specifically, speed bumps proved most effective, reducing incidents by over 66%. However, the analysis revealed a critical anomaly: While pedestrian refuge islands decreased the overall number of minor injuries, they correlated with an increase in the number of severe injuries, suggesting a need for careful consideration. Furthermore, the study confirms a positive shift in the structure of incidents, notably a substantial decrease in rear-end and side-impact collisions. The findings offer practical evidence for evidence-based urban policies, contributing to the development of safe, inclusive, and sustainable transport systems in line with global sustainability goals. Full article

Background: Surface electromyography (sEMG) of periocular muscles is a non-invasive technique used to assess eyelid dynamics and facial neuromuscular function, with applications in ophthalmology, neurology, and rehabilitation. Despite its clinical and research potential, substantial methodological variability—particularly in electrode placement, acquisition parameters, and signal processing—has limited reproducibility and hindered broader clinical translation. A comprehensive synthesis of existing methodologies was therefore needed to support future standardization. Objectives: The review aimed to systematically map current periocular sEMG methodologies, identify sources of methodological heterogeneity, organize findings into structured methodological domains, and develop a conceptual framework along with a minimum reporting set to promote transparency, reproducibility, and comparability across studies. Eligibility Criteria: Studies were eligible if they investigated surface electromyography of periocular muscles and reported methodological details related to electrode placement, signal acquisition, processing, or analysis. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pilot investigations were included. No restrictions were placed on publication year. Sources of Evidence: Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception through November 2025. Grey literature sources were also examined to enhance coverage and reduce publication bias. Charting Methods: Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data. Extracted information was organized into predefined methodological domains. A thematic synthesis approach was used to identify recurring methodological patterns, and findings were integrated into a structured conceptual framework. Results: Sixteen studies published between 2002 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing randomized trials, observational studies, and pilot investigations. Considerable heterogeneity was identified across studies in electrode characteristics, placement strategies, reference configurations, sampling frequencies, and normalization procedures. Three recurring methodological domains emerged: instrumentation and acquisition, analytical and normalization approaches, and clinical or experimental applications. Based on these domains, the authors developed a conceptual methodological framework and proposed a minimum reporting set intended to improve methodologyical transparency and support reproducibility and multicenter comparability. Conclusions: Periocular sEMG represents a promising yet methodologically fragmented field. This scoping review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of periocular sEMG practices and establishes an evidence-based platform for standardized acquisition, processing, and reporting. Adoption of the proposed framework may strengthen reproducibility, facilitate multicenter collaboration, and accelerate integration into clinical and research settings. Full article

In this paper, a new type of soft group called the soft symmetric difference group (SSD-group) is introduced and systematically developed. This structure is constructed by integrating soft set theory with group theory through the symmetric difference operation and set inclusion. Fundamental concepts such as characteristic soft symmetric difference groups, soft symmetric difference subgroups, normal soft symmetric difference subgroups, soft normalizers, and soft cosets are defined, and their essential algebraic properties are investigated. Several characterizations of soft normality are also established through these concepts. Various axiomatic results are obtained, providing necessary and sufficient conditions for a soft set to form an SSD-group. Furthermore, soft quotient (factor) groups of SSD-groups are introduced and their structural properties are examined in detail. The relationship between SSD-group theory and classical group theory is also established through several corresponding concepts. Illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the applicability and internal consistency of the proposed framework. Overall, the results obtained in this study extend existing soft group structures and contribute to the development of algebraic theory within the context of soft sets, while also providing a foundation for further generalizations to other algebraic frameworks such as semigroups, rings, and fields. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a low soybean meal (SBM) diet and its supplementation with graded levels of raffinose on the growth performance, expression of genes related to nutrient transport and intestinal function, and cecal microbiota of white-feathered broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly allotted to six isoenergetic and isonitrogenous dietary treatments, each with eight replicates of 10 birds. The diets consisted of a positive diet, a low SBM diet (10% reduction in SBM), and the low SBM diet supplemented with 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, or 0.25% raffinose. Results indicated that, compared with the positive diet, the low SBM diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the overall mortality and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during days 22–42, while significantly decreasing (p < 0.05) dietary ether extract (EE) availability. Raffinose supplementation to the low SBM diet linearly reduced (p < 0.05) dietary gross energy and dry matter utilization and downregulated duodenal SLC5A1 gene expression at 42 days, while linearly increasing (p < 0.05) the cecal isobutyric acid content. A decreasing tendency in mortality during days 22–42 was also observed with raffinose inclusion (p = 0.088). Notably, the low SBM diet elevated the relative abundance of Campylobacterota and Helicobacter, which was effectively reversed by raffinose supplementation. In conclusion, a 10% reduction in dietary SBM negatively affected the survival, nutrient utilization, and cecal microbial structure in broilers, whereas raffinose supplementation partially modulated these alterations. Full article

This study empirically investigates a central tension in quantitative finance: the divergence between theoretically optimal and robust portfolio construction under real-world estimation uncertainty. Using a dynamic, time-varying optimization framework, we compare the performance of three distinct strategies: the Maximum Sharpe ratio (P1), Minimum Variance (P2), and Maximum Entropy (P3) portfolios, with and without commodity proxy inclusion (gold and oil) in a multi-asset universe featuring prominent African equity indices. Our key finding challenges classical theory: the robust Maximum Entropy portfolio (P3) achieved superior realized risk-adjusted returns (Sharpe ratio: 1.164) compared to the theoretically optimal Maximum Sharpe portfolio (P1, Sharpe: 0.788). This result validates the “estimation-error maximization” critique, as P1’s performance was undermined by its sensitivity to noisy inputs. Conversely, the Minimum Variance portfolio (P2) successfully fulfilled its objective, achieving the lowest volatility (~5%) at the cost of modest returns (3.01–3.64%), illustrating the classic risk–return trade-off. Euler decomposition revealed that even this low-volatility portfolio exhibited significant concentration risk, with over 40% of its risk attributable to just three assets. The role of commodities is proven to be strategy contingent. They significantly enhanced returns and the Sharpe ratio for the aggressive P1 but were marginally detrimental to the robust P3. African market indices played specialized roles: Egypt and Nigeria acted as return drivers in P1, Morocco became a major risk contributor within the concentrated P2 strategy, and South Africa provided key diversification in the well-balanced P3. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that portfolio risk is determined more by asset concentration and diversification quality than by geographic labels, and that robust diversification methodologies outperform fragile theoretical optima in practice. We conclude that portfolio construction must prioritize robustness to estimation error and explicit risk-balancing to ensure stable, real-world performance. Full article