Search Results (78,134)

To investigate simultaneously both the effect of fin cross-sectional shape on heat transfer and the influence of different polymeric materials, test samples were manufactured by 3D printing in the form of bushings with attached radial fins of varying cross-sections. Through the research undertaken, the aim was to obtain information regarding the length of the fin at which a certain temperature is reached; therefore, the length that ensures efficient heat transfer to the external environment. Dedicated testing equipment was designed and built to test the thermal transfer in fins made of three different materials (polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials, i.e., standard PLA, PLA with carbon black (protopasta), and PLA with graphene (prografen)) and, respectively, with different sizes and shapes of the cross-section (circular, square, equilateral triangular, and rectangular). The experimental results were mathematically processed to develop empirical models that illustrate both the direction and the intensity of the influence of the input factors on the fin length at which a specific temperature is reached. Under certain conditions, radial components with a circular cross-sectional area of 20 mm² showed significant differences depending on the polymer type. For the polylactic acid material, this length was 42% higher than for prografen and 25% higher than for protopasta. Full article

Seed priming is recognized as an environmentally friendly technique to enhance the physiological and biochemical performance of crops. However, its effectiveness varies depending on factors such as crop type, priming agents and climatic conditions. Based on this hypothesis, this comparative, climate- and soil-dependent meta-synthesis study therefore aimed to evaluate how these factors shape plant responses in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.), while providing insights into sustainable strategies for improving crop performance, food security, and progress toward sustainable development goals. A cross-study synthesis of 31 peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar evaluated the influence of these factors on key physiological traits, chlorophyll content (CC) and net photosynthesis rate (Pn), and biochemical traits, proline (Pro), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. The findings indicated greater priming-induced enhancements in common bean than soybean for most traits: chlorophyll content (36.6% in common bean and 25.6% in soybean), net photosynthesis rate (33.2% in common bean and 19.8% in soybean), proline content (45.2% in common bean and 40.9% in soybean), and SOD activity (37.1% in common bean and 30.5% in soybean). Soybean only showed superior enhancement in CAT activity (40.1% in soybean and 19.5% in common bean). The climatic conditions impacted the outcomes, with physiological traits (CC and Pn) responding more prominently under semi-arid and arid climates, and biochemical traits (Pro, CAT and SOD) showing higher responsiveness in continental and Mediterranean climates. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between CAT activity and priming agents (r = 0.54); SOD and crop type (r = 0.52); and Pn and crop type (0.90). Multivariate analysis revealed that soybean was positively associated with silt, clay, pH, tropical climate and CAT activity, while common bean was linked to nitrogen, arid conditions, SOD activity and proline. These differences could be due to the molecular and genetic variations in the two crops. Unlike previous reviews, this study provides the first quantitative synthesis integrating crop type, priming agents, and climatic variables, aiming to evaluate how these factors influence the responses of two major legume crops to seed priming. Overall, the findings highlight the need for crop- and environment-specific priming protocols to optimize the benefits of seed priming as a cost-effective approach to enhance crop performance and productivity. Full article

Bee venom variability is driven by environmental and nutritional factors, yet their integrated effects remain poorly understood. This study provides a novel, comprehensive assessment combining dietary treatments with real-time environmental monitoring to evaluate their joint influence on the physico-chemical properties, total amino acid, mineral composition, and heavy metal content of Apis mellifera venom. A total of 32 samples collected between April and July 2025 were analyzed under both artificial feeding and natural foraging conditions. Moisture ranged from 11.2% to 19.2%, while pH remained stable (5.6–6.25). Total amino acids varied between 344.0 and 409.5 mg/g, with maximum values during the acacia period (>400 mg/g). Potassium was the dominant macroelement (3.19–11.37 mg/g), followed by Ca (0.80–3.68 mg/g) and P (0.31–1.84 mg/g). Microelements such as Fe (0.11–0.98 mg/g) and Mn (1.19–8.85 µg/g) showed pronounced seasonal variability. Lead reached up to 36.18 µg/g during natural foraging, while Cd (0.30–3.97 µg/g) was mainly associated with artificial feeding. By integrating nutritional and microclimatic determinants, this study demonstrates that floral origin and seasonal dynamics are the primary drivers of venom quality, while supplementation exerts secondary effects, and highlights the potential of bee venom as a sensitive bioindicator of environmental exposure. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a multipurpose crop of increasing agricultural and medical relevance, whose productivity and phytocannabinoid profile are influenced not only by genotype and environmental factors but also by the composition of its microbiota. This review synthesizes current knowledge (2020–2026) on the rhizosphere and endophytic microbiota of hemp, with particular emphasis on plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and their mechanisms of action. Molecular studies indicate that hemp-associated bacterial communities are dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, with genotype-, tissue- and developmental-stage-dependent variation. PGPB influence plant performance through direct mechanisms, including biological nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and phytohormone synthesis (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins, cytokinins, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase), as well as indirect mechanisms such as antibiosis, enzyme-mediated pathogen inhibition and induction of systemic tolerance to abiotic stress. Experimental studies demonstrate that inoculation with selected strains or consortia can enhance biomass accumulation, improve germination and root architecture, increase resistance to Fusarium oxysporum and modulate cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Importantly, plant responses are cultivar-specific, highlighting the need for genotype-tailored microbial formulations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gut microbiota dysregulation has been increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet clinical responses to standardized probiotic interventions remain inconsistent, likely reflecting substantial inter-individual variability in baseline microbiome composition, host–microbe interactions, immune tone, and metabolic function. Here, we present a pilot implementation of a metagenomics-guided, personalized synbiotic intervention in children with ASD using the Systematic Microbiome Assessment and Reconstruction Therapy (SMART) framework. Methods: Seven children (aged 5–12 years) underwent longitudinal fecal shotgun metagenomic profiling, and dietary habits, food sensitivities, and regional dietary background were recorded as contextual factors potentially influencing microbiome composition and response to intervention. Individualized synbiotic formulations were constructed based on microbial taxonomic composition and inferred functional capacity and iteratively refined over time. Gastrointestinal outcomes were assessed through caregiver-reported clinical observations, whereas behavioral changes were evaluated using standardized instruments. Results: Several participants demonstrated improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and selected behavioral domains. Notably, in a subset of participants, improvements in gastrointestinal function preceded measurable behavioral changes. Conclusions: Although limited by a small sample size and lack of a control group, these findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of implementing a metagenomics-guided personalized synbiotic framework in ASD and generate hypotheses for future investigation. This work presents a preliminary conceptual framework for integrating microbial composition and inferred functional profiling into individualized intervention design and highlights the potential value of microbiome-informed stratification in future studies of treatment response. Larger controlled studies with objective outcome measures are warranted to further evaluate feasibility, reproducibility, and potential clinical utility. Full article

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss (ARHL), is a multifactorial disorder characterized by a gradual, bilateral sensorineural decline in hearing sensitivity, predominantly affecting high-frequency sounds. It is one of the most common chronic conditions in the aging population and represents a major public health concern due to its high prevalence and progressive nature. Presbycusis significantly impairs speech perception, especially in noisy environments, leading to communication difficulties, reduced social participation, increased risk of social isolation, and a decline in quality of life. Moreover, growing evidence highlights a strong association between ARHL and cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, and increased frailty in older adults. The etiology of presbycusis is complex and involves the interplay between genetic predisposition and cumulative environmental and lifestyle-related factors. Genetic susceptibility influences cochlear aging, neural degeneration, and vulnerability to external insults. Non-genetic contributors include chronic noise exposure, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and dyslipidemia, ototoxic medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors that may accelerate cochlear damage through oxidative stress and microvascular dysfunction. This narrative review aims to provide an updated overview of the genetic and environmental determinants involved in the development and progression of presbycusis. Furthermore, it discusses the clinical implications of these factors for early identification, audiological evaluation, prevention strategies, and personalized management approaches. A better understanding of the multifactorial nature of presbycusis may support the development of targeted interventions to preserve hearing function and improve overall health outcomes in the aging population. Full article

The application of traffic-calming measures (TCMs) constitutes an important preventive approach that improves road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users in urban environments. Due to economic considerations, the most commonly implemented measures are road humps (including speed humps, speed tables, and speed cushions), which significantly influence driver behaviour and contribute to speed reduction. Previous studies have demonstrated their considerable effectiveness; however, they remain limited and do not fully address certain important aspects, such as the relationship between speed reduction and the distance from a road hump, or operating speed as a function of road hump type while accounting for the influence of other contextual variables. This study considers three types of road humps installed on streets with a speed limit of 30 km/h in the city of Szczecin, Poland. To complement existing research, vehicle speeds were recorded using multiple speed measurement devices deployed along the analysed street sections. The placement of these devices on short street sections accounted for the influence of the following factors: street type, the presence of protective bollards, different parking conditions and arrangements near the analysed road humps, and their location relative to junctions. To ensure consistency and comparability of the analyses, each type of road hump was examined on the same street. Standard statistical analyses were performed for all speed datasets, with speed treated as the dependent variable and the aforementioned factors as independent variables. These analyses enabled the estimation of operating speed and the zone of influence for the three types of road humps, considering various determinants. The results indicate that vehicle speed is strongly dependent on the distance from a given road hump, its location within a street section between junctions, and the parking conditions in its vicinity. The outcome of this research is the development of a comparative framework for different types of road humps, with their corresponding operating speeds and zones of influence under specific contextual data. It may serve as a basis for design decision-making when planning road humps on short sections of residential streets (up to 250 m between junctions) located in suburban areas. The framework should be further supplemented and updated by other researchers as new empirical evidence and research experience become available. Full article

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), although its exact role in disease initiation and progression remains uncertain. Earlier interpretations considered alterations in intestinal microbial composition as secondary effects of immune dysregulation or metabolic disturbance. Recent longitudinal studies, however, suggest that specific microbial changes occur before the onset of islet autoimmunity, indicating a potential contributory role in the early phases of disease development. In this narrative review article, the gut–pancreas axis (GPA) is described as a dynamic and reciprocal system in which microbial, metabolic, and immune processes influence each other to shape β-cell outcomes. Evidence from human cohorts and experimental models links early life reductions in microbial diversity, impaired intestinal barrier function, and decreased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to altered immune activation and β-cell damage. Microbiota transferred from individuals at risk for T1D has been shown to accelerate disease in animal models, supporting a possible causal relationship. Although experimental models support mechanistic links between microbiota alterations and autoimmune diabetes, current human evidence remains largely associative. Together, these findings suggest that microbial and immune networks interact in a feedback manner that can sustain immune tolerance or promote autoimmunity depending on environmental and host factors. Understanding T1D as a state of disrupted microbial and immune integration provides a basis for restoring gut–pancreas communication and preserving β-cell integrity. Full article

A significant concern with IVF is that many embryos fail to develop despite proper fertilization. This gap indicates that factors outside sperm-oocyte fusion influence developmental competency. The maternal-zygotic transition (MZT) is a crucial developmental phase during which control shifts from maternally inherited transcripts to activation of the embryonic genome. During the early stages following fertilization, the embryo depends only on maternal mRNA and proteins amassed throughout oogenesis. For successful development, these transcripts must be expeditiously removed with the concurrent genome activation. Any disruption, whether due to inadequate maternal mRNA degradation, aberrant translational control, or delayed genome activation, has been associated with premature developmental stoppage and diminished blastocyst formation. Principal regulators, such as BTG4, CPEB1, DAZL, and components of the translational machinery, govern this modification and seem to be affected by the quality of the oocyte and the age of the mother. Increasing evidence suggests that disruption of MZT may account for instances of suboptimal embryo development that conventional assessment techniques cannot elucidate. MZT offers a biological framework for assessing embryo competency beyond simple appearance. If scientists had a deeper understanding of this process, they might identify molecular markers and enhance the selection of embryos in IVF. Full article

This study investigates how parasocial interactions with travel influencers shape consumer–brand identification and purchase intention within hospitality-related virtual communities. Grounded in social influence theory and the literature on parasocial interaction, the study examines the mediating roles of perceived information quality and a sense of belonging in influencer-led digital environments. Data were collected from 940 consumers and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings demonstrate that parasocial interaction significantly enhances perceived information quality and consumers’ sense of belonging to influencer-led virtual communities, thereby strengthening consumer–brand identification and purchase intention. The results further suggest that influencer-led social environments function not only as promotional channels but also as psychologically meaningful communities that shape consumer perceptions and behavioral outcomes. By integrating parasocial interaction, virtual community belonging, and consumer–brand identification within a hospitality context, this study contributes to the growing literature on influencer marketing and digital consumer behavior. Full article

Tourism is increasingly recognized as a driver of well-being and sustainability in nature-based destinations, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study investigates how travel frequency influences tourist authentic happiness through the mediating role of perceived stress. Data were collected from 385 visitors to Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador, and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis validated the measurement model, followed by a mediation SEM that incorporated demographic controls (age and income). Results indicate that perceived stress exerts a strong negative effect on happiness (β = −0.58, p < 0.001), confirming its role as a key inhibitor of well-being. Travel frequency significantly reduces stress (β = −0.36, p < 0.001), while its direct effect on happiness is not significant (β = 0.07, p > 0.05), evidencing full mediation. These findings refine traditional assumptions that “more travel equals more happiness,” highlighting stress mitigation as the critical pathway to sustainable tourist well-being. Practical implications suggest prioritizing low-stress, high-adjustment experiences through clear signage, real-time information, and simplified booking systems. This research contributes to tourism psychology and sustainable destination management by demonstrating that authentic happiness depends on reducing stress rather than increasing hedonic stimuli. Full article

The analysis of publicly expressed opinions on social media is crucial for designing effective behavioral public policies. By considering both social-media-based public opinion (operationalized as individual, non-representative expressions) and official governmental positions (formal policy statements), this paper employs a systemic case study to understand the political and social factors that influence decision-making in major international events such as Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge. Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic clustering and correlation analysis, this study examines public opinion from five language groups (Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Indonesian, each mapped to a primary country or region: China, the US/UK as representative English-speaking countries, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia respectively) regarding Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge, compares governmental attitudes across these five national contexts, and identifies the factors behind their divergence. Public opinion was clustered into six themes; combined with domain expert analysis, they vary significantly across countries that speak different languages in our translated Twitter corpus, though translation artifacts may affect fine-grained comparisons. Public opinion as expressed on Twitter/X is closely associated with a country’s level of international engagement, maritime industry development, and geographic distance from Japan. Furthermore, exploratory analysis of a small set of six countries suggests that governmental positions are influenced more by strategic and economic ties with Japan than by domestic public opinion. Given the small sample size, this finding is preliminary and requires validation in larger-N studies. Public and government opinions on Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge are sharply divided in the English- and Japanese-language corpora (representing the US/UK and Japan), polarized in the Korean-language corpus (South Korea), and relatively aligned in the Chinese- and Indonesian-language corpora (China and Indonesia). These findings regarding the entire international event system suggest that governments should take public opinion into greater account when addressing international public crises and encourage broader public participation through digital platforms to better respond to global challenges. However, due to the inherent limitations of cross-lingual translation, our cross-country comparisons should be interpreted as indicative rather than definitive. Full article

Cultural heritage in major river basins serves as an important spatial carrier of historical civilization evolution, and the spatial differentiation characteristics and influencing factors of its activation level are closely related to heritage conservation, utilization, and sustainable development. This study focuses on the Henan section of the Yellow River Basin and selects 344 cultural heritage sites as the research objects. A comprehensive evaluation system for cultural heritage activation was constructed from three dimensions—culture, society, and economy. By integrating GIS-based spatial analysis with the GWR model, the study reveals the spatial differentiation characteristics of cultural heritage activation levels and their influencing factors. The results indicate that the activation level of cultural heritage exhibits a dual-core-dominated and multi-level spatial agglomeration pattern. Zhengzhou and Luoyang function as dual high-density core clusters with elevated heritage activation levels, while a continuous cultural heritage corridor has gradually formed along Sanmenxia, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Jiaozuo, Hebi, and Puyang. Furthermore, heritage agglomeration, heritage spatial radiosity, per capita GDP, transportation accessibility, terrain relief, and NDVI on the activation level of cultural heritage demonstrate significant spatial heterogeneity. Based on the identification of spatial heterogeneity, this study proposes a core–corridor–node spatial pattern and a factor-adaptive targeted strategy for cultural heritage activation. These findings provide a scientific basis for differentiated conservation and precise activation of cultural heritage under the national strategy of ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, while also offering valuable insights for the collaborative governance of cultural heritage in major river basins worldwide. Full article

Digital technologies are increasingly recognized as key tools for improving productivity and supporting rural development in agricultural systems. However, their effective adoption by small-scale producers remains limited in many developing regions. This study analyses the determinants of mobile application adoption among livestock farmers in Amazonas, Peru. Using a structural equation model (PLS-SEM) based on survey data from 160 producers in rural areas, the results show that perceived ease of use is the main driver of adoption, directly influencing farmers’ intention to use mobile applications and significantly determining perceived usefulness, which acts as a key mediating factor. Despite widespread smartphone ownership, their use is largely limited to communication and social media rather than production management, mainly due to barriers such as mistrust, limited rural connectivity, and insufficient digital knowledge. The findings suggest that effective adoption requires integrated strategies that combine the development of user-friendly applications, the demonstration of their economic benefits for producers, and public policies aimed at improving digital infrastructure and strengthening digital skills. By identifying the key determinants of adoption, this study contributes to understanding how mobile technologies can support productivity improvements and promote rural development in livestock systems in the Peruvian Amazon. Full article

Background/Objectives. Country-level evidence on the economic footprint of home care nursing is still scarce, particularly in systems where tariffs for community-based nursing are lacking. In Italy, recent laws have expanded home care; yet planning and funding remain constrained by the absence of robust micro-costing evidence. Objectives. To estimate the accounting cost of home care nursing visits in Italy using a bottom-up micro-costing approach and to identify the main cost drivers influencing expenditure. Methods. A multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected in two phases: (1) a national survey of 3949 home care nurses from 70 Local Health Authorities (April–October 2023), describing workload, travel time, and the most frequently performed activities; and (2) a time-and-motion study of 527 consecutive home visits performed by 83 nurses in three Local Health Authorities (March 2024). Direct costs were estimated from the Italian National Health Service perspective and included nursing time, travel time and transportation, back-office activities, and materials. Personnel costs were derived from national collective labour agreements and inflation-adjusted. A base-case scenario estimated accounting costs directly measured in the study. An extended, illustrative scenario explored the economic value of nursing activities by applying existing outpatient tariffs. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (10,000-iteration Monte Carlo simulation) were performed. Results. The mean accounting cost of home care nursing was €27.78 per patient per day. At the provider level, the corresponding daily cost per nurse was €190.00, assuming a mean caseload of 6.84 patients per nurse per shift. In the extended scenario, the imputed economic value of nursing activities increased the estimated daily cost to €120.81 per patient and €826.32 per nurse. Sensitivity analyses identified organizational factors (particularly the number of patients per shift and the number of activities per visit) as the dominant cost drivers, while material and transportation costs had a comparatively limited impact. Conclusions. Home care nursing in Italy appears to be delivered at a relatively low accounting cost, with organizational factors playing a greater role than unit prices in determining expenditure. The absence of a dedicated reimbursement framework for nursing activities may result in a substantial under-recognition of the economic value of home-based nursing care. These findings provide preliminary evidence to support workforce planning, reimbursement policies, and the sustainable development of territorial care services. Full article