Search Results (6,688)

Background: Empowerment during pregnancy is linked to improved maternal and infant health outcomes and greater maternal well-being. Group Antenatal Care (GANC), a participant-centered model of care, promotes empowerment, active engagement, and the deconstruction of hierarchy between participants and care providers. It combines health assessment, interactive learning, and community building. While empowerment is a core concept of GANC, the ways it manifests and the elements that facilitate it remain unclear. Method: We conducted a generic qualitative study across four organizations in Brussels, using multiple data collection methods. This included interviews with 13 participants and 21 observations of GANC sessions, combining both the insider and outsider perspective. An adapted version of the Pregnancy-Related Empowerment Scale (PRES) guided the interviews guide and thematic analysis. Results: We identified seven themes that capture how empowerment occurs in GANC: peer connectedness, provider connectedness, skillful decision-making, responsibility, sense of control, taking action, and gaining voice. Several aspects of GANC contribute to empowerment, particularly the role of facilitators. Conclusions: This study highlights how GANC enhances empowerment during pregnancy through interpersonal, internal, and external processes. Important components within GANC that support this process include the group-based format and the interactive nature of the discussions. The presence of skillful GANC facilitators is an essential prerequisite. In a diverse and often vulnerable context like Brussels, strengthening empowerment through GANC presents challenges but is especially crucial. Full article

Fruit flies that belong to the genus Zeugodacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose significant threats as invasive pests of agricultural crops in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The intensification of transboundary trade in fresh horticultural produce has increased the risk of introducing invasive species such as fruit flies, more so through the inadvertent transport of their immature developmental stages. Such immature stages of fruit flies belonging to the Tephritidae family are frequently intercepted at the international borders worldwide and are unable to be identified to the species level using morphological characteristics. Molecular identification using mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene has proven to be quite useful, as they are not constrained by developmental stages, sex, or colour morphs of the pest species in question. Also, real-time PCR-based species-specific assays offer quicker turnaround time since they do not require any post-PCR procedures. This study evaluated the utility of a real-time PCR assay based on the COI gene region to identify Zeugodacus cucurbitae from other Tephritid species. The developed real-time PCR assay provides a swift and precise way of discriminating between these highly invasive pest species during an interception event for rapid decision making. High specificity, having no cross-reactions with closely related Tephritids, and sensitivity of the developed assay will be extremely useful in discriminating Z. cucurbitae from other closely related fruit fly species. Z. cucurbitae-specific real-time PCR developed in this study is appropriate for organizations that carry out routine diagnostics to facilitate fresh produce imports and exports. Our assay is fully optimized for rapid deployment at international borders, offering reliable detection of the target species regardless of developmental stage, sex, or geographic origins. Full article

This study explores the role of solidarity finance in promoting local development and the empowerment of marginalized communities through financial inclusion and access to community credits. It focuses on how solidarity-based financial mechanisms provide accessible credit with fewer barriers, fostering productive activities and economic resilience. This study employed a quantitative and exploratory design, analyzing data from 51 community funds in Ecuador out of a total of 220 through a self-administered online survey, validated by auditing professionals and answered by community representatives. The 25-item questionnaire gathered data on organizational dynamics, financial practices, and perceptions of sustainability. Descriptive analysis was complemented with an analysis of variance to test hypotheses concerning associativity, self-management, and organizational performance. The results show that while associativity, self-management, and organizational management are perceived as institutional strengths, aspects such as autonomy and solidarity received lower evaluations, suggesting critical areas for strategic improvement. Notably, significant differences emerged between self-management–organization and solidarity–organization groups, emphasizing the importance of associativity (collaboration) in enhancing the sustainability of solidarity finance, which proves to be a vital mechanism for community empowerment and local development; however, its long-term sustainability depends on strengthening internal dimensions, particularly autonomy and solidarity, and reinforcing associativity as a core driver of organizational resilience. Full article

Metro carriages, as enclosed transport microenvironments, have been understudied regarding pollution characteristics and health risks from ACs, especially during high-temperature summers that amplify exposure. This study applied NTS techniques for the first time across three major Chengdu metro lines, systematically identifying sixteen ACs, including hazardous species such as acetophenone, benzonitrile, and benzoic acid that are often overlooked in conventional BTEX-focused monitoring. The TAC concentration reached 41.40 ± 5.20 µg/m³, with half of the compounds exhibiting significant increases during peak commuting periods. Source apportionment using diagnostic ratios and PMF identified five major contributors: carriage material emissions (36.62%), human sources (22.50%), traffic exhaust infiltration (16.67%), organic solvents (16.55%), and industrial emissions (7.66%). Although both non-cancer (HI) and cancer (TCR) risks for all population groups were below international thresholds, summer tourists experienced higher exposure than daily commuters. Notably, child tourists showed the greatest vulnerability, with a TCR of 5.83 × 10⁻⁷, far exceeding that of commuting children (1.88 × 10⁻⁷). Benzene was the dominant contributor, accounting for over 50% of HI and 70% of TCR. This study presents the first integrated NTS and quantitative risk assessment to characterise ACs in summer metro environments, revealing a broader range of hazardous compounds beyond BTEX. It quantifies population-specific risks, highlights children’s heightened vulnerability. The findings fill critical gaps in ACs exposure and provide a scientific basis for improved air quality management and pollution mitigation strategies in urban rail transit systems. Full article

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy defined by the uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoid precursors. Accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutic strategies hinge on a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular landscape of ALL. This review synthesizes the latest updates in cytogenetic and molecular classifications, emphasizing the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) revisions. Key chromosomal alterations such as BCR::ABL1 and ETV6::RUNX1 and emerging subtypes including Ph-like ALL, DUX4, and MEF2D rearrangements are examined for their prognostic significance. Furthermore, we assess novel diagnostic tools, notably next-generation sequencing (NGS) and optical genome mapping (OGM). While NGS excels at identifying point mutations and small indels, OGM offers high-resolution structural variant detection with 100% sensitivity in multiple validation studies. These advancements enhance our grasp of leukemogenesis and pave the way for precision medicine in both B- and T-cell ALL. Ultimately, integrating these innovations into routine diagnostics is crucial for personalized patient management and improving clinical outcomes. Full article

Multi-vessel formation shipping demonstrates significant potential for enhancing maritime transportation efficiency and economy. However, existing route planning systems inadequately address the unique challenges of formations, where traditional methods fail to integrate global optimality, local dynamic obstacle avoidance, and formation coordination into a cohesive system. Global planning often neglects multi-ship collaborative constraints, while local methods disregard vessel maneuvering characteristics and formation stability. This paper proposes GLFM, a three-layer hierarchical framework (global optimization–local adjustment-formation collaboration module) for intelligent route planning of transport ship formations. GLFM integrates an improved multi-objective A* algorithm for global path optimization under dynamic meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) conditions and International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety regulations, with an enhanced Artificial Potential Field (APF) method incorporating ship safety domains for dynamic local obstacle avoidance. Formation, structural stability, and coordination are achieved through an improved leader–follower approach. Simulation results demonstrate that GLFM-generated trajectories significantly outperform conventional routes, reducing average risk level by 38.46% and voyage duration by 12.15%, while maintaining zero speed and period violation rates. Effective obstacle avoidance is achieved, with the leader vessel navigating optimized global waypoints and followers maintaining formation structure. The GLFM framework successfully balances global optimality with local responsiveness, enhances formation transportation efficiency and safety, and provides a comprehensive solution for intelligent route optimization in multi-constrained marine convoy operations. Full article

Background: Cardiac tumors are rare neoplasms with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic cases to fatal outcomes. According to the 2021 thoracic tumor classification of the World Health Organization (WHO), papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is the most common primary cardiac tumor. This study aimed to aggregate and examine data regarding the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and histological results of cardiac tumors. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study was conducted across seven tertiary care institutions and included 274 patients diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed cardiac tumors between January 2013 and December 2024. Results: This study included 274 patients, with an average age of 52.6 ± 16.6 years. Of the study participants, 120 (43.8%) were male and 154 (56.2%) were female. The most prevalent clinical manifestations were dyspnea (43.7%), thoracic pain (22.5%), and cardiac palpitations (21.1%). Echocardiography was the principal diagnostic method, revealing an average tumor size of 3 cm. The most commonly observed mass was cardiac myxoma (CM) in 192 patients (70.1%). The second most frequently detected mass was PFE (28 cases, 10.2%). The third most common cardiac mass was a metastatic tumor (6.9%). Surgical resection was performed in all patients, with infection being the most prevalent consequence, followed by effusion. Conclusions: Cardiac tumors, albeit uncommon, provide considerable diagnostic and treatment difficulties. Our research is founded on an extensive case series that has been histopathologically validated and sourced from various national tertiary centers. This comprehensive dataset offers epidemiological and clinical insights regarding heart tumors in Turkey. Another key finding of our study is that, even though the 5th edition of the 2021 WHO Classification of Thoracic Tumors lists PFE as the most common primary cardiac tumor, myxoma is actually the most common primary cardiac tumor in our study and in many other studies. This finding demonstrates a significant discrepancy between the current international classification and real-world data and suggests that tumor distribution may be related to regional and demographic differences. Full article

In this study, the efficacy of super white cement (SWC) to improve organic soils was researched. For stabilization, 10%, 15%, and 20% proportions of SWC were added to organic soil. After improvement with SWC, Atterberg limit testing, standard Proctor tests, triaxial compression tests, and swelling and compressibility tests were performed on the organic soil. Proctor tests showed that stabilization of organic soil with SWC increased maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) values. After stabilization, the unconfined compressional strength values of the soil increased. This increase continued until the 28th day and had a reducing trend after improvement with SWC, linked to time. In addition to the reaction between SWC and OS, the time-dependent behavior of OS also contributed to this behavior. With the increase in SWC proportions, the cohesion intercept and internal friction angle values rapidly increased until the 56th day. This increase began to reduce after the 56th day. After stabilization, the swelling percentage and compressibility values for the soil reduced. The addition of SWC within organic soil appeared to improve the engineering properties of the soil. Full article

This paper explores the intervening role in SEP performance of corporate environmental, cultural, and ethnic activities (ECEAs) and diversity, equity, inclusion, and social initiatives (DEISIs) on blockchain adoption (BCA) strategy, particularly useful in the Western Balkans (WB), which demands transparency due to extended fraud and ethnic complexities. In this domain, a question has been raised: In BCA strategies, is there any correlation between SEP performance and ECEAs and DEISIs in a mediating role? A serial mediation model was tested on a dataset of 630 WB and EU companies, and the research conceptual model was validated by CFA (Confirmation Factor Analysis), and the SEM (Structural Equation Model) fit was assessed. We found a statistically sound (significant, positive) correlation between BCA and ESG success performance, especially in the innovation and integrity ESG performance success indicators, when DEISIs mediate. The findings confirmed the influence of technology, and environmental, cultural, ethnic, and social factors on BCA strategy. The findings revealed some important issues of BCA that are of worth to WB companies’ managers to address BCA for better performance. This study adds to the literature on corporate blockchain transformation, especially for organizations seeking investment opportunities in new international markets to diversify their assets and skill pool. Furthermore, it contributes to a deeper understanding of how DEI initiatives impact the correlation between business transformation and socioeconomic performance, which is referred to as the “social impact”. Full article

The historical use of toxic chemicals to cause intentional harm has evolved from blister agents in World War I to highly lethal organophosphates and emerging families of chemicals, such as Novichok. In turn, medical or recreational substances like fentanyl, lysergamides, and phencyclidine pose a growing risk of hostile use, particularly related to the rapid proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). A narrative literature review was conducted covering specialized databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, Google Scholar) and sources from international organizations (OPCW, UNODC, ONU), analyzing historical and recent cases of the use of nerve agents in conflicts and the use of NPSs for hostile purposes. The main families of conventional agents (G, V, A series, and Novichok) and NPSs (lysergamides, PCP, fentanyl derivatives) were identified, highlighting their ease of synthesis, high toxicity profiles, and the regulatory gaps that facilitate their illicit production. In this scenario, it is essential to strengthen regulatory frameworks, surveillance systems, and ethical protocols in chemical research, as well as to promote international cooperation to prevent these substances from becoming chemical threats. Full article

Urban expansion fragments once-contiguous forest patches, generating pronounced edge gradients that modulate soil physicochemical properties and biodiversity. We quantified how fragmentation reshaped the soil microbiome continuum and its implications for soil carbon storage in a temperate urban mixed deciduous forest. A total of 18 plots were considered in this study, with six plots for each fragment type. Intact interior forest (F), internal forest path fragment (IF), and external forest path fragment (EF) soils were sampled at 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm depths and profiled through phospholipid-derived fatty acid (PLFA) chemotyping and amino sugar proxies for living microbiome and microbial-derived necromass assessment, respectively. Carbon fractionation was performed through the chemical oxidation method. Diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Pielou evenness, Margalef richness, and Simpson dominance) were calculated based on the determined fatty acids derived from the phospholipid fraction. The microbial biomass ranged from 85.1 to 214.6 nmol g⁻¹ dry soil, with the surface layers of F exhibiting the highest values (p < 0.01). Shannon diversity declined systematically from F > IF > EF. The microbial necromass varied from 11.3 to 23.2 g⋅kg⁻¹. Fragmentation intensified the stratification of carbon pools, with organic carbon decreasing by approximately 14% from F to EF. Our results show that EFs possess a declining microbiome continuum that weakens their carbon sequestration capacity in urban forests. Full article

The depletion of water resources caused by climate change and human activities is a pressing global issue. Lake Ereen is one of the ten natural landmarks of the Gobi-Altai of western Mongolia is included in the list of “important areas for birds” recognized by the international organization Birdlife. However, the construction of the Taishir Hydroelectric Power Station, aimed at supplying electricity to the western provinces of Mongolia, had a detrimental effect on the flow of the Zavkhan River, resulting in a drying-up and pollution of Lake Ereen, which relies on the river as its water source. This study assesses the pollution levels in Ereen Lake and determines the feasibility of its rehabilitation by redirecting the flow of the Zavkhan River. Field studies included the analysis of water quality, sediment contamination, and the composition of flora. The results show that the concentrations of ammonium, chlorine, fluorine, and sulfate in the lake water exceed the permissible levels set by the Mongolian standard. Analyses of elements from sediments revealed elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, and copper, exceeding international sediment quality guidelines and posing risks to biological organisms. Furthermore, several species of diatoms indicative of polluted water were discovered. Lake Ereen is currently in a eutrophic state and, based on a water quality index (WQI) of 49.4, also in a “polluted” state. Mass balance calculations and box model analysis determined the period of pollutant replacement for two restoration options: drying-up and complete removal of contaminated sediments and plants vs. dilution-flushing without direct interventions in the lake. We recommend the latter being the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to rehabilitate Lake Ereen. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of digital systems and IT audit frameworks on tax performance and integrity within tax administrations. Using international data from organizations like the World Bank, OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), and IMF (International Monetary Fund), the research examines the relationship between tax revenue as a percentage of GDP, digital infrastructure, corruption perception, e-government development, and cybersecurity readiness. Quantitative analysis, including correlation, regression, and clustering methods, reveals a strong positive relationship between digital maturity, e-governance, and tax performance. Countries with advanced digital governance systems and robust IT audit frameworks, such as COBIT, tend to show higher tax revenues and lower corruption levels. The study finds that e-government development and anti-corruption measures explain over 40% of the variance in tax performance. Cluster analysis distinguishes between digitally advanced, high-compliance countries and those lagging in IT adoption. The findings suggest that digital transformation strengthens fiscal integrity by automating compliance and reducing human contact, which in turn mitigates bribery risks and enhances fraud detection. The study highlights the need for adopting international best practices to guide the digitalization of tax administrations, improving efficiency, transparency, and trust in public finance. Full article

The current proceedings summarize the presentations delivered during the third International Electronic Conference on Microbiology (ECM 2025), which was held online from 1 to 3 April 2025, via the SciForum platform. This virtual event brought together researchers from around the world to share recent advances in microbiological sciences. The ECM 2025 highlighted recent developments across a broad spectrum of microbiological research, including antimicrobial resistance, gut microbiota, infectious diseases, and environmental microbiomes. Participants shared their work through online presentations and abstracts, with selected submissions invited for full publication. The event fostered global collaboration, promoted open-access science, and showcased innovative tools for studying and managing microbial systems in health, agriculture, and industry. The multidisciplinary program was organized into several thematic sessions: S1. Gut Microbiota and Health Disease. S2. Foodborne Pathogens and Food Safety. S3. Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance. S4. Emerging Infectious Diseases. S5. Microbiome and Soil Science. S6. Microbial Characterization and Bioprocess. S7. Microbe–Plant Interactions. This conference report presents summaries of the contributions made by participating authors over the three-day event. Full article

This research develops a dual physics-based machine learning system to forecast fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for a 100 m oil tanker across six operational scenarios: Original, Paint, Advanced Propeller, Fin, Bulbous Bow, and Combined. The combination of hydrodynamic calculations with Monte Carlo simulations provides a solid foundation for training machine learning models, particularly in cases where dataset restrictions are present. The XGBoost model demonstrated superior performance compared to Support Vector Regression, Gaussian Process Regression, Random Forest, and Shallow Neural Network models, achieving near-zero prediction errors that closely matched physics-based calculations. The physics-based analysis demonstrated that the Combined scenario, which combines hull coatings with bulbous bow modifications, produced the largest fuel consumption reduction (5.37% at 15 knots), followed by the Advanced Propeller scenario. The results demonstrate that user inputs (e.g., engine power: 870 kW, speed: 12.7 knots) match the Advanced Propeller scenario, followed by Paint, which indicates that advanced propellers or hull coatings would optimize efficiency. The obtained insights help ship operators modify their operational parameters and designers select essential modifications for sustainable operations. The model maintains its strength at low speeds, where fuel consumption is minimal, making it applicable to other oil tankers. The hybrid approach provides a new tool for maritime efficiency analysis, yielding interpretable results that support International Maritime Organization objectives, despite starting with a limited dataset. The model requires additional research to enhance its predictive accuracy using larger datasets and real-time data collection, which will aid in achieving global environmental stewardship. Full article