Search Results (5,977)

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism are prevalent conditions managed by dentists. However, treatment choices—especially concerning botulinum toxin (BTX)—often lack consistency. This study aimed to develop and assess a structured clinical decision-making algorithm for BTX use in patients with TMD and bruxism. Methods: A treatment algorithm was designed through a qualitative analysis of the literature and aligned with German S3 guidelines. A total of 227 dentists assessed three clinical case vignettes reflecting routine clinical practice. Each vignette was evaluated first without and subsequently with the algorithm, focusing on typical indications for botulinum toxin treatment. Data were collected via online survey (SurveyMonkey) and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Participants were stratified by gender and clinical experience (≤5 years vs. >5 years). Results: Of the 227 dentists contacted, 103 responded, and 56 completed the survey (57.1% male; mean age: 34.5 ± 10.6 years). BTX decision accuracy significantly improved for Case 1 (62.5% → 87.5%, p = 0.0013) and Case 2 (14.3% → 87.5%, p < 0.0001), but not for Case 3 (44.6% → 46.4%, p = 1.000). Confidence increased, and uncertainty decreased, particularly among less experienced dentists. The algorithm also significantly influenced both first- and second-line treatment choices, aligning them more closely with guideline-based therapy. Usefulness was confirmed by 78.6% of respondents, with no significant differences based on gender or experience. Conclusions: The proposed algorithm significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, treatment consistency, and confidence in the use of BTX for TMD and bruxism. It facilitates evidence-based, experience-independent decision-making and potentially represents a useful clinical tool in dental practice. Full article

Background: Building on socioanalytic theory and signaling theory, this study examined whether self-reported motives—representing individuals’ identities—translate into reputational outcomes. Furthermore, drawing on role congruity theory, the study examined whether gender would moderate the strength of the relationship between the self-reported motives and reputational consequences. Methods: We used a large sample of management students (N = 349) on which we collected self-reported achievement and power motives, and peer ratings (N = 508) of overall reputation and leadership potential. Results: We found that (a) achievement motive was positively associated with leadership potential and overall reputation (including trustworthiness and competence); (b) power motive was positively associated with leadership potential; and (c) both motives were equally strong predictors of leadership potential, but only achievement motive was a significant predictor of overall reputation. Finally, in line with role congruity theory, we observed that the positive associations between both motives and leadership potential were stronger for male than for female students. However, for overall reputation, this applied only to the power motive, suggesting that gender affects how motivational signals are socially interpreted. Conclusions: These findings offer implications for future research and provide practical insights into talent identification, leadership development, and performance evaluation processes. Full article

Background: Postnatal growth failure in very preterm infants remains a major concern in neonatal care and clinical management is complicated by the lack of a standardized definition. This study aims to identify risk factors for growth faltering (GF) and undernutrition (UN) at hospital discharge, defined according to the latest consensus definitions established by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 416 preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight < 1500 g). Growth was monitored using the Intergrowth 21st standards. In line with ESPGHAN criteria, GF was defined longitudinally as a weight for age (WFA) z-score decline ≥ 1 SD from birth, while UN was defined cross-sectionally as a WFA or length for age z-score < −2 SD at discharge. Logistic regression models were used to determine independent predictors for both growth phenotypes. Results: At discharge, the prevalence of GF and UN was 45.3% and 33.1%, respectively. In infants born without growth restriction (GR), UN was almost entirely driven by GF (89.7%). In contrast, 85.5% of infants born with GR remained undernourished at discharge. Multivariate analysis identified bronchopulmonary dysplasia and higher maximal postnatal weight loss as major independent risk factors for GF, while female sex and human milk feeding at discharge were associated with a lower risk of GF. For infants born with adequate weight, maternal hypertension, extremely low birth weight, and the co-occurrence of GF were the strongest predictors of UN. Conclusions: Nearly half of very preterm infants experience significant growth impairment before discharge. By assessing the dynamic process of GF and the static endpoint of UN, we identified distinct clinical trajectories. Standardized ESPGHAN criteria allow for the identification of high-risk “phenotypes”—particularly those with GR at birth or severe neonatal morbidity—enabling more targeted and intensive nutritional management during the critical developmental window. Full article

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that often leads to impaired postural control, pain, and reduced physical function. Exercise is considered a first-line treatment, with sensorimotor training being an effective approach for managing OA. However, the optimal method of sensorimotor training for individuals with OA has not yet been established. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 24-week Gyrokinesis method (GK) versus Pilates (PL) intervention on balance control, function, pain and kinesiophobia in women with knee OA. Methods: Twenty women (aged 60 ± 7 years) with grade 2 or 3 knee OA were assigned to either GK (n = 12) or PL (n = 8). Both groups trained twice weekly for 24 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included postural sway parameters (RMS, velocity, frequency), physical function tests (e.g., TUG, Sit-to-Stand), flexibility, pain (Brief Pain Inventory), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale), and quality of life (SF-36). Results: GK resulted in significantly greater improvements than PL in postural sway mean velocity AP right (GK −53.85% vs. PL −20.17%), AP left (GK −43.48% vs. PL +13.45%), and ML left (GK −40.18% vs. PL +37.95), pain reduction (GK −82.5% vs. PL −33.3%), and physical function (Sit-to-Stand: GK +75.9% vs. PL +3.7%; TUG: GK −16.4% vs. PL −13.8%; Step Test right: GK +34.2% vs. PL +19.9%; Step Test left: GK +41.4% vs. PL +18.1%) (all, p < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed for kinesiophobia or SF-36 scores (both, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Gyrokinesis method may be more effective than Pilates in enhancing balance, reducing pain, and improving physical function in women with knee OA. These findings support the use of the Gyrokinesis method in rehabilitation programs for individuals with OA. Full article

An integrated field–analytical framework was applied to quantify the impact of two small-settlement treatment facilities (TF1 and TF2) on the Irtysh River (East Kazakhstan). The main objective of this study is to quantify effluent-driven dilution and non-conservative changes in key water-quality indicators downstream of TF1 and TF2 and to evaluate parsimonious models for predicting effluent-outlet BOD and COD from upstream measurements. Paired upstream–downstream control sections are sampled in 2024–2025 for 22 indicators, and plant influent–effluent records are compiled for key wastewater variables. Chloride-based conservative mixing indicated very strong dilution (approximately $D\approx 2.0\times {10}^3$ for TF1 and $D\approx 4.2\times {10}^2$ for TF2). Deviations from the mixing line were summarized using a transformation diagnostic $\theta$. At TF1, several constituents exceeded mixing expectations ($\theta \approx 13$ for COD, $\theta \approx 42$ for ammonium, and $\theta \approx 6$ for phosphates), while nitrate shows net attenuation $\theta <0$. At TF2, $\theta$ values cluster near unity, indicating modest deviations. Under a small-sample regime $\left(\mathrm{N}=10\right)$ and leave-one-out validation, regularized regression provided accurate forecasts of effluent-outlet BOD and COD. Lasso under LOOCV performed best (BOD_after: RMSE = 0.626, MAE = 0.459, and $R^2=0.976$; COD_after: RMSE = 0.795, MAE = 0.634, and $R^2=0.997$). The results reconcile strong reach-scale dilution with constituent-specific local departures and support targeted modernization and operational forecasting for water-quality management in small facilities. Full article

Adaptive life histories emerge through their environmentally dependent effects on fitness. Those effects are consequences of habitat quality and the density-dependent decisions that organisms make on habitat choice. Density dependence for ideal organisms maximizing fitness through habitat selection is uniquely revealed by their habitat isodars, lines in the state space of species’ densities that confer equal fitness between habitats coupled by dispersal. We use isodars to structure simple simulations of habitat selection in stable and stochastic environments. The simulations demonstrate an indirect effect of ideal habitat selection that can dampen otherwise wide fluctuations in abundance and their impact on pace-of-life strategies. The ability of habitat selection to equalize fitness between habitats also has a direct effect on life history evolution. Habitat selection can promote phenotypically plastic life histories between habitats that might otherwise convey divergent genetically fixed strategies. The direct and indirect effects on life history demonstrate that it is not just habitat that requires our concern in managing and conserving nature, but how those activities are likely to impinge on habitat selection. Full article

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare, idiopathic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of both muscle and skin, with a significant contribution from the interferon (IFN) pathway in its pathogenesis. Here, we present the case of a 4-year-old boy with JDM who tested positive for Mi2-α and MDA5 antibodies and showed combined muscle and skin involvement. In view of his markedly elevated IFN signature, the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib was introduced very early as a targeted steroid-sparing agent in addition to standard immunosuppressive therapy. The patient experienced marked clinical improvement, with resolution of skin lesions, normalization of MDA5 antibodies, and a pronounced reduction in the IFN signature. This case highlights the potential efficacy of JAK inhibition in managing JDM with a high IFN signature and supports a mechanism-based, interferon-targeted treatment approach, in line with emerging evidence in refractory JDM. Further studies are warranted to define the role of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of JDM. Full article

CRISPR/Cas systems have transformed molecular medicine, yet the field still lacks principled guidance on when transient editing suffices versus when sustained exposure through in vivo viral delivery is necessary and how to keep prolonged exposure safe. Notably, EDIT-101 was designed for a permanent edit in post-mitotic photoreceptors with lifelong Cas9 persistence. This review addresses this gap by defining the biological and therapeutic conditions that drive benefit from extended Cas activity while minimizing risk. We will (i) examine relationships between expression window and efficacy across Cas9/Cas12/Cas13 modalities, (ii) identify genome-wide off-target liabilities alongside orthogonal assays, and (iii) discuss controllable, self-limiting, and recallable editor platforms. By separating durable edits from persistent nuclease exposure, and by providing validated control levers, this work establishes a generalizable framework for safe, higher-efficacy CRISPR medicines. Furthermore, we highlight key studies in cell lines, murine models, non-human primates, and humans that examine the long-term effects of sustained expression of CRISPR/Cas systems and discuss the safety and efficacy of such approaches. Current evidence demonstrates promising therapeutic outcomes with manageable safety profiles, although there is a need for continued monitoring as CRISPR/Cas therapies are increasingly applied in clinical contexts and therapies are developed for broader clinical applications. Full article

Semantic segmentation of transmission-line point clouds is fundamental to intelligent power inspection and grid asset management, as segmentation accuracy directly influences defect detection and facility assessment tasks. However, transmission-line point clouds collected across different voltage levels often show significant variations in density and geometric structure due to heterogeneous LiDAR sensors and flight configurations. Combined with the high cost of large-scale manual annotation, these factors limit the scalability of existing supervised segmentation methods. To overcome these challenges, we propose a geometry-consistency-guided unsupervised domain adaptation framework tailored for cross-voltage transmission-line point-cloud segmentation. The framework employs KPConvX as the backbone and integrates three progressive components. First, a geometric consistency constraint enhances robustness to spatial variations and enables extraction of structural features invariant across voltage levels. Second, a domain feature alignment module reduces distribution shifts through global feature transformation. Third, a minimum-entropy-based pseudo-label refinement strategy improves the reliability of pseudo-labels during self-training. Experiments on a multi-voltage transmission-line dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. With the KPConvX backbone, the framework achieves 66.1% mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) and 94.3% overall accuracy on the unlabeled 110 kV target domain, exceeding the source-only baseline by 15.6% mIoU and outperforming several state-of-the-art UDA methods. This work provides an efficient, annotation-friendly solution for cross-voltage point-cloud segmentation and offers a promising direction for domain adaptation in complex power-grid environments. Full article

This study aims to develop and demonstrate a low-cost LiDAR-based 3D mapping approach for estimating tree carbon stock in university campuses. Unlike conventional field-based measurements, which are labor-intensive and error-prone, the proposed system integrates a 2D LiDAR sensor with a servo motor and odometry data to generate three-dimensional point clouds of trees. From these data, key biometric parameters such as diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height are automatically extracted and incorporated into species-specific and generalized allometric equations, in line with IPCC 2006/2019 guidelines, to estimate above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, and total carbon storage. The experimental study is conducted over approximately 70,000 m² of green space at Gazi University, Ankara, where six dominant species have been identified, including Cedrus libani, Pinus nigra, Platanus orientalis, and Ailanthus altissima. Results revealed a total carbon stock of 16.82 t C, corresponding to 61.66 t CO₂eq. Among species, Cedrus libani (29,468.86 kg C) and Ailanthus altissima (13,544.83 kg C) showed the highest contributions, while Picea orientalis accounted for the lowest. The findings confirm that the proposed system offers a reliable, portable, cost-effective alternative to professional LiDAR scanners. This approach supports sustainable campus management and highlights the broader applicability of low-cost LiDAR technologies for urban carbon accounting and climate change mitigation strategies. Full article

This review synthesizes the literature on the degradation and decomposition of holopelagic Sargassum, with a focus on process dynamics, including microbial contribution, process descriptions, and ecological impacts. Our objective is to consolidate a robust knowledge framework to inform and optimize management strategies in affected areas. Overall, we observed that the current literature relies primarily on isolated field ecological descriptions rather than a coherent, unified research line; mechanistic studies, including bacterial pathways and factors controlling degradation, remain scarce. At the fine scale, microbial community shifts during decomposition are strongly linked to the sequential utilization of distinct organic substrates, thereby favoring the proliferation of microorganisms capable of degrading complex organic molecules and of bacterial groups involved in sulfur respiration, methanogenesis, and nutrient recycling. In the case of sulfur respiration, groups such as Desulfobacterales and Desulfovibrionales may be responsible for the reported H₂S emissions, which pose significant public health concerns. At a broad scale, degradation occurs both on beaches during emersion and in the water column during immersion, particularly during massive accumulations. The initial stages are characterized by the release of organic exudates and leachates. Experimental and observational studies confirm a strong early-stage release of H₂S until the substrate is largely depleted. Depending on environmental conditions, a significant amount of biomass can be lost; however, this loss is highly variable, with notable consequences for contamination studies. Leachates may also contain low but ecologically significant amounts of arsenic, posing a potential contamination risk. Decomposition contributes to water-quality deterioration and oxygen depletion, with impacts at the individual, population, and ecosystem levels, yet many remain imprecisely attributed. Although evidence of nutrient enrichment in the water column is limited, studies indicate biological nutrient uptake. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of degradation and decomposition, including temporal and spatial dynamics, microbiome interactions, by means of directed research, is critical for effective coastal management, improved mitigation strategies, industrial valorization, and accurate modeling of biogeochemical cycles. Full article

Interventions on Heritage Buildings (HBs) involve significant challenges due to their tangible (embodied in the material, architectural, physical and technical integrity of the cultural asset), and intangible values (linked to socio-historical–cultural and collective identity, memory, customs and symbols meanings), which must be preserved while also adapting to current sustainability and circular economy goals. However, current conservation and management practices often lack systematic tools to trace, assess, and organise material and component information, hindering the implementation of circular strategies. In line with the European Union’s objectives for climate neutrality and resource efficiency and sufficiency, Material and Product Passports (MPPs) have emerged as digital tools that enhance data traceability, interoperability and transparency throughout a building’s lifecycle. This paper examines the potential of MPPs to support circular management of HBs by analysing the structure of MPPs and outlining the information flows generated by rehabilitation, maintenance and adaptive reuse strategies. A mixed methods approach, combining literature review and data structure analysis, is adopted to identify how the different categories of data produced during maintenance, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse processes can be integrated into MPP modules. The research highlights the conceptual opportunities of MPPs to document and interlink historical, cultural, and technical data, thereby improving decision-making and transparency across intervention stages. The analysis suggests that adapting MPPs to the specificities of historic contexts, such as authenticity preservation, reversibility, and contextual sensitivity, can foster innovative, sustainable, and circular practices in the conservation and management of HBs. Full article

Sustainability has become a central concern globally, and efforts to enhance it are being made across various fields. In line with this trend, corporate sustainability reports have become more widely published. These reports provide both financial and non-financial information on a company’s sustainability. In this context, this study aims to, first, analyze the key keywords contained in CEO messages. Second, it examines whether the keywords emphasized by CEOs change in response to shifts in corporate risk under economic uncertainty. Finally, it identifies how the categories of words included in these messages are classified. To address these research questions, text analysis was selected as the methodology. Specifically, a qualitative research approach using text mining and CONCOR analysis was conducted on the text from sustainability report. According to the Term Frequency and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency analyses, the most frequently occurring keywords were ESG, Sustainable, Society, Stakeholders, Growth, Environment, Effort, and Future. Centrality analysis identified the following keywords as having high centrality: Sustainable, ESG, Society, Environment, Growth, Effort, and Stakeholders. Finally, CONCOR analysis revealed four clusters: Eco-friendly Energy, ESG Management, Global Crisis, and Technological Competitiveness. This study is significant in that it analyzes the major keywords and their changes within unstructured text data using text mining and CONCOR analysis, and it suggests the possibility of future quantitative analysis of non-financial information using these keywords. Full article

A strong safety culture is essential for managing human factors in complex systems and constitutes a strategic resource for supporting the sustainable operation of organizations. However, conventional approaches remain limited by unclear conceptual boundaries and a lack of mechanisms linking safety culture with other organizational safety elements. To address these gaps, this study develops a sustainable safety culture construction method grounded in accident causation theory. Using the 24Model, we establish a concise “culture–system–ability–acts” framework that operationalizes the pathways through which safety culture shapes organizational safety performance. The method integrates four components: conceptual clarification of safety culture, quantitative assessment, factor identification based on the 24Model, and Bayesian network analysis to quantify interdependencies among culture, systems, ability, and acts. Empirical evidence from coal mining enterprises shows that safety culture influences safety performance indirectly by shaping system implementation quality, workers’ safety ability, and safety-related actions. Enhancing “demand of safety training” substantially mitigated system deficiencies related to ineffective implementation of procedures, failure in enforcing procedures, lack of qualifications, and insufficient supervision. Improved training also strengthened workers’ knowledge of accident cases, consequences of violations, and technical standards, thereby reducing competence-related gaps and promoting more consistent safety supervision behaviors. Sensitivity analysis highlights the importance of reinforcing “safety responsibilities of line departments” and improving the dissemination of safety knowledge, particularly accident case knowledge. Overall, the findings empirically validate the dynamic “culture–system–ability–acts” transmission mechanism of the 24Model and provide a structured, quantitative pathway for advancing sustainable safety culture development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based recommendations are vital in healthcare to standardize care, reduce variability, and improve patient outcomes. In children, anaphylaxis, allergy to antibiotics, and hymenoptera venom allergy are among the commonest reasons for allergological evaluation. This work was intended to optimize the prescriptions for allergological evaluation and for the related diagnostic tests with the aim of improving the management of children with allergic diseases and promoting resource efficiency. Methods: A systematic literature review of the literature was performed to formulate recommendations on the diagnostic management of children with anaphylaxis, drug allergy, and hymenoptera venom allergy. Results: Effective management of anaphylaxis involves rapid assessment and specialist follow-up to identify triggers, prevent recurrence, and ensure patients and caregivers are educated and equipped with an adrenaline auto-injector. Integrating skin testing, specific serological assays, and oral provocation tests into the diagnostic process for children with suspected beta-lactam allergy enhances diagnostic accuracy and minimizes unnecessary avoidance of first-line antibiotics. Children and adolescents with systemic reactions to hymenopteran stings should be referred to an allergy specialist for diagnosis, risk assessment, management education, and adrenaline prescription. Conclusions: These recommendations may enhance care quality, minimize inappropriate prescriptions, and support standardized methods of diagnosis of allergological diseases in children. Full article