Search Results (11,447)

The liturgical and juridical regulation of papal funerals is coeval with the existence of the Church. The perspective that the funeral should also promote unity among Christians appeared early on. Later, it became a stage for political encounters. The Second Vatican Council’s understanding of society also permeated papal funerals. The juridical and liturgical regulations were inherently built upon a philosophy of encounter and dialogue, as they conveyed the Church’s social teaching and its commitment to those living on the peripheries of society, regardless of their religious affiliation. This was further supported by the homily at papal funerals, which discussed issues concerning the good of all humanity, based on the teachings of the respective Pope. The funeral rites of the post-conciliar Popes have eminently demonstrated that the burial ceremony serves as a vital bridge between different religions and countries with diverse political systems. That, contrary to Huntington’s central thesis, which is based on the clash of civilizations, the starting point can be dialogue, gestures, and the promotion of peace. The study employed a qualitative methodology, processing and confronting primary and secondary sources, from which conclusions were drawn. Full article

Intergenerational trauma significantly affects the health and mental health of African American families, particularly women whose lives are shaped by systemic inequities and historical oppression. This scoping review examines how trauma and resilience are transmitted across generations in African American communities, with a focus on dyads such as mother–child and mother–daughter relationships and a conceptual grandmother–mother–daughter triad. The review aims to identify mechanisms of trauma transmission and resilience and to inform culturally responsive, multigenerational interventions. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2025 were identified that included African American caregivers and children and addressed biological, psychological, social, cultural, and resilience dimensions of intergenerational processes. Data were synthesized using a dimensional conceptual analysis approach. Findings indicate that intergenerational trauma is perpetuated through chronic stress and discrimination, maternal mental health challenges, family structure and caregiving strain, and cultural narratives about strength and self-reliance. At the same time, resilience is transmitted through sensitive caregiving, spirituality and faith, social and kin support, racial socialization, and economic survival strategies that draw on cultural and historical knowledge. These results underscore the importance of addressing intergenerational trauma holistically by integrating dyadic evidence within a broader conceptual triadic framework. Culturally responsive, multigenerational interventions that leverage family and community strengths and make space for emotional vulnerability are essential for interrupting cycles of trauma and fostering healing within African American families. Full article

This study presents a multimodal framework that uses smartphone motion sensors and generative AI to create audio comics from live news headlines. The system operates without direct touch or voice input, instead responding to simple hand-wave gestures. The system demonstrates potential as an alternative input method, which may benefit users who find traditional touch or voice interaction challenging. In the experiments, we investigated the generation of comics on based on the latest tech-related news headlines using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) on a simple hand wave gesture. The proposed framework demonstrates extensibility beyond comic generation, as various other tasks utilizing large language models and multimodal AI could be integrated by mapping them to different hand gestures. Our experiments with open-source models like LLaMA, LLaVA, Gemma, and Qwen revealed that LLaVA delivers superior results in generating panel-aligned stories compared to Qwen3-VL, both in terms of inference speed and output quality, relative to the source image. These large language models (LLMs) collectively contribute imaginative and conversational narrative elements that enhance diversity in storytelling within the comic format. Additionally, we implement an AI-in-the-loop mechanism to iteratively improve output quality without human intervention. Finally, AI-generated audio narration is incorporated into the comics to create an immersive, multimodal reading experience. Full article

This study investigates whether national innovation systems contribute to sustainable well-being in emerging EU Member States by examining the long-run relationship between innovation performance and a multidimensional Quality of Life Index (QoLI). Using a balanced panel covering 2013–2024 for ten countries, the analysis integrates the Global Innovation Index, economic development dynamics, and demographic pressure to assess whether innovation-led progress translates into broad societal benefits. Panel cointegration tests confirm a stable long-run equilibrium among variables, while FMOLS estimation reveals three key results: (i) While the bivariate Pearson correlation indicates a positive association between innovation capacity and quality of life, the multivariate FMOLS estimation reveals a statistically significant negative long-run effect of innovation performance on QoLI, once economic development and demographic pressures are jointly controlled for. (ii) Economic development contributes positively to sustainable well-being, reinforcing the role of income-driven improvements in living conditions, and (iii) population size exerts a strong negative effect, reflecting demographic stress and unequal access to essential services. The findings indicate an innovation–well-being gap in which technological progress advances faster than the institutional and social mechanisms needed to ensure equitable diffusion. These results underscore the need to reorient innovation strategies toward inclusive growth, social accessibility, and environmental resilience so that innovation systems can effectively support sustainable well-being in emerging European economies. Full article

Although modern web technologies increasingly rely on high-performance rendering methods to support rich visual content across a range of devices and operating systems, the field remains significantly under-researched. The performance of animated visual elements is affected by numerous factors, including browsers, operating systems, GPU acceleration, scripting load, and device limitations. This study systematically evaluates animation performance across multiple platforms using a unified set of circle-based animations implemented with eight web-compatible technologies, including HTML, CSS, SVG, JavaScript, Canvas, and WebGL. Animations were evaluated under controlled feature combinations involving random motion, distance, colour variation, blending, and transformations, with object counts ranging from 10 to 10,000. Measurements were conducted on desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile platforms (iOS, Android), using CPU utilisation, GPU memory usage, and frame rate (FPS) as key metrics. Results show that DOM-based approaches maintain stable performance at 100 animated objects but exhibit notable degradation by 500 objects. Canvas-based rendering extends usability to higher object counts, while WebGL demonstrates the most stable performance at large scales (5000–10,000 objects). These findings provide concrete guidance for selecting appropriate animation technologies based on scene complexity and target platform. Full article

Sustainable food production for a growing population requires farming practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining soil as a living, renewable foundation for productivity. This review synthesizes current advances in understanding how endophytic fungi (EFs) interact with the soil microbiome and contribute to the physicochemical and biological dimensions of soil health in arable ecosystems. We examine evidence showing that EFs enhance plant nutrition through phosphate solubilization, siderophore-mediated micronutrient acquisition, and improved nitrogen use efficiency while also modulating plant hormones and stress-responsive pathways. EFs further increase crop resilience to drought, salinity, and heat; suppress pathogens; and influence key soil properties including aggregation, organic matter turnover, and microbial network stability. Recent integration of multi-omics, metabolomics, and community-level analyses has shifted the field from descriptive surveys toward mechanistic insight, revealing how EFs regulate nutrient cycling and remodel rhizosphere communities toward disease-suppressive and nutrient-efficient states. A central contribution of this review is the linkage of EF-mediated plant functions with soil microbiome dynamics and soil structural processes framed within a translational pipeline encompassing strain selection, formulation, delivery, and field scale monitoring. We also highlight current challenges, including context-dependent performance, competition with native microbiota, and formulation and deployment constraints that limit consistent outcomes under field conditions. By bridging microbial ecology with agronomy, this review positions EFs as biocontrol agents, biofertilizers, and ecosystem engineers with strong potential for resilient, low-input, and climate-adaptive cropping systems. Full article

Redox (reduction–oxidation) processes underlie all forms of life and are a universal regulatory mechanism that maintains homeostasis and adapts the organism to changes in the internal and external environments. From capturing solar energy in photosynthesis and oxygen generation to fine-tuning cellular metabolism, redox reactions are key determinants of life activity. Proteins containing sulfur- and selenium-containing amino acid residues play a crucial role in redox regulation. Their reversible oxidation by physiological oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), plays the role of molecular switches that control enzymatic activity, protein structure, and signaling cascades. This enables rapid and flexible cellular responses to a wide range of stimuli—from growth factors and nutrient signals to toxins and stressors. Mitochondria, the main energy organelles and also the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), play a special role in redox balance. On the one hand, mitochondrial ROS function as signaling molecules, regulating cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response, while, on the other hand, their excessive accumulation leads to oxidative stress, damage to biomolecules, and the development of pathological processes. So, mitochondria act not only as a “generator” of redox signals but also as a central link in maintaining cellular and systemic redox homeostasis. Redox signaling forms a multi-layered cybernetic system, which includes signal perception, activation of signaling pathways, the initiation of physiological responses, and feedback regulatory mechanisms. At the molecular level, this is manifested by changes in the activity of redox-regulated proteins of which the redox proteome consists, thereby affecting the epigenetic landscape and gene expression. Physiological processes at all levels of biological organization—from subcellular to systemic—are controlled by redox mechanisms. Studying these processes opens a way to understanding the universal principles of life activity and identifying the biochemical mechanisms whose disruption causes the occurrence and development of pathological reactions. It is important to emphasize that new approaches to redox balance modulation are now actively developed, ranging from antioxidant therapy and targeted intervention on mitochondria to pharmacological and nutraceutical regulation of signaling pathways. This article analyzes the pivotal role of redox balance and its regulation at various levels of living organisms—from molecular and cellular to tissue, organ, and organismal levels—with a special emphasis on the role of mitochondria and modern strategies for influencing redox homeostasis. Full article

For individuals with mental illness who experience multidimensional marginalization, the risks of encountering discrimination and receiving inadequate care are compounded. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have propelled the provision of mental healthcare through the creation of digital mental health applications (DMHAs). DMHAs can be trained to identify specific markers of distress and resilience by incorporating community knowledge in machine learning algorithms. However, DMHAs that use rule-based systems and large language models (LLMs) may generate algorithmic bias. At-risk populations face challenges in accessing culturally and linguistically competent care, often exacerbating existing inequities. Creating equitable solutions in digital mental health requires AI training models that adequately represent the complex realities of marginalized people. This narrative review analyzes the current literature on digital mental health through an intersectional framework. Using an intersectional framework considers the nuanced experiences of individuals whose identities lie at the intersection of multiple stigmatized social groups. By assessing the disproportionate mental health challenges faced by these individuals, we highlight several culturally responsive strategies to improve community outcomes. Culturally responsive strategies include digital mental health technologies that incorporate the lived experience of individuals with intersecting identities while reducing the incidence of bias, harm, and exclusion. Full article

Background: Leakage is a major concern for individuals living with a stoma and may negatively impact quality of life (QoL). A digital leakage notification system (DLNS) recently launched in the UK provides timely notifications to users via their smartphone when faeces is detected underneath the baseplate. This provides predictability and enables users to take proactive measures to help avoid leakages outside the baseplate. Methods: A single-arm, observational, longitudinal study of the DLNS, including its associated support service, has been initiated to follow 300 users for a year in the UK to evaluate long-term health benefits of the DLNS and its implications for healthcare resource utilisation in a real-world setting. The DLNS is prescribed by healthcare professionals (HCPs), and all users were invited to participate in the study. Study participants complete questionnaires capturing data on QoL (using the Ostomy Leak Impact tool), number of leakages outside the baseplate, utilisation of ostomy products, interactions with HCPs, and work productivity (using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire) at baseline and then every third month for one year. Data from the planned interim analysis of the first 100 participants who had been in the study for 6 months is presented. Results: Use of the DLNS for 6 months together with the associated support service was associated with a 51% reduction in leakage episodes outside the baseplate (p < 0.001) and great improvements in QoL (p < 0.001). Use of the DLNS reduced the number of unplanned baseplate changes due to worry about leakage by 47% (p < 0.001) and overall was associated with a reduction in the number of baseplates used by 14% (p = 0.002). Total time spent with HCPs related to stoma care was reduced by 65% after 6 months compared with baseline (p < 0.001). Work absenteeism and presenteeism improved significantly with the use of the DLNS. Conclusions: The interim results of this prospective, longitudinal study provided first insights into the long-term benefits of the DLNS in a real-world setting. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06554015. Full article

Background: Adult females with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are frequently underdiagnosed due to gender bias, overlapping symptoms, and limited awareness among healthcare professionals. The scarcity of research on this subject—particularly in the UK context—underscores the need for further investigation. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adult females receiving a late diagnosis of ASD and/or ADHD and to identify key barriers within the UK diagnostic pathway. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by examining the factors contributing to delayed diagnosis within the United Kingdom. Study Design and Method: The study employed a qualitative approach, utilising an anonymous online questionnaire survey comprising nine open-ended questions. Responses were obtained from 52 UK-based females aged 35–65 years who had either received or were awaiting a diagnosis of ASD and/or ADHD. Data were analysed thematically within a constructivist framework. Findings: The analysis revealed three overarching themes: (i) limited understanding and lack of empathy among healthcare professionals, (ii) insufficient post-diagnostic support, with most participants reporting no follow-up care, and (iii) a complex, protracted diagnostic process, often involving waiting periods exceeding three years. Gender bias and frequent misdiagnosis were recurrent issues, contributing to significant psychological distress. These findings underscore the need for systemic reforms and align closely with gaps identified in the existing literature. Conclusions: The findings emphasise the urgent need for gender-sensitive diagnostic frameworks, enhanced professional training, and a person-centred approach to care. Key recommendations include shortening diagnostic waiting times, strengthening healthcare professionals’ knowledge base, and ensuring equitable and consistent post-diagnostic support. Full article

Inclusive education is at the forefront of transnational policy agendas. Yet, normative, deficit-oriented disability discourses and institutional gaps continue to shape how inclusion is enacted in schools, often displacing extensive and unacknowledged labour onto families, especially mothers. Drawing on feminist theories of invisible work, this article critically examines the everyday labour performed by mothers of disabled children as they navigate inclusive education systems in Alberta, Canada. Situated within a broader collective case study, this analysis asks: What forms of invisible work do mothers undertake in pursuit of inclusion within education systems labelled as inclusive? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine mothers of disabled children. Reflexive thematic analysis illuminated four intersecting dimensions of invisible work: (1) working within the system, (2) working to fit the system, (3) crafting system workarounds, and (4) working above and beyond the system. These forms of work reveal how inclusive education systems rely on mothers to bridge the gap between policy rhetoric and lived experiences. Findings illuminate how mothers’ invisible work simultaneously sustains, negotiates, and resists systemic ableism, highlighting the need to recognize and redistribute this work and reimagine inclusion as a shared structural responsibility rather than an individual, maternal pursuit. Full article

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels function as multimodal cation channels that integrate chemical and mechanical cues to regulate cellular signaling. Among them, TRPC3 and TRPC6 have been studied primarily in the context of cardiovascular and renal physiology, and their roles in other organ systems are now increasingly recognized. Although these channels are known to be activated downstream of phospholipase C (PLC) signaling, especially 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) production, their precise modes of activation under native physiological conditions remain incompletely understood. Recent structural and functional studies have greatly advanced our understanding of their primary activation by DAG. This review summarizes how decades of physiological analyses have revealed multiple modes of TRPC3 and TRPC6 channel activation beyond DAG gating, providing a broader perspective on their diverse regulatory mechanisms. This review also highlights recent progress in elucidating the channel properties, activation mechanisms, and the physiological as well as pathophysiological roles of TRPC3 and TRPC6 in cardiovascular contractility and remodeling, and discusses the remaining challenges that will lead to the establishment of TRPC3 and TRPC6 as validated therapeutic targets. Full article

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the clinical and immunological outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in HIV-positive patients with periodontitis. Methods: Systematic search on four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) and the gray literature was completed through December 2025. A comprehensive set of clinical parameters and immunological markers were assessed. Three studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis and qualitative analysis. Extracted outcomes included clinical periodontal parameters (PPD, CAL, BoP, PI, GBI, BI) and immunological markers (viral load, CD4+ lymphocyte count, CD4/CD8 ratio, salivary LF, salivary HST, GCF LF, GCF HST). Results: With a very low level of certainty, NSPT was generally associated with significant improvements in clinical periodontal parameters compared to before treatment measurements and HIV-negative individuals. Improvements in immunological status were also reported. Heterogeneity of study designs and reporting standards limited this study’s quantitative analysis. Conclusions: NSPT demonstrates beneficial clinical and immunological outcomes in people living with HIV. However, the very low level of certainty in the available data limits confidence in changes in periodontal status and immune system reconstitution following NSPT in this population; therefore, the findings remain inconclusive and should be interpreted with caution. Full article

Nitrogen (N) management remains a primary challenge in organic grain systems, particularly in rotations where heavy N-consuming crops, such as corn and wheat, follow one another. Daikon radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is widely adopted for its ability to scavenge residual soil nitrate between cash crops; yet the subsequent availability of scavenged N to the following crop is inconsistent and often negligible. This 4-year field study (2014–2017) at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center evaluated whether planting daikon radish in polyculture with berseem clover, and either annual oats or winter rye could improve N retention and timed release compared to daikon radish monoculture. Three cover crop treatments were tested across three common organic management systems: no manure with no tillage, manure with tillage, and manure plus shallow tillage incorporation before cover crop seeding. Polycultures, especially those including winter rye, produced significantly more fall biomass (up to 6435 kg ha⁻¹) than daikon radish monoculture (573–1272 kg ha⁻¹). Manure incorporation consistently increased total and daikon radish biomass, as well as the percent living cover. Despite substantial biomass differences, mid-season and fall soil inorganic N, potentially mineralizable N, permanganate-oxidizable C, and enzyme activities showed few consistent treatment effects. Corn grain yield was highest following manure with tillage incorporation but was significantly reduced after the winter rye polyculture in all years, likely due to N immobilization and delayed corn planting caused by late rye termination under wet spring conditions. Results indicate that while polycultures with winter rye maximize biomass and soil cover, they do not reliably enhance N recycling to the subsequent organic corn crop and can reduce yield. Full article

Memory resident malware, particularly fileless and heavily obfuscated types, continues to pose a major problem for endpoint defense tools, as these threats often slip past traditional signature-based detection techniques. Deep learning has shown promise in identifying such malicious activity, but its use in real Security Operations Centers (SOCs) is still limited because the internal reasoning of these neural network models is difficult to interpret or verify. In response to this challenge, we present HAGEN, a hierarchical attention architecture designed to combine strong classification performance with explanations that security analysts can understand and trust. HAGEN processes memory artifacts through a series of attention layers that highlight important behavioral cues at different scales, while a gated mechanism controls how information flows through the network. This structure enables the system to expose the basis of its decisions rather than simply output a label. To further support transparency, the final classification step is guided by representative prototypes, allowing predictions to be related back to concrete examples learned during training. When evaluated on the CIC-MalMem-2022 dataset, HAGEN achieved 99.99% accuracy in distinguishing benign programs from major malware classes such as spyware, ransomware, and trojans, all with modest computational requirements suitable for live environments. Beyond accuracy, HAGEN produces clear visual and numeric explanations—such as attention maps and prototype distances—that help investigators understand which memory patterns contributed to each decision, making it a practical tool for both detection and forensic analysis. Full article