Search Results (5,960)

Background: The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and mental disorders like depression or anxiety appears higher in patients with gastrointestinal tract diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Conversely, depressed patients have higher rates of gastrointestinal disorders. These observations suggest bidirectional communication between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, the so-called “gut–brain axis”. Moreover, an altered microbiota, called “dysbiosis”, has been reported in these diseases, highlighting the network between gut microbes and their host. The emergence of the microbiota as a key regulator of the gut–brain dialog has led to the establishment of the concept of the “microbiota–gut–brain axis”. Objectives: In this narrative review, we outline the main interaction channels between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Then, we summarize current knowledge of two major diets (i.e., Western and Mediterranean diets) and the principal dietary components that modulate the microbiota–gut–brain axis to discuss the mechanisms putatively involved in intestinal, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. Conclusions: Diet is a major factor influencing the gut microbiota, and consequently, also putatively systemic mechanisms through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Indeed, the composition of the diet is crucial for health and disease. Despite the main role of diet, the physiological, cellular, or molecular mechanisms involved in the complex communication between the microbiome, gut, and brain are still poorly understood. Full article

Background: Hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative (HR+/HER2−) early breast cancer (EBC) presents a persistent risk of relapse, even beyond 5 years, driving the need for adjuvant intensification strategies. This review analyzes the clinical evidence for CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in the adjuvant setting. This evidence is then integrated with molecular findings to support the concept of the “carry-over” effect, which is understood as a lasting benefit that persists after the end of active treatment, reflected by a sustained separation of invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) curves during follow-up. Relevant Sections: The main adjuvant trials in EBC are reviewed, with consideration of the “carry-over” effect. Emerging biomarkers and the impact of financial toxicity are also described. Results: PALLAS did not demonstrate a clear on-treatment or post-treatment benefit, whereas PENELOPE-B suggested, at most, a transient early advantage that was not maintained with longer follow-up; therefore, neither trial provides convincing evidence of a durable “carry-over” effect. In contrast, monarchE (abemaciclib) and NATALEE (ribociclib) showed significant improvements in iDFS and, in the case of abemaciclib, a signal of benefit in overall survival, supporting the existence of a clinically relevant post-treatment effect. Conclusions: From a biological perspective, the review proposes that the “carry-over” effect should not be considered a uniform class effect, but rather the result of a sequence of events modulated by pharmacological selectivity (CDK4 vs. CDK6 and additional targets), the induction of cellular senescence, and immunomodulatory effects that could favor the control of micrometastases. In addition, elements that influence interpretation and the need to optimize adherence and toxicity management to “materialize” the benefit in a potentially curable context are discussed. Full article

Recreation is a key ecosystem service provided by mountainous areas. The European Alps are a main attraction for tourists due to their natural landscapes. Nature-based recreation and ecotourism are an opportunity for local communities in alpine valleys. However, tourism may also represent a threat to fragile mountain environments when large numbers of tourists are involved in touristic models based on heavy use of resources. This study aims to provide insights into how local communities in an alpine valley, the Comelico Valley, see the current tourism demand and its future changes. Comelico shares similar environmental and landscape characteristics with the surrounding valleys but is less developed from the touristic point of view. We used the Delphi method on a panel of nine local tourism experts from different areas of operations. The results about the forecast of future activities to be prioritized highlight the importance of diversification of tourism offer towards sustainable activities closer to the concept of nature-based tourism and ecotourism. Activities to be prioritized for development were hiking and thematic hiking, forest well-being initiatives and experience laboratories. These results suggest a potential need to change the present model of mountain tourism towards a more diversified and soft approach to mountain recreation. Full article

The contemporary green transformation of the economy is a strategic imperative for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the energy market, forcing the integration of sustainable practices in decision-making processes, including investment efficiency assessment. Classic financial tools, such as the internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV), commonly used in the SME sector, do not always adequately account for environmental, regulatory, and social risks associated with green transformation, as—particularly in the case of IRR—they rely on the assumption of stable cash flows and do not incorporate regulatory uncertainty, environmental externalities, or ESG-related risks into discounting parameters. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of nominal and real discount rates, adjusted for a synthetic measure of green transformation, on investment decisions. The research methodology combines advanced multi-criteria decision-making techniques, specifically TOPSIS and CRITIC, with sustainable finance concepts, offering an innovative approach to investment decision-making in the SME sector. The study shows that integrating environmental factors, when treated as a risk component, increases the cost of capital and reduces the net present value, while maintaining the profitability of the analysed projects. Incorporating green components into the discount rate enhances valuation appropriateness and improves investment risk management, particularly under macroeconomic uncertainty. The main contribution of the study lies in linking a synthetic green transformation indicator with dynamic discount rate adjustment within a multicriteria framework, extending existing ESG-adjusted valuation models by enabling a more structured and data-driven incorporation of environmental transition risk. Full article

A recent publication proposed that the main biological function of chromosomal toxin–antitoxin systems (TASs) in free-living bacteria is to optimize fitness by mediating K Sensing and Control via a Nutrient-Responsive Cybernetic System. Viable cell density data were consistent with analog (continuous) regulation of population dynamics and cellular physiology throughout the life cycle; however, exactly how bacteria utilize TASs to regulate this was not explained in that publication. Two different concepts of injury have been proposed in the field of microbiology: (1) injury due to external physical and chemical stresses, which lead to sublethal (reversible) or lethal (irreversible) injury depending on the degree of injury, and (2) injury due to internal, self-inflicted stresses mediated by TA toxins. While self-inflicted injury due to TA toxins has been recognized as playing a role in growth arrest and dormancy, which can be reversed by repair, there is little support for TA toxins causing irreversible programmed cell death under normal physiological conditions. The purpose of the present paper was to explain how merging the above two concepts of injury might reveal how TASs optimize the fitness of free-living bacteria under normal physiological conditions by continuously regulating the ratio of injury: repair throughout the life cycle. Full article

To ensure safe and stable operation of towed array systems in complex marine environments, the concept of a Safe Maneuvering Envelope (SME) for towing maneuvers is proposed based on flexible cable dynamics theory. The dynamic equations of the towed array are established using the Lumped Mass Method. Using diving depth and breaking tension as boundaries, array configuration data sets are calculated for combinations of main cable outer diameter, vessel speed, and deployed cable length. Mapping relationships between vessel speed, cable deployment length, diving depth, and breaking strength are presented to construct the maneuvering safety envelope. This envelope defines the operational range where the array meets design maneuverability criteria. The safety envelope concept provides quantitative operational guidelines for towed array systems and offers crucial theoretical foundations and methodological support for safe system design and risk assessment. Full article

The form of a city evolves as the complexity of its systems increases. This study discusses how urban growth challenges have contributed to the deterioration of built environments and cultural heritage assets. It investigates how smart sustainable city (SSC) strategies have become significant policy instruments in regenerating Baghdad’s future built heritage and advancing the conservation of the city’s architectural heritage, infrastructure systems, and quality of life. The study aims to investigate how SSC methods can serve as the main element for managing complex urban data and advancing heritage, socio-economic, and environmental sustainability. The research employs mixed methods such as mapping, serial vision, and walking tools to survey Baghdad’s heritage centre (Old Rusafa) natural and built environment and cultural heritage condition. Together, these methods provide a comprehensive understanding of the heritage area’s physical and socio-cultural dimensions. It is argued that achieving smart urban heritage requires the adoption of sustainable strategies that promote the conservation of architectural heritage. Accordingly, the research outcomes enhance understanding of the smart sustainable city concept (SSC) impact on Baghdad city’s cultural heritage regeneration and allow for the creation of an Index Wheel, which provides city stakeholders with a range of strategies and indicators to conserve Baghdad’s built heritage sustainably. Full article

This paper presents an analysis of the risk of failure of port structures in a modern seaport due to vessel impacts. The analysis addresses potential damage related to port maneuvers of self-maneuvering vessels and possible risk reduction options that can be applied to enhance port resilience. The proposed system model—including ship, port infrastructure, and environment—enabled the observation of both implemented and anticipated future risk reduction measures. The analysis was carried out using the ferry terminal in the large Polish Port of Gdynia as a case study. A Bayesian influence diagram—including decisions related to the implementation of risk reduction options—was used to determine the total risk associated with Ro-Pax ferry port calls. Sustainable risk management led to the implementation of a cloud-based monitoring system and, subsequently, to the design of a new terminal in line with the green port concept. The main result of the study was a quantitative assessment of the risk of damage to port infrastructure caused by ferries, related to ship maneuvering operations. A comparative assessment of the two locations demonstrated improved safety and reduced environmental pollution in the new Public Ferry Terminal. This improvement was made possible mainly by reduced spatial risk and the implementation of cold-ironing technology. Full article

This study aims to investigate and analyze the factors that affect the adoption of digital technologies in theatre/drama education by reviewing existing literature. This study employed the Scopus and Google Scholar databases to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR), as well as a bibliometric analysis. The results showed that using digital tools in theatre/drama education makes students more engaged, helps with creative exploration, and facilitates the teaching of sustainability concepts using new methods. The most discussed determinants referred to accessibility issues with infrastructure and technological resources, as well as the presence of digital skills and a related digital culture within the educational environment. The thematic analysis produced key themes, such as training, digital skills, access, and interactivity, showing that the main challenge for digital technology integration in theatre education remains the lack of appropriate digital skills, educators’ training, and infrastructure. The findings can be useful for various groups, including theatre educators, faculty members, education researchers, theatre practitioners, and policymakers. This study adds to the existing literature by highlighting how digital technologies can enhance theatre/drama education, while emphasizing challenges such as accessibility and digital literacy, and the need to keep traditional theatre/drama methods alive in the digital world. Full article

Photocatalysts have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of contaminated water, particularly for the removal of dyes and pharmaceutical residues that pose risks to human health. In addition, they can be employed for the generation of chemical fuels such as H₂ and oxidizers such as H₂O₂, which have been proposed as sustainable energy carriers to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The first part of this brief review provides a detailed overview of the fundamental concepts of photocatalysis, including reaction pathways and reported mechanisms. The second part explores the main design strategies for enhancing photocatalytic performance, including morphology control and structural modification. Then, the third section highlights the benefits of theoretical modeling, including first-principles calculations and molecular simulations. The document culminates with a section on challenges and future perspectives, highlighting major issues in photocatalyst development such as large-scale synthesis, material stability, and reusability. This brief review is intended to provide young researchers with a concise understanding of the most effective strategies for enhancing photocatalytic performance, as well as the mechanisms influencing morphology and structural parameters. This work presents an integrated framework linking synthesis strategies, particle growth mechanisms, multidimensional nanostructures, in situ and operando characterization, and computational modeling to guide the rational design of next-generation photocatalysts. Full article

Areal sweep efficiency is a critical indicator in reservoir development. Accurate calculation of the waterflood areal sweep efficiency of a well pattern provides a theoretical basis for optimizing injection-production strategies and enhancing effective field development. However, in calculating the areal sweep efficiency of irregular well patterns, the inclusion of streamlines with excessively low corresponding flow rates can lead to an overestimation of the swept area. To address this issue, the concepts of critical flow velocity and critical streamlines were introduced, leading to the derivation of the parametric equation for critical streamlines. By considering the boundary-curve equations of the swept region for each well pair, an analytical solution for the areal sweep efficiency was obtained, thereby proposing a calculation method for the areal sweep efficiency of irregular well patterns. Compared with theoretical results for regular well patterns, the relative error of the calculated areal sweep efficiency is less than 5%, with the critical flow velocity corresponding to a pressure gradient magnitude of 0.05 times the average pressure gradient along the main streamline of the well pair. When applied to an actual irregular well pattern, the method yields an areal sweep efficiency of 0.119 km², corresponding to a sweep coefficient of 27.2%. Full article

Background/Objectives: Delayed graft function (DGF) remains a common early complication after deceased donor kidney transplantation and is challenging to anticipate using routine pre-implant clinical variables alone. We investigated whether high-throughput Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of static cold storage preservation fluid (not machine perfusion perfusate) captures biochemical information associated with DGF and warrants further evaluation alongside routine pre-implant clinical predictors. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort, we analyzed preservation fluid samples from 56 kidney transplants originating from 49 deceased donors (7 donors contributed two kidneys); DGF occurred in 14/56 (25.0%). Dried-film FTIR spectra were acquired using a plate-based high-throughput accessory, and analyses focused on the fingerprint region (900–1800 cm⁻¹) with prespecified preprocessing and quality control. We developed and compared clinical-only, FTIR-only, and combined predictive models and estimated performance using donor-blinded 5-fold StratifiedGroupKFold cross-validation (grouped by donor code) to prevent leakage across paired kidneys. Results: Donor-blinded discrimination (pooled out-of-fold ROC-AUC) was 0.775 for the clinical-only model, 0.814 for the FTIR-only model, and 0.796 for the combined model; probabilistic accuracy (Brier score; lower is better) was 0.162, 0.194, and 0.177, respectively. Calibration intercepts were negative and slopes were <1, indicating overly extreme risk estimates under strict donor-blinded validation and supporting recalibration prior to deployment. Decision curve analysis suggested a positive net benefit for clinically plausible thresholds. Conclusions: These findings support the feasibility of rapid, low-cost FTIR profiling of routinely available preservation fluid as a proof-of-concept approach for exploratory DGF risk stratification, rather than as a clinically deployable prediction tool. Given the small sample size and the instability of subgroup estimates, the main next steps are external validation in larger multicenter cohorts, prospective workflow studies, and model updating/recalibration. Full article

Waste separation in private households remains difficult to promote, particularly in urban contexts, where anonymity limits informal social monitoring. This proof-of-concept study tested, for the first time, self-administration of images of “watching eyes” as an intervention. About 22% of all households living in the district of Riedberg in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, received a letter asking residents to attach eye cues to kitchen and outdoor waste bins to prompt appropriate separation of organic from residual waste. Objective data from weighed collection trucks showed a measurable behavioral effect compared to control conditions, with a 5–8% increase in biowaste volumes. While this study does not allow causal inference because waste was measured only at the group level, it does suggest that, when applied by residents themselves, social nudges might enhance self-awareness about environmentally conscious behavior. Accompanying survey responses displayed ceiling effects, presumably because only highly motivated individuals participated. Importantly, some signs of reactance were also observed, with some participants perceiving the intervention as intrusive and regulatory. Although low-cost and easy to apply, self-administration of watching-eyes cues requires careful communication and attention to psychological reactions to avoid resistance while encouraging the formation and maintenance of target habits in private environments. Full article

Creative tourism is increasingly discussed as a pathway for tourism development in rural and peripheral destinations, yet empirical evidence remains uneven and is still drawn mainly from contexts where it is already explicitly labelled and institutionally supported. This article examines whether and how creative tourism-aligned practices are present in Kupiškis District, a peripheral rural municipality in north-eastern Lithuania where creative tourism has not been formally institutionalised as a tourism development category. The study adopts a qualitative single-case design combining a multi-stakeholder focus group and semi-structured interviews with municipal, intermediary, and private-sector actors. The findings reveal a meaningful but weakly integrated experiential base shaped by educational activities, water-based leisure, symbolic narratives, routes, and micro-entrepreneurial initiatives. Although these practices are rarely named locally as creative tourism, they display several of its defining characteristics, including participatory learning, host involvement, small-scale interaction, and local embeddedness. The study suggests that the main development challenge lies not in the absence of creative resources, but in limited coordination, weak articulation, and the difficulty of translating dispersed practices into coherent and consistently bookable visitor experiences. The article conceptualises this condition as a latent experiential portfolio and, in doing so, makes three contributions: it offers a sensitising concept for describing pre-consolidation stages of creative tourism where relevant practices exist but remain only partly articulated; it supports a practice-based rather than label-based identification of creative tourism in weakly institutionalised settings; and it extends the empirical scope of creative tourism research to a peripheral rural case in the Baltic region. Full article