Search Results (101)

Promoting energy efficiency in the Italian production sector is significantly hampered by the lack of knowledge, the scarcity and the limited distribution of tools for supporting energy audits in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a wide range of Italian economic sectors (industry, tertiary sector, transport). The Advanced Tool for ENErgy Audit for SMEs, ATENEA4SME, is intended to help SMEs promote energy-efficiency projects, supports energy audits and self-evaluation of energy consumption. The tool uses an original mathematical model that takes into account the results of questionnaires and a multi-criteria analysis to generate recommendations for energy efficiency investments. This article will give a thorough explanation of the tool, emphasizing and outlining the sections as well as the procedures to get the ultimate summary of the energy usage of the enterprises under investigation and the potential for energy saving. From a technological and financial perspective, the tool helps to remove obstacles to the development of energy-efficiency measures. In this article, the IT and methodological structure of the tool will therefore be extensively described, and its operation for the context of SMEs will be illustrated, with application cases. Ample space will be allocated to the dissemination campaign and the replicability of the tool for all economic sectors of the industrial and tertiary sectors. Full article

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a primary treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) that effectively reduces androgen levels to suppress tumor progression. However, growing evidence suggests potential cognitive side effects, raising concerns about the long-term neurological consequences of this treatment. Objective: This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing evidence linking ADT to cognitive changes in men with PCa, identifying the key cognitive domains affected and outlining gaps in the existing literature. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies investigating cognitive function in ADT-treated PCa patients were included, covering randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies. The extracted data included the study design, evaluated cognitive characteristics, measurement tools, and overall findings. Results: A total of 22 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cognitive assessments varied across studies. While some studies reported cognitive impairments in ADT-treated patients—particularly in working, verbal, and visual memory and executive function—others found no significant effects. The variability in prostate cancer staging, epidemiological study designs, and treatment regimens; the exclusion of comorbid conditions; and the differences in assessment tools, sample sizes, and study durations hinder definitive conclusions about the cognitive effects of ADT. Conclusions: This scoping review highlights the heterogeneous and often contradictory evidence regarding ADT-associated cognitive dysfunction. While certain cognitive domains may be affected, methodological inconsistencies limit robust conclusions. Standardized cognitive assessments and longer longitudinal studies are required to clarify ADT’s role in cognitive decline. As the PCa survival rate increases with extended ADT use, integrating routine cognitive monitoring into clinical practice should be considered for PCa patients. Full article

The advancement of efficient drug delivery systems continues to pose a significant problem in pharmaceutical sciences, especially for compounds with limited water solubility. Lipid-based systems, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have emerged as viable options owing to their biocompatibility, capability to safeguard labile chemicals, and potential for prolonged release. Nonetheless, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release dynamics of these carriers can be enhanced by including cyclodextrins (CDs)—cyclic oligosaccharides recognized for their ability to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds. This article offers an extensive analysis of CD-modified SLNs and NLCs as multifunctional drug delivery systems. The article analyses the fundamental principles of these systems, highlighting the pre-complexation of the drug with cyclodextrins before lipid incorporation, co-encapsulation techniques, and surface adsorption after formulation. Attention is concentrated on the physicochemical interactions between cyclodextrins and lipid matrices, which influence essential factors such as particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and colloidal stability. The review includes characterization techniques, such as particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, drug release studies, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)/Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses. The study highlights the application of these systems across many routes of administration, including oral, topical, and mucosal, illustrating their adaptability and potential for targeted delivery. The review outlines current formulation challenges, including stability issues, drug leakage, and scalability concerns, and proposes solutions through advanced approaches, such as stimuli-responsive release mechanisms and computer modeling for system optimization. The study emphasizes the importance of regulatory aspects and outlines future directions in the development of CD-lipid hybrid nanocarriers, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Full article

Data complexity is an important concept in the natural sciences and related areas, but lacks a rigorous and computable definition. This paper focusses on a particular sense of complexity that is high if the data is structured in a way that could serve to communicate a message. In this sense, human speech, written language, drawings, diagrams and photographs are high complexity, whereas data that is close to uniform throughout or populated by random values is low complexity. I describe a general framework for measuring data complexity based on dividing the shortest description of the data into a structured and an unstructured portion, and taking the size of the former as the complexity score. I outline an application of this framework in statistical mechanics that may allow a more objective characterisation of the macrostate and entropy of a physical system. Then, I derive a more precise and computable definition geared towards human communication, by proposing local compositionality as an appropriate specific structure. Experimental evaluation shows that this method can distinguish meaningful signals from noise or repetitive signals in auditory, visual and text domains, and could potentially help determine whether an extra-terrestrial signal contained a message. Full article

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking of Unmanned Systems (JARUS)’ Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) ground risk model, between Version 2.0 and Version 2.5, focusing on differences and similarities. SORA, a methodology for risk assessment and conformity evaluation developed by JARUS, has been widely adopted across various regions, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, and others. The study delves into the variations in risk assessment outcomes concerning intrinsic and final Ground Risk Class, elucidating their implications for different categories of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). Key paradigm shifts between SORA 2.0 and 2.5 affecting Ground Risk assessment are outlined, as follows: (1) Introduction of quantitative analysis based on precise population density for determining intrinsic Ground Risk Class. (2) Incorporation of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) from the remote pilot as a mitigation measure, coupled with a stricter definition of VLOS as visual ground control. (3) Enhanced differentiation among UAS sizes. Furthermore, the paper underscores the implications of these changes on original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and operators. By referencing standard industry operations, the analysis sheds light on how modifications in the SORA methodology impact UAS operations and regulatory compliance. Overall, this comparative analysis provides valuable insights into the evolution of the SORA ground risk model, facilitating a deeper understanding of its application in UAS operations and regulatory frameworks globally. Full article

Introduction: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) is a cornerstone of the management of ischemic heart disease. However, in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a significant clinical challenge, occurring in approximately 5–10% of patients undergoing PCI. This study is designed to compare the efficacy and safety of the primary therapeutic approaches for DES-ISR, specifically drug-coated balloons (DCBs)—paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) and sirolimus-coated balloons (SCBs)—with a new-generation everolimus-eluting stent (EES), contributing to the evolving field of personalized medicine. Methods and Analysis: This prospective, multicentre, randomised, non-inferiority trial aims to enroll 150 patients with DES-ISR, who will be randomised into one of the following: SCB, PCB, or EES. The primary endpoint comparing DCB and EES is late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months, as measured by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Secondary endpoints comparing the three arms include a device-oriented composite endpoint, intraluminal gain, optical coherence tomography (OCT) measured LLL, and correlations between LLL and quantitative flow ratio (QFR). The primary endpoint will be analysed using a non-inferiority design, with a margin set at 0.25 mm, for which the sample size was calculated. Statistical analysis of the primary endpoint will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis with a one-tailed Mann–Whitney U test with a significance level of 95. Secondary endpoints will be analysed via superiority testing using ANOVA, the Kruskal–Wallis test, logistic regression, or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Ethics and Dissemination: The study protocol has been approved by the Medical Devices Department of the Hungarian National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition, ensuring compliance with ethical standards as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All investigators declare no conflicts of interest related to this study. The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the ID: NCT04862052. Full article

Utilizing new and renewable energy sources, particularly coconut shell charcoal briquettes, represents a crucial solution in addressing the limitations of fossil energy sources and combating climate change. The objective of this study is to design, fabricate, and test a mixing machine tailored to the requirements of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the briquette industry. The target is a minimum output of 100 kg per hour, meeting the quality standards outlined in SNI NO. 01/6235/2000. The composition used consisted of 100% charcoal, 4% adhesive flour, and 25% water. Various testing durations—4 min, 8 min, and 12 min—were employed. Optimal mixing of these components was achieved using a machine measuring 1130 × 750 × 700 mm, rotating at 44.4 rpm, and powered by a 2HP motor. The most effective mixing duration was found to be 12 min, resulting in a total mixed mass of 25.8 kg. Full article

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Several neuroimaging techniques can help reveal the pathophysiology of ALS. One of these is the electroencephalogram (EEG), a noninvasive and relatively inexpensive tool for examining electrical activity of the brain with excellent temporal precision. Methods: This mechanistic review examines the pattern of resting-state EEG activity. With a focus on publications published between January 1995 and October 2024, we carried out a comprehensive search in October 2024 across a number of databases, including PubMed/Medline, Research Gate, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. Results: The literature search yielded 17 studies included in this review. The studies varied significantly in their methodology and patient characteristics. Despite this, a common biomarker typical of ALS was found—reduced alpha power. Regarding other oscillations, the findings are less consistent and sometimes contradictory. As this is a mechanistic review, three possible explanations for this biomarker are provided. The main and most important one is increased cortical excitability. In addition, due to the limitations of the studies, recommendations for future research on this topic are outlined to enable a further and better understanding of EEG patterns in ALS. Conclusions: Most studies included in this review showed alpha power deficits in ALS patients, reflecting pathological hyperexcitability of the cerebral cortex. Future studies should address the methodological limitations identified in this review, including small sample sizes, inconsistent frequency-band definitions, and insufficient functional outcome measures, to solidify and extend current findings. Full article

Introduction: Child trafficking is a clear violation of human rights, robbing minors of their fundamental entitlements. These encompass the right to personal identity, familial bonds, cultural heritage, access to healthcare and proper nourishment, education, freedom of speech, and the assurance of safety and security. Children and young people, given their inherent vulnerability and limited access to support networks, frequently struggle to safeguard themselves effectively. This predicament presents traffickers with opportunities to exploit and manipulate them. Therefore, it is essential for professionals across various sectors—including education, healthcare, protective and social services, as well as the justice system—to undergo comprehensive training and be integrated into a robust social protection system. This preparation should equip them to conduct screenings, accurately assess needs, and adhere to international guidelines when addressing cases of child trafficking. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the child-centered anti-trafficking approaches employed by Italy and Turkey, situated along migration pathways in the Mediterranean region and experiencing significant regular and irregular migration flows in recent years. Both nations fall within the classification of southern European welfare regimes. Methodology: This research specifically delves into the social protection policies aimed at children and young victims established by these two countries. Carried out between 1 February 2020 and 20 May 2021, this study employed a semi-structured interview approach, conducting qualitative in-depth interviews in both Italy and Turkey. This research targeted experts from various disciplines engaged in combating human trafficking in both countries, with a total sample size of 46 participants, comprising 15 experts from Italy and 31 from Turkey. Grounded theory formed the basis of the study, with data analyzed using the MAXQDA 2020 Pro Analytics program, employing a multidisciplinary and empowerment approach. Results: The analysis yielded 2942 codes, 17 sub-themes, and four main themes. The study identified four main themes: (i) characteristics of child victims and vulnerable child groups, (ii) services provided to at-risk groups and child trafficking victims within the current national counter-trafficking framework, (iii) challenges encountered in delivering services to children and young individuals, and (iv) recommendations for establishing an effective and child-centered protection system. Discussion and Conclusion: It is imperative to ensure that victims of child trafficking have access to comprehensive social protection measures. It has been noted that both Italy and Turkey offer various services to victims of child trafficking, including in-kind and -cash social assistance, free legal aid, shelter services, access to education and healthcare, as well as prevention, awareness, and advocacy programs. However, there are also differences between the two countries in certain aspects. Recommendations aimed at addressing these differences can be developed by adhering to the minimum standards outlined in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. Full article

Droplet quality in drop-on-demand (DoD) Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing plays a crucial role in influencing the overall performance and manufacturing quality of the operation. The current approach to droplet printing analysis involves manually outlining/labeling the printed dots on the substrate under a microscope and then using microscope software to estimate the dot sizes by assuming the dots have a standard circular shape. Therefore, it is prone to errors. Moreover, the dot spacing information is missing, which is also important for EHD DoD printing processes, such as manufacturing micro-arrays. In order to address these issues, the paper explores the application of feature extraction methods aimed at identifying characteristics of the printed droplets to enhance the detection, evaluation, and delineation of significant structures and edges in printed images. The proposed method involves three main stages: (1) image pre-processing, where edge detection techniques such as Canny filtering are applied for printed dot boundary detection; (2) contour detection, which is used to accurately quantify the dot sizes (such as dot perimeter and area); and (3) centroid detection and distance calculation, where the spacing between neighboring dots is quantified as the Euclidean distance of the dot geometric centers. These stages collectively improve the precision and efficiency of EHD DoD printing analysis in terms of dot size and spacing. Edge and contour detection strategies are implemented to minimize edge discrepancies and accurately delineate droplet perimeters for quality analysis, enhancing measurement precision. The proposed image processing approach was first tested using simulated EHD printed droplet arrays with specified dot sizes and spacing, and the achieved quantification accuracy was over 98% in analyzing dot size and spacing, highlighting the high precision of the proposed approach. This approach was further demonstrated through dot analysis of experimentally EHD-printed droplets, showing its superiority over conventional microscope-based measurements. Full article

Over the past decade, a burgeoning strand of scholarly and journalistic literature has emerged that emphasizes the role of Christian nationalism within contemporary American politics. Unfortunately, this scholarly literature has mushroomed so quickly that relatively little attention has been given to its conceptual underpinnings and how Christian nationalism may be related to, or different from, other conceptualizations of the role of religion in public life. This article outlines different conceptualizations of Christian nationalism that have been advanced, analyzes how different coding schemes of its present measurement yields different assessments of its presence within American politics, and differentiates between and among different types of approaches to the role of religion in American public life. Using data drawn from Baylor national surveys on religion conducted in 2007, 2017, and 2021, this article examines three distinct groups within American politics—namely, Christian nationalists, civic republicans, and radical secularists—and how the relative size and characteristics of such groups have changed within American society over time. Full article

Efficiency estimation of a propeller behind a vessel’s hull while sailing through ice floes, together with the ship’s resistance to motion, is a key factor in designing the power plant and determining the safety measures of a ship. This paper encloses the results from the experiments conducted at the CEHINAV towing tank, which consisted of analyzing the influence of the concentration at the free surface of artificial blocks, simulating ice, in propeller–block interactions. Thrust and torque were measured for a towed self-propelled ship model through simulated broken ice blocks made of paraffin wax. Three block concentrations of different block sizes and three model speeds were studied during the experimentation. Open-water self-propulsion tests and artificial broken ice towed self-propulsion tests are shown and compared in this work. The most relevant observations are outlined at the end of this paper, as well as some guidelines for conducting artificial ice-towed self-propulsion tests in traditional towing tanks. Full article

The global community is grappling with a significant increase in forest fires’ frequency, size, and intensity, presenting a profound challenge. To complement existing framing literature on forest fires, this paper examines collective frames applied to forest fires in a broader EU context. Employing a content analysis covering 354 EU policy documents—spanning both soft (non-legally binding) and hard (legally binding) policy documents—via the use of Atlas.ti, six collective frames on forest fires are outlined, identifying four as particularly dominant: ‘climate adaptation and resilience’, ‘risk mitigation and protective governance’, ‘agriculture and rural development’, and ‘technocratic perspectives on forest fires’. These frames capture dominant perspectives promoted within specific policy domains, such as energy and agriculture. Despite the diverse approaches to framing forest fires and their varied objectives, a common thread connects the narratives in these documents, namely, the central theme of ‘risk’. Whether it emerges in the context of reporting or as part of a call to action for adopting certain EU measures, the use of risk operates as a narrative device that negatively frames the discourse, consistently employed to call for action. The findings underscore the importance of considering communication strategies surrounding forest fires, particularly in light of their implications for forest governance. Full article

(1) Background: Information is lacking on small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) status, prevalence, risk factors, and control measures for mastitis in California ewes. The goal of this survey was to outline characteristics of the sheep industry in California related to udder health and mastitis management. (2) Methods: An online survey consisting of 48 questions was completed by respondents between April 2022 and February 2023. Descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests were conducted to evaluate associations between variables. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) of general management practices, udder health management, and flock demographics was performed to assess clustering. A subset of respondents (20) participated in SRLV serology testing. (3) Results: Seventy-one completed surveys were submitted. The MCA showed two clusters. Larger flock sizes, the use of breeding ewes for meat or wool production or contract grazing, and extensive management practices were more closely related to >5% udder abnormalities per lactation and ≥5% orphan lambs. The flock-level seroprevalence of SRLV was 75% (15/20), and ewe-level seroprevalence was 14.1% (183/1106). (4) Conclusions: The results of this study highlight areas that need further research, such as exploring differences in mastitis and SRLV incidences among management systems, the efficacy of mastitis treatments, and education on critical timepoints for mastitis diagnosis and control. Full article

We present waveguide cavity measurements used to evaluate several thin materials for use in radomes. In addition to the data on the materials, we show how these measurements can be performed with common laboratory equipment and simple calculations. We sought an approach that allowed candidate materials to be readily evaluated to deal with formerly selected materials becoming unavailable or cost-prohibitive. We used lengths of standard waveguide (WR650 and WR137 here) with readily manufactured irises and a vector network analyzer (Keysight N5225B here). To select the iris size and determine the limits of the simplifications in the equations used, we employed a full-wave 3D electromagnetic simulator (CST Microwave Studio). The equations required to calculate the dielectric properties of samples and their contribution to the equivalent system noise temperature from unloaded and loaded resonant frequencies and Q factors are shown. While these formulations can be found elsewhere, we did not find these assembled as conveniently in other studies in the literature. We also show that orienting the sample down the length of the cavity allows for higher-order modes to be fully utilized. We did not find this straightforward adaptation of the common cross-guide orientation in other works. Overall, the results allowed us to recommend three fabrics for use at the frequencies tested (1.7 and 5.6 GHz). The complete process is outlined to assist others in performing these measurements themselves. Full article