Search Results (3,072)

Backfilling materials are commonly employed materials in mines for filling mining waste, and the strength of the consolidated backfill formed by the binding material directly influences the stability of the surrounding rock and production safety in mines. The traditional approach to obtaining the strength of the backfill demands a considerable amount of manpower and time. The rapid and precise acquisition and optimization of backfill strength parameters hold utmost significance for mining safety. In this research, the authors carried out a backfill strength experiment with five experimental parameters, namely concentration, cement–sand ratio, waste rock–tailing ratio, curing time, and curing temperature, using an orthogonal design. They collected 174 sets of backfill strength parameters and employed six population optimization algorithms, including the Artificial Ecosystem-based Optimization (AEO) algorithm, Aquila Optimization (AO) algorithm, Germinal Center Optimization (GCO), Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO), Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), and Walrus Optimization Algorithm (WaOA), in combination with the CatBoost algorithm to conduct a prediction study of backfill strength. The study also utilized the Shapley Additive explanatory (SHAP) method to analyze the influence of different parameters on the prediction of backfill strength. The results demonstrate that when the population size was 60, the AEO-CatBoost algorithm model exhibited a favorable fitting effect (R² = 0.947, VAF = 93.614), and the prediction error was minimal (RMSE = 0.606, MAE = 0.465), enabling the accurate and rapid prediction of the strength parameters of the backfill under different ratios and curing conditions. Additionally, an increase in curing temperature and curing time enhanced the strength of the backfill, and the influence of the waste rock–tailing ratio on the strength of the backfill was negative at a curing temperature of 50 °C, which is attributed to the change in the pore structure at the microscopic level leading to macroscopic mechanical alterations. When the curing conditions are adequate and the parameter ratios are reasonable, the smaller the porosity rate in the backfill, the greater the backfill strength will be. This study offers a reliable and accurate method for the rapid acquisition of backfill strength and provides new technical support for the development of filling mining technology. Full article

TYC 622-742-1 and TYC 1193-1918-1 are evolved metal-poor (MP) high-speed stars with r-enhanced characteristics discovered in the Milky Way (MW) halo. The study of these halo stars is important for clarification of and knowledge about their origin. We employ the abundance decomposition method to fit the observed abundances of 25 elements in TYC 622-742-1 and 24 elements in TYC 1193-1918-1, representing the largest number of elements fitted in the current observed dataset. We analyze the astrophysical formation sites of both sample stars by calculating their abundance ratios and component ratios. The calculation results suggest that both stars originated in a gas cloud that was contaminated by the ejecta of primary and main r-process materials such as those from a neutron star merger (NSM), which enriched their heavy neutron-capture elements (HNCEs), and the material from the massive stars ($M\ge 10M_{\odot }$), which enriched their primary light, iron-group, and lighter neutron-capture elements (LNCEs). This implies that TYC 622-742-1 and TYC 1193-1918-1 are the main r-process-enhanced stars with strong primary-process contributions. We find that the component coefficients of the sample stars closely resemble those of metal-poor Galactic populations, indicating a probable origin within the MW. Furthermore, the $\alpha$-enhanced abundance patterns and orbital trajectories suggest that both stars likely formed in the Galactic disk, possibly within a globular cluster (GC), and were subsequently ejected into the halo through dynamical processes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Frailty is a prevalent geriatric syndrome associated with impaired postural control and elevated fall risk. Although conventional exercise is a core strategy for frailty management, adherence remains limited. Virtual reality (VR)-based interventions have emerged as potentially engaging alternatives, but their effects on objective postural control and task-specific confidence in frail populations remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised VR training program using the Nintendo Ring Fit Plus™ on postural control, functional mobility, and balance confidence among frail community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Fifty-one adults aged ≥65 years classified as frail or prefrail were enrolled in a four-week trial. Participants were assigned to either a VR intervention group (n = 28) or control group (n = 23). Participants were non-randomly assigned based on availability and preference. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Primary outcomes included center of pressure (CoP) metrics—sway area, mean velocity, and sway path. Secondary outcomes were the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC), and Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I). Results: After adjusting for baseline values, age, and BMI, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group across all postural control outcomes. Notably, reductions in sway area, mean velocity, and sway path were observed under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to very large (Cohen’s d = 0.57 to 1.61). For secondary outcomes, significant between-group differences were found in functional mobility (TUG), balance performance (BBS), and balance confidence (ABC), with moderate-to-large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.53 to 0.73). However, no significant improvement was observed in fear of falling (FES-I), despite a small-to-moderate effect size. Conclusions: A supervised VR program significantly enhanced postural control, mobility, and task-specific balance confidence in frail older adults. These findings support the feasibility and efficacy of VR-based training as a scalable strategy for mitigating frailty-related mobility impairments. Full article

Objective: Hearing rehabilitation using hearing aids keeps increasing in the general population. Patient-related outcome measures are essential to evaluate benefits. Although the IOI-HA is routinely used in France, its translated version from 2002 has never been validated. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the French version of the IOI-HA questionnaire. Design: Controlled, prospective, monocentric study performed between February 2024 and January 2025. The forward–backward technique was used for translation of the questionnaire. Study Sample: 100 patients fitted with hearing aids completed the questionnaire. Thirty-five patients were retested 15 days after first completion. Results: Internal consistency, assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.863. Mean IOI-HA item scores ranged from 3.3 to 4.57. All seven items had a high degree of consistency with the total score, except for item Q1 which had a moderate score (0.45). Cronbach’s alpha after item deletion confirmed internal consistency. Intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.622 (Q7) to 0.767 (Q5) and were all statistically significant (p < 0.001), revealing high reliability over time. No significant correlation was found between item scores and age, unilateral or bilateral hearing aid use or accompanying symptoms (tinnitus, dizziness). Conclusions: The French translation of the IOI-HA questionnaire, published in 2002, is a valid and reliable questionnaire evaluating hearing aid satisfaction. This validated questionnaire can now be used in daily clinical practice. Full article

Understanding the utilization patterns of nuclear medicine (NM) services is essential for optimizing resource allocation and service provision. This study aimed to address the regional evidence gap by reporting the demand for NM services by sex and age at a public hospital in Jamaica. This was a non-experimental, retrospective study of NM scans that were completed at the University Hospital of the West Indies from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2024. While all scans were reported in the descriptive totals, for patients with multiple scans during the study period, only the data from the first visit was used in the inferential statistical analysis. This was performed with the IBM SPSS (version 29.0) software and involved the use of chi-square goodness of fit and multinomial logistic regression. A total of 1135 NM scans for 1098 patients were completed (37 patients had more than one scan); 596 (54.3%) were female and 502 (45.7%) were male, with the ages ranging from 3 days to 94 years old. Among the female patients, there was a greater demand in the ≥60 years age group for cardiac amyloid scans (χ² = 6.40, p < 0.05), while females 18–59 years had a greater demand for thyroid scans (χ² = 7.714, p < 0.05) and bone scans (χ² = 3.904, p < 0.05). On the other hand, significantly more males in the ≥60 age group presented for cardiac amyloid (χ² = 4.167; p < 0.05) and bone scans (χ² = 145.79, p < 0.01). Males were significantly less likely to undergo a thyroid scan than females (p < 0.01, OR = 0.072, 95% CI: 0.021, 0.243) while individuals aged 18–59 years were more likely to undergo this scan than patients aged 60 or older (p = 0.02, OR = 3.565, 95% CI: 1.258, 10.104). Males were more likely to do a cardiac amyloid scan (p < 0.05, OR = 2.237, 95% CI: 1.023, 4.891) but less likely to undergo a cardiac rest/stress test than females (p = 0.02, OR = 0.307, 95% CI: 0.114, 0.828). Prolonged life expectancy and an aging population have the potential to impact NM utilization, thus requiring planning for infrastructure, equipment, work force, and supplies. Cancer-related and cardiovascular indications are a top priority at this facility; hence, age- and sex-specific analysis are useful in establishing models for policy makers with regard to the allocation of economic and human resources for the sustainability of this specialized service. Full article

Orthognathic surgery (OS) is a complex procedure commonly used to treat dentofacial deformities (DFDs). These conditions, related to jaw position or size and often involving malocclusion, affect approximately 15% of the population. Due to the complexity of OS, accurate planning is essential. Digital assessment using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools enhances surgical predictability. However, limitations in soft tissue simulation often require surgeon input to optimize aesthetic results and minimize surgical impact. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of virtual surgery planning (VSP) by analyzing the relationship between planning deviations and surgical satisfaction. A single-center, retrospective study was conducted on 16 patients who underwent OS at San Pedro University Hospital of La Rioja. VSP was based on CT scans using Dolphin Imaging software (v12.0, Patterson Dental, St. Paul, MN, USA) and surgeries were guided by VSP-designed occlusal splints. Outcomes were assessed using the Orthognathic Quality of Life (OQOL) questionnaire and deviations were measured through pre- and postoperative imaging. The results showed high satisfaction scores and good overall outcomes, despite moderate deviations from the virtual plan in many cases, particularly among Class II patients. A total of 63% of patients required VSP modifications due to poor soft tissue fitting, with 72% of these being Class II DFDs. Most deviations involved less maxillary advancement than planned, while maintaining optimal occlusion. This suggests that VSP may overestimate advancement needs, especially in Class II cases. No significant differences in satisfaction were observed between patients with low (<2 mm) and high (>2 mm) deviations. These findings support the use of VSP as a valuable planning tool for OS. However, surgeon experience remains essential, especially in managing soft tissue behavior. Improvements in soft tissue prediction are needed to enhance accuracy, particularly for Class II DFDs. Full article

Research concerning green marketing has predominantly focused on consumer behavior. However, aspects such as the extent to which Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) embrace green marketing values, their ability to implement the green marketing mix, and the integration of green marketing into their business culture are critically important. This research aims to provide the 4P (product, price, place, and promotion)-focused green marketing literature with a measurement tool to assess how SMEs implement green marketing practices. The study employed a descriptive design and possesses an exploratory nature. Scale development involved two stages: First, analyses were conducted on a pre-test sample of 159 individuals, revealing the initial scale structure. Second, these analyses were repeated on a larger group of 387 participants. The scale was finalized by confirming the consistency of results across both analyses. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 24 were utilized for descriptive statistics and the scale development process. The final validated 12-item scale demonstrates a robust three-factor structure (“Environmental Promotion”, ”Green Packaging”, and ”Green Distribution”), explaining 62.6% of the total variance. The scale exhibits excellent psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.912), strong model fit from Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and both convergent and discriminant validity, as indicated by an Average Variance Extracted (AVE) value of 0.605. The scale is deemed applicable to larger populations. Full article

Background and Objectives: Handgrip strength represents a critical indicator of physical fitness and nutritional status in adolescents, yet population-specific reference values remain limited in developing countries. Understanding age- and sex-specific variations is crucial for accurate clinical assessment and effective health monitoring. The objective of this study was to establish comprehensive reference values for handgrip strength in healthy Tunisian adolescents aged 13–19 years and examine sex and age group differences in these measures. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and June 2025, involving a sample of 950 participants (482 males, 468 females) aged 13–19 years from northwest Tunisia. Handgrip strength was measured using standardized dynamometry protocols for both hands. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, and body mass index. Percentile curves were generated using the LMS method, and correlations between handgrip strength and anthropometric variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Males demonstrated significantly higher handgrip strength than females from age 13 onward (13 years: p = 0.021; 14–19 years: p ≤ 0.001). Effect sizes for sex differences were consistently large across age groups (Cohen’s d range: 0.53–2.09 for the dominant hand). Mean dominant handgrip strength ranged from 25.60 ± 7.73 kg to 47.60 ± 12.45 kg in males and 21.90 ± 6.13 kg to 28.40 ± 4.74 kg in females across age groups. After adjusting for body mass, sex differences remained significant between groups (13 years: p = 0.014; d= 1.5; 14–19 years: p ≤ 0.001; d: 1.71–3.12). Strong positive correlations emerged between handgrip strength and height (males: r = 0.748, females: r = 0.601), body mass (males: r = 0.659, females: r = 0.601), and body mass index (BMI) (males: r = 0.391, females: r = 0.461). Body mass and height emerged as the strongest predictors of handgrip strength in both sexes, while BMI showed a smaller but still significant contribution. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive age- and sex-specific reference values for handgrip strength in Tunisian adolescents. Healthcare providers can utilize these percentile charts for the clinical assessment and identification of musculoskeletal fitness deficits. The results suggest its use in educational and clinical contexts. Full article

Workflow scheduling in cloud computing is attracting increasing attention. Cloud computing can assign tasks to available virtual machine resources in cloud data centers according to scheduling strategies, providing a powerful computing platform for the execution of workflow tasks. However, developing effective workflow scheduling algorithms to find optimal or near-optimal task-to-VM allocation solutions that meet users’ specific QoS requirements still remains an open area of research. In this paper, we propose a hybrid QoS-aware workflow scheduling algorithm named HLWOA to address the problem of simultaneously minimizing the completion time and execution cost of workflow scheduling in cloud computing. First, the workflow scheduling problem in cloud computing is modeled as a multi-objective optimization problem. Then, based on the heterogeneous earliest finish time (HEFT) heuristic optimization algorithm, tasks are reverse topologically sorted and assigned to virtual machines with the earliest finish time to construct an initial workflow task scheduling sequence. Furthermore, an improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) based on Lévy flight is proposed. The output solution of HEFT is used as one of the initial population solutions in WOA to accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm. Subsequently, a Lévy flight search strategy is introduced in the iterative optimization phase to avoid the algorithm falling into local optimal solutions. The proposed HLWOA is evaluated on the WorkflowSim platform using real-world scientific workflows (Cybershake and Montage) with different task scales (100 and 1000). Experimental results demonstrate that HLWOA outperforms HEFT, HEPGA, and standard WOA in both makespan and cost, with normalized fitness values consistently ranking first. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy lifestyles are closely linked to insulin resistance (IR) and adiposity. However, the mediating role of adiposity in the relationship between lifestyle factors and IR is not yet fully understood. Mediation analysis may help clarify the role of adiposity in the relationship between lifestyle factors and IR. Therefore, we aimed to explore the bidirectional relationship between adiposity and IR, and to evaluate the relationship between lifestyle factors and adiposity-mediated IR in Mexican adults. Methods: A longitudinal analysis was conducted using data from the Health Workers Cohort Study, with measurements taken every six years from 2004 to 2018. This study included 1134 participants aged from 18 to 70 years. Lifestyle factors were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. IR was assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA). Adiposity was measured through body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat proportion (BFP), and BMI was used as the marker indicator to set the metric of adiposity. We fitted structural equation models with a cross-lagged specification to examine the relationships between adiposity and ln(HOMA). In our analysis, we considered baseline adiposity and ln(HOMA) as mediators of the relation between lifestyle factors and future adiposity and ln(HOMA). Models were stratified by sex and adjusted by baseline age. Results: Results from the cross-lagged panel model showed that, for both men and women, adiposity predicted subsequent increases in HOMA (+5.3% IC95%: 1.8%, 9.0% in men; +6.0% IC95%: 4.2%, 7.8% in women). In men, baseline adiposity acted as a mediator between lifestyle variables (physical activity, tobacco consumption, and sleep duration) and HOMA. Conclusions: Our results suggest that understanding both the relationship between adiposity and HOMA and the mediating effects of adiposity is crucial for developing effective interventions to reduce IR in the Mexican population. Full article

Addressing the limitations of existing path planning algorithms for mobile robots in complex environments, such as poor adaptability, low convergence efficiency, and poor path quality, this study establishes a clear connection between mobile robots and real-world challenges such as unknown environments, dynamic obstacle avoidance, and smooth motion through innovative strategies. A novel multi-strategy fusion white shark optimization algorithm is proposed, focusing on actual scenario requirements, to provide optimal solutions for mobile robot path planning. First, the Chaotic Elite Pool strategy is employed to generate an elite population, enhancing population diversity and improving the quality of initial solutions, thereby boosting the algorithm’s global search capability. Second, adaptive weights are introduced, and the traditional simulated annealing algorithm is improved to obtain the Rapid Annealing Method. The improved simulated annealing algorithm is then combined with the White Shark algorithm to avoid getting stuck in local optima and accelerate convergence speed. Finally, third-order Bézier curves are used to smooth the path. Path length and path smoothness are used as fitness evaluation metrics, and an evaluation function is established in conjunction with a non-complete model that reflects actual motion to assess the effectiveness of path planning. Simulation results show that on the simple 20 × 20 grid map, the fusion of the Fused Multi-strategy White Shark Optimisation algorithm (FMWSO) outperforms WSO, D*, A*, and GWO by 8.43%, 7.37%, 2.08%, and 2.65%, respectively, in terms of path length. On the more complex 40 × 40 grid map, it improved by 6.48%, 26.76%, 0.95%, and 2.05%, respectively. The number of turning points was the lowest in both maps, and the path smoothness was lower. The algorithm’s runtime is optimal on the 20 × 20 map, outperforming other algorithms by 40.11%, 25.93%, 31.16%, and 9.51%, respectively. On the 40 × 40 map, it is on par with A*, and outperforms WSO, D*, and GWO by 14.01%, 157.38%, and 3.48%, respectively. The path planning performance is significantly better than other algorithms. Full article

Background/Objectives: This scoping review critically evaluated existing literature and summarized the impact of occupational, physiological, and psychological stressors on adrenal and neuroendocrine responses, body composition, and physical performance amongst women in tactical occupations. Methods: Boolean searches identified potentially qualifying reports involving: (1) adult women (≥19 y) currently employed or completing their training for a tactical profession; (2) ≥1 marker of “stress”; and (3) ≥1 adrenal, neuroendocrine, body composition, or fitness/performance outcome. Quantitative data (e.g., sample characteristics, outcomes of interest) were extracted and summarized. The completeness of reporting for each study was documented using existing checklists and quantified as: low (<50%), moderate (50–79%), or high (≥80%). Results: 40 studies (k) of moderate reporting quality (~64%) were included in the final sample (3693 women); 11 studies (28%) focused on women exclusively, and 16 studies identified sex differences in ≥1 outcome. Most studies involved military trainee populations (80%, k = 32). Occupation-related stress tended to negatively impact adrenal, neuroendocrine, body composition, and performance outcomes. Conclusions: This review highlights progress in assessing occupational performance in female tactical personnel exposed to diverse stressors; however, our understanding remains incomplete due to methodological and conceptual limitations in the literature. Holistic research strategies are needed to capture the complexity of performance readiness in women, integrating how stress affects key tactical performance aspects such as muscle physiology, reproductive health, and energy and nutrient balance in realistic operational contexts. Integrating such data is vital for informing policy, improving readiness, and enhancing the health and career longevity of female tactical personnel. Full article

Background: The relationship between genetic diversity and fitness is well understood, but few studies have investigated how behavior influences genetic diversity, or vice versa. We investigated the relationship between feeding behavior (on a pelleted diet) and genetic diversity in pikeperch, a piscivorous species. Methods: A total of 135 juvenile pikeperch from the same stock were grouped into three behavioral groups: pellet consuming, pellet refusing, and cannibalistic. Eighteen microsatellite markers were used to characterize the genetic diversity and structure of individuals. Results: The juveniles were classified into two genetic clusters: one dominated by pellet-consuming individuals and the other by pellet-refusing individuals containing equal proportions of cannibal individuals. Three of the microsatellite markers were under selection, but only one showed significant genetic segregation between the groups. For this marker, the pellet consumption was associated with low fragment length. Individual multilocus heterozygosity was significantly higher in the pellet-refusing group. Conclusions: These results suggest that pellet consumption acts as an uncontrolled selective force during domestication, influencing the genetic variability of domesticated populations. The ability to habituate to pellets has a significant genetic basis. Cannibalism does not affect genetic variability, and the emergence of the trait is independent of the propensity to consume pellets. Full article

We investigated the spatial structure and colony itinerancy of Audouin’s gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) adult breeders across multiple breeding sites in the central Mediterranean Sea during 25 years of fieldwork. Using cluster analysis of marked individuals from different years and sites, we identified five spatial breeding units of increasing hierarchical scale—Breeding Sites, Colonies, Districts, Regions and Marine Sectors—which reflect biologically meaningful boundaries beyond simple geographic proximity. To determine the most appropriate scale for monitoring local populations, we applied multievent capture–recapture models and examined variation in survival and site fidelity across these units. Audouin’s gulls frequently change their location at the Breeding Site and Colony levels from one year to another, without apparent survival costs. In contrast, dispersal beyond Districts boundaries was found to be rare and associated with reduced survival rates, indicating that breeding Districts represent the most relevant biological unit for identifying local populations. The survival disadvantage observed in individuals leaving their District likely reflects increased extrinsic mortality in unfamiliar environments and the selective dispersal of lower-quality individuals. Within breeding Districts, birds may benefit from local knowledge and social information, supporting demographic stability and higher fitness. Our findings highlight the value of adopting a District-based framework for long-term monitoring and conservation of this endangered species. At this scale, demographic trends such as population growth or decline emerge more clearly than when assessed at the level of singular colonies. This approach can enhance our understanding of population dynamics in other mobile species and support more effective conservation strategies aligned with natural population structure. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is of great interest in children and adolescents. Due to the limited availability of cardiopulmonary exercise testing, simple and reliable alternatives are needed. A stair climbing test (SCT) for the assessment of CRF developed at the Department of Pediatric Cardiology of the LMU University Hospital in Munich showed a strong correlation with VO₂max. The aim of this study is to prove its feasibility in a non-clinical setting and to analyse its results in a larger study population. Methods: During the “Hand aufs Herz” study, a comprehensive cardiovascular examination was carried out on 922 pupils and siblings (13.2 ± 7.8 years) at a high school in Bavaria. The SCT was performed to evaluate CRF: participants had to run up and down a total of four floors (14.8 m) as quickly as possible without skipping steps or holding on to the banister. Absolute time has been normalized over the standard height of 12 m to allow comparisons with different settings. An SCT Index was calculated to adjust results to the different weights of participants and the exact height of the staircase. Results: The SCT proved to be easily feasible and safe in non-clinical contexts. Out of 922 participants, 13 (1.4%) were not able to perform the test, and 3 (0.3%) had to interrupt it following fatigue or stumbling. A total of 827 participants aged from 9 to 17 years (13.1 ± 2.1 years, 45.8% girls) had a mean absolute SCT time of 53.4 ± 6.2 s and 43.3 ± 5.1 s when normalized over 12 m. Conclusions: The SCT represents a simple, cost- and time-saving test that allows a rapid and solid assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents. We could demonstrate that it is safe and feasible in non-clinical contexts. Its short duration and universal applicability are valuable advantages that could facilitate the establishment of a repetitive cardiovascular screening in the pediatric population, particularly in outpatient departments or settings with low-resource systems. Full article