Search Results (2,093)

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to examine how carbon defects, symbiosis, and sulfur influence the wettability of coal pyrite by analyzing H₂O adsorption on distinct surface configurations. The comparison results of adsorption energy, Mulliken population, charge density, and electronic state density of water molecules on the surface of pyrite doped with carbon atoms show that the presence of carbon doping reduces the negative value of the adsorption energy of water molecules on the pyrite surface, the C atoms on the pyrite surface form weaker C-H bonds with the H atoms in the water molecules, the Fe-O bond strength weakens, and the thermodynamic trend weakens. And the bond of the pyrite surface with adsorbed carbon changes from an Fe-O bond to an Fe-C-O bond. The adsorption of water molecules on the pyrite surface is weakened, and there is a weaker thermodynamic trend. This is because the adsorption of carbon atoms changes from hydrophilic to nearly hydrophobic. The physical adsorption of sulfur atoms changes the adsorption energy of water molecules on the pyrite surface from negative to positive, and the bond changes from an Fe-O bond to an Fe-S-O bond, indicating that the adsorption intensity of water molecules on the pyrite surface with adsorbed sulfur is weakened, and there is no thermodynamic trend. The pyrite surface with adsorbed sulfur changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Under the same impurity atom doping or adsorption concentration, the influence of sulfur on the adsorption of water molecules on the surface of pyrite is the greatest, followed by the adsorbed carbon, and the weakest is the carbon atom doping. Macroscopically, the overall hydrophobicity of the surface of coal-bearing pyrite covered with sulfur is greater than that of pyrite containing adsorbed carbon and even greater than that of coal-bearing pyrite doped with carbon atoms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cord blood mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) has been proposed as a biomarker reflecting environmental influences during fetal life, with reported associations with perinatal outcomes such as birth weight and length. Within the framework of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory, this study aimed to investigate whether cord blood mtDNAcn is related to postnatal physical growth in early childhood. Methods: We analyzed data from 150 newborns (68 females and 82 males) enrolled in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study in Japan. Cord blood mtDNAcn was quantified using real-time PCR, and standard deviation scores for weight and height were assessed at 1, 2–3, 4–6, 18–24, and 36–48 months of age. Correlation analyses were conducted separately by sex. Results: Cord blood mtDNAcn showed no significant associations with body weight or height at any of the postnatal time points up to 48 months of age. Growth trajectories of infants with higher or lower mtDNAcn values at birth tended to converge toward the population mean during infancy and toddlerhood. Conclusions: Although no significant relationships were observed, this exploratory, hypothesis-generating study provides a foundation for future investigations. Larger cohorts with extended follow-up are needed to clarify the potential significance of cord blood mtDNAcn in early-life research on child growth and health. Full article

Suicide is a leading cause of mortality and a recognized public health priority. In the last two decades, older adults (age 65 and older) saw the largest percentage increase in suicide rates. Despite these rising trends, geriatric suicide remains an understudied public health crisis. In this review, we summarize risk factors specific to geriatric suicide using a socioecological framework and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide of burdensomeness and belongingness. Specifically, we categorize these risk factors into individual, interpersonal, organizational, and policy levels. For each type of risk factor, we review prevention and intervention programs that can help mitigate the risk of suicide among older adults. Some strategies we discuss include early detection, comprehensive healthcare approaches, community-based support systems, and legislative and policy solutions. The paper underscores the need for increased awareness and more targeted research to address the unique challenges faced by the aging population to provide more informed support and prevent suicide mortality. Full article

Indoor air pollution is a major cause of noncommunicable diseases, and increasing people’s knowledge about the related risks is a key action for prevention. Many studies describe questionnaires for evaluating knowledge on indoor air quality that often involve selected population groups and take time to fill out. This study describes the validation of a questionnaire built “ad hoc” that aims to be easy to fill out, reliable, and valid. The validation process integrated two psychometric approaches: the Classical Test Theory (CTT), which uses the Kuder–Richardson 20 (KR-20) formula to measure the internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire as a whole, and the Item Response Theory (IRT), which evaluates each statement (item)’s validity. The questionnaire, distributed using social media to a self-selected sample of people, reached a sample of 621 subjects. In terms of internal consistency, the questionnaire was found to be satisfactory, with a KR-20 value of 0.74 (CI 0.71–0.77). The IRT analysis showed that the statements included in the questionnaire can distinguish between high-performing and low-performing interviewees, since 100% of the items reached a value of the “discrimination parameter a_j” that was within or above the recommended range. In terms of difficulty, many statements (53.3%) showed a low level of difficulty, obtaining a low “difficulty parameter b_j” value, while another 20% of the items showed a high level of difficulty. Regarding the pseudo-guessing parameter, known as the c-parameter, the probability of answering correctly for a low-performing interviewee was observed in three items (1, 6, and 9), and the same statements fell outside the range for all three parameters evaluated in the IRT. The application of the IRT highlights the criticality of some questions that would not have emerged using the CTT approach alone. Although the questionnaire is acceptable overall, it will be appropriate to evaluate whether to revise or exclude the critical questions in order to improve the instrument’s performance. Full article

Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) are the most energetic particles known—and yet their origin is still an open question. However, with the precision and accumulated statistics of the Pierre Auger Observatory and the Telescope Array, in combination with advancements in theory and modeling—e.g., of the Galactic magnetic field—it is now possible to set solid constraints on the sources of UHECRs. The spectrum and composition measurements above the ankle can be well described by a population of extragalactic, homogeneously distributed sources emitting mostly intermediate-mass nuclei. Additionally, using the observed anisotropy in the arrival directions, namely the large-scale dipole > 8 EeV, as well as smaller-scale warm spots at higher energies, even more powerful constraints on the density and distribution of sources can be placed. Yet, open questions remain—like the striking similarity of the sources that is necessary to describe the rather pure mass composition above the ankle, or the origin of the highest energy events whose tracked back directions point toward voids. The current findings and possible interpretation of UHECR data will be presented in this review. Full article

Climate change poses a growing threat to the mental health of children and adolescents. This narrative review synthesizes global, interdisciplinary research on the psychological impacts of climate disruption during critical developmental stages, with attention to marginalized populations. We explore three key pathways of harm: direct exposure to environmental disasters, chronic disruption of ecological and social systems, and existential distress such as eco-anxiety. Drawing on eco-social theory and developmental psychopathology, the review highlights how these impacts are shaped by age, geography, identity, and systemic inequities. It identifies both risk and protective factors, emphasizing the importance of caregiving relationships, cultural practices, education, and youth climate engagement. While activism can foster resilience and purpose, it may also incur emotional burdens that require clinical and policy attention. We argue that child and adolescent mental health must be recognized as central to climate justice and adaptation, and we offer urgent recommendations for integrated action across sectors. Full article

Since the 1960s, theories on the relationship between people and their environment have explored how elements of the built environment may directly or indirectly influence human behavior. In this context, neuroarchitecture is emerging as an interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience, architecture, environmental psychology, and cognitive science, with the aim of providing empirical evidence on how architectural spaces affect the human brain. This study investigates the potential of neuroarchitecture to inform environmental design by clarifying its current conceptual framework, examining its practical applications, and identifying the context in which it is being implemented. Beginning with an in-depth analysis of the definition of neuroarchitecture, its theoretical foundations, and the range of interpretations within the academic community, the study then offers a critical review of its practical applications across various design fields. By presenting a comprehensive overview of this emerging discipline, the study also summarizes the measurement techniques commonly employed in related research and critically evaluates design criteria based on observed human responses. Ultimately, neuroarchitecture represents a promising avenue for creating environments that deliberately enhance psychological and physiological well-being, paving the way toward truly human-centered design. Nevertheless, neuroarchitecture is still an emerging experimental field, which entails significant limitations. The experiments conducted are still limited to virtual reality and controlled experimental contexts. In addition, small and heterogeneous population samples have been tested, without considering human variability. Full article

The digital transformation of civic life has created new opportunities for older adults to engage in virtual volunteer activities. However, their participation still remains limited. This study investigates the factors that influence older adults’ interest in virtual volunteering. It integrated theoretical framework combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Self-Efficacy, and Digital Divide Theories to examine the drivers of virtual volunteerism interest among this target population. This study presents ordered logistic regression models with data on 814 adult volunteers in multiple imputation procedures. The final reduced model identifies two key predictors: a preference for virtual activities and interest in technology training, respectively, representing TAM and the Digital Divide Theory. While the self-efficacy-related variable showed statistical significance in earlier models, its explanatory power diminished when controlling for other factors. The findings indicate that older adults’ interest in virtual volunteering is primarily shaped by perceived usefulness of digital tools and their willingness to improve technical competence. This study confirms the relevance of the TAM and Digital Divide theories regarding virtual volunteerism. In practical terms, the findings indicate that program design should combine usability-focused platform features and targeted support that lower both technological and motivational barriers for older adults interested in virtual volunteering. Full article

Aphids remain exceptional models for symbiosis research due to their unique experimental advantages that extend beyond documenting symbiont-mediated phenotypes. Nine commonly occurring facultative bacterial symbionts provide well-characterized benefits, including defense against parasitoids, pathogens, and thermal stress. Yet the system’s greatest value lies in enabling diverse research applications across biological disciplines through experimental tractability combined with ecological realism. Researchers can create controlled experimental lines through symbiont manipulation, maintain clonal host populations indefinitely, and cultivate symbionts independently. This experimental power is complemented by extensive knowledge of symbiont dynamics in natural populations, including temporal and geographic distribution patterns—features generally unavailable in other insect-microbe systems. These advantages facilitate investigation of key processes in symbiosis, including transmission dynamics, mechanisms, strain-level functional diversity, multi-partner infections, and transitions from facultative to co-obligate relationships. Integration across biological scales—from genomics to field ecology—enables research on symbiont community assembly, ecological networks, coevolutionary arms races, and agricultural applications. This combination of experimental flexibility, comprehensive natural history knowledge, and applied relevance positions aphids as invaluable for advancing symbiosis theory while addressing practical challenges in agriculture and invasion biology. Full article

Chromaffin cells are neuroendocrine cells found in the adrenal medulla and paraganglia. They represent enigmatic cell population with origins and properties that have undergone a change in scientific interpretations over the last few decades. Earlier concepts consider that chromaffin cells derive from neuronal progenitors, and their cell fate is similar to neurons that lack the ability to proliferate and maintain renewal of cell population in postnatal life. Growing evidence of postnatal proliferation and response to proliferative stimuli were inconsistent with traditional views and required their reassessment and further research on chromaffin cell regeneration sources. The present review summarizes data on embryonic origin and development and transcriptional control of the adrenal chromaffin cells as well as available information about their postnatal proliferation. The authors also represent their findings in cellular and molecular events associated with the physiological transition from organ growth to self-maintenance of cell populations in intact rats and in experimental dismorphogenesis of the adrenals. The authors familiarize readers with available information about the early development and molecular changes in chromaffin cells in postnatal period and propose their new theories concerning mechanisms of adrenomedullary chromaffin cell regeneration. Further research on induction and management of these mechanisms will allow us to maintain cultured chromaffin cells in vitro, which will obviously make a significant contribution to practical regenerative medicine. Full article

We propose a life-expectancy pay-off function (LEP) for determining optimal cancer treatment within a control theory framework. The LEP averages life expectancy over all future outcomes, outcomes that are determined by key events during therapy such as tumour elimination (cure) and patient death (including treatment related mortality). We analyse this optimisation problem for tumours treated with chemotherapy using tumour growth models based on ordinary differential equations. To incorporate tumour elimination we draw on branching processes to compute the probability distribution of tumour population extinction. To demonstrate the approach, we apply the LEP framework to simplified one-compartment models of tumour growth that include three possible outcomes: cure, relapse, or death during treatment. Using Pontryagin’s maximum principle (PMP) we show that the best treatment strategies fall into three categories: (i) continuous treatment at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), (ii) no treatment, or (iii) treat-and-stop therapy, where the drug is given at the MTD and then halted before the treatment (time) horizon. Optimal treatment strategies are independent of the time horizon unless the time horizon is too short to accommodate the most effective (treat-and-stop) therapy. For sufficiently long horizons, the optimal solution is either no treatment (when treatment yields no benefit) or treat-and-stop. Patients, thus, split into an untreatable class and a treatable class, with patient demographics, tumour size, tumour response, and drug toxicity determining whether a patient benefits from treatment. The LEP is in principle parametrisable from data, requiring estimation of the rates of each event and the associated life expectancy under that event. This makes the approach suitable for personalising cancer therapy based on tumour characteristics and patient-specific risk profiles. Full article

While loneliness is a known correlate of social withdrawal, the underlying mechanisms, particularly within college student populations, remain inadequately understood. This study addresses this gap by investigating the mediating role of internet addiction and the moderating role of sex in the relationship between loneliness and social withdrawal. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1978 Chinese college students. Analyses were performed using SEM (AMOS) and the PROCESS for SPSS to test a moderated mediation model. Results confirmed a significant positive association between loneliness and social withdrawal. Internet addiction was found to significantly mediate this relationship, explaining 50.7% of the total effect. Moreover, sex moderated the indirect pathway, suggesting that the strength of the mediating effect varied by sex. These findings provide empirical support for the Evolutionary Theory of Loneliness by elucidating the psychological processes linking loneliness to social withdrawal within a collectivist cultural context. The study also offers practical implications for developing targeted mental health interventions to reduce social withdrawal and promote social participation among college students. Full article

The Building Houses on Rented Land Model (BHRLM) was a pivotal land development model that drove Shanghai’s urbanization in the early modern era. This research examines the spatial generative mechanism of the Prepaid Building Houses on Rented Land Model (PBHRLM), prevalent during 1938–1941. It reveals how the wartime economic environment enabled interest alliances constituted with developers, landowners, and tenants to stimulate urban spatial growth. Firstly, we aim to analyze the features of architectural types linked to the PBHRLM using data-driven methods. Secondly, we aim to apply financial capital theory to investigate the innovations of financing methods. Finally, we draw on speculation theory to establish connections between the features of architectural types and the innovations of financing methods. The results include the following: (1) The PBHRLM’s dominant architectural types—new-styled lane houses, semi-shikumen lane houses, and garden houses—shared low-rise, high-density spatial features. (2) The PBHRLM’s innovations of financing methods lie in its convergence of financing and profitability, reflecting developers’ speculative intent. The research concludes that the PBHRLM operated as a spatial actuarial practice. Through risk games, the developers utilized the model to liberate land development from the control of financial capital and achieved multi-stakeholder synergy, generating small-scale, dispersed land development patterns. At the same time, surging housing demand thus perpetuated architectural types catering to the middle class with low-rise, low-tech tectonics and independent dwelling styles that continued to densely populate Shanghai concessions. Full article

This study introduces a framework for comparing and integrating revealed and potential accessibility maps, using the Dempster–Shafer theory to identify regions with varying spatial accessibility while accounting for uncertainty. It presents a method for determining revealed accessibility from individuals’ trajectory data, weighting accessibility inversely to the square of uncertainty. This dual approach aids urban planners in making more reliable decisions. The methodology is applied to supply centers, including shops, restaurants, and sports centers, using data from the Mobile Data Challenge (MDC) in Vaud, Switzerland. The results show good access to shops in the northwestern and southeastern regions and good access to restaurants in the eastern regions. The final maps indicate that areas with low access to sports centers form the highest proportion (62.7%) of regions with low access, while those with low access to shopping centers form the lowest (9.3%). The findings suggest the need for more sports centers in Nyon and Jura-Nord Vaudois and more accessible restaurants in Nyon and southern Aigle. Additionally, the analysis reveals that lower station densities correlate with smaller discrepancies between real and expected accessibilities, while higher population densities are linked to lower uncertainty, underscoring the importance of considering density in spatial accessibility assessments. Full article

This paper explores the eigenfunctions of specific Laguerre-type parametric operators to develop multi-parametric models, which are associated with a class of the generalized Mittag-Leffler type functions, for dynamical systems and population dynamics. By leveraging these multi-parametric approaches, we introduce new concepts in number theory, specifically those involving multi-parametric Bernoulli and Euler numbers, along with other related polynomials. Several numerical examples, which are generated by using the computer algebra program Mathematica© (Version 14.3), demonstrate the effectiveness of the models that we have presented and analyzed in this paper. Full article