Search Results (576)

Designing long-span cable-stayed bridges in high seismic hazard zones presents significant challenges due to their flexible structural systems, the influence of multi-support excitation, and the need to control large displacements while limiting seismic demands on critical components. These difficulties are further amplified in regions with complex geology and for bridges required to maintain high levels of post-earthquake serviceability. This study develops a low-damage seismic design approach for long-span cable-stayed bridges and demonstrates its application in the New Panama Canal Bridge. Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment and site response analyses are performed to generate spatially varying ground motions at the pylons and side piers. The pylons adopt a reinforced concrete configuration with embedded steel stiffeners for anchorage, forming a composite zone capable of efficiently transferring concentrated stay-cable forces. The lightweight main girder consists of a lattice-type steel framework connected to a high-strength reinforced concrete deck slab, providing both rigidity and structural efficiency. A coordinated girder–pylon restraint system—comprising vertical bearings, fuse-type restrainers, and viscous dampers—ensures controlled stiffness and effective energy dissipation. Nonlinear seismic analyses show that displacements of the girder remain well controlled under the Safety Evaluation Earthquake, and the dampers and bearings exhibit stable hysteretic behaviours. Cable tensions remain within 500–850 MPa, meeting minimal-damage performance criteria. Overall, the results demonstrate that low-damage seismic performance targets are achievable and that the proposed design approach enhances structural control and seismic resilience in long-span cable-stayed bridges. Full article

The fire performance of existing reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks strengthened by external prestressing systems is investigated, with particular attention to the vulnerability of externally applied tendons under realistic fire scenarios. Fire exposure represents a critical condition for such retrofitted structures, as the structural response is strongly influenced by load level, prestressing effectiveness, and thermal degradation of the strengthening system. A comprehensive assessment framework is proposed, combining thermal and mechanical analyses applied to representative highway overpass bridges. The thermal input adopted for the analyses is first validated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, aimed at evaluating temperature development in typical RC beam–girder grillage decks subjected to fire from below. The CFD study considers variations in clearance height and span length and confirms that, in the case of hydrocarbon tanker accidents with fuel spilled on the roadway, conventional fire curves commonly adopted in the literature provide a reliable and conservative representation of both the temperature levels reached and their rate of increase within structural elements, thus supporting their use for rapid and simplified assessments. The validated thermal input is then employed in an analytical fire safety procedure applied to several realistic bridge case-studies. A parametric investigation is carried out by varying deck geometry, span length, reinforcement layout, and the presence of external prestressing retrofit, allowing the evaluation of the reduction in bending capacity and the time-dependent degradation of mechanical properties under fire exposure. The results highlight the critical role of external prestressing in fire scenarios, showing that significant loss of prestressing effectiveness may occur within the first minutes of fire, potentially leading to critical conditions even at service load levels. Finally, a multi-hazard assessment is performed by combining fire effects with pre-existing aging-related deterioration, such as reinforcement corrosion and long-term prestressing losses, demonstrating a marked increase in failure risk and, in the most severe cases, the possibility of premature collapse under dead loads. Full article

Identified-hadron production (p, ${\pi }^{\pm }$, $K^{\pm }$) in ${\pi }^{+}+\mathrm{Be}$ at $p_{\mathrm{lab}}=60\mathrm{GeV}/c$ ($\sqrt{s}\simeq 10.6\mathrm{GeV}$) is investigated using Pythia 8.315 (Monash tune) with the Angantyr extension. Differential multiplicities $d^{2}n/\left(dpd\theta \right)$ are confronted with NA61/SHINE measurements across standard $\theta$ bins. Within the fluctuating-radii Double-Strikman (DS) scheme, two unsuppressed opacity mappings are compared to quantify systematics. In addition, a minimal extension is introduced: a flat, post-classification, channel-wise acceptance applied after ND/SD/DD/EL tagging. It acts on primary and secondary $\pi N$ pairs, keeps hadronization fixed (Lund string), and leaves the internal event generation of each admitted subcollision unchanged. Opacity-mapping variations alone induce only percent-level differences and do not resolve the soft/forward tensions. By contrast, the flat acceptance—interpretable as a reduced effective ND weight—improves agreement across species and angles. It hardens the forward ${\pi }^{+}$ spectra and lowers large-$\theta$ yields, produces milder charge-asymmetric changes for ${\pi }^{-}$ consistent with the weaker leading feed, suppresses proton yields at all angles (with a residual $\sim 30\%$ forward high-p deficit), and improves $K^{\pm }$, with a stronger effect for $K^{+}$ than $K^{-}$. These results show that a geometry-blind reweighting of the subcollision mixture suffices to capture the main NA61/SHINE trends for ${\pi }^{+}+\mathrm{Be}$ at SPS energies without modifying hadronization. The approach provides a controlled baseline for subsequent, channel-balanced refinements and broader ${\pi }^{+}A$ tuning. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the short-term and long-term effectiveness of group voice therapy in changing vocal behaviour and improving voice quality (VQ) among teachers with hyperfunctional voice disorders (HFVD), using both subjective and objective measures. Methods: Thirty-one teachers participated in a structured group voice therapy programme. Participants underwent videoendostroboscopic evaluation of laryngeal morphology and function, perceptual assessment of voice, acoustic analysis of voice samples, and aerodynamic measurements of phonation. Patients’ self-assessment of VQ and its impact on quality of life were measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30). Evaluations were conducted at four time points: pre-therapy (T0), immediately post-therapy (T1), and at 3-month (T3) and 12-month (T12) follow-up visits. Results: Significant improvement was observed between T0 and T1 in perceptual voice evaluations: grade, roughness, asthenia, strain, loudness, fast speaking rate, as well as in neck muscle tension, shimmer, patients’ most harmful vocal behaviours, VHI-30 scores, patients VQ evaluation, and its impact on quality of life (all p < 0.05). Almost all parameters of subjective and objective voice assessment improved over the 12-month observation period, with the greatest improvement between T0 and T12 (all p < 0.05), indicating lasting reduced laryngeal tension and improved phonatory efficiency. Conclusions: Group voice therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for teachers with HFVD, leading to significant and long-lasting improvements in perceptual, acoustic, and self-assessment outcomes. Therapy also promoted healthier vocal and lifestyle behaviours, supporting its role as a successful and cost-effective rehabilitation and prevention method for occupational voice disorders. Full article

Academic Development (AD) represents a fundamental strategy for improving the quality of university teaching in the digital era. This entry proposes a critical analysis of technologies supporting AD, examining theoretical models, emerging practices, and contemporary challenges through a systematic review of academic literature. The TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) framework emerges as a crucial model for the effective integration of educational technologies, while innovative approaches such as blended learning, flipped classroom, and communities of practice demonstrate significant potential in promoting teaching innovation. However, the analysis highlights structural criticalities: resistance to change, lack of institutional recognition, technological pedagogical gaps, and identity tensions related to the teaching role. The concept of “Age of Evidence” orients future perspectives toward evidence-based, personalized, and collaborative programs. The entry concludes with operational recommendations for policymakers and institutions, emphasizing the need for systemic investments that valorize teaching as a core scholarly activity. The original contribution lies in the critical integration of established theoretical frameworks with analysis of post-pandemic transformations and in identifying strategic directions to make universities “transformative” in addressing global challenges of sustainability, technological innovation, and critical thinking education. Full article

Growing interest in food sustainability education aims to increase awareness of food distribution systems, environmental degradation, and the connectivity of sustainable and ethical food practices. However, recent scholarship has questioned whether such pedagogical efforts are meaningfully internalized by students or lead to sustained behavioral change. Prior studies document persistent gaps in students’ understanding of sustainability impacts and the limited effectiveness of existing instructional approaches in promoting transformative engagement. To address these concerns, the Food Ethics, Sustainability and Alternatives (FESA) course was implemented with 21 undergraduate and graduate students at Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ, USA). Course outcomes were evaluated using a mixed-methods design integrating qualitative analysis with quantitative measures informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, to identify influences on students’ attitudes, and a Transtheoretical Model (TTM) panel survey to address progression from awareness to action, administered pre- and post-semester. Qualitative findings revealed five central themes: increased self-awareness of food system contexts, heightened attention to animal ethics, the importance of structured classroom dialogue, greater recognition of food waste, and increased openness to alternative food sources. TTM results indicated significant reductions in contemplation and preparation stages, suggesting greater readiness for change, though no significant gains were observed in action or maintenance scores. Overall, the findings suggest that while food sustainability education can positively shape student attitudes, the conversion of attitudinal shifts into sustained behavioral change remains limited by external constraints, including time pressures, economic factors, culturally embedded dietary practices, structural tensions within contemporary food systems, and perceptions of limited individual efficacy. Full article

The Nile River Basin—shared by eleven countries and supporting over 300 million people—exemplifies the complexity of managing shared waters amid asymmetrical power relations, historical legacies, and competing development priorities. To advance the understanding of transboundary water governance and guide future cooperative strategies in the Nile Basin, a synthesis linking historical governance regimes with current contemporary frameworks is essential, as the existing literature is largely episodic, and its scope rarely includes recent governance developments. This review traces over a century of governance evolution, from pre-colonial and colonial allocation treaties through post-independence bilateral agreements to current institutional innovations and basin-wide initiatives. Historical and contemporary arrangements are assessed against principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, revealing persistent gaps in fairness, enforceability, and adaptive capacity. The analysis concludes by exploring emerging cooperation mechanisms and opportunities to transform the Nile from a locus of geopolitical tension into a model of equity-driven, cooperative governance. Full article

Headache is a common symptom during SARS-CoV-2 infection and may persist beyond three months. Both tension-type and migraine-like headaches have been described during SARS-CoV-2 infection and after immunization. The main objective was to characterize headache phenotype during SARS-CoV-2 infection and its relationship with headache recurrence following reinfection and COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of healthcare professionals. Secondary aims included profiling primary headaches and identifying predictors of post-COVID-19 headache persistence. We included 109 participants (86.2% women, mean age 45.3 ± 2.5 years). During infection, 49.5% met ICHD-3 criteria for tension-type headache and 12.8% for migraine. Headache recurred in 62.5% after reinfection and 59.2% after vaccination. A primary-headache history was present in 77.9% of sampled patients (25.9% migraine, 47.1% tension-type). The COVID-19 headache phenotype typically mirrored patients’ previous headache type during reinfection and post-vaccination. Persistent headache beyond three months from SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 22.9% and was associated with fibromyalgia and obesity. These findings suggest that COVID-19-related headache often mirrors the patient’s pre-existing primary headache and tends to recur with the same phenotype following reinfection or vaccination. Full article

Emerging research indicates that neuronal activity is maintained by an architectural system of protons in a multi-scale fashion. Proton architecture is formed when organelles (such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, synaptic vesicles, etc.) are coupled together to produce dynamic energy domains. Techniques have been developed to visualize protons in neurons; recent advances include near-atomic structural imaging of organelle interfaces using cryo-tomography and nanoscale resolution imaging of organelle interfaces and proton tracking using ultra-fast spectroscopy. Results of these studies indicate that protons in neurons do not diffuse randomly throughout the neuron but instead exist in organized geometric configurations. The cristae of mitochondrial cells create oscillating proton micro-domains that are influenced by the curvature of the cristae, hydrogen bonding between molecules, and localized changes in dielectric properties that result in time-patterned proton signals that can be used to determine the metabolic load of the cell and the redox state of its mitochondria. These proton patterns also communicate to the rest of the cell via hydrated aligned proton-conductive pathways at the mitochon-dria-endoplasmic reticulum junctions, through acidic lipid regions, and through nano-tethered contact sites between mitochondria and other organelles, which are typically spaced approximately 10–25 nm apart. Other proton architectures exist in lysosomes, endosomes, and synaptic vesicles. In each of these organelles, the V-ATPase generates steep concentration gradients across their membranes, controlling the rate of cargo removal from the lumen of the organelle, recycling receptors from the surface of the membrane, and loading neurotransmitters into the vesicles. Recent super-resolution pH mapping has indicated that populations of synaptic vesicles contain significant heterogeneity in the amount of protons they contain, thereby influencing the amount of neurotransmitter released per vesicle, the probability of vesicle release, and the degree of post-synaptic receptor protonation. Additionally, proton gradients in each organelle interact with the cytoskeleton: the protonation status of actin and microtubules influences filament stiffness, protein–protein interactions, and organelle movement, resulting in the formation of localized spatial structures that may possess some type of computational significance. At multiple scales, it appears that neurons integrate the proton micro-domains with mechanical tension fields, dielectric nanodomains, and phase-state transitions to form distributed computing elements whose behavior is determined by the integration of energy flow, organelle geometry, and the organization of soft materials. Alterations to the proton landscape in neurons (e.g., due to alterations in cristae structure, drift in luminal pH, disruption in the hydration-structure of the cell, or imbalance in the protonation of cytoskeletal components) could disrupt the intracellular signaling network well before the onset of measurable electrical or biochemical pathologies. This article will summarize evidence indicating that proton–organelle interaction provides a previously unknown source of energetic substrate for neural computation. Using an integrated approach combining nanoscale proton energy, organelle interface geometry, cytoskeletal mechanics, and AI-based multiscale models, this article outlines current principles and unresolved questions related to the subject area as well as possible new approaches to early detection and precise intervention of pathological conditions related to altered intracellular energy flow. Full article

As journalism intersects with influencer culture, how journalists negotiate their professional identity becomes crucial. This study examines how Chinese “Wanghong” (influencer) journalists—licensed journalists with large social media followings—navigate the tension between journalistic and influencer roles, focusing on their perceived professional identity and self-presentation on Weibo and TikTok. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with four Wanghong journalists (each with one million followers) and textual-visual thematic analysis of 351 social media posts, the study finds that, participants reconfigure their professional identity as “digital media journalists,” preserving journalistic legitimacy while distancing themselves from influencer commercialism. To manage the tension between professionalism—often downplays commercialization—and their platform practices, journalists use moral flexibility to justify commercial engagement as compatible with journalism. Building on Raemy’s conceptualization of professional identity, this study refines the framework by showing how platform logics and moral negotiation reshape journalistic professionalism in a hybrid, commercialized media environment. Full article

This study examines how organizational models are evolving beyond post-Fordism in the context of digitalization, platformization, and new forms of labor governance. Using a bibliometric analysis of 1573 Web of Science publications, the article maps the intellectual genealogy, disciplinary foundations, and global collaborative patterns of research on the platform economy. The field has consolidated around three core concepts—platform economy, gig economy, and sharing economy—anchored in clusters focused on business models, labor precarity, and regulatory and governance debates. The analysis reveals a temporal shift from early narratives centered on sharing and collaborative consumption to contemporary concerns with algorithmic management, precarious work, and worker resistance. Parallel discussions of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 expose tensions between human-centered aspirations and the continued expansion of platform capitalism. The global landscape shows both vitality and asymmetry: China leads in empirical output, while the USA and England dominate theoretical agenda-setting and international collaboration. Overall, the findings demonstrate that platform research constitutes a mature, interdisciplinary field bridging labor sociology and management studies. The study calls for stronger integration of Global South perspectives and further examination of whether human-centered organizational visions can meaningfully counteract the structural inequalities embedded in platform-mediated work. Full article

Chemotherapy-related headaches pose a significant challenge to the well-being and treatment adherence of cancer patients. Despite their prevalence, the underpinning mechanisms and pathobiology remain elusive, limiting treatment options. Herein, we review emerging causes, molecular and functional processes, and mechanisms at play, and discuss research and clinical gaps. We consider the iatrogenic and psychogenic effects of chemotherapy and highlight the need to distinguish chemotherapy-related headaches from primary headache disorders in cancer patients, including migraines or tension-type headaches. We discuss evolving biomarkers and mechanistic models that could facilitate the differential diagnosis and development of effective interventions. Given the global rise of cancer burden and better outcomes of chemotherapy with longer life expectancy, recognition of the detrimental impact of chemotherapy-related headaches and their integration into management plans are expected to improve treatment adherence and post-treatment life quality. Full article

Background: Balneotherapy (BT) has been proposed as a supportive intervention for post-COVID-19 musculoskeletal (MSK) and fatigue-related symptoms; however, comparative evidence across different BT delivery modes remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of a BT-based treatment program on MSK health and related functional outcomes in individuals with a history of COVID-19. Methods: This secondary analysis was derived from a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial conducted from January to September 2023 across six Lithuanian medical spa centers. Participants with a self-reported history of COVID-19 and persistent multisystem symptoms were assigned to one of three BT modalities or a control group. Primary outcomes included MSK pain, muscle tension and spasm, handgrip strength, and trunk flexibility. Secondary outcomes included fatigue, sleep, quality of life, and analgesic use. Assessments were performed at baseline, post-treatment, and at three- and six-month follow-ups. The 2-week BT program consisted of daily sessions of light pool exercise, mineral baths, sapropel body wraps, and halotherapy. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures GLM in IBM SPSS Statistics (version 28.0). Results: Significant time effects were observed for MSK pain, muscle tension, spasms, fatigue, sleep disturbance, flexibility, and quality of life (all p < 0.05). Improvements occurred primarily within groups and were most pronounced immediately post-treatment, with partial maintenance at 3–6 months. Between-group differences were modest; however, ambulatory BT, inpatient BT, and BT combined with nature therapy demonstrated greater long-term improvements in several outcomes. Conclusions: BT was associated with beneficial changes across MSK and psychosocial domains in individuals recovering from COVID-19, although differences between BT modalities were limited. These findings support BT as a complementary component within multimodal post-COVID rehabilitation frameworks and highlight the need for further research on long-term maintenance and individualized treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a widespread practice among judo athletes seeking to compete in lower weight categories. Restrictive nutritional and behavioral strategies used to achieve short-term reductions in body mass may impair physiological and psychological functioning. This study aimed to assess dietary behaviors, weight-cutting methods, and short-term physical and psychological effects of RWL among competitive judo athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and December 2024 among 70 judo athletes (17 women, 53 men) competing at national and international levels. Data were collected using an author-designed questionnaire addressing anthropometric variables, training history, RWL strategies, dietary restrictions, hydration manipulation, and post-weigh-in eating behaviors. Physical and psychological symptoms were assessed using frequency-based self-report measures. Results: Most athletes (95.7%) reported engaging in RWL, typically beginning between ages 13 and 16 years (65.7%). Athletes reduced an average of 3.64 ± 1.74 kg (2–5% of body mass). Common strategies included decreasing meal frequency (74.29%), increasing training load (72.86%), restricting fluids (68.57%), and using saunas (62.86%). Reported physical symptoms included weakness (71.43%), headaches (51.43%), and dizziness (45.71%), while psychological symptoms included irritability (57.14%), reduced motivation (40%), and tension (38.57%). Post-weigh-in binge eating occurred in 65.71% of athletes and was significantly associated with higher RWL magnitude (p < 0.05). Discomfort during competition related to overeating (55.71%) or insufficient intake (41.43%) was also frequent. Conclusions: RWL is highly prevalent among judo athletes and often begins early in training history. The strategies used are associated with adverse physical and psychological symptoms and maladaptive compensatory behaviors. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based nutritional education and individualized weight-management approaches to support athlete health and performance. Full article

Energy-dissipating braces are novel structural components as they not only accommodate the seismic energy demand but also enhance both the flexibility and overall earthquake resistance of the structure, preventing brittle or non-ductile behavior. The novel brace proposed in this study was developed to achieve two primary objectives: first, to restrict relative displacements at its ends by dissipating energy through U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs), and second, to provide a self-centering mechanism through the use of post-tension (PT) to ensure structural re-centering after cyclic loading. The novelty of this research lies in the experimental findings showing that post-tensioned (PT) braces exhibit a flag-shaped self-centering hysteretic response, improved initial stiffness, and reduced residual displacements by 72%, while non-PT braces behave as conventional metallic dissipators with larger residual displacements. Increasing UFP thickness from 6 to 8 mm enhances strength by 22%. Stainless steel UFPs offer superior plastic recovery, whereas regular steel UFPs dissipate ~%10 more energy through greater plasticity. Energy dissipation of the brace increases with increasing PT forces and displacement due to the PT force pulling the force–displacement curve towards high force levels. This study highlights the importance of PT force and UFP parameters in a brace configuration with self-centering and metallic dissipators such as U-shaped flexural plates. Full article