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Regular bathing is a common habit worldwide, yet bath additives have been characterized almost exclusively at the physiological level, while their molecular effects on human cells remain largely unexplored. We previously showed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) that the complex bath additive Karada Totonou ProBath (KTPB) induced the expression of EGR1 and hyaluronic acid synthase genes in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which represent the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-producing side of the cutaneous angiogenic axis; whether the VEGF-receiving endothelium responds to KTPB was unknown. Here, human vascular endothelial cells were exposed to KTPB and profiled by RNA-seq, and cytotoxicity was assessed using resazurin and Hoechst assays. KTPB altered gene expression in a time-dependent manner, and the differentially expressed genes were classified into three clusters with distinct temporal profiles: a late-repressed cluster, a transiently induced cell cycle-associated cluster, and a late-induced cluster enriched for blood vessel development and VEGFA-VEGFR2 signaling. The angiogenesis-related genes ID1, ID3, and EDN1 were markedly upregulated, peaking at 1–2 h. KTPB showed no detectable cytotoxicity in this cell model at any of the tested concentrations, which spanned the recommended use range. These results indicate that KTPB elicits an angiogenesis-associated transcriptional program in vascular endothelial cells without compromising viability and highlight transcriptomics’ value for characterizing bath additives. Full article

Modern manufacturing enterprises are increasingly transitioning to multi-variety, small-batch production. This shift introduces significant scheduling challenges, particularly due to the job hierarchy constraints inherent in assembling multi-level intermediate parts. Furthermore, non-machining preparation times—such as tool switching, material handling, and equipment standby—significantly impact production efficiency. To address these challenges, this paper investigates the flexible job shop batch scheduling problem by integrating order and operation consolidation under strict job hierarchy constraints. To mathematically formulate the scheduling problem with non-serial operation precedence networks and dynamic batching, we develop a mixed-integer programming model. The primary objective is to simultaneously minimize the maximum completion time (makespan) and total tardiness. To solve this efficiently, an Improved Grey Wolf Optimization (IGWO) algorithm is proposed. The algorithm features a novel two-tier coding scheme tailored for consolidation logic and employs a hybrid population initialization strategy to enhance initial solution quality. Moreover, it improves the standard hunting mechanism, utilizes Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) for local exploitation, and independently applies a Simulated Annealing (SA) dynamic acceptance mechanism to balance global exploration and local exploitation. Extensive experiments using small-, medium-, and large-scale industrial data from a power station valve manufacturer validate the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm in optimizing complex batch scheduling schemes. Full article

Here, we study melting glacier surface albedo using satellite hyperspectral imagery from the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP). The proposed broadband albedo (BBA) retrieval algorithm is based on radiative transfer theory and includes atmospheric and topography corrections. The comparison with ground and other satellite snow and ice albedo products is presented. Ways to improve current satellite snow and ice albedo retrieval algorithms are discussed. While the EnMAP-derived BBA is highly correlated with BBA retrieved from other spaceborne instrumentation and algorithms, the various modern snow and ice satellite BBA products can differ by more than 5–10% for snow and, especially, bare ice. Bare ice optical heterogeneity is high from variable roughness conditions and impurity content. Bare ice BBA uncertainties exceed requirements needed for highly accurate assessment of glacier climatic effects. Full article

Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), remain a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. As control programs reduce infection intensity, accurate diagnosis becomes increasingly challenging. The McMaster technique has been proposed as an alternative diagnostic method for detecting human intestinal parasites; however, its diagnostic performance in human populations remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of the McMaster technique for detecting intestinal parasites, particularly STHs. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261298952). Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, Nursing & Allied Health Premium, and Google Scholar) were searched up to January 2026. Studies assessing the McMaster technique in human populations and reporting sufficient data to calculate sensitivity were included. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled sensitivity, with subgroup analyses by parasite species, geographic region, and population characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using the the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Among the 1514 records identified through database searching, 10 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled sensitivity of the McMaster technique was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67–78%; I² = 91.0%) for detecting any intestinal parasites and 72% (95% CI: 65–78%; I² = 93.5%) for STHs. Species-specific sensitivities were 67% (95% CI: 61–72%; I² = 80.7%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 79% (95% CI: 57–91%; I² = 96.9%) for Trichuris trichiura, and 71% (95% CI: 61–80%; I² = 89.9%) for hookworms. The McMaster technique demonstrates moderate sensitivity for detecting intestinal parasites in humans. While it offers practical advantages for field applications, its reduced sensitivity in low-intensity infections limits its utility as a standalone diagnostic tool in control and elimination settings. Further research should focus on methodological standardization and integration with more sensitive diagnostic approaches. Full article

Post-disaster emergency logistics is often organized according to prespecified response periods, although operational relief tasks may be completed earlier or later than those calendar boundaries. This study develops a task-completion-triggered multi-stage resource-allocation mechanism (TCMS) for a two-echelon emergency logistics network. Effective first-contact coverage and cumulative forward deployment generate three sequential operational stages—rapid coverage, intensive deployment, and recovery support—through a one-period state-update rule. The operational stage determines the priority regime used to select among feasible allocation schedules. The mechanism is evaluated within a common direct-decision rolling-horizon mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) framework. At each decision epoch, policy-neutral cost-service candidates are generated using total cost and cumulative raw weighted backlog, whereas the current operational stage supplies stage-dependent priority coefficients for selecting the implemented action. TCMS and a fixed-stage baseline therefore differ in the source of their operational stage, while a stage-free rolling-horizon benchmark retains a neutral priority regime. Computational experiments include formulation validation, Base and Medium rolling-horizon policy comparisons, a Large static MILP reference, and trigger-parameter and stage-priority-coefficient sensitivity analyses. The results show that endogenous stage timing changes the selected cost-service operating point, with effects varying across instances. Sensitivity analysis further shows that transition timing and allocation outcomes can vary with trigger settings and stage-priority calibration. TCMS is particularly suited to settings in which transition timing cannot be specified reliably in advance, and managers require an observable basis for adjusting allocation priorities as relief operations progress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Age-related increases in oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation contribute to skeletal muscle deterioration, impaired physical performance, and loss of functional independence in older adults. Regular exercise may counteract these processes by improving both musculoskeletal function and systemic redox homeostasis; however, the effects of multimodal functional exercise on antioxidant defence mechanisms and innate immune redox regulation remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate changes associated with a six-week multimodal functional exercise program in body composition, muscle strength, physical performance, antioxidant defence and phagocyte oxidative burst activity in older women. Methods: Seventeen physically inactive women aged over 65 years participated in a six-week functional training program consisting of aerobic, resistance, balance, coordination, and proprioceptive exercises performed twice weekly. Body composition, handgrip strength, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores were assessed before and after the intervention. In addition, serum antioxidant enzyme activities, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation markers, nitrite/nitrate concentrations, and phagocyte oxidative burst activity were determined. Results: Following the intervention, improvements were observed in skeletal muscle mass, muscle percentage, handgrip strength, and SPPB scores, while body fat mass and body fat percentage decreased. Catalase activity increased, whereas superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation markers remained unchanged. Serum nitrite/nitrate concentrations increased following the intervention. Although neutrophil counts did not change, phagocyte oxidative burst activity decreased significantly. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a six-week multimodal functional exercise program was associated with favourable changes in body composition, enhanced muscle strength, and improved functional performance in previously inactive older women. In parallel, favourable changes in antioxidant defence, nitric oxide metabolism, and immune-related redox regulation were also observed following the intervention, supporting the potential role of multimodal functional training as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for promoting healthy ageing. Full article

Sustainability Education (SE) is a complex pedagogical challenge that involves multiple disciplines and requires consensus on the content to be prioritized for citizenship education. Consensus-building on such complex issues can be effectively achieved through the Delphi technique, which relies on an anonymous panel of experts providing assessments through an iterative process. This study employed a modified Delphi method to develop a core curriculum for SE, tailored for non-specialist students at the pre-university or undergraduate level. The process involved two stages: first, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 experts to generate a list of key topics; subsequently, a questionnaire was administered using a ten-point Likert scale covering 59 key concepts, organized by conceptual area. The second panel, consisting of 40 professors from 10 departments at the University of Trento, evaluated and selected the topics for the curriculum. A consensus value was calculated for each item, and concepts were ranked according to their perceived importance and level of agreement. This research aims to arrive at a collective assessment that goes beyond individual disciplinary perspectives. The results demonstrate a strong multidisciplinary consensus on foundational and action-oriented dimensions, with the highest priority assigned to environmental sustainability and systemic interdependence (mean score of 9.3 on a 10-point scale), social equity (9.1), and operational energy efficiency (8.8). Conversely, highly specialized tools, such as carbon markets (7.2) and climate psychology (7.0), were deemed less central for general education. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that experts’ disciplinary backgrounds profoundly influenced their priorities, underscoring the necessity of a truly transdisciplinary approach. The results provide a systematic foundation for the development of interdisciplinary educational programs. Full article

This study aimed to examine within-subject changes associated with a 12-week multicomponent training program combined with cognitive stimulation in cognitive–motor performance in older women, and to evaluate changes in cognitive status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thirty-three participants aged 70.24 (4.32) years were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Cognitive–motor performance was evaluated using a Go/No-Go task, including reaction time (RT), omission errors, and commission errors. Cognitive status was assessed using the Memory, Fluency, and Orientation (MEFO) score, and HRQoL was evaluated with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Mixed-effects models showed a significant reduction in RT (Δ = 51.5 ms, p < 0.001; d = 0.50) and omission errors (OR = 0.04, p < 0.001), and an increase in commission errors (OR = 2.06, p = 0.008). Cognitive status improved significantly (Δ = 0.45, p = 0.021; d = 0.34), whereas HRQoL improved only in the general health dimension (Δ = 6.82, p = 0.004; d = 0.53). Overall, the intervention was associated with a reorganization of Go/No-Go performance, characterized by faster responding, but increased commission errors, indicating no improvement in motor inhibition. These findings suggest that this multidomain approach is feasible and warrants evaluation in randomized controlled trials. Full article

The use of satellite imagery to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals is increasingly common, driven by advances in remote sensing and deep learning. Introducing remote sensing into academic graduate programs at maritime institutions not only follows the current state of the research field but also raises awareness of the opportunities this technique offers for sustainable development and ecological research. For instance, remote sensing enables monitoring of ships discharging oil. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the highest-level research results, so to apply scientific methods effectively, an expert in the legal aspects of artificial intelligence also participated in this research. In this paper, we introduce remote sensing into seafarers’ education at the graduate level, which is now incorporated as a new course. The results indicate a high level of student engagement and demonstrate that integrating remote sensing technologies into maritime education could enhance students’ technical competencies and environmental awareness. The findings of this study highlight the potential of satellite remote sensing as an educational tool for supporting sustainability-oriented maritime education and provide practical insights for integrating emerging technologies into higher education curricula, providing practical insights for integrating emerging technologies into higher education curricula while establishing a transferable blueprint for bridging advanced data sciences with compliance-driven vocational training. Full article

Attack execution is a fundamental determinant of performance in sabre fencing, requiring athletes to integrate technical precision, tactical decision-making, perceptual abilities, and neuromuscular control within extremely short time intervals. The purpose of this exploratory single-group pre–post study was to investigate changes in attack execution, balance, postural control, and movement accuracy following an eight-week fencing-specific training program in competitive male sabre fencers. Eight competitive junior male sabre fencers completed an eight-week intervention consisting of two mesocycles designed to develop technical execution, balance, and movement control. Technical performance was assessed using four fencing-specific attack tests, whereas balance, postural control, and movement accuracy were evaluated using three sport-specific tests. Pre- and post-intervention performances were compared using paired-samples t-tests or exact Wilcoxon signed-rank tests according to the distribution of the paired differences, with effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals also reported. Balance in the En Garde Position increased from 44.00 ± 13.34 to 60.13 ± 18.80 s and was the only outcome showing a statistically significant pre–post change (p = 0.016; r_rb = 0.94). Change of Attack Direction increased from 7.50 ± 0.93 to 8.00 ± 0.93 points (p = 0.125; r_rb = 1.00; 4 non-tied pairs), while Beat Attack Execution increased from 8.25 ± 1.28 to 9.13 ± 0.83 points (p = 0.063; r_rb = 1.00; 5 non-tied pairs); neither change reached statistical significance. The remaining outcomes also showed non-significant pre–post changes. Overall, the findings indicate changes in technical and balance-related performance following the eight-week training period; however, given the absence of a control group, the small sample size, and the lack of test–retest reliability data for the sport-specific assessments, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and cannot establish a causal effect of the training program. Full article

This paper examines the relationship between perceived event quality and visitor loyalty in the context of a river-based sport tourism event. This study examines visitors at the Danube Regatta in Negotin, a small-scale sport-tourism event integrated into the international Danube International Regatta. Drawing on event quality and experience economy frameworks, the study analyses the effects of four dimensions of perceived quality-organizational arrangements, program and atmosphere, environmental care, and infrastructure on visitors’ loyalty, operationalized through revisit intention and recommendation. The authors collected data through an on-site survey of 217 event visitors during the 2025 edition of the event. The analysis employed descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and cluster analysis (K-means). The results show that program and atmosphere represent the strongest predictors of visitor loyalty (β = 0.734, p < 0.001), confirming the dominant role of experiential elements. Organizational arrangements (β = 0.196, p < 0.01) and infrastructure (β = 0.203, p < 0.01) also exert statistically significant positive effects, suggesting their role as supporting conditions rather than primary drivers of loyalty. In contrast, perceived environmental care has a statistically significant negative effect (β = −0.240, p < 0.01), indicating a potentially complex sustainability-related relationship whereby perceived shortcomings in environmental practices reduce loyalty intentions. Cluster analysis identified four distinct visitor segments, highlighting heterogeneous visitor behavior motives and behavioral patterns among event participants. The findings add to the existing literature by providing empirical support for a multidimensional event quality–visitor loyalty framework in the context of small-scale river-based sport events. The study highlights the primacy of experiential components while emphasizing the need for more visible and effective environmental management practices in nature-based events. Full article

Composites consisting of NaX and Na-LTA zeolites and mesoporous silica in different ratios were successfully synthesized from coal fly ash and rice husk, and subsequently modified with Ni and Mn using the incipient wetness impregnation method. The initial composite and the modified materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), N₂ physisorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR–TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The formation of finely dispersed Ni, Fe spinel nanoparticles was registered in the Ni- and NiMn-containing catalysts. The presence of Mn has a favorable effect on the Ni dispersion. The support composition, including zeolite phases and the content of mesoporous silica phase, effects the formation of catalytically active metallic species for CO₂ hydrogenation to methane. The formation of Fe⁰ and FeNi₃ crystalline phases was detected for the reduced catalysts. Additionally, 3D printing technology was applied for the macrostructuring of the catalyst prior to the modification of the powdered supports with metal precursors, aiming to enhance their catalytic performance. The stabilization of Fe⁰ and FeNi₃ phase dispersion in the 3D-printed samples is beneficial for long-term catalytic performance. The advantage of the 3D-printed catalyst was demonstrated, showing its higher CO₂ consumption rate relative to the external geometric surface area compared to its powder analogue. Full article

Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) has become an essential outcome of language education, yet many learners cannot access study-abroad or face-to-face exchange programs because of financial, logistical, and geographical constraints. Virtual world environments (VWEs) offer a route for developing ICC, but the literature has not yet synthesized the range of interventions, strategies, and challenges involved. This review examines how VWEs contribute to ICC development. It asks how VWEs are employed for ICC training, what implementation and design strategies enhance their effectiveness, and what challenges hinder their use. A thematic review of 27 peer-reviewed articles (2014–2024) was conducted following PRISMA guidance and framed by Byram’s model of ICC. VWEs support ICC through immersive cultural simulations, collaborative intercultural exchanges, learner motivation, and intracultural awareness. These environments approximate authentic cultural contexts and improve learners’ communication skills. Significant challenges remain: technological barriers, inequities in access, oversimplified cultural representations, and pedagogical difficulties, including limited teacher training. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, comparative studies across VWE technologies, standardized ICC assessment tools, teacher training models, and equity-sensitive implementation frameworks. Full article

Dieback of Quercus is a serious environmental and economic problem in the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean basin, and the main causal factor is infection by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Reliable and rapid methods for evaluating host susceptibility are needed to support breeding and selection programs. This study developed and evaluated an in vitro pathogenicity assay for screening cork oak (Quercus suber L.) genotypes using both mycelial and zoospore inoculation methods. The effects of inoculum type and dose, symptom development, pathogen establishment, and disease progression were assessed, and the ability of the assay to discriminate among host genotypes was evaluated. Both inoculation methods consistently induced infection, producing characteristic root necrosis followed by aerial symptoms and plant death. Root necrosis became visible within two days after zoospore inoculation, and successful pathogen re-isolation from surface-sterilized roots confirmed tissue colonization within 24 h. Observations suggest that survival time and root necrosis length are useful indicators of disease progression. Genotype-related differences were detected in time-based variables, namely time to first symptoms and time to complete necrosis in the mycelial-suspension assay and survival time in the zoospore assay, whereas early root necrosis and growth variables did not differ significantly among the tested genotypes. Overall, these results support the use of the proposed in vitro protocols as short-term approaches for the preliminary assessment of genotype responses to P. cinnamomi, complementing greenhouse and field evaluations. Full article

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies remain limited in many low-income countries, where access to research training is often constrained by limited educational resources and humanitarian crises. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a CREATE-based teaching strategy to improve EBP competencies among nurses and nursing students in Sudan. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study without a control group was conducted among 29 participants (17 registered nurses and 12 nursing students) at Comboni College, Port Sudan. The intervention consisted of a 40 h synchronous online educational program based on the CREATE framework, integrating interactive lectures, practical group exercises, teach-back activities, and the collaborative development of an evidence-based Kangaroo Mother Care protocol. EBP competencies were assessed before and after the intervention using the EBP-COQ and EBP-COQ Prof© questionnaires. Paired-sample t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention scores. Results: Nursing students demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge (p = 0.009), attitudes (p = 0.015), and overall EBP competency (p = 0.006), whereas changes in self-reported skills were not significant. Registered nurses showed significant improvements in knowledge (p < 0.001), skills (p < 0.001), and overall EBP competency (p < 0.001), while changes in attitudes and EBP utilization were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that a CREATE-based teaching strategy delivered through synchronous distance learning is feasible and may improve EBP competencies among nurses and nursing students in Sudan, despite the challenges of a resource-constrained and conflict-affected setting. Larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term educational and clinical outcomes. Full article