Search Results (3,592)

Most public seismic recordings, sampled at hundreds of Hz, tend to be unlabelled, i.e., not catalogued, mainly because of the sheer volume of samples and the amount of time needed by experts to confidently label detected events. This is especially challenging for very low signal-to-noise ratio microseismic events that characterise landslides during rock and soil mass displacement. Whilst numerous supervised machine learning models have been proposed to classify landslide events, they rely on a large amount of labelled datasets. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop tools to effectively automate the data-labelling process from a small set of labelled samples. In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised method for labelling of signals recorded by seismometers that can reduce the time and expertise needed to create fully annotated datasets. The proposed Siamese network approach learns best class-exemplar anchors, leveraging learned similarity between these anchor embeddings and unlabelled signals. Classification is performed via soft-labelling and thresholding instead of hard class boundaries. Furthermore, network output explainability is used to explain misclassifications and we demonstrate the effect of anchors on performance, via ablation studies. The proposed approach classifies four landslide classes, namely earthquakes, micro-quakes, rockfall and anthropogenic noise, demonstrating good agreement with manually detected events while requiring few training data to be effective, hence reducing the time needed for labelling and updating models. Full article

Fumonisins, primarily produced by Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus section nigri, are common contaminants in maize, cereal grains, and other processed and derived products, representing a significant risk to food safety and public health. This study presents the development and optimisation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) for the quantification of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) in various food matrices. In contrast with conventional protocols employing potassium phosphate buffers as the mobile phase, the proposed method utilises formic acid, offering enhanced compatibility with liquid chromatography systems. An automated online precolumn derivatisation with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) was optimised through experimental design and response surface methodology, enabling baseline separation of FB1 and FB2 derivatives in less than 20 min. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with limits of detection of 0.006 µg mL⁻¹ for FB1 and 0.012 µg mL⁻¹ for FB2, and excellent repeatability (intraday RSD values of 0.85% and 0.83%, respectively). Several solid-phase extraction (SPE) strategies were evaluated to enhance sample clean-up using a variety of food samples, including dried figs, raisins, dates, corn, cornmeal, wheat flour, and rice. FumoniStar Inmunoaffinity columns were the only clean-up method that provided optimal recoveries (70–120%) across all tested food matrices. However, the MultiSep™ 211 column yielded good recoveries for both fumonisins in dried figs and raisins. Additionally, the C18 cartridge achieved acceptable recoveries for both fumonisins in dried figs and wheat flour. 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

(1) Background: This article aims to understand the forms and elements through which the inhabitants of the city of Medellin have configured their subjectivity in the context of the application of neoliberal policies in the last two decades. In this way, we can approach the frameworks of understanding that constitute a fundamental part of the individuation processes in which the incorporation of their subjectivities is evidenced in neoliberal contexts that, in the historical process, have been converging with authoritarian, antidemocratic and neoconservative elements. (2) Method: A qualitative approach with a hermeneutic-interpretative paradigm was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 inhabitants of Medellín who were politically identified with right-wing or center-right positions. Data analysis included thematic coding to identify patterns of thought and points of view. (3) Results: Participants associate success with individual effort and see state intervention as an obstacle to development. They reject redistributive policies, arguing that they generate dependency. In addition, they justify authoritarian models of government in the name of security and progress, from a moral superiority, which is related to a negative and stigmatizing perception of progressive sectors and a negative view of the social rule of law and public policies with social sense. (4) Conclusions: The naturalization of merit as a guiding principle, the perception of themselves as morally superior based on religious values that grant a subjective place of certainty and goodness; the criminalization of expressions of political leftism, mobilizations and redistributive reforms and support for policies that establish authoritarianism and perpetuate exclusion and structural inequalities, closes roads to a participatory democracy that enables social and economic transformations. Full article

Background: The aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate the properties of antibacterial polysaccharides for application in dental implantology to identify knowledge gaps and provide new research ideas. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used to search for peer-reviewed scientific publications published between 2018 and 2025 that provide insights to answer research questions on the role of antibacterial polysaccharides in combating pathogens in dental implantology without triggering immune reactions and inflammation. Further research questions relate to the efficacy against various dental pathogens and the understanding of the antibacterial mechanism, which may enable the development of functionalized polysaccharides with long-term antibacterial activity. Results: Biomedical implants have revolutionized medicine but also increased the risk of infections. Implant infections are a major problem in implantology and lead to implant failure and replacement. An antibacterial coating could be an excellent strategy to extend the lifespan of implants and improve the quality of the patient’s life. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses significant challenges for researchers, forcing them to search for new ways to prevent bacterial infections in implantology. Antibacterial natural polymers have recently received considerable research attention due to their long-term antibacterial activity. Polysaccharides from marine sources, such as chitosan and alginate, or pectin, xanthan, etc., from various plants, appear to be promising biopolymers for such applications in implantology due to their antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and osteogenic properties. The antibacterial activity of these natural biopolymers depends on their chemical and physical properties. Nanopolysaccharides exhibit higher antibacterial activity than conventional polysaccharides, but their toxicity to human cells must be considered. Their antibacterial activity is based on the disruption of bacterial DNA or RNA synthesis, increased cell wall permeability, membrane disruption, and cytoplasmic leakage. Conclusions: Polysaccharides are a class of natural polymers with a broad spectrum of biological activities. They exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. Furthermore, polysaccharides are non-cytotoxic and exhibit good biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. Bactericidal polysaccharides are attractive new antibacterial materials against implant infections and open up new perspectives in implantology. Full article

This quantitative study examines the determinants of financial reporting quality in Indonesian local governments, focusing on good governance, regional financial accounting systems, internal control systems, organizational commitment, and information technology utilization, with HR competencies as a moderator. Data were collected via surveys from 170 Local Government Work Units (SKPDs) across South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the findings indicate that good governance, regional financial accounting systems, internal control systems, organizational commitment, and information technology utilization all positively influence financial reporting quality. Crucially, human resource competencies were found to significantly moderate the relationship between the internal control system and organizational commitment with financial reporting quality. However, this moderating effect was not significant for the relationships involving good governance, regional financial accounting systems, and information technology utilization. These results highlight the essential role of human resource development and systemic enhancements in fostering greater financial accountability and transparency within the public sector. Therefore, policy recommendations should focus not only on enhancing individual competencies but also on synergistically strengthening systems and governance frameworks to achieve transparent and reliable public financial reporting. Full article

Internal combustion engine vehicles damage the environment and public health by emitting toxic fumes, such as CO₂ or CO and other trace compounds. The use of electric cars helps to reduce the emission of pollutants into the environment due to the use of batteries with no direct and local emissions. However, accidents of battery electric vehicles pose new challenges, such as thermal runaway. Such accidents can be serious and, in some cases, may result in uncontrolled overheating that causes the battery pack to spontaneously ignite. In particular, the most dangerous vehicles are heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), as they release a large amount of energy that generate high temperatures, poor visibility, and respiratory damage. This study aims to determine the potential consequences of large BEV fires in road tunnels using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Furthermore, a comparison between a BEV and an ICEV fire shows the differences related to the thermal and the toxic impact. Furthermore, the adoption of a longitudinal ventilation system in the tunnel helped to mitigate the BEV fire risk, keeping a safer environment for tunnel users and rescue services through adequate smoke control. Full article

Background/Objective: Food insecurity refers to social or economic challenges that limit or create uncertainty around access to enough food. Among college students, food security status is usually determined with the USDA 10-item Food Security Survey Module, which has not been validated for this population. Nutrition security refers to consistent access to food and beverages that promote well-being, prevent disease, and emphasize equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable foods. Currently, there is no standardized measure that assesses food and nutrition security tailored to the unique experiences of college students. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of a newly developed College Student Food and Nutrition Security Survey Module (CS-FNSSM). Methods: A mixed-methods approach that combined an online survey with semi-structured cognitive interviews. Participants were students aged 18 and older from U.S. public universities. Quantitative data were analyzed using RStudio (version 4.4.1), and interview transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: Survey responses were collected from 953 participants, including a subset of 69 participants for reliability testing and 30 participants for cognitive interviews. Rasch analysis showed good item performance and structural validity. The CS-FNSSM demonstrated strong sensitivity (89.09%), specificity (76.2%), moderate test–retest reliability (0.59), and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79). Qualitative findings confirmed participant understanding of the items. Conclusions: The CS-FNSSM effectively identifies food and nutrition insecurity, with nutrition security emerging as a key issue. Addressing both is crucial for promoting the overall health and well-being of college students. Full article

This study analyzes artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies for food waste reduction in restaurant management, particularly in the case of the Philippines. Using the multiple-stakeholder target-oriented robust-optimization (MS-TORO) approach, AI solutions are ranked based on cost, feasibility, infrastructure requirements, and effectiveness. The key findings highlight that Too Good To Go is the most practical AI solution due to its affordability and focus on surplus food redistribution, making it ideal for resource-limited settings. The study emphasizes the need for government support, financial incentives, and public–private partnerships to facilitate AI adoption. Additionally, integrating AI-driven waste reduction with food security initiatives and sustainability projects can enhance their impact. Addressing economic and infrastructural challenges is crucial for maximizing AI’s potential in food waste management in developing economies. Full article

Articulated Tugs and Barges (ATBs) are increasingly recognised for their effectiveness in transporting chemicals, petroleum, bulk goods, and containers, primarily due to their exceptional flexibility and fuel efficiency. Recent projections indicate that the ATB market is on track for significant growth, which is expected to lead to an increase in the annual growth rate from 2025 to 2032. This study aims to analyse the current advancements in ATB technology and provide insights into the ATB fleet and the systems that connect tugboats and barges. Furthermore, it highlights the advantages of this transportation system, especially regarding its role in enhancing energy efficiency within the maritime transport sector. Currently, there is limited information available in the public domain about ATBs compared to other commercial vessels. The analysis reveals that much of the required information for modern ATB design is not accessible outside specialised design companies. The study also focuses on conceptual design aspects, which include the main dimensions, articulated connections, propulsion systems, and machinery, concluding with an evaluation of economic viability. Special emphasis is placed on defining the main dimensions, which is a critical part of the complex design process. In this context, the ratios of length to beam (L/B), beam to draft (B/D), beam to depth (B/T), draft to depth (T/D), and power to the number of tugs cubed (Pw/N³) are established as design control parameters in the conceptual design phase. This aspect underscores the novelty of the present study. Additionally, the economic viability is analysed in terms of both CAPEX (capital expenditures) and OPEX (operational expenditures). While CAPEX does not significantly differ between the methods used in different types of commercial ships, OPEX should account for the unique characteristics of ATB vessels. Full article

With good reason, Vatican II encourages the Eastern ecclesial realities to preserve and, if necessary, to rediscover their own traditions (also, even if not only, for ecumenical reasons). There are, however, certain aspects of the heritage of the Eastern Churches that require urgent revision in a spirit of consistency with the teachings of the Council. This is undoubtedly the case with regard to the anti-Jewish elements so specific to the entire Christian tradition (more or less generalised insults and judgments; substitutionary and appropriative perspectives; a purely instrumental use of the Jewish scriptures) and, in the absence of full reception of the Council, still reflected in the public prayers of the Romanian Greek-Catholic Church, to the detriment of that spirit of respect, fraternity, and dialogue theoretically embraced throughout the Catholic world today. In the light of Nostra aetate §4 and the subsequent developments that flowed from it, I shall try in this contribution to outline some possible criteria for reforming the offices of Holy Week, aiming to show that—at least in this particular case—it is not enough merely to refer to the OE, let alone to use it to justify a comfortable tendency towards inertia. Apart from the fact that it is this very Decree that speaks of a possible and necessary organic progress, we cannot ignore the more general spirit of renewal of the Council and its other documents (the NA, the SC, the DV, the GS). The challenge would be to engender a creative fidelity, which—while preserving the best of tradition—surpasses certain of its contingent elements. Full article

Hope and loneliness are significant psychosocial factors that greatly influence the quality of life (QoL) among older adults. However, few studies have examined these constructs simultaneously in rural aging populations in Southeast Asia. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between hope, loneliness, and QoL among community-dwelling older adults in northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 250 participants aged 60 years and older, recruited through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while hierarchical regression identified QoL predictors. The participants (mean age = 70.41 years; 52.8% female) reported a high level of hope (M = 33.35), a moderate level of loneliness (M = 8.81), and a good level of QoL (M = 99.13). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that age, occupation, monthly income, income source, education, health insurance, comorbidities, hope, and loneliness were significant predictors of QoL. Together, these factors accounted for 55.1% of the variance in QoL. Both hope and loneliness have a significant impact on QoL in older adults. Interventions designed to reduce loneliness and foster hope may prove effective in enhancing the well-being of aging populations. These findings underscore the importance of integrating psychosocial and community-based approaches into geriatric care and public health planning. Full article

The measurement of national well-being has become central to both academic and policy debates, particularly within the framework of sustainable development. In this context, this study investigates the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and subjective well-being in Portugal. Using annual data from 2004 to 2022, we explore the effects of GDP per capita, unemployment, and inflation on the Global Well-Being Index (GWBI). Employing ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, the results indicate a significant positive relationship between GDP per capita and subjective well-being, while inflation is negatively associated. Contrary to expectations, the unemployment rate showed a positive and significant association with the GWBI. This counterintuitive result may reflect institutional buffering effects, such as social safety nets, strong family structures, or lagged responses in perceptions of well-being. Similar patterns were observed in other southern European countries with strong informal social support systems. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how economic indicators relate to perceived well-being, particularly in the context of a southern European country. The study offers relevant insights for public policy, including the alignment of macroeconomic management with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Full article

Background: Breast and prostate cancer represent a significant global public health burden. Among the adverse effects of oncological treatments, fatigue is one of the most prevalent, persistent, and disabling symptoms. Therapeutic exercise has been shown to be effective for its management, with supervision identified as a key factor that may enhance adherence, safety, and intensity control. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of supervised exercise programs versus usual care on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast or prostate cancer. Methods: A systematic search (September–December 2024) was conducted in six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, PEDro, Scielo), selecting RCTs from the past 10 years in English or Spanish. Studies compared supervised exercise with unsupervised exercise or usual care in stage I–III breast or prostate cancer patients within five years post-treatment. Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale and risk of bias with Cochrane’s RoB 2.0. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled effect sizes (ES, 95% CI), with heterogeneity (I²), sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses. Results: A total of 25 interventions from 19 randomized controlled trials involving over 2200 participants were included. Supervised exercise significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue compared to usual care (effect size = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.22–0.47; p < 0.001; I² = 56%). Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the findings. Subgroup analyses revealed greater effects in combined exercise programs, in men, and in patients with prostate cancer. No evidence of publication bias was observed. While 73.7% of studies were rated as having good methodological quality, the risk of bias was often unclear or high. Conclusions: Supervised therapeutic exercise programs are effective and safe for reducing fatigue in breast and prostate cancer survivors. These interventions should be incorporated into comprehensive care plans, with individualization based on patients’ clinical and demographic characteristics. Further research is needed to identify the most effective and sustainable strategies for different patient subgroups. Full article

The growing disconnection between humans and nature—particularly in urban environments—has been associated with declining well-being and lower engagement in pro-environmental behavior. Although the Connectedness with Nature Scale (CNS) has been widely used internationally to measure this relationship, there is a lack of evidence on its validity and reliability in Latin American contexts, especially in urban and rural settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the CNS in a sample of 956 Colombian participants. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we tested two versions of the scale (14-item and 12-item models), both showing good fit and high internal consistency (α > 0.90). Convergent validity was confirmed through strong correlations with the Environmental Identity and Pro-environmental Behavior Scales. These findings support the CNS as a valid and reliable tool to assess the human–nature connection in Colombia and highlight its potential for informing urban sustainability initiatives, environmental education, and public policy in diverse sociocultural contexts. Full article