Search Results (12,430)

In this article, we introduce a novel averaged-type iterative scheme designed for solving convex minimization problems over the set of common fixed points of a pair of demicontractive mappings. Under suitable assumptions, we prove that the proposed algorithm converges strongly to the solution of the considered problem in a Hilbert space setting. We further demonstrate the applicability of our method to quadratic optimization problems with a bounded linear operator. In addition, we also report the numerical experiments that were performed in order to demonstrate the convergence behavior of the algorithm and to highlight its superiority over related existing methods. Full article

This paper introduces AIDE, an active inference-driven evaluation framework designed to provide a unified and theoretically grounded approach for analyzing sequential textual data. AIDE formulates the evaluation problem as variational inference in a latent dynamical system, enabling joint treatment of representation, temporal structure, and predictive reasoning. The framework integrates (i) a representation and augmentation module based on variational learning and contrastive semantic encoding, (ii) a parametric state–space model that captures the evolution of latent states and supports probabilistic forecasting, and (iii) a policy-selection mechanism that minimizes the expected free energy, guiding a latent diffusion generator to produce coherent and interpretable evaluation outputs. This formulation yields a principled pipeline linking evidence accumulation, latent-state inference, and policy-driven generative reporting. Experimental studies demonstrate that AIDE provides stable inference, coherent predictions, and consistent evaluation behavior across heterogeneous textual sequences. The proposed framework offers a general probabilistic foundation for dynamic evaluation tasks and contributes a structured methodology for integrating representation learning, dynamical modeling, and generative mechanisms within a single variational paradigm. Full article

Background: Primary ovarian signet-ring cell carcinoma (POSRCC) is exceedingly rare. Most previously reported cases have involved primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms containing signet-ring cells. Methods: We report a unique case of advanced primary ovarian adenocarcinoma with a signet-ring cell component, accompanied by features inconsistent with typical mucinous morphology, which distinguished it from most previously documented cases. A review of the literature is also provided. Results: A 57-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a 10 cm pelvic mass. Surgical exploration and pathological examination revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with focal signet-ring cell features in both ovaries. Extensive preoperative and postoperative evaluation revealed no evidence of an alternative primary tumor. The tumor did not meet diagnostic criteria for mucinous carcinoma. Therefore, the final diagnosis was primary ovarian poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with a focal signet-ring cell component, FIGO stage IIIC. The patient received six cycles of adjuvant paclitaxel and carboplatin, followed by four cycles of single-agent bevacizumab for maintenance therapy. Despite treatment, disease recurred eight months after surgery, and the patient died of disease progression 18 months postoperatively. Conclusions: This case highlights the aggressive behavior of non-mucinous POSRCC and underscores the diagnostic challenge in distinguishing primary from metastatic ovarian signet-ring cell carcinoma. Awareness of this rare entity is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Full article

The reliable integration of high-performance noble metal interfaces with flexible substrates is a key requirement for wearable electronics. However, achieving uniform, mechanically robust and functionally active coatings on fabric surfaces remains highly challenging. This study reports the atomic-layered-deposition (ALD) growth of platinum (Pt) on textile at low temperatures. Through ozone plasma-assisted activation technology, Pt nucleation can be achieved at 100 °C, forming a dense and defect-suppressed Pt layer that substantially increases the surface oxygen functional groups and enhances binding affinity. The resulting Pt layer also significantly enhances the adsorption behavior and sensing performance of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene gel inks on textile. At the atomic scale, the engineered Pt–MXene interface promotes stronger adsorption of MXene sheets and establishes efficient electron/ion transport pathways within the gel network. Ultimately, the conductive textile treated with Pt functionalized layers (MXene/Pt@textile) exhibits significantly enhanced sensing sensitivity and signal stability, enabling precise detection of human motions, pressure, and subtle physiological vibrations. The synergistic effect of ALD Pt layers and MXene gel inks creates a textile platform combining robustness, breathability, and high responsiveness. Full article

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) exhibit covert behaviors, long attack cycles, and fragmented intelligence, creating challenges for correlation analysis and attribution. This work proposes a unified knowledge-graph-based framework for multi-level APT correlation. We construct an APT ontology and automatically extract entities and relations from threat reports using NER and relation extraction models. The resulting multi-source intelligence is normalized and integrated into a Neo4j knowledge graph containing 15,682 entities and 42,713 relations. Multi-level correlation analysis is then performed through explicit structural reasoning, semantic embedding models such as TransE and RotatE, and a temporal evolution module based on T-GCN to capture dynamic attack-path patterns. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves an F1-score of 0.91 for relation extraction and improves APT correlation prediction accuracy by 17.3% over rule-based baselines. The system supports large-scale attack-chain reasoning and sector-oriented threat analysis, providing enhanced attribution and decision support for cybersecurity defense. Full article

Pakistan’s construction sector exhibits a disproportionate safety burden, accounting for 19.7% of workplace accidents despite comprising only 9.5% of the industrial workforce. While prior studies have diagnosed safety culture deficiencies through qualitative assessments, behavioral interventions, and risk identification approaches, no research has provided quantitatively prioritized intervention recommendations integrating regulatory mechanisms across project lifecycle phases with role-specific training programs. Grounded in Hudson’s safety culture maturity model and Reason’s organizational accident theory, this study employed a quantitative survey methodology to prioritize regulatory and training interventions for safety culture improvement. A 43-item questionnaire was administered to 105 construction industry professionals across client organizations (21%), contractor firms (30%), and consulting companies (49%) using stratified purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Relative Importance Index calculations, supplemented by Kruskal–Wallis tests and correlation analyses, with instrument reliability being confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.859). Key findings reveal that 75.2% of respondents reported absence of safety culture implementation at project sites. Stakeholder effectiveness analysis identified sponsoring agencies (RII = 0.869) and regulatory authorities (RII = 0.819) as primary safety culture drivers, with clients demonstrating the lowest influence (RII = 0.568). Training prioritization established personal protective equipment utilization (RII = 0.886) and basic induction protocols (RII = 0.850) as critical worker competencies, while managerial requirements emphasized site-specific briefings (RII = 0.821) and incident protection training (RII = 0.808). Regulatory intervention priorities included safety credit points for contractor licensing (RII = 0.737) and departmental safety manual integration into contracts (RII = 0.726). These findings provide quantitative prioritization to guide resource allocation for safety culture interventions, although the descriptive methodology constrains causal inference regarding intervention effectiveness. Full article

Young people in residential care settings tend to present a heightened risk of emotional and behavioral problems. This study intended to explore connections between Dark Triad personality traits and psychological adjustment and to investigate potential sex and age differences in psychological adjustment and the expression of Dark Triad traits. Primary data were collected from a sample of 511 youth (279 girls and 232 boys) aged between 12 and 24 years, living in 46 Portuguese residential care institutions. Self-report questionnaires (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Short Dark Triad) were used to collect the primary data. Statistical methods were used such as analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results showed that boys scored higher in all Dark Triad traits and in behavioral problems. Younger participants scored higher in Machiavellianism and Psychopathy, in emotional and behavioral problems, and in hyperactivity/inattention difficulties. These results could help institutional professionals and social policies assess and delineate individual programs. Full article

The use of full-battery electric vehicles is an essential strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. This study examined the transition to full-battery electric vehicles by conducting a cross-sectional household survey in 2023 that collected information on vehicle preferences, evaluations, purchase intentions, environmental attitudes, and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The results show that among households using a vehicle as their primary mode of transportation, approximately 89% relied on fossil fuel vehicles, whereas only 6% used electric vehicles. The study further finds that acceptance of vehicles during inter-vehicle transitions is closely linked to energy type: households currently owning fossil fuel vehicles exhibited a high likelihood of repurchasing a fossil fuel vehicle, while electric vehicle owners were more inclined to choose another electric vehicle across cities and areas of different sizes. Households that own electric vehicles tend to report higher levels of well-being compared with those that own fossil fuel vehicles. In addition, sufficient charging infrastructure, stronger knowledge of environmental issues, participation in altruistic donation activities, and cooperative behavior positively influenced electric vehicle adoption. These findings suggest several policy implications, including the expansion of charging stations for business and public use, setting reasonable vehicle prices, improving charging speed, developing electric vehicles suitable for large families, and encouraging individuals to gain initial driving experience with electric vehicles to promote adoption. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and there is no effective cure for it. Understanding the neuropathological mechanisms underlying AD is essential for identifying early, reliable biomarkers and developing effective therapies. In this paper, we report on a comprehensive multimodal study of AD pathology using the 5xFAD mouse model. We employed light-scattering techniques, Partial Wave Spectroscopy (PWS) and Inverse Participation Ratio (IPR), to detect nanoscale structural alterations in brain tissues, nuclear components, and mitochondria. To support the light-scattering experiments, behavior, and histopathological studies were conducted. These analyses revealed significant increases in structural heterogeneity and mass density fluctuations in the brains of 5xFAD mice compared with Non-transgenic controls. Behavioral assessment performed using the Novel Object Recognition test demonstrated memory impairment in 5xFAD mice, reflected by a reduced recognition index. Histopathological analysis further revealed increased amyloid beta plaques and microglia activation in the hippocampus and cortex of 5xFAD mice compared with Non-transgenic controls. An increase in structural disorder within brain tissues can be attributed to higher mass density fluctuations, likely arising from macromolecular rearrangement driven by amyloid beta aggregation and neuroinflammatory responses as the disease progresses. Our findings suggest that PWS and IPR-derived metrics provide sensitive biophysical indicators of early cellular and subcellular disruption, offering potential as quantitative biomarkers for the detection of AD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prolonged fasting—defined as voluntary abstinence from caloric intake for periods exceeding 24 h—is increasingly recognized not only as a metabolic intervention but also as a psycho-behavioral modulator. According to the 2024 international consensus, intermittent fasting encompasses diverse temporal patterns including time-restricted feeding, alternate-day fasting, and periodic fasting of multi-day duration. While metabolic benefits are well documented, the psychoneurobiological and psychiatric consequences remain incompletely characterized. This review critically appraises current evidence on the psychological and psychiatric effects of prolonged and intermittent fasting, including both secular and religious practices. Methods: A narrative synthesis was conducted on clinical trials, observational studies, and translational research published between January 2010 and June 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Search terms included combinations of “prolonged fasting,” “intermittent fasting,” “psychological,” “psychiatric,” “religious fasting,” “Ramadan,” and “Orthodox Church.” Eligible studies required explicit evaluation of mood, cognition, stress physiology, or psychiatric symptoms. Data were analyzed qualitatively, with particular attention to study quality, fasting regimen characteristics, and participant vulnerability. This is a non-registered narrative synthesis drawing on clinical trials, observational studies, and preclinical evidence published between January 2010 and June 2025. Results: Eighty-seven studies met inclusion criteria (39 human; 48 preclinical). In metabolically healthy adults, short-term time-restricted eating and supervised prolonged fasting were associated with modest reductions in depressive symptoms and perceived stress, with small improvements in executive functioning—typically observed in small samples and with limited follow-up. Religious fasting during Ramadan and the Orthodox Christian fasting periods demonstrated similar neuropsychological effects, including greater perceived spiritual meaning and affective modulation, though cultural context played a moderating role. Potential adverse mental-health impacts included mood destabilization, anxiety exacerbation, and rare psychotic or manic decompensations in vulnerable individuals. Randomized trials reported few adverse events and no signal for severe psychiatric harm, whereas observational studies more often noted symptom exacerbations in at-risk groups. Patients with eating disorder phenotypes exhibited increased cognitive preoccupation with food and a heightened risk of behavioral relapse. Methodological heterogeneity across studies—including variation in fasting protocols, psychological assessments, and follow-up duration—limited cross-study comparability. Conclusions: Evidence indicates a bidirectional relationship wherein fasting may foster psychological resilience in select populations while posing significant psychiatric risks in others. Inclusion of religious fasting traditions enriches understanding of culturally mediated outcomes. To enhance rigor and safety, future studies should incorporate clinician-rated outcomes (e.g., HDRS-17, CGI-S/CGI-I), standardized adverse-event tracking using validated psychiatric terminology, and prospective safety monitoring protocols, with ≥6–12-month follow-up. Full article

Background/Objectives: Apathy, characterized by diminished motivation and reduced engagement in goal-directed behavior, is a prevalent concern among older adults, particularly in rural communities where opportunities for meaningful engagement may be limited. This study explores the preliminary impact of an in-person eBook club program on apathy among community-dwelling older adults in Northern British Columbia. Methods: This eight-week pilot single-group, pre-post mixed-methods study combined the use of eReaders to access weekly reading materials with facilitated in-person group discussions designed to foster emotional and social connection. Apathy was assessed using the 3-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-3A) before and after the program. Results: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a statistically significant reduction in apathy scores (Z = −4.01, p < 0.001), with a large effect size (r = 0.76). While not powered for hypothesis testing, these findings suggest the program may have a meaningful effect. Qualitative analysis of participants who reported higher baseline apathy scores identified three key mechanisms of change: positivity effect, selective pruning of social networks, and adaptive coping, consistent with socioemotional selectivity theory. Conclusions: These preliminary results support the feasibility and potential value of theory-informed, low-cost group reading programs for addressing apathy in older adults and can inform the design of a larger, controlled study. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify shared and differing characteristics of individuals testing for both SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV in 2022 in the greater Houston metro area. Methods: Data from the Houston Electronic Disease Surveillance System (HEDSS) identified 7,754,198 SARS-CoV-2 PCR lab results and 1246 MPXVV PCR lab results in 2022. Three cohorts for analysis were created where tests were performed, as follows: those positive for both viruses, those negative for COVID-19 but positive for MPXV, and those positive for COVID-19 but negative for MPXV. Results: We identified 88 individuals positive for both viral infections, those negative for COVID-19 but positive for MPXV (n = 38), and those positive for COVID-19 but negative for MPXV (n = 96). While groups were generally similar in regard to demographics (age, sex, and race) and risk factors reported, key differences in timing of testing and risk factors were reported. Notably, there was statistically significant difference in the time between t-tests for dual-infected individuals (99 days) compared to MPXV-positive only (58 days, p < 0.01) or COVID-19 positive only (63 days, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In the setting of multiple disease outbreaks, the characteristics of infected patients may be largely similar. Some people with dual infection may show unusual test results or symptom patterns compared with those with only one infection. Large public health studies with robust reporting systems and laboratory screening are vital for early detection of dual infections. Public health strategies to educate providers and outreach teams enhance response during concurrent outbreaks. Further research is needed on behavior and risk factors in communities with simultaneous outbreaks. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity continues to pose a major global health challenge, and schools offer a structured and scalable setting for implementing physical activity programs. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains inconsistent. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from school-based physical activity interventions and evaluates their impact on obesity-related parameters, physical activity levels, physical fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness among children. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library identified randomized controlled trials published between January 2015 and March 2025. Eligible studies included children aged 5–18 years and assessed school-based physical activity interventions. Outcomes included BMI, body fat percentage, physical activity levels (including MVPA), physical fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: A total of 28 studies met inclusion criteria. Among the 16 studies reporting obesity-related outcomes, 7 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in BMI or BMI z-scores, while 6 of 16 (37.5%) showed no measurable effect. Reductions in body fat percentage were more consistently observed (5 of 6 studies). Both short-term (<6 months) and long-term (>12 months) interventions showed comparable proportions of studies with statistically significant BMI improvements (~50%). For physical activity outcomes, 5 of 11 studies reported increased MVPA, whereas others showed no significant change. Sedentary behavior outcomes were mixed, with only 2 of 6 studies demonstrating significant reductions. Improvements in physical fitness were reported in two-thirds of studies, while cardiorespiratory fitness improvements were inconsistent, with significant gains observed primarily in higher-intensity or well-structured programs. Across outcomes, several findings were statistically significant but modest in clinical magnitude. Conclusions: School-based physical activity interventions have the potential to improve select obesity-related parameters, particularly body fat percentage and BMI in a subset of studies. However, effects on MVPA, sedentary time, overall activity levels, and cardiorespiratory fitness remain variable. The effectiveness of these programs appears influenced by intervention structure, intensity, and adherence rather than duration alone. Future interventions should incorporate tailored, multi-component approaches to enhance both clinical relevance and long-term sustainability. While several effects were statistically significant, most were modest in magnitude. However, even modest improvements in BMI z-score, body fat percentage, and fitness can be meaningful at a population level, particularly when delivered through universal, scalable school platforms that reach large numbers of children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Astrocytic redox-inflammatory signaling has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology and may constrain hippocampal neurogenesis. We previously identified an astrocytic NOX4–MPO–OPN axis associated with impaired neurogenic capacity. Here, we tested whether a saffron-derived antioxidant (SDA; Crocus sativus extract) and Passiflora incarnata L. extract (PI) modulate this pathway in an MPTP-induced PD mouse model. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to Sham, MPTP, and treatment groups (n = 9/group for behavior; n = 4–5/group for histology/immunoblotting). SDA or PI (50 mg/kg/day, oral, 5 weeks) was administered, with resveratrol as a positive control. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses were performed by investigators blinded to group allocation where feasible. Results: SDA and PI were associated with reduced NOX4/MPO/OPN signals, mainly in GFAP-positive astrocytes, along with recovery of neurogenesis markers (Ki67, DCX, BrdU/NeuN) and synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin), and improved motor performance. Mitochondrial and oxidative injury markers (TIM23, TOM20, OXPHOS subunits; 4-HNE) and apoptotic markers (Bax, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2) also shifted toward Sham levels. Given previous reports of Passiflora extracts’ sedative effects, we note that metabolic measures (body weight, food intake, and water intake) were similar across groups; however, specific tests for sedation or arousal were not conducted. Conclusions: These findings offer preclinical evidence that SDA and PI modulate redox-inflammatory and mitochondrial stress signatures and are associated with neurogenic, synaptic, and behavioral improvements in an acute MPTP model. Further validation in chronic/genetic PD models and pharmacokinetic/brain exposure studies will be necessary to confirm their translational potential. Full article

Food security is threatened in the semiarid region of Brazil, which is susceptible to climate change and has low-fertility soils degraded by inadequate agricultural practices. This study aimed to evaluate safflower’s adaptation to the region and the benefits to the soil and crop of applying biochar and wood vinegar (WV). Biochar, pure or WV-added (Wv-biochar), was applied to the soil at doses of 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 t ha⁻¹. Determinations performed in three harvests of safflower were plant height, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum, mass of 1000 seeds, seed yield, and oil content. The maximum safflower yields (1818.52 kg ha⁻¹) and oil content (45.50%), and the average values of mass of 1000 seeds (35.55 g) were consistent with results reported in literature. Evidence of better performance of the variables under the effect of Wv-biochar than of pure biochar was observed, and, in general, the curves obtained showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values at intermediate doses. The seed yield and oil content achieved indicate that safflower is a promising crop for the region, particularly when more adapted genotypes and improved management practices are employed. The most pronounced effects on safflower production and oil content were observed at doses of 5 to 6 t ha⁻¹ of Biochar and Wv-biochar, which are economical and sustainable alternatives due to their use of organic waste and the benefits they provide for soil and food security. Full article