Search Results (228)

In medical research, random censoring often occurs due to unforeseen subject withdrawals, whereas progressive censoring is intentionally applied to minimize time and resource requirements during experimentation. This work focuses on estimating the parameters of a two-parameter exponential distribution under a progressive Type-II random censoring scheme, which integrates both censoring strategies. The use of symmetric properties in failure and censoring time models, arising from a shared location parameter, facilitates a balanced and robust inferential framework. This symmetry ensures interpretational clarity and enhances the tractability of both frequentist and Bayesian methods. Maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) are obtained, along with asymptotic confidence intervals. A Bayesian approach is also introduced, utilizing inverse gamma priors, and Gibbs sampling is implemented to derive Bayesian estimates. The effectiveness of the proposed methodologies was assessed through extensive Monte Carlo simulations and demonstrated using an actual dataset. Full article

Tobacco use disorder remains a leading cause of preventable mortality, with nicotine playing a central role in the development and maintenance of dependence, mainly through its action on α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Smoking cessation treatments must address both physiological withdrawal and the affective disturbances (such as anxiety, irritability, and mood lability) which often facilitate relapses. This review compares two pharmacotherapies used in smoking cessation, varenicline and cytisinicline (cytisine), with particular focus on their impact on emotional regulation, psychological symptoms, and neuropsychiatric safety. Varenicline, a high-affinity partial agonist at α4β2 nAChRs, has demonstrated superior efficacy in maintaining abstinence and is well-supported by robust clinical data, including in psychiatric populations. However, its use may be limited by adverse effects such as nausea and sleep disorders. Cytisinicline, a structurally similar but less potent partial agonist, has recently gained renewed interest due to its lower cost, favorable tolerability profile, and comparable effectiveness in the general population. Although less extensively studied in patients with serious mental illness, preliminary data suggest cytisinicline may offer a better side effect profile, particularly regarding sleep disturbances and emotional reactivity. Both agents appear to ameliorate withdrawal-related affective symptoms without significantly increasing psychiatric risk. Ultimately, pharmacotherapy choice should be guided by individual clinical features, mental health status, treatment tolerability, and resource availability. Further research is needed to establish cytisinicline’s efficacy and safety across diverse clinical contexts, particularly among individuals with severe psychiatric comorbidities. Full article

Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy plays a fundamental role in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) following appropriate surgical intervention. High levels of TSH are required in order to achieve maximum RAI uptake in residual thyroid tissue or metastatic cells. The two techniques that are most commonly used are thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW), which induces endogenous TSH elevation by creating a hypothyroid state, and exogenous stimulation with recombinant human TSH (rhTSH). This review compares both approaches over a range of DTC risk categories. Extensive evidence demonstrates that rhTSH and THW yield equivalent oncological outcomes, including remnant ablation success, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival, in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk disease. Additionally, rhTSH maintains quality of life by avoiding hypothyroid symptoms. While THW continues to be an excellent option when there is a lack of availability of rhTSH, its disadvantages, particularly the transient hypothyroid state, must be carefully weighed against the demonstrated equivalence in efficacy. In current clinical practice, rhTSH is frequently the preferred option for its convenience, safety, and patient-centered benefits; however, the selection of the optimal approach should be based on individual clinical circumstances and patients’ preferences, as well as resource considerations. Full article

Marked by a highly diverse workforce, the Indian construction industry faces ongoing challenges in fostering employee engagement and minimizing organizational withdrawal. This study examines the role of diversity climate in influencing psychological and physical withdrawal behaviors among construction professionals, assessing job satisfaction as a mediating variable. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the research employed a quantitative survey approach, gathering responses from 318 professionals across the sector. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Results indicate that reduced psychological (β = –0.462, f² = 0.465, p < 0.01) and physical withdrawal (β = –0.311, f² = 0.194, p < 0.05) are associated with more positive perceptions of the diversity climate. Furthermore, this relationship is partially mediated by job satisfaction, with diversity climate positively influencing job satisfaction (β = 0.618, p < 0.001), which in turn reduces withdrawal tendencies (indirect effect on psychological withdrawal β = −0.094, p < 0.01 and physical withdrawal β = −0.068, p < 0.01). These results show that encouraging a supportive diversity climate not only helps but is also absolutely necessary for enhancing job satisfaction, lowering withdrawal behavior, and retaining trained talent. The findings offer concrete evidence that construction firms and policymakers should prioritize inclusive human resource strategies that directly improve project outcomes, reduce attrition, and enhance workforce engagement in the Indian construction sector. Full article

Drought, a natural phenomenon intricately intertwined with the broader canvas of climate change, exacts a heavy toll by ushering in acute terrestrial water scarcity. Its ramifications reverberate most acutely within the agricultural heartlands, particularly those nestled in arid regions. To address this pressing issue, this study harnesses the temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) as a robust drought indicator, enabling a granular estimation of land water content trends. This endeavor unfolds through the sophisticated integration of geographic information systems (GISs) and remote sensing technologies (RSTs). The methodology bedrock lies in the judicious utilization of 72 high-resolution satellite images captured by the Landsat 7 and 8 platforms. These images serve as the foundational building blocks for computing TVDI values, a key metric that encapsulates the dynamic interplay between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the land surface temperature (LST). The findings resonate with significance, unveiling a conspicuous and statistically significant uptick in the TVDI time series. This shift, observed at a confidence level of 0.05 (Z_S = 1.648), raises a crucial alarm. Remarkably, this notable surge in the TVDI exists in tandem with relatively insignificant upticks in short-term precipitation rates and LST, at statistically comparable significance levels. The implications are both pivotal and starkly clear: this profound upswing in the TVDI within agricultural domains harbors tangible environmental threats, particularly to groundwater resources, which form the lifeblood of these regions. The call to action resounds strongly, imploring judicious water management practices and a conscientious reduction in water withdrawal from reservoirs. These measures, embraced in unison, represent the imperative steps needed to defuse the looming crisis. Full article

Water resources are vital for sustainable development in arid regions, where glacial runoff plays a significant role in maintaining water supply. This study quantitatively assesses the sustainability of water resources in the Manas River Basin (MnsRB) and the Muzati River Basin (MztRB), situated on the northern and southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, respectively, over the period from 1991 to 2050. Freshwater availability was simulated and projected using the Variable Infiltration Capacity Chinese Academy of Sciences (VIC-CAS) hydrological model. Furthermore, three development modes—traditional development, economic growth, and water-saving—were established to estimate future water consumption. The levels of water stress were also applied to assess water resources sustainability in the MnsRB and MztRB. Results indicate that from 1991 to 2020, the average annual available freshwater resources were 13.94 × 10⁸ m³ in the MnsRB and 14.27 × 10⁸ m³ in the MztRB, with glacial runoff contributing 20.24% and 65.58%, respectively. Under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, available freshwater resources are projected to decline by 10.94% in the MnsRB and 4.37% in the MztRB by 2050. Total water withdrawal has increased significantly over the past 30 years, with agriculture water demand accounting for over 80%. The levels of water stress during this period were 1.14 for the MnsRB and 0.87 for the MztRB. Glacial runoff significantly mitigates water stress in both basins, with average reductions of 21.16% and 69.84% between 1991 and 2050. Consequently, clear policies, regulations, and incentives focused on water conservation are vital for effectively tackling the increasing challenge of water scarcity in glacier-covered arid regions. Full article

While at the global level, water stress does not seem to present a serious threat to the sustainability of freshwater withdrawal and use, the situation appears much grimmer if a closer look is given to the status of the freshwater resources at basin and sub-basin levels. Unfortunately, such information is often not available to water managers and decision-makers, due both to the scarcity of sufficient data and also to the lack of methods capable of transforming the existing data into usable information. Hence, disaggregating water stress at basin and sub-basin levels is fundamental to provide a finer view of both its causes and effects, allowing the targeting of interventions at areas with high water stress and sectors with high water use. The spatial disaggregation of SDG indicator 6.4.2 by major river basin already implemented at a global scale showed the existence of a water stress belt running across the globe approximately between 10 and 45 degrees north, with a few other areas above and below it. The value of SDG indicator 6.4.2 at the country level is influenced by its size: the larger the country, the more the national average masks local variability. When the disaggregation is performed at sub-basin level, there is the possibility that the same amount of water is counted twice or even more (double counting), as it flows from one sub-basin to the neighbouring ones. Current water accounting methods do not allow this issue to be overcome. This causes an underestimation of water stress and an overestimation of the water resources available for human use in a given area. This paper presents a new methodology to assess SDG indicator 6.4.2 (water stress) seasonally and at the sub-basin level, addressing double counting by factoring in water demands between upstream and downstream sub-basins. This approach supports more informed water management. A corresponding plugin for the WEAP tool was developed, tested in the Senegal River basin countries, and is available online with a user manual in English, French, and Spanish. Full article

The current study reveals a deficiency in knowledge regarding the assessment of the breadth of prohibitions and restrictions on water withdrawal for the development and utilization of geothermal resource projects involving water withdrawal. To resolve this matter, this report outlines the extent of water withdrawal prohibitions and restrictions for geothermal energy development and use projects, with a particular focus on Lindian County’s medium- and low-temperature geothermal resources of the sedimentary basin type. A comprehensive consideration of geological, hydrological, and other factors was made in light of the need for global energy transformation and the benefits and drawbacks of geothermal energy. The study first divided Lindian County into 17 zones using the zoning method of dominant sign and superposition method, which was then combined with the hierarchical analysis method. The evaluation indexes were then quantitatively graded and evaluated in the 17 zones using the linear weighted sum method, and each zone’s suitability for water abstraction was ultimately determined. The limited and banned water withdrawal range of the Lindian County geothermal energy development and utilization project is defined based on the water withdrawal characteristics of the 17 subareas. The rational development of geothermal energy, the preservation of the natural environment, and the advancement of the geothermal industry in Lindian County are all greatly impacted by this study, which offers a more sophisticated methodology for the assessment of water withdrawal type projects of sedimentary basin-type medium- and low-temperature geothermal resources. Full article

Water use efficiency (WUE) and water stress (WS) are keys indicators of water sustainability, particularly in regions with rising demand and limited supply. In Thailand, increasing water use across sectors and climate variability have raised concerns about long-term availability. This study applied Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators 6.4.1 (WUE) and 6.4.2 (WS) at the river basin level, covering 22 basins from 2015 to 2022, to provide a more localized perspective than national assessments. A modified version of the FAO’s monitoring framework was applied, using standardized formulas based on sectoral water withdrawals and economic productivity. Supplementary data were gathered through estimation techniques, field surveys, and stakeholder consultations. The results showed a 21.0% decline in WUE and a rise in WS from 9.68% to 13.8%, indicating increased pressure on water resources. A very strong negative correlation was found between WUE and WS (r = −0.97, p < 0.001), although causation could not be inferred. Regional differences were evident: basins such as Tha Chin and Chao Phraya showed worsening conditions, while the Peninsula–West Coast remained relatively stable. These findings suggest the need for targeted policies to improve water use efficiency, especially in agriculture, and to enhance monitoring systems. Increasing wastewater reuse and implementing efficiency measures could help to reduce stress in vulnerable basins and support Thailand’s progress to achieving SDG 6.4. Full article

Groundwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce, especially in arid regions of western Kazakhstan. By 2070, the domestic and drinking water demands will increase from 640 to 901 thousand m³/day. This deficiency may be overcome by utilizing the Zhem Artesian Basin’s Cretaceous Albian–Cenomanian aquifer complex. The hydrodynamic interactions between the 123 known aquifer segments and recharge zones of these promising, exploitable, high-quality groundwater sources are unclear. While MODFLOW is a nominal platform for groundwater flow assessment, which is usually used for the simulation of simple hydrological scenarios, in this study, integrating several different scales and functional modules over a GIS platform enabled delineation and the forecast of this multi-layer aquifer complex. The MODFLOW simulation assessed exploitable groundwater resources and reservoir interactions, enabling the establishment of a simultaneous operation to the Zhem aquifer complex and its neighboring reservoirs. The model suggests that the total exploitable groundwater resources may grow to 629.4 thousand m³/day during the next 50 years. The simultaneous drawdown model suggests a water level decrease of up to 80 m at the end of this period, which will cause a river flow reduction of approximately 6% of the average long-term river flow. Thus, the assessed exploitable groundwater resources will cover more than 70% of the future regional water demand. The mathematical model developed may be used for monitoring and forecasting groundwater head and water balance changes and may be applied to attain a more detailed groundwater resource transfer scheme with economic criteria. Full article

The interlinked issues of climate change and increasing water demand are creating high pressure on water resources. In Slovakia, groundwater is a principal resource for human consumption. Consequently, an analysis was conducted of the current water yields of three springs, river discharges and precipitation trends, from several points of view. As a case study, we selected the area around Slatina nad Bebravou (Slovakia), which has the most relevant database. Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope were used for the trend analysis. The findings indicate that the current capacity of springs is sufficient to meet the present needs of water users. However, the downward trend in abundance, the increasing trend in water withdrawal, and the current poor state of infrastructure point to an early tipping point. Data analysis revealed a problem with the yield of springs, especially in the summer and autumn months. Full article

The promotion of green buildings offers an effective solution to climate change and resource scarcity. This study employs game theory to study the evolutionary decision-making processes and stable strategies among three principal stakeholders in the green building sector: the government, construction enterprises, and consumers. By analyzing the primary factors that shape these stakeholders’ strategies, we propose a tripartite evolutionary game model. We utilize MATLAB R2016a to simulate the evolutionary decision-making processes and stable strategies of the three stakeholders, verifying the effectiveness of our approach. Our findings indicate that the government, in its regulatory capacity, plays a critical role in influencing the green building market. Government subsidies and penalties significantly affect the decision-making behavior of enterprises and consumers; in addition, dynamic rewards and punishments can effectively restrain the fluctuation of the game process. The development of the green building market correlates with increased consumer willingness and capacity to purchase green buildings, coupled with significantly reduced construction costs. Throughout this progression, the government gradually withdraws its incentives and shifts toward a more relaxed regulatory stance. Our research also indicates that the cooperative behavior and evolution of the three stakeholders are heavily influenced by key parameters, regardless of their initial states. Full article

Background: This study examined shifts in the productivity and efficiency of Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) units in Greece from 2019 to 2022. OST units address withdrawal symptoms in individuals discontinuing psychoactive substances. They also offer mental health care, primary healthcare, psychosocial support, and other integrated services, aiming to provide holistic addiction treatment and promote social reintegration. Methods: We assessed the contributions of 54 OST units addressing opioid addiction using non-parametric Malmquist Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Data were collected from all OST units operating in Greece during this period, with a focus on key external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising global trends in stimulant and synthetic opioid use. Results: The analysis revealed a productivity decline in 2020, followed by improvements in the next two years. However, technical efficiency declined, suggesting a decrease in resource utilization. Conclusions: This dip in efficiency likely reflects the impact of emerging drug trends, particularly stimulants and synthetic opioids, which lack standardized treatment protocols. These findings highlight the urgent need for new treatment options to address evolving addiction trends. The study also underscored the need for improved data collection and monitoring to optimize resource allocation and enhance operational efficiency in OST units. Strengthening evidence-based policies and expanding access with low-threshold treatment services could improve patient outcomes and the overall effectiveness of OST programs. Full article

Agricultural production is responsible for most of the withdrawal of water volume. There has been increasing the pressure on stakeholders to adapt water usage behavior and manage water resources. In this context, water footprint management (WFM) practices have been implemented. Despite the positive benefits of the adoption of WF practices, the selection and prioritization of WFM practices remains a challenge. In addition, the effects that each of these individual practices have on reputation and legitimacy have not been investigated. To fill these research gaps, this study determined the relative priority of seven different WFM practices and the relative importance of each of these practices to increase agri-food firms’ reputation and legitimacy. This study applied the best–worst method (BWM) with a set of expert Chilean professionals in the field. The practice related to the promotion of the measurement of the water footprint throughout the supply chain was considered the most vital and the one with the greatest effects on firms’ reputation and legitimacy. The practice related to the establishment of water auditing and control systems was considered the least important and the one that generates lower effects on firms’ reputation and legitimacy. Our study also found that lack of financial resources is the main barrier to WFM implementation. These findings are useful for companies that are not capable of developing a complete program of WFM adoption due to lack of resources to implement all these practices. By knowing the importance of each practice, farmers can select the practices that will bring the greatest benefits. Full article

Mental health challenges significantly impact NCAA Division III student athletes, often leading them to discontinue their sport. Unlike Division I athletes, they have limited institutional support, making it harder to balance academic and athletic demands. This qualitative study examines the mental health barriers influencing 21 former Division III athletes’ decisions to withdraw. Key themes include stress, burnout, identity loss, inadequate institutional support and external pressures like academics and finances. The findings highlight the need for better mental health resources, reduced stigma, and stronger institutional support. Addressing these challenges can improve athlete well-being and retention in Division III programs. Full article