Search Results (32,241)

Urbanization, together with shifts in rainfall patterns, has become an increasingly important driver of hydrological extremes in many rapidly developing tropical regions. In the Cimanceuri River Basin, Tangerang Regency, Indonesia, these processes have intensified over the last decade, raising concerns regarding flood risk. This study examines the combined influence of urban expansion and rainfall variability on flood dynamics over 2013–2025. Multi temporal land use classification based on Landsat imagery indicates a pronounced growth of impervious surfaces, primarily driven by rapid urban development and the conversion of agricultural land. To assess the hydrological consequences of these changes, rainfall–runoff processes and flood inundation were simulated using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS–CN) method within a coupled HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS 2D modelling framework. Simulations were performed for multiple temporal conditions and design rainfall scenarios. Model calibration relied on observed flood events recorded in March 2025 in the Mustika Residential Area, Tangerang. The results suggest that urbanization has contributed to measurable increases in both peak discharge and inundation extent. Between 2013 and 2025, impervious surface coverage expanded by approximately 67%, accompanied by a rise in the composite Curve Number from 85.86 to 86.63 and an estimated 5.2% increase in flood extent. Also, the design rainfall increased from 85.01 to 90.95 with an average increase of 7.34%. Comparison between simulated inundation patterns and aerial imagery shows satisfactory agreement, with an average deviation of less than 10%, indicating acceptable model performance. Hydrologic analyses generated two discharge scenarios, consisting of event-based flow from the 5 March 2025 rainfall data and return-period flows derived from design rainfall under different rainfall-shift periods. The rainfall-shift analysis quantified changes in design rainfall and corresponding discharge using progressively updated rainfall records. Together, the results emphasize the combined effects of urban expansion and shifting rainfall patterns on flood dynamics, underscoring the need for adaptive land-use planning and climate-responsive water management in rapidly urbanizing catchments. Full article

Planning effective collision avoidance routes is a crucial measure for ensuring ship safety. However, position uncertainty caused by sensor noise, communication delays, and sudden changes in the maneuvering of target vessels severely restricts the reliability of traditional collision avoidance methods. To address this, this study integrates the velocity obstacle method and conditional value at risk theory to design a ship collision avoidance framework under position uncertainty. The position uncertainty of the target vessel is modeled using a Gaussian distribution. By fusing multi-source sensor data from radars and the Automatic Identification System through Bayesian inference, the posterior estimate of the vessel’s position is dynamically updated, thereby constructing an uncertainty velocity obstacle region. The Gaussian posterior distribution of the position is incorporated into a stochastic loss function to formulate a stochastic optimization model that balances navigation efficiency and collision risk. The model is solved using the sample mean approximation method and strictly complies with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The results of two sets of multi-vessel encounter simulations demonstrate that, compared with traditional methods, the proposed method achieves superior performance in terms of total path length and algorithm runtime. It is capable of generating compliant collision avoidance strategies in complex dynamic crossing scenarios, attaining optimal comprehensive performance with respect to safety, economy, and regulatory compliance. Full article

Groundwater contamination by dissolved metals and metalloids in the Chiang Mai Basin is an important drinking-water concern, yet the coupled depth patterns, hydrogeochemical controls, composite contamination status, and screening-level health implications have not previously been assessed in an integrated basin-scale framework. This study evaluated 120 groundwater samples from alluvial wells classified by depth as shallow (≤30 m, n = 40), intermediate (31–60 m, n = 35), and deep (>60 m, n = 45). Samples were analyzed for nine dissolved metals and metalloids (Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Hg, and Se) together with pH, Eh, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The highest exceedance frequencies were observed for Fe (72.5% of samples, >0.3 mg/L acceptability threshold), Mn (65.0%, >0.08 mg/L), and As (45.8%, >10 μg/L). Fe and Mn increased significantly with depth, whereas As was enriched in deep wells but showed no statistically significant depth dependence. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis consistently identified a dominant redox-associated component in which Fe, Mn, and As covaried negatively with Eh, supporting redox-sensitive co-enrichment in deeper groundwater. Contamination factors calculated relative to selected global groundwater background values were >6 for all seven evaluated metals (Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Zn), and the overall pollution load index (PLI) was 9.11, with the highest depth-specific PLI in deep wells (10.42). These indices are interpreted here as background-relative screening tools rather than stand-alone regulatory measures. A screening-level ingestion risk assessment identified arsenic as the dominant toxicological driver, with hazard quotients (HQ) of 1.97 for adults and 4.60 for children, and an estimated lifetime cancer risk (LCR) of 8.87 × 10^–4. The results support targeted monitoring of deeper wells, routine screening for As and Mn, and treatment strategies that can address the co-occurring Fe–Mn–As assemblage in alluvial groundwater. Full article

Much of the interoception literature assumes that people can accurately detect their heart rate, stomach contractility, muscle tension, and other biological cues. This is not true. Instead, interoception is an active integrative psychological process where the feeling of one’s internal state emerges from physiological signals, contextual cues, and the social and cultural experiences of living in a body. Thinking of interoception this way shifts the focus from measuring accuracy at detecting biological signaling to studying lived experience. One such experience is the widespread objectification of women’s bodies. Living in a body that is chronically evaluated creates a particular form of self-consciousness. Here, we propose that self-objectification redirects attention toward the body, potentially reshaping both the allocation of attention to internal sensations and their interpretation and thereby offering a theoretical account of paradoxes in the interoception literature, such as women’s lower detection accuracy but higher symptom reporting, and mismatches between subjective and physiological reports of menopausal hot flashes. We consider implications for women’s health, including reproductive health, ACL injury risk, and chronic pain. Our framework suggests that “feeling like a woman” reflects an interoceptive experience shaped significantly by objectification, with important consequences for well-being. Full article

This study explores what motivates farmers in Fars Province, Iran, to consider adopting LCA practices, with a focus on behavioral, moral, and institutional influences. Data were collected from 386 farmers selected through stratified random sampling and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) 3. The results confirmed that the measurement model was reliable and valid, and the structural model showed strong explanatory power, explaining 76% of the variance in adoption intention (R² = 0.766) and 64% in moral norms (R² = 0.642). Farmers’ intentions were significantly shaped by attitude (β = 0.210, p < 0.001), perceived behavioral control (β = 0.175, p < 0.001), moral norms (β = 0.307, p < 0.001), policy support (β = 0.202, p = 0.003), and perceived climate risk (β = 0.176, p < 0.001). In contrast, subjective norms and trust in institutions did not directly influence intention, although trust strongly strengthened moral norms (β = 0.387, p < 0.001). In general, the findings highlight that farmers’ decisions are shaped not only by practical and economic considerations but also by their sense of responsibility, confidence in their abilities, and perceptions of climate risk and institutional support. The study contributes to sustainability research by integrating moral and institutional perspectives into behavioral models and offers practical insights for policymakers to support the transition toward low-carbon, climate-resilient agriculture in Iran. Full article

Background: Asthma is one of the leading chronic inflammatory respiratory conditions affecting children under 5 years of age, especially those who reside in socio-economically disadvantaged and densely populated low- and middle-income communities. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of factors influencing asthma and wheeze among young children attending early childhood development centres in Alexandra Township. Data were collected using a self-administered modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The analysis was performed utilising STATA version 19. The study sample comprised 3265 young children and their parents or guardians. Results: The findings reveal that the prevalence of asthma and current wheeze was 17.52% and 35.56%, respectively, while the prevalence of a history of wheeze was 64.36%. In the multivariate analysis, a family history of asthma was identified as a risk factor for asthma (p < 0.001) and for current wheeze (p < 0.001) and historical wheeze (p < 0.001). Additionally, the use of pain medication and passing of public transport were seldom identified as risk factors for both asthma and wheeze. Furthermore, exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke (p = 0.025) was found to influence the occurrence of asthma. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of individual, household, and environmental factors on asthma. The findings are critical for the implementation of preventive environmental health measures to address this issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited curative resources. Full article

Novice drivers demonstrate inefficient visual scanning and elevated crash risk relative to experienced drivers. Different training programmes may influence gaze behaviour and performance in distinct ways. This study compared the impact of cognitive, simulator-based, and real-world training on visual attention and driving-related outcomes in novice drivers. Thirty novice drivers (18–27 years; ≤1 year driving experience) were randomized into three training groups (n = 10 each): cognitive training (PsyToolkit, Version 3.7.0), game-based simulator training, and supervised real-world driving. Baseline and post-training assessments included visuomotor performance (Fitts’ Law), attentional cueing (valid/invalid reaction time), simulator-based driving errors, and eye-tracking measures of gaze behaviour. Eye-tracking outcomes included dwell-time percentage and first-fixation order across predefined areas of interest (AOIs). Participants completed 10 consecutive days of modality-specific training. Cognitive training improved visuomotor performance and increased forward road monitoring. Game-based simulator training yielded the largest reductions in simulator driving errors, particularly lane deviations (Z = −2.89, p = 0.004). Real-world driving altered visual scanning patterns, with significant differences in rear-view mirror prioritization (p = 0.024). Across groups, gaze shifted from dashboard view toward safety-relevant AOIs. Training modifies novice drivers’ gaze behaviour in modality-specific ways, suggesting that a multimodal training approach may enhance visual attention and driving safety Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are relapsing–remitting gastrointestinal disorders often emerging in adolescence and frequently associated with psychiatric co-morbidities, including eating disorders (EDs). Deficiency in interoception—awareness of internal bodily sensations—is a transdiagnostic feature in EDs, with emerging evidence suggesting its relevance also in IBDs. This study aimed to assess interoceptive abilities in adolescents with IBDs compared to healthy adolescents. Methods: A total of 76 patients with IBDs and 90 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All participants completed a comprehensive psychometric assessment, including measures of interoceptive sensibility (MAIA-2) and eating-related symptomatology (EDI-3). Results: Up to one in six (15.8%) patients with IBDs were found to be at high risk of developing EDs (EDI-3 Eating Disorder Risk Composite scale >70th percentile). Mean MAIA-2 scores were largely comparable, with the exception of the MAIA-2 Trusting subscale, which assesses whether the experience of one’s body is rated as safe and trustworthy. Specifically, patients with IBDs at high risk of developing EDs reported lower scores than both healthy controls and patients with IBDs at low risk of developing EDs, with a statistically significant difference emerging in the comparison with the latter group (p = 0.044). Conclusions: Adolescents with IBDs who report an elevated risk of developing eating disorders have a psychological profile characterised by increased disordered eating symptomatology, accompanied by selective impairment in interoceptive trust, as evidenced by reduced trust in internal bodily signal. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of thorough clinical assessment and early psychological intervention in this vulnerable population. Full article

The indoor microclimate of museums plays an essential role in preserving priceless cultural heritage for future generations and in ensuring visitors’ comfort and health. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate indoor air quality, the degree of fungal contamination, and visitors’ perceptions in a museum environment through an integrated, interdependent approach. Measurements of the physicochemical parameters of air quality (temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, TVOC, HCHO, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, negative and positive ions and brightness) were carried out in three exhibition halls within a museum in Oradea, Romania, during the period January–August 2024. Fungal contamination was assessed using surface and air samples, with classical isolation and microscopic identification methods. Visitors’ perceptions were analysed using a standardised questionnaire that focused on perceived comfort and visit duration. The results showed that the parameters defining indoor air quality generally fell within the limits set by the international standards in force, with occasional exceedances. These conditions are associated with the presence of fungi of the genera Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus in the air and on museum exhibits, which pose risks to human health and the deterioration of the exhibited materials. The statistical decision-making model determined the critical thresholds above which visitor behaviour changed visibly. The results highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable microclimate in museum spaces, not only for the protection of exhibits, but also for optimising the cultural experience. Indoor air quality indicators and fungal microflora can only affect vulnerable people or those with pre-existing conditions. Occasional visitors do not present a significant risk of developing new conditions, considering the limited duration of exposure. Full article

Recent climate change-driven warming and prolonged drought have reduced fuel moisture in forests, increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires. In particular, crown fires have become more frequent, highlighting the importance of quantifying crown fuel characteristics. However, studies on the crown fuel biomass of Pinus densiflora in South Korea remain limited. This study aimed to quantify crown fuel biomass and develop a diameter at breast height (DBH)-based allometric model across major P. densiflora distribution areas. A total of 67 sample trees were destructively sampled across seven regions. Crown fuel components were classified into needles and branch diameter classes, and their dry biomass was measured. A log-transformed allometric model was developed, and its reliability was evaluated using correction factors, confidence intervals, and prediction intervals. Branches accounted for approximately 78% of total crown fuel, while needles accounted for approximately 22%. The model demonstrated high explanatory power, with $R_{adj}^2$ ranging from 0.783 to 0.945. Combustible fuels (≤1.0 cm) accounted for approximately 45% of total crown fuel. The developed model can be used as an input for wildfire spread prediction and provides a basis for crown fire risk assessment and fuel mapping. Full article

Property development, roads, vehicles, and suburban sprawl cause biodiversity habitat fragmentation. Some herpetofauna are at risk from a conservation perspective. This phenomenon is simultaneously a road ecology and a public health problem. The article analyzes the impact of “campus-based growth machine” development on herpetofauna habitat fragmentation around various wetlands in uptown Albany, New York, U.S. This study fills an unresearched gap on the impact of the campus-based growth machine, roads, vehicles, and suburban sprawl on biodiversity habitat fragmentation. The research methods comprised both qualitative and quantitative assessments of property development inventories, wildlife observations, student engagements and biodiversity monitoring at the University at Albany, the cataloging of test-design and conservation measures, and the review of institutional planning regulations and roadway design features. The key finding is the need for more biodiversity conservation innovations to increase the continuity of habitats, uniform underground crossings, and the elimination of biodiversity road crossing deaths. The article presents research and management practice recommendations. The study shows a plausible association between university expansion and biodiversity reductions on campus grounds. It also identifies potential mitigation measures and opportunities for community service collaborations. Full article

Background: Non-thyroidal illness syndrome is frequent in critically ill patients, but the prognostic value of dynamic changes in thyroid function tests remains unclear. This study evaluated whether serial measurements of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) provide additional predictive value for 30-day mortality beyond conventional severity scores in ICU patients. Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study included 74 adult patients treated for ≥72 h in a general ICU who had TSH and FT3 measured within 24 h of admission and repeated at 48–72 h. Patients aged 18 years or above admitted to the intensive care unit were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, APACHE II, SOFA, modified NUTRIC (mNUTRIC) scores, and routine laboratory data (including albumin, CRP, and lactate) were recorded. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Between-group comparisons were performed using t-tests, Mann–Whitney U, and Chi-square tests. Variables significant in univariate analyses were entered into binary logistic regression models, and predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Youden index. Results: The mean age was 68.7 ± 14.7 years, and 41.9% (n = 31) of the patients died within 30 days. Non-survivors had higher APACHE II, SOFA, and mNUTRIC scores and lower albumin, lymphocyte count, and second FT3 levels compared with survivors (all p ≤ 0.003). Baseline FT3 and TSH were not associated with mortality, whereas both the subsequent FT3 measurements and the ΔT3 (variance in former to latter FT3) were remarkably predictive. The latter FT3 < 1.63 pg/mL produced an AUC of 0.835 (sensitivity: 77%, specificity: 74%), and a ΔT3 log ratio threshold of −0.09 (≈20% early FT3 decline) produced an AUC of 0.835 (sensitivity: 71%, specificity: 81%). The APACHE II + ΔT3 (numeric) model showed the best discrimination (AUC: 0.921; sensitivity: 87.1%, specificity: 81.4%), outperforming APACHE II alone (AUC: 0.861). Conclusions: In critically ill adult patients, dynamic T3 kinetics—particularly premature decline in FT3 within the first 72 h—provide incremental prognostic value for 30-day mortality beyond APACHE II. Serial FT3 monitoring may help identify high-risk patients whose endocrine adaptation to critical illness is failing. Full article

The 2025 update of the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 27701 standard offers a major advantage by enabling organizations to implement a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) autonomously while maintaining alignment with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, it remains unclear to what extent privacy legal frameworks in developing jurisdictions, particularly in Latin American countries, align with this new standard. At the same time, the traditional method for assessing the alignment between privacy legal frameworks and ISO/IEC 27701 continues to rely on manual mapping between the standard’s subclauses and privacy regulatory articles, a process that is time-consuming, costly, and error-prone. More critically, no method exists to quantitatively assess the reliability of such mappings, leaving alignment assessments largely subjective. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel method based on an OpenAI Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) combined with a Chain-of-Thought (CoT) reasoning strategy to quantitatively assess the alignment between privacy legal frameworks and ISO/IEC 27701:2025. By leveraging GPT’s logarithmic probabilities (logprobs) and the standard’s subclause definitions as classification categories, the method enables confidence-based evaluation of legal–standard alignment. The proposed method is then applied to analyze the privacy legal frameworks of Paraguay, Chile, Ecuador, México, Colombia, and Perú, examining how effectively they promote the standard’s guidelines. A suitable confidence threshold is then selected by assessing the GDPR and comparing the results with the reference mappings reported in Annex D of the standard. Finally, the method identifies the number of compliant subclauses per clause, the regulatory articles influencing the resulting logprobs, and the underlying privacy gaps for reduced alignment across the analyzed privacy legal frameworks. Overall, our results indicate that while Latin American privacy legal frameworks mandate protective measures by promoting a suitable operation and continuous improvement of a PIMS, they do not explicitly demand adequate risk management and sufficient preventive safeguards for citizens’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in dynamic contexts. Full article

Background: Mega-events like the FIFA World Cup (FWC) present unique and substantial challenges for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs), primarily by increasing the risk of relapse. We employed a qualitative design using reflexive thematic analysis to explore the behavior of patients with SUDs during the 2022 FWC and to evaluate institutional strategies for mitigating related risks. Methods: We purposively sampled 32 participants who were present at the Naufar Center during the 2022 FWC: (i) thirteen adult patients with SUDs who were receiving treatment, and (ii) nineteen healthcare practitioners. Semi-structured patient interviews were conducted, and focus group discussions were held with a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, nurses, and physicians. Individuals’ experiences regarding patterns in substance use behavior, environmental triggers, and the effects of institutional interventions were examined. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns, risks, and effective strategies. Results: Most patients maintained abstinence and only had cravings for alcohol. Triggers included public celebrations, emotional excitement, and the increased availability of addictive substances. Psychologists and physicians reported signs of behavioral destabilization; nurses observed some behavioral changes and noted logistical challenges. The participants acknowledged the supportive measures provided by Naufar, including the accessibility of clinical services, individualized therapy, social and recreational programming, and protective fan zones, which enabled them to participate in various activities during the event. Conclusions: The 2022 FWC created considerable psychological and environmental triggers for high exposure to alcohol and other substances. The supportive structured activities and tailored interventions were helpful in mitigating the risk of relapse, maintaining treatment engagement and ensuring recovery. Further research is required to explore the implications for recovery-oriented practices during culturally and socially high-risk events. Full article

World Natural Heritage sites are shared assets of humanity; therefore, assessing and analyzing their ecological environments is crucial for informed decision-making and providing a basis for ecological risk control and security measures. This study utilizes GIS spatial analysis and a comprehensive ecological risk evaluation method, based on LUCC, NDVI, and DEM, to investigate trends in ecological risk changes within the Karst World Natural Heritage site. Additionally, a geographical detector model is introduced to quantitatively analyze influencing factors. Furthermore, simulations are conducted to predict the evolution of ecological sensitivity over the next twenty years. The results indicate that: (1) In the single-factor sensitivity evaluation, NDVI exhibits the highest influence (0.36), whereas the aspect factor demonstrates the lowest (0.08). (2) The ecological sensitivity of the study area is predominantly classified as medium–high across all stages. The proportion of areas with medium sensitivity decreased from 39.57% in 2000 to 35.02% in 2020, while other sensitivity levels remained relatively stable. The spatial distribution of comprehensive ecological sensitivity exhibits a positive correlation, displaying an aggregated pattern with a tendency towards homogeneity over time. High ecological sensitivity areas tend to aggregate in the north, while low-value areas aggregate in the south. (3) NDVI and land use demonstrate significant explanatory power for the spatial differentiation of ecological sensitivity, with land use serving as the dominant factor in the Shibing Karst. The strongest interaction exists between NDVI and land use, with explanatory powers of 0.906 and 0.889, respectively. (4) Finally, the CA–Markov model was employed to simulate ecological sensitivity from 2030 to 2040. It was predicted that overall ecological sensitivity will increase in the future, particularly within the northern buffer zone, which is in urgent need of improvement. Overall, the ecological sensitivity of the Shibing Karst is moderate. Heritage management must prioritize ecological protection to promote the conservation of the World Natural Heritage site. Management authorities should pay greater attention to ecological conservation to foster the sustainable development of natural World Heritage sites, providing scientific references for the preservation of other World Heritage sites. Full article