Search Results (12,415)

The increasing deployment of collaborative and industrial robots in manufacturing systems places high demands on equipment reliability, availability, and maintenance efficiency. Robotic workcells, in which multiple automated subsystems operate in tightly coordinated cycles, are particularly sensitive to unplanned downtime, as failures of individual components can disrupt the entire production process. Traditional time-based preventive maintenance is often insufficient under such conditions, as it does not adequately reflect actual operating loads or component degradation. This paper proposes a structured framework for the design of an integrated maintenance concept for a multi-robot packaging workcell. The framework systematically combines component identification, criticality assessment, and the selection of appropriate maintenance strategies, including preventive, predictive, corrective, proactive, and reactive approaches. Preventive maintenance is complemented by condition-based monitoring and trend analysis of selected diagnostic parameters, enabling predictive decision-making for critical components. The proposed methodology further integrates maintenance planning and performance evaluation through a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), supporting the coordination of maintenance activities and the assessment of key performance indicators. The novelty of the proposed framework lies primarily in the dynamic allocation of maintenance strategies based on semi-quantified component criticality and in the structured integration of predictive diagnostic information with CMMS-supported maintenance planning. Unlike traditional RCM-based or single-strategy maintenance approaches, the framework enables coordinated preventive, predictive, corrective, proactive, and reactive actions within a unified decision-making architecture, supporting proactive continuous improvement of maintenance performance through a closed-loop feedback mechanism that updates component criticality based on real-time operational data. The framework is demonstrated on a robotic workcell comprising a collaborative robot, an industrial robot, pneumatic subsystems, and a centralized control architecture. The results suggest that the integrated approach may provide a coherent basis for reducing reactive maintenance actions, improving system availability, and supporting data-driven maintenance planning. As a conceptual framework with partial (pilot) practical implementation within the context of this paper, the proposed approach establishes a foundation for future broader implementation, experimental validation and the integration of advanced diagnostic and prognostic methods, mainly in the context of multi-Robot workcell and production process maintenance. Full article

Background: Previous research has found that mindfulness-based techniques are beneficial for reducing stress in heavy-drinking individuals. However, the underlying neurobiology of these stress-reducing effects are unclear. Moreover, much of the research examining neurobiological correlates of mindfulness has used static functional connectivity, suggesting that brain activity goes unchanged for the entire length of an MRI scan. Methods: In the current study, we used a state-based dynamic functional connectivity model to examine brain states during either a 10 min mindfulness session or resting control that followed an individually tailored stress imagery task. Using a hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM), six brain states and the associated dynamics of state traversal were estimated for a population of moderate-to-heavy drinkers (N = 32). We modeled the 36 Schaefer atlas regions spanning the salience and default mode networks, and the HSMM characterized each state by its distinct multivariate pattern of activity and covariance structure. Group differences in dwell times, transition behavior, and overall state dynamics were evaluated using permutation tests and mixed-effects models. Results: Participants that experienced the mindfulness session had more transitions and longer time spent in states in which the salience network was more active. Participants assigned to the control group had more transitions and increased time spent in states in which nodes of the default mode network were more active. Moreover, for control participants, increased occupancy time to SN-dominant states was associated with lower perceived stress. Conclusions: Using HSMM provided a unique insight into network connectivity during mindful states; we believe it offers a novel approach to testing and optimizing mindful-based therapies. Full article

Precision Agriculture (PA) is increasingly applied to nutraceutical cropping systems, where agronomic productivity must be integrated with the stabilization of phytochemical quality and environmental sustainability. This structured narrative review synthesizes scientific evidence (primarily 2010–2025) on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral and thermal sensing, LiDAR-derived canopy characterization, Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics in medicinal, aromatic, and functional crops. The literature indicates that PA enhances high-resolution monitoring of crop–environment interactions, supporting site-specific irrigation, nutrient management, and stress detection. Under validated conditions, these interventions are associated with improved yield stability, resource-use efficiency, and modulation of secondary metabolite accumulation. However, reported outcomes vary substantially across species, agroecological contexts, and experimental scales, and most studies remain plot-scale or pilot-scale, limiting large-scale generalization. Moringa oleifera Lam. is examined as a model species for Mediterranean and semi-arid systems. Evidence suggests that integrated spectral, structural, and environmental monitoring can support optimized irrigation scheduling, canopy uniformity, and phytochemical consistency. Nonetheless, genotype-specific calibration, multi-season validation, standardized metabolomic benchmarking, and cross-regional transferability remain significant research gaps. Overall, PA represents a scientifically promising but still maturing framework for nutraceutical agriculture. Future progress will require rigorous multi-site validation, improved model robustness, standardized sustainability metrics, and comprehensive economic assessments to ensure scalability and long-term impact. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stigma and fear related to human immunodeficiency virus persist in healthcare settings and negatively influence professionals’ attitudes and the quality of care provided to people living with human immunodeficiency virus. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and stigma toward people living with human immunodeficiency virus among healthcare professionals in Spain and to explore strategies to reduce stigma. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. In the quantitative phase, an online questionnaire based on the International Planned Parenthood Federation instrument was disseminated nationwide through social media using non-probability convenience sampling. Quantitative data from 1013 healthcare professionals were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, chi-square, Friedman) with appropriate corrections for multiple comparisons. In the qualitative phase, 12 participants were purposively selected for semi-structured interviews to explain quantitative findings. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Integration occurred through joint interpretation and a joint display table connecting quantitative patterns with qualitative themes. Ethical approval was obtained from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Bellvitge Hospital in Catalonia. Results: A total of 1013 healthcare professionals from diverse specialties participated, and twelve completed qualitative interviews. Knowledge regarding transmission, prevention, and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus was high. However, more than half reported no specific training and felt unprepared to care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Despite knowledge, fear of contagion was common. Attitudes were positive, with acceptance of caring for people living with human immunodeficiency virus and rejection of common misconceptions. Qualitative findings revealed persistent stigma linked to insufficient training and cultural prejudice. Integration of quantitative and qualitative data revealed that knowledge alone does not eliminate fear, and that the gap between theoretical understanding and clinical confidence represents a critical barrier to stigma-free care. Conclusions: Although healthcare professionals in Spain demonstrate knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus, stigma and fear remain prevalent. Targeted education and interprofessional training are needed to ensure respectful, inclusive, and stigma-free clinical care. Full article

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in economic development but face distinctive challenges in adopting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. While existing research identifies key drivers and barriers, there remains limited understanding of how SMEs navigate competing pressures and implement ESG in practice across different institutional contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining ESG adoption in SMEs across Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Türkiye through the lens of Activity Theory (AT). Using a qualitative multiple-case design, we draw on semi-structured interviews with SME owner–managers, ESG experts, and vocational education and training (VET) stakeholders (N = 44). Findings show that ESG engagement in SMEs is shaped by leadership framing, resource constraints, and increasing external pressures from customers, regulators, and financial institutions. ESG practices are uneven across pillars, with environmental initiatives the most developed, social practices emerging, and governance largely limited to compliance. AT highlights how persistent contradictions, such as tensions between short-term survival and long-term sustainability, or between complex regulatory demands and limited organisational capacity, shape SME responses. When supported by appropriate mediating artefacts, including training, simplified frameworks, financial incentives, and networks, these contradictions can enable learning and more strategic ESG integration. Cross-country differences reflect variations in ecosystem maturity, which condition whether ESG engagement stabilises at compliance or develops toward operational and strategic integration. The study contributes a theory-driven, practice-based explanation of SME ESG adoption, including a typology of compliance-oriented, operational, and strategic engagement modes, and offers insights for policymakers, educators, and support organisations seeking to promote more effective and context-sensitive sustainable SME transformation. Full article

Given the global aging of the population and the rising retirement age, the development of cross-generational technologies is crucial for a sustainable workforce supply. While AI-powered smart glasses can provide continuous cognitive support, current industrial solutions often prioritize work efficiency at the expense of the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional needs of older workers. This study employed a mixed-methods approach grounded in embodied cognition. First, semi-structured interviews with ten participants were analyzed using grounded theory to develop a four-dimensional model of embodied experience: Perceived Pressure, Action Feedback, Collaboration Embedding, and Belonging. Subsequently, four interaction strategies—Rhythm Control, Transparent Feedback, Non-intrusive Assistance, and Legible Privacy & Social Signaling—were formulated and implemented. A high-fidelity prototype was developed to embody these strategies. Finally, a team of eight multidisciplinary experts evaluated the device using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a proprietary twelve-item questionnaire. The results showed that the device’s overall usability was borderline acceptable (SUS = 68.13 ± 8.94). While the devices received stronger ratings for Control & Safety, the ratings for dignity and social acceptance were comparatively low. These findings contribute to the development of wearable device operation strategies suitable for users of different generations, and underline the importance of social and emotional compatibility as a prerequisite for future practice tests. Full article

This study assesses the extent to which an AI-driven circular waste management tool, previously developed by the same authors as a decision-support system for the circular management of healthcare waste in compliance with international guidelines, reflects the operational needs and perceived priorities of healthcare professionals and environmental managers. Within a context characterised by high regulatory complexity and increasing pressure toward more sustainable management models, the research adopts a qualitative approach based on the thematic analysis of 11 semi-structured interviews, followed by a systematic mapping of the emergent themes onto the tool’s thematic areas, indicators, and operational actions. The results demonstrate a high degree of alignment between the tool and operational practice, with 93% of the tool’s actions supported by empirical evidence and the emergence of a shared core cluster focused on hard-to-manage waste streams, mandatory training, and day-to-day operational challenges. The alignment between the priorities expressed by interviewees and the importance scores generated by the computational model is high for actions of greater relevance, while it decreases for less frequent actions that are more context-dependent. Circular economy practices are recognised as relevant but remain predominantly positioned at a strategic rather than an operational level. Overall, the study confirms the conceptual robustness of the tool and identifies its main limitations and the conditions required for its integration into hospital workflows. Full article

The milpa (a traditional Mesoamerican agricultural system) constitutes a dynamic space with a great diversity of agro-food and sociocultural resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the milpa’s contribution to food self-sufficiency and to document perceptions of its attributes and cultural significance in San Felipe Tejalápam, Oaxaca. Using a mixed-methods design that included food frequency questionnaires, 24 h dietary recalls (n = 50), and semi-structured interviews (n = 12), the percentage of adequacy (PA) and the symbolic perception of the milpa were analyzed. The results indicate that milpa foods are important for local nutrition, providing significantly higher percentages of adequacy (p ≤ 0.05) for carbohydrates (63.72%), fiber (69.72%), and iron (77.22%). However, the system proved insufficient in energy (42.35%), protein (32.38%), vitamin C (2.69%), vitamin E (0.17%), and potassium (11.14%) compared to external food sources. From a cultural perspective, the milpa was identified as a pillar of community identity. Participants highlighted its culinary properties, health benefits, and its role as a driver of economic and food self-sufficiency. It is concluded that the milpa not only satisfies key nutritional needs but also preserves ancestral knowledge and strengthens the social fabric of the population. Full article

Access to quality seed is a critical driver of smallholder productivity and household food security in South Africa, yet rural communities in the Eastern Cape continue to rely heavily on informal seed systems. Limited seed literacy among farmers and vendors is widely recognized as a constraint to the effective selection and use of high-quality seed. The purpose of this study is to assess seed literacy levels among smallholder farmers in KwaMkhiva village and evaluate how knowledge gaps shape farmers’ seed sourcing patterns and access to quality seed. The study hypothesizes that low seed literacy significantly increases reliance on informal seed systems and reduces adoption of certified or improved varieties. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 50 smallholder farmers and 12 informal seedling vendors, complemented by semi-structured interviews with three extension officers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and a composite Seed Literacy Index (SLI) were employed to assess literacy dimensions and their association with seed choices. Findings show that 49% of farmers rely on local markets and 40% use farm-saved seed, with 75% assessing quality visually rather than through germination or varietal indicators. Only 10% had received any seed-related training, and awareness of seed adaptability and crop rotation was below 20%. Higher SLI scores were positively associated with adoption of certified seed (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) and crop diversification. The study concludes that seed literacy is a critical yet underserved capability that shapes smallholder seed access within dual seed economies. Strengthening farmer-centred seed literacy programmes, revitalising extension services, and supporting community seed banks could enhance access to quality seed and improve smallholder resilience. Full article

The failure of top-down approaches to education policy in England draws attention to the importance of context and foregrounds the need to help teachers to see themselves as practitioner–researchers, scholars and researchers capable of conducting systematic and trustworthy research into the improvement of their educational practice from the ground up and on the inside. This empirical, small-scale, qualitative study presents accounts of the lived experiences of 12 practitioner–researchers as they engage in the national practitioner research programme (PRP). The PRP offers intensive MPhil/PhD research training in which the evocative powers of aesthetic experience, culture and the arts are purposefully introduced to support practitioner–researcher–scholar identity formation and to encourage teachers to heighten the vitality of pedagogy and curriculum content by putting the cultural resources of society to work to make key ideas and concepts in education and educational research more accessible to all learners. Methods include 12 semi-structured interviews of 45–60 min, observation, field notes, case studies and extracts from MPhil/PhD theses. An objective of PRP research is to contribute to understanding how educational change and improvement might be done differently, including how persistent divisions, and barriers to teachers’ successful engagement in educational research and improvement, might be dismantled and dissolved through the strategic development of system-wide, HE-supported practitioner research. This article examines and calls into question the commonly held view that the arts are basically only instrumentally useful for their impact upon something else, such as the development of critical thinking and creativity. Main findings suggest that the use of aesthetic experience and the arts create epistemic-shortcuts which can not only help practitioners to overcome “imposter syndrome” but also enable them to access key ideas theories and concepts, theories and ideas in education and educational research more easily from the ground up, in context-attuned ways. Full article

Behaviour management represents a complex dimension of the teaching profession, especially in contexts of high social vulnerability. This instrumental case study qualitatively analysed the experiences of four teachers from a technical–professional high school in Santiago, Chile, focusing on how they construct and sustain behaviour management in everyday classroom work. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings foreground a central tension in which reactive management predominates over preventive strategies, shaping how teachers sustain pedagogical continuity under recurrent disruption. Teachers describe this work as a reflective construction negotiated between routines and adaptation to contingencies, supported by bonds of trust with students and informal peer collaboration within an institutional structure perceived as fragmented. These insights can inform teacher education by strengthening practice-oriented preparation for behaviour management and can support the refinement of educational coexistence policies in context-sensitive ways. Full article

The governance of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) has emerged as a critical issue for sustainable local development, particularly in cities where cultural vitality is largely community-driven but institutionally under-supported. This study examines the case of Kalamata, Greece, a medium-sized city with a dense network of community-based cultural associations, in order to analyse how ICH is governed in practice and how it contributes to social capital formation and sustainability outcomes. The research is based on 49 semi-structured interviews with representatives of 25 cultural associations and public or municipal bodies and employs qualitative thematic analysis. The findings demonstrate that cultural associations function as key governance actors at the community level, generating strong bonding social capital through participation, informal education, and collective memory. At the same time, limited bridging and linking social capital constrain inter-organisational cooperation, institutional coordination, and the integration of ICH into long-term development strategies. The study identifies significant governance challenges, including fragmented policy frameworks, unstable funding mechanisms, limited professional support, and weak participatory decision-making structures. By explicitly linking empirical findings to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 4.7, 11.4, 16.7, and 17, the paper highlights the importance of participatory cultural governance and co-governance models for enhancing the sustainability of local cultural ecosystems. The article contributes to policy-oriented debates on cultural sustainability by providing evidence from a Mediterranean medium-sized city and by proposing governance-relevant directions for integrating community-based ICH into sustainable local development planning. The findings offer practical guidance for local authorities and cultural organizations seeking to integrate community-based ICH into sustainable urban development strategies. Full article

Burnout among long-term care workers is a public health concern, yet mixed-methods evidence from China is scarce. To examine multilevel correlates of burnout, a convergent mixed-methods study using a Social–Ecological Framework was conducted. In the quantitative strand, 494 workers were surveyed using two-stage cluster sampling, and probability-weighted multivariable linear regression examined factors associated with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. In the qualitative strand, 15 participants completed semi-structured interviews; transcripts were managed in MAXQDA 2025 and analyzed thematically. Burnout was common (30.77% mild, 33.00% moderate, 17.00% severe). Quantitative findings showed that burnout dimensions were associated with gender, age, marital status, employment arrangement, institution type, training intensity, caregiver burden, and recognition of the long-term care insurance policy (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings highlighted cognitive adaptation, emotional reciprocity with older adults, organizational training and support, and policy recognition as potential buffering resources. These findings suggest that burnout is shaped by influences across multiple levels. Coordinated efforts may help alleviate burnout by strengthening training systems, reducing caregiving burden, enhancing recognition of long-term care policies, and elevating the societal value of care work. Future research should validate these potential courses of action through longitudinal or intervention studies. Full article

This study examines the tension between audience interests and editorial lines in the major national and regional digital media outlets in Chile. It analyzes how editors incorporate metrics and user feedback into content selection and prioritization processes. The sample included the five websites with the largest national reach according to the 2024 ComScore ranking (El Mercurio Online, BioBioChile, La Tercera, Megamedia and Chilevisión), along with digital media outlets from the country’s five most populous cities without counting the capital (La Serena, Rancagua, Antofagasta, Valparaíso, and Temuco). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with directors or editors to assess whether the use of metrics influences journalistic judgment and editorial autonomy. Data were analyzed through a thematic analysis, combining categories drawn from the literature with emergent codes. The findings indicate that audience feedback affects editorial decision-making, although to varying degrees depending on the type of outlet. In national newspapers, a fiduciary vision is more firmly sustained due to greater financial capacity, albeit with internal tensions. In contrast, regional media outlets face greater challenges in maintaining their editorial line in the face of metrics, as lower economic stability and dependence on digital traffic tend to favor dynamics closer to a market-driven model. Although the findings are based on professional discourse and do not include direct observation of production routines, the comparison between national and regional media offers a cross-cutting perspective on editorial autonomy within the Chilean digital media ecosystem, an area that remains underexplored in the country. Overall, the study shows that metrics place pressure on both editorial policy and journalistic practices by requiring a continuous balancing of professional judgment and real-time audience behavior. Full article

Fungal fairy rings (FFRs) are circular patterns primarily formed by basidiomycete fungi. These structures significantly influence grassland ecosystems by mediating nutrient cycling, altering soil microbial communities, and driving shifts in plant community composition. The present study investigates FFR formed by Agaricus xanthodermus in a Pannonian sandy grassland, with a focus on vegetation structure, productivity, and diversity. Field surveys conducted along transects across FFR quantified plant species cover, height, and additional ecological parameters. The findings demonstrate that FFR alters species dominance, reduces diversity at the ring edge, and based on ecological indicator values of plant species it increases soil nitrogen, and modify the movement of water and nutrients within the soil. Collectively, these results suggest that FFRs function as ecosystem engineers, shaping ecological processes and affecting the agricultural potential of semi-natural grasslands. Full article