Search Results (16,812)

Adverse weather events have a negative impact on the productivity of construction site activities. Understanding these effects is essential for developing realistic construction schedules. The influence of weather is shaped by both environmental factors (climate, geography, topography) and construction-related aspects such as technologies, materials, equipment, and site exposure. This paper proposes a model to quantify the influence of adverse weather by estimating monthly intervals of expected days with reduced construction productivity, based on data regarding specific weather events, including precipitation, wind, extreme temperatures, snow cover, fog, and high humidity. Data analysis employs the inclusion–exclusion principle, a combinatorial technique, alongside confidence interval estimation, a standard statistical approach. The model was applied in three Croatian cities to demonstrate its practicality and accuracy. Contractors with extensive on-site experience reviewed the results, providing insights into weather-sensitive activities and organizational practices. Full article

Forest fires significantly impact the global climate through carbon emissions, yet the multi-scale coupling mechanisms among meteorological factors, fire behavior, and emissions remain uncertain. Focusing on tropical Asia, this study integrated satellite-based fire behavior products, meteorological datasets, and emission factors, and employed machine learning together with structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the mediating role of fire behavior in the meteorological regulation of carbon emissions. The results revealed significant differences among vegetation types in both carbon emission intensity and sensitivity to meteorological drivers. For example, average gas emissions (GEs) and particle emissions (PEs) in mixed forests (MF, 323.68 g/m²/year for GE and 0.73 g/m²/year for PE) were approximately 172% and 151% higher, respectively, than those in evergreen broadleaf forests (EBF, 118.92 g/m²/year for GE and 0.29 g/m²/year for PE), which exhibited the lowest emission intensity. Mixed forests and deciduous broadleaf forests exhibited stronger meteorological regulation effects, whereas evergreen broadleaf forests were comparatively stable. Temperature and vapor pressure deficit emerged as the core drivers of fire behavior and carbon emissions, exerting indirect control through fire behavior. Overall, the findings highlight fire behavior as a critical link between meteorological conditions and carbon emissions, with ecosystem-specific differences determining the responsiveness of carbon emissions to meteorological drivers. These insights provide theoretical support for improving the accuracy of wildfire emission simulations in climate models and for developing vegetation-specific fire management and climate adaptation strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a crucial factor influencing mother and fetal health, as high GWG is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased long-term risk of obesity and metabolic issues in the children. In addition to controlling weight, maternal physical activity (PA) during pregnancy may influence fetal development through potential epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and the production of non-coding RNA. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 11, 3654 participants) investigating the impact of aerobic PA on GWG, while also highlighting emerging, primarily indirect findings on maternal–fetal epigenetic programming. Results: The majority of RCTs found that supervised PA interventions, especially when paired with nutritional counseling, decreased both the incidence of excessive GWG and total GWG. Enhancements in lipid metabolism, adipokine profiles, and maternal insulin sensitivity point to likely biochemical mechanisms that connect PA to epigenetic modification of fetal metabolic genes (e.g., IGF2, PGC-1α, LEP). Animal and observational studies suggest that maternal activity may influence offspring epigenetic pathways related to obesity and cardiometabolic conditions, although direct human evidence is limited. Conclusions: In addition to potentially changing gene–environment interactions throughout generations, prenatal PA is a low-cost, safe method of improving maternal and newborn health. Future RCTs ought to incorporate molecular endpoints to elucidate the epigenetic processes by which maternal exercise may provide long-term health benefits. Full article

Plant seedlings are sensitive to cultivation environment factors and highly susceptible to pathogenic infections under adverse conditions such as inappropriate light environment. In this study, five kinds of LED lighting sources with different red (R) and blue (B) light combinations were set up: R10B0, R7B3, R5B5, R2B8 and R0B10 (with R:B ratios of 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 2:8 and 0:10, respectively) to explore their effects on tomato seedlings’ growth, AsA-GSH cycle, endogenous hormones, and resistance to Phytophthora infestans, providing a basis for factory seedling light-quality selection. The results showed that with the increase in the proportion of blue light in the composite light, the growth indicators, photosynthetic characteristic parameters and enzyme activities of tomato seedlings generally increased. The contents of AsA, reduced glutathione, and oxidized glutathione all reached the maximum under high-proportion blue-light treatments (R2B8 and R0B10). The high-blue-light groups (R2B8 and R0B10) had the highest AsA and glutathione contents. The red–blue combinations reduced inhibitory ABA and increased growth-promoting hormones (e.g., melatonin), while monochromatic light increased ABA to inhibit growth. After inoculation with P. infestans, the apoplastic glucose content was the highest under the red–blue-combined treatments (R5B5 and R2B8), while the total glucose content in leaves was the highest under the combined light R2B8 treatment. In conclusion, high-proportion blue-light treatment can greatly promote the photosynthetic process of tomato, enhance the AsA-GSH cycle, and achieve the best effect in improving the resistance of tomatoes to P. infestans. Given these, the optimal light environment setting was R:B = 2:8. Full article

Sensitization to inhalant allergens is a major factor in the development of allergic diseases. Despite this, few studies have comprehensively analyzed age- and sex-specific patterns within defined populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of sensitization to inhalant allergens in different demographic groups of the Lithuanian population using molecular diagnostics. We retrospectively reviewed molecular allergy profiles of 658 patients tested with the ALEX2 macroarray between 2020 and 2022. Sensitization to inhalant allergen components was assessed and compared across three age groups (<18, 18–44, >44 years) and by sex. Sensitization to at least one inhalant allergen was observed in 62.16% of patients. Rates were significantly higher in males compared to females, particularly in the reproductive-age group (p = 0.0167). Children exhibited the highest prevalence, which declined with age. Tree pollen, pet dander, grass pollen, and dust mites were the dominant allergen groups. Boys were more often sensitized than men, and girls more often than women. Male patients showed higher sensitization to most allergens, except dust mites and weeds in certain female subgroups. Distinct age- and sex-related differences in sensitization patterns were identified. These results emphasize the importance of demographic factors in allergy diagnostics and highlight the need for region-specific sensitization data to inform clinical care and public health strategies. Full article

Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are a significant complication in patients with diabetes, often leading to severe clinical complications including amputation and increased mortality rates. The effective management of these infections is complicated by the rise in antibiotic resistance among the microbial populations involved. In this paper, we undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the bacterial profiles, as well as their antibiotic resistance patterns in DFIs, encompassing studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 28 studies were selected from several databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect, published from 2014 to 2024, specifically focusing on diabetic foot infections and antibiotic resistance. Diabetic foot infections arise from a combination of factors, including peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, and immune system impairment, making diabetic patients prone to unnoticed injuries, impaired wound healing, and a higher risk of infections. The severity of DFIs often depends on the size and depth of the ulcers, with larger, deeper ulcers posing additional risks of infection and complications, such as osteomyelitis and sepsis. Our study synthesizes information on the total isolates of microbes, their resistance to one or more groups of antibiotics, and resistance panel results across multiple antibiotics, including amoxicillin/clavulanate, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and others. We meticulously catalog the resistance of key bacterial strains—Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and others—highlighting patterns of resistance to single and multiple antibiotic groups. This systematic review also analyzes the correlations of various comorbidities reported by the diabetic foot infection patient populations in the included studies with multiple antibiotic resistance patterns. Subsequently, this analytical review study addresses the rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and underscores the need for antibiotic stewardship programs to promote judicious use of antibiotics, reduce the spread of resistant strains, and enhance therapeutic outcomes. In addition, the review discusses the implications of resistance to empirical antibiotic treatments, underscoring the necessity for tailored antibiotic therapy based on culture and sensitivity results to optimize treatment outcomes. Full article

Ecosystems are nonlinear systems that can shift between multiple stable states. Ecosystem service bundles (ESBs) integrate the supply and trade-offs of multiple services, yet the conditions for achieving high-supply and balanced states remain unclear from a nonlinear, threshold-based perspective. In this study, six representative ecosystem services in Fujian Province were quantified, and ESBs were identified using a Self-Organizing Map (SOM). By integrating the Multiclass Explainable Boosting Machine (MC-EBM) with the API interpretable algorithm, we propose a framework for exploring ESB driving mechanisms from a nonlinear, threshold-based perspective, addressing two key questions: (1) Which factors dominate ESB formation? (2) What thresholds of these factors promote high-supply, balanced ESBs? Results show that (i) the proportion of water bodies, distance to construction land, annual solar radiation, annual precipitation, population density, and GDP density are the primary driving factors; (ii) higher proportions of water bodies enhance and balance multiple services, whereas intensified human activities significantly reduce supply levels, and ESBs are highly sensitive to climatic variables; (iii) at the 1 km × 1 km grid scale, optimal threshold ranges of the dominant factors substantially increase the likelihood of forming high-supply, balanced ESBs. The MC-EBM effectively reveals ESB formation mechanisms, significantly outperforming multinomial logistic regression in predictive accuracy and demonstrating strong generalizability. The proposed approach provides methodological guidance for multi-service coordination across regions and scales. Corresponding land management strategies are also proposed, which deepen understanding of ESB formation and offer practical references for enhancing ecosystem service supply and reducing trade-offs. Full article

Nanomaterials are increasingly used in the development of detection systems for various disease biomarkers as tools for reliable early diagnosis, which is a key factor in reducing mortality and increasing treatment effectiveness. The use of quantum dot–antibody conjugates allows for optical detection of various disease markers in biological fluids, tissues, and individual cells with high sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity and specificity of detection are determined not only by the outstanding optical properties of fluorescent quantum dots but also by the type of antibodies used for binding target analytes and the methods of their conjugation with quantum dots. This review deals with methods of site-specific and site-nonspecific conjugation of quantum dots with antibodies, including full-length and single-domain antibodies, as well as antibody fragments, with a special focus on their structural features and active moieties used for binding to their targets. The review includes examples of successful applications of quantum dot–conjugated antibodies in diagnosis, environment monitoring, and food safety assessment. We also discuss the prospects of further research in this field, including new conjugation methods and issues related to the stability and specificity of probes. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current methods and achievements in antibody conjugation from the viewpoint of subsequent analyte detection, highlighting the importance of further research for improving the existing technologies. Full article

This study constructs a neural-network-inspired multi-layer machine learning model (RQLNet) to measure and analyze the effects of tail risk spillover and its associated sensitivities to macroeconomic factors among petroleum supply chain enterprises. On this basis, the study constructs a tail risk spillover network and analyzes its network-level structural features. The results show the following: (1) The proposed model improves the accuracy of tail risk measurement while addressing the issue of excessive penalization in spillover weights, offering enhanced interpretability and structural stability and making it particularly suitable for high-dimensional tail risk estimation. (2) Tail risk spillovers propagate from up- and midstream to downstream and ultimately to end enterprises. Structurally, the up- and midstream are the main sources, whereas the downstream and end enterprises are the primary recipients. (3) The tail risk sensitivities of Chinese petroleum supply chain enterprises exhibit significant differences across macroeconomic factors and across types of enterprises. Overall, the sensitivities to CIMV and LS are higher. (4) The network evolves in stages: during trade frictions, spillovers accelerate and core nodes strengthen; during public-health events, intra-community cohesion increases and cross-community spillovers decline; in the recovery phase, cross-community links resume and concentrate on core nodes; and during geopolitical conflicts, spillovers are core-dominated and cross-community transmission accelerates. Full article

Due to their unique advantages—such as small size, easy integration, flexible wearability, low power consumption, high sensitivity, and material designability—organic field-effect transistor (OFET) gas sensors have significant application potential in fields such as environmental detection, smart healthcare, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Benzothiadiazole fused tetrathiafulvalenes (TTF) are promising organic semiconductor candidates due to their abundant S atoms and planar π-π conjugation skeletons. We designed a series of derivatives by side-chain modification, and conducted systematic computations on TTF derivatives, including reported and newly designed materials, to analyze how geometric factors affect the charge transport properties of materials at the PBE0/6-311G(d,p) level. The frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and reorganization energy indicate that the designed derivatives are promising candidates for organic semiconductor sensing materials. Furthermore, theoretical calculations reveal that the designed TTF derivatives are sensitive to gases like NH₃, H₂S, and SO₂, indicating organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with gas-sensing functions. Full article

Background: Liver regeneration is a complex process involving multiple signaling pathways that coordinate hepatocyte proliferation, survival, and tissue repair. Natural compounds like silymarin, ursolic acid, quercetin, and resveratrol have shown regenerative potential, though their precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. 6-O-trans-feruloyl catalpol (6FC), a major bioactive compound from Catalpa ovata, exhibits anti-inflammatory and potential antioxidant effects via regulation of NF-κB signaling and redox-sensitive pathways such as Akt and MAPK, which are critical for cell survival and proliferation. Moreover, 6FC exhibits peroxynitrite-scavenging activity, suggesting its potential antioxidant properties that may protect hepatocytes from oxidative damage during regeneration. However, the role of 6FC in liver regeneration has not been elucidated, positioning it as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for hepatic repair. Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether 6FC promotes hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in vivo using a 2/3 PHx mouse model, and to validate its proliferative effects in vitro with HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells. Methods: A 2/3 PHx liver regeneration model was used to evaluate 6FC-mediated liver regeneration. Histological and molecular analyses assessed hepatocyte proliferation and signaling activation. HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells were also used to examine 6FC proliferative effects in vitro. Results: 6FC significantly promoted liver regeneration by restoring the liver-to-body weight ratio and reducing serum ALT and AST levels without inducing excessive immune responses. Mechanistic studies revealed that 6FC activates Akt and MAPK pathways, increases the expression of critical growth factors, and upregulates cell cycle regulators. These effects were also observed in HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells, suggesting that 6FC may enhance hepatocyte proliferation without triggering excessive immune responses. Conclusions: 6FC accelerates hepatocyte proliferation and promotes liver regeneration by activating key redox-sensitive signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a natural antioxidant-based therapeutic agent. Full article

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins play evolutionarily conserved roles in intracellular vesicle trafficking and membrane fusion across eukaryotes. In pathogenic fungi, various SNARE homologs have been shown to critically regulate host infection processes. Here, we characterize the functional roles of CfSec22 in the sweet potato black rot pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata. Phylogenetic and domain analyses demonstrate that CfSec22 shares homology with Sec22 proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScSec22), Magnaporthe oryzae (MoSec22), and other fungi, containing both the characteristic Longin homology domain and V-SNARE domain. Functional studies reveal that CfSec22 regulates growth, conidiation, and virulence of C. fimbriata. Deletion of CfSEC22 resulted in abnormal vacuole morphology and impaired endocytosis. The ΔCfsec22 mutant displayed heightened sensitivity to diverse stress conditions: oxidative, endoplasmic reticulum, and cell wall stressors. Subcellular localization studies confirmed the endoplasmic reticulum residence of CfSec22. Finally, we established that CfSec22 regulates the secretion of virulence-associated proteins and is required for the induction of ipomeamarone in infected sweet potato tissues. Together, our findings demonstrate that CfSec22-mediated vesicle trafficking serves as a critical regulatory mechanism supporting growth, conidiogenesis, and pathogenicity in C. fimbriata. Full article

Background/Problem: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by significant muscle loss combined with obesity, and it is mostly prevalent among older adults. Consequences include a heightened incidence of falls and a greater susceptibility to non-communicable diseases. Thailand currently lacks a care model for SO in older adults. Objective/Purpose: This study utilizes participatory-action research (PAR) to develop a care model for sarcopenic obesity in Thailand. Design and Methodology: In-depth interviews with 25 older adults with SO and focus group discussions with 12 stakeholders were conducted to develop a preliminary care model. An action research spiral process was utilized with 15 older adults with SO over 16 weeks. Findings: We developed a culturally sensitive care model for SO in older adults. This study demonstrates that a participatory-action research (PAR) method for behavior transformation, highlighting health awareness and SO literacy, is crucial for behavior change. Conclusions and Implications: The behavior change process using transformative behaviors facilitated internal changes. This approach helps individuals to understand interconnected factors through personal experiences, leading to profound understanding and readiness for deep, continuous, and meaningful behavioral changes. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by glioblastoma multiforme and other types of cancer cells are key factors contributing to the aggressiveness of the disease and its resistance to therapy. Chloroquine (CHQ), a lysosomal inhibitor, has shown potential as an enhancer of temozolomide (TMZ) cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cells. Since both CHQ and TMZ are known to modulate EV secretion, we sought to investigate their potential interplay in this process. Simultaneous treatment of TMZ-sensitive (U87-MG) and TMZ-resistant (U138-MG) glioblastoma cells with TMZ and CHQ led to a synergistic upregulation of EV secretion. Although CHQ did not enhance the TMZ cytotoxicity in U87-MG cells, it synergized with the latter to upregulate the release of extracellular nucleic acids implicating activation of unconventional secretory pathways. Synergistic upregulation of the autophagy markers LC3B-II and p62 by CHQ and TMZ in both cells and EVs indicates that secretory autophagy is likely involved in the observed unconventional secretion. Moreover, a significant enrichment of caveolin-1 in small EVs highlights their potential role in modulating tumor aggressiveness. The synergy in EV upregulation was not confined to the specific biological activity of TMZ and CHQ; similar effects were observed upon co-treatments with CHQ and etoposide (a topoisomerase inhibitor) and TMZ and Bafilomycin A1 (another lysosomal inhibitor). Heightened EV release was also observed in THP-1 monocytes and macrophages treated with Bafilomycin and TMZ, highlighting a broader, cell-type-independent mechanism. These findings indicate that combined DNA damage and lysosomal inhibition synergistically stimulate secretory autophagy and EV release, potentially impacting the tumor microenvironment and driving disease progression. Full article

This study investigates hotel employees’ perceptions of AI-driven human resource (HR) management systems within the Accor Group’s properties across three major European cities: Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. These diverse urban contexts, spanning a broad portfolio of hotel brands from luxury to economy, provide a rich setting for exploring how AI integration affects employee attitudes and work–life balance. A total of 437 employees participated in the survey, offering a robust dataset for structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Exploratory factor analysis identified two primary factors shaping perceptions: AI Perceptions, which encompasses employee views on AI’s impact on job performance, communication, recognition, and retention, and balanced management, reflecting attitudes toward fairness, personal consideration, productivity, and skill development in AI-managed environments. The results reveal a complex but optimistic view, where employees acknowledge AI’s potential to enhance operational efficiency and career optimism but also express concerns about flexibility loss and the need for human oversight. The findings underscore the importance of transparent communication, contextual sensitivity, and continuous training in implementing AI systems that support both organizational goals and employee well-being. This study contributes valuable insights to hospitality management by highlighting the relational and ethical dimensions of algorithmic HR systems across varied organizational and cultural settings. Full article