Search Results (10,908)

The Erasmus+ YOU4BLUE project represents an interdisciplinary educational initiative aimed at fostering a youth culture of sustainability through hands-on learning, scientific literacy, and critical thinking focused on the marine environment. The project aimed to encourage lasting behavioural change and empower young people to act. It engaged secondary school students aged 14 to 18 on three Mediterranean islands (Sardinia, Crete, and Mallorca) through a blended Place-Based Education (PBE) model that integrates online learning with local, experiential activities. Forty-nine students completed a pre-assessment questionnaire measuring baseline marine ecosystem knowledge, sustainability-related behaviours, and attitudes toward the sea. Following three international exchanges involving the learning activities, roughly the same cohort of students completed post-activity surveys assessing self-perceived knowledge gains and intercultural interaction. Qualitative data from emotional mapping, field observations, and group reflections complemented the quantitative analysis. The results indicate substantial self-perceived increases in students’ understanding of marine ecosystems (+1.0 to +1.7 points on a 5-point scale), enhanced collaboration with international peers, and strengthened environmental awareness. Across all three sites, students applied their learning by co-designing proposals addressing local coastal challenges, demonstrating emerging civic responsibility and the ability to integrate scientific observations into real-world problem solving. These findings suggest that combining place-based education, citizen science, and participatory methods can effectively support the development of sustainability competences among youth in coastal contexts. This study contributes empirical evidence to the growing literature on education for sustainable development and highlights the value of blended, experiential, and intercultural approaches in promoting environmentally responsible behaviour. Full article

Urban street greening structure plays a crucial role in promoting environmental justice and enhancing residents’ daily well-being, yet existing studies have primarily focused on vegetation quantity while neglecting how perception and governance interact to shape fairness. This study develops an integrated analytical framework that combines deep learning, machine learning, and spatial analysis to examine the impact of perceptual experience and socio-economic indicators on the equity of greening structure distribution in urban streets, and to reveal the underlying mechanisms driving this equity. Using DeepLabV3+ semantic segmentation, perception indices derived from street-view imagery, and population-weighted Gini coefficients, the study quantifies both the structural and perceptual dimensions of greening equity. XGBoost regression, SHAP interpretation, and Partial Dependence Plot analysis were applied to reveal the influence mechanism of the “Matthew effect” of perception and the Site governance responsiveness on the fairness of the green structure. The results identify two key findings: (1) perception has a positive driving effect and a negative vicious cycle effect on the formation of fairness, where positive perceptions such as beauty and safety gradually enhance fairness, while negative perceptions such as depression and boredom rapidly intensify inequality; (2) Site management with environmental sensitivity and dynamic mutual feedback to a certain extent determines whether the fairness of urban green structure can persist under pressure, as diverse Tree–Bush–Grass configurations reflect coordinated management and lead to more balanced outcomes. Policy strategies should therefore emphasize perceptual monitoring, flexible maintenance systems, and transparent public participation to achieve resilient and equitable urban street greening structures. Full article

The extraction of the light stripe center is a pivotal step in line-structured light vision measurement. This paper addresses a key challenge in the online measurement of train wheel treads, where the diverse and complex profile characteristics of the tread surface lead to uneven gray-level distribution and varying width features in the stripe image, ultimately degrading the accuracy of center extraction. To solve this problem, a region-adaptive multiscale method for light stripe center extraction is proposed. First, potential light stripe regions are identified and enhanced based on the gray-gradient features of the image, enabling precise segmentation. Subsequently, by normalizing the feature responses under Gaussian kernels with different scales, the locally optimal scale parameter (σ) is determined adaptively for each stripe region. Sub-pixel center extraction is then performed using the Hessian matrix corresponding to this optimal σ. Experimental results demonstrate that under on-site conditions featuring uneven wheel surface reflectivity, the proposed method can reliably extract light stripe centers with high stability. It achieves a repeatability of 0.10 mm, with mean measurement errors of 0.12 mm for flange height and 0.10 mm for flange thickness, thereby enhancing both stability and accuracy in industrial measurement environments. The repeatability and reproducibility of the method were further validated through repeated testing of multiple wheels. Full article

This paper systematically investigated the mechanical behavior of welded-plate lifting lugs subjected to dynamic and eccentric loadings in steel structure hoisting applications. By integrating on-site stress monitoring throughout the hoisting process with finite element numerical simulations, the dynamic response characteristics of the lugs were comprehensively analyzed. The results indicated that the stress response followed a three-stage evolution comprising elastic growth stage, peak fluctuation stage, and gradual decay stage. Non-uniform loading significantly intensified stress concentrations at the edges of the lifting holes and in the lug–stiffener transition region, with local impact parameters ranging from 1.02 to 1.12 and exhibiting a distinctly non-uniform spatial distribution. A refined finite element model was established, and comparisons with experimental data confirmed that static and dynamic prediction errors were controlled within 5 MPa and 5%, respectively. The optimal lifting angle of 75° was identified, resulting in a significant reduction in dynamic amplification. Furthermore, a small-sample Bootstrap method was introduced to probabilistically correct the dynamic parameter, enhancing design reliability by approximately 10%. Overall, this research provided a more rigorous theoretical foundation and practical design tool for evaluating the safety of lifting lugs subjected to dynamic loading. Full article

The landscape of first-line treatment for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without actionable driver mutations is rapidly evolving, currently dominated by pembrolizumab-based regimens. This review discusses the unique molecular characteristics of cemiplimab, a newer anti-PD-1 antibody, and defines its optimal positioning against established standards. Cemiplimab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody distinguished by two key features: an engineered hinge-region mutation that prevents Fab-arm exchange, ensuring exceptional molecular stability which minimizes anti-drug antibody (ADA) risks associated with unstable molecules; and a unique interaction with PD-1 glycosylation sites, potentially enhancing binding efficacy. These structural advantages may be particularly relevant in histologies like squamous NSCLC, where accumulating somatic mutations drive high neoantigen loads and heightened immune responses, creating an environment historically prone to ADA formation. Based on data from the pivotal EMPOWER-Lung program, we highlight cemiplimab’s exceptional promise in specific populations. Firstly, in the EMPOWER-Lung 1 trial, cemiplimab monotherapy demonstrated extraordinary survival benefits in a pre-specified analysis of the distinct “ultra-high” PD-L1 expression subgroup (TPS ≥90%), potentially surpassing historical benchmarks. Secondly, cemiplimab displays consistent, robust efficacy in challenging-to-treat squamous histology, both as monotherapy for patients with high PD-L1 expression and in combination with chemotherapy for patients with PD-L1 < 50%. In conclusion, cemiplimab establishes a unique therapeutic niche for patients with squamous histology and ultra-high PD-L1 expression, likely driven by its distinct structural stability and reduced immunogenicity. Full article

Weed management has become a critical agricultural practice, as weeds compete with crops for nutrients, host pests and diseases, and cause major economic losses. The invasive weed Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) is particularly problematic in Hungary, endangering crop productivity and public health through its fast proliferation and allergenic pollen. This review examines the current challenges and impacts of A. artemisiifolia while exploring sustainable approaches to its management through precision agriculture. Recent advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with advanced imaging systems, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), enable accurate detection, mapping, and classification of weed infestations. These technologies facilitate site-specific weed management (SSWM) by optimizing herbicide application, reducing chemical inputs, and minimizing environmental impacts. The results of recent studies demonstrate the high potential of UAV-based monitoring for real-time, data-driven weed management. The review concludes that integrating UAV and AI technologies into weed management offers a sustainable, cost-effective, mitigate the socioeconomic impacts and environmentally responsible solution, emphasizing the need for collaboration between agricultural researchers and technology developers to enhance precision agriculture practices in Hungary. Full article

As sustainable tourism gains global momentum, extended reality (XR) technologies have emerged as important tools for enhancing visitor experiences at overburdened World Heritage Sites while mitigating physical deterioration through non-consumptive engagement. However, existing research on immersive technologies in heritage tourism has largely relied on single-cultural samples and has paid limited attention to theoretically grounded boundary conditions in post-adoption behaviour. To address these gaps, this study extends the Expectation–Confirmation Model (ECM) by incorporating cultural distance (CD) and prior visitation experience (PVE) as moderating variables, and empirically tests the proposed framework using a mixed domestic–international sample exposed to an on-site XR application at the Badaling Great Wall World Heritage Site. Data were collected immediately after the XR experience and analysed using structural equation modelling. The results validate the core relationships of ECM while identifying significant moderating effects. Cultural distance attenuates the positive effects of confirmation on perceived usefulness as well as the effect of perceived usefulness on continuance intention, while prior visitation experience weakens the influences of enjoyment and visual appeal on satisfaction. These findings establish important boundary conditions for ECM in immersive heritage contexts. From a practical perspective, the study demonstrates that high-quality, culturally responsive XR can complement physical visitation and support sustainable conservation strategies at large-scale linear heritage sites. Full article

Flooding is an increasing climate risk in the UK, yet schools remain marginal in resilience planning. Flood events disrupt education, heighten pupil anxiety, increase staff workload and unsettle communities, but these experiences are rarely documented in ways that inform policy. This study examines how schools in the East and West Midlands regions of the UK have experienced and adapted to flooding. Eight qualitative case studies were undertaken in flood-affected schools using semi-structured interviews with key staff, site visits and documentary evidence. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using NVivo to explore past flood events, levels of preparedness, and readiness for measures such as Property Flood Resilience, Sustainable Drainage Systems and Climate Action Plans. Findings show wide variation in awareness, emergency procedures and engagement with local authorities. Most schools had faced flooding or near misses but lacked formal guidance or flood-specific plans, leading to improvised responses led internally by staff. Despite limited funding, inconsistent communication and exclusion from wider planning, schools demonstrated adaptive potential and willingness to support community preparedness. The study offers evidence to guide headteachers, policymakers and local authorities in strengthening school-based flood resilience and supporting the development of a resilience innovation blueprint for flood-prone schools in the UK. Full article

Background/Objectives: In 2023, the United States Congress amended Section 13 of the National School Lunch Act to allow non-congregate meal service as an option within the Summer Food Service Program in rural areas, creating “SUN Meals To-Go.” The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore caregivers’ perceptions of USDA rural non-congregate summer meal programs in California during the summer of 2024. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, qualitative study using an electronic 20-item survey instrument that was available in English and Spanish. Five school foodservice directors in California shared and/or posted at meal pick-up sites a flyer with a QR code leading caregivers to the survey instrument. A conventional content analysis was conducted with the open-ended responses and descriptive statistics were calculated for close-ended items. Results: Caregivers (n = 827) were primarily married (70.5%) and Hispanic/Latino (54.3%) women (85.5%). They (55%) reported using the 2024 summer meal program “most times” or “every time” it was available. Three themes were constructed through qualitative content analysis: (1) Family support and resource relief, (2) Navigating program accessibility and logistics, and (3) Nourishment and practicality: Reflections on food quality, nutrition, and sustainability. Conclusions: Caregivers highlighted that the program supported their families and provided resource relief. They indicated that accessibility and logistics were effective, provided ideas for fine-tuning the delivery of the program, described this program as supporting their children’s nutrition. Full article

Considering the high prevalence of adolescent depression and anxiety, the profound functional consequences of untreated early psychosis and suicide being the number one cause of death in Australia among 15–19-year-olds, ensuring that teachers are literate about these disorders should be a high priority. Teachers’ disorder-specific literacy is a pragmatic response to healthcare system constraints. This scoping review aimed to map the evidence of teacher mental health literacy training programs, specifically for depression, anxiety, early psychosis and suicide risk. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Included studies were published in English between 2000 and 2024, focused on teachers working with students in Year 7–12 and measured teachers’ knowledge of depression, anxiety, psychosis or suicide risk. Studies were appraised for quality. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine evaluated knowledge of student depression, five evaluated knowledge of anxiety and five evaluated knowledge of psychosis, while nine studies focused on suicide risk. Providing disorder-specific training and evaluation, rather than general mental health literacy training, is recommended for future research. When healthcare systems lack the capacity to provide care for ill adolescents, schools often function as frontline sites for recognition and triage. Disorder-specific literacy is recommended for teachers so they can manage their real-world, health-system compensation role. Full article

The IPCC has emphasised the increasing impacts of climate change across multiple sectors, including cultural heritage. In response, UNESCO launched the Policy Document on Climate Action for World Heritage in 2023, offering guidance on mitigation strategies for historic sites. Cultural heritage faces risks not only from sudden catastrophic events—such as floods, droughts, and wildfires—but also from the gradual deterioration of buildings and artefacts due to shifting environmental conditions. Climate change further affects the indoor microclimate of heritage sites, including museums, archives, and libraries, which are critical to the long-term preservation of cultural assets. Heritage, including heritage buildings and both tangible and intangible heritages, are subject to changes; therefore, their conservation should be assessed to identify sustainable approaches. This study investigates how climate change and microclimate alterations impact the conservation of historic buildings without modern climate control, using the Malatestiana Library—a UNESCO Memory of the World site—as a case study. The library has preserved a remarkably stable indoor environment for centuries, without the introduction of heating, cooling, or major restorations. A monitoring campaign during the summer of 2024 assessed the effects of extreme heat events on the library’s microclimate, comparing two internal spaces to examine the attic’s role in mitigating thermal stress. Data from the 2024 heatwave are also compared with similar data collected in 2013. Results show a marked shift toward a more tropical indoor climate over the past decade, signalling new threats to the preservation of historic materials. These findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive conservation strategies to address the evolving challenges posed by climate change. Full article

Wildfire is a dominant ecological force in Mediterranean pine forests, and post-fire silvicultural practices can substantially alter their recovery trajectories. In this study, we examined how natural regeneration and artificial plantations influence the composition, structure, and functional roles of medium and large-sized mammal communities in burned Pinus brutia forests of southwestern Türkiye. Camera trap data were combined with linear mixed-effects models, functional diversity metrics, and indicator species analysis to assess community responses. Mammalian assemblages showed marked shifts across treatments: generalist carnivores such as Vulpes vulpes and Canis aureus dominated burned areas, whereas higher-trophic specialists like Caracal caracal were restricted to unburned forests. Functional richness was consistently higher in unburned stands, while artificial plantations reduced both richness and evenness. Natural regeneration partly mitigated these declines by sustaining more balanced community structures. Indicator species analysis confirmed these patterns, with Lepus europaeus strongly associated with burned sites and C. caracal with unburned forests. Overall, findings demonstrate that post-fire silvicultural practices strongly shape mammalian community assembly and functional diversity. Natural regeneration preserves structural heterogeneity and supports functionally diverse assemblages, whereas artificial plantations promote homogenization. Effective restoration strategies should therefore integrate wildlife responses with vegetation recovery to strengthen ecosystem resilience and maintain the ecological roles of mammals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal mediators of breast tumor progression and therapy resistance. Carvacrol, a dietary monoterpenic phenol, exhibits antiproliferative activity in cancer cells, but its effects on primary human breast CAFs remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether carvacrol selectively induces mitochondria-related apoptotic signaling in breast CAFs while sparing normal fibroblasts (NFs). Methods: Primary fibroblast cultures were established from invasive ductal carcinoma tissues (CAFs, n = 9) and nonmalignant breast tissues (NFs, n = 5) and validated by α-SMA and FAP immunofluorescence. Cells were exposed to 400 μM carvacrol. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay and BAX/BCL-XL Western blotting. Changes in signaling pathways were evaluated by analyzing PPARα/NF-κB, sirtuin (SIRT1, SIRT3), autophagy-related markers (LAMP2A, p62), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-3). In silico molecular docking and 100-ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed to examine interactions between carvacrol and caspase-3 and caspase-9. Results: Carvacrol induced a pronounced, time-dependent apoptotic response in CAFs, with TUNEL-based viability declining to approximately 10% of control levels by 12 h and a marked increase in the BAX/BCL-XL ratio. In contrast, NFs exhibited minimal TUNEL positivity and no significant change in BAX/BCL-XL. In CAFs, but not NFs, carvacrol reduced PPARα expression and NF-κB nuclear localization, increased SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, selectively suppressed MMP-3 while partially normalizing MMP-2, and altered autophagy-related markers (decreased LAMP2A and accumulation of p62), consistent with autophagic stress and possible impairment of autophagic flux. Computational analyses revealed stable carvacrol binding to caspase-3 and caspase-9 with modest stabilization of active-site loops, supporting caspase-dependent, mitochondria-related apoptosis. Conclusions: Carvacrol selectively targets breast cancer-associated fibroblasts by inducing mitochondria-related apoptotic signaling while largely sparing normal fibroblasts. This effect is accompanied by coordinated modulation of PPARα/NF-κB, sirtuin, autophagy, and MMP pathways. These findings support further evaluation of carvacrol as a microenvironment-directed adjunct in breast cancer therapy. Full article

Source plasma centers sustain hematology therapeutics by safeguarding testing, traceability, and cold-chain integrity before fractionation. Despite regulatory requirements (21 CFR 606/640; EU Directive 2005/62/EC), published pre-operational validation frameworks demonstrating deviation-readiness before first collections remain sparse. We conducted a simulation-based pre-operational validation of an electronic quality management system (eQMS) with an Incident → Deviation → Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) pathway at a new source plasma center, performing 20 chairside mock runs, 3 freezer-alarm drills, and a document-control stress test. Primary endpoints were anomaly rate, alarm-response time relative to a 15 min service-level agreement (SLA), and deviation-closure SLA compliance. Analyses were descriptive and designed to demonstrate system functionality, not long-term process stability. Minor anomalies occurred in 6/20 mock runs (30.0%; 95% CI 11.9–54.3); no major/critical events were observed (0/20; 95% CI 0–16.8). Deviation-closure SLAs were met in 6/6 tests (100%; 95% CI 54.1–100). Alarm-response times averaged 7.0 min (SD 1.0; range 6–8 min; 95% CI 4.5–9.5), and all drills met the 15 min vendor SLA, illustrating a preliminary readiness margin (Cpu ≈ 2.7) rather than a statistically stable capability estimate. Simulation-based pre-operational validation produced inspection-ready documentation and quantitative acceptance criteria aligned to U.S./EU expectations, supporting reproducible multi-site deployment. By protecting cold-chain integrity and traceability before first collections, the validated QMS helps preserve supply reliability for plasma-derived therapeutics central to hematology care and establishes the measurement infrastructure for post-operational performance validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is a severe epilepsy of infancy. Corticotropin (ACTH) and vigabatrin are the only FDA-approved therapies. The efficacy of ACTH together with the strong convulsant effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) suggests that excess CRH, secondary to impaired ACTH feedback, may contribute to spasms. We therefore hypothesized that CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) antagonists would suppress spasms in a route- and drug-dependent manner. Methods: Using our validated rat model of IESS, in which prenatal priming with betamethasone was followed by postnatal triggering of spasms with N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), we tested two CRHR1 antagonists, CP376395 and SN003, delivered intracranially (via intracerebroventricular or intraparenchymal infusion) or systemically. Results: Intracerebroventricular infusion of both antagonists suppressed spasms, with CP376395 providing more consistent effects. Intraparenchymal administration into the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus also reduced spasms, whereas misses into the mammillary bodies were ineffective, highlighting site specificity. Systemic administration yielded divergent results: SN003 robustly suppressed spasms, whereas CP376395 unexpectedly exacerbated them. No sex differences were observed. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that CRHR1 blockade modifies experimental spasms in a route- and drug-specific manner and implicates discrete hypothalamic circuits, particularly those including the arcuate nucleus, in spasm generation. The divergent systemic responses between CP376395 and SN003 likely reflect differences in CRHR1 engagement (competitive and non-competitive antagonism, respectively) as well as differences in binding properties that may include differential network interactions beyond local CRH signaling or duration of receptor occupancy. In conclusion, SN003 may be a better option than CP376395 for further development as a CRHR1-targeted therapy pending additional pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies. Further work should explore dosing paradigms of CP376395 to determine if a therapeutic range for CP376395 exists. Full article