Search Results (37,737)

This study investigates the wear characteristics and optimization of a centrifugal pump (Q = 25 m³/h, H = 50 m, n = 2900 r/min) applied in sediment-laden waters of Southern Xinjiang irrigation systems. A numerical framework integrating the Realizable turbulence model, Discrete Phase Model (DPM), and Oka erosion model was established to analyze wear patterns under varying parameters (particle size, density, and mass flow rate). Results indicate that the average erosion rate peaks at 0.92 kg/s mass flow rate. Subsequently, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-based optimization was implemented: (1) Plackett–Burman (PB) screening identified the inlet placement angle (A), inlet diameter (C), and outlet width (E) as dominant factors; (2) Full factorial design (FFD) revealed significant interactions (e.g., A × C, C × E); (3) Box–Behnken Design (BBD) generated quadratic regression models for head, efficiency, shaft power, and wear rate (R² > 0.94). Optimization reduced the average erosion rate by 31.35% (from 1.550 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.064 × 10⁻⁴ kg·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Experimental validation confirmed the numerical model’s accuracy in predicting wear localization (e.g., impeller outlet). This work provides a robust methodology for enhancing the wear resistance of centrifugal pumps for agricultural irrigation in water with high fine sediment concentration environments. Full article

Researchers are increasingly engaged in studies to determine and correct negative welfare consequences of animal husbandry and behaviour modification procedures, not least in response to industries’ growing need to maintain their social licence through demonstrable welfare standards that address public expectations. To ensure that welfare recommendations are scientifically credible, the studies must be rigorously designed and conducted, and the data produced must be interpreted with full regard to conceptual, methodological, and experimental design limitations. This commentary provides guidance on these matters. In addition to, and complementary with, the ARRIVE guidelines that deal with animal studies in general, there is a need for additional specific advice on the design of studies directed at procedures that alter behaviour, whether through training, handling, or restraint. The COMPASS Guidelines offer clear direction for conducting welfare-focused behaviour modification research. They stand for the following: Controls and Calibration, emphasising rigorous design, baseline measures, equipment calibration, and replicability; Objectivity and Open data, ensuring transparency, validated tools, and data accessibility; Motivation and Methods, with a focus on learning theory, behavioural science, and evidence-based application of positive reinforcers and aversive stimuli; Precautions and Protocols, embedding the precautionary principle, minimising welfare harms, listing stop criteria, and using real-time monitoring; Animal-centred Assessment, with multimodal welfare evaluation, using physiological, behavioural, functional, and objective indicators; Study ethics and Standards, noting the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), welfare endpoints, long-term effects, industry independence, and risk–benefit analysis; and Species-relevance and Scientific rigour, facilitating cross-species applicability with real-world relevance and robust methodology. To describe these guidelines, the current article is organised into seven major sections that outline detailed, point-by-point considerations for ethical and scientifically rigorous design. It concludes with a call for continuous improvement and collaboration. A major purpose is to assist animal ethics committees when considering the design of experiments. It is also anticipated that these Guidelines will assist reviewers and editorial teams in triaging manuscripts that report studies in this context. Full article

As a core sector of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and dual-circulation pattern, Xinjiang’s cultural tourism industry—its ninth-largest industrial cluster—plays a key role in enhancing industrial competitiveness and regional coordinated development. To fill the research gap of insufficient analysis on China’s western frontier regions in existing tourism cluster studies, this research focuses on 14 prefecture-level cities in Xinjiang (2009–2023) and innovatively adopts a spatiotemporal synergy and dual-dimensional correlation framework, addressing the limitations of previous single-dimensional research. Tourism Location Quotient (TLQ) quantified specialized agglomeration, Local Moran’s I identified spatial correlation patterns, gravity models analyzed horizontal inter-cluster interactions, and Gray Relational Model (GRM) measured vertical driving relationships between cluster development and related dimensions. This approach facilitates an in-depth analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution trajectory of Xinjiang’s tourism clusters and their horizontal-vertical linkage mechanisms. Findings show: (1) Xinjiang’s tourism clusters present a spatial pattern of “Northern Xinjiang as the core, Eastern Xinjiang with differentiated development, and Southern Xinjiang as lagging.” With narrowing regional gaps, their evolution transitions from a “fixed gradient” to “co-evolution.” (2) Agglomeration effects are significant: Urumqi propels Northern Xinjiang to form a “high-high agglomeration zone,” while Southern Xinjiang remains a “low-low agglomeration zone” led by Kashgar. (3) Horizontal linkages evolve from a Urumqi-centered single-core structure to a multi-axis cluster network, and vertical linkages are mainly driven by destination attractiveness and economic support capacity. This study clarifies the spatiotemporal evolution logic and associated driving mechanisms of tourism clusters in arid, multi-ethnic frontier regions, providing a scientific basis for optimizing regional tourism layouts and promoting high-quality development. Full article

Social media addiction (SMA) and social phobia (SP) are significant adolescent mental health concerns. In Saudi Arabia, despite high social media penetration, the association between these two constructs remains under-researched, particularly in the Aseer region. This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to March 2025, recruited 384 Saudi adolescents aged 11–19 from schools in the Aseer region using multistage cluster sampling. Participants completed validated self-report measures, including the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and the Al-Menayes Social Media Addiction Scale. A refined “Core SMA” subscale was created based on expert consensus criteria to enhance measurement precision. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe social phobia was 15.6%. A significant, moderate positive correlation emerged between SP and SMA (Spearman’s ρ = 0.294, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, and family income, adolescents with moderate social phobia had 2.15 times the odds of probable SMA compared to those with no SP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.15–4.04, p < 0.05), and this effect was more pronounced for those with severe social phobia (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.04–6.30, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates a clear relationship between social phobia severity and social media addiction among Saudi adolescents in the Aseer region. These findings support the urgent need for integrated mental health and digital literacy interventions that proactively screen for both conditions. Full article

Three painted valuable wood sculptures from conventual collections in Apulia (Southern Italy), made between the beginning of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century, were studied to shed light on the pictorial materials and techniques of the Neapolitan Baroque sculpture in Southern Italy. A multi-analytical approach was implemented using integrated micro-invasive techniques, including polarized light microscopy (PLM) in ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) light, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (Py-GC/HRMS). The stratigraphic sequences were microscopically identified, and the pictorial layers were discriminated on the basis of optical features, elemental compositions, and mapping. Organic components were detected by FTIR as lipids and proteinaceous compounds for binders, while terpenic resins were detected as varnishes. Accordingly, PY-GC/HRMS identified siccative oils, animal glue, egg, and colophony. The results allowed the identification of the painting techniques used for the pictorial films and the ground preparation layers and supported the distinction between original and repainting layers. The results of this multi-analytical approach provide insights into Baroque wooden sculpture in Southern Italy and offers information to support restorers in conservation works. Full article

Background/Objectives: Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome associated with adverse outcomes such as disability, hospitalization, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) trajectories over ten years and frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Brazil. Methods: This population-based longitudinal study used data from the COMO VAI? cohort, conducted with individuals aged ≥60 years in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Frailty was defined in 2024 using Fried’s phenotype, which evaluates weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness, and weakness. BMI categories were defined as underweight (BMI < 22.0 kg/m²), eutrophy (22.0–27.0 kg/m²) and overweight (>27.0 kg/m²). BMI trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory modeling for 789 participants with data from at least two of three assessments (2014, 2019, 2024). Only trajectory groups comprising at least 5% of the sample were retained. Associations of baseline BMI and BMI trajectories with frailty were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance, adjusted for confounders and calf circumference. Results: Baseline underweight and overweight prevalence were 9.2% and 56.2%, respectively. Trajectory modeling identified three BMI groups: eutrophic (31.6%), overweight (56.4%), and obesity (12.0%). Obesity emerged as a distinct longitudinal trajectory rather than a baseline BMI category. Underweight did not emerge as a distinct BMI trajectory due to its low prevalence over time. Frailty prevalence in 2024 was 36.5%. Overweight trajectory participants had lower frailty prevalence after ten years (PR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54–0.99), while baseline underweight was associated with higher frailty ten years later (PR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.05–2.84), consistent with the known risk of underweight and the potential protective effect observed in overweight older adults. Conclusions: Baseline underweight increased frailty risk, whereas an overweight trajectory showed a potential protective effect, consistent with the “obesity paradox” in older populations. Full article

Background: Maternal mortality in Brazil remains a critical indicator of social and racial inequalities, reflecting structural failures in access to and quality of obstetric care. Black women, particularly those categorized as black or brown, are at a higher risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. This is the result of the intersection of institutional racism, poverty, and social vulnerabilities. This study aimed to analyze trends and associated factors of maternal mortality among black women in Brazil from 2000 to 2020. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analytical study using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. The sample included women aged 10 to 49 years whose underlying cause of death was classified under ICD-10 codes O00–O99. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, as well as Poisson and multinomial logistic regressions to estimate adjusted risk ratios according to skin color, education, region, type, and place of death. Results: A total of 40,907 maternal deaths were identified, with 59.2% occurring among black women. The maternal mortality ratio was 39% higher among black women compared to white women and more than double among Indigenous women. Low education, residence in the North and Northeast regions, deaths outside hospital settings, and lack of formal investigation were independently associated with increased risk. Direct obstetric causes accounted for most deaths, with hypertensive disorders and puerperal complications being the leading conditions. Conclusions: Maternal mortality among black women in Brazil reveals deep structural inequalities. Urgent public policies that incorporate an intersectional perspective, addressing race, gender, and class, are necessary to reduce disparities and ensure equitable and dignified maternal healthcare. Full article

The hard bottom layer in paddy fields significantly impacts the driving stability, operational quality, and efficiency of agricultural machinery. Continuously improving the precision and efficiency of unmanned, precision operations for paddy field machinery is essential for realizing unmanned smart rice farms. Addressing the unclear influence patterns of hard bottom contours on typical scenarios of agricultural machinery motion and posture changes, this paper employs a rice transplanter chassis equipped with GNSS and AHRS. It proposes methods for acquiring motion state information and hard bottom contour data during agricultural operations, establishing motion state expression models for key points on the machinery antenna, bottom of the wheel, and rear axle center. A correlation analysis method between motion state and hard bottom contour parameters was established, revealing the influence mechanisms of typical hard bottom contours on machinery trajectory deviation, attitude response, and wheel trapping. Results indicate that hard bottom contour height and local roughness exert extremely significant effects on agricultural machinery heading deviation and lateral movement. Heading variation positively correlates with ridge height and negatively with wheel diameter. The constructed mathematical model for heading variation based on hard bottom contour height difference and wheel diameter achieves a coefficient of determination R² of 0.92. The roll attitude variation in agricultural machinery is primarily influenced by the terrain characteristics encountered by rear wheels. A theoretical model was developed for the offset displacement of the antenna position relative to the horizontal plane during roll motion. The accuracy of lateral deviation detection using the posture-corrected rear axle center and bottom of the wheel center improved by 40.7% and 39.0%, respectively, compared to direct measurement using the positioning antenna. During typical vehicle-trapping events, a segmented discrimination function for trapping states is developed when the terrain profile steeply declines within 5 s and roughness increases from 0.008 to 0.012. This method for analyzing how hard bottom terrain contours affect the position and attitude changes in agricultural machinery provides theoretical foundations and technical support for designing wheeled agricultural robots, path-tracking control for unmanned precision operations, and vehicle-trapping early warning systems. It holds significant importance for enhancing the intelligence and operational efficiency of paddy field machinery. Full article

Intensive development of recreational construction has taken place in the Beskid Mountains in Southern Poland over the span of several decades, especially in the villages of Szczyrk, Wisła, and Brenna, due to the proximity of the industrial Silesian agglomeration. These buildings, constructed mostly since the 1970s, are heterogeneous in appearance and often do not reference traditional timber-and-stone sustainable architecture; instead, they replicate the esthetics found in contemporary single-family houses throughout Poland or abroad. Inconsistencies in building regulations have reinforced this approach, leading to a decline in the quality of both architecture and landscape. Although this situation has been widely discussed in public media, publications on this topic remain sporadic. This article therefore applies qualitative research to discuss the role of cultural identity in modern recreational architecture in the Beskid Mountains as it has affected the well-being of the citizens of Silesia since the 1930s. The unique contribution of this paper to Polish architectural and heritage research is threefold: it provides a structured framework for understanding the development of recreational architecture as a process, it explicitly links empirical field observations to theoretical frameworks (Frampton, Norberg-Schulz, Rapoport), and it proposes a general pathway for culturally sustainable design in the region. Full article

Phloeosinus cupressi Hopkins is an invasive bark beetle that poses a serious threat to Cupressus trees, with potential ecological and economic impacts globally. Native to North America, it has spread to Australia and New Zealand, and climate change may further alter its range. Global trade increases the risk of spread, highlighting the need for predictive modeling in management. In this study, we employed CLIMEX and random forest (RF) models to project the potential global distribution of P. cupressi, incorporating host distribution data for Cupressus. Climatic suitability is concentrated in temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean zones, including Europe, the U.S., South America, China, Australia, and New Zealand, totaling 10,165.22 × 10⁴ km². Coldest-quarter precipitation (bio19) and annual temperature range (bio7) were identified as the most influential variables. Under RCP6.0 scenarios, suitable areas are projected to expand northward, increasing by ~18%. Regional shifts include contraction in southern Europe and South China, expansion in southern Argentina, southeastern Australia, and coastal New Zealand. Temperature sensitivity is expected to exceed precipitation, enhancing colonization. Due to global Cupressus trade, quarantine and monitoring should focus on high-risk regions. Our findings support early detection, long-term monitoring, and control measures for managing P. cupressi under climate change. Full article

The present paper reports the preparation of a nanocomposite thin film consisting of calcium itaconate and graphene oxide (GO). The composite is a black powder consisting of individual shiny prismatic crystals at varying degrees of maturity. The crystal size distribution is quite narrow: from 3.6 to 6.2 μm in length and from 0.7 to 1.1 μm in width. Thin-film-based acetone sensor made of a nanocomposite was fabricated by spin coating of calcium itaconate–GO nanoparticles on glass plates. The thin-film acetone sensor was characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and the low-temperature nitrogen sorption–desorption method. The sensor response time is 7.66 ± 0.07 s (s_r = 0.92%), and the relaxation time when blowing the surface with clean air or inert gas (nitrogen, argon) is 9.26 ± 0.12 s (s_r = 1.28%). The sensing mechanism of the sensor for detecting acetone at room temperature was also is proposed based on phenomenological understanding due to the absence of direct electronic/charge-transport evidence. Full article

This study analyzed the spatial distribution of large green algae (LGA) in the northern coastal waters of China, including the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, using Coastal Zone Imager (CZI) data from the HY-1C/D satellites. An inversion model (coastal zone imager model) of LGA was established, based on which the distribution details of large green algae in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea were investigated. The results indicated the following: (1) LGA exhibits a clearly seasonal pattern from May to August. Initially occurrences are detected in May in the southern Yellow Sea (32–34° N), followed by a rapid expansion and intensification from June to mid-July, with peak distribution around 35° N near the Shandong Peninsula. The affected area subsequently decreases in late August. (2) High LGA coverage is mainly concentrated along the Subei Shoal and the Shandong Peninsula in the Yellow Sea, as well as the coastal regions of Yantai, Qinhuangdao, and Yingkou in the Bohai Sea. (3) The LGA-M inversion model demonstrates stable performance in nearshore waters with similar optical characteristics and is applicable to LGA extraction in adjacent coastal seas, highlighting the potential of HY-1C/D satellite data in marine environmental monitoring and protection. Full article

The circadian cycle regulates metabolism in response to external stimuli, such as light exposure, sleep schedules, and eating patterns. However, misalignment between internal biological rhythms and social demands can compromise food choices, potentially leading to overweight and obesity. This research aimed to assess how a person’s chronotype links to social jet lag (SJL), which in turn would relate to their nutritional status and food consumption patterns as a university student. 617 students from a State University located in the State of Paraná, Brazil, completed a cross-sectional research study that collected sociodemographic information/anthropometrics by means of an online survey. It included self-reported height/weight data and dietary habits. The Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) was utilized to determine each participant’s chronotype classification and SJL calculation. Researchers found that nearly half of the students (49.3%) displayed an Intermediate Chronotype, which is associated with a diet that contained elements of the “Mixed” Diet, meaning there are equal portions of healthy food (Fresh Fruits, Beans, etc.) and unhealthy foods (Sweetened Beverages). The multivariate logistic regression analyses identified age as a significant predictor of obesity risk (OR: 1.15, p < 0.001), while dietary habits such as fruit consumption played a protective role. Additionally, having a breakfast protected them from being classified as obese compared to those who did not eat breakfast (OR = 0.59). Contrary to expectations, late-night supper was not a statistically significant predictor in the adjusted model. Predictors of an Intermediate chronotype included being male and eating morning snacks regularly. The results of this study suggest that students with an intermediate chronotype will predictably have skewed eating patterns, such as skipping breakfast and eating late—both of which affect obesity risks. Nutritional strategies for university students should focus on promoting circadian regularity and optimizing meal timing. Full article

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are increasingly acknowledged not merely as confined gastrointestinal disorders but as systemic immunometabolic syndromes. Central to this paradigm is the gut microbiota including non-bacterial components such as the virome, whose functional disruption marked by reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), increasingly implicated in pathogenic processes extending beyond intestinal mucosa. This review outlines how these alternations compromise the epithelial barrier and immune regulation, increasing the risk of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections to anemia, neuropsychiatric comorbidities, and extraintestinal manifestations. We critically evaluate emerging microbiota-targeted strategies, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), and precision postbiotics, positioning them as potential adjuncts to conventional immunosuppression. Finally, we discuss the current barriers to clinical translation, such as safety and heterogeneity, and propose a future framework for personalized, functionally integrated IBD care aimed at restoring long-term microbiota homeostasis. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), as significant probiotics, hold immense application potential across diverse fields. This study systematically evaluated the probiotic properties and patulin degradation capabilities of four LAB strains with potent antimicrobial effects, previously isolated from Kimchi: Weissella cibaria (KM4 and KM14), Latilactobacillus sakei KMP17, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides KM35. All exhibited favorable environmental tolerance, adhesion capacity, and safety, along with the potential to degrade patulin. Out of these, L. sakei KMP17 demonstrated outstanding probiotic characteristics, high safety, and PAT degradation potential. Further investigation revealed that viable cell metabolism is the primary mechanism for PAT degradation by L. sakei KMP17, and PAT induction was hypothesized to stimulate the production of specific degradation enzymes. Concurrent whole-genome sequencing confirmed the high safety and significant probiotic potential of L. sakei KMP17. This research provides high-quality candidate strains and a theoretical foundation for the application of LAB in the field of food mycotoxin biodegradation. Full article