Search Results (109)

Background: Ice hockey is a high-intensity collision sport with one of the highest injury rates among youth team sports. Despite advanced protective equipment, youth athletes remain particularly vulnerable due to their unique physiological and psychological characteristics. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesise the current evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies for common sports injuries in youth ice hockey players. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for publications between August 2015 and August 2025 using an iterative process and manual reference screening to identify relevant studies. Result: The evidence indicates that injury rates are notably high, ranging from 11.7 to 34.4 per 1000 athlete-hours. Concussions and upper/lower limb injuries are most prevalent. Body checking is the most significant modifiable risk factor associated with a threefold increase in concussion incidence. Policy interventions prohibiting body checking have demonstrated substantial benefits, leading to a 50–70% reduction in injury rates and a 57–60% reduction in concussions. Furthermore, the use of full-face protection was associated with a fourfold reduction in the risk of facial and dental injuries. Specialised preparatory activities and neuromuscular training, as well as comprehensive safety and rules training for players and coaches, can reduce the risk of injury in youth hockey players. Conclusion: This review underscores that effective injury prevention in youth ice hockey requires multi-faceted strategies focused on policy changes and proper equipment. Future work should focus on developing personalised prevention models, establishing youth-specific equipment standards, and enhancing safety awareness. Full article

Background: Endoscopic Electroporation (EE) is an innovative minimally invasive therapy that utilises short electrical pulses combined with intratumoural (IT) calcium or IT/intravenous (IV) chemotherapy to induce tumour cell death in colorectal cancer (CRC). Based on electrochemotherapy protocols developed for the treatment of skin cancers, EE has shown promising results in salvage therapy, local tumour control, and symptom palliation, particularly in patients who are unsuitable for surgery or standard treatments. Objective: To establish, for the first time, a comprehensive and standardised protocol for setting up a Salvage Endoscopic Electroporation (SEE) service in CRC clinical practice, covering multidisciplinary patient selection, procedural steps, equipment needs, and follow-up care. Methods: Drawing from the European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy (ESOPE) and emerging clinical evidence on EE from King’s College London, we detail infrastructure, treatment delivery, and monitoring for CRC. Key procedural elements, safety considerations, and patient management strategies are outlined. Electroporation pulses were delivered using the Conformité Européenne (CE) approved ePORE^® electroporation generator and single-use CE-marked EndoVE^® probe (Mirai Medical, Galway, Ireland). Results: Tumour assessment involves both clinical evaluation and endoscopic imaging, with radiological correlation. EE treatment has been safely carried out under sedation using specialised endoscopic probes, leading to effective local tumour response, symptomatic relief, and improved quality of life. Follow-up schedules allow for timely assessment of treatment response and enable repeat treatments if needed. Conclusions: This novel protocol provides a practical framework for centres aiming to implement SEE services, promoting consistency, safety, and better patient outcomes. Future prospective studies will refine indications and improve integration of this approach into colorectal cancer management pathways. Full article

Hydrophobic and oleophobic photocatalytic coatings are specialised surface treatments that combine either hydrophobicity or oleophobicity and photocatalytic activity. This combination supports applications such as self-cleaning surfaces, anti-fouling, oil–water separation, air purification, and durability enhancement in construction and other industries. These coatings work by creating a surface with carefully engineered surface energy and roughness that resists wetting by both water and oils, while exposing photocatalytic nanoparticles that activate under light to degrade organics. They are often transparent and durable and are now expanding to cementitious building materials, contributing to sustainable, clean, and resilient infrastructure. The motivation for conducting this bibliometric review arises from the fragmented and interdisciplinary nature of the literature on hydrophobic and oleophobic photocatalytic coatings for construction materials, the rapid growth of research in this field, and the absence of a systematic mapping that integrates publication trends, research hotspots, and practical applications. This review delivers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of publication dynamics, encompassing growth trajectories, global research distribution, and thematic evolution, while uncovering dominant and emerging topics. By mapping established innovations and milestones and exposing critical research barriers, it establishes a knowledge framework that will guide future researchers in advancing hydrophobic and oleophobic photocatalytic coatings for construction materials. Another contribution of this review is its ability to capture both past achievements, such as heritage protection and reduced maintenance of existing structures, and ongoing (as well as future) demands, including sustainability, smart city applications, and multifunctional surface technologies, thereby underscoring its relevance across the full spectrum of the built environment. Full article

This study introduces a physics-based inverse rendering method for determining the reduced scattering and absorption coefficients of turbid materials with arbitrary shapes, using a single image as input. The approach enables fully spectrally-resolved reconstruction of the wavelength-dependent behaviour of the optical properties while also circumventing the specialised sample preparation required by established measurement techniques. Our approach employs a numerical solution of the Radiative Transfer Equation based on an inverse Monte Carlo framework, utilising an improved Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. By rendering the edge effects accurately, particularly translucency, it becomes possible to differentiate between scattering and absorption from just one image. Importantly, the errors induced by only approximate prior knowledge of the phase function and refractive index of the material were quantified. The method was validated through theoretical studies on three materials spanning a range of optical parameters, initially using a simple cube geometry and later extended to more complex shapes. Evaluated via the CIE $\Delta E_{2000}$ colour difference, forward renderings based on the recovered properties were indistinguishable from those preset, which were obtained from integrating sphere measurements on real materials. The recovered optical properties showed less than 4% difference relative to these measurements. This work demonstrates a versatile approach for optical material characterisation, with significant potential for digital twin creation and soft-proofing in manufacturing. Full article

The success of a research project, as determined by its perceived impact, is important for its ability to attract, mobilise, and manage funding, which constitutes a key indicator of the sustainability and relevance of the activities undertaken. The success of project teams involved in research and development processes is also significantly influenced by factors associated with human resources and is consolidated over time through their implementation in effective collaboration and management practices. In this context, the proposed study investigates the causal interdependencies and models the cause-and-effect relationships among 28 factors, with a focus on human resource factors that impact the success of research and development projects. The study aims to identify a series of particularities that differentiate research and development projects from other types of projects. The findings contribute to the specialised literature by empirically validating the interdependencies between human resource factors and offering an interesting perspective for managers, helping them to focus their efforts on the variables with the greatest potential to influence performance. Furthermore, the findings also contribute to the identification of a series of particularities that differentiate research and development projects from projects in the industrial or financial-banking sectors, particularities that impact the way activities are planned and managed and the establishment of the criteria used to intelligently direct managers’ efforts. Full article

Disabling hearing loss affects more than 5% of the global population, with numbers expected to double by 2050. The burden is especially high in low- and middle-income countries, where access to cochlear implant (CI) technology and the required follow-up care is limited. While CIs are a proven treatment for certain types of hearing loss, their adoption in these countries is hindered by high costs, the need for specialised rehabilitation, and the financial and time commitment required for long-term device maintenance. Although remote programming has improved accessibility to standard care, specialised interventions for complications remain restricted mainly to areas with clinical centres. Computational modelling offers a promising solution to this access-to-care dilemma. The models may be used to simulate complications, such as non-auditory stimulation (NAS), to investigate and plan personalised interventions, and ultimately predict device parameters, without requiring the recipient’s physical presence. Both phenomenological and biophysical models have already demonstrated useful application in CIs: the former streamlines clinical workflows and aims to establish consistency in device fitting, and the latter provides insights into patient-specific auditory biophysiology. Despite decades of research, clinical translation of biophysical models has been limited by data constraints, parameter uncertainty, and validation challenges. In this perspective piece, it is argued that biophysical models have now reached sufficient maturity to be integrated into routine CI care. Apart from the advantages that this approach will bring to the overall advancement of person-centred CI care, it is envisioned to improve accessibility, personalisation, and long-term outcomes for CI recipients in low- and middle-income countries. Full article

Building Energy Modelling (BEM) practitioners play a crucial role in delivering energy-efficient buildings by analysing building performance using simulation tools. However, their experiences while using BEM software to predict building energy performance are understudied. In addition, research that directly engages with practitioners and stakeholders is particularly lacking in the Global South (GS), where the bulk of new building construction takes place. This study explores the implementation challenges and opportunities associated with BEM software among South African industry practitioners, focusing on their experiences in utilising BEM tools. Structured interviews were conducted with 19 South African industry specialists, supplemented by quantitative data collected through a questionnaire. Qualitative data from the interviews were analysed using MAXQDA 24 Analytics Pro to identify key themes, while quantitative data were visualised to compare software preferences. The analysis indicated that DesignBuilder is widely used, followed by BSIMAC. These tools highlight the largest opportunities for supporting active South African practitioners. The respondents highlighted the need for user-friendly interfaces, standardised methodologies, and improved training to address entry barriers and inconsistent simulation outcomes. Mixed opinions exist regarding the preference for tools with visual representations of 3D geometry, primarily influenced by the field of specialisation and how it impacts client engagement. The research concludes that while BEM software is critical for advancing sustainable design, its effective implementation is hindered in South Africa and potentially in the GS. Recommendations include developing more intuitive software interfaces, establishing standardised modelling approaches, and creating structured training programmes and professional forums to enhance practitioner proficiency, knowledge transfer across contexts, and industry-wide adoption. Full article

Globally, women continue to die from pregnancy-related conditions that could be prevented through ensuring timely access to emergency obstetric care and facility-based deliveries supervised by skilled birth attendants. However, many women are reluctant to deliver in maternity healthcare facilities due to the widespread disrespect and abuse that patients have reportedly received. Respectful maternity care has been identified amongst the possible solutions. This study explored perceptions of respectful maternity care and the enabling conditions of a multidisciplinary group of maternity healthcare providers working at a busy, specialised public mother and child regional hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. An explorative, descriptive, and contextual study design with a phenomenological perspective was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the 30 purposefully selected study participants. The interviews were digitally recorded, professionally transcribed, and analysed using Tesch’s Constant Comparison method. Two main categories, namely (1) healthcare providers’ perceptions of respectful maternity care and (2) enabling conditions for its practice emerged, encompassing seven themes: women-centred care, provision of high-quality care, preservation and promotion of women’s rights, creating an enabling environment for the practice of RMC, in-service training, accountability of healthcare providers for their actions, and community involvement. The perceptions of the study participants regarding respectful maternity care align with global standards; however, successful implementation requires the establishment of enabling conditions. Full article

Background: Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease caused by the parasite Leishmania, is a public health concern in Europe. Although Spain is an endemic country, it lacks a national surveillance network. To address this, the creation of a research and surveillance network is proposed, which would integrate data from various fields and enhance control and public health strategies. Objectives: The first objective is to gather epidemiological data on vectors, reservoirs, and transmission rates in Spain, with a particular focus on the role of dogs and wildlife as primary reservoirs. The plan includes establishing forums, databases, and specialised training programmes. The second objective is to improve case surveillance and reporting by establishing a comprehensive national registry. Implementing molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics tools will aid analysis of retrospective data and tracking of disease evolution. The third objective is to develop a standardised method for the molecular characterisation of Leishmania, using techniques such as PCR and genomic sequencing to detect virulence and resistance patterns. Key actions include collecting isolates, sharing analytical tools and providing genomic training. The fourth objective is to identify new therapeutic targets in response to toxicity and resistance to current treatments by studying specific enzymes (FeSOD, HDAC), metabolic pathways, and natural products. Ultimately, establishing the Leishmaniasis Surveillance Network will support a “One Health” approach and promote interdisciplinary collaboration towards a national control plan. Methods: We created the Working Group on Leishmaniasis funded by the Spanish Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health as a leishmaniasis forum for meetings and discussions on weaknesses and gaps we find in the knowledge and management of the infection based on the background of each academic and healthcare research group. Expected Impact: This study will promote the articulation of a Leishmaniasis Surveillance Network aiming to bring together the main stakeholders in the research and management of leishmaniasis in Spain. Full article

The editorial policies of science journals have an impact on access to scientific knowledge. One of the most effective ways to share knowledge with the entire society is to offer it free of charge. Considering the international recognition of Scopus and Web of Science, this study analyses 28 scientific journals in the field of communication that are indexed under the “Communication” category in both databases in order to review their editorial decisions regarding the dissemination of articles they publish. By taking a descriptive approach, the authors have examined the inner workings and design, as well as aspects related to ethics and transparency, as key components of this policy. The findings indicate that most journals are influenced by digital publishing platforms and that various features examined in this study are offered by these platforms by default. This is especially true in terms of design, which simultaneously enables yet influences each journal’s editorial policy. Together with the need for financial support and adequate human resources, this situation makes it difficult to implement an editorial policy free of external encroachment. This article concludes by emphasising the importance of establishing editorial policies that promote open access as a standard practice, thereby reinforcing the democratisation of access to scientific knowledge. It is recommended to strengthen institutional support for journals operating under the diamond model, promote their visibility and thematic specialisation, enhance technical and visual aspects, and clearly articulate ethical commitments within their editorial policies. In short, this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of both strengths and areas of improvement, offering recommendations to help these journals optimise their contribution to the global academic ecosystem. Full article

Background/Objectives: Developmental dyslexia is characterised by neuropsychological processing deficits and marked hemispheric functional asymmetries. To uncover latent neurophysiological features linked to reading impairment, we applied dimensionality reduction and clustering techniques to high-density electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. We further examined the functional relevance of these features to reading performance under standardised test conditions. Methods: EEG data were collected from 200 children (100 with dyslexia and 100 age- and IQ-matched typically developing controls). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to high-dimensional EEG spectral power datasets to extract latent neurophysiological components. Twelve principal components, collectively accounting for 84.2% of the variance, were retained. K-means clustering was performed on the PCA-derived components to classify participants. Group differences in spectral power were evaluated, and correlations between principal component scores and reading fluency, measured by the TILLS Reading Fluency Subtest, were computed. Results: K-means clustering trained on PCA-derived features achieved a classification accuracy of 89.5% (silhouette coefficient = 0.67). Dyslexic participants exhibited significantly higher right parietal–occipital alpha (P8) power compared to controls (mean = 3.77 ± 0.61 vs. 2.74 ± 0.56; p < 0.001). Within the dyslexic group, PC1 scores were strongly negatively correlated with reading fluency (r = −0.61, p < 0.001), underscoring the functional relevance of EEG-derived components to behavioural reading performance. Conclusions: PCA-derived EEG patterns can distinguish between dyslexic and typically developing children with high accuracy, revealing spectral power differences consistent with atypical hemispheric specialisation. These results suggest that EEG-derived neurophysiological features hold promise for early dyslexia screening. However, before EEG can be firmly established as a reliable molecular biomarker, further multimodal research integrating EEG with immunological, neurochemical, and genetic measures is warranted. Full article

Learning has established itself as a fundamental pillar for the adaptation and continuous growth of organisations. This article analyses the impact of organisational learning on innovation and institutional performance in universities, focusing on five interdependent dimensions: organisational culture, knowledge management, organisational memory, continuous feedback, and dynamic capabilities. Through a narrative review of the specialised literature, a systemic framework is proposed that conceives organisational learning as an integral and strategic process, where each dimension contributes in key ways to institutional strengthening. Organisational culture fosters shared values and readiness for change; knowledge management enables the generation and application of relevant knowledge; organisational memory guarantees the continuity and transfer of learning; constant feedback facilitates adaptation; and dynamic capabilities prepare the university to face complex and changing contexts. As a practical contribution, an operational agenda is designed that links each dimension with a strategic action, a follow-up indicator, a suggested institutional tool, and theoretical references. This proposal seeks to offer an adaptable roadmap for management teams, quality assurance units, and university management training spaces. Full article

This study seeks to develop and evaluate a methodological framework for assessing the tourism potential of hillforts, by using a selected sample of 25 of these heritage resources located in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship. This region, as one of Poland’s most popular among domestic and international tourists, is increasingly confronting overtourism at its primary attractions. Concurrently, it possesses underutilised cultural assets, notably 250 remnants of gords/hillforts (grodziska in Polish) spanning various historical periods and dispersed across the whole area. Thus, to ensure the universality of the method, samples of hillforts from three main topographic zones of Lower Silesia were selected. In addition to the aim of testing the method, a secondary objective of the research involved conducting a preliminary assessment of selected hillforts’ tourism potential in different parts of the voivodeship. The methodology combined desk research and field studies across all selected archaeological sites. Concerning the primary objective, the developed assessment tool effectively replicated the multidimensional analytical framework characteristic of established methodologies, yielding reliable outcomes for evaluating gords’ tourism potential. However, modifications to the scoring system are recommended to enhance methodological precision. Regarding analysis of the 25 surveyed hillforts, the results indicate that objects from all zones mainly demonstrate high tourism potential, suggesting an opportunity for transformation into tourist attractions. The integration of hillforts into existing tourism infrastructure could significantly contribute to localised sustainable development across the region. The primary significance of these heritage resources lies in their capacity to facilitate the diversification of tourism offerings across distinct areas of the voivodeship. This development holds particular strategic value for northern poviats currently peripherally engaged in tourism economy. Moreover, by leveraging hillforts, communities obtain assets important in the process of building a common identity around cultural/historical place while safeguarding monuments. Concurrently, the most attractive southern poviats will benefit from the new attractions as they can help in mitigating overtourism pressures at overcrowded places, being an interesting alternative to the top attractions. This approach aligns with strategies to disperse tourist flows through specialised archaeological tourism products, thereby balancing economic benefits and local communities’ well-being with heritage preservation. Full article

Biomass and other solid wastes create potential environmental and health hazards in our modern society. Conversion of the wastes into energy presents a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation. However, the feasibility of the approach is limited by the challenges in material handling because of the special properties of the materials. Despite their critical importance, the complexities of material handling often evade scrutiny until operational implementation. This paper highlights the challenges inherent in standard solid material-handling processes, preceded by a concise review of common solid waste typologies and their physical properties, particularly those related to biomass and biowastes. It delves into the complexities of material flow, storage, compaction, agglomeration, separation, transport, and hazard management. Specialised characterisation techniques essential for informed process design are also discussed to mitigate operational risks. In conclusion, this paper emphasises the necessity of a tailored framework before the establishment of any further conversion processes. Given the heterogeneous nature of biomaterials, material-handling equipment must demonstrate adaptability to accommodate the substantial variability in material properties in large-scale production. This approach aims to enhance feasibility and efficacy of any energy conversion initiatives by using biomass or other solid wastes, thereby advancing sustainable resource utilisation and environmental stewardship. Full article

Articulated Tugs and Barges (ATBs) are increasingly recognised for their effectiveness in transporting chemicals, petroleum, bulk goods, and containers, primarily due to their exceptional flexibility and fuel efficiency. Recent projections indicate that the ATB market is on track for significant growth, which is expected to lead to an increase in the annual growth rate from 2025 to 2032. This study aims to analyse the current advancements in ATB technology and provide insights into the ATB fleet and the systems that connect tugboats and barges. Furthermore, it highlights the advantages of this transportation system, especially regarding its role in enhancing energy efficiency within the maritime transport sector. Currently, there is limited information available in the public domain about ATBs compared to other commercial vessels. The analysis reveals that much of the required information for modern ATB design is not accessible outside specialised design companies. The study also focuses on conceptual design aspects, which include the main dimensions, articulated connections, propulsion systems, and machinery, concluding with an evaluation of economic viability. Special emphasis is placed on defining the main dimensions, which is a critical part of the complex design process. In this context, the ratios of length to beam (L/B), beam to draft (B/D), beam to depth (B/T), draft to depth (T/D), and power to the number of tugs cubed (Pw/N³) are established as design control parameters in the conceptual design phase. This aspect underscores the novelty of the present study. Additionally, the economic viability is analysed in terms of both CAPEX (capital expenditures) and OPEX (operational expenditures). While CAPEX does not significantly differ between the methods used in different types of commercial ships, OPEX should account for the unique characteristics of ATB vessels. Full article