Search Results (2,955)

This article addresses the task of building personalized educational recommendations based on a heterogeneous knowledge graph that integrates data from university curricula, job vacancies, and online courses. To solve the problem of course recommendations by their relevance to a user’s competencies, a graph neural network (GNN)-based approach is proposed, specifically utilizing and comparing the Heterogeneous Graph Transformer (HGT) architecture, Graph Sample and Aggregate network (GraphSAGE), and Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network (HAN). Experiments were conducted on a heterogeneous graph comprising various node and relation types. The models were evaluated using regression and ranking metrics. The results demonstrated the superiority of the HGT-based recommendation model as a link regression task, especially in terms of ranking metrics, confirming its suitability for generating accurate and interpretable recommendations in educational systems. The proposed approach can be useful for developing adaptive learning recommendations aligned with users’ career goals. Full article

This study aims to evaluate eco-innovative solutions in the fertilizer industry that allow for waste valorization in the context of a resource-efficient circular economy. A comprehensive reuse strategy was developed for low-rank peat and post-cultivation horticultural mineral wool, involving the extraction of valuable humic substances from peat and residual nutrients from used mineral wool, followed by the use of both post-extraction residues to produce organic–mineral substrates. The resulting products/semifinished products were characterized in terms of their composition and properties, which met the requirements necessary to obtain the admission of this type of product to the market in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of 18 June 2008 on the implementation of certain provisions of the Act on fertilizers and fertilization (Journal of Laws No 119, item 765). Elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and solid-state CP-MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy suggest that post-extraction peat has a relatively condensed structure with a high C content (47.4%) and a reduced O/C atomic ratio and is rich in alkyl-like matter (63.2%) but devoid of some functional groups in favor of extracted fulvic acids. Therefore, it remains a valuable organic biowaste, which, in combination with post-extraction waste mineral wool in a ratio of 60:40 and possibly the addition of mineral nutrients, allows us to obtain a completely new substrate with a bulk density of 264 g/m³, a salinity of 7.8 g/dm³ and a pH of 5.3, with an appropriate content of heavy metals and with no impurities, meeting the requirements of this type of product. A liquid fertilizer based on an extract containing previously recovered nutrients also meets the criteria in terms of quality and content of impurities and can potentially be used as a fertilizing product suitable for agricultural crops. This study demonstrates a feasible pathway for transforming specific waste streams into valuable agricultural inputs, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable production. The production of a new liquid fertilizer using nutrients recovered from post-cultivation mineral wool and the preparation of an organic–mineral substrate using post-extraction solid residue is a rational strategy for recycling hard-to-biodegrade end-of-life products. Full article

In the attention-driven environment of online video platforms, understanding the factors that influence content selection and channel subscriptions is crucial for creators, marketers, and platform managers. This study investigates how thumbnails, view counts, video length, genre, and the number of advertisements affect user decision-making on YouTube. Grounded in random utility theory and reference-dependent preference theory, this study conducted a choice experiment with 525 respondents and employed a combined model of rank-ordered and binary logit methods to analyze viewing and subscription behaviors. The results indicate a significant preference for thumbnails with subtitles and shorter videos. Notably, we found evidence of reference-dependent effects, whereby a higher-than-expected number of ads decreased viewing probability, while a lower-than-expected number significantly increased subscription probability. This study advances our understanding of the factors that influence user behavior on social media, specifically in terms of viewing and subscribing, and empirically supports prospect theory in the online advertising market. Our findings offer both theoretical and practical insights into optimizing video content and monetization strategies in competitive social media markets. Full article

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that can greatly affect quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Nutritional supplements are increasingly used for KOA due to their low risk, but direct comparative evidence on their efficacy and safety remains scarce. This study aimed to systematically compare the effectiveness and safety of seven common nutritional supplements for KOA. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched through December 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating use of eggshell membrane, vitamin D, Boswellia, curcumin, ginger, krill oil, or collagen, versus placebo, in adults with KOA. Primary outcomes included changes in scores for WOMAC pain, stiffness and function, and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Adverse events were also assessed. Bayesian network meta-analyses estimated ranking probabilities for each intervention. Results: In total, 39 RCTs (42 studies; 4599 patients) were included. Compared with placebo, Boswellia showed significant improvements in WOMAC pain (mean difference [MD] = 10.58, 95% CI: 6.45 to 14.78, p < 0.05), stiffness (MD = 9.47, 95% CI: 6.39 254 to 12.74, p < 0.05), function (MD = 14.00, 95% CI: 7.74 to 20.21, p < 0.05), and VAS pain (MD = 17.26, 95% CI: 8.06 to 26.52, p < 0.05). Curcumin, collagen, ginger, and krill oil also demonstrated benefits in some outcomes. No supplement was associated with increased adverse events compared to placebo. Bayesian rankings indicated Boswellia had the highest probability of being most effective for pain and stiffness, with krill oil and curcumin showing potential for function improvement. Conclusions: Nutritional supplements, particularly Boswellia, appear to be effective and well-tolerated for improving KOA symptoms and function. These results suggest that certain supplements may be useful as part of non-pharmacological KOA management. However, further large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm these findings, particularly those that include more standardized dosages and formulations, as well as to evaluate their long-term efficacy. Full article

Consider a class of coupled discrete-time Riccati equations arising from jump systems. To compute their solutions when systems reach a steady state, we propose an operator Newton method and correspondingly establish its quadratic convergence under suitable assumptions. The advantage of the proposed method lies in the fact that its subproblems are solved using the operator Smith method, which allows it to maintain quadratic convergence in both the inner and outer iterations. Moreover, it does not require the constant term matrix of the equation to be invertible, making it more broadly applicable than existing inverse-free iterative methods. For large-scale problems, we develop a low-rank variant by incorporating truncation and compression techniques into the operator Newton framework. A complexity analysis is also provided to assess its scalability. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the presented low-rank operator Newton method is highly effective in approximating solutions to large-scale structured coupled Riccati equations. Full article

Background: Angiosarcomas (ASs) represent a heterogeneous and highly aggressive subset of tumors that respond poorly to systemic treatments and are associated with short progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The aim of this study was to develop and validate an immune-related prognostic model—termed the AS score—using data from two independent sarcoma cohorts. Methods: A prognostic model was developed using a previously characterized cohort of 25 angiosarcoma samples. Candidate genes were identified via the Maxstat algorithm (Maxstat v0.7-25 for R), combined with log-rank testing. The AS score was then computed by weighing normalized gene expression levels according to Cox regression coefficients. For external validation, transcriptomic data from TCGA Sarcoma cohort (n = 253) were analyzed. The Immunoscore—which reflects the tumor immune microenvironment—was inferred using the ESTIMATE package (v1.0.13) in R. All statistical analyses were performed in RStudio (v 4.0.3). Results: Four genes—IGF1R, MAP2K1, SERPINE1, and TCF12—were ultimately selected to construct the prognostic model. The resulting AS score enabled the classification of angiosarcoma cases into two prognostically distinct groups (p = 0.00012). Cases with high AS score values, which included both cutaneous and non-cutaneous forms, exhibited significantly poorer outcomes, whereas cases with low AS scores were predominantly cutaneous. A significant association was observed between the AS score and the Immunoscore (p = 0.025), with higher Immunoscore values found in high-AS score tumors. Validation using TCGA sarcoma cohort confirmed the prognostic value of both the AS score (p = 0.0066) and the Immunoscore (p = 0.0029), with a strong correlation between their continuous values (p = 2.9 × 10⁻⁸). Further survival analysis, integrating categorized scores into four groups, demonstrated robust prognostic significance (p = 0.00021). Notably, in tumors with a low Immunoscore, AS score stratification was not prognostic. In contrast, among cases with a high Immunoscore, the AS score effectively distinguished outcomes (p < 0.0001), identifying a subgroup with poor prognosis but potential sensitivity to immunotherapy. Conclusions: This combined classification using the AS score and Immunoscore has prognostic relevance in sarcoma, suggesting that angiosarcomas with an immunologically active microenvironment (high Immunoscore) and poor prognosis (high AS score) may be prime candidates for immunotherapy and this approach warrants prospective validation. Full article

Natural fiber-based biocomposites are rapidly gaining traction in sustainable manufacturing. However, their supply chain (SC) designs at the feedstock pre-processing stage often lack robust multicriteria decision-making evaluations, which can impact downstream processes and final product quality. This case study proposes a sustainability-driven multicriteria decision-making framework for selecting pre-processing equipment configurations within a hemp-based biocomposite SC. Using a cradle-to-gate system boundary, four alternative configurations combining balers (square vs. round) and hammer mills (full-screen vs. half-screen) are evaluated. The analytical network process (ANP) model is used to evaluate alternative SC configurations while capturing the interdependencies among environmental, economic, social, and technical sustainability criteria. These criteria are further refined with the inclusion of sub-criteria, resulting in a list of 11 key performance indicators (KPIs). To evaluate ranking robustness, a non-linear programming (NLP)-based sensitivity model is developed, which minimizes the weight perturbations required to trigger rank reversals, using an IPOPT solver. The results indicated that the Half-Round setup provides the most balanced sustainability performance, while Full-Square performs best in economic and environmental terms but ranks lower socially and technically. Also, the ranking was most sensitive to the weight of the system reliability and product quality criteria, with up to a 100% shift being required to change the top choice under the ANP model, indicating strong robustness. Overall, the proposed framework enables decision-makers to incorporate uncertainty, interdependencies, and sustainability-related KPIs into the early-stage SC design of bio-based composite materials. Full article

Introduction: Haglund’s deformity, characterized by bony enlargement at the back of the heel, often coincides with Achilles tendon pathology due to impingement on the retrocalcaneal bursa and tendon insertion. Surgical management of Haglund’s deformity with a preexisting Achilles tendon rupture is complex, and understanding the outcomes of this subset of patients is essential for optimizing treatment strategies. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed patients undergoing open surgical management for Haglund’s syndrome between January 2015 and December 2023. Patients with chronic degenerative changes secondary to Haglund’s deformity and a preoperative Achilles tendon rupture were compared to those without. Data on demographics, surgical techniques, weightbearing protocols, and complications were collected. Univariate analysis was performed using χ² or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, and the T-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous and ordinal variables, with normality assessed via the Shapiro–Wilk test. Results: Four hundred and three patients were included, with 13 having a preoperative Achilles tendon rupture. There was a higher incidence of preoperative ruptures among males. Surgical repair techniques and postoperative weightbearing protocols varied, though were not randomized. Complications included persistent pain, wound breakdown, infection, plantar flexion weakness, and revision surgery. While patients with Haglund’s deformity and a preoperative Achilles tendon rupture demonstrated a trend toward higher complication rates, including postoperative rupture and wound breakdown, these differences were not statistically significant in our analysis. Conclusions: A cautious approach is warranted in managing these patients, with careful consideration of surgical planning and postoperative rehabilitation. While our findings provide valuable insights into managing patients with Haglund’s deformity and preoperative Achilles tendon rupture, the retrospective design, limited sample size of the rupture group, and short duration of follow-up restrict generalizability and the strength of the conclusions by limiting the power of the analysis and underestimating the incidence of long-term complications. Therefore, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution. Further studies with larger patient cohorts, validated functional outcome measures, and comparable follow-up durations between groups are needed to confirm these results and optimize treatment approaches. Full article

Background: Environmental enrichment is a promising strategy to improve the welfare of dairy goats and sheep. However, studies in this field remain scattered, and its effects on productivity are unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment on behavioral, physiological, and productive parameters in dairy goats and sheep. Data sources: Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies published from 2010 to 2025. Study eligibility criteria: Experimental or observational peer-reviewed studies comparing enriched vs. non-enriched housing in dairy goats or sheep, reporting on welfare or productivity outcomes. Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PICO framework. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed with the SYRCLE tool. Results: Thirteen studies were included, mostly with goats. Physical, sensory, and social enrichments showed benefits for behavior (e.g., activity, fewer stereotypies) and stress physiology. However, results varied by social rank, enrichment type, and physiological stage. Only three studies assessed productive parameters (weight gain in kids/lambs); none evaluated milk yield or quality. Limitations: Most studies had small samples and short durations. No meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Conclusions: Environmental enrichment can benefit the welfare of dairy goats and sheep. However, evidence on productivity is scarce. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness and potential impacts on milk yield and reproductive performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Quality of life (QOL) is a multifaceted concept involving a variety of factors which define the overall well-being of individuals. Food security, which implies a resilient food system, is one factor that is central to the calculus of the QOL status of a community considering that food is a staple of life. Advancing food security as a strategy for attaining sustained improvement in community QOL hinges on recognizing that food security is embedded in a matrix of other factors that work with it to generate the QOL the community experiences. The lived experience of the community defines the community’s QOL value matrix and the relative position of food security in that value matrix. Our thesis is that the role of food security in the lived experience of low-income communities depends on the position food security is accorded relative to other factors in the QOL value matrix of the community. Methods: This study employed a multimethod approach to define the QOL value matrix of low-income Guilford County residents, identifying the relative position of the value components and demographic segments based on priority ranking. First, an in-depth interview was conducted and then a telephone survey (280 sample) was used for collecting data. The ISAC Analysis Procedure and Best–Worst Scaling methods were used to identify and rank components of the QOL value matrix in terms of their relative impact on QOL. Results: The analysis revealed that spiritual well-being is the most important contributor to QOL, with a weight of 0.23, followed by access to health services (0.21) and economic opportunities (0.16), while food security has a moderate impact with 0.07. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions that consider the specific needs of different demographic segments to effectively improve QOL and inform the design of resilient food systems that reflect the lived experiences of low-income communities. Food security policies must be integrated with broader quality of life interventions, particularly for unemployed, low-educated, and single individuals, to ensure that a resilient food system effectively reduces inequities and address community-specific vulnerabilities. Full article

This study focuses on the current service/care difficulties and challenges that social institutions in Hungary are facing during their daily operations; how they can react to them utilizing their internal resources, mechanisms, and capacities; and what concrete, tangible needs and demands are emerging in terms of methodological professional support, potential forms, interventions, and direction for professional development. A total of 24 general and 55 specific service and operational problems were identified and assessed in eight different service areas (family and child welfare services, family and child welfare centers, respite care for children, care for the homeless, addiction intervention, care for people with disabilities, care for psychiatric patients, specialized care for the elderly, and basic services for the elderly). The empirical base of the study uses a database of 201 online questionnaires completed by a professional target group working for social service providers in two counties (Győr-Moson-Sopron and Veszprém), representing 166 social service providers. The questionnaires were completed between November and December of 2022. The findings will be used to develop a professional support and development problem map. Social institutions face complex and serious service/care difficulties and challenges in their daily operations. Three distinctive basic problems clearly stand out in both severity and significance from the complex set of factors assessed. The biggest problem in the social care system is clearly the complex challenge of low wages, followed by the administrative burdens in the ranking of operational difficulties, and the third key factor was the psycho-mental workload of staff. Full article

The complexity of assessment is a significant problem in designing renewable energy source (RES) products, especially when one wants to take into account their various aspects, e.g., technical, environmental, or social. Hence, the aim of the research is to develop a model supporting the decision-making process of RES product development based on meeting the criteria of quality, environmental impact, and social responsibility (QES). The model was developed in four main stages, implementing multi-criteria decision support methods such as DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution), as well as criteria for social responsibility and environmental impact from the ISO 26000 standard. The model was tested and illustrated using the example of photovoltaic panels (PVs): (i) five prototypes were developed, (ii) 30 PV criteria were identified from the qualitative, environmental, and social groups, (iii) the criteria were reduced to 13 key (strongly intercorrelated) criteria according to DEMATEL, (iv) the PV prototypes were assessed taking into account the importance and fulfilment of their key criteria according to TOPSIS, and (v) a PV ranking was created, where the fifth prototype turned out to be the most advantageous (QES = 0.79). The main advantage of the model is its simple form and transparency of application through a systematic analysis and evaluation of many different criteria, after which a ranking of design solutions is obtained. QES ensures precise decision-making in terms of sustainability of new or already available products on the market, also those belonging to RES. Therefore, QES will find application in various companies, especially those looking for low-cost decision-making support techniques at early stages of product development (design and conceptualization). Full article

This study investigates the long-term variability and extremes of monthly precipitation during 150 years or more at 4 locations in Argentina: Corrientes, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, and Bahía Blanca. Annual and seasonal trends, extreme dry and wet months over the whole period, and the relationships between large-scale climate drivers and monthly rainfall are considered. Results show that, except for Córdoba, the complete anomaly timeseries trend analysis for all other stations yielded null trends over the centennial study period. Considerable month-to-month variability is observed for all locations together with the existence of low-frequency decadal to interdecadal variability, both for monthly precipitation anomalies and for statistically significant excess and deficit months. Linear fits considering oceanic climate indicators as drivers of variability yield significant differences between locations, while not between full records and seasonally sampled. Issues regarding the use of linear analysis to quantify variability, the dispersion along the timeline of record extreme rainy months at each location, together with the evidence of severe daily precipitation events not necessarily coinciding with the ranking of the rainiest months at each location, highlights the challenges of understanding the drivers of variability of both monthly and severe daily precipitation and the need of using extended centennial timeseries whenever possible. Full article

Background: Implantation of modularly built-up stems with a tapered and fluted design is currently state of the art in revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA). Nevertheless, implant-specific major complications like breakage of taper junctions as well as periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) may lead to failure of reconstruction during follow-up. Methods: A cohort of 117 cases receiving femoral RTHA by a modular stem was investigated retrospectively with a mean follow-up of 5.7 (0.5–13.7) years. Cumulative risk and potential factors affecting the occurrence of PPFs were calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method. In addition, cases were presented to discuss operative treatment options. Results: A cumulative risk of PPF of 12.1% (95% CI: 0–24.6%) was calculated at 13.7 years. Female patients had significantly higher risk compared to male patients (0% after 13.5 years for male patients vs. 20.8% (95% CI: 0.5–41.2%) after 13.7 years for female patients; log-rank p = 0.0438) as all five patients sustaining a PPF during follow-up were women. Four fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Non-union and collapse of the fracture occurred in one patient after closed reduction and internal fixation. Conclusions: Postoperative PPF after femoral revision with a modular stem has shown to be a frequent complication within this mid-term follow-up. Female patients were at a significantly higher risk in this aged cohort, indicating osteoporosis as a risk factor. The surgical treatment of PPF with an integrated long-stemmed prosthesis is challenging and thorough considerations of adequate operative treatment of PPFs are strongly advised in order to limit complication rates. Full article

In the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education, student satisfaction and loyalty are recognized as essential components for institutional sustainability and long-term success. This study aims to examine the interrelationships between service quality, technological innovation, student satisfaction, and student loyalty within higher education institutions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Grounded in relationship marketing theory and the expectancy–disconfirmation paradigm, the research develops and tests a structural model that investigates the impact of perceived service quality on technological innovation, student satisfaction, and loyalty. The data were collected from 448 undergraduate students studying in the faculties of education at five leading private universities in TRNC, selected based on their international academic rankings. The analysis, conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM), reveals that service quality significantly and directly influences technological innovation, student satisfaction, and student loyalty. Additionally, technological innovation has a positive but comparatively weaker effect on student loyalty. Among the variables, student satisfaction emerges as the strongest determinant of loyalty, serving as a key mediator in the relationship between service quality and loyalty. This research contributes to the higher education literature by extending the traditional service quality–loyalty framework with the inclusion of technological innovation. The findings offer practical insights for university administrators, emphasizing the importance of delivering high-quality educational services combined with continuous digital innovation to enhance the student experience and foster long-term student commitment. Full article