Search Results (33)

This study presents a bibliometric review of scientific progress concerning the synergy between microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and textile dye remediation. Drawing from the Scopus database, the analysis spans the years 2005–2025 and applies systematic filters to derive a final corpus of 239 articles compatible with Bibliometrix software (4.2.1). Quantitative and structural analyses were conducted using RStudio with the Bibliometrix package, thematic network visualizations via VOSviewer (1.6.19), and frequency matrices, citation rates, and international collaboration indicators organized in Excel. Results reveal exponential growth in scholarly output, particularly within Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, and Microbiology. China and India lead in publication volume, while countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia show high impact and international collaboration. Co-authorship networks reflect consolidated clusters, though connectivity gaps remain among emerging authors. Bioresource Technology is identified as a central journal, with terms like “wastewater treatment” and “microbial fuel cell” indicating thematic consolidation. Opportunities still exist in areas such as explainable artificial intelligence, integration with microalgae, and heavy metal remediation. Highly cited articles contribute key technical insights, highlighting hybrid configurations and advancements in electrode materials. Strategic mapping suggests that MFCs have evolved from experimental concepts to viable alternatives in industrial sustainability, though scalability, operational costs, and geographic representation remain significant challenges. This bibliometric review not only maps accumulated knowledge but also serves as a strategic compass for guiding future research toward integrated, accessible, and replicable bioelectrochemical technologies for textile dye treatment. Full article

Historic urban cores face escalating pressures from climate change, rapid urbanization, and uncoordinated redevelopment, which often threaten their cultural identity and social cohesion, demanding innovative solutions that balance heritage conservation with contemporary housing needs. This study introduces an integrated evaluation framework encompassing 18 criteria across architectural, urban, and green dimensions to assess adaptive housing interventions in urban heritage contexts. Building on resilience theory, urban living, and sustainable urban futures, the paper traces the historical and contemporary design influences that have shaped urban housing design in Damascus, and investigates strategies to maintain prospective housing identity by applying the methodology of the developed framework to three representative dwellings in Damascus’s UNESCO-listed city. Considering the heritage-specific indicators, social place memory, and the cultural significance—with environmental performance and socio-economic viability—the developed compass-like tool in this research visualizes multi-criteria scores to identify leverage points for resilience. Results highlight priority zones for intervention and suggested policy incentives. Through the provision of a flexible, clear tool grounded in adaptive housing concepts, this study empowers planners, conservationists, and communities to develop sustainable, forward-thinking approaches for historic urban environments globally. Full article

The Shrine Madonna is a unique form of cult statuary within the wider Madonna and Child tradition, linked to broader Marian iconography. Building on previous scholarship, this article focuses on the visual relationship between the Virgin and the worshiper, giving primacy to the Shrine Madonna’s gaze. Analyzing three key examples: the Boubon, Rhineland, and Morlaix, Shrine Madonnas reveal how these objects function as mediators of sacred presence, theology, and compassion. Theoretical frameworks surrounding gaze theory and medieval concepts of vision and visuality buttress a discussion of three distinct gazes—direct, mutual, and averted—that facilitate a compassionate response and establish divine hierarchy. This work argues for a shift from viewing Shrine Madonnas as static devotional objects toward recognizing their dynamic role in mediating affective spiritual exchange. Shrine Madonnas are active subjects who command theological space and engage viewers through a reciprocal gaze that alters perception. Rather than passively being observed, they watch back, reflecting and redirecting the viewer’s desire, thereby implicating and transforming them. Full article

Objective: Considering the prevalence of ED-related prodromal symptoms among higher education students (making them a population at risk for developing EDs), the main goals of this study were to conduct a network analysis in a college sample and to explore multivariate dependencies between a selection of empirically informed variables of interest to eating psychopathology, namely difficulties in emotion regulation and psychological processes (e.g., interoceptive awareness, self-compassion, self-criticism, mindfulness, and experiential avoidance). Methods: The sample included 294 college students (M_age = 21.4, SD = 5.0; M_BMI = 22.4, SD = 3.7). A Gaussian graphical network model was estimated to visualize interactions among the studied variables and to assess their centrality in terms of betweenness, closeness, strength, and expected influence. Results: A network system with 21 nodes was estimated (sparsity = 0.52). Nodes assessing disordered eating symptoms displayed the strongest correlation coefficients with nodes assessing dimensions of interoceptive awareness: eating concerns and not-distracting (r = −0.11), shape concerns and trusting (r = −0.16), and weight concerns and trusting (r = −0.10). Self-compassion was the node with the highest betweenness (SELFCS = 2.27) and closeness centrality (SELFCS = 1.70). The nodes with the highest strength centrality were strategies (DERS = 1.91) and shape concerns (EDE-Q = 1.51). Discussion: In this network model conducted in a college sample, eating-related symptoms were mainly associated with dimensions of interoceptive awareness. Also, the lack of effective strategies to regulate emotions, shape concerns, and self-compassion stood out as central nodes in the network model. The results suggest that addressing these variables may be promising in disrupting network systems marked by the presence of prodromal eating psychopathology symptoms in at-risk populations (e.g., college students). Full article

In environments where satellite signals are blocked, initializing UAV swarms quickly is a technical challenge, especially indoors or in areas with weak satellite signals, making it difficult to establish the relative position of the swarm. Two common methods for initialization are using the camera for joint SLAM initialization, which increases communication burden due to image feature point analysis, and obtaining a rough positional relationship using prior information through a device such as a magnetic compass, which lacks accuracy. In recent years, visual–inertial odometry (VIO) technology has significantly progressed, providing new solutions. With improved computing power and enhanced VIO accuracy, it is now possible to establish the relative position relationship through the movement of drones. This paper proposes a two-stage robust initialization method for swarms of more than four UAVs, suitable for larger-scale satellite denial scenarios. Firstly, the paper analyzes the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) problem and the moving configuration problem of the cluster to determine the optimal anchor node for the algorithm. Subsequently, a strategy is used to screen anchor nodes that are close to the lower bound of CRLB, and an optimization problem is constructed to solve the position relationship between anchor nodes through the relative motion and ranging relationship between UAVs. This optimization problem includes quadratic constraints as well as linear constraints and is a quadratically constrained quadratic programming problem (QCQP) with high robustness and high precision. After addressing the anchor node problem, this paper simplifies and improves a fast swarm cooperative positioning algorithm, which is faster than the traditional multidimensional scaling (MDS) algorithm. The results of theoretical simulations and actual UAV tests demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is advanced, superior, and effectively solves the UAV swarm initialization problem under the condition of a satellite signal rejection. Full article

Psychological research has shown that empathy and compassion can be developed through mediation, simulation and embodiment techniques that foster benevolence and kindness, attributes and actions that play a major role in increasing subjective feelings of happiness and overall wellbeing. Our exercise of having students re-write the ending with a more positive outcome and re-draw the cover for the famous 19th century short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” serves as a model for future art education practices interested in promoting positive psychological experiences that can be used for enhanced self-care and empathy development. Full article

Puerto de Cajas serves as a vital high-altitude passage in Ecuador, connecting the coastal region to the city of Cuenca. The stability of this rocky massif is carefully managed through the assessment of blocks and discontinuities, ensuring safe travel. This study presents a novel approach, employing rapid and cost-effective methods to evaluate an unexplored area within the protected expanse of Cajas. Using terrestrial photogrammetry and strategically positioned geomechanical stations along the slopes, we generated a detailed point cloud capturing elusive terrain features. We have used terrestrial photogrammetry for digitalization of the slope. Validation of the collected data was achieved by comparing directional data from Cloud Compare software with manual readings using a digital compass integrated in a phone at control points. The analysis encompasses three slopes, employing the SMR, Q-slope, and kinematic methodologies. Results from the SMR system closely align with kinematic analysis, indicating satisfactory slope quality. Nonetheless, continued vigilance in stability control remains imperative for ensuring road safety and preserving the site’s integrity. Moreover, this research lays the groundwork for the creation of a publicly accessible 3D repository, enhancing visualization capabilities through Google Virtual Reality. This initiative not only aids in replicating the findings but also facilitates access to an augmented reality environment, thereby fostering collaborative research endeavors. Full article

This paper presents a visual compass method utilizing global features, specifically spherical moments. One of the primary challenges faced by photometric methods employing global features is the variation in the image caused by the appearance and disappearance of regions within the camera’s field of view as it moves. Additionally, modeling the impact of translational motion on the values of global features poses a significant challenge, as it is dependent on scene depths, particularly for non-planar scenes. To address these issues, this paper combines the utilization of image masks to mitigate abrupt changes in global feature values and the application of neural networks to tackle the modeling challenge posed by translational motion. By employing masks at various locations within the image, multiple estimations of rotation corresponding to the motion of each selected region can be obtained. Our contribution lies in offering a rapid method for implementing numerous masks on the image with real-time inference speed, rendering it suitable for embedded robot applications. Extensive experiments have been conducted on both real-world and synthetic datasets generated using Blender. The results obtained validate the accuracy, robustness, and real-time performance of the proposed method compared to a state-of-the-art method. Full article

Outdoor Location-Based Augmented Reality (LAR) applications require precise positioning for seamless integrations of virtual content into immersive experiences. However, common solutions in outdoor LAR applications rely on traditional smartphone sensor fusion methods, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and compasses, which often lack the accuracy needed for precise AR content alignments. In this paper, we introduce an innovative approach to enhance LAR anchor precision in outdoor environments. We leveraged Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) technology, in combination with innovative cloud-based methodologies, and harnessed the extensive visual reference database of Google Street View (GSV), to address the accuracy limitation problems. For the evaluation, 10 Point of Interest (POI) locations were used as anchor point coordinates in the experiments. We compared the accuracies between our approach and the common sensor fusion LAR solution comprehensively involving accuracy benchmarking and running load performance testing. The results demonstrate substantial enhancements in overall positioning accuracies compared to conventional GPS-based approaches for aligning AR anchor content in the real world. Full article

Cancer’s profound impact on emotional well-being necessitates an exploration into the underlying psychological mechanisms influencing depression and anxiety in patients. In this study, we explored the potential role of self-compassion, alexithymia, and cognitive emotion regulation mechanisms in influencing depressive and anxiety symptoms among cancer patients. A total of 151 stage 4 cancer patients participated. Instruments applied included the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale (CERQ), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Brief Psychological Resilience Scale (BRS). The multivariate analysis utilizing the independent variables—SCS, adaptive and maladaptive CERQ, TAS subscales, BRS, and VAS scores—accounted for 39% of the variance seen in BDI (F (8142) = 11.539, p < 0.001). Notably, SCS, adaptive CERQ, and BRS had a negative predictive impact on BDI. Our findings substantiate a statistically significant partial mediatory role of resilience and cognitive emotion regulation in the association between self-compassion and depression. This research accentuates the central role self-compassion, emotional resilience, and cognitive regulation play in the emotional well-being of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Targeted therapeutic interventions focusing on these dimensions may enhance the psychological health of patients, ultimately improving overall treatment outcomes in the oncological setting. Full article

This paper examines the role that framing and visual communications played in the mobilising of contentious politics, with particular reference to the Repeal the 8th referendum in Ireland in 2018. We analyse how framing an unpopular argument through both text and visual imagery galvanized the abortion debate on the Yes side (in particular) and created alliances and solidarity through public displays of sentiment towards the issue. Using frame analysis, we examine the visual imagery and messaging employed by both sides of the ‘Repeal the 8th’ debate and conclude that the careful framing of unpopular arguments or positions can open up the space for dialogue and personal stories that were previously shrouded in shame and mystery. This new willingness to discuss the topic of abortion ultimately led to an outpouring of compassion and empathy that had previously not existed due to the religious and misogynistic influence on women’s reproductive health in Ireland up to that point. The ultimate ‘Yes’ vote resulted in one of the biggest social and health reforms for Irish women in the 21st century, one that, five years later however, we still wait to see the full implementation of. Full article

Disseminated fusariosis is treated with amphotericin B and voriconazole. To determine adequate therapy, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) is used. However, MIC analysis is based on visual observation and requires a long period of fungal incubation. The measure of the minimal profile change concentration (MPCC) using MALDI-TOF MS is a quick spectral method that has presented good results in determining the antimicrobial resistance of yeasts. However, there is a lack of information on filamentous fungi. In the present work, 13 Fusarium spp. clinical isolates and two reference strains were used. MIC was obtained according to the M38-A2 protocol of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute, while MPPC was obtained following the initial steps of the M38-A2 protocol. Both Biotyper and the Rstudio environment were used to analyze mass spectra. For some fungal strains, the data obtained from the software MALDI Biotyper Compass 4.1 led to fuzzy heatmaps resulting in difficult interpretation, while heatmaps obtained using Rstudio tools generated better MPCC resolutions. Herein, 86.6% of the AMB MPCC values were highly correlated with the gold-standard AMB MIC. MALDI-TOF MS is a prominent tool used to determine MPCCs quicker, cost-effectively, and more accurately for Fusarium spp. strains. However, better statistical analyses could help measure the technique’s limit detection. Full article

Coastal social–ecological systems (SES), particularly in large bays, are critical for fisheries, transportation, and disaster prevention in island and coastal countries. To achieve the sustainability of such bays, public involvement is recently considered inevitable for planning and management, but the increasing complexity of variables and future visions to be considered is one difficulty when trying to include many stakeholders and public opinions. To address this challenge, a free-associative description questionnaire survey was used in this study to extract holistic coastal residents’ future visions for Tokyo Bay, including both positive and negative outcomes. By integrating biterm topic modeling (BTM) and multiple-factor analysis (MFA), this study succeeded to aggregate and visualize the various future visions of Tokyo Bay with enhanced comprehensibility. As one outcome, the linkages and differences between the major topics in the positive and negative future visions were visualized as vectors in a correlation circle. Also, the study found that these two kinds of future vectors are not always polar opposites, but, rather, some of them are interlinked, pointing in the same direction. This highlights the importance of measuring the balance between two kinds of future vectors in consensus-building in order to search for the optimal future direction. Finally, the study discusses the potential of this method as a “Future Compass”, for implementing future-oriented consensus-building toward the sustainability of SES. Full article

Social media is a crucial communication tool (e.g., with 430 million monthly active users in online forums such as Reddit), being an objective of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. One of them (word embeddings) is based on the quotation, “You shall know a word by the company it keeps,” highlighting the importance of context in NLP. Meanwhile, “Context is everything in Emotion Research.” Therefore, we aimed to train a model (W2V) for generating word associations (also known as embeddings) using a popular Coronavirus Reddit forum, validate them using public evidence and apply them to the discovery of context for specific emotions previously reported as related to psychological resilience. We used Pushshiftr, quanteda, broom, wordVectors, and superheat R packages. We collected all 374,421 posts submitted by 104,351 users to Reddit/Coronavirus forum between January 2020 and July 2021. W2V identified 64 terms representing the context for seven positive emotions (gratitude, compassion, love, relief, hope, calm, and admiration) and 52 terms for seven negative emotions (anger, loneliness, boredom, fear, anxiety, confusion, sadness) all from valid experienced situations. We clustered them visually, highlighting contextual similarity. Although trained on a “small” dataset, W2V can be used for context discovery to expand on concepts such as psychological resilience. Full article

In this work, we developed a prototype that adopted sound-based systems for localization of visually impaired individuals. The system was implemented based on a wireless ultrasound network, which helped the blind and visually impaired to navigate and maneuver autonomously. Ultrasonic-based systems use high-frequency sound waves to detect obstacles in the environment and provide location information to the user. Voice recognition and long short-term memory (LSTM) techniques were used to design the algorithms. The Dijkstra algorithm was also used to determine the shortest distance between two places. Assistive hardware tools, which included an ultrasonic sensor network, a global positioning system (GPS), and a digital compass, were utilized to implement this method. For indoor evaluation, three nodes were localized on the doors of different rooms inside the house, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. The coordinates (interactive latitude and longitude points) of four outdoor areas (mosque, laundry, supermarket, and home) were identified and stored in a microcomputer’s memory to evaluate the outdoor settings. The results showed that the root mean square error for indoor settings after 45 trials is about 0.192. In addition, the Dijkstra algorithm determined that the shortest distance between two places was within an accuracy of 97%. Full article