Search Results (90,850)

Contemporary society demands the development of creative critical thinking (CCT) as a fundamental objective in science education. However, there appears to be a dissonance between this recognised need and its actual implementation in educational practices. This study explores the potential of modelling practices to intentionally, explicitly, and reflectively integrate the development of CCT in educational settings. To examine this possibility while laying the foundations for future research, the theoretical frameworks of CCT and modelling are synthesised, and their possible points of convergence are analysed in order to test the proposed hypothesis. Two elements that may strengthen their synergy are identified: first, the resources for modelling, such as analogies, which activate analytical, evaluative, creative, and argumentative skills, thereby fostering critical dispositions and a deeper understanding of the nature of science. Second, argumentation, closely connected with communication and information management, is considered a relevant component, especially when addressing socioscientific issues. While further empirical research is needed, the analysis indicates that modelling practices could contribute to the development of CCT. Full article

This article presents an overview of selected research focusing on digital real-time simulation (DRTS) in the context of digital twin (DT) realization with the primary aim of enabling the intelligent fault diagnosis (FD) and condition-based monitoring (CBM) of electrical machines. The concept of standalone DTs in conventional multiphysics digital offline simulations (DoSs) is widely utilized during the conceptualization and development phases of electrical machine manufacturing and processing, particularly for virtual testing under both standard and extreme operating conditions, as well as for aging assessments and lifecycle analysis. Recent advancements in data communication and information technologies, including virtual reality, cloud computing, parallel processing, machine learning, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), have facilitated the creation of real-time DTs based on physics-based (PHYB), circuit-oriented lumped-parameter (COLP), and data-driven approaches, as well as physics-informed machine learning (PIML), which is a combination of these models. These models are distinguished by their ability to enable real-time bidirectional data exchange with physical electrical machines. This article proposes a predictive-level framework with a particular emphasis on real-time multiphysics modeling to enhance the efficiency of the FD and CBM of electrical machines, which play a crucial role in various industrial applications. Full article

:The increasing demand for functional beverages sparked greater interest in health-promoting craft drinks, highlighting the need to optimize production parameters and assess their stability. This study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize a grape juice-flavored naturally carbonated water kefir, evaluating its sensory qualities, physicochemical and microbiological stability. Fermentation conditions (F1) were optimized using Central Composite Rotational Design, leading to the selection of 24 h at 30 °C with (6.5% w/v) brown sugar, ensuring efficient pH reduction to safe levels. Sensory analysis selected grape juice as the flavoring agent, and a mixture design coupled with the desirability function determined the optimal formulation as 50% kefired water, 46.4% grape juice, and 3.6% water, resulting in high overall sensory desirability. During 42 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C), the beverage exhibited progressive sugar consumption from residual metabolic activity, a dynamic antioxidant profile characterized by increases in total phenolic compounds and FRAP activity, stability in ABTS activity, and decline in DPPH activity. Lactic acid bacteria counts remained stable during storage, while acetic acid bacteria and yeast populations decreased. Furthermore, pH (~3.30) and alcohol content (~1.86 °GL) remained stable, although the latter requires clear labeling in compliance with regulations for similar fermented beverages. Full article

Background: Trace elements and heavy metals can provide valuable forensic information for individual identification, lifestyle reconstruction, and association with the scene or time of death and may also assist in linking objects to criminal activities. However, the lack of standardized guidelines and post-mortem reference values represents a significant limitation in forensic investigations. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We performed a comprehensive literature study over the last ten years focusing on the analysis of trace elements and heavy metals in post-mortem tissues. Results: The search results from the databases yielded 247 records. The screening, according to PRISMA criteria, allowed us to select and include 19 articles. The results showed the need for standardized guidelines and reference values. Although post-mortem trace element analysis shows high potential for forensic applications, substantial methodological heterogeneity persists. Some studies have proposed preliminary reference values for cadmium (Cd) in kidneys and mercury (Hg) in hair but validated post-mortem reference ranges remain largely unavailable. Conclusions: The current literature demonstrates the forensic potential of trace element and heavy metals analysis including Cd, Hg, lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Thallium (Tl), Polonium (²¹⁰Po) but also underlines the urgent need for standardized protocols and validated post-mortem reference values to improve interpretability and reliability in forensic contexts. Full article

The iron and steel industries globally have a high prevalence of occupational injuries, which need to be reduced. Obtaining safety climate information from workers assists in understanding the safety status at the workplace. This study aimed to assess the safety climate in the iron and steel industries and its association with occupational injuries. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four iron and steel industrial sites in Tanzania. Three hundred and twenty-one workers from the production lines and 50 managers/supervisors participated. The data were collected by interviews using the Kiswahili version of the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50) and the modified International Labor Organization (ILO) manual on methods for occupational injuries. The managers/supervisors scored higher than the workers in five of the NOSACQ-50 dimensions. Most workers with low scores on safety climate had experienced occupational injuries. Analyses of the workers who had been injured at work showed that the dimensions ‘management safety priority and ability’, and ‘management safety justice’ were significant predictors of occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries, when adjusting for working years and working hours per day. This indicates that safety climate is a predictor of occupational injuries, and it is important to improve the safety priorities and commitments among the employees. Full article

Background/Objectives: This meta-analytical review assesses the relationship between effect size and replication success in genetic studies of athletic performance, focusing on the ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms across power- and endurance-based sports. The analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity in reported effect sizes (overall I² = 72.3%), indicating considerable variability between studies, likely influenced by differences in population genetics, study design, and sample size. Methods: For ACTN3, the pooled effect sizes were 1.40 (95% CI: 1.18–1.65) for power sports and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.12–1.58) for endurance sports. Although the difference between these estimates is small, it reached statistical significance (p = 0.0237), reflecting the large sample size, but it remains of limited practical and clinical significance. For the ACE polymorphism, effect sizes were similar in both endurance (ES = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05–1.41) and power sports (ES = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03–1.43), with overlapping confidence intervals, indicating no meaningful difference in association strength between sport types. Effect sizes were calculated as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals for case–control designs, with standardized conversion protocols applied for alternative study designs reporting standardized mean differences or regression coefficients. Results: Publication bias was detected, particularly in smaller studies on ACTN3 and power sports (Egger’s test p = 0.007). The pooled effect of ACTN3 in power sports (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18–1.65, 95% PI: 0.89–2.20) was adjusted to OR 1.32 (95% CI: 1.15–1.51) following trim-and-fill publication bias correction. The high degree of heterogeneity (I² = 72.3%) cautions against overgeneralization of the pooled results and highlights the need for careful interpretation, robust replication studies, and standardized methodologies. Conclusions: The findings emphasize that, while genetic markers such as ACTN3 and ACE are statistically associated with athletic performance, the magnitude of these associations is modest and should be interpreted conservatively. Methodological differences and publication bias continue to limit the reliability of the evidence. Future research should prioritize large, well-powered, and methodologically consistent studies—ideally genome-wide approaches—to better account for the polygenic and multifactorial nature of elite athletic ability. Full article

Modern agriculture requires effective and sustainable tools to enhance crop performance while minimizing the environmental impact. In this context, the application of fungal-derived bioactive compounds directly onto seeds represents a promising alternative. In this study, tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum) were subjected to mycopriming treatment using two fungal extracts obtained from the mycelium and culture filtrate of Talaromyces ruber. Two independent greenhouse trials were conducted to assess germination dynamics, morphometric traits, and physiological parameters (chlorophyll content, flavonol index, and anthocyanin index). Although germination rates were not significantly affected, root development was consistently enhanced by the treatments compared with the control group in both experiments. In contrast, no clear improvement was observed in shoot growth or leaf physiological parameters. Overall, the application of T. ruber extracts via seed priming proved to be a feasible strategy to stimulate early-stage root development in tomatoes, potentially contributing to improved seedling vigor and agronomic performance. These findings support the potential use of fungal extracts as practical tools for improving seedling quality in commercial nursery production. Full article

Background and Objectives: Data on mental health in university students have been increasingly concerning, with high prevalence rates of clinical conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with mental health status and to develop a predictive model. Materials and Methods: A total of 242 university students were recruited (74.8% women). Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 56 years (M = 25.81; SD = 7.59). Data collection were conducted through the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10), and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE-28). Results: Overall, mean scores across the three clinical dimensions are within the moderate range, but anxiety shows the highest mean value (M = 8.67, SD = 5.69) and is categorized as “extremely severe.” Additionally, identifying as female, living with family or roommates, and having high scores on passive coping styles were significant risk factors for mental health deterioration. In contrast, identifying as male, living with a romantic partner (cohabitation), and having high scores on the Responsibility personality trait were identified as protective factors against mental health impairment. Conclusions: Additional research is warranted to explore additional mediating variables and to develop specific intervention protocols for improving university students’ psychological well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preterm infants without neurological damage are at greater risk of developing specific difficulties due to the unpredictable effects of the interaction between biological immaturity and characteristics of physical and social environment. This paper discusses the potential advantages and limitations of placing premature infants in daycare in the first three years. Methods: In light of the scientific literature, the article discuss-es the topic through a critical comparison of studies on the developmental outcomes of preterm infants, on the characteristics of nurseries and on the role of educators. Results: Nursery placement must be evaluated in an integrated and multifactorial perspective, taking into account the specific vulnerabilities of each individual preterm child and the characteristics of the nursery. The role of educators is to structure a quality educational environment that meets the specific needs of each individual preterm child, in close collaboration with parents and specialists. Conclusion: This article provides suggestions to parents, educators, and specialists for the assessment and intervention with preterm children without neurological impairment in the educational setting, with a multidisciplinary view to prevention and early intervention. Full article

Western Pará, northern Brazil, is a significant region for mineral exploration, leading to the deposition of potentially toxic elements in soils and water basins. This study evaluated concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in cattle muscle tissue from three municipalities: Oriximiná, Itaituba, and Monte Alegre. Metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of toxic metals via beef consumption (71 g/person/day) was below oral reference doses values (RfDo). Target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ (TTHQ) values for all metals were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risk. Monte Alegre exhibited the highest THQ for As and Pb, Oriximiná for Cd, and Itaituba for Hg. Although the overall assessment suggests low risk, elevated Hg concentrations were detected in 10% of the samples, with at least one animal from each municipality exceeding the European Union maximum residue limit (0.01 mg/kg). These findings indicate localized contamination and potential mercury bioaccumulation. Given the rising anthropogenic activities (such as mining and deforestation), continued monitoring of heavy metal levels in animal tissues is recommended to ensure long-term food safety and public health. Full article

This study employs a systems theory approach to investigate the coupling coordination and driving mechanisms within the economic–social–environmental (ESE) system in China’s ethnic regions. It analyzes 67 ethnic counties in Sichuan Province, using an integrated framework that combines dynamic Shannon entropy, coupling coordination modeling, and GeoDetector. Based on data from 2005 to 2024, the study reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of ESE coupling coordination. The key findings are as follows: (1) The coupling coordination degree has gone through four stages: moderate imbalance → mild imbalance → primary coordination → moderate coordination. By 2024, 81.8% of counties had achieved coordinated development, and “highly coordinated” counties emerged for the first time. (2) The Western Sichuan Plateau has formed a high–high agglomeration zone by monetizing ecological assets and utilizing ethnic cultural resources. In contrast, the hilly and parallel ridge–valley regions in central and eastern Sichuan remain in low–low agglomerations due to their dependency on traditional industrialization paths. The decrease in high–low and low–high outliers indicates the recent policy polarization effects. (3) The interaction between habitat quality and per capita GDP has the strongest explanatory power. The rising marginal contributions of energy and carbon emission intensity suggest that green industrialization is crucial to breaking the “poverty–pollution” trap. Full article

Climate change is having a significant impact on vine physiology and grape composition, leading to notable alterations in wine quality, such as reduced acidity, increased ethanol content, and higher pH levels. These effects are particularly problematic in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Mediterranean areas, where high summer temperatures and low rainfall accelerate the degradation of organic acids in grapes. As a result, wines produced under these conditions often lack the acidity required to preserve their freshness and enological quality. This study evaluated the effect of must acidification using cation-exchange resins on the composition and quality of red wines made from the Monastrell variety, comparing them with wines acidified using tartaric acid to reach the same target pH. The results showed that treating a portion of the must (20% and 30%) with cation-exchange resins significantly reduced wine pH values and increased total acidity compared to the control wine. A similar result was observed in wines acidified with tartaric acid. However, as an additional effect, the treatment with resin more markedly reduced the concentration of pro-oxidant metal cations such as iron, copper, and manganese, contributing to lower values of volatile acidity and a greater stability against oxidation of phenolic compounds. Must acidification with both methods improved wine color quality by increasing color intensity and decreasing hue values. Although no significant differences were found in the total concentration of phenolic compounds, variations were detected in their compositional profile. Furthermore, the acidification also affected the concentration and composition of aromatic compounds in the final wine. Sensory analysis revealed that the treated wines—particularly those made with must acidified using cation-exchange resins—exhibited greater aromatic intensity, more pronounced fruity notes, and reduced astringency, resulting in a fresher mouthfeel. In conclusion, must treatment with cation-exchange resins appears to be a low-cost good alternative compared tartaric acid addition for reducing pH and increasing acidity in Monastrell red wines, thereby enhancing their quality in winegrowing regions with arid or semi-arid climates. Full article

This paper addresses the lack of hedging effectiveness that yellow corn 1-month futures of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) offer for cross-hedging the price of Mexican white corn. For this purpose, the authors tested 1013 combinations (portfolios) of the ten most traded futures on the CME and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). The results suggest that using a 51.6741% corn and a 48.3259% wheat portfolio mimics the white corn price with a hedging effectiveness of 0.6180. To test the practical use of such a portfolio, the authors backtested its use from 1 January 2000 to 9 February 2025 as a balancing short position for sale of white corn at t + 1. By using the corn–wheat portfolio, the simulated seller (farmer or intermediary) would have earned MXN 5.7664 per kilo traded. The results in this paper provide the first solution to the Mexican white corn cross-hedging problem with a futures portfolio. This hedge can be used as the balancing (short) position for the strike or minimum buy price that the Mexican Government or a financial institution could offer to farmers and intermediaries to enhance food security. Full article

Environmental emissions from the maritime sector, including CO₂, NO_x, and SO_x, contribute significantly to global air pollution and climate change. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping to reach zero GHG by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. To meet these goals, the IMO strongly encourages the transition to alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels, as part of a broader decarbonization strategy. This study presents a comparative analysis of converting conventional diesel engines to dual-fuel systems utilizing alternative fuels such as methanol or natural gas. The methodology of this research is based on theoretical calculations to estimate various types of emissions produced by conventional marine fuels. These results are then compared with the emissions generated when using methanol and natural gas in dual-fuel engines. The analysis is conducted using the EVER ALOT container ship as a case study. The evaluation focuses on both environmental and economic aspects of engines operating in natural gas–diesel and methanol–diesel dual-fuel modes. The results show that using 89% natural gas in a dual fuel engine reduces nitrogen oxides (NO_x), sulfur oxides (SO_x), carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO) pollutions by 77.69%, 89.00%, 18.17%, 89.00%, and 30.51%, respectively, while the emissions percentage will be 77.78%, 91.00%, 54.67%, 91.00%, and 55.90%, in order, when using methanol as a dual fuel with percentage 91.00% Methanol. This study is significant as it highlights the potential of natural gas and methanol as viable alternative fuels for reducing harmful emissions in the maritime sector. The shift toward these cleaner fuels could play a crucial role in supporting the maritime industry’s transition to low-emission operations, aligning with global environmental regulations and sustainability goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: When a relationship ends due to abuse, a favorable attitude toward reconciliation may become a risk factor. The objective of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the attitude toward returning to an ex-partner. Methods: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the dimensionality and psychometric quality of the items. The main study involved 55 women who had been victims of gender violence. Results: Following item analysis and assessments of reliability (α = 0.93) and validity, a unidimensional 16-item scale was developed. The instrument, named the “Attitude Toward Returning to an Ex-partner Scale” (ATRES), allows for the identification of predispositions to return to a relationship in which serious abuse has occurred. Moreover, the findings revealed that a heightened perception of danger, along with forgiveness directed toward oneself, the other person, and the situation, was associated with a less favorable attitude toward reconciliation. Conversely, high religiosity predisposed individuals to rekindle the relationship. Conclusions: The scale could serve to facilitate interventions, mainly in situations where restoring the relationship can be a risk. The assessment of the predisposition to forgive the ex-partner—namely, the individual who perpetrated the abuse—as well as the victim’s attitude toward re-engaging in the relationship, constitute important considerations for preventing revictimization. The ATRES is the first self-report measure designed to assist researchers and professionals in the precise assessment of specific beliefs and myths underlying the reinstatement of a relationship. Full article