Search Results (504)

The basic renovation of old urban communities is an important livelihood project for urban renewal, but there are many problems in the decision-making of renovation schemes, such as strong dependence on experience, lack of quantitative basis for multi-objective trade-off, and difficulty in describing residents’ risk attitude. Combining Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) and utility theory, this paper constructs a set of intelligent decision support models driven by data and knowledge. First of all, through literature analysis and expert investigation, a decision-making index system is established, which includes four dimensions and 16 quantitative indicators: policy and financial support, residential conditions and needs, residents’ consensus and social coordination, and implementation management and long-term maintenance. Secondly, the framework representation method is used to describe the reconstruction case, a hybrid retrieval strategy combining inductive retrieval and nearest-neighbor retrieval is designed, and the subjective and objective data combination weights are calculated by using AHP and the entropy method. On this basis, a loss utility function and risk aversion coefficient based on accident and public opinion data (a = 0.02) are introduced to modify the similarity calculation results to describe the risk avoidance behavior of decision-makers. Through 40 real renovation projects, a case base is built, and two types of target cases, “typical inclusive” (F5) and “key renovation” (F35), are selected for empirical verification. The results show that the model can effectively retrieve similar cases, and the similarity ranking changes in line with risk aversion expectations after utility correction. Taking F5 as an example, by reusing and revising the reconstruction scheme of a similar case, targeted suggestions are generated, which give consideration to safety, economy and operability. This model provides a new quantifiable and reusable method for scientific decision-making in basic renovation of old residential areas. Full article

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) continue to impose substantial health and productivity losses in grazing ruminants, and the accelerating emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) underscores the need for SWC strategies. Although multiple SWC approaches have been validated experimentally, their implementation across European livestock systems remains inconsistent, and limited evidence exists regarding the stakeholders’ perceptions that affect decision-making. This study conducted a multilingual cross-sectional survey of 1261 respondents, including farmers, veterinarians, advisors, and other professionals, across 13 European countries to evaluate perceived worm-control cost burdens and the economic feasibility of seven SWC strategies. Descriptive and regression analyses revealed that a majority of respondents (56.7%) considered diagnostic testing to be financially reasonable, although perceptions varied significantly between countries. Sustainable anthelmintic use, quarantine and strategic screening, and grazing management were perceived as the most viable strategies, whereas biological control and bioactive compound-based approaches elicited greater uncertainty. An aggregated SWC Attitude Score demonstrated systematically higher acceptance among veterinarians compared to farmers, while male and older respondents exhibited lower levels of agreement across practices. The overall findings suggest that economic considerations may not be perceived as the primary barrier to sustainable worm control adoption, but other practical factors may potentially limit implementation. Full article

Drawing on the Emerging Technology Acceptance Model, this study integrates perceived benefits and perceived risks into a unified analytical framework to examine public acceptance of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Using three scenario-based survey experiments, the study shows that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly promote GenAI acceptance, whereas perceived social welfare loss, personal property loss, and technical–ethical conflict all significantly reduce acceptance. The negative effects of these three risk scenarios also differ in magnitude, with personal property loss exerting the strongest inhibitory effect. Heterogeneity analyses further indicate that technology usage behavior moderates these relationships selectively rather than universally, with stronger evidence on the risk side than on the benefit side. In addition, lower confidence in regulatory oversight is more clearly associated with stronger risk sensitivity, whereas evidence for stronger benefit sensitivity under higher regulatory trust remains weak. These findings deepen understanding of the differentiated benefit–risk trade-offs shaping attitudes toward emerging AI technologies among Chinese internet users in an online survey context. Full article

This review explores the hypothesis that schizophrenic symptoms may be understood not as isolated deficits, but as interconnected manifestations of a structural reorganization of consciousness. The premises of this work are grounded in a comparative matrix that suggests an underlying “consanguinity” between the philosopher’s voluntary epoché—the suspension of the natural attitude performed to study the inner workings of consciousness—and the involuntary “unworlding” passively experienced in schizophrenia. By exploring this shared ontological ground, the text suggests how specific phenomenological shifts, such as the collapse of the “vital drive,” may manifest as clinical markers; this process may eventually lead to an involuntary “transcendental reduction” where the mind’s internal machinery becomes an object of forced awareness. Building on these premises, the review tentatively outlines several key achievements. It addresses the substrate-subjectivity gap by linking biological sensory-binding failures to the onset of involuntary hyper-reflexivity. Regarding structural loss and gain of function, it suggests that the psychotic transition involves a simultaneous erosion of common-sense coherence and an intensified receptivity to unfiltered perceptual fragments, which may trigger a search for metaphysical meanings. In terms of a therapeutic synthesis, it proposes exploring the conversion of “artless decentering” into a manageable, strategic distance through mindfulness and person-centered position-taking. Finally, it discusses a potential nosographic evolution, advocating for future diagnostic classifications that prioritize the experiencing self and qualitative insights to support a more translational and empathetic approach to psychiatry. Full article

Aging is a complex physiological process influenced by various factors, including individuals’ mental attitude. This interaction between biological vulnerability and psychological resources characterizes the entire life course; however, in older age, it becomes particularly salient due to the higher prevalence of multimorbidity, frailty, functional decline, and existential transitions (e.g., retirement, bereavement, loss of social roles), which intensify the impact of mental outlook on adaptation and quality of survival. Optimism has gained growing attention in clinical practice as a psychological asset associated with better health. This has also encouraged the incorporation of optimism-enhancing strategies into geriatric care. However, encouraging optimism in older patients, although well intentioned, can create ethical tensions in clinical communication, decision-making, and care planning. Sensitivity should be paid to aspects such as education, cultural background and religion within interactions with older adult patients. Uncritical promotion of optimism can undermine autonomy, foster unrealistic expectations, or place emotional burdens on patients who may already feel vulnerable. The appeal of optimism should therefore be balanced with careful ethical consideration. Full article

Building users are key participants in demand response (DR) markets, providing significant flexible resources. Due to uncertainty in market clearing prices, various risk-based decision models have been developed to describe their bidding behavior, typically assuming constant risk preferences. However, empirical evidence indicates that users’ risk attitudes vary with the magnitude of load adjustments. To capture this feature, this paper introduces mental accounting theory to model the risk-aware bidding behavior of building users. Total response capacity is divided into three independent mental accounts based on air-conditioning setpoint adjustment magnitude, representing risk-averse, risk-neutral, and risk-seeking behaviors. This framework allows multiple risk preferences to be represented within a unified bidding model. For each account, response quantity and cost models are developed. Bidding strategies under uncertain market clearing prices are formulated by incorporating loss aversion. A multi-agent simulation framework, including building users, a load aggregator, and a grid operator, is established to simulate the market clearing process. A simulation study is conducted using 19 building clusters located in Zhuhai, China. The proposed model is compared with a single-bid model and a step-wise bidding model with constant risk preferences. The results show that it better captures building users’ multiple risk preferences under market clearing price uncertainty. Users tend to secure stable returns through responses with minimal comfort loss, while pursuing excess profits via higher bids for responses involving greater comfort sacrifices. Full article

Reducing food waste and promoting green consumption have emerged as critical priorities in the transition toward a more sustainable food system. Purchasing near-expired food (NEF) offers a pathway to address both issues simultaneously, yet the mechanisms underlying consumers’ intentions toward such products remain underexplored. This research investigates these mechanisms through two complementary studies conducted in China, focusing on near-expired bread as a representative product category. Study 1 (N = 1154) draws on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework to examine how key factors shape consumers’ purchase intentions toward near-expired bread. The results show that price discounts and longer remaining shelf life increase purchase intentions by enhancing perceived value and reducing perceived risk. Moreover, consumers’ normative beliefs with regard to food waste avoidance positively predict purchase intentions through heightened moral satisfaction. Study 2 (N = 746) employs a 2 × 3 between-subjects factorial experiment to test two types of retail interventions for near-expired bread: discount messages (50% vs. 10% off) and information framing (gain-framed vs. loss-framed). Extending Study 1, this experiment introduces two additional dependent variables—product attitudes and perceived environmental external benefits—to capture a broader range of consumer responses. ANCOVA results reveal that consumers with higher environmental concern exhibit stronger purchase intentions, more favorable product attitudes, and greater perceived environmental external benefits. Price discount messages significantly influence purchase intentions and product attitudes, whereas information framing affects purchase intentions and environmental external benefits. Notably, the two interventions interact to shape consumers’ perceptions of environmental external benefits. Together, these studies advance a comprehensive understanding of near-expired bread purchases and offer empirical guidance for designing effective retail communication strategies to promote green consumption and reduce food waste. Full article

To address climate change, reducing food loss along the production and supply chain is a global priority. Addressing this challenge requires a shift in agrifood systems toward greater sustainability, in which new technologies and novel foods appear as promising strategies. Among emerging novel foods, 3D-printed foods are an interesting new food technology for food loss reduction, resource optimization, and by-product valorization. However, to reach market success, it needs consumer acceptance, a topic far unexplored, particularly in the Italian context. To fill the literature gap, this article investigates Italian consumers’ intention toward 3D-printed savory snacks using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior, based upon the relevant literature. Survey data were collected, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed to test research hypotheses. Results show that attitude and subjective norms are the strongest predictors of purchase intention. In addition, perceived usefulness is shown to be a powerful construct, positively impacting attitude and subjective norms, while self-identity as a green consumer reinforces perceptions of the benefits of 3D-printed foods. Sensory appeal impacts consumer attitude. These insights have practical policy and micro-level applications, suggesting tailored strategies, educational campaigns, and supportive policies and marketing campaigns for fostering acceptance of 3D printing in the agrifood sector. Full article

Introduction: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Obesity-related complications can be managed through nutritional therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions, each capable of achieving weight loss of over 10%. Understanding patient preferences and the factors that influence treatment choices is crucial to enhancing adherence and effectiveness. This sub-study aimed to identify the factors shaping patient preferences for nutritional therapies in the context of available pharmacological and surgical options. Methods: A participatory action study recruited 43 patients aged 18–75 years with a BMI greater than 35 kg/m² and obesity-related complications, including metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Participants viewed a 60-min informational video outlining treatment options before taking part in one-to-one interviews. Data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Results: This sub-study focuses on patients who expressed distinct attitudes toward nutritional therapy. Of the participants, 47% preferred nutritional therapy, 41% chose pharmacotherapy alone, and 6% selected a combination of pharmacotherapy and nutritional therapy. Five themes emerged to explain the preference for nutritional therapy: patient satisfaction, the personalised approach, effectiveness, empowerment, and side effects. Discussion: Nutritional therapies were still the most popular choice of many patients, suggesting there remain unmet needs of patients and that it should not be assumed that large majorities of patients with obesity only want pharmacotherapies or surgical therapies. Conclusion: Ensuring patients receive comprehensive information and regular guidance from nutritional experts is likely to further strengthen engagement. Full article

Gastronomic tourism heritage represents a significant segment of intangible cultural heritage, reflecting traditional knowledge, local identity, and long-standing culinary practices. The contemporary development of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), opens new possibilities for its preservation, documentation, and sustainable interpretation within cultural tourism. The aim of this research is to examine the role of artificial intelligence as a tool for preserving gastronomic tourism heritage from the perspective of local community members in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia, regions characterised by shared gastronomic and cultural traditions. The study was conducted using a quantitative research design based on a structured questionnaire administered to 571 respondents. A convenience sampling approach was applied, targeting individuals involved in the preparation, transmission, or promotion of traditional gastronomy. Data were collected through a combination of field-based and online survey distribution. The analysis focuses on respondents’ perceptions of AI applications in documenting traditional recipes, interpreting gastronomic heritage, and promoting it within tourism, as well as on attitudes related to authenticity and cultural identity preservation. The findings indicate that, within the surveyed sample, artificial intelligence is generally perceived as a useful tool for safeguarding gastronomic heritage. At the same time, respondents emphasise the importance of transparent governance, community participation, and culturally sensitive implementation in order to minimise risks of commodification and loss of authenticity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) has been utilized to establish effective strategies for improving oral health in various communities. This study evaluated the effect of an educational strategy on mothers’ knowledge and practices regarding their children’s oral health. Methods: A before-and-after design was conducted in Santander, Colombia. The educational strategy was delivered through interactions with mothers via face-to-face and digital modalities. A structured questionnaire related to oral health knowledge and practices was administered before and after the educational intervention. Descriptive and paired tests were applied to observe statistically significant differences (before–after). Per-Protocol Analysis (PPA) and Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis were performed. Ethical approval was obtained (CEBIC, 2022). Results: Fifty-eight mothers participated (median age 27 ± IQR 7 years). Observed pre–post changes were observed in the knowledge and practice dimensions, with statistically significant increases in scores and a shift from lower to higher performance categories (p < 0.001). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (r = 0.34–0.96), although their magnitude should be interpreted cautiously. ITT analysis showing significant changes, despite the loss of follow-up. Subgroup analyses suggested post-changes across several of the sociodemographic variables. Given the small sample size and cell counts in some categories, these analyses should be considered exploratory. Conclusions: Pre–post analyses showed changes in knowledge and practices related to children’s oral health. However, the quasi-experimental design limits causal inference and the findings should be interpreted as changes associated with the intervention. Further research and intervention alternatives are recommended from multiethnic and multicultural perspectives. Full article

The primary objective of this research is to identify, analyse, and compare the development of risk management approaches adopted by Slovak industrial enterprises in two distinct economic periods: during a phase of economic growth (2019) and during a period of global crises and regional crises with significant global implications, which have had substantial global economic, energy, and security impacts, as well as the increasing intensity of cyber threats affecting enterprises in Slovakia (2022–2023). Emphasis is placed on identifying key factors influencing the effectiveness of risk management implementation, as well as on assessing the use of individual stages of the risk management process in business practice. The research has a quantitative character and consists of two empirical surveys conducted through questionnaire-based data collection. The first survey was carried out in 2019 under conditions of economic growth, while the second was conducted in 2022–2023 in the context of multiple global crises and regional crises, particularly the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global energy crisis, the military conflict in Ukraine, and increasing cyber threats. The first study obtained 450 valid responses, and the second obtained 390 responses from enterprises operating across various sectors of the private economy in Slovakia. The results of the study confirmed the existence of significant differences in companies’ approaches to risk management depending on the economic context. During the period of economic growth, the main reason for insufficient attention to risks was low staff motivation, with enterprises focusing primarily on risk identification, analysis, and assessment, and less on designing specific mitigation measures. In contrast, during the period of global crises and regional crises, companies’ attitudes shifted, with stronger resistance to implemented measures but, at the same time, increased attention to the development of risk-reduction actions. Neglecting systematic preventive steps increases companies’ vulnerability to crises, which may result in operational, financial, and reputational losses, delayed responses, and a decline in competitiveness. The two-phase nature of the research made it possible to capture the dynamics of managerial behaviour under different economic conditions and to formulate practical recommendations for integrating risk management into both strategic and operational levels of management. Full article

Short-wave infrared star sensors have become a key technology for all-time attitude determination within the atmosphere, in which the star identification algorithm plays a fundamental role. However, due to the limited number of detectable stars in infrared images, achieving robust and accurate identification remains challenging. To address this issue, this paper proposes a star identification algorithm based on ordered angular distance verification. The algorithm first extracts radial and adjacency features via full-field-of-view sorting to mitigate the impact of “edge loss”. It then employs a fast initial matching that combines hash table lookup with binary search, substantially reducing the number of candidate navigation stars requiring detailed matching. Subsequently, a local search matching procedure corrects index misalignment caused by false or missing stars, while angular distance invariance verification prevents false matches; the combination of these mechanisms significantly enhances the algorithm’s robustness. In simulations using 5000 star images, the proposed algorithm achieves an identification rate of 99.48%. It maintains a rate above 96% under position noise, magnitude noise, and false stars. The average processing time per star image is 10.57 ms, approximately 39% of that required by the conventional grid algorithm (27.01 ms). The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves high identification accuracy and maintains strong robustness in complex noise environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dominant models of successful aging emphasize health, autonomy, and active engagement, often excluding older adults belonging to vulnerable groups, such as those living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). This study aims to address this limitation by exploring how LTCF residents define “aging well” and by examining whether they perceive themselves as aging well according to their own criteria. Methods: A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 30 residents aged 67–95 living in three long-term care facilities located in Barcelona, Spain. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Five core themes emerged in the participants’ definitions of aging well: health, attitude, social ties, security, and activities. Health was the most frequently mentioned domain but was conceptualized in undemanding terms, focusing on basic autonomy and cognitive functioning. Psychological attitudes and meaningful social relationships were also key, alongside contextual factors, such as security and access to activities. Two-thirds of the participants perceived themselves as aging well, with justifications closely aligned with their personal definitions; negative self-perceptions were mainly associated with poor health, loss of autonomy, or loneliness. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, in contrast with academic definitions, LTCF residents define aging well in a broader, more context-sensitive manner, which allows them to view themselves positively despite their limitations. Person-centered care environments may play a crucial role in supporting aging well in institutional settings. Full article

This paper presents a broadband compact omnidirectional UHF antenna–radome package for airborne applications, where reliable communication, low observability, and electromagnetic compatibility are critical. Omnidirectional radiation is essential for maintaining consistent radio communication links regardless of aircraft attitude during flight. Conventional blade antennas achieve such coverage but suffer from increased aerodynamic drag, higher radar cross-section (RCS), and limited conformal integration capability. To address these limitations, a low-profile hybrid structure combining a patch radiator with a broadband monocone is proposed. An integrated metallic ground wall reduces sensitivity to installation surroundings, suppresses structural interference, and enhances RF (Radio Frequency) compatibility. The antenna achieves an electrical size of 0.555λ × 0.555λ × 0.072λ at 338 MHz. A lightweight sandwich-structured glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) radome is fabricated to ensure mechanical robustness and environmental protection while maintaining negligible RF loss. Measurements confirm a −10 dB bandwidth of 32.7%, stable omnidirectional radiation, and gain exceeding −0.2 dBi throughout the operating band with peak realized gain of 2.6 dBi within the investigated frequency range. The radome causes negligible gain degradation, with insertion loss below 0.4 dB. The proposed package provides a practical solution for airborne platforms requiring compact, broadband, and installation-resilient antenna systems. Full article