Search Results (3,078)

Existing methods for assessing the stability of deep tunnel face rarely account for the weakening effect of rock mass parameters caused by excavation disturbance. This paper employs a vertical discretization method to divide the rigid failure body into vertical strip elements with fixed horizontal widths. By considering the weakening effect of rock mass parameters, a stability analysis model for the tunnel face is established. The equivalent cohesion and internal friction angle of the rock mass are obtained using the Hoek–Brown criterion and the equivalent Mohr–Coulomb transformation. Combined with the disturbance weakening factor, these yield the equivalent rock mass parameters after disturbance. Stability is solved using limit analysis and the principle of virtual power. The accuracy of the established model is verified through numerical simulation, demonstrating that the proposed analytical approach requires only about 90 s per run compared to approximately 7 h for 3D numerical models. The results indicate that the importance of parameters, in descending order under the specified reference conditions for deep-buried tunnels, is GSI > D_r > h₁ > m_i, where GSI play a dominant role. Excavation disturbance significantly reduces rock mass strength numerically. Assessing GSI and controlling the blasting disturbance are key to ensuring the stability of deep tunnels. Full article

This study examined the influence of the follicular (FP) and luteal phases (LP) of the menstrual cycle on sweat rate, estimated sweat sodium concentration, heart rate, hydration status, fluid intake, and perceived exertion in first-division university female football players. A small sample of eight athletes completed two monitored training sessions, one in each estimated-menstrual phase, following a repeated-measures field-based design under habitual training conditions. Sweat rate was determined using pre- to post-exercise body mass changes and microfluidic sweat patches, while estimated sweat sodium concentration was obtained via wearable colorimetric sensors. Heart rate was continuously monitored, hydration status was assessed using urine specific gravity, fluid intake was recorded, and perceived exertion was evaluated using the Borg CR-10 scale. Sweat rate was significantly higher during LP compared with FP (0.83 ± 0.20 vs. 0.55 ± 0.25 L·h⁻¹, p = 0.026), alongside greater estimated sweat sodium concentration (695 ± 305 vs. 404 ± 159 mg·L⁻¹, p = 0.031) and higher perceived exertion (4.63 ± 1.41 vs. 3.13 ± 0.83, p = 0.021). Fluid intake was also significantly greater during LP (0.99 ± 0.19 vs. 0.49 ± 0.25 L, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for urine specific gravity, mean heart rate, or total body mass change (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the luteal phase may be associated with higher thermoregulatory and perceptual responses during football training, highlighting the potential importance of menstrual cycle-informed hydration and training management strategies in female athletes. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical response of a seated operator subjected to whole-body vibrations generated by two agricultural tractors with different propulsion systems: a diesel model (TD80D) and an electric prototype (TE-0). An integrated experimental–numerical approach was employed, combining triaxial accelerometer measurements under real operating conditions (constant speed of 5 km/h on unprepared terrain) with random vibration response simulations performed in Altair SimSolid. The excitation input for the numerical model was defined using frequency-dependent power spectral density (PSD) functions derived from experimentally measured acceleration signals and scaled to a representative global RMS value. The analysis focused on the distribution of mechanical stress in key anatomical regions of a virtual human dummy in a seated posture, including the foot sole, knee, lumbar region, and head. The results indicate that, under the analysed conditions, the electric tractor (TE-0) exhibits improved vibration attenuation, leading to significant reductions in mechanical stress across all analysed regions, with decreases of up to 56.3% at the foot sole, 50.0% at the knee, 53.3% in the lumbar region, and 91.1% at the head compared to the diesel tractor (TD80D). These findings highlight the relevance of integrating experimental measurements with numerical simulation for assessing operator exposure to vibrations and suggest that electric tractor configurations may provide improved biomechanical comfort under the analysed operating conditions. Full article

This review aggregates the latest reports on the role of environmental factors in the male reproductive system and cancer development. We analyzed environmental pollution-related studies and disorders of mechanisms responsible for defense against the impact of xenobiotics on prostate cancer. We focused on polymorphisms that, when exposed to environmental stressors, might exacerbate an organism’s defense mechanisms against the effects of xenobiotics. It is well known that environmental factors, such as toxic heavy metal pollution, xenobiotic exposure, and undue and differentiated stressors, affect the human reproductive system. There were many studies suggesting an association between these factors and prostate cancer development, but there are still no unambiguous or conclusive results. Investigations of specific marker changes that occur in response to varied environmental stressors are also critical to mutual relations. They focus on the influence of chemical element destabilization and heavy metal pollution on organisms and the environment. Simultaneously, antioxidant enzymatic mechanisms in conditions of anthropogenic impact and the influence of polymorphisms in genes involved in genetic material damage under stress conditions were also studied. This review aims to provide essential data suggesting the role of environmental factors in the initiation and development of carcinogenic processes in the male reproductive system based on prostate cancer cases. It further clarifies this field’s current needs and research directions. It is possible to conclude that there is a relationship between the studied polymorphisms and antioxidant mechanisms, lipoperoxidation, and trace element concentrations in the blood of men with prostate cancer. The results indicate the need to consider environmental factors as necessary in assessing the risks resulting from exposure to oxidative stress in prostate cancer patients. Available data suggest the existence of interactions between exposure to environmental stressors and increased susceptibility to cancers, including male reproductive system cancers. Differentiated chemical elements introduced into the body may play a significant role. Individuals with cancer have a disturbed antioxidant enzyme status, which could be a basis for decreased defense against carcinogenic factors or the effect of disturbed body balance caused by the carcinogenic process. In turn, studies of repair gene polymorphism may indicate disorders of proteins needed for the organism’s defense against xenobiotics. The analysis presented provides data for conclusive population-based studies of the impact of environmental factors on the carcinogenic process in the male reproductive system. This review provides a basis for constructing current needs and the research direction in the discussed field of knowledge. This will allow for a precise study of the explanation of possible multilateral interactions between exposure to varied environmental stressors and the increased incidence of male reproductive system cancer at present. Full article

This qualitative study investigates the challenges teachers face when teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to deaf (in this article, deaf (lower case) refers to the audiological condition of hearing loss, whereas Deaf (capitalized) is used to denote individuals who identify as members of the Deaf community and share a common sign language and distinct cultural values) and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students in German schools for the Deaf. The study is situated within a structural–theoretical professionalization framework, which focuses on the relationship between institutional conditions, teacher education structures, and professional action. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 teachers of DHH students and the data were examined using qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal five central areas of challenge: (1) heterogeneity of the student body; (2) limited time (for preparing and adapting materials); (3) restricted subject-matter and sign-language competence, including missing links between EFL didactics and Deaf education in teacher training; (4) uncertainties surrounding the language design of EFL instruction, particularly the role of American Sign Language (ASL), German Sign Language (DGS), and written English; and (5) the lack of consistent, accessible exam formats and standards. Teachers report substantial insecurity due to the absence of coherent concepts, policy frameworks, and specialized training pathways, which fosters divergent classroom practices and tensions within teaching staff. The results highlight an urgent need for systematic integration of Deaf education, sign language training, and EFL pedagogy in teacher education, as well as for evidence-based guidelines on language classroom practice and assessment for DHH learners. Full article

Background: Dysphagia and malnutrition are common among head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Evidence and guidelines emphasize treatment and prevention of these conditions before surgery. In this context, multimodal prehabilitation (MP) is an essential part of a holistic treatment approach. However, the specific components and their relative importance remain debated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nutritional, logopedic and psychological MP. Methods: Adult HNSCC patients who completed the German version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Head and Neck (FACT-H&N) quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire after undergoing curative resection and reconstructive surgery were included in this cross-sectional study. Clinical data on psychological, logopedic and nutritional MP and possible confounders was collected. To evaluate the nutritional status, bodyweight loss, the body mass index (BMI) and the Graz Malnutrition Screening (GMS) score were recorded. We determined the length of stay (LOS), the QOL, the Clavien–Dindo type III and IV complication rate (CR) as the outcome parameters for MP. Results: In total, 102 patients were included. Of those, 68 were male, while the other 34 were female. The mean age was 59.82 ± 12.27 years. The average GMS was 3.11 ± 1.45. Simultaneously, 62.75% of patients were at risk or malnourished. Malnutrition was significantly associated with adverse outcomes in the univariate, but only with decreased QOL in the multivariate model. On the other hand, MP was significantly associated with reduced LOS and improved QOL. These findings remained robust even after adjustment for possible confounders. Neither had a significant effect on the CR. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that malnutrition is a potential risk factor for adverse outcomes in curative HNSCC therapy. The GMS is a sensitive tool for identifying patients at risk of malnutrition in HNSCC surgery prehabilitation. Our multimodal protocol was associated with improved postoperative outcomes following curative surgical resection and free flap reconstruction. The observed associations may reflect potential synergistic interactions within the multimodal framework. Full article

In recent decades, triazine herbicides (THs), one of the most widely used agrochemicals, have been extensively applied to enhance crop yields. However, their persistent nature and high mobility have resulted in pervasive contamination of aquatic ecosystems, posing significant risks to non-target organisms and human health through bioaccumulation and endocrine disruption. Addressing THs pollution in water bodies has thus emerged as a critical environmental challenge. This study reviews the efficacy of biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass pyrolysis, for TH removal due to its high surface area, hierarchical porosity, and tunable surface functionality. The maximum reported adsorption capacities are up to 260.5 mg·g⁻¹; with degradation efficiencies, they can exceed 99.5% in advanced oxidation systems. Mechanistic investigations reveal that TH removal primarily involves π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, pore filling, and electrostatic attraction during adsorption, while degradation proceeds via radical pathways (e.g., •OH, SO₄^•−) and nonradical routes (e.g., ¹O₂, direct electron transfer) in processes such as persulfate activation, photocatalysis, and Fenton-like reactions. By analyzing degradation intermediates and pathways, this review underscores the necessity of coupling adsorption with advanced oxidation to achieve complete mineralization and mitigate secondary ecological risks. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of tailoring biochar’s physicochemical properties through feedstock selection, pyrolysis conditions, and chemical modifications to optimize THs’ removal performance. This work advocates for the integration of biochar-based technologies into sustainable water treatment frameworks, aligning with carbon neutrality goals and circular economy principles. Future research should prioritize scalable synthesis methods, long-term stability assessments, and field-scale validations to translate laboratory insights into practical solutions for safeguarding global water resources. However, realizing this potential requires that we overcome challenges related to matrix interference, catalyst deactivation, and incomplete mineralization, which are often overlooked in laboratory-scale studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Warthin’s tumor (WT) is a benign parotid neoplasm increasingly managed with tissue-preserving surgical approaches to reduce postoperative morbidity. Partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) and extracapsular dissection (ECD) are commonly performed, whereas extracapsular enucleation (EN) remains less systematically evaluated. This study compared postoperative morbidity among EN, PSP, and ECD in a matched cohort of patients with unifocal WT. Methods: A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center, including patients with histologically confirmed, unifocal WT treated between 2009 and 2023. A total of 360 patients were organized into 120 matched triplets (EN, PSP, ECD), with exact matching on age group and sex and balancing for smoking status, body mass index, and alcohol use. To enable comparison under technically uncomplicated conditions, cases with documented intraoperative capsular rupture or tumor spillage were excluded. The primary endpoint was overall postoperative morbidity, defined as the occurrence of at least one predefined complication. Associations between surgical technique and morbidity were assessed using conditional logistic regression, with estimation of odds ratios (ORs), absolute risk differences (RDs), and numbers needed to treat (NNT). Results: Overall complication rates were 8.3% after EN, 29.2% after ECD, and 32.5% after PSP (p < 0.001). EN was associated with lower odds of postoperative complications compared with ECD (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.10–0.50) and PSP (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08–0.41). Adjusted absolute risks were 8.3% for EN, 29.3% for ECD, and 32.4% for PSP, corresponding to absolute risk differences of 21% and 24% and numbers needed to treat of 4.8 and 4.2, respectively. Conclusions: In this selected cohort of unifocal, anatomically favorable Warthin’s tumors without intraoperative capsular violation, ΕΝ was associated with lower observed postoperative morbidity compared with ECD and PSP. These findings are context-dependent and reflect outcomes achieved under strict selection and technical conditions. Therefore, they should not be extrapolated to anatomically complex, inflamed, or diagnostically uncertain lesions. Prospective multicenter studies with standardized selection criteria are warranted to better define the role of EN in contemporary WT management. Full article

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) is critically influenced by redox balance, which may be severely disrupted under drug-induced liver injury. This study evaluated oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory markers in rats subjected to 70% PH following acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxicity and assessed the preventive effect of the microalga Desmodesmus armatus. Reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), serum aminotransferases, bilirubin, and C-reactive protein were analyzed 0–168 h post-hepatectomy. APAP intoxication markedly increased mitochondrial ROS production, suppressed mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity, and prolonged elevations of ALT, AST, bilirubin, and CRP, accompanied by severe histological damage. Preventive administration of D. armatus suspension (10 mL/kg body weight at 1.5 × 10⁶ and 1.5 × 10⁷ cells/mL) attenuated oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. It significantly reduced ROS levels, restored mitochondrial antioxidant defenses, decreased cytolytic and cholestatic markers, and mitigated systemic inflammation. Overall, D. armatus exhibited hepatoprotective and redox-modulating properties, which may contribute to a more favorable microenvironment for liver recovery under toxic conditions. These findings highlight the potential of microalgae-based interventions as supportive strategies for reducing liver injury and improving recovery following acute liver injury. Full article

The integration of rapidly renewable biomass into insect production systems has been proposed as a strategy to improve resource-use efficiency in insect production. This study evaluated the graded inclusion levels of dried watermeal (Wolffia globosa) in diets of two-spotted crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) and assessed voluntary nutrient regulation under free-choice feeding. Four fixed-inclusion diets (0%, 25%, 35%, and 45% watermeal) and one self-selection treatment were tested over 28 days. Growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (Surv), production index (PI), and whole-body composition were determined. Repeated-measures analysis using linear mixed-effects models indicated that treatment, week, and their interaction were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.024). However, partial R² analysis showed that the independent contributions of treatment and week were negligible, whereas the treatment × week interaction explained measurable variance, indicating that dietary effects were primarily expressed through time-dependent responses. Segmented regression identified a breakpoint at 35% watermeal inclusion (95% CI: 24.93–45.07), indicating that PI was the highest within a moderate supplementation range under the present fixed-diet conditions rather than at a precise single optimum. Inclusion levels beyond this threshold reduced performance. Under free-choice conditions, crickets progressively increased watermeal intake with age and maintained stable nitrogen-free extract (NFE):crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE):CP intake ratios, selecting an average of 25–35% watermeal over the experimental period. This supplementation range improved feed efficiency and protein deposition while limiting lipid accumulation, suggesting improved energy–protein balance and nutrient partitioning. The self-selection result is interpreted as evidence of behavioral intake regulation under choice conditions and not as direct validation of the segmented-regression breakpoint. Collectively, these findings provide complementary statistical and behavioral evidence supporting a biologically relevant moderate inclusion range (approximately 30–35%) of dried watermeal. Full article

The installation of floating offshore wind turbines presents significant operational challenges due to coupled vessel platform dynamics and sensitivity to environmental conditions. This study proposes a response-based methodology for defining allowable operational limits and assessing operability for floating wind turbine generator (WTG) installation using the Nordic Wind concept. The approach integrates hydrodynamic modelling, time-domain simulations, and probabilistic weather-window analysis to evaluate installation feasibility under realistic offshore conditions. The methodology explicitly accounts for coupled vessel spar interactions, heading-dependent system response, and response-based failure criteria, including relative motion, gripper forces, and impact velocity. Allowable sea-state limits are derived for key installation phases and applied to multiple case studies representing different geographical locations and project scales. The results show that installation operability is governed primarily by system response rather than environmental parameters alone. Peak wave period and wave heading are identified as dominant factors, with longer wave periods leading to reduced operability due to response amplification. Across all case studies, the mating phase is found to be the most restrictive operation, controlling overall installation feasibility. Head sea conditions generally provide improved operability, while following seas lead to increased relative motion and reduced performance. The comparative analysis further demonstrates that environmental severity and project scale jointly influence installation duration. Milder environments result in higher operability, whereas harsher conditions, particularly those characterised by long-period swell, significantly reduce feasible weather windows. Larger installation campaigns increase cumulative exposure to weather downtime, even under favourable conditions. The proposed framework extends existing operability assessment methods by incorporating coupled multi-body dynamics and response-based criteria specific to floating wind installations. The results provide a quantitative basis for defining operational limits and support improved planning and decision making for offshore wind turbine installation. Full article

Lymphedema is a chronic condition marked by swelling in the body’s soft tissues due to impaired or damaged lymphatic function. Lymphedema is estimated to affect about 1 in 1000 in the United States and 1.4 per 1000 based on two European studies. Lymphedema diagnosis relies on clinical visual assessment by physicians, and the quantitative evaluation of lymphatic function is not widely employed due to the lack of standardized and validated metrics. Lymphoscintigraphy is considered the practical gold standard for evaluating lymphedema. With the emergence of advanced surgical therapies, there is a growing demand for quantitative evaluation metrics to objectively evaluate treatment response. To address this unmet need, we reviewed various methods of quantitative lymphoscintigraphy (qLSG) that were used for assessing lymphedema. We found that multiple qLSG approaches have been described. Moreover, the protocols vary widely in terms of tracer type, injection route, dosage, and exercise interventions. We compared the quantitative assessment strategies and highlighted the approaches that may help provide a more objective lymphedema diagnosis and follow-up. Full article

Objective: Back pain is a multifactorial condition commonly associated with degenerative spinal changes. Spondylophytes are frequent outgrowths of the vertebral bodies that may be influenced by arterial hypertension via a possible increased pulsation of the aorta and its effects on bone remodeling. If it can be demonstrated that an increased pulse pressure in the aorta due to hypertension promotes the growth of spondylophytes and thereby increases the likelihood of back pain, future studies may investigate how the effectiveness of blood pressure management can be improved in order to reduce the prevalence of degenerative changes in the spine and, consequently, prevent back pain. This study investigated the association between arterial hypertension and thoracic spondylophyte formation using whole-body MRI data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). Materials and Methods: Spondylophyte presence and area were assessed for their association with hypertension status in 859 SHIP-START-3 participants who underwent whole-body MRI. Right-sided spondylophytes at T8-T11 were measured on axial T2-weighted sequences. Hypertension was defined by self-report or antihypertensive medication use; a sensitivity analysis was conducted using the 2024 European Society of Cardiology definition (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg). Multivariate regression models adjusted for age, sex, obesity, and smoking were used to assess associations. Machine learning algorithms were applied for validation. Results: Spondylophytes were present in 87.7% of participants. Hypertension was significantly associated with spondylophyte presence (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.15–3.81) but not consistently associated with spondylophyte size. Spondylophyte size increased from T8 to T11, and was associated with age, male sex, and obesity. Sensitivity analyses widely confirmed robustness of the analysis. Conclusions: This population-based MRI study investigates the still insufficiently studied relationship between arterial hypertension and the formation of thoracic spondylophytes. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that hypertension may be associated with spinal bone remodelling, though causal inference remains limited by the cross-sectional study design. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causality and clinical relevance for spinal degeneration and back pain. Full article

Understanding the reproductive physiology of marine fish is critical for sustainable fisheries management, particularly under environmental variability. This study evaluated seasonal changes in body parameters (condition factor, Kn, and gonadosomatic index, GSI, as proxies for body condition and reproductive status, respectively) and biochemical composition (P, proteins; G, glucose; L, lipids; fatty acids; and bioenergetic ratios L/P, LG, all as proxy of integrated biochemical condition) of female gonads in Strangomera bentincki, a key pelagic species in the Humboldt Current System (HCS) off south-central Chile. Moreover, environmental factors (sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a) were also analyzed to explore their influence on the FA profile of gonads. Female body parameters showed significant seasonal variations, with high values of Kn and GSI in autumn and spring, respectively. The biochemical composition also revealed significant seasonal variation in protein and glucose content, with the highest protein levels in winter and elevated glucose in autumn. While total lipid and energy content remained relatively stable across seasons, the L/P and L/G ratios presented seasonal variations. Similarly, the fatty acid composition showed pronounced seasonal differences, particularly with increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., DHA) in winter. The SST was the environmental factor with the greatest influence on the seasonal variations in the gonadal FA profile. Altogether, these findings suggest a partial capital breeding strategy in S. bentincki, where reproductive investment depends on both accumulated reserves and environmental conditions during reproduction. This study underscores the importance of incorporating reproductive biochemical indicators into ecosystem-based fisheries management models to improve assessments of stock health and reproductive potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor diet quality is common among young Saudi adults, characterised by high fast-food intake and low fruit and vegetable consumption. This study investigated the association between diet quality and lifestyle factors using a validated short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI). Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design, gathering responses through a self-completed online questionnaire. Demographic data were collected. Diet quality was assessed using the Arabic version of the sHEI, physical activity was evaluated with the Arabic short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and sleep quality was measured using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Saudi residents aged 18–25 years were eligible; pregnant or lactating individuals and those with chronic conditions affecting dietary intake were excluded. Results: Among 478 participants (mean age 21.1 ± 1.9 years), 88.1% were female, 24.7% were overweight or obese, and half reported poor diet quality. Moderation scores were slightly higher (54.2% high), whereas adequacy scores were nearly equal (49.8% high and 50.2% low). Most participants reported low physical-activity levels (78.5%) and poor sleep quality (55.2%). Sleep quality was significantly associated with all diet quality measures, increasing the odds of good total sHEI (OR = 1.74, p = 0.003), adequacy (OR = 1.49, p = 0.034), and moderation (OR = 1.54, p = 0.021). Conclusions: Sleep quality is significantly associated with diet quality among young Saudi adults. While body mass index and physical activity showed no significant associations, improving sleep quality may promote healthier dietary behaviours. Future studies should explore pathways linking sleep and diet. Full article