Search Results (12,692)

As an innovative approach to advancing sustainable construction, this study explores the integration of molybdenum tailings as fine aggregate in 3D-printed mortar. The rheological and mechanical properties of the developed mixtures are systematically investigated. Environmental and economic assessments demonstrate that molybdenum tailings sand exhibits negligible global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), and cumulative energy demand (CED), completely avoiding the environmental impacts associated with natural sand extraction. Economically, full replacement with molybdenum tailings reduces material costs, as the tailings are typically provided without charge by mining enterprises. Furthermore, the template-free 3D printing technology eliminates formwork-related environmental impacts and simplifies construction processes. Experimental results indicate that mortars with cement-to-sand ratios between 1:1 and 1:2 possess favorable printability, with nozzle movement parameters significantly influencing printed dimensions. While increased molybdenum tailings content reduces mechanical strength, the cement-to-sand ratio exerts a more pronounced effect. The compressive strength of mold-printed and free-printed mortar reaches 55–75% and 35–55% of conventional mortar, respectively. Anisotropy analysis reveals minimal directional dependence in flexural strength, whereas compressive strength shows clear anisotropy, with X-direction strength measuring approximately 70% of that in the Y direction. This research provides valuable insights into the sustainable design and performance optimization of 3D-printed mortar using industrial byproducts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Depressive disorders are among the most prevalent mental illnesses worldwide. Digital health interventions offer potential to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes in depression care. However, their sustainable integration into routine clinical practice remains limited. This study explored individual, organizational, external and contextual factors influencing digital health interventions implementation from the perspective of health professionals. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with health professionals (n = 9) were analyzed using a hybrid qualitative approach. First, structuring content analysis following Kuckartz was applied to systematically code and categorize the transcripts. Second, the resulting codes were mapped onto four domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (Outer Setting, Inner Setting, Process, and Characteristics of Individuals) to identify implementation-relevant barriers and facilitators. This combined approach ensured a transparent, theory-informed, and reproducible analysis of factors influencing digital health intervention implementation in depression care. Results: Key individual-level enablers included openness to innovation, motivation, and prior experience with digital tools. Organizational factors such as leadership support, designated facilitators, time, training, and IT infrastructure were critical. External factors included data protection, clear regulatory frameworks, reimbursement mechanisms, and scientific validation. Barriers involved limited digital skills, ambiguous responsibilities, and concerns about misuse or risks. Conclusions: The successful implementation of digital health interventions in depression care requires alignment with organizational structures, provider capabilities, and patient needs. Supportive leadership, tailored training, and clear external frameworks can enhance acceptance and sustainability. As complementary tools, digital health interventions can help optimize mental health services and improve patient outcomes. Full article

The present study explores the potential improvement of the mechanical properties of bio-based polyamide 11 (PA11) for demanding industrial application using natural and surface-treated mica at 1, 2 and 5 wt%. Suppressed water uptake by up to 4% was revealed with an unfavorable effect of the surface treatment. Impact strength decreased with filler content from 39.6 kJ m⁻² to between 22–10 kJ m⁻², while stiffness and resistance towards deformation improved: flexural modulus rose from 518.5 MPa to 596 MPa at 5 wt%-treated small particle, and elastic modulus changed from 542.7 MPa to 705.6 MPa. Particle size dependent trends were observed in crystallinity by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Surface treatment promoted the presence of a mesophase form, which was also presented by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) revealed increased internal friction, temperature-dependent modifications in the elastic properties and a glass transition temperature of 36.6 °C. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) proved an unusual decrease in basal spacing of mica from 9.92 to 9.82 Å due to silanization; however, the compounding process provoked some increase again up to 10.03 Å. Results highlight a viable pathway to modify the properties of PA11 with a primarily role in the filler concentration and dimensions over the surface characteristics. Full article

This paper presents a systematic literature review of articles that include a life cycle assessment and sustainability assessment to measure the potential impacts of seashell waste usage in concrete production, the geographical context, and existing knowledge gaps. Concrete’s extensive production has significant environmental impacts due to resource depletion and ecosystem threats. Sustainable alternatives, like seashell waste, are explored, with life cycle assessment and sustainability analysis aiding in evaluating their environmental performance and promoting circular economy principles. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive review of eco-concrete with seashell waste was conducted. Search strategies were refined to include related terms, and rigorous screening processes were employed for article selection and data extraction. A literature search yielded 66 articles on seashell waste in concrete, with 33 selected for review through initial and secondary screenings of studies. Studies primarily focused on seashells as an aggregate or cement substitute. Findings indicate that seashell waste as a construction material has been studied to a limited extent, with few studies utilizing life cycle assessment tools. However, some existing quantitative and qualitative sustainability analyses suggest seashell waste could be a promising and sustainable option for construction materials. Geographically, Spain leads in research, with China and Iran also prominent. Furthermore, we conducted a content analysis using Leximancer software to identify and evaluate concept maps through current research domains and emerging trends. Life cycle assessment, environment, and sustainability are common themes among the articles studied. This review also identifies limitations in bias, article heterogeneity, and search scope. Opportunities exist for a circular economy approach in cement production using seashell waste, but future research should explore its economic, environmental, and social impacts. Recommendations include expanding life cycle assessment studies, improving sustainability analyses, and using tools like the Integrated value model for sustainable evaluation. Full article

Background: Swimming is a common goal for children with disability, and the most popular sport for children in Australia. This study explored swimming and rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions of swimming for Australian children with disability. Methods: Rehabilitation and swimming professionals with recent experience working with children with disability completed an online survey. Quantitative data from binary and Likert-scale questions were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data from open-ended questions was evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis and mapped to the family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC). Results: Ninety-one swimming and 55 rehabilitation professionals (n = 146) responded. Most were confident supporting children with disability with swimming goals (rehabilitation = 71.6%, swimming = 73.8%) but had neutral–very low knowledge of para-swimming eligibility and classification (rehabilitation = 75%, swimming = 77.7%). Ten themes (33 code groups) covering all core elements of the fPRC were identified. Barriers/facilitators included pool accessibility (physical and sensory); program availability; affordability; acceptability (of content and culture); and having accommodating professionals and programs. Professionals believed that swimming programs should develop children’s confidence, water-safety, swimming skills, and fitness. Conclusion: Rehabilitation and swimming professionals should review existing programs to ensure they meet the needs of children with disability. Further research is needed to create an action plan to improve swimming participation for Australian children with disability. Full article

Addressing the multidimensional nature of structural racism requires a cross-sectoral response. Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is an organization in Chicago, Illinois that coordinates an annual Fellowship program for individuals from diverse institutions and social systems with the goal of building their capacity to do hyperlocal racial justice and systems change work. Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health partnered with CUE to design and conduct an evaluation study to assess the impact of the Fellowship. Twenty-four individuals who completed the Fellowship participated in semi-structured interviews that explored their experiences in the Fellowship. The UIC research team conducted qualitative content analysis of the interview transcript data. We found that the CUE Fellowship influenced the Fellows and their racial justice work by providing tools and exposure to racial justice concepts, fostering valuable relationships, and expanding the thinking of participants. The fellowship influenced the Fellows and their racial justice work within and across local institutions and social systems. This study highlighted how the program helped to build a network of racial justice leaders in Chicago and Cook County that are engaging in cross-sectoral systems change efforts, an essential aspect of addressing structural racism. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of Swedish patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) regarding intimacy and sexuality-related issues, and to explore both patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on discussing these topics. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study used two internet-based questionnaires: one targeting patients and the other healthcare professionals. The patient survey examined the impact of IBD and its treatment on relationships and sexuality, as well as expectations on healthcare support. The survey of healthcare professionals focused on experiences of discussing sexuality-related topics with IBD patients. Responses were analyzed using both quantitative and content analysis. Results: A total of 556 IBD patients and 118 healthcare professionals responded. Among patients, 78% reported difficulties related to relationships and sexuality, with physical symptoms like pain, fecal urgency, and bloating, and psychological problems such as fear of leakage and reduced sexual desire. Over half wished for these issues to be addressed in routine care, yet 84% had never initiated such discussions themselves. Among healthcare professionals, 23% never addressed issues of relationship and sexuality with patients, and another 50% did so only occasionally. Only 15% had access to qualified sexologists for referrals, and just 8% offered sexual rehabilitation after pelvic surgery. Conclusions: Sexual health is frequently compromised in IBD patients, especially in women, but remains insufficiently addressed in clinical practice. Both patients and healthcare professionals expressed a need for more open discussions about relationships and sexuality. Improving care requires routine screening, multidisciplinary support, and the development of guidelines for managing sexual dysfunction in IBD. Full article

The growing consumer interest in plant-based alternatives has encouraged the development of non-dairy versions of traditionally dairy-based products such as ice cream and frozen desserts. Soy milk, with its high protein content and favorable nutritional profile, is a promising alternative to cow’s milk in frozen desserts. The aim of this study was to develop frozen dessert recipes containing soy milk and assess their physical, chemical, and sensory properties. Physicochemical analyses of frozen dessert included measurements of pH, specific gravity, total solids, moisture content, ash content, overrun, and melting resistance. Air sell size distribution was examined microscopically. Sensory evaluation was conducted by a trained panel. Nutritional composition was also analyzed. The pH of the frozen dessert increased from 7.2 to 7.5 with higher soy milk content. Specific gravity of the frozen dessert rose from 589.0 to 634.4 kg/m³, while total solids content increased from 20.61 to 28.99%, and ash content rose from 0.33 to 0.98%. Overrun of the frozen dessert dropped from 73.2% to 50.1%, and melting resistance declined from 72.8% to 54.1% with increased soy milk levels. Frozen dessert samples containing soy milk demonstrated high sensory scores due to their smooth texture, pleasant flavor, and uniform consistency. Replacing cow’s milk with soy milk in frozen dessert recipes is a feasible strategy for producing plant-based frozen desserts with acceptable quality and improved nutritional attributes. Future research should explore flavor enhancement and functional enrichment, particularly through the incorporation of freeze-dried fruits and berries, to diversify the product range and meet consumer demands for health-oriented desserts. This research supports sustainable food innovation by reducing dependence on animal-derived ingredients and promoting the use of plant-based proteins. The development of soy milk-based frozen dessert aligns with global efforts to lower the environmental impact of food production and respond to growing consumer demand for eco-conscious dietary choices. Full article

This study explores how higher mathematics education can be reoriented towards greater sustainability, thereby better preparing students to meet the challenges of the future and supporting their sustainable employability. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted to explore the lived experiences of university mathematics teachers (N = 6) integrating sustainability principles into their teaching practice. Data were collected through interviews, which revealed five thematic areas: responsibility for contributing to a sustainable future, pedagogical contradictions, ways of promoting sustainability, finding community and transdisciplinarity. These themes formed the basis of strategic principles including multi-level integration, methodological and content support, professional community development and transdisciplinarity embedded in a non-linear, cyclical implementation model. Results show that effective integration requires a combination of individual motivation with systemic institutional support, access to structured resources, and collaboration across institutions and disciplines. The proposed framework not only aligns mathematics education with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also enhances students’ ability to apply mathematical tools to solve complex real-world problems, contributing to their long-term professional sustainability and adaptation to different educational contexts. Full article

This study focuses on the experiences of female Paralympic athletes in Brazil through the lens of feminist disability studies. It is a qualitative study, grounded in the voices of disabled women, positioning them as the foundation of knowledge within a post-structuralist epistemological framework. The research involved in-depth interviews with four Brazilian Female Paralympians, conducted using a predefined interview guide, and the data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The athletes were between 25 and 34 years of age and had experience competing in international competitions. From their narratives, two distinct yet interconnected categories emerge: (1) Being a disabled woman and (2) Like sportswomen. Disabled women have shown that they navigate an ableist and sexist society as disabled women within the context of sport; at the same time, they embody an empowered and inspirational identity as sportswomen. By exploring these perspectives, this study highlights the need to challenge and redefine societal perceptions and expectations surrounding disability. It provides insights into the experiences and agency of female Paralympic athletes. Full article

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a significant class of polyphenolic compounds found in grapes, playing important roles in human health and plant stress resistance. Previous studies have shown that the VvMYBPA1/PA2-VvWDR1-VvMYC2 (MBW) complex can regulate the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins, and some studies have shown that the homologous genes of VvWRKY26 are involved in the biosynthesis of proanthocyanins and anthocyanins in Arabidopsis thaliana and petunias, but the molecular mechanism of VvWRKY26 in regulating the biosynthesis of proanthocyanins in grapes is still unclear. In this study, we found that the content of proanthocyanidins and the expression of related structural genes were significantly increased by salicylic acid (SA) incubation in grapes during the color transition period. Overexpression of VvWRKY26 in grapevine healing tissues revealed that overexpression of VvWRKY26 significantly promoted the accumulation of proanthocyanidins and up-regulation of related structural genes when compared with the empty vector. Further investigation into the interaction mechanisms through yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed that VvWRKY26 can interact with VvMYBPA1/PA2, VvMYC2, and VvWDR1 to form VvMYBPA1/PA2-VvWDR1-VvMYC2-VvWRKY26 (W-MBW) complex. Through yeast one-hybrid assays and dual-luciferase reporter analysis, it was confirmed that VvWRKY26 could bind to the promoters of VvANR and VvLAR2 and activate their activity. Finally, through the co-overexpression of VvWRKY26 and MBW complex, it was discovered that the promoting activity of VvANR and VvLAR2, as well as the biosynthesis of PAs, were significantly enhanced, which was much higher than the effect of the MBW complex alone, while the opposite occurred after co-interference. In conclusion, this study explored the role of VvWRKY26 in the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins in grapes after the interaction with the MBW complex to form W-MBW under SA incubation, providing a new regulatory mechanism for the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins in grapes. Full article

In light of the growing concerns of consumers who are increasingly turning towards healthier food options, both researchers and producers in the food industry are exploring the use of agro-industrial by-products as nutritionally valuable ingredients. This strategy not only enables the development of value-added food products, but also supports sustainability through the valorization of waste. Blackcurrant pomace (BP), a by-product obtained after juice extraction, has been shown to be rich in bioactive compounds, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and anthocyanin pigments. For these reasons, the innovative aspect of the study was its use of different proportions of BP powder, 5%, 10%, and 15%, when obtaining new varieties of stirred yogurt. This study assesses the impact of BP powder on the stirred yogurt’s antioxidant content, physicochemical properties, color, microbiological characteristics, and sensory qualities. The findings showed that BP powder intensified the yogurts’ coloration and considerably improved their antioxidant activity (which ranged from 8.21 ± 0.35 to 21.15 ± 0.49 µmol TE/g DM) and nutritional quality. The panelists’ positive acceptance was confirmed by sensory evaluation, and the 10% BP formulation (DBBP2) was rated as the most favorable. These results show that BP is a valuable ingredient for enhancing dairy products, creating nutritious, appealing yogurts while promoting sustainable food production and valorization of food waste. Full article

Facility agriculture is essential for modernizing the production of horticultural plants, while long-standing over-fertilization and improper tillage in some vegetable facilities in northern China have resulted in reduced soil quality, increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and diminished vegetable yields and quality. This study systematically analyzed the deteriorating health of typical cucumber facility soils in Hebei Province, China, induced by long-term over-fertilization. Based on field surveys, we explored dynamic changes in soil physicochemical properties across different durations of over-fertilization. Subsequently, a series of field trials were conducted to assess whether reducing nitrogen application, either alone or when combined with microbial agents, could ameliorate soil properties, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance cucumber productivity. The initial field assessment revealed severe topsoil salt and nutrient accumulation, with water-soluble salt content in 5-year-old greenhouses from Yongqing soaring to 3.82 g·kg⁻¹, nearly eight times the level found in 1-year-old plots. Field experiments demonstrated that a 20% reduction in nitrogen application from the conventional rate of 900 kg·hm⁻² effectively mitigated salt accumulation, improved the structure of the microbial community, and maintained cucumber yield at 66,914 kg·hm⁻², an output comparable to conventional practices. More notably, integrating this 20% nitrogen reduction with an inoculation of Bacillus megaterium reduced the overall global warming potential by 26.7% and simultaneously increased cucumber yield to 72,747 kg·hm⁻². The most comprehensive strategy combined deep tillage, soybean straw incorporation, and B. megaterium application under reduced nitrogen, which boosted nitrogen use efficiency by 13.7% and achieved the highest yield among all treatments. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that a combined approach of nitrogen reduction, microbial amendment, and straw application offers an effective strategy to restore soil health, enhance crop productivity, and mitigate environmental impacts in protective vegetable production systems. Full article

A sustainable economy and the drive to reduce agro-industrial waste worldwide motivate the increased interest in alternative uses of traditionally cultivated plants such as tobacco. Tobacco seeds are an underutilized resource with enormous potential for application in various areas of human life. The present study aims to characterize the phytochemical composition and nutritional potential of Oriental tobacco seeds grown in Bulgaria, in order to support their possible application in areas outside the tobacco industry. Two Oriental tobacco varieties (“Krumovgrad 90” and “Krumovgrad 58”) from three production regions were explored and comparatively evaluated in terms of their physical and chemical indicators, determined by standardized methods. The results showed high protein (22.57–23.84%) and energy content (482–531 kcal/100 g), combined with relatively low carbohydrate levels (3.79–4.03%) and the presence of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols (288–357 mg GAE/100 g). The seeds contained significant amount of oil (36.31–39.24%), of which the fatty acid profile included 16 identified components, with linoleic (72.0–74.4%), oleic (11.2–13.5%), palmitic (9.6–10.2%), and stearic (1.8–2.5%) acids taking the greatest share. The sterol fraction was dominated by β-sitosterol (43.5–46.8%), followed by sitostanol, campesterol and stigmasterol, with a stable distribution between the samples. The main tocol was γ-tocotrienol (56.5–61.4%), with α-tocotrienol being detected only in one of the varieties (“Krumovgrad 58”, 13.3%). The phospholipid fraction showed variations between the samples, with a dominant presence of phosphatidylinositol (18.0–20.4%). The results from the study confirmed the tangible potential of tobacco seeds as a source of biologically active substances in the development of functional foods and dietary supplements. Full article

Background: The GLA:D^® program is an evidence-based intervention widely used in Western countries to improve knee function and exercise adherence among individuals with osteoarthritis. However, its application in postoperative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) populations is limited, particularly in Asia. This study evaluated two modified GLA:D^® interventions tailored to the Korean clinical environment. Methods: Patients who underwent TKA participated in one of two programs. The GLA:D-M group received therapist-supervised neuromuscular training with structured progression. The GLA:D-C group received a modified GLA:D^® program with additional lower-limb strengthening, primarily conducted as home-based exercise. Outcomes at 3 and 6 months included functional performance, isokinetic strength, gait speed, and psychosocial measures. Statistical significance, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and effect sizes were used to assess clinical relevance. Results: Both groups improved; however, recovery patterns differed. GLA:D-M demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) and clinically meaningful improvements in functional and psychosocial outcomes, exceeding MCID thresholds with large effect sizes. GLA:D-C showed significant gains in lower-limb strength, but many changes did not meet the MCID and did not consistently translate into higher-level functional recovery. These findings suggest that supervised neuromuscular training may facilitate more comprehensive recovery than home-based strengthening alone. Conclusions: Adapting the GLA:D^® program for TKA patients in a Korean clinical setting was feasible and beneficial. Additionally, the delivery method, particularly therapist supervision, played a vital role in maximizing outcomes. Both program content and delivery format should be considered in rehabilitation models. Larger, long-term studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore broader clinical applications. Full article