Search Results (50)

Background/Objectives: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), encompassing tumors of the bile ducts, gallbladder, or ampulla of Vater, are notoriously hard to manage, especially when surgery is off the table and standard chemotherapy provides only modest benefits. While emerging treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise, mixed clinical trial results and varied study endpoints have left their true impact unclear. This concise review consolidates current evidence on combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy to clarify whether these regimens can significantly improve outcomes and steer more effective treatment strategies for BTCs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective comparative studies published from January 2010 to December 2024. Fixed-effect meta-analyses (inverse-variance method) were used as the primary approach, with random-effects models (REML) performed as sensitivity analyses to confirm robustness were performed to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses and Egger’s tests assessed result stability and publication bias. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in OSF. Results: Two RCTs (n = 1754; chemoimmunotherapy n = 874, chemotherapy n = 880) were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Compared to chemotherapy alone, chemoimmunotherapy significantly reduced the risk of death by 20% (OS, HR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.72–0.89; I² = 0%) and the risk of disease progression or death by 19% (PFS, HR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.73–0.90; I² = 33.5%). Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses confirmed result stability. Egger’s tests showed no significant publication bias (OS p = 0.30; PFS p = 0.40). Two additional studies (IMbrave 151 and Monge 2022) lacking comparative survival data were qualitatively assessed. Conclusions: Chemoimmunotherapy significantly improves OS and PFS compared with chemotherapy alone in advanced BTC, with consistent findings across included trials. These results support the incorporation of chemoimmunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic strategy. Future research should prioritize biomarker-driven patient selection, evaluation of long-term clinical outcomes, and integration of targeted therapies with chemoimmunotherapy. Full article

Microplastics are an increasing concern due to their widespread occurrence in aquatic environments worldwide. The lack of a harmonised protocol for their reliable quantification remains a major challenge in current scientific efforts. This study presents a comparative evaluation of three protocols for the detection and quantification of microplastics in aqueous samples. The protocols were assessed based on quantification efficiency, risk of particle degradation, staining performance, operational complexity, and cost per sample. Protocol A combined Rhodamine B and ethanol staining with NaCl-based density separation, demonstrating strong isolation performance while maintaining minimal chemical hazards and moderate cost (2.45€ per sample) that could be further reduced to 0.45€ per sample by substituting reagent-grade NaCl with table salt. Protocol B offered moderate isolation capacity and presented the highest risk of particle fragmentation, likely due to the use of acetone and high-temperature digestion. Protocol C, based on the combined use of Nile Red and ZnCl₂, also presented a risk of particle fragmentation, resulting in the highest MP count for small and hydrophobic particles. In addition, its high cost (15.23€ per sample) limits its suitability for routine application. Full article

Precise evaluation of risk and reliability is crucial for decision making and predicting the outcome of investment in a photovoltaic power system (PVPS) due to its intermittent source. This paper explores different methodologies for risk evaluation and reliability assessment, which can be categorized into qualitative, quantitative, and hybrid qualitative and quantitative (HQQ) approaches. Qualitative methods include failure mode analysis, graphical analysis, and hazard analysis, while quantitative methods include analytical methods, stochastic methods, Bayes’ theorem, reliability optimization, multi-criteria analysis, and data utilization. HQQ methodology combines table-based and visual analysis methods. Currently, reliability assessment techniques such as mean time between failures (MTBF), system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI), and system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) are commonly used to predict PVPS performance. However, alternative methods such as economical metrics like the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and net present value (NPV) can also be used. Therefore, a risk and reliability approach should be applied together to improve the accuracy of predicting significant aspects in the photovoltaic industry. Full article

We present the first fully curated, publicly accessible archive of infrasonic records from ten large bolide events documented by the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center’s global microbarometer network between 1960 and 1972. Captured on analog strip-chart paper, these waveforms predate modern digital arrays and space-based sensors, making them a unique window on meteoroid activity in the mid-twentieth century. Prior studies drew important scientific conclusions from the records but released only limited artifacts, chiefly period–amplitude tables and unprocessed scans, leaving the underlying data inaccessible for independent study. The present release transforms those limited excerpts into a research-ready resource. By capturing ten large events in the mid-20th century, the dataset constitutes a critical reference point for assessing bolide activity before the advent of modern space-based and digital ground-based monitoring. The multi-year coverage and worldwide distribution of events provide a valuable reference for comparing past and more recent detections, facilitating assessments of long-term flux and the dynamics of acoustic wave propagation in Earth’s atmosphere. The dataset’s availability in a consolidated format ensures straightforward access to waveforms and derived measurements, supporting a wide range of scientific inquiries into bolide physics and infrasound monitoring. By preserving these historical acoustic observations, the collection maintains a significant record of mid-20th-century meteoroid entries. It thereby establishes a basis for further refinement of impact hazard evaluations, contributes to historical continuity in atmospheric observation, and enriches the study of meteoroid-generated infrasound signals on a global scale. Full article

Agricultural machinery, particularly balers, plays a crucial role in forage management. These machines are prone to fire incidents caused by mechanical friction, heat buildup, and the accumulation of crop residues, among other contributing factors. Despite their operational importance, fire risks associated with balers remain largely understudied. This research aims to identify critical fire risk factors in large square balers through a combined analysis of survey data, temperature monitoring, and residue characterization. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 144 large square baler users to assess fire incidence and potential risk factors. Contingency table analysis and binary logistic regression were applied to identify variables significantly associated with the fire risk. Additionally, temperature data were recorded in six balers during two harvesting seasons, and residue samples were collected and analyzed to assess their ignition potential. Using a rake for windrowing was the only variable significantly associated with increased fire risk, making balers 3.4 times more likely to experience a fire (p = 0.034). Temperature analysis showed that the feeder fork brake (190.6 °C) and hydraulic pump (128.7 °C) were the hottest components, but none of the recorded temperatures exceeded the 250 °C ignition threshold of fine agricultural residues. Residue analysis showed that particles smaller than 250 µm accounted for 39% of the total material, underscoring their potential to contribute to fire propagation. This study highlights the critical influence of raking equipment on fire risk in balers and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as enhanced cleaning, real-time temperature monitoring, and improved mechanical design. These findings provide actionable insights for reducing fire hazards in agricultural operations and optimizing baler safety. Full article

Empirical studies are valuable for assessing soil and water pollution, as they can reduce costs and save time. The present study discusses previous research results using a questionnaire to gather experts’ judgments on technical issues and potential pollution related to the vulnerability of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Greece. The questionnaire included 44 closed-type questions based on the Likert Scale. It was distributed to a representative sample of 116 operators over seven (7) months (April–November 2021). Geographical Information Systems (GISs) were employed to visualize the spatial distribution of the seismic vulnerability of WWTPs. The study outputs include eight (8) maps depicting the spatial distribution of seismic vulnerability, both with and considering soil–water pollution, by calculating the existence of seismic hazards and identifying potentially affected regions. Additionally, eight (8) tables support this analysis. The survey findings highlight the most vulnerable regions and WWTPs in the country. The results suggest that after excluding Zone III, the WWTPs of Zone II of the national Seismic Hazard Map (SHM) are estimated to be the most vulnerable. This study spatially visualizes the indicator of seismic vulnerability (ISV) and the seismic vulnerability index concerning potential soil–water pollution (ISV-REF), according to the SHM and regions. Most WWTPs have low ISV-REF, while maps illustrate the exceedance of that parameter, identifying the safest units and indicating that Zone I has the safest units according to the exceedance percentages. Integrating data on regions, ISV, ISV-REF, and their exceedance in GIS could lead to authorities’ and technicians’ decisions to implement quick measures. Researchers should also focus their studies more precisely, mitigating the seismic vulnerability of critical infrastructure, such as WWTPs. Full article

In recent years, frequent floods caused by heavy rainfall and persistent precipitation have greatly affected changes in groundwater levels. This has not only caused huge economic losses and human casualties, but also had a significant impact on the ecological environment. The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of the new method based on Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM) and its optimization model in groundwater level prediction compared with the traditional method, to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the different models, and to identify the main factors affecting the changes in groundwater level. Taking Chaoyang City in Liaoning Province as an example, four assessment indicators, R², MAE, RMSE, and MAPE, were used. The results of this study show that the optimized LSTM model outperforms both the traditional method and the underlying LSTM model in all assessment metrics, with the GWO-LSTM model performing the best. It was also found that high water-table anomalies are mainly caused by heavy rainfall or heavy storms. Changes in the water table can negatively affect the ecological environment such as vegetation growth, soil salinization, and geological hazards. The accurate prediction of groundwater levels is of significant scientific importance for the development of sustainable cities and communities, as well as the good health and well-being of human beings. Full article

The seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings has been an important issue, especially in earthquake-prone regions with limited seismic design codes such as South Sudan. Improving the seismic performance of reinforced concrete buildings is critical for maintaining structural functionality under normal service loads and for rapid recovery after natural disasters such as earthquakes. This research aims to thoroughly assess the methods used to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of RC frame structures in pre- and post-earthquake scenarios. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive framework that integrates empirical, analytical, and experimental methods, categorizing existing assessment methods and proposing improvements for resource-constrained environments. However, empirical methods have always used historical earthquake data to estimate potential damage. In contrast, analytical methods have used computational tools such as fragility curves to assess the probability of damage at different seismic intensities. Additionally, experimental methods, such as shaking table tests and pseudo-dynamic analyses, have validated theoretical predictions and provided insights into structural behavior under simulated conditions. Furthermore, key findings highlight critical vulnerabilities in RC buildings, quantify damage probabilities, and compare the strengths and limitations of different assessment methods. However, challenges such as limited data availability, computational limitations, and difficulties replicating actual conditions in test setups highlight areas for improvement. By addressing these challenges, the review provides recommendations for future studies, including integrating advanced computational and regional hazard characterization methods, improving experimental methods to enhance the accuracy of vulnerability assessments, and ultimately supporting the design of more resilient RC structures and increasing disaster preparedness. Full article

The deteriorating state of North America’s bridge infrastructure is a pressing issue, necessitating innovative risk management strategies. This study aims to enhance the seismic resilience of bridge infrastructure using a Bayesian belief network (BBN) model. The research uses literature review, expert opinions, and a Bayesian analysis framework to quantify bridge resilience, despite the scarcity of detailed historical data. The model, supported by conditional probability tables (CPTs), captures the complex interdependencies among parameters and uncertainties in seismic resilience assessment. Preliminary findings show that integrating expert judgment with BBN provides a robust methodology for assessing and enhancing bridge resilience to seismic hazards. This approach contributes to measuring bridge infrastructure resilience and offers practical guidance for policymakers, engineers, and stakeholders in sustainable transportation network development. Full article

Various hydrogeological problems like groundwater inflow, water table drawdown, and water pressure redistribution may be encountered in the construction of hydraulic projects. How to accurately predict the occurrence of groundwater inflow and assess the drainage effect during construction are still challenging problems for engineering designers. Taking the Jinzhai pumped storage power station (JPSPS) of China as an example, this paper aims to use different methods to calculate the water inflow rates of an underground powerhouse and evaluate the drainage effect caused by tunnel inflow during construction. The methods consist of the analytical formulas, the site groundwater rating (SGR) method, and the Signorini type variational inequality formulation. The results show that the analytical methods considering stable water table may overestimate the water inflow rates of caverns in drained conditions, whereas the SGR method with available hydro-geological parameters obtains a qualitative hazard assessment in the preliminary phase. The numerical solutions provide more precise and reliable values of groundwater inflow considering complex geological structures and seepage control measures. Moreover, the drainage effects, including a seepage-free surface, pore water pressure redistribution, and hydraulic gradient, have been accurately evaluated using various numerical synthetic cases. Specifically, the faults intersecting on underground caverns and drainage structures significantly change the groundwater flow regime around caverns. This comparative study can not only exactly identify the capabilities of the methods for cavern inflow in drained conditions, but also can comprehensively evaluate the drainage effect during cavern construction. Full article

Background: Continued breastfeeding reduces infant mortality and provides nutritional, immunological, and developmental benefits for the child. Objectives: A prospective cohort study conducted in 2015 followed 608 children who were breastfed between 6 and 24 months. The study assessed the risk of breastfeeding interruption at 12, 18, and 24 months, as well as the factors associated with this outcome, in a cohort of newborns in Rio Branco, using the life table method. Methods: The factors associated with breastfeeding cessation and their 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) were analyzed using both crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression in a hierarchical model. The risks of breastfeeding cessation at 12, 18, and 24 months were 19%, 65%, and 71%, respectively. Results: Factors positively associated with the risk of breastfeeding cessation include the use of a pacifier before 6 weeks of age (HR = 1.62; CI: 95% 1.24–2.11) and the use of a bottle during the first year of life (HR = 1.41; CI: 95% 1.11–1.78). Maternal return to work after the birth of the baby (HR = 0.78; CI: 95% 0.62–0.97) was found to be negatively associated with the risk of breastfeeding interruption. Conclusions: Early pacifier use before 6 weeks and the introduction of a bottle in the first year affect continued breastfeeding. Maternal employment was associated with reduced risk of breastfeeding cessation, contrary to most studies. Full article

Legacy colliery spoil tip failures pose a significant hazard that can result in harm to persons or damage to property and infrastructure. In this research, the 2020 Wattstown tip landslide caused by heavy rainfall was examined to investigate the likely mechanisms and developmental factors contributing to colliery spoil tip failures in Welsh coalfields. To achieve this, an integrated method was proposed through the combination of remote sensing mapping, stability chart analysis, 2D limit equilibrium (LE) modelling, and 3D finite difference method (FDM) analysis. Various water table geometries were incorporated into these models to ascertain the specific groundwater condition that triggered the occurrence of the 2020 landslide. In addition, sensitivity analyses were carried out to assess the influence of the colliery spoil properties (i.e., cohesion, friction angle, and porosity) on the slope stability analysis. The results indicate that the landslide was characterised by a shallow rotational failure mode and spatially constrained by the critical water table and an underlying geological interface. In addition, the results also imply that the landslide was triggered by the rise of water table associated with heavy rainfall. Through sensitivity analysis, it was found that the properties of the colliery spoil played an important role in confining the extent of the landslide and controlling the process of its development. The findings underscore the detrimental effects of increased pore pressures, induced by heavy rainfall, on the stability of colliery tips, highlighting the urgent needs for local government to enhance water management strategies for this region. Full article

Accurately estimating the volume of woody vegetation is critical for assessing fuel characteristics and associated wildfire risks in shrublands. However, few studies have investigated the branch volume of multi-stemmed shrubs, a dominant life form in wildfire-prone drylands. This study predicts branch volume using the inflection point of branch diameter. This inflection point, identified using the “Segmented” package in R, marks the transition from a gradual decrease to a significant reduction in diameter along the stem. The volume of branch segment above this point is calculated as a cone, and below it, a cylinder. We validated this method on various species such as Caragana korshinskii, Salix psammophila, and Vitex negundo. Good estimations were achieved with an average 19.2% bias relative to reference branch volumes, outperforming conventional methods that subjectively treated the whole branch as either a cylinder (96.9% bias) or a cone (−34.4% bias). We tallied branches by basal diameter and provided inventories for easily locating the inflection point, as well as using two-way branch volume tables for rapid volume predictions in shrubland. In general, we developed an effective method for estimating branch volumes of multi-stemmed shrubs, enabling its application to larger-scale shrubland volumetric prediction. This advancement supports wildfire hazard assessment and informs decision-making in fuel treatments. Full article

The Sebou River Basin is vital for Moroccan agriculture, particularly in terms of producing industrial crops, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. It is especially significant in viticulture, accounting for 80% and 60% of the national production area for wine and table grapes, respectively. However, the prevalence of diseases and pests requires extensive pesticide application in vineyards. This study aims to assess the impact of pesticides used in vineyards on the environment, human health and their associated sustainability. Agro-environmental indicators were evaluated across 30 vineyards covering 1197 hectares. Results show an average treatment frequency of 24.05 applications per growing cycle, the highest among grape-producing countries, with 77.94% being fungicides. The Quantity of Active Substances Indicator (QASI) reveals a high pesticide application rate of 44.60 Kg a.i./ha. Over 50% of chemicals are classified as “hazardous” based on the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ). A Pesticide Environmental Risk Indicator model (PERI) identifies three active ingredients with a high Environmental Risk Score (>5). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reveals that copper sulfate has significant environmental impacts compared to Mancozeb and sulfur. These findings highlight the extensive use of pesticides in vineyards, posing challenges to long-term sustainable agriculture due to associated environmental and health risks. Full article

Addressing safety risks in construction is an ongoing priority, and integrating safety considerations into construction scheduling is a crucial aspect of this effort. A notable challenge is the safety risk posed by concurrent tasks, which has received limited attention in prior research. This study aims to address this research gap by introducing a novel Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based model that assesses the increased hazardousness resulting from overlapping construction activities. Historically, research has predominantly focused on individual task safety, with less emphasis on the risks associated with overlapping activities. Our innovative approach introduces the concept of a ‘source–target’ match, which evaluates the degree of hazardousness escalation when activities overlap. Drawing on data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) fatal accident reports, we extracted 11 hazardous and 9 susceptibility attributes to build a source–target match table. This table reveals the characteristics of activities that generate hazardous conflicts when overlapping. The key contribution of this research is the assessment, prioritization, and visualization of risk levels in a BIM environment. This framework empowers safety managers to proactively address safety risks resulting from overlapping construction activities, ultimately reducing accidents in the construction industry. By shedding light on this overlooked aspect of construction safety, our research highlights the importance of integrating safety considerations into construction scheduling and provides a practical tool for mitigating risks, enhancing workplace safety, and ultimately improving project outcomes. Full article