Search Results (6,344)

Background: Oral bisphosphonates (BPs) are the standard therapy for osteoporosis and skeletal metastases, and exhibit anti-tumor properties in preclinical models. Observational studies assessing their impact on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk have yielded inconsistent results. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between oral bisphosphonate use and CRC risk, applying a unified exposure definition. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus (January 1966–April 2025) to identify cohort, nested case–control, or population-based case–control studies reporting adjusted estimates of relative risk, odds ratios (ORs), or hazard ratios (HRs) for CRC among oral bisphosphonate users. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Random-effects meta-analyses pooled risk estimates for “any use” of bisphosphonates, with subgroup analyses by duration of use (<1, 1–3, >3 years). We assessed publication bias through Egger’s test and the trim-and-fill method. Results: A total of eight studies published between 2010 and 2020, including 29,169 CRC cases, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Any bisphosphonate use was not significantly associated with CRC risk (pooled OR 0.97; 95% C.I., 0.90–1.03). However, 1–3 years of use conferred a protective effect (OR 0.86; 95% C.I., 0.73–0.99), as did >3 years (OR 0.91; 95% C.I., 0.85–0.97). Heterogeneity was moderate, and no significant publication bias was detected. Conclusions: While overall oral bisphosphonate exposure is not significantly linked to CRC risk, prolonged use (≥1 year) appears to reduce risk. Prospective studies and randomized trials are needed to confirm these chemo-preventive effects and guide clinical recommendations. Full article

Cultural heritage plays a crucial role in strengthening local identity and fostering socio-economic development. However, its effective enhancement requires an inclusive decision-making process capable of integrating the diverse perspectives of stakeholders. This study introduces an innovative participatory governance model applied to the case of Taverna, Calabria. This study adopted a methodological framework grounded in co-design and co-evaluation, and the research examined the impacts and opportunities associated with a collaborative management process for cultural heritage. The proposed framework consists of five key phases: defining a strategic vision, analyzing the territorial context, co-designing enhancement strategies, implementing actions, and monitoring their impact. The findings highlight the effectiveness of this approach in shaping strategies grounded in local identity, inclusive community engagement, and long-term sustainability. The experience of Taverna’s collaborative decision-making project demonstrates that an inclusive governance process can generate tangible benefits in terms of social innovation, economic growth, and heritage conservation. Full article

Blockchain technology (BT) is increasingly recognized as a transformative digital infrastructure for advancing environmental, economic, and social sustainability. However, academic research on its sustainability potential remains fragmented, with limited integration of theoretical models, sector-specific applications, and system-level impacts. This study addresses these gaps by conducting a systematic literature review of 131 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and early 2025, guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework. The analysis is structured around the three pillars of sustainability, exploring the mechanisms through which blockchain enables transparent governance, ethical consumption, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive development. Anchored in Institutional and Stakeholder theories, the review develops an integrative dual-framework that overlays four technical components of BT (data, network, consensus, and application) onto institutional pressures and stakeholder-engagement dynamics. The framework shows how BT enhances resource efficiency, supply-chain traceability, and social inclusion across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, and logistics. The study makes two principal contributions. First, it unifies previously dispersed findings into a holistic model that links BT’s technical capabilities with organizational and societal conditions. Second, it provides actionable guidance: policymakers should harmonize cross-border standards and incentivize energy-efficient consensus protocols, while managers should co-design stakeholder-inclusive pilots to scale sustainable BT solutions. Collectively, these insights map a research and practice agenda for leveraging blockchain to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Independent living is a central goal for people with disabilities, and the accessibility of the home environment plays a key role in achieving it. In particular, circulation areas within the household are essential to ensure autonomous and safe mobility. Although regulations guide the design of accessible housing, they do not always account for the specific needs of users. This study proposes a method for evaluating the design of universally accessible housing (UAH) through virtual reality simulations, with an emphasis on circulation areas. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was used to structure the study, guiding the development of an immersive virtual environment that integrates a housing model designed according to physical accessibility standards established by Chilean regulations. The simulation recreated everyday situations related to independent living, assessing indicators such as collisions with environmental elements, the time required to perform specific tasks, and the difficulty of maneuvering a wheelchair. The results show that the use of virtual reality enables the early identification of accessibility barriers from the end-user perspective, allowing design adjustments before construction and contributing to more inclusive and user-centered planning. Full article

In this study, the influence of various implicit solvent models on the structural and thermodynamic properties of dacarbazine complexes with three cyclodextrins—α-CD, HP-β-CD, and HE-β-CD—was evaluated. The models considered were the polarizable continuum model (PCM), the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM), the solvation model based on density (SMD), and the Onsager model. Theoretical thermodynamic results were compared with experimental data obtained from conductometric studies. Our findings indicated that all three cyclodextrins form stable 1:1 inclusion complexes with dacarbazine. Among them, the complexes with HE-β-CD were the most thermodynamically stable. While the choice of solvent model had a minor impact on the structural properties of the complexes, it significantly affected thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and solvation free energy. The best agreement with experimental data—particularly for the Gibbs free energy of solvation—was observed when using the SMD model. Full article

Flight delays represent a significant challenge for airlines, airports, and passengers, impacting operational costs and customer satisfaction. Traditional prediction methods often rely on complex statistical analysis and mathematical models that may not be easily implementable. This study proposes scorecards as an innovative and simplified approach to forecast flight delays. Historical flight data from the United States were used, incorporating variables such as departure and arrival times, flight routes, aircraft types, and other factors related to delay. Exploratory data analysis identified key variables influencing delays, and scorecards were constructed by assigning weights, normalizing, and scaling variables to improve interpretability. The model was validated using test datasets, and predictive performance was evaluated by comparing forecast delays with actual results. The results indicate that scorecards provide accurate and interpretable predictions of flight delays. This method facilitates the identification of critical factors that contribute to delays and allows for an estimation of their likelihood and duration. Scorecards offer a practical tool for airlines and airport operators, potentially enhancing decision-making processes, reducing delay-related costs, and improving service quality. Future research should explore the integration of scorecards into operational systems and the inclusion of additional variables to increase model robustness and generalizability. Full article

Sex education goes far beyond merely conveying biological facts; it encompasses the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of sexuality. A gender-sensitive approach to sex education for boys* aims to address their specific needs and challenges, critically reflect on hegemonic norms of masculinity, and develop alternative, non-toxic models of masculinity. This article explores the foundations and core elements of such a gender-sensitive sex education for boys*, considering theoretical concepts such as sexual socialization, hegemonic masculinity, and sexual scripts, as well as sexual health and rights for boys*. An intersectional perspective enables a nuanced analysis of the diverse social inequalities that shape boys’* sexual development. This paper argues for four key elements of gender-sensitive sex education for boys*: (1) empowerment and self-determination to strengthen boys* in their formation of sexual identity; (2) the development of alternative masculinities to challenge stereotypical gender constraints; (3) the promotion of gender justice by raising boys’* awareness of their societal responsibility; and (4) fostering critical competencies in dealing with media and social norms. These approaches contribute to establishing a holistic and inclusive form of sex education that acknowledges boys* in their diversity and helps create a more just society. Full article

The current study evaluates the performance of pedotransfer functions (PTFs) and machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting the soil bulk density (BD) across two distinct regions in Greece—Kozani and Veroia—using both limited and extended sets of soil parameters. The results reveal significant regional differences in prediction accuracy. In the full dataset scenario, Veroia consistently exhibits superior predictive performance across all models (PDF RMSE: 0.104, ML RMSE: 0.095) compared to Kozani (PDF RMSE: 0.133, ML RMSE: 0.122). Generally, ML models outperform PTFs in terms of the RMSE and MAE in both regions with the full dataset. However, PTFs occasionally demonstrate higher R² values (Veroia PTF R²: 0.35 vs. ML R²: 0.28), suggesting a better explanation of the overall variance despite larger errors. Notably, the effectiveness of ML appears to be affected by the availability of data. In Kozani, when restricted to basic soil properties, ML’s performance (RMSE: 0.129, R²: 0.16) becomes similar to that of PTFs (RMSE: 0.133, R²: 0.16). However, incorporating the full dataset substantially enhances ML’s predictive power (RMSE: 0.122, R²: 0.26). Conversely, in Veroia, the inclusion of more variables paradoxically results in a slight decline in ML performance (ML_min RMSE: 0.093, R²: 0.31 vs. ML RMSE: 0.095, R²: 0.28). These contrasting results emphasize the need for context-specific modeling strategies, careful feature selection, and caution against the assumption that more data or complexity inherently improves the predictive performance. Full article

Multimodal learning analytics (MMLA) has become a prominent approach for capturing the complexity of learning by integrating diverse data sources such as video, audio, physiological signals, and digital interactions. This comprehensive review synthesises findings from 177 peer-reviewed studies to examine the foundations, methodologies, tools, and applications of MMLA in education. It provides a detailed analysis of data collection modalities, feature extraction pipelines, modelling techniques—including machine learning, deep learning, and fusion strategies—and software frameworks used across various educational settings. Applications are categorised by pedagogical goals, including engagement monitoring, collaborative learning, simulation-based environments, and inclusive education. The review identifies key challenges, such as data synchronisation, model interpretability, ethical concerns, and scalability barriers. It concludes by outlining future research directions, with emphasis on real-world deployment, longitudinal studies, explainable artificial intelligence, emerging modalities, and cross-cultural validation. This work aims to consolidate current knowledge, address gaps in practice, and offer practical guidance for researchers and practitioners advancing multimodal approaches in education. Full article

In response to the need for sustainable soil stabilization alternatives, this study explores the use of waste materials and biopolymers to improve the mechanical behavior of clay from Cartagena, Colombia. Crushed limestone waste (CLW), ground glass powder (GG), recycled gypsum (GY), xanthan gum (XG), and the combination of XG with polypropylene fibers (XG–PPF) were used as stabilizing agents. Samples were compacted at different dry densities and cured for 28 days. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests were conducted to assess the strength and stiffness of the treated mixtures. Results were normalized using the porosity/binder index (), leading to predictive equations with high determination coefficients (R² = 0.94 for UCS and R² = 0.96 for stiffness). However, XG-treated mixtures exhibited distinct behavior that prevented their inclusion in a unified predictive model, as the fitted exponent x in the porosity/binder index () differed markedly from the others. While an exponent of 0.28 was suitable for blends with mineral binders, the optimal x values for XG and XG–PPF mixtures were significantly lower at 0.02 and 0.03, respectively, reflecting their unique gel-like and fiber-reinforced characteristics. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified cement content and compaction density as the most influential factors, while some interactions involving the residues were not statistically significant, despite aligning with experimental trends. The findings support the technical viability of using sustainable additives to enhance soil properties with reduced environmental impact. Full article

Squash, which originated in the early 19th century, was officially incorporated into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee in 2023. This inclusion marks a significant milestone, highlighting its growing international recognition and potential for global development. However, squash has historically been underrepresented in academic research compared to other popular sports, with studies being scattered and relatively underdeveloped. To systematically evaluate the current state of squash research and foster academic development in the field, this study employs a combination of bibliometric and qualitative analyses, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of squash research in terms of research progress, collaboration networks, key findings, and thematic evolution. Drawing on Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed data, the analysis covers 206 publications from 36 countries spanning from 1973 to 2024. Network analysis based on co-authorship frequency and geographic clustering identifies the UK and Australia as leading contributors, with extensive collaboration among institutions and authors. Performance analysis (tactical and technical modeling), physiological profiling (energy demands), and medical studies (injury epidemiology) emerged as the three core research areas. The study reveals a shift in research focus from safety and physiological characteristics to performance enhancement, which is driven by technological innovation. Future research should prioritize underdeveloped areas such as youth development, psychology, and nutrition while integrating diverse participant groups (e.g., female athletes, recreational players) and advanced technologies. Full article

This study addresses the need for early design processes for diverse stakeholder interests in engineering challenges. It does this by using System-of-Systems frameworks, methods, and tools. The presented method, Inclusive SoS Analysis, helps to acquire an overview of the stakeholders’ interests and their preferred System-of-Systems architecture design in an operational setting, and in what way they have conflicting or synergistic interests. The stakeholders are classified by their relationship to the operational execution and integrated broadly throughout the modeling, simulation, and analysis of the System-of-Systems operation—a novel aspect of this work. The proposed method involves three phases: (1) Use case and stakeholder analysis to identify stakeholder interests and define Key Performance Indicators, (2) Modeling and simulation in an agent-based environment to represent System-of-Systems architectures and operational dynamics, and (3) Results and analysis to generate value functions to evaluate the impact of architectural configurations on stakeholder interests. Simulations explore varying System-of-Systems architectures characterized by the constituent systems that compose them, how their collaborative strategy is configured, and how decision making is controlled, revealing the ways in which these factors influence outcomes of the operation. The method is applied to the case study of a complex wildfire fighting scenario with a broad set of stakeholders and multiple constituent systems. Full article

The increasing digitalisation of housing markets has expanded the types and sources of data available for research. However, there is limited understanding of how these diverse data types are used across different themes in urban housing studies and which analytical approaches are applied. This study addresses these questions through a systematic review of 71 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2021, following PRISMA guidelines. The review identifies five dominant research themes: housing market analysis, rental market analysis, housing policy evaluation, housing affordability, and housing inequality. It also classifies five main data sources: official statistics, non-official statistics, surveys and qualitative data, big data, and social media. A cross-examination of themes and data types shows that official statistics remain the most frequently used across the themes, while emerging data sources such as big data and social media are underutilised—especially in research on informal housing and demand-side dynamics. Regression analysis and hedonic modelling are the most commonly applied analytical methods, with the choice of method largely shaped by research objectives and data types. By developing a cross-typology framework linking research themes, data sources, and methods, this study provides an evidence base for inclusive, responsive, and data-informed strategies that support socially and economically sustainable urban housing systems. Full article

In alignment with China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality commitments, digital inclusive finance (DIF) has emerged as a strategic instrument for carbon emission mitigation, facilitated by coordinated policy interventions and market-driven innovations. This study conducted an original multi-dimensional investigation into DIF’s carbon intensity reduction effects through an integrated analytical framework. Employing two-way fixed effects and mediation analysis models, we systematically evaluated both direct impacts and green-credit-mediated pathways using panel data across 247 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2020. A dynamic Spatial Durbin model further elucidated the spatiotemporal evolution of DIF’s spatial spillover effects. It was found that DIF development can reduce the carbon intensity of cities, and in particular, this phenomenon shows different effects in different types of cities. Green credit mechanisms effectively mediate their effects in the decarbonization process of DIF, confirming their key role in financial intermediation. In addition, DIF has a strong cross-regional spatial spillover effect, and its carbon emission reduction impact transcends local administrative jurisdictions. The results of this study will provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective carbon reduction strategies that contribute to sustainable development in China and globally. Full article

As aquaculture expands, plant-based feeds are increasingly used, but some fish species poorly tolerate them, affecting health and growth. Probiotics can help counter these effects by improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and immunity. This study evaluated the effect of dietary incorporation of Bacillus subtilis FI99 on the intestinal health of meagre. A nutritional challenge was performed with a practical control diet and three diets higher in plant-based ingredients: one without probiotic and two with probiotic incorporated at 1 × 10⁹ CFU g⁻¹ and 5.5 × 10¹¹ CFU g⁻¹. Histomorphological analysis was used to assess intestinal health and validate previously established machine learning models in predicting fish nutritional status. No differences were observed in zootechnical performance and biometric indexes. Most effects were observed in the anterior intestinal section, where probiotics improved total area, lumen area, lumen maximum diameter, total maximum diameter, villi area, and villi + lumen area. Additionally, probiotics improved supranuclear vacuole size, eosinophilic granulocytes, and intraepithelial leukocytes presence in anterior and intermediate sections. Machine learning models could not accurately predict the nutritional status of fish. Overall, the study indicates that dietary inclusion of B. subtilis enhances the intestinal health of meagre fed plant-based diets. Machine learning models require further development for improved accuracy. Full article