Search Results (116,208)

This study proposes an integrated fatigue life assessment methodology to accurately evaluate the time-domain evolution in tubular joint fatigue damage in offshore wind turbine (OWT) jacket structures under long-term combined wind and wave actions. A customized post-processing module was developed via secondary development on the MLife platform, employing a conditional probability distribution model to perform joint probabilistic modeling of measured marine environmental data, thereby establishing a long-term joint wind–wave distribution database. The reconstruction of hotspot stress time histories at the tubular joints was achieved through a hybrid analytical–numerical approach, integrating analytical formulations of nominal stress with a multi-axial stress concentration factor (SCF) matrix. Long-term fatigue damage assessment was implemented using the Palmgren–Miner linear cumulative damage hypothesis, where a weighted summation methodology based on joint wind–wave probability distributions rigorously accounted for the statistical contributions of individual design load cases. An ultimate bearing capacity analysis was also conducted based on S-N fatigue endurance characteristic curves. This research specifically investigates the influence mechanisms of tuned mass dampers (TMDs) on the time-domain-coupled fatigue performance of tubular joints subjected to long-term combined wind and wave loads. Numerical simulations demonstrate that parametrically optimized TMD systems significantly enhance the fatigue life metrics of critical joints in jacket structures. Full article

Background: Multidisciplinary Tumor Councils (MDTs) are vital platforms that provide tailored treatment plans for cancer patients by combining expertise from various medical disciplines. Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have been investigated as decision-support systems within these councils. Methods: In this prospective study, the compatibility of AI (ChatGPT-4.0) with MDT decisions was evaluated in 100 cancer patients presented to the tumor council between November 2024 and January 2025. AI-generated treatment recommendations based on anonymized, detailed clinical summaries were compared with real-time MDT decisions. Cohen’s Kappa and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Neoadjuvant treatment (45%) and surgery (36%) were the most frequent MDT decisions. AI recommended surgery (39%) and neoadjuvant treatment (37%) most frequently. A high concordance rate of 76.4% was observed between AI and MDT decisions (κ = 0.764 [95% CI; 0.658–0.870] p < 0.001, ρ = 0.810 [95% CI; 0.729–0.868], p < 0.001). Most inconsistencies arose in cases requiring individualized decisions, indicating AI’s current limitations in incorporating contextual clinical judgment. Conclusion: AI demonstrates substantial agreement with MDT decisions, particularly in cases adhering to standardized oncological guidelines. However, for AI integration into clinical workflows, it must evolve to interpret real-time patient data and function transparently within ethical and legal frameworks. Full article

This article examines the current statutory care and protection landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa), focusing on the operations of Waikato-Tainui, a post-treaty settlement entity operating on behalf of the Waikato tribe (iwi), within this complex colonial context to safeguard and nurture mokopuna (descendants) and whaanau (families). Waikato-Tainui supports indigenous mokopuna within a fundamentally flawed settler-colonial care and protection system while concurrently reimagining an indigenous-led model rooted in ancestral wisdom and knowledge systems. Mokopuna Ora (Thriving descendants) is an indigenous whaanau-led and mokopuna-centred care and protection initiative that has been piloted, tested, researched, evaluated, and expanded over the past eleven years within the current settler colonial system. Drawing from deep empirical ancestral wisdom, the authors reimagine a new approach, building a roadmap for mokopuna and whaanau success. Ki Tua o Ngaku Mokopuna is presented as a cultural practice framework encapsulating Waikato ancestral wisdom and knowledge. While still in its early implementation stages, its development has been generations in the making, belonging to Waikato paa (communal meeting places) and hapuu (sub-tribes). Beyond a tool for frontline staff, this framework offers a vision, measures of success, and standards of excellence to inform theory and practice. This work addresses continuous indigenous resistance against negative colonial impacts, reflecting a shared indigenous experience and system of care and protection. In contemporary Aotearoa, the neo-colonial challenge is exacerbated by the current right-wing coalition Government and its ideological stance. The swift and extensive legislative reforms driven by harmful racist ideology are unprecedented, facilitating the exploitation of people, Papatuuaanuku (the earth mother), and te taiao (the natural world) for corporate gain and profit. Maaori tribes, organisations, sub-tribes, families, and individuals are actively countering these racist ideologies, legislations, strategies, policies, funding decisions, and operational practices. This ongoing colonial violence is met with the strength of ancestral knowledge and wisdom, envisioning a future where mokopuna thrive. The framework represents indigenous love, growth, prosperity, and abundance amidst enduring colonial harm and ideological warfare. Full article

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections pose a severe global health threat, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic options beyond traditional antibiotics. Phage therapy, which employs bacteriophages to infect and eradicate pathogenic bacteria, specifically offers a promising solution. However, the lack of well-characterized therapeutic phages has limited their broader clinical use. A critical aspect of activating the lytic potential of dormant prophages involves the strategic manipulation of transcription factor binding sites (TFBS), which function as pivotal regulatory nodes governing the transition between lysogenic dormancy and lytic activation. Our platform utilizes advanced bioinformatics tools to accurately identify and analyze TFBS, facilitating the targeted redesign or replacement of these sites to disrupt host-mediated repression. By systematically simulating modifications of these regulatory ‘switches,’ our platform computationally predicts reduced repressor activity, suggesting the potential for prophage activation and bacterial cell lysis. This novel methodology not only broadens the spectrum of therapeutic bacteriophages but also establishes a basis for individualized phage-based therapies, presenting a robust strategy to address the escalating challenge of antibiotic-resistant infections. By enabling the precise identification and engineering of TFBS, our platform signifies a transformative advancement in phage biology, effectively bridging the divide between computational analysis and therapeutic application. Full article

In the context of the high development of mobile internet and social media, the social clocking and photographing function of tourism applications has become a key factor to enhance user experience and enhance product competitiveness. Citywalk, as a new way of exploring cities, emphasizes individuality and social interaction by providing a walking experience of the city’s history and culture. This study is based on the Technology Acceptance Model, combined with the Use and Gratification Theory, to systematically explore the core mechanisms that influence user acceptance and continued use of the social check-in and photo-taking function in Citywalk-related applications (app). Firstly, this article analyzes the impact of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on user technology adoption through a technology acceptance model. At the same time, the five major needs of use and satisfaction theory (information needs, entertainment needs, social interaction needs, identity confirmation needs, and escapism needs) are introduced as external influencing variables to construct an optimized technology acceptance model. Secondly, based on this theoretical framework, this article proposes relevant research hypotheses and designs a questionnaire for empirical analysis. Reliability analysis, validity analysis, and regression analysis are used to verify the relationship between influencing factors and user behavior. The research results reveal relevant research questions, namely, the core factors influencing users’ use of social check-in and photo-taking functions (RQ1), elucidating the mechanism of technology perception on user satisfaction and willingness to continue using (RQ2), and identifying the acceptance gap between user needs and actual experience in existing feature designs (RQ3). At the same time, this article provides optimization strategies for the Citywalker App (Version 1.0) and similar products to enhance user experience, strengthen social communication effects, and promote market promotion. Ultimately, this study aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the design of tourism social media functions and promote innovative development in related fields. Full article

Near-death experiences (NDEs) encompass transformative existential experiences that lead to religious change. Although most previous research focused primarily on Western contexts, there remains less understanding of individuals’ interpretations of NDEs in pluralistic societies such as the Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examined the relationship between NDEs and spiritual transformation in a sample of 683 Filipino adults who acknowledged having NDEs. Quantitative data were assessed in terms of levels of religiosity, NDE occurrence, and perceived spiritual change according to different demographics. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. For the qualitative analysis, narrative responses on the reason why their spirituality increased, stayed the same, or decreased were thematically classified. Six focused phenomenological narratives are noted: altruism and helping others, challenges to spirituality, increased and strengthened religious practices, no changes or decreased faith, reflection and growth, and validation of divine presence. In addition, while the majority reported increased or unchanged spirituality following their NDE, only age emerged as a significant predictor of perceived spiritual change. Overall, findings highlight how personal experience, identity, and cultural beliefs shape religious meaning-making after NDEs. This study offers a culturally grounded understanding of spiritual change and highlights the value of a mixed-methods approach in religious studies. Full article

Restoration plantations in subtropical regions, often established with fast-growing tree species such as Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth and Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake, are frequently developed on highly weathered soils characterized by phosphorus deficiency. To investigate strategies for mitigating nutrient imbalances in such ecosystems, a long-term (≥13 years) fertilization experiment was designed. The experiment involved three fertilization regimes: nitrogen fertilizer alone (N), phosphorus fertilizer alone (P), and a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) fertilizers. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term fertilization practices on soil quality in subtropical plantations using a soil quality index (SQI). Consequently, all conventional soil physical, chemical, and biological indicators associated with the SQI responses to long-term fertilization treatments were systematically evaluated, and a principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted, along with a literature review, to develop a minimum dataset (MDS) for calculating the SQI. Three physical indicators (silt, clay, and soil water content), three chemical indicators (soil organic carbon, inorganic nitrogen, and total phosphorus), and two biological indicators (microbial biomass carbon and phosphodiesterase enzyme activity) were finally chosen for the MDS from a total dataset (TDS) of eighteen soil indicators. This study shows that the MDS provided a strong representation of the TDS data (R² = 0.81), and the SQI was positively correlated with litter mass (R² = 0.37). An analysis of individual soil indicators in the MDS revealed that phosphorus addition through fertilization (P and NP treatments) significantly enhanced the soil phosphorus pool (64–101%) in the subtropical plantation ecosystem. Long-term fertilization did not significantly change the soil quality, as measured using the SQI, in either the Acacia auriculiformis (p = 0.25) or Eucalyptus urophylla (p = 0.45) plantation, and no significant differences were observed between the two plantation types. These findings suggest that the MDS can serve as a quantitative and effective tool for long-term soil quality monitoring during the process of forest sustainable management. Full article

Introduction: High performance colonoscopy requires the monitoring of an individual’s adenoma detection rate (ADR). The Endocuff (EndoCuff Vision, Olympus America Inc., Center Valley, PA, USA) is an endoscopic distal attachment device that increases surface area exposure during colonoscopy. While studies have shown that Endocuff increased ADR, real-world data is limited on its effectiveness. Methods: The Premiere Health Database was reviewed from 2018 to 2021 to identify patients 50 years of age or older who had a screening colonoscopy. A keyword search for “Endocuff” was used to determine if Endocuff was utilized, and ICD10 codes were analyzed to determine if a polyp was found. Our primary outcome was a polyp detection rate (PDR) for Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EAC) and standard colonoscopy (SC). Secondary outcomes included an estimated adenoma detection rate (eADR). Logistic regression modeling was performed to examine the difference in PDR between the EAC and SC groups after controlling for baseline characteristics, insurance type, and provider experience. Results: Gastroenterologists performed 893,560 screening colonoscopies, of which 0.7% were Endocuff-assisted, while surgeons performed 234,962 screening colonoscopies and 0.5% were Endocuff-assisted. PDR was higher with EAC for both gastroenterologists (72.0% vs. 57.4%) and surgeons (55.6% vs. 43.7%), with eADR following similar trends. The odds ratio of polyp detection with vs. without Endocuff was 1.91 for gastroenterologists and 1.62 for surgeons. After adjusting for patient and provider factors, the adjusted odds ratios are 2.01 and 1.61, respectively. Conclusions: While Endocuff utilization remains low, this large study using real-world data demonstrates the ability to improve eADR by over 10% compared to standard colonoscopy. Full article

Flooding, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and poor land-use practices, is a growing challenge for rural households in the Volta Basin. This study examines the effectiveness of flood management practices in improving household resilience in Benin and Togo. Using a mixed-methods approach, including focus group discussions, individual interviews, and structural equation modeling, we analyze three categories of flood management practices: Endogenous Knowledge-Based Practices (EKPs), Community Engagement-Based Practices (CEPs), and Agricultural Technology-Based Practices (ATPs). The results show significant contributions from CEPs to resilience and highlight the role of social cohesion and collective action. EKPs also have a positive impact, reflecting the importance of local knowledge, especially in Benin. However, the adoption of ATPs varies, with greater effectiveness observed in Togo than in Benin. Factors such as age, gender, education, and access to advisory services influence the acceptability and effectiveness of these practices. The findings highlight the need for tailored, integrative interventions that combine traditional knowledge and community participation with modern technologies to strengthen resilience in flood-prone communities. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners who aim to improve disaster risk reduction and climate resilience strategies in the Volta Basin. Full article

Diabetes is a common chronic disease. Untreated diabetes may lead to complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and macroangiopathies. The main goal in treating diabetes is to limit the development of vascular complications. The FGF (fibroblast growth factor) family, with its potential as a biomarker for diabetic complications, offers a promising avenue for future research and treatment. The study aimed to analyze and compare the concentrations of selected fibroblast growth factors, FGF-2, FGF-19, FGF-22, and FGF-23, in the plasma of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes with those of the control group. The study group consisted of 73 patients, including 33 people with type 1 diabetes (18 M and 15 W) aged 18 to 68 years and 40 with type 2 diabetes (20 M and 20 W) aged 25 to 90. The control group consisted of 41 healthy individuals (23 men and 18 women) aged 21 to 56. The FGF-2, FGF-19, FGF-22, and FGF-23 concentrations were measured using ELISA. The study observed a significant relationship between the levels of FGF19 and FGF22 in the serum of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as in the control group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between FGF-2 and FGF-22 concentrations and hypertension (p = 0.03; p = 0.01). A statistically significant difference was also found between the concentrations of FGF-19 and FGF-22 (p = 0.001; p < 0.001) in the serum of people with normal weight and people with overweight and obesity. A significant correlation was also observed between the concentrations of FGF-22 and FGF-23 and arthritis (p = 0.01; p = 0.02). FGF-2, FGF-19, FGF-22, and FGF-23 likely significantly impact diabetes and its complications. In the future, they could serve as biomarkers for diabetic complications, aiding in diagnosis, patient monitoring, and even predicting potential complications for individuals. However, more research in this area is necessary. Full article

Copepods play a critical role in aquatic food chains and are a key source of food in aquaculture, so optimizing their culture conditions is essential for their large-scale production. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal culture parameters of the copepod Oithona nana as a function of total population growth and the different stages of its life cycle. To this end, four experiments were carried out in quadruplicate, evaluating the effects of temperature, salinity, photoperiod and optimal microalgal concentration of Isochrysis galbana. Each experiment lasted 15 days. Temperatures of 20, 24, 28 and 32 °C were tested; salinity levels of 20, 25, 30 and 35 PSU; photoperiods of 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D; and concentrations of I. galbana of 1 × 10⁴, 5 × 10⁴, 10 × 10⁴, 15 × 10⁴ and 20 × 10⁴ cells/mL. Results indicated that the optimal temperature for the culture of O. nana, with significant differences compared to the other treatments, was 28 ± 1 °C. Regarding salinity, the optimal level for the total development of the population was 25 ± 2 PSU, while to maximize the percentage of copepodites, the most appropriate levels were 30 and 35 PSU. The light-dark regimen of 16L:8D promoted the highest total density of individuals, while 12L:12D and 16L:8D favored development of nauplii and copepodites. Finally, optimal concentrations of I. galbana that generated the highest densities of O. nana at all stages of its life cycle were 15 × 10⁴ and 20 × 10⁴ cells/mL. These findings provide key information for the development of optimized cultures of O. nana, which can improve its availability as a food source in aquaculture systems and favor the success of larval cultures in species of commercial interest. Full article

Ensuring the long-term electro-mechanical reliability of high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) insulator strings requires a detailed understanding of how multiple environmental and electrical stressors influence the corrosion behavior of hot-dip galvanized steel fittings. In this study, a three-factor, three-level L9(3³) orthogonal accelerated corrosion test was conducted to systematically evaluate the individual and interactive effects of marine salt deposition (0–10 g m⁻² day⁻¹), acetic acid pollution (0–8 µg m⁻³), and 50 Hz AC leakage current (0–10 mA) on miniature pin-type assemblies. A comprehensive post-corrosion characterization approach was employed. The results revealed that chloride loading from salt deposition was the dominant contributor to corrosion. However, the synergistic interaction between salt and leakage current led to an acceleration in zinc depletion compared to the additive effect of the individual factors. A quadratic regression model with a high correlation coefficient was developed to predict corrosion volume per unit area. The findings offer a mechanistic explanation for field-reported failures in coastal power grids and provide actionable guidance for optimizing corrosion-resistant coatings and implementing electrical mitigation strategies. Full article

Understanding morphological variation and asymmetry in avian limbs provides essential insights into functional anatomy, locomotor behavior, and developmental stability. In this study, we investigated shape and size variation in the feet of quails (Coturnix coturnix) using two-dimensional geometric morphometric methods. A total of 233 animals were analyzed, representing both the left and right feet of male and female individuals. Nine homologous fixed landmarks were digitized on each foot, and configurations were subjected to Generalized Procrustes Analysis, followed by mirroring of right-side landmarks to ensure consistent orientation. Statistical analyses revealed no significant sexual dimorphism in either foot shape or centroid size. Principal Component Analysis indicated that the main shape variation was distributed individually rather than by sex and primarily affected the relative positions of toes and claws. Procrustes ANOVA confirmed that differences between sexes were not greater than expected by chance. Directional and fluctuating asymmetry were evaluated using a bilateral symmetry model to assess bilateral asymmetry. Directional asymmetry indicated consistent left–right differences, while fluctuating asymmetry reflected individual-level developmental instability and comprised the main source of variation. These findings provide a detailed morphological baseline for quail foot structure and highlight the importance of considering asymmetry in studies of avian functional morphology. The approach may also be a reference for future research into developmental stress, locomotor adaptation, or species-specific anatomical patterns. Full article

In the context of Japan’s rapidly aging population, people’s anxiety about life after 65, especially regarding financial sustainability, has become a growing concern. This study examines old age anxiety through the lens of digital financial literacy (DFL), which can significantly impact people’s retirement well-being and long-term financial security in today’s digital environment. Drawing on a large-scale dataset from the “Survey on Life and Money,” jointly conducted by Rakuten Securities and Hiroshima University, we analyze responses from 94,695 individuals aged 40 to 64 who are active bank account holders. Based on ordinal logistic regression, our findings reveal a negative association between DFL and old age anxiety. Further analysis of the five dimensions of DFL demonstrates that several practical components, such as digital financial know-how, decision-making abilities, and self-protection skills, are associated with alleviated old age anxiety. In contrast, a reliance on basic financial knowledge and general awareness alone may exacerbate anxiety. These findings underscore the need to move beyond basic digital awareness and focus on promoting practical skills in digital finance, ultimately supporting better financial decision-making and enhancing overall well-being in older age. Full article

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder with several sensory, autonomic, motor, and trophic symptoms. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria like the Budapest Criteria, but there are limitations to those criteria, especially for pediatric cases and different clinical presentations. Technical testing—including laboratory tests, electrophysiological studies, sensory and autonomic function tests, and more advanced imaging—provides supportive, but not definitive, evidence. Biomarkers such as certain microRNAs, inflammatory mediators, and autoantibodies may offer the potential for improved diagnostic accuracy, although they have not yet been adequately validated. New imaging techniques, including ultrasound elastography and neuroimaging, have identified both peripheral and central pathophysiological changes in CRPS. We can improve our diagnosis of CRPS by integrating standardized clinical criteria with technical evaluations and biomarker improvements; this should serve to make diagnosis earlier, reduce diagnostic delay, and promote individualized treatment. Full article