Search Results (565)

Metro stations serve as critical hubs for passenger gathering and scattering. Under disturbing scenarios, a station’s ability to respond to disturbances, named resilience, fundamentally governs the operational stability, sustainability and emergency performance of the metro network. Existing metro network resilience studies typically treated stations merely as topological nodes, making it impossible to account for the internal passenger flow organization and facility capacities of the station. The resilience of the station itself cannot be characterized and quantified. This study focuses on the metro station’s resilience. From the perspective of sustainable operation, considering the passenger flow management of the station, the station’s resilience is defined as the ability of the station to maintain its basic service capabilities and minimize the number of delayed passengers within the station during disturbances. A passenger delay coefficient is introduced to quantify variations in passenger delay volumes within the station. The total number of passengers entering and leaving a station is used to quantify its service capacity. A resilience measurement model for the station is constructed by coupling the passenger delay coefficient and the service capacity. A case study of a transfer station experiencing a sudden passenger surge is conducted for model validation, considering passenger flow control measures and train capacity constraints. The results demonstrate that the model measures the station’s resilience across varying passenger flow management strategies effectively. This study provides a quantitative tool for measuring metro station resilience, enabling emergency responses, operational optimization and policy formulation that support the sustainable and stable operation of metro stations and networks. Full article

Urban expansion alters environmental conditions, influencing tree physiology and performance. Urban trees provide cooling, sequester carbon, support biodiversity, filter contaminants, and enhance human health. This study examines how two common urban trees—Norway Maple (Acer platanoides L.) and Little-leaved Linden (Tilia cordata Mill.)—respond to urban site conditions by assessing leaf morphology, stomatal, and gas exchange traits across street and urban park sites in Chicago, IL. Street trees exhibited structural trait adjustments, including smaller leaf area, reduced specific leaf area, and increased stomatal density, potentially reflecting acclimation to more compact and impervious conditions. Norway Maple showed stable photosynthetic assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), and transpiration (E) across sites, alongside higher intrinsic water-use efficiency (_iWUE), indicating a conservative water-use strategy. In contrast, Little-leaved Linden maintained A and g_s but showed elevated E and _iWUE at street sites, suggesting adaptive shifts in water-use dynamics under street microenvironments. These findings highlight how species-specific physiological strategies and local site conditions interact to shape tree function in cities and underscore the importance of incorporating functional traits into urban forestry planning to improve ecosystem services and climate resilience. Full article

Cyber-physical infrastructures such as hospitals and smart campuses face hybrid threats that target both digital and physical domains. Traditional security solutions separate surveillance from network monitoring, leaving blind spots when attackers combine these vectors. This paper introduces ARGUS, an autonomous robotic platform designed to close this gap by correlating cyber and physical anomalies in real time. ARGUS integrates computer vision for facial and weapon detection with intrusion detection systems (Snort, Suricata) for monitoring malicious network activity. Operating through an edge-first microservice architecture, it ensures low latency and resilience without reliance on cloud services. Our evaluation covered five scenarios—access control, unauthorized entry, weapon detection, port scanning, and denial-of-service attacks—with each repeated ten times under varied conditions such as low light, occlusion, and crowding. Results show face recognition accuracy of 92.7% (500 samples), weapon detection accuracy of 89.3% (450 samples), and intrusion detection latency below one second, with minimal false positives. Audio analysis of high-risk sounds further enhanced situational awareness. Beyond performance, ARGUS addresses GDPR and ISO 27001 compliance and anticipates adversarial robustness. By unifying cyber and physical detection, ARGUS advances beyond state-of-the-art patrol robots, delivering comprehensive situational awareness and a practical path toward resilient, ethical robotic security. Full article

The massive volumes of data and the intensification of digital transformation are reshaping recruitment practices within organizations, particularly for specialized information technology (IT) profiles. However, existing studies have often remained conceptual, focused on developed economies, or limited to a narrow set of factors, thereby leaving important gaps in emerging contexts. Moreover, there are few studies that critically assess how Data Mining is impacting the IT recruitment process, and none that assess this in the context of Morocco. This study employs an extensive literature review to explore the role of Data Mining in facilitating the recruitment of top IT candidates, focusing on its ability to improve selection quality, reduce costs, and optimize decision-making procedures. The study provides empirical evidence from the Moroccan aeronautical and digital services sectors, an underexplored context where IT talent scarcity and rapid technological change pose critical challenges. Primary data comes from a survey of 200 IT recruitment professionals operating in these sectors in Morocco, allowing an assessment of the impact of Data Mining on IT talent acquisition initiatives. The findings reveal that a range of capabilities resulting from the application of Data Mining significantly and positively influences the success of IT recruitment processes. The novelty of the article lies in integrating six key determinants of algorithmic recruitment into a unified framework and demonstrating their empirical significance through binary logistic regression. The focus on the Moroccan context adds value to the international discussion and extends the literature on HR analytics beyond its conventional geographical and theoretical boundaries. The article thus contributes to the emerging literature on the role of digital technologies in IT recruitment that will be of interest to industry practitioners and other researchers in this field. Full article

The growing demand for lightweight and reliable structures across aerospace, automotive, marine, and civil engineering has driven significant advances in polymer adhesive technology. These materials serve dual roles, functioning as matrices in composites and as structural bonding agents, where they must balance strength, toughness, durability, and sometimes sustainability. Recent review efforts have greatly enriched understanding, yet most approach the topic from specialized angles—whether emphasizing nanoscale toughening, multifunctional formulations, sustainable alternatives, or microscopic failure processes in bonded joints. While such perspectives provide valuable insights, they often remain fragmented, leaving open questions about how nanoscale mechanisms translate into macroscopic reliability, how durability evolves under realistic service conditions, and how mechanical responses interact across different loading modes. To address this, the present review consolidates knowledge on the performance of polymer adhesives under tension, shear, fracture, fatigue, creep, and impact. By integrating experimental findings with computational modeling and emerging data-driven approaches, it situates localized mechanisms within a broader structure–performance framework. This unified perspective not only highlights persistent gaps—such as predictive modeling of complex failure, scalability of nanomodified systems, and long-term durability under coupled environments—but also outlines strategies for developing next-generation adhesives capable of delivering reliable, high-performance bonding solutions for demanding applications. Full article

Leptospirosis remains a pressing yet under-recognized public health burden in the Philippines with an alarming 43.45% rise in cases in early 2025. Outbreaks closely follow flooding, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities in informal, flood-prone settlements where poor sanitation, unsafe housing, and limited healthcare access compound vulnerability. Current responses remain largely hospital-based and reactive, straining resources during seasonal surges while leaving structural drivers unaddressed. This article calls for a shift to multisectoral, preventive strategies that reduce socioeconomic vulnerabilities through stronger intersectoral collaboration, investments in flood control and basic services, and enhanced digital surveillance. Without systemic reforms that integrate health, environment, and social policy, leptospirosis will continue to impose a recurring and inequitable burden on marginalized populations. Full article

Artificial intelligence adoption in financial services presents uncertain implications for competitive dynamics, particularly for smaller institutions. The literature on AI in finance is growing, but there remains a notable absence regarding the impacts on small- and medium-sized financial services firms. We conduct a meta-analysis combining a systematic literature review, sentiment bibliometrics, and network analysis to examine how AI is transforming competition across different firm sizes in the financial sector. Our analysis of 160 publications reveals predominantly positive academic sentiment toward AI in finance (mean positive sentiment 0.725 versus negative 0.586, Cohen’s d = 0.790, p < 0.0001), with anticipatory sentiment increasing significantly over time ($\beta =2.10\times {10}^{-2},p=0.007$). However, network analysis reveals substantial conceptual fragmentation in the research discourse, with a low connectivity coefficient ($\varphi =0.125$) indicating that the field lacks unified terminology. These findings expose a critical knowledge gap: while scholars increasingly view AI as competitively advantageous, research has not coalesced around coherent models for understanding differential impacts across firm sizes. The absence of size-specific research leaves practitioners and policymakers without clear guidance on how AI adoption affects competitive positioning, particularly for smaller institutions that may face resource constraints or technological barriers. The research fragmentation identified here has direct implications for strategic planning, regulatory approaches, and employment dynamics in financial services. Full article

Rapid urbanization and climate change pressure cities to integrate sustainability, digitalization, and circular economy principles. Yet most existing approaches treat these agendas separately, leaving gaps in how urban infrastructures, governance, and data systems can jointly support circular transformations. This paper addresses this challenge by proposing and validating a Sustainable, Smart, and Circular City (SSCC) architecture that operationalizes the waste–energy–information nexus. The architecture is structured into seven interconnected layers—Physical, Digital, Analytical, Participatory Governance, Data Strategy, Innovation Management, and Assessment—and is tested through two integrated experiments in the Fenicia Urban Living Lab, Bogotá: (i) an AI- and drone-based system for waste detection and community reporting and (ii) a solar-powered IoT urban garden for environmental monitoring. These experiments demonstrate how digital twins, participatory governance, and multi-actor collaboration can activate circular strategies while enabling evaluation against international standards (ISO 37106, U4SSC, LEED). The results confirm that the SSCC model can transform siloed services into integrated, circular functions that enhance quality of life, productivity, and ICT-based sustainability. The originality of this study lies in validating an SSCC architecture that incorporates the waste–energy–information nexus across seven layers and demonstrates, through Urban Living Lab experimentation, how such an architecture can guide the transition from Smart Sustainable Cities to Circular Cities. Full article

Mulberry (Morus sp.) trees, traditionally cultivated for their leaves used in sericulture, have recently gained recognition for their adaptability and valuable ecosystem services. The biochemical composition of mulberry leaves varies both qualitatively and quantitatively, depending on genotype, environmental conditions, and cultivation practices. This study aimed to (1) identify differences in old local white (M. alba L.) and black mulberry (M. nigra L.) leaves, (2) perform a chemotype analysis of monitored local varieties, and (3) evaluate the influence of selected bioclimatic factors and pruning practices on the biochemical composition of leaves of white mulberry trees across Slovenian mesoregions. Black mulberry exhibited a higher phenolic content, particularly caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (16.05 mg/g dry weight (DW)), while white mulberry contained more quercetin glycosides (6.04 mg/g DW). Ward’s clustering identified three chemotypes, two of which had elevated protein and hydroxycinnamic acid levels, making them particularly suitable for silkworm feeding. Considering pruning practices of white mulberries, we determined significantly increased protein contents in yearly pruned trees (187.24 mg/g DW). Principal component analysis revealed interactions between bioclimatic, morphological, and biochemical factors, distinctly separating mulberries from the Sub-Mediterranean and Sub-Pannonian macroregions. White mulberries from Sub-Pannonian regions accumulated more caffeoylquinic acids in leaves under lower precipitation and total insolation, while those from Sub-Mediterranean regions exhibited higher kaempferol derivatives due to photo-thermal stress. These findings highlight the influence of climate and pruning on mulberry biochemical diversity and adaptation. Full article

The experience of university students who identify as men and who are victims of dating violence is poorly understood. Services and supports available on campuses and in the community have not typically considered the needs of men. Aim: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of university men who experienced dating violence, factors influencing awareness, the impact on their lives and decisions to seek support and to disclose. Methods: A grounded theory study, using constructivist methodology was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants who identified as male. Thematic analysis was used. Strategies to improve credibility, dependability and auditability were implemented throughout. Findings: A theoretical framework was developed with gender as the central concept, affecting each of the core elements of interest. Most of the men were not initially aware that their experiences were considered dating violence until after leaving the relationship. This awareness was impacted not only by gender stereotypes but by their vulnerability, the context of the campus and the nature of their abuse. The impact of the violence was seen in their isolation, health, guilt and shame, their academic success and in other relationships. Men described issues with various forms of support. Family and faculty were of variable assistance in supporting their recovery. Implications: The findings underscore the need for prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of students identifying as men. There are also potential implications for increased awareness and education for other populations in a post secondary context. Full article

Home Visitors and early childhood educators play a critical role in supporting the development of young children from low-income families in the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on service delivery dramatically impacted the professional experience of Home Visitors, presenting significant new challenges for this dedicated, often under-compensated workforce. An external evaluation team explored the experiences of Early Head Start Home Visitors serving six regions of a county in the mid-Atlantic region. Researchers engaged Early Head Start program partners in identifying issues and methods of investigation to help inform organizational efforts to support their staff and the families they serve. Findings include that Home Visitors experienced significant stress and mental health challenges due to the frequently shifting environment, loss of peer interactions and loss of personal boundaries due primarily to their efforts to sufficiently support families in a time of crisis. These experiences contribute to burnout and increase the chances of early care and education workers leaving the field despite a deep commitment to the work. Considerations for how to retain high-quality early childhood education workers, in particular through potential significant environmental disruptions, include the need for strong peer support networks and transparent, responsive leadership. Full article

Background/Objectives: South Korea is rapidly transitioning into a super-aged society, increasing the importance of care services to ensure the health and quality of life of older adults. Although the number of professional caregivers has steadily grown, these workers face a high risk of depression due to the emotional labor inherent to their roles. This study aimed to analyze factors influencing depression among female professional caregivers by employment type (full-time and part-time) and to explore policy and practical intervention strategies to promote their mental health. Methods: Using data from the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, we selected 223 professional caregivers with at least 1 year of work experience. After excluding insincere responses and male participants, 217 participants were included in the final analysis: 121 full-time and 96 part-time professional caregivers. Results: We found that full-time workers experienced higher levels of depression when they lacked access to health and safety education and could not use paid leave. Part-time workers experienced high levels of depression when engaging in physical activity <3 days per week and when exposed to violence. Conclusions: Based on these findings, the study recommends regular and systematic health and safety education, the establishment of substitute worker support to facilitate paid leave use, promotion of physical activity through education and community programs, regular violence prevention education, and comprehensive support systems for victims. This study is significant in empirically identifying depression risk factors by employment type among female professional caregivers. Future research should include male professional caregivers and employ more advanced measurement tools and longitudinal designs. Full article

In Mexico, an emerging tropical nation, where cities have insufficient vegetation cover and there is little information about their provision of ecosystem services; the study of urban vegetation, as a mitigation strategy, is required. The sidewalk trees in the city of Arriaga (CAR), considered one of the warmest cities in the Mexican southeast, were counted, measured, and assessed for their effect on surface and air temperatures. There are 6239 sidewalk trees, distributed in 11 families and 13 species; 136 trees were sampled concentrating 77% in three species: Neem, Country almond and Benjamina fig. Therefore, a low H’ (1.73 nats) was obtained. The mitigating effect of tree shade on surface temperature went from 7 °C to 23 °C, depending on the day and hour, while there was not a significant refreshing effect of air temperature because the height of sidewalk trees is controlled with severe pruning to prevent damage to public wiring, causing a similar-sized stratum that traps air under the tree canopy. Consequently, an integral solution that includes, but is not limited to, urban trees is required without leaving aside increasing tree diversity, health, and equitable distribution of trees at CAR. Full article

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant health problem associated with performing professional activities. The occurrence of pain often determines the type of work undertaken. Healthcare workers and public administration employees are occupational groups at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and location of MSDs between two professional groups—healthcare and administrative workers—and to assess their impact on professional functioning. Methods: The study included 339 employees, comprising 188 healthcare workers and 151 administrative workers. An extended version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used. Results: Healthcare workers experienced MSDs significantly more often than administrative workers, both in the past and in the last 12 months. MSDs in healthcare workers more often led to absenteeism, changes in duties, use of healthcare services, and medication use. The observed differences were statistically significant, particularly in the upper and lower limbs. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant health problem among healthcare and administrative workers, but they affect healthcare staff much more frequently, especially in the upper and lower limbs. This results in higher sick leave rates, the need to modify duties, and more frequent use of treatment and painkillers. These differences may result from varying working conditions, age, and education, highlighting the need to implement preventive measures tailored to the specific characteristics of each professional group. Full article

Pocket parks, recognized globally as compact yet multifunctional green spaces, promise a range of urban benefits. To realize these effectively, planners must understand the factors that drive park usage. However, development priorities vary across regions, necessitating analysis tailored to specific contexts. Existing research on park usage predominantly focuses on factors either external (factors outside the park’s boundaries, such as location and surrounding urban fabric) or internal (factors within the park’s boundaries, pertaining to design, amenities, and management), leaving room for refinement in indicator selection and model construction. To address this, we developed a comprehensive analytical framework incorporating 22 macro-, meso-, and micro-level factors spanning internal and external influences. This study investigated 40 pocket parks in Nanjing’s main urban area, employing visitor frequency and activity type diversity as quantitative indicators of usage efficiency. Park usage efficiency was compared for weekdays and weekends. Using correlation and regression models, we examined primary factors including accessibility, surrounding environment, layout, landscape features, amenities, and maintenance. The results showed that weekday and weekend patterns vary significantly in terms of visitor frequency and activity type diversity. The key determinants of pocket park usage efficiency were identified: proportion of recreational space (r = 0.609 on weekdays, r = 0.573 on weekends), plant species richness (r = 0.699 on weekdays, r = 0.761 on weekends), seat facility density (r = 0.645 on weekdays, r = 0.654 on weekends), and maintenance quality (r = 0.630 on weekdays, r = 0.667 on weekends). Service area coverage, green space ratio, and garbage bin density showed weaker but significant correlations. Based on these findings, targeted strategies were proposed to better accommodate diverse regional land-use demands. Full article