Search Results (3,657)

The study of faults in seismic gap areas is essential for assessing the potential for future seismic activity and developing strategies to mitigate its impact. In this research, we employed a combination of geomorphological analysis, aerophotogrammetry, high-resolution topography, and soil analysis to estimate the age of tectonically exposed fault surfaces in a seismic gap area. Our focus was on the Piano delle Rose Fault in the northern Calabria region, (southern Italy), which is a significant regional tectonic structure associated with seismic hazards. We conducted a field survey to carry out structural and pedological observations and collect soil samples from the fault surface. These samples were analyzed to estimate the fault’s age based on their features and degree of pedogenic development. Additionally, we used high-resolution topography and aerophotogrammetry to create a detailed 3D model of the fault surface, allowing us to identify features such as fault scarps and offsets. Our results indicate recent activity on the fault surface, suggesting that the Piano delle Rose Fault may pose a significant seismic hazard. Soil analysis suggests that the onset of the fault surface is relatively young, estimated in an interval time from 450,000 to ~ 300,000 years old. Considering these age constraints, the long-term slip rates are estimated to range between ~0.12 mm/yr and ~0.33 mm/yr, which are values comparable with those of many other well-known active faults of the Apennines extensional belt. Analyses of key fault exposures document cumulative displacements up to 21 m. These values yield long-term slip rates ranging from ~0.2 mm/yr (100,000 years) to ~1.0 mm/yr (~20,000 years LGM), indicating persistent Late Quaternary activity. A second exposure records ~0.6 m of displacement in very young soils, confirming surface faulting during recent times and suggesting that the fault is potentially capable of generating ground-rupturing earthquakes. High-resolution topography and aerophotogrammetry analyses show evidence of ongoing tectonic deformation, indicating that the area is susceptible to future seismic activity and corresponding risk. Our study highlights the importance of integrating multiple techniques for examining fault surfaces in seismic gap areas. By combining geomorphological analysis, aerophotogrammetry, high-resolution topography, and soil analysis, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure and behavior of faults. This approach can help assess the potential for future seismic activity and develop strategies for mitigating its impact. Full article

IRS 16CC and IRS 33N are among more than 100 young, massive stars identified within 0.5 pc from the Galactic central supermassive black hole Sgr A*, where conventional star formation processes are expected to be strongly suppressed. A subset of these stars, including IRS 16CC, has been confirmed to reside in a clockwise rotating stellar disk, and is thought to have formed in a massive, gaseous disk around Sgr A*. In contrast, other young massive stars, such as IRS 33N, exhibit dynamical behaviors that deviate significantly from those of the disk population, and their formation mechanism is still uncertain. To investigate their formation mechanism, we carried out near-infrared, high-resolution spectroscopic observations of IRS 16CC and IRS 33N using the Infrared Camera and Spectrograph on the Subaru telescope, equipped with an adaptive optics system. We compared the profiles of He I absorption lines with synthetic spectra generated from model atmospheres, and then compared derived stellar parameters with stellar evolutionary tracks to estimate their ages and initial masses. Our analysis yields their effective temperatures of ∼23,000 K, surface gravities of ∼2.8, and initial masses of $37\pm 6M_{\odot }$ and ${27}_{-3}^{+4}{M}_{\odot }$, consistent with spectral types of B0.5–1.5 supergiants. The ages of IRS 16CC and IRS 33N are estimated to be $4.4\pm 0.7$ Myr and $5.3_{-0.7}^{+1.1}$ Myr, respectively. These results suggest that, despite their different dynamical properties, the two stars are likely to share a common origin. Full article

This article examines how young adults in higher education (Generation Z) perceive the usefulness of ChatGPT by analyzing five learning-support roles within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Expectation–Confirmation Theory (ECT), and Task–Technology Fit (TTF). Drawing on an online survey of 409 students from Polish universities and nonparametric analyses, this study consistently finds that students rate ChatGPT’s potential higher than its current usefulness. The tool is evaluated most favorably as a tutor, task assistant, text editor, and teacher, while its motivational role is rated least effective. Usage patterns matter: students who used ChatGPT for writing tasks rated its assistance with educational assignments more highly, and those who used it for learning activities rated its teaching role more strongly. The strongest evaluations appear when model capabilities such as structuring, summarizing, step-by-step explanations, and personalization align with task requirements. By integrating TAM, ECT, and TTF, this study advances evidence on how Gen Z engages with conversational AI and offers practical guidance for educators, support services, and youth-focused policymakers on equitable and responsible use. Full article

Mineral water content strongly depends on the geologic layer characteristics. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to make a comparison between two renowned mineral water sources in Romania, Borsec and Tusnad. Two public springs were selected from each location: Boldizsar (about 6600 L/day) and Lazar (about 500 L/day) from Borsec and Mikes (about 5000 L/day) and Young’s spring (about 600 L/day) from Tusnad. All investigated springs are naturally carbonated. Water properties were measured in situ and in laboratory for the collected samples; the results found that Borsec mineral water has a pH of about 7.5, while Tusnad mineral water is slightly acid (pH = 6.5). TDS strongly depends on the spring’s flow (for instance, Boldizsar has a TDS of about 900 mg/L, while Lazar has a TDS of about 1529 mg/L due to its high mineralization, while Young’s spring has a TDS of 165 mg/L due to its low mineralization, although it has low flow). Borsec mineral water has a lower salinity of about 1.22 PSU, while Tusnad water has a salinity of about 2 PSU, caused by a high amount of Na and Fe ions. Mineral waters dissolve ions from the geological layers, which react with carbonic acid during drying, generating specific crystallized compounds. The crystallized matter was investigated using XRD coupled with mineralogical optical microscopy (MOM); their microstructural features were observed using SEM coupled with elemental spectroscopy. Borsec water generates mainly Ca, Mg, and Na minerals like calcite, aragonite, pseudo-dolomite, natron, and traces of halite. Tusnad mineral waters have significant amounts of Ca, but also have Fe and much more Cl, since calcite and aragonite are mixed up with large amounts of halite and iron compounds. It looks like the presence of iron ions in the Tusnad mineral water collected from Mikes and Young’s spring explains the acidic pH. All these aspects are useful for further investigation regarding specific therapeutic purposes like chronic colitis and biliary lithiasis symptom amelioration (Boldizsar), chronic colitis, and enterocolitis symptoms (Lazar). Tusnad waters, like the water from Mikes spring, are recommended for anemia and neurasthenia, while Young’s spring is recommended for renal lithiasis amelioration. Full article

This work presents generalizations and extensions of previous results by incorporating weighted integrals and a refined class of second-type $(h,m)$-convex functions. By utilizing classical inequalities, such as those of Hölder and Young and the Power Mean, we establish new Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities. The findings offer a broader and more flexible analytical framework, enhancing existing results in the literature. Potential applications of the developed inequalities are also explored. Full article

Microwave Breast Imaging (MWBI) is an emerging imaging modality aiming to detect breast lesions, which are dielectrically contrasted against the background healthy tissue, in the microwave frequency spectrum. MWBI holds potential to outperform X-ray mammography’s low sensitivity in young and dense breasts, thus supporting timelier detection of interval cancers, as a supplemental screening or diagnostic imaging method. The specificity of MWBI remains unknown, however, as management of false positives has not been systematically addressed yet. An earlier First-In-Human clinical investigation on 24 symptomatic patients provided proof-of-concept for the Wavelia MWBI sectorized multi-static radar imaging technology, which generates clinically meaningful 3D images of the breast, performs semi-automated detection of breast lesions and extracts diagnostic features to distinguish malignant from benign lesions. This paper focuses on a set of technological upgrades, accessories and data processing modules, designed and implemented in the 2nd generation prototype of Wavelia, to handle the diversity in breast geometry, tissue consistency and deformability, in a larger clinical investigation reporting on the bilateral MWBI scan of 62 patients. The presented add-on modules contribute to enhanced quality of scan and a more valid reference reporting space for the MWBI imaging outputs, with a direct positive impact on overall specificity. Full article

Green banking is a significant financial strategy for balancing environmental sustainability with economic progress. Banks can help address Indonesia’s environmental concerns by promoting sustainable behavior, financing green projects, and implementing environmentally friendly regulations. This study investigates how green banking practices affect perceived environmental performance and financial sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the involvement of young Indonesian bankers. A structured questionnaire was issued to 314 young bankers from various parts of Indonesia, using Likert-scale measures of three domains: banks’ perceived environmental performance, green banking activities, and sources of green finance. The findings show high perceived links between green banking operations and banks’ environmental performance, with green financing serving as a crucial mediator. Specific methods, such as paper reduction, internet banking, and supporting sustainable initiatives, were thought to improve bank performance. The findings underline the importance of younger generations in supporting and carrying out green activities, emphasizing their role in encouraging long-term change. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), the study demonstrates that green finance improves perceived environmental performance and promotes sustainable banking practices. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating green principles into banking strategy in order to achieve both financial and environmental sustainability in developing countries. Full article

Background: Pain is a common but often under-recognized clinical feature among children and young people (CYP) cancer survivors. This systematic review aimed to examine the prevalence of acute and chronic pain in 5–24-year-old cancer survivors, explore associated biopsychosocial comorbidities and evaluate the psychometric properties of pain assessment tools used with this population. Methods: This review provides a conceptual replication to a review published in 2020 by Schulte et al. by updating and purposefully narrowing the review population to CYP (5–24 y) to better capture their pain experience. We updated the search from Schulte et al., extending the search period up to October 2024 across 5 databases. Results: Our independent search identified 18 studies, with only 1 new paper published since Schulte et al., 2020. Overall, CYP cancer survivors reported a higher prevalence of pain than the general population, with females experiencing higher levels than males, consistent with broader chronic pain literature. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety were common comorbidities, and pain substantially impacted quality of life. Key limitations included the use of unvalidated questionnaires; inconsistent definitions of chronic pain and lack of patient stratification based on diagnoses, age and treatment protocol. Moreover, data were aggregated, and we were unable to extract information from early survivorship. Conclusions: There is a critical need for more rigorous research on pain in CYP cancer survivors. Specifically, gathering data on pain experienced during the immediate post-treatment completion phase of cancer care, an area currently underrepresented in the literature, will provide valuable insights into patients’ pain trajectories. Full article

As a sustainable construction material, mudbrick can be used widely in areas where common modern construction materials are not easily accessible but high clay content soil is available. The inclusion of locally available natural fibres in mudbrick could improve its mechanical and erosion resistance performance. This study examines the performance of fibre-reinforced mudbrick from spinifex and laterite soil which are abundant in Australia. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and durability performance of spinifex fibre-reinforced mudbricks made with Australian laterite soil, focusing on the influence of fibre content, fibre length, and cement stabilisation. Spinifex fibre length (30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm), spinifex fibre percentage (0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%), and cement percentage (5% and 10%) are considered as the experiment variables. Results show that compressive strength generally decreases with fibre size. In this regard, specimens with 0.3% spinifex fibre, 40 mm fibre length, and 10% cement, with an average compressive strength value of 4.1 MPa, were found to have the highest strength among all design mixes. The elastic Young’s modulus was highest for the specimens with 0.3% spinifex fibre, 30 mm fibre length, and 10% cement with a 36.1 MPa. A low amount of longer fibres was found to be more effective in reducing water absorption in samples with higher cement content. Water absorption and compressive strength results suggest that, on average, 0.3–0.5% spinifex content of size 30 mm improves both low and high cement content mudbricks properties. Full article

This study investigates TNM-type titanium aluminide alloys, representing the third generation of β-stabilized γ-TiAl heat-resistant materials. The aim of this work is to study the combustion characteristics and to produce compact materials via the free SHS compaction method from initial powder reagents taken in the following ratio (wt%): 51.85Ti–43Al–4Nb–1Mo–0.15B, as well as to determine the effect of high-temperature isothermal annealing at 1000 °C on the structure and properties of the obtained materials. Using free SHS compression (self-propagating high-temperature synthesis), we synthesized compact materials from a 51.85Ti–43Al–4Nb–1Mo–0.15B (wt%) powder blend. Key combustion parameters were optimized to maximize the synthesis temperature, employing a chemical ignition system. The as-fabricated materials exhibit a layered macrostructure with wavy interfaces, aligned parallel to material flow during compression. Post-synthesis isothermal annealing at 1000 °C for 3 h promoted further phase transformations, enhancing mechanical properties including microhardness (up to 7.4 GPa), Young’s modulus (up to 200 GPa) and elastic recovery (up to 31.8%). X-ray powder diffraction, SEM, and EDS analyses confirmed solid-state diffusion as the primary mechanism for element interaction during synthesis and annealing. The developed materials show promise as PVD targets for depositing heat-resistant coatings. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid transition to emergency online learning affected the academic and social lives of young people. This study aimed (a) to examine how university students’ well-being was influenced during the second stage of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) in Greece and (b) to explore the relationship between university students’ online learning competence and well-being during the pandemic in two universities in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2021 among the students at the Universities of West Attica and Ioannina. Participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire including demographics, the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Flourishing Scale Questionnaire, and an Online Education Experience Questionnaire. Focusing on the Flourishing Scale Questionnaire, factor analysis, reliability, and validity of the identified underlying factor were estimated and multivariable median regression analysis was performed to investigate determinants of well-being. Results: 1103 students participated, 73.6% were female, and 80.4% were aged <25 years. Analysis revealed satisfactory convergent validity and high reliability of the Flourishing Scale Questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.88). Over 50% of the participants reported high levels of well-being. Students with greater confidence in using basic online learning tools and satisfaction with living conditions during lockdown reported well-being (p < 0.001). In contrast, those who reported dissatisfaction with their living conditions (p = 0.002) or whose living arrangements were influenced by financial concerns (p = 0.046) reported unwellness. Conclusions: The results provided useful insight into the complex interrelations between the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, online education, and young people’s well-being, especially nowadays, when education, employment, and entertainment increasingly rely on internet-delivered modes for young people. Full article

Practicing medical research based on the best evidence is gaining increased value and popularity among most medical societies in the current era. Good clinical practice (GCP) is internationally recognized as the scientific and ethical standard for the design, conduct, performance, auditing, recording, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials involving human subjects. GCP ensures the accuracy and credibility of trial while safeguarding the rights, integrity, and confidentiality of participants. Adherence to GCP facilitates the generation of high-quality studies that can be incorporated in Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). The clinical practice of EBM seeks to integrate robust medical literature into daily medical practice. This process involves systematically searching for high-quality evidence, critically appraising the retrieved literature, applying sound clinical principles and finally evaluating the efficacy of the chosen approach. Although EBM has been evaluated in many resource settings, it has not been addressed sufficiently in the field of Pediatrics and more specifically in indigenous populations. In this review, we briefly explain the EBM approach and its applications in Pediatrics, in order to help physicians care for young subjects more efficiently by integrating the best available information into their routine clinical practice. Also, the basic good practice principles for conducting clinical trials in children and adolescents are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of applying high ethical principles in this vulnerable population. Full article

Background: Hamstring tendon autografts are frequently used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but they are associated with persistent hamstring strength deficits and delayed functional recovery. Current rehabilitation guidelines often delay open kinetic chain (OKC) hamstring exercises due to safety concerns, despite the limited supporting evidence. This uncontrolled, underpowered, and exploratory study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of introducing OKC hamstring strengthening exercises as early as three weeks after ACLR. Methods: An exploratory retrospective observational study was conducted at a single physiotherapy center on 13 patients (aged 18–35) who underwent primary ACLR with semitendinosus–gracilis grafts. Participants followed a standardized rehabilitation program including isometric leg curls at 60° and 90° knee flexion and long-lever glute bridges twice weekly, starting from postoperative week 3. Safety was assessed through predefined “safety flags” (pain > 4/10, hematoma, clinical hamstring strain). Strength outcomes, including isometric knee flexion strength at 60° and 90°, limb symmetry index (LSI), and endurance tests, were assessed at 6 and 12 weeks. Results: All participants completed the program without major adverse events. Pain remained consistently low (median 2.5/10), with only one transient episode exceeding the threshold. No other complications were recorded. Isometric knee flexion strength significantly improved between week 6 and week 12 at both 60° (p = 0.018) and 90° (p = 0.003), with large effect sizes. LSI at 90° also increased significantly (p = 0.006), whereas improvements at 60° did not reach significance. Endurance testing showed functional gains as early as 6 weeks. Conclusions: The early introduction of OKC hamstring strengthening exercises three weeks after ACLR with hamstring autografts appears safe and promotes clinically meaningful improvements in strength and endurance. These findings, while from a small uncontrolled study, challenge conservative rehabilitation protocols and support the reconsideration of early hamstring loading. Given the retrospective, uncontrolled, and underpowered design, these findings are hypothesis-generating and not generalizable beyond young adults with hamstring autografts; larger randomized trials are required. Full article

(1) Background: Alpacas play a crucial role in the livelihood and cultural heritage of Andean communities, yet limited scientific information exists regarding their morphometric growth patterns under high-altitude conditions. Understanding how environmental and biological factors influence their body development is essential for optimizing management and genetic improvement programs. (2) Methods: This study aimed to characterize the morphometric profile and allometric growth patterns of young Huacaya alpacas, evaluating the influence of sex, birth month, and fiber color on 18 linear body measurements and 6 morphometric indices from 146 animals. (3) Results: General linear models revealed that birth month had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the compactness index, body side index, and body index while sex, fiber color, and their interaction did not significantly affect most indices. Allometric analysis showed that head traits exhibited low allometric coefficients (0.08–0.23), whereas torso-related measures such as dorsal length and abdominal perimeter showed higher coefficients (0.33 and 0.36, respectively). The compactness index showed marked sexual dimorphism in the allometric coefficient (0.83 in females, 0.95 in males). Thoracic perimeter exhibited a strong relationship with body weight and low variability, highlighting this measure as a key predictor of body size. (4) Morphometric and allometric analyses provide the first growth coefficients for young Huacaya alpacas at high altitude, offering a scientific basis for phenotypic selection of animals with superior meat potential and adaptability, thereby directly improving breeding efficiency and management in Andean production systems. Full article

Although most commonly diagnosed in the elderly population, aortic stenosis can affect younger patients, being the most frequent valvular disease requiring replacement interventions, either through surgical procedures (SAVR = surgical aortic valve replacement) or through transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In young patients, aortic stenosis generally occurs due to congenital malformations, such as bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs), or to rheumatic valve disease, both of which present specific anatomical characteristics. There is an upward trend among young patients regarding TAVI, due to the possibility of avoiding the complications of open-heart surgery while offering a faster recovery, although it is important to note that complications, such as conduction disturbances, paravalvular leaks (PVL), or strokes, can arise. Because of the current lack of long-term data, the implications of these complications among young patients are not well established. Moreover, an important issue among young patients is the durability of the prosthesis, as patient survival is expected to exceed the device’s lifespan. The purpose of this review is to assess the current data on the most common causes of aortic stenosis and outcomes of TAVI in young patients, focusing on subgroups of patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis or rheumatic aortic stenosis, while emphasizing the potential complications, the durability of the aortic prosthesis, and reintervention possibilities. Full article