Search Results (414)

Biomimicry creates designs inspired by nature and uses ecological benchmarks to assess their sustainability. It is believed that biomimicry can help society produce and consume in more sustainable ways, as well as address some of the key challenges facing the world today. However, research into the applications of and possible barriers to using biomimicry for creating more sustainable Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects is still limited. This paper addresses this gap by undertaking and analysing twelve semi-structured interviews with leading global experts and practitioners in the field of biomimicry as applied to the built environment industry. The study identifies substantial potential in the use of biomimicry in AEC projects, including the following: adopting circular approaches; enhancing interactions between human and natural infrastructure; optimising material and energy use; recycling and re-use of materials; reducing time and costs; plus more collaborative and interdisciplinary working. However, a wide range of multifaceted barriers also exist that are currently hindering the exploration and exploitation of this potential, including the following: lack of knowledge; insufficient research and testing at the scale of AEC projects; fragmentation, poor communication and traditional nature of the industry; perception of high risks and costs; as well as outdated and unsuitable legislation and planning processes. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with very high rates of re-hospitalization and mortality worldwide, so the complexity of these pathologies requires frequent access to hospital facilities. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, which have demonstrated a favorable effect on outcomes, and cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) could represent an innovative healthcare delivery model. The aim of our review is to study how technologies used in rehabilitation have changed over time and also to understand what types of rehabilitation programs have been used in telerehabilitation. Methods: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in three electronic databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from January 2015 to January 2024, using relevant keywords. Initially, 502 articles were found, and 79 duplicates were identified and eliminated with EndNote. Results: In total, 16 RCTs fulfilled the pre-defined criteria, which were analyzed in our systematic review. The results showed that after CTR, there was a significant improvement in main outcome measures, as well as in relation to technological advances. Conclusions: Moreover, compared to center-based rehabilitation, CTR can offer further advantages, with better cost-effectiveness, the breakdown of geographical barriers, and the improvement of access to treatment for the female population, which is traditionally more socially committed. Full article

The Auckland Harbour Bridge (AHB) utilises a movable concrete barrier (MCB) to regulate the uneven bidirectional flow of daily traffic. In addition to the risk of human error during regular visual inspections, staff members inspecting the MCB work in diverse weather and light conditions, exerting themselves in ergonomically unhealthy inspection postures with the added weight of protection gear to mitigate risks, e.g., flying debris. To augment visual inspections of an MCB using computer vision technology, this study introduces a hybrid deep learning solution that combines kernel manipulation with custom transfer learning strategies. The video data recordings were captured in diverse light and weather conditions (under the safety supervision of industry experts) involving a high-speed (120 fps) camera system attached to an MCB transfer vehicle. Before identifying a safety hazard, e.g., the unsafe position of a pin connecting two 750 kg concrete segments of the MCB, a multi-stage preprocessing of the spatiotemporal region of interest (ROI) involves a rolling window before identifying the video frames containing diagnostic information. This study utilises the ResNet-50 architecture, enhanced with 3D convolutions, within the STENet framework to capture and analyse spatiotemporal data, facilitating real-time surveillance of the Auckland Harbour Bridge (AHB). Considering the sparse nature of safety anomalies, the initial peer-reviewed binary classification results (82.6%) for safe and unsafe (intervention-required) scenarios were improved to 93.6% by incorporating synthetic data, expert feedback, and retraining the model. This adaptation allowed for the optimised detection of false positives and false negatives. In the future, we aim to extend anomaly detection methods to various infrastructure inspections, enhancing urban resilience, transport efficiency and safety. Full article

Previous research studies confirmed that both resveratrol (RES) and β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyric acid (HMB) improved growth performance by altering intestinal microbiota. However, the mechanism underlying of RES and HMB on intestinal function remains unclear in ruminant. In this study, supplements of RES and HMB alone or in combination were evaluated as promoters of antioxidant capacity, immune response and barrier function, and modulators of the microbiota and metabolite profiles in the jejunum of Tibetan sheep. A total of 120 two-month-old Tibetan rams were randomly divided into four treatments (n = 30 per treatment), which were supplemented with a basal diet with 1.5 g RES/d (RES group), 1.25 g HMB/d (HMB group), 1.5 g RES/d plus 1.25 g HMB/d (RES-HMB group), and without additions (Control group). The results showed that RES and HMB improved the antioxidant capacity (CAT, GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC), immunity (IgA, IgG, and IgM), and digestive enzyme activity (α-amylase, lipase, and chymotrypsin) of the experimental lambs (p < 0.05). Additionally, jejunal morphology including villus width, villus height, and muscle layer thickness exhibited a significant difference when rams were fed diets supplemented with RES and HMB (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the determination of fermentation parameters showed that the butyrate concentration in the RES-HMB group was greater than those in the C and RES groups (p < 0.05). When compared to the C group, barrier-related gene expression (MUC-2, ZO-1, and IL-10) was significantly increased in the RES-HMB group (p < 0.05). Dietary RES and (or) HMB supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Methanobrevibacter, Actinobacteriota and Bacillus (p < 0.05). The abundance of differential bacteria was positively associated with butyrate concentration (p < 0.05). Metabolome analysis revealed that alpha ketoglutarate, succinic semialdehyde, and diacetyl as well as butanoate metabolism pathways connected to the improvements in butyrate concentration by RES and (or) HMB supplementation. Collectively, our results suggested that RES and (or) HMB supplementation improved butyrate concentration via regulating the microbial community (Methanobrevibacter, Actinobacteriota and Bacillus) and metabolism (alpha ketoglutarate, succinic semialdehyde, and diacetyl), thus contributing to jejunal morphology, antioxidant capacity, immune response, digestive enzyme activity, and barrier function. Full article

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a clinically challenging subtype due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options post-neoadjuvant failure. Historically, capecitabine has been the cornerstone of adjuvant therapy for TNBC patients not achieving a pathological complete response (pCR). However, the integration of new modalities such as immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors has prompted a re-evaluation of traditional post-neoadjuvant approaches. Methods: This review synthesizes data from pivotal clinical trials and meta-analyses to evaluate the efficacy of emerging therapies in the post-neoadjuvant setting. We focus on the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), PARP inhibitors (PARPis), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) alongside or in place of capecitabine in TNBC treatment paradigms. Results: The addition of ICIs like pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant regimens has shown increased pCR rates and improved event-free survival, posing new questions about optimal post-neoadjuvant therapies. Similarly, PARPis have demonstrated efficacy in BRCA-mutated TNBC populations, with significant improvements in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Emerging studies on ADCs further complicate the adjuvant landscape, offering potentially efficacious alternatives to capecitabine, especially in patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy. Discussion: The challenge remains to integrate these new treatments into clinical practice effectively, considering factors such as drug resistance, patient-specific characteristics, and socio-economic barriers. This review discusses the implications of these therapies and suggests a future direction focused on personalized medicine approaches in TNBC. Conclusions: As the treatment landscape for TNBC evolves, the role of capecitabine is being critically examined. While it remains a viable option for certain patient groups, the introduction of ICIs, PARPis, and ADCs offers promising alternatives that could redefine adjuvant therapy standards. Ongoing and future trials will be pivotal in determining the optimal therapeutic strategies for TNBC patients with residual disease post-neoadjuvant therapy. Full article

Many Irish primary school children do not meet recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. The Daily Mile (TDM) is a primary school initiative designed to increase children’s PA output. This study evaluates TDM’s perceived effect on Irish primary school children’s health-related metrics. A mixed-methods study, comprising two data collection phases, used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate TDM. Phase One involved teachers, principals and classroom assistants (n = 191) from TDM-registered schools completing a questionnaire. Two TDM-registered schools participated in Phase Two, where (i) interviews were conducted with each principal, (ii) a teacher sub-sample (n = 4) participated in a focus group, and (iii) a child sub-sample (n = 14) participated in separate focus groups. TDM was perceived to positively impact the markers of children’s health, including their PA behaviour, physical fitness and social well-being. Inclement weather (66.5%) and a lack of time (56.5%) were reported as the top-ranked implementation barriers. Moreover, TDM’s repetitive nature often left children feeling disinterested and resulted in some teachers modifying the initiative to maintain engagement levels. Maintaining the long-term implementation of TDM and its health benefits in primary schools may require bespoke amendments to the original format to preserve children’s engagement. Full article

Epidemiological data suggest that moderate hyperoxemia may be associated with an improved outcome after traumatic brain injury. In a prospective, randomized investigation of long-term, resuscitated acute subdural hematoma plus hemorrhagic shock (ASDH + HS) in 14 adult, human-sized pigs, targeted hyperoxemia (200 < P_aO₂ < 250 mmHg vs. normoxemia 80 < P_aO₂ < 120 mmHg) coincided with improved neurological function. Since brain perfusion, oxygenation and metabolism did not differ, this post hoc study analyzed the available material for the effects of targeted hyperoxemia on cerebral tissue markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress (nitrotyrosine expression), blood–brain barrier integrity (extravascular albumin accumulation) and fluid homeostasis (oxytocin, its receptor and the H₂S-producing enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase). After 2 h of ASDH + HS (0.1 mL/kgBW autologous blood injected into the subdural space and passive removal of 30% of the blood volume), animals were resuscitated for up to 53 h by re-transfusion of shed blood, noradrenaline infusion to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure at baseline levels and hyper-/normoxemia during the first 24 h. Immediate postmortem, bi-hemispheric (i.e., blood-injected and contra-lateral) prefrontal cortex specimens from the base of the sulci underwent immunohistochemistry (% positive tissue staining) analysis of oxidative/nitrosative stress, blood–brain barrier integrity and fluid homeostasis. None of these tissue markers explained any differences in hyperoxemia-related neurological function. Likewise, hyperoxemia exerted no deleterious effects. Full article

Objectives: Cardiac telerehabilitation (TR) for coronary artery disease (CAD) is a feasible alternative to the center-based rehabilitation delivery model. However, the features of exercise-based cardiac TR are still heterogeneous among studies, making it difficult to disentangle the preferable reference strategies to be recommended for the adoption of this new delivery of care. In addition, little is known about the effectiveness of different models, such as the hybrid model (CRh) including both center-based and home-based telerehabilitation approaches, and the solely home-based telerehabilitation (CTR). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included TR intervention in patients with CAD to profile the features of the telerehabilitation approach for CAD. We also conducted a meta-analysis to separately assess the effectiveness of CTR and CRh on medical benefit outcome measures compared to conventional intervention (CI). Results: Out of 17.692 studies, 28 RCTs involving 2.662 CAD patients were included in the review. The studies presented an equal proportion of the CTR and CRh models. The interventions were mainly multidimensional, with a frequency of 1 month to 6 months, with each session ranging between 20 to 70 min. In CRh, the intervention was mainly consecutive to center-based rehabilitation. All studies adopted asynchronous communication in TR, mainly providing monitoring/assessment, decisions, and offline feedback. Few studies reported mortality, and none reported data about re-hospitalization or morbidity. Adherence to the CTR and CRh interventions was high (over 80%). The meta-analyses showed the superior effect of CTR compared to CI in exercise capacity. An overall noninferiority effect of both CTR and CRh compared to CI was found with factors including risk control and participation. Conclusions: The results of the review and meta-analyses indicated that CTR and CRh are equally effective, safe, convenient, and valid alternatives to cardiac conventional interventions. The evidence suggests that telerehabilitation may represent a valid alternative to overcome cardiac rehabilitation barriers. Full article

Intense exercise can be neuromodulatory and neuroprotective against Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indoor cycling is a good and safe option for this population, but some barriers (monotonous and repetitive environment, lack of monitoring, and an inability to compete with others) could limit its use. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) could be a possible solution to some of these drawbacks, increasing patient motivation and thus adherence to forced exercise programs using cycloergometers. A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to explore the feasibility and effects of the ReViPark program (high-intensity pedaling + IVR for 3 months with two sessions per week) on PD progression. In all, 52 people with PD were allocated to the ReViPark group (n = 30; 70.87 ± 6.67 years) and smart cycloergometer group (n = 22; 70.59 ± 6.67 years). This program was feasible, with no adverse effects (no significant Simulator Sickness Questionnaire symptoms and a low negative experience rating for the Game Experience Questionnaire (0.04/4)), no dropouts, high adherence, and good usability (System Usability Scale score of 82.90%). The ReViPark group showed significant improvements in functionality, quality of life, and disease progression as measured by their balance, gait and risk of falling (Timed Up and Go p = 0.028; Tinetti test p = 0.046), PDQ-39 scores (p = 0.035), and MDS-UPDRS scores (p = 0.001). This program is feasible and could lead to improvements in the functional parameters, quality of life, and symptomatology of the participants. Full article

It is expected that the number of elected female mayors in local government will increase globally, yet no major progress has been registered lately despite the increased focus on the topic. At the European level, no country exceeds 40% female mayors or other leaders of the municipal council (or equivalent), with the highest descriptive representation of 39.1% in Iceland. Following the 2020 elections in Romania, only around 5% of mayors were female with a strong over-representation of male mayors. The current study aims to analyze the male–female distribution of mayors, the degree of re-election, the relationship between the number of candidates and re-election of incumbents, and how these factors impact female political representation at the local level in Romania. Thus, we argue that a high degree of re-election of incumbents may be a barrier to women’s access to the position of mayor. In addition, it is important to determine whether female incumbents are as successful as their male counterparts in being re-elected. While there is an extensive body of literature on incumbency that covers a range of topics, there is a gap in the literature regarding the proposed subject. The present research aims to fill the gap and contribute to a better understanding of the political representation of women in Eastern Europe. We utilized a dataset of Romanian elections from 2008 to 2020 to test our hypotheses. Our findings indicate that during the studied period, more than 95% of mayors were male, the re-election was a frequent occurrence in Romania with a percentage ranging from 70.82% (2008–2012) to 72% (2012–2016 and 2016–2020), and female incumbents were just as likely to be re-elected as their male counterparts. Full article

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators (DBD-PAs) have the potential to improve the performance of fluid machineries such as aircrafts and wind turbines by preventing flow separation. In this study, to identify the multiple flow control mechanisms in high Reynolds number flow, parametric experiments for an actuation parameter $F^{+}$ with a wide range of Re values (10⁵–10⁶) for NACA0015 airfoil was conducted. We conducted wind tunnel tests by applying a DBD-PA to the flow field around a wing model at the leading edge. Lift characteristics, turbulent kinetic energy in the flow field, shear layer height, and the separation point of the boundary layer were evaluated based on pressure distributions on the wing surface and velocity of the flow field, with the effect of DBD-PA on the post-stall flow around the wing and the mechanism behind the increase in the lift coefficient $C_L$ analyzed based on these evaluation results. The following phenomena contributed to the increase in $C_L$: (1) increase in turbulent kinetic energy; (2) increase in circulation; and (3) acceleration of the flow near the leading edge. Thus, this study effectively investigated the dependence of the increase in lift on $F^{+}$ and the lift-increasing mechanism for a wide range of Re values. Full article

Hydropower plants (HPPs) create barriers across rivers and fragment aquatic ecosystems, river reaches and habitats. The reservoirs they create slow the flowing water and convert the riverine into lacustrine ecosystems. The barriers created by HPPs interrupt the seasonal migrations of many fish species, while the reservoirs drive away fish species that are dependent on flowing water habitats. This paper assesses the distribution of fish species in the 3S rivers—Sekong, Sesan and Sre Pok, in Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam—using IUCN Red List-assessed species distribution by HydroBasin Level 8 from the freshwater reports of the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) and their connectivity with the Mekong. There are currently 61 commissioned dams in the 3S basins and a further 2 under construction, 23 of which are larger than the 30 MW installed capacity. A further 24 HPPs are proposed or planned in these basins. The changes in connectivity caused by the dams are measured by adapting the River Class Connectivity Index (RCI_CLASS); the original connectivity of the 3S basin taking into account the two major waterfalls in the Sesan and Sre Pok rivers was estimated at 80.9%. With existing dams, the connectivity has been reduced to 23.5%, and with all planned dams, it is reduced further to 10.9%. The resulting re-distribution of fish species occurring throughout the 3S basins is explored, by focusing on migratory guilds and threatened and endemic fish species. With all dams built, it is predicted that the total numbers of species in HydroBasins above the dams will be reduced by 40–50%. The Threatened Species Index is estimated to fall from over 30 near the confluence of the three rivers to less than 10 above the lowest dams on the 3S rivers. The analysis demonstrates how widely available global and regional datasets can be used to assess the impacts of dams on fish biodiversity in this region. Full article

Oxidative stress increases the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and impairs intestinal epithelial cell renewal, which further promotes intestinal barrier dysfunction and even death. Extensive evidence supports that resveratrol and apigenin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. Here, we investigated the ability of these two compounds to alleviate diquat-induced jejunal oxidative stress and morphological injury, using the duck as a model, as well as the effects of apigenin on oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ in immortalized duck intestinal epithelial cells (IDECs). Ducks were randomly assigned to the following four groups, with five replicates: a control (CON) group, a diquat-challenged (DIQ) group, a resveratrol (500 mg/kg) + diquat (RES) group, and an apigenin (500 mg/kg) + diquat (API) group. We found that serum catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) markedly reduced in the RES and API groups as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05); moreover, serum S superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased significantly in the API group as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In jejunal mucosa, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the RES and API groups decreased more than that in the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In addition, the jejunal expression levels of the NRF2 and GCLM genes in the RES and API groups increased notably compared with those in the DIQ group (p < 0.05); meanwhile, CAT activity in the RES and API groups was markedly elevated compared with that in the CON group (p < 0.05). In IDECs, apigenin significantly restrained the H₂O₂-mediated increase in MDA content and decrease in CAT levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, apigenin increased the protein expression of p-NRF2, NRF2, p-AKT, and p-P38; downregulated that of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9; and reduced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in H₂O₂-treated IDECs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol and apigenin can be used as natural feed additives to protect against jejunal oxidative stress in ducks. Full article

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in cervical cancer prevention. However, many barriers to uptake exist and strategies to overcome them are needed. Therefore, this study aimed to select and tailor implementation strategies to barriers identified by multiple stakeholders in Zambia. The study was conducted in Lusaka district between January and February 2023. Participants were purposively sampled from three stakeholder groups namely, adolescent girls, parents, and teachers and healthcare workers. With each of the stakeholders’ groups (10–13 participants per group), we used the nominal group technique to gain consensus to tailor feasible and acceptable implementation strategies for mitigating the identified contextual barriers. The identified barriers included low levels of knowledge and awareness about the HPV vaccine, being out of school, poor community sensitisation, lack of parental consent to vaccinate daughters, and myths and misinformation about the HPV vaccine. The lack of knowledge and awareness of the HPV vaccine was a common barrier across the three groups. Tailored strategies included conducting educational meetings and consensus-building meetings, using mass media, changing service sites, re-examining implementation, and involving patients/consumers and their relatives. Our study contributes to the available evidence on the process of selecting and tailoring implementation strategies to overcome contextual barriers. Policymakers should consider these tailored strategies to mitigate barriers and improve HPV vaccine uptake. Full article

The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) valproic acid (VPA) has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), which have been partially attributed to the epigenetic disinhibition of the transcription repressor RE1-Silencing Transcription Factor/Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Factor (REST/NRSF). Additionally, VPA changes post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) brain metabolism to create a neuroprotective environment. To address the interconnection of neuroprotection, metabolism, inflammation and REST/NRSF after TBI, we subjected C57BL/6N mice to experimental TBI and intraperitoneal VPA administration or vehicle solution at 15 min, 1, 2, and 3 days post-injury (dpi). At 7 dpi, TBI-induced an up-regulation of REST/NRSF gene expression and HDACi function of VPA on histone H3 acetylation were confirmed. Neurological deficits, brain lesion size, blood–brain barrier permeability, or astrogliosis were not affected, and REST/NRSF target genes were only marginally influenced by VPA. However, VPA attenuated structural damage in the hippocampus, microgliosis and expression of the pro-inflammatory marker genes. Analyses of plasma lipidomic and polar metabolomic patterns revealed that VPA treatment increased lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), which were inversely associated with interleukin 1 beta (Il1b) and tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) gene expression in the brain. The results show that VPA has mild neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects likely originating from favorable systemic metabolic changes resulting in increased plasma LPCs that are known to be actively taken up by the brain and function as carriers for neuroprotective polyunsaturated fatty acids. Full article