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Article
Computer Science and Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Ivan F. Jaramillo

,

Walter Orozco-Iguasnia

,

Rubén Patricio Alcocer Quinteros

,

Ricardo Rafael Villarroel-Molina

,

Alejandro Vilcacundo-Chilusia

Abstract: Maintenance management of stationary combustion engines in the agricultural sector faces critical challenges owing to a reliance on manual methods, which increases the risk of unplanned downtime. This study developed a machine learning-based predictive model to anticipate failures within a 60-day horizon, facilitating the transition from a reactive to a proactive maintenance approach. Following the CRISP-DM methodology and drawing on a historical dataset of 2,250 records from 59 engines, feature engineering techniques were applied to derive 48 predictor variables, while K-Means clustering was employed to identify operational load profiles. The performance of two ensemble algorithms was then evaluated; LightGBM outperformed Random Forest under five-fold cross-validation with a 60/40 temporal split. The proposed model achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.91, a precision of 92.9%, and a recall of 76.1% for detecting actual failures. The findings indicate that gradient boosting techniques are highly effective for optimizing maintenance planning and reducing operating costs in the Ecuadorian agricultural context.

Article
Computer Science and Mathematics
Applied Mathematics

Nícolas Samuel Assis

,

Socorro Rangel

,

Helio Yochihiro Fuchigami

Abstract: Permutation flow shop scheduling is an important production planning problem handled in different contexts. Just-in-time measures have been significant in the optimization of real problems and one is specifically addressed here: the total earliness and tardiness of jobs. The most used approach in the literature to mathematically express this measure is to sum them up using unit weights thus obtainning a mono-objective function. In this paper it is shown that this is a simplification of a problem that is inherently multi-objective, highlighting how a more comprehensive approach can better support decision-making. A bi-objective mathematical optimization model and tools capable of analyzing the mono-objective solution within the multi-objective perspective are proposed. A computational study to analyze the benefits and difficulties of the solution using the bi-objective approach is presented. The results show that for large scale instances in which the tardiness factor is small, the conflict between the objectives of minimizing the total earliness and minimizing the total tardiness of jobs increases significantly. Therefore, the multi-objective approach has a greater potential to support decision-makers. Furthermore, we show that the choice of the solution method must be carefully considered, since the Pareto frontier associated with most instances has many non-supported points.

Article
Physical Sciences
Theoretical Physics

Ricardo Gallego Torromé

Abstract: With the aim of finding a generalization of the principle of general covariance applicable to certain models for a {\it fundamental dynamical}, a categorical approach to dynamics is developed. Given a category, the notion of pre-dynamics is introduced. The dynamics is then defined as a {\it finest pre-dynamics}. The {\it categorical recurrence principle}, which constitutes a categorical generalization of the principle of general covariance, is formulated. Natural consequences of the theory are the deterministic character of the fundamental dynamics and the evolving character of the physical dynamical law itself. One main problem considered is the way how time parameters can be defined in terms of the elements of the category and set theory, as a part of the implementation of the categorical recurrence principle. Aimed to address this question, a construction is presented showing how time parameters are defined from the elements of the theory recursively.

Review
Public Health and Healthcare
Public, Environmental and Occupational Health

Matteo Conti

,

Nini Donatella

,

Francesco Saverio Violante

Abstract: Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals remains a major concern across several industrial sectors, including, among others, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and healthcare. Conventional exposure assessment methods, typically based on stationary environmental monitoring or periodic biological sampling, often fail to capture the dynamic and individualized nature of workplace exposures. In this context, wearable chemical sensors have emerged as promising tools for continuous and real-time exposure monitoring. This exploratory review provides an overview of recent advances in wearable chemical sensing technologies and discusses their potential applications in occupational exposure monitoring. Attention is given to electrochemical, optical, and hybrid sensing systems, as well as to the role of nanomaterials and flexible electronics in improving sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and wearability. Current applications in occupational settings, including monitoring of volatile organic compounds, toxic gases, and heavy metals, are discussed. The review also examines key challenges limiting the practical implementation of wearable sensors in occupational health programs, including long-term stability, environmental interference, power consumption, data integration, regulatory acceptance, and user compliance. Although wearable chemical sensors represent a rapidly evolving field with significant potential for improving occupational risk assessment and preventive strategies, further interdisciplinary research and long-term field validation studies are required before widespread implementation can be achieved.

Article
Engineering
Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

Pablo Vicente-Martínez

,

Adrián Chust-Ros

,

Nicolás Peñuelas-García

,

Emilio Soria-Olivas

,

María Ángeles García-Escrivà

,

Edu William-Secin

Abstract: Managing safety and operational efficiency in large-scale events requires tools capable of capturing complex crowd dynamics while supporting rapid and informed decision-making. This paper presents a Generative AI-powered digital twin framework that integrates agent-based crowd simulation, an API-based execution pipeline, and a Large Language Model (LLM)-driven conversational interface within a unified system. The proposed approach enables dynamic configuration, execution, and analysis of crowd scenarios under varying operational conditions, including high-demand and emergency evacuation contexts. Experimental results demonstrate the system’s ability to reproduce nonlinear crowd dynamics, detect congestion patterns, and evaluate evacuation performance, providing actionable insights for planning and safety assessment. A key contribution lies in the introduction of an API-based execution paradigm that exposes the full simulation lifecycle (configuration, validation, execution, and output retrieval) through programmatic interfaces, enabling reproducible and scalable what-if analysis. Additionally, the integration of an LLM-based conversational interface allows non-technical users to interact with complex simulation models through natural language, significantly improving accessibility and usability. The framework is validated through a TRL-4 prototype, demonstrating robust performance, scalability, and interaction reliability. Overall, the proposed system advances digital twins from static analytical tools to executable, interactive, and user-centric platforms for decision support in complex urban environments.

Article
Engineering
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Cristina-Elena Ungureanu

,

Bogdan Fleacă

,

Răzvan Mihai Dobrescu

,

Elena Fleacă

Abstract: Nowadays, the organisational landscape aiming to provide value through their product and service offerings relies on having the infrastructure necessary to deliver at the expected service levels, as well as contributing to business continuity and organisational resilience in the face of modern organisational performance disruptions. This requires appropriate adaptation of existing frameworks, methods, and models to their business models which have generated consistent deliverables across time and industries. The same is applicable for the Romanian Information Technology (IT) organisations, which face increasing pressure to deliver within the expected quality, time, and budget parameters. Therefore, this paper aims to assess how stakeholder relationship management components, viewed through the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) excellence framework, with impact on organisational quality and its contribution to business continuity and organisational resilience in Romanian IT organisations. This is a pilot-type study with a sample of N = 52 participants, to explore the applicability of the MBNQA framework within the Romanian IT sector. The results suggest that the four components of MBNQA focused on stakeholders (Leadership and Governance, Workforce, Customers and Markets, Community Engagement) may be suitable to be considered in assessment tools on the Romanian IT market. The “Workforce” variable emerges as the strongest area to focus on for achieving quality in stakeholder relationship management (SRM). Given its pilot delimitation, this study provides can be seen as providing an initial foundation for applying MBNQA in a specific regional IT context. While limited by sample size and geographic focus, the findings justify expanding the research to include broader population segments. Future research could transition from this correlational design to longitudinal frameworks to validate the associations across other multiple geographical markets.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Anatomy and Physiology

Beate Rassler

,

Charly Bambor

,

Sarah Daunheimer

,

Coralie Raffort

,

Aida Salameh

Abstract: Previous studies on rats showed a deterioration of left ventricular (LV) function and myocardial injury characterized by oxidative/nitrosative stress, PARylation, and apoptosis in the heart after three days of hypoxia. In the present study on rats, we investigated whether a three-day recovery period in normoxia can reverse myocardial injury and dysfunction. Further, we studied the effects of norepinephrine (NE) administration as a model of strong sympathetic activation on hypoxia-induced LV dysfunction and myocardial damage, as well as their reversibility. Three days of normobaric hypoxia (10% O2) significantly decreased LV systolic function. Contrary to our expectations, NE infusion even aggravated the depression in LV function. These dysfunctions were completely reversed after three days of normoxic recovery. In contrast, nitrotyrosine as a marker of oxidative/nitrosative stress receded only partially, and poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) increased even further during the recovery period. Apoptosis-inducing factor receded at least partially indicating that PAR-related apoptosis (parthanatos) is not a major cause of hypoxia-induced LV dysfunction. Additional administration of NE mildly aggravated oxidative/nitrosative stress but did not significantly intensify PARylation and consequently, parthanatos. The findings demonstrate that hypoxia-induced LV dysfunction is reversible suggesting that subchronic hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation has a better prognosis for the LV than classical ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Review
Engineering
Marine Engineering

Jiaye Chen

,

Yuming Su

,

Tianyu Zhang

,

Youbo Jie

,

Rui He

,

Qingsong Zeng

Abstract: The pronounced aero-hydrodynamic coupling effects of modern Wind-Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS) ships challenge the applicability of traditional stability frameworks, which are predicated on hydrostatic energy balance, in satisfying the dynamic constraints of the Second Generation Intact Stability Criteria (SGISC). This paper systematically reviews the methodological evolution of dynamic stability assessments for WAPS ships under extreme and damaged conditions. By introducing a "Hierarchy of Evidence" evaluation framework, this study delineates the applicability boundaries of aerodynamic Reduced-Order Models (ROM), extended 3/4-DOF maneuvering equations, and 6-DOF time-domain hybrid architectures, defining the role of high-fidelity CFD-VPP in establishing calibration benchmarks. The review also discusses the damping distortion mechanisms induced by multiphase flow sloshing under damaged conditions. Synthesized findings indicate that transitioning towards a 6-DOF time-domain coupled architecture provides clear advantages for capturing unsteady aerodynamic hysteresis and nonlinear interference. Meanwhile, surrogate models, such as Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), offer a potential pathway to mitigate the computational demands associated with long-term extreme value extrapolations. Ultimately, this review provides a methodological reference for the high-fidelity assessment of WAPS and the development of Digital Twin systems.

Article
Engineering
Civil Engineering

Sushama De Silva

,

Pang-jo Chun

Abstract: Aging bridge infrastructure and limited inspection resources have created an urgent need for automated and reliable bridge condition assessment systems. Most existing deep learning-based inspection approaches detect damage types from images without considering the structural member on which the damage occurs, limiting their practical utility for maintenance decision-making. This study proposes a structure-aware deep learning framework for automated bridge inspection that integrates structural member segmentation, multiclass damage detection, and spatial damage-to-member association within a unified pipeline. A SegFormer-based semantic segmentation model was trained on a custom bridge inspection dataset comprising 1,339 images to identify three primary structural member classes — main girder, deck slab, and abutment — achieving a test mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 0.851. Boundary refinement using the Segment Anything Model (SAM) in mask-prompt mode was applied to improve mask precision during training data preparation. A YOLOv8s object detection model was trained on a custom bridge damage dataset of 6,531 images to detect two damage classes — crack and corrosion — achieving a mean Average Precision (mAP50) of 0.445 at a confidence threshold of 0.30. The framework associates detected damage with segmented structural members using a region-based spatial assignment strategy, enabling structure-aware outputs such as “crack on main girder” and “corrosion on deck slab.” Manual evaluation on 100 bridge inspection images demonstrated a damage detection accuracy of 70.0% fully correct and 84.0% fully or partially correct, and a member assignment accuracy of 62.0% fully correct and 87.0% fully or partially correct. The main girder class achieved the highest combined accuracy for both damage detection (90.9%) and member assignment (93.9%). These results demonstrate the potential of the proposed framework for practical automated bridge inspection and infrastructure monitoring applications.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Aging

Keisuke Kakazu

,

Ryoji Yoshimura

,

Atsushi Fukunari

,

Madoka Kumai

,

Akira Tsujimura

,

Hiromitsu Tanaka

Abstract: 1) Background: Coumestrol is a bioactive compound that inhibits HASPIN activity and prevents tau and H3 phosphorylation. Oral ingestion of CBSs increases blood testosterone levels, which decline with age causing late-onset hypogonadism. Oral ingestion of coumestrol-rich bean sprouts (CBSs) has been shown to suppress the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in 5xFAD mice and the onset of colon cancer in APCmin/+ mice. 2) Methods: We investigated the effect of oral ingestion of CBSs on the progression of aging in male senescence-accelerated prone 1 (SAMP1) mice allowed voluntary exercise or no exercise. The SAMP1 mice were divided into two groups fed either a standard diet or a diet including bean sprouts from 12 to 18 weeks of age. Each group was divided into two groups with voluntary exercise or no exercise. 3) Results: Voluntary exercise accelerated aging-related declines in blood testosterone levels, nerve growth factor levels, and spatial working memory, and oral ingestion of CBSs suppressed these age-related phenotypes, regardless of exercise. 4) Conclusion: Ingestion of CBSs prevented aging-related phenotypes in the experimental mice. A detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms of coumestrol will be useful for understanding aging and preventing age-related diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and LOH.

Review
Medicine and Pharmacology
Psychiatry and Mental Health

Janusz Wiesław Błaszczyk

Abstract: Life is a self-organizing and self-sustaining process that involves the transformation of energy, primarily regulated by the brain. The brain is made up of terminally differentiated postmitotic cells, and their proper functioning and longevity depend entirely on energy and glucose-fueled metabolism. Glucose metabolism is essential for maintaining normal neuronal function, homeostasis, and repair processes. Neurodegenerative changes begin to develop when glucose metabolism is insufficient. Brain involution often progresses in neuronal structures that have the highest levels of energy metabolism and activity. The primary age-related changes occur in the hypothalamus and in the GABA/glutamatergic systems of the cerebral cortex. These changes are closely linked to the age-related decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is a key mechanism that impairs glucose metabolism and leads to programmed neuronal death. Early warning signs typically include a combination of dysfunctions related to the affected areas. Research so far suggests that early supplementation with NAD precursors may slow the processes of aging and neurodegeneration.

Article
Public Health and Healthcare
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Duygu Korkem Yorulmaz

,

Alperen Yazıtaş

,

Mehmet Furkan Cantürk

,

Tezel Yıldırım Şahan

Abstract: Background: Postural problems such as head forward posture, thoracic hyperkyphosis and lumbal hyperlordosis, when seen together, further complicate postural control, increasing the importance of comprehensive approaches in treatment. This study aims to examine the effect of 6 weeks telerehabilitation with web-based exercises and compare the home based exercises in individuals with postural problems. Trial Design: A Randomized Controlled Study. Methods: 34 volunteers with postural deformity among young adults were randomly divided into telerehabilitation (n=17) and control (n=1) groups. Craniovertebral, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbal lordosis angles of all individuals were evaluated with a smartphone application (Clinometer+ Bubble), hamstring, and pectoral muscle shortness with a goniometer, and trunk muscle endurance with endurance tests created by McGill and Sorenson. Whilst the tele-rehabilitation group was provided with a videobased exercise programme, the control group was advised to follow the same exercise programme at home. Exercises were performed 3 days a week for 6 weeks, 1 hour session. Participants in the telerehabilitation group were followed up with synconised video conference. Results: A significant difference was observed in the telerehabilitation group in muscle shortness and the endurance tests (p<0.05). Only a significant difference in left (p=0.03) and right (p=0.04) muscle shortness was observed in the home exercise group. Significant differences were observed in Craniovertebral and lumbal lordosis angles between groups (p<0.05), with the telerehabilitation group showing better outcomes. When examined kyphosis angle, muscle shortness, and endurance tests between groups were found to be similar (p>0.05). Conclusions: Six weeks of telerehabilitation can improve muscle shortness and trunk endurance in young adults with postural deformities. Both the exercise program using telerehabilitation and the home exercise program were beneficial for individuals with postural problems, with more favorable effects observed in the telerehabilitation group.

Article
Public Health and Healthcare
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Riley Brassington

,

Jocelyn Mara

,

Nick Ball

,

Gordon Waddington

,

Julie Cooke

Abstract: Female rugby league performance is influenced by multiple interacting systems; however, the extent to which sensory and autonomic function differentiates playing level remains unclear. This study investigated whether visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and auto-nomic performance differ by playing level and positional group in female rugby league athletes. Elite and sub-elite athletes completed lower-limb proprioception testing using an Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment protocol, alongside visual–vestibular and autonomic measures obtained via a virtual-reality eye-tracking system. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to examine the effects of playing level, positional group (adjustables, backs, forwards), and their interaction, with posterior inference based on probability of direction and region of practical equivalence analyses. Interaction effects between level and position were observed for selected variables across somatosensory, vestibulo-oculomotor, and autonomic domains. Elite adjustables demonstrated higher ankle proprioceptive acuity than sub-elite adjustables (PD = 0.94), with additional interaction effects identified for vestibulo-oculomotor time on target (PD = 0.95) and autonomic dilation velocity (PD = 0.98). However, findings were not consistent across positional groups or outcome measures, and substantial within-group variability was evident. Overall, sensory and autonomic performance did not consistently differentiate playing level, suggesting limited utility for cross-sectional discrimination but potential value for longitudinal, individualised athlete monitoring.

Article
Public Health and Healthcare
Public, Environmental and Occupational Health

Meriem Khaled Gijón*

,

José Andrey Prado Rojas

,

Emilio Jesús Lizarte Simón

,

Cindy Artavia Fallas

,

José Gijón Puerta

,

María Marta Camacho Álvarez

Abstract: Academic stress is a growing public health concern in higher education, particularly during examination periods, when increased anxiety and psychological distress negatively affect students’ wellbeing and academic performance. In this context, scalable and accessible interventions that promote emotional regulation and reduce stress are increasingly relevant within university health promotion strategies. This study examines the perceived benefits, conditions, and limitations of dog-assisted interventions in higher education, based on the implementation of the StressLess pro-gramme at the University of Costa Rica. A mixed exploratory design was used, combining qualitative narratives with quantitative content analysis. A total of 51 videoecorded testimonies were analysed, including university students (n = 22) and professionals from diverse disciplines (n = 29). Results indicate predominantly positive perceptions across all dimensions, particularly in emotional support and stress reduction. The only statistically significant difference be-tween groups was found in emotional support, with higher ratings among students. Professionals were more likely to identify implementation conditions, risks, and potential cognitive benefits. These findings support the integration of dog-assisted interventions as complementary strategies within university public health frameworks and contribute to the limited evidence available in Latin American contexts.

Article
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Structures, Algorithms and Complexity

Dan V. Nicolau, Jr.

Abstract: Despite millennia of successful biological reproduction, the daily execution of child-rearing remains notoriously fraught and highly resistant to optimization. Societyfrequently attributes parental burnout and daily perceived failures in parenting tasks topsychological shortcomings, a lack of patience, or organizational failure. In this paper,we propose a mathematically rigorous defense of the exhausted parent by modelingroutine domestic tasks as formal decision problems. We demonstrate that the pursuit of“Optimal Parenting” (OP) is fundamentally intractable (assuming P ≠ NP). Byperforming polynomial-time reductions from classic NP-complete problems—specifically 0-1 Integer Linear Programming, Maximum Independent Set, and MAX-3-SAT—to simplified models of moral development, contradictory behavioral curricula,and developmental milestones, we prove that OP is strictly NP-hard. Consequently, weestablish that finding a perfect, conflict-free parenting strategy requires non-deterministic polynomial time, vastly exceeding the processing capabilities of anybiological parent. Our results mathematically absolve caregivers of domestic guilt andformally validate constraint relaxation (colloquially known as “lowering expectations”,or simply “doing one’s best”) as a necessary and optimal heuristic for surviving acomputationally hostile environment.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Environmental Science

Marek Zieliński

,

Barbara Gołębiewska

,

Jan Jadczyszyn

,

Sergiusz Pimenow

,

Jolanta Sobierajewska

,

Marcin Adamski

,

Jozef Tyburski

Abstract: Organic farming in the European Union is strongly shaped by Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support, yet participation durability remains less examined than supported organic area or organ-ic–conventional comparisons. This study assesses whether the length of participation in CAP-supported organic farming is associated with the organizational, production, and economic out-comes of organic farms in Poland. It applies a two-level approach: CAP support trajectories based on ARMA data for 2008–2025 and organic production duration based on Polish FSDN data for 2008–2022. The results show that organic farming in Poland is highly CAP-dependent and follows an unstable trajectory, with expansion up to 2012–2013, subsequent decline, and renewed growth after 2019. Longer participation is associated with differences in land resources, supported organic UAA, ANCs conditions, production organization, and livestock presence, indicating both adapta-tion and structural selectivity. FSDN data show that fully organic farms have lower land and labor productivity than conventional farms, but persistent fully organic farms achieve similar income per hectare when subsidies are included; without subsidies, their income remains much weaker. The findings indicate that the evaluation of organic farming support should move beyond benefi-ciary counts and certified organic area to include participation durability, production-system co-herence, economic viability, and territorial embeddedness. More differentiated instruments are needed to strengthen durable, knowledge-intensive, and territorially embedded organic farming systems.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Polymers and Plastics

Evy Aracely Ortiz

,

Montana Thomas Hance

,

Aboulfazl Barati

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer systems based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) have attracted significant attention for fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability, tunable mechanical behavior, and potential to reduce stress-shielding effects associated with metallic implants. However, the immiscibility of PHB/PBAT blends, limited melt stability, and poor balance between stiffness and ductility restrict their processability and functional performance. In this study, rheology was employed as the central design parameter to establish the relationship between reactive compatibilization, melt structure evolution, filament formation, printability, mechanical response, and degradation behavior in PHB/PBAT-based systems. PHB/PBAT blends containing varying Joncryl® ADR and MgO nanoparticle contents were prepared through reactive melt blending, followed by filament extrusion and FDM processing. FTIR analysis confirmed epoxy-mediated reactions between Joncryl and polyester chain ends, indicating chain extension, branching, and enhanced interfacial interactions. Rheological analysis demonstrated that reactive compatibilization significantly increased storage modulus, complex viscosity, melt elasticity, and relaxation times, particularly at low frequencies, indicating the formation of a more interconnected viscoelastic network favorable for stable filament extrusion and shape retention during FDM processing. Stress relaxation measurements further confirmed delayed stress dissipation and enhanced melt structural recovery in compatibilized systems. In contrast, MgO incorporation introduced rheological heterogeneity and altered relaxation dynamics through polymer-filler interactions and localized chain confinement. Mechanical characterization revealed a transition from brittle PHB behavior to ductile PBAT-rich systems. Among the investigated formulations, PHB/PBAT/J0.3 exhibited the most favorable balance between tensile strength, elongation, toughness, and filament stability, while excessive MgO loading reduced ductility and impact resistance despite modest stiffness enhancement. SEM observations demonstrated improved phase morphology and interfacial adhesion after reactive compatibilization, whereas MgO-containing systems exhibited increased structural heterogeneity. Thermal analysis showed that compatibilization modified crystallization behavior through chain branching and reduced crystallinity, while MgO influenced crystallization efficiency and degradation pathways. In vitro degradation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution at 37 °C demonstrated controlled degradation behavior and gradual pH evolution over 42 days. The results demonstrate that reactive compatibilization governs the viscoelastic state required for stable FDM processing and balanced mechanical performance, while MgO provides secondary control over stiffness and degradation behavior. The developed biodegradable PHB/PBAT-based systems show promising potential for additively manufactured orthopedic and biomedical applications where controlled degradation, flexibility, and processability are required.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Food Science and Technology

Mio Matsuoka

,

Hiroko Shimaya

,

Yoshihito Iwanami

,

Shohei Iijima

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The semi-solid enteral nutrition method, in which semi-solid nutrients are administered through a gastrostoma rather than liquid nutrients, is a medical technology for nutritional management developed in Japan. This nutritional method has spread rapidly, and in 2018, the Home Semi-solid Enteral Nutrition Guidance and Management fee was newly established in the payment system for medical services. However, there are few studies evaluating this nutrition method in actual clinical practice. Methods: Using the DeSC medical claims database, we investigated patient characteristics, the number of fee calculations, and the length of hospital stay for all hospitalizations and for pneumonia during and after fee calculation. Results: Home semi-solid enteral nutrition guidance and management was received at least once by 3105 patients (mean age: 79.4 years). Cerebrovascular disease, nervous system disease, dementia, and pneumonia were the most common diseases at the start of guidance and management, and the mean number of sessions received was 7.7. The mean length of stay for any hospitalization was significantly shorter during the guidance and management period than after the last guidance and management session (8.2 vs. 29.1 days). Notably, the mean length of hospital stay for pneumonia was also significantly shorter during the guidance and management period than after the last guidance and management session (3.1 vs. 10.2 days). Conclusions: This study clarified the clinical status and outcomes of patients who received Home Semi-solid Enteral Nutrition Guidance and Management. The results suggested that application of the semi-solid enteral nutrition method can contribute to stable patient home care.

Article
Social Sciences
Gender and Sexuality Studies

Tinyiko Chauke

Abstract: The research paper explores the intersections of colonialism, apartheid, gender, sexuality, and nationalism through the narratives of women from Mpumalanga, in South Africa. I critically examine how these factors shape the identities and experiences of Black women in South Africa, especially in the wake of the country’s transition to democracy. I employ qualitative methods, engaging with women’s narratives alongside existing literature, to frame my analysis. This approach allows for an understanding of women’s embodied experiences and how these relate to broader socio-political contexts. By utilising personal narratives, this research highlights the lived realities of Black women, illuminating the ongoing effects of socio-political and cultural legacies on their sexualities and identities. The theoretical frameworks guiding my analysis are rooted in decolonial and African feminist scholarship. These frameworks challenge conventional narratives on gender and sexuality, emphasising the need to contextualise African experiences within their unique historical and socio-cultural landscapes. I draw on diverse scholarly contributions that examine the effects of the colonial gaze, gender roles imposed by colonial ideologies, and the historical narrative of Black women under surveillance. To conclude, through women’s personal narratives and Focus Group Discussions, my research aims to critically interrogate the historical constructions of gender and sexuality, foregrounding women's voices to deepen understanding of power dynamics in post-apartheid South Africa. Through this, I assert that the legacies of racial and sexual disparity continue to influence contemporary discourses and women’s lived experiences today.

Article
Engineering
Civil Engineering

Łukasz Dominik Kaczmarek

,

Jacek Stasierski

,

Jacek Kostrzewa

,

Adam Lubowicki

,

Kacper Piekarski

,

Piotr Drużyński

,

Tadeusz Daszczyński

,

Maciej Filip Gruszczyński

Abstract: Background: Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) plants remain a cornerstone of grid stability and renewable-energy integration in Europe, yet a large share of the European fleet is ageing and was built under design codes that predate modern geotechnical standards. The Dychów pumped-storage power plant (ESP Dychów, 88 MW, Lubusz Voivodeship, western Poland), in service since the 1930s, is classified as part of the national critical energy infrastructure. Its earthen retaining structures have a documented history of surface mass movements – including the 1997 landslide on the frontal dam, which damaged around 60 m of the crest road and the powerhouse – and require recurrent safety assessment in complex glaciotectonic settings. Methods: Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) performed in a gradient array was combined with hydrogeological observations and finite-element slope-stability analyses in ZSoil. Two cross-sections were examined – the earthen frontal dam of the upper reservoir and the embankment of the derivation channel feeding the reservoir – each with four calculation variants and two groundwater scenarios. The shear-strength reduction technique was used to obtain the “global” safety factor SF. Results: SF equals 1.75 for the frontal dam and ranges from 1.80 to 2.10 for the channel embankment. Parametric reduction of the internal friction angle of saturated medium sand yields limit values of φ = 12.3° (dam) and φ = 20.3° (embankment), clearly below realistic in-situ values. Conclusions: Both structures comply with the safety threshold F ≥ 1.50 specified for Class I hydraulic engineering structures. The presented non-invasive ERT–FEM workflow offers a cost-effective tool for the periodic reassessment of ageing PSH infrastructure, supporting its continued role in balancing variable renewable generation in decarbonising power systems.

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