Abstract: Gas exchange between soil or water surfaces and the atmosphere is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas production and absorption. Faced with global climate change and increasing atmospheric concentrations of these gases, significant scientific efforts are being made to monitor this exchange using various techniques, including closed chambers. Although relatively simple, this technique requires careful attention to several key points. Furthermore, any installation using commercial chambers is relatively expensive. Indeed, given the specific variability of gas exchange, a single chamber cannot assess all the gas exchange in the soil of a given plot. Several chambers are therefore necessary, which increases the overall cost of the installation. In our laboratory, we have built different types of chambers: portable "nomad" ultra-low-cost chambers for punctual, large-area measurement campaigns and "automatic" cost-effective chambers for long-term installations. In this article, we aim to share our experience by describing our achievements and providing a link to the complete documentation, which includes 3D and 2D plans, Gerber files for manufacturing printed circuit boards, and a parts list.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Franz Tappeiner (1816–1902) is often celebrated as a pioneer of alpine medicine and the founder of Tappeiner Promenade in Meran (South Tyrol, Italy). However, his legacy extends far beyond the scenic infrastructure. His multidisciplinary practice anticipated the principles of contemporary rehabilitation, preventive medicine, and climate-sensitive public health. Methods: This historical scientific analysis reinterprets Tappeiner’s writings, institutional engagements, and civic projects through the lens of modern public health frameworks. Drawing on primary materials (e.g., published articles, autobiographical fragments, and commemorative texts) and recent evidence from rehabilitation and environmental health research, these contributions were contextualized. Results: Tappeiner’s early focus on infectious disease prevention (e.g., cholera and tuberculosis) transitioned into a strategic emphasis on recovery and behavioral therapy through environmental design. The walking therapy model of Max Joseph Oertel, locally realized in the Tappeiner Promenade, prefigured modern concepts such as structured green rehabilitation, walkability, and urban-health citizenship. He contributed substantial personal funds to the path’s construction, embedding therapeutic gradients, curating vegetation, and promoting inclusive design to support convalescence. Contemporary research supports the intuition that green, low- to moderate-intensity walking improves cardiometabolic health, psychological well-being, and functional capacity. Moreover, his integrative ethos, merging clinical medicine, civic ethics, and spatial intervention, parallels contemporary eco-social models of public health. Conclusion: Franz Tappeiner’s career exemplifies a still-relevant model of physician leadership that is empirically grounded, socially accountable, and ecologically attuned. His work invites reflection on how medical professionals can shape not only individual care but also urban environments and collective health futures.

Abstract: Sexual dimorphism in morphological traits is widespread across animals and can result from differing life-history strategies, sex-specific competitive pressures, and ecological interactions, which may be influenced by habitat structure and complexity. For epifaunal organisms, e.g., amphipods that inhabit structurally diverse benthic habitats, the structure of the habitat plays a key role in mediating access to food, mate encounters, and refuge provision. Here, we explored patterns of variation in body size and gnathopod 2 ratio (gnathopod 2 length/body length) among amphipod species in different marine habitats. We focus on two amphipod species, Ampithoe ramondi and Caprella acanthifera, across four benthic habitat types: rhodolith beds, macroalgae- dominated reefs, seagrass meadows, and black coral forests. A. ramondi was present in all habitats except black coral forests, and males were significantly larger than females only in macroalgae-dominated reefs. Males also exhibited higher gnathopod ratios than females, increasing from macroalgae-dominated reefs to seagrass meadows and rhodolith beds. C. acanthifera was found in macroalgae-dominated reeds and black coral forests, where males were larger than females on average, but no significant habitat alterations were detected. Neither A. ramondi nor C. acanthifera was found in all four habitats. These results suggest that patterns of sexual dimorphism across coastal habitats are species-specific, with sexual selection operating more subtly in some taxa (e.g., C. acanthifera) than others, likely shaped by both habitat-specific ecological pressures and differences in life-history strategies. Expanding such analyses to more taxa and with balanced sampling across habitats and environmental gradients will offer deeper insight into how natural and sexual selection interact and inform how these dynamics may shift under changing climate regimes.

Abstract: We propose a centralized Activity Retrieval and Detection Intelligence (ActivityRDI) solution framework, demonstrate its application performance in Network Threat Detection in detail, and show its generalization in other domains. Network threat detection is challenging due to the complex nature of attack activities and the limited historically revealed threat data to learn from. To help enhance the existing methods (e.g., analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence) to detect the network threats, we propose a multi-agent AI solution for agile threat detection. In this solution, a Knowledge Graph is used to analyze changes in user activity patterns and calculate the risk of unknown threats. Then, an Imbalanced Learning Model is used to prune and weigh the Knowledge Graph, and also calculate the risk of known threats. Finally, a Large Language Model (LLM) is used to retrieve and interpret the risk of user activities from the Knowledge Graph and the Imbalanced Learning Model. The preliminary results show that the solution improves the threat capture rate by 3\%-4\% and adds natural language interpretations of the risk predictions based on user activities. Furthermore, a demo application has been built to show how the proposed solution framework can be deployed and used.

Abstract: We prove the irrationality of a family of normalized odd zeta values of the form \( \dfrac{\zeta(2n+1)}{\pi^{2n+1}},\,n\in\mathbb{N},\,n\geq 3. \) Our approach is based on constructing explicit integer linear forms in the quantities \( I_n=4(4^n-1)\left[\dfrac{\zeta(2n)\zeta(2n+2)}{\zeta(2n+1)^2}-1\right]-1 \), and applying a refinement of Dirichlet's approximation theorem. The construction of the \( I_n \) is probabilistic in origin. We prove that the sequence of denominators produced by successive rational approximations yields infinitely many nontrivial integer relations of the type \( \Lambda_m^{(q)}=A_m^{(q)} I_n-B_m^{(q)}, \) with \( |\Lambda_m^{(q)}| \) (\( q \) being a parameter) decaying towards zero as \( m \) approaches infinity. This permits us to invoke a general irrationality criterion and thereby deduce that \( I_n \) is irrational for each \( n\geq 3 \). Consequently, each corresponding normalized odd zeta value is irrational. Our method combines ideas from probability theory, analytic combinatorics and Diophantine approximation, and complements earlier work of Apéry, Beukers, Rivoal, and Zudilin.

Abstract: Model-based reinforcement learning (MBRL) offers improved sample efficiency but faces instability from model errors and compounding uncertainties. We present Contraction Dynamics Model (CDM), a framework that learns state-dependent Riemannian contraction metrics jointly with system dynamics and control policies to ensure stability during training and deployment. The method uses a softplus-Cholesky decomposition for positive definite metric parameterization and optimizes via virtual displacements to minimize trajectory divergence energy. An adaptive stability regularizer incorporates the learned metric into policy objectives, guiding exploration toward contracting state space regions. Theoretically, we establish exponential trajectory convergence in expectation, derive robustness bounds against model errors, and characterize sample complexity. Empirically, on continuous control benchmarks (Pendulum, CartPole, HalfCheetah), contraction-guided learning enhances stability, sample efficiency (38.9% step reduction), and resilience to model errors (78% performance retention vs 52% for baselines at 10% noise) compared to MBRL baselines (PETS, MBPO) and safe RL methods. Ablation studies confirm design choices, showing learned metrics yield 10-40% performance gains with 20% computational overhead. This work demonstrates that learning contraction metrics enables practical, scalable embedding of nonlinear stability guarantees in deep reinforcement learning.

Abstract: Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to place immense strain on health systems globally, with nurses at the centre of care delivery physically, emotion-ally, and relationally. In dialysis units, nurses form long-term therapeutic relationships with patients who depend on life-sustaining treatment several times a week. Objective: This study explored the lived experiences of professional nurses caring for patients with CKD in a dialysis unit, using Watson’s Theory of Human Caring as a guiding frame-work. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews with twelve professional nurses and analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and authenticity. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) emotional and professional experiences, (2) systemic resource constraints, and (3) recommendations for practice improvement. These findings highlight the tension between caring ideals and systemic limitations. Conclusions: Interpreted through Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, the findings demonstrate that organizational support, emotional wellbeing, and adequate resource allocation are essential to sustaining caring-healing environments and advancing equitable, high-quality CKD care in alignment with Sustainable Devel-opment Goal 3. The study concludes that dialysis nursing is profoundly meaningful yet emotionally demanding. Strengthened emotional support, improved leadership visibility, consistent resource allocation, and enhanced nephrology nursing education are critical to sustaining compassionate care. The findings offer important insights for policy, workforce development, and quality improvement efforts in CKD care.

Abstract: Cultural heritage can contribute to urban resilience by supporting education that builds stewardship and civic agency. This study evaluates whether the Art Nouveau Path, an outdoor mobile augmented reality heritage game in Aveiro, Portugal, can serve as a curriculum-aligned pathway for urban resilience and sustainability competences in formal education. A curriculum translation matrix mapped eight points of interest and 36 tasks to Portugal’s curricular frameworks, Education for Sustainability themes, and GreenComp competences, and was examined as a design artefact to support adoption and scalability. Empirical evidence comprised accompanying teachers’ in-field observations (T2-OBS; N = 24 across 18 sessions) and students’ post-activity survey data (S2-POST; N = 439), including open-ended narratives. Narratives were analyzed using a directed resilience-mechanism codebook, with high intercoder agreement (Krippendorff’s alpha = 0.91). Teachers reported very high willingness to participate again (M = 5.75/6, SD = 0.44) and perceived contribution to sustainability competences (M = 5.08/6, SD = 0.72), while observing frequent care for public space and heritage (83.33%). Students strongly endorsed learning Education for Sustainability through local heritage (98.41%). By foregrounding curriculum translation and mechanism-based narrative analysis, the study contributes an adoption-oriented model for scaling heritage-based mobile learning within urban resilience agendas.

Abstract: This study deals with the estimation of daily actual evapotranspiration (ETa) values above selected agricultural fields located in the semi-arid region of Albacete at the autonomous region of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, for the growing season of 2020-21. ESA’s Sentinel free imagery was utilized for the satellite-based estimation of ETa values. A modification of Sen-ET SNAP graphical user interface by ESA was introduced, as well as meteorological data from the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. The estimated values are compared against ETa values derived from lysimeter observations acquired in-situ from the study region (ET0). Initial results showed a high correlation (R²=0.75) between the proposed model and lysimeter measurements, but with systematic underestimation which was corrected by introducing an intercept in the proposed linear relationship, improving ETa estimations. Validation with 2022-2023 data confirmed the reliability of the corrected method, which, although is not as accurate as FAO Penman-Monteith (R²=0.99), it offers a significant advantage at the ET estimation used for local agricultural and hydrological applications.

Abstract: In 180 nm CMOS process, an enhanced dynamic bias comparator with reference-compensated offset calibration technique is implemented. In order to reduce the delay time of the comparator, an enhanced structure is used. To reduce the power consumption, a dynamic bias technique is applied to the comparator. A novel reference-compensated offset calibration technique is introduced to achieve offset calibration. Simulation results indicate that the proposed comparator achieves a delay time of 190.3 ps and an energy consumption of 324.2 fJ/comparison under operating conditions of 150 MHz and an input differential amplitude of 0.1 V. Furthermore, the application of a reference-compensated offset calibration technique facilitated a reduction in the offset voltage of the comparator from 18.1 mV to 6.3 mV.

Abstract: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must manage their cash flow effectively to survive and grow. However, many SMEs continue to experience cash flow challenges that can lead to operational disruptions or business failure, particularly in developing economies where resources and financial management capacity are often limited. This study sought to examine existing cash flow management strategies in addressing poor practices by SMEs. The study employed a qualitative approach to examine types of cash flow management strategies used by SME owners and how well they work to solve typical cash flow problems across different global contexts, including South Africa. Methodically, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted. The review searched scholarly databases for peer-reviewed papers that were published only in English between 1996 and 2025, on existing characteristics of SMEs’ cash flow management strategies. A purposive sampling method was applied through the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and context (PICOC) framework, which guided the eligibility and selection of studies. The final sample size for this study consisted of 24 peer-reviewed articles that met all inclusion criteria. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram was used to summarize the process of selecting studies. Overall, the study concludes that although effective strategies are available, their success depends on proper implementation supported by adequate training, accessible financial systems, and stronger operational discipline. These findings highlight key areas where targeted interventions could enhance SME liquidity and improve overall financial sustainability.

Abstract: This study introduces a hybrid point cloud compression method that transfers from octree-nodes to voxel occupancy estimation to find its lower-bound bitrate by using a Binary Arithmetic Range Coder. In previous attempts, we've shown that our entropy compression model based on index convolution achieves promising performance while maintaining low complexity. However, our previous model lacks an autoregressive approach, which is apparently indispensable to compete with the current state-of-the-art of compression performance. Therefore, we adapt an autoregressive grouping method that iteratively populates, explores, and estimates the occupancy of 1-bit voxel candidates in a more discrete fashion. Furthermore, we refactored our backbone architecture by adding a distiller layer on each convolution, forcing every hidden feature to contribute to the final output. Our proposed model extracts local features using lightweight 1D convolution applied in varied ordering and analyzes causal relationships by optimizing the cross-entropy. This approach efficiently replaces the voxel convolution techniques and attention models used in previous works, providing significant improvements in both time and memory consumption. The effectiveness of our model is demonstrated on three datasets, where it outperforms recent deep learning-based compression models in this field.

Abstract: This study analyzes long‑term structural and demographic change in Japan by examining prefectural productivity trends from 1975 to 2021 and municipal‑level dynamics in Mie Prefecture. Four benchmark years—1975, 1989, 2006, and 2021—capture major turning points in Japan’s postwar economic trajectory. Spot values and interval‑based changes across the periods 1975–1989, 1989–2006, and 2006–2021 reveal three phases of regional economic development. Metropolitan prefectures led productivity growth until the early 2000s, but their dominance weakened after 2006, when productivity gains became concentrated in non‑metropolitan regions despite substantial population decline. Municipal‑level evidence from Mie Prefecture reinforces this pattern. Between 2011 and 2021, all 29 municipalities recorded increases in income per working‑age person, and municipalities with the steepest demographic contraction often showed the strongest income growth. These findings challenge the prevailing narrative of regional decline and indicate that depopulation may coexist with, or even facilitate, local economic restructuring. Overall, Japan’s regional transformation should be understood not simply as decline but as a process of reorganization driven by demographic change and the emergence of resilient local enterprises.

Abstract:

For a long time, glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation were opposed to each other. Glycolysis work when there is a lack of oxygen, the mitochondria supply ATP in oxygen environment. In recent decades, it has been discovered that glycolysis in vivo works always and the final product is lactate. Lactate can accumulate and is the transport form for pyruvate. In this review, we look at how obligate lactate formation during glycolysis affects the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and mitochondrial respiration. We conclude that fatty acid β-oxidation is a prerequisite for obligate lactate formation during glycolysis, which in turn promotes and enhances the anaplerotic functions of the TCA cycle. In this way, a supply of two types of substrates for mitochondria is formed: fatty acids as the basic energy substrates, and lactate as an emergency substrate for the heart, skeletal muscles, and brain. High steady-state levels of lactate and ATP, supported by β-oxidation, stimulate gluconeogenesis and thus supporting the lactate cycle. It is concluded that mitochondrial fatty acids β-oxidation and glycolysis constitute a single interdependent system of energy metabolism of the human body.

Abstract: Background: Neonatal phototherapy is the standard treatment for hyperbilirubinemia and is critical in preventing kernicterus. While its clinical effectiveness for neonates is well established, the occupational health risks to caregivers exposed to phototherapy light remain poorly explored, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the ocular effects of neonatal phototherapy on caregivers working in clinical settings in Tanzania. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in selected urban and rural hospitals in Tanzania. Quantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 200 caregivers involved in neonatal phototherapy, assessing exposure duration, ocular symptoms, use of protective measures, and safety training. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 25 caregivers and were analyzed thematically. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and odds ratios. Results: Overall, 75% of caregivers reported at least one ocular symptom associated with phototherapy exposure. The most frequently reported symptoms were eye strain (58%), dryness or irritation (45%), blurred vision (28%), and photophobia (21%). Caregivers exposed to phototherapy for more than four hours per day were significantly more likely to report ocular symptoms (χ2, p = 0.012). Those who did not use protective eyewear were 2.7 times more likely to experience photophobia and irritation (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.8–3.9). Only 29% of caregivers reported using eye protection, and 35% had received formal safety training. Caregivers who received training were 60% less likely to report ocular symptoms (p < 0.01). Qualitative analysis identified five themes: lack of awareness and protective measures, psychological stress and burnout, institutional gaps in occupational safety, low trust in the healthcare system, and strong professional dedication despite personal health risks. Conclusions: Caregivers exposed to neonatal phototherapy in Tanzanian hospitals experience a high burden of ocular symptoms, driven by prolonged exposure, limited protective practices, and inadequate safety training. Integrating caregiver-focused occupational safety policies, mandatory use of protective eyewear, and structured training into neonatal care programs is essential to safeguard caregiver health and strengthen neonatal service delivery in resource-limited settings.

Abstract: The subject of the title is discussed from personal experience in Galicia (Spain), with a brief allusion to the beginning of NBS, indicating that without diagnosis, there can be no treatment, in luding the outstanding role played by LI Woolf, who always advocated not limiting it to PKU, and ignorance of their work, even in the hospital itself, with a footnote referring to current situations. The beginnings of NBS programs in Spain are referred to, which were born expanded, with a methodology that I cal open, chromatographic techniques, and nonspecific reagents that originate open procedures, applicable, for example, in the detection of lysosomal storage diseases, demonstrating the importance of urine in our program. The methodology used determines the pathologies to be detected, and the professionals who choose one or the other according to the criteria that are maintained today are largely responsible for the current disparities. The administrations acted on the matter sometime later when it had been rolling and running in different ways, depeending on the territory. Like others, Galicia always had an expanded program and was almost always ahead. At one point, a “Dr. BESSMAN” appeared in our administration who discovered the systematic reviews and scientific evidence, ignoring our evidence; after maneuvering in different spaces, he ried to be coercive, reducing the program without knowing the i tended purpose; a petition on the Change.org platform stopped that claim. The approach is based on a universal public social and healthcare system with competent professionals to successfully address rare diseases and, in the event of unexpected findings, to seek the best option for the patient. What has been published on the subject and the peculiarities of Spain are discussed. It is suggested that epidemiologists who are dedicated to this matter mutate into rareologists, and the situation at the beginning of the NBS is recalled when organized opposition from doctors arose, highlighting Samuel P. Bessman. It was the parents, as happened with FØling and Bickel, who got them interested in looking for the cause and treatment; now, they (parents and relatives) are changing to continue expanding the NBS programs. In Galicia, it appears that the criteria set by political leaders have changed, which has resulted in the exclusion of potential candidates such as Bessman from this role. In Spain, there are still disparities, as in Europe and many other places; the approach will have to be different depending on the social-health system of origin. Prof. F. Mayor Zaragoza took steps to address the issue within the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. If the precursors of the NBS had waited for scientific evidence at its inception in 1956 and 1957, it would not exist today. It is not possible to look for differences in the health of populations with broad and narrow NBS programs because these diseases are rare and do not significantly influence global health. Seeking equity cannot curtail programmers where no harm caused by them is appreciated. The differences between programs allow them to be compared and to progress. The appearance of biomarkers, treatments, analytic l technology, etc., requires frequent changes in the programs, and the training, criteria, and mentality of those responsible for them will depend on whether these changes are adopted.

Abstract: NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) programs and senior cohousing are two community-based, sustainable initiatives for aging in place associated with cooperative housing in New York and Spain which are spreading rapidly as an alternative to institutionalisation. This paper examines how NORC programs and senior cohousing support aging in place using a conceptual framework derived from theories on active aging and the ecological model of aging, which suggests specific dimensions to characterise the processes through which these initiatives potentially achieve their goal of promoting a healthy, active aging, including aspects of the physical and social environment. Our framework was applied to a selection of case studies from each model, allowing us to conceptualise their strengths and weaknesses as developed in cooperatives in these two contexts. Findings show that NORC programs help older people stay in familiar neighbourhoods and take advantage of economies of scale, but dwellings are not adapted for reduced mobility. Spanish senior cohousing is an affordable and accessible alternative, but existing communities were found to be rather isolated. Future research should consider hybrid models including characteristics of various initiatives best adapted to each context’s housing policies and welfare system.

Abstract: Background: Motivational text messages can encourage increased physical activity. This study aimed to assess the content validity and perceived motivational value of text messages to encourage physical activity among older adults and care partners. Methods: We designed nine motivational text messages to capture nine distinct physical activity scenarios. Using a cross-sectional design, we enrolled 14 content experts, 310 older adults, and 305 care partners. Content experts assessed the relevance, while the older adults and care partners assessed the perceived motivational value of each text message on a 5-point Likert scale. We computed the item content validity index and assessed differences in perceived motivational value among older adults and care partners using quantile regression, while adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Results: The item content validity index ranged from 0.86 to 1.00. The median (interquartile range) perceived motivational values for each text message were 4.0 (3.0–5.0), and there were no statistically significant differences in the reported motivational values between older adults and care partners. Conclusion: We present nine content-validated text messages with high motivational value for older adults and care partners, which can be integrated into technology-based intervention studies and may improve physical activity behavior among both groups.

Abstract: In this study, we employed the 5-meter Accuracy Digital Elevation Model (DEM) developed by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, to analyze the spatial distribution of Yayoi-period archaeological sites. Rather than relying on conventional regional cross-tabulations—such as prefecture-level classifications—this approach adopts a Geographic Information System (GIS)–based analysis that enables higher spatial precision as well as more intuitive and visually accessible interpretation. Through this methodology, we aim to reconstruct the geographical conditions of ancient Japan at the end of the Yayoi period, approximately 1,800 years ago, and to offer a new perspective on the long-standing debate concerning the location of Yamatai (Yamataikoku). The results of analyses using the 5m DEM substantially increase the likelihood that Yamatai was located in northern Kyushu. In addition, northern Kyushu exhibits highly distinctive patterns of land use that vary markedly by region. The areas surrounding present-day Asakura City and Ogori City appear to have been specialized primarily for military purposes. In contrast, the Yoshinogari site—one of the largest Yayoi-period settlements in Japan—shows a pronounced specialization in agriculture, particularly large-scale wet-rice cultivation. The area corresponding to modern Fukuoka City, meanwhile, functioned as a major urban center in which both military and agricultural functions were concentrated. Furthermore, the “Jimmu’s Eastern Expedition” undertaken by the first Emperor Jimmu cannot necessarily be dismissed as a purely legendary event; it likely reflects certain historical facts. By introducing a GIS-based approach that has been relatively underutilized in previous research, this study serves as a pilot project while simultaneously representing an ambitious attempt to expand the horizons of visualization in ancient Japanese historical studies.

Abstract: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, where climatic factors, particularly temperature and precipitation, strongly influence transmission. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and routine surveillance data reporting quantitative associations between temperature or rainfall variability and malaria incidence across SSA. Temperature effects were harmonized per 1°C increase and precipitation per 100 mm increase. Six studies from diverse regions (2000-2023) met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses indicated that each 1°C increase in temperature was associated with a 26% increase in malaria incidence (RR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.15-1.37; I² = 52%), while each 100 mm increase in precipitation was associated with a 13% increase (RR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05-1.21; I² = 68%). Temperature effects were stronger among children under five and in rural settings. Certainty of evidence was moderate for temperature and low for precipitation. These findings confirm that climate variability is a key determinant of malaria risk in SSA and support the integration of climate data into early warning systems and malaria control planning.