Abstract: Soft robotic grippers excel in unstructured manipulation but suffer catastrophic failure rates (72%) when grasping deformable organics, fabrics, and mixed debris due to hyperchaotic pneumatic dynamics. This paper introduces the first Lyapunov stability controller for soft robotics, deploying real-time maximal Lyapunov exponent estimation (λ_MLE) from fibre-optic strain sensor arrays running at 100Hz on Intel Loihi 2 neuromorphic chips. The system reconstructs 12D phase space embeddings via Takens theorem, detecting chaos onset 187ms early during dual-material transitions (tomato → bolt), enabling pre-emptive damping that transforms strange attractors into stable limit cycles. Experimental validation across USDA organic datasets (tomatoes, grapes, leafy greens) and MRF waste streams demonstrates 94.2% grasp success 3.7× improvement over PID baselines with 2.3× faster cycles (2.1 grips/second) and 67% energy savings. Neuromorphic acceleration achieves 187μs latency for 12D divergence computation, 28× faster than GPU methods. Field deployments confirm robustness, agricultural harvesting sustains 3 clusters/minute, waste sorting handles mixed-material chaos, and medical tissue manipulation achieves sub-micron precision under arterial pulpability. Theoretical contributions include event-triggered Lyapunov redesign guaranteeing exponential stability (λ_1<-0.1) despite 24dB vibration and 47% moisture variance. Phase space visualization reveals Kaplan-Yorke dimension collapsing from 8.2D hyper chaos to 2.1D stable manifolds, providing online stability margins. This work establishes chaos quantification as a foundational primitive for next-generation soft robotics, transforming nonlinearity from failure mode to control parameter across agriculture, recycling, and minimally-invasive surgery.

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is conventionally managed as a disorder of hyperglycemia. However, large randomized controlled trials—including ACCORD, ADVANCE, and VADT—demonstrate that intensive glycemic control does not consistently reduce macrovascular complications or all-cause mortality. These findings suggest that hyperglycemia is not the sole driver of diabetic pathology and that additional mechanisms contribute to disease progression.From a systems medicine perspective, T2DM can be understood as a systems-level disorder involving oxidative–reductive imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, micronutrient depletion, hormonal dysregulation, and environmental influences. However, a unifying framework integrating these upstream determinants into a coherent systems model remains lacking.One potential mechanism is that hyperglycemia may impair cellular uptake of vitamin C via competitive interactions at glucose transporters, leading to a state of functional intracellular deficiency despite normal plasma levels. This phenomenon may contribute to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular complications.We propose a three-level model of T2DM management: (1) glucose-centric conventional medicine, (2) metabolic regulation via low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, and (3) systems-oriented approaches that integrate nutrient status, redox balance, mitochondrial function, hormonal regulation, and environmental factors. While metabolic therapies represent a major advance, they may not fully restore intracellular and systemic biological function. Systems-level approaches may represent an additional layer for investigation in the management of T2DM.

Abstract: To investigate the effects of graphene soil conditioner on nitrogen forms, nitrogen cycling enzyme activities of rhizosphere soil, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield and quality, a pot experiment with five treatments was conducted. Soil samples were collected at the jointing (V6), tasseling (VT), milking (R3), and maturing (R6) stages to determine soil physical properties, nitrogen forms, and nitrogen cycling enzyme activities, while maize yield and kernel protein components were also measured. The results showed that graphene application significantly reduced soil bulk density and increased the content of soil aggregates >0.25 mm. Medium-rate treatments (G2, G3) notably improved the geometric mean diameter (GMD), mean weight diameter (MWD), and water-stable aggregate (WSA) content, while decreasing the unstable aggregate index (ELT) and fractal dimension (D), confirming improved soil structure. Graphene regulated soil nitrogen pools (total N, alkaline-hydrolyzable N, ammonium N, and nitrate N) in a dose-dependent and stage-specific manner through adsorption, slow release, and catalytic mechanisms. Low-to-moderate concentrations consistently enhanced nitrogen availability during most growth stages, whereas excessive application showed diminished or inhibitory effects at later stages. Moderate graphene application (G2, G3) also effectively enhanced the activities of key nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes—including nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), protease, urease, and hydroxylamine reductase (HAR)—during critical growth periods, thereby promoting soil nitrogen transformation and maize nitrogen utilization. The G3 treatment achieved the highest yield, increasing by 10.81% compared with the CF treatment. Kernel protein components (albumin, glutelin, and prolamin) exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease with rising graphene rates, indicating an optimal response at moderate application levels. Considering the comprehensive improvements in soil structure, nitrogen regulation, enzyme activities, and crop performance, a graphene application rate of 2 g·kg⁻¹ is recommended as the most effective for achieving sustainable soil quality improvement and high maize productivity.

Abstract: Background: Leptin and adiponectin play a key role in obesity-associated malignancy, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of these adipokines may offer valuable prognostic insights in CRC. This study aimed to analyze global publication trends and summarize current knowledge on the potential of these hormones as IHC biomarkers in CRC. Methods: A problem-oriented bibliometric analysis, including publications from 2000 to 2025 was performed across MEDLINE and Scopus databases. In parallel, a literature review was conducted to present the biological and clinical relevance of these adipokines in CRC. Results and Discussion: A total of 101 publications were identified. Scopus indexed substantially more studies than MEDLINE. The journals Cancer Research, Journal of BUON, Cells, BMC Cancer, and Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention were identified as the core journals publishing on this topic over the 25-year period. Leading countries were China and USA. A review of the literature showed that adiponectin is a promising prognostic marker, while leptin appears to be a better indicator of disease progression. Conclusions: IHC research on leptin and adiponectin in CRC is a promising but still underexplored area. Their integration with routine molecular assessment has the potential to improve patient stratification.

Abstract: Following a description of the woad plant and its distribution in the world, the locations in Europe where commercial woad growing took place during the middle ages until the end of the nineteenth century are described. The four unique steps which were used to convert the leaf of the plant into a dye bath for textile dyeing with indigo are described. The 21st century revival of interest in the process is summarised.

Abstract: COVID-19 may worsen in patients receiving immunosuppressants. Furthermore, drug-drug interactions and concomitant use of anti-inflammatory drugs 　complicate treatment. We report the clinical course of severe COVID-19 pneumonia in a 74-year-old Japanese male kidney transplant recipient. Case report: The patient had been taking tacrolimus (TAC) (2.5 mg/day), mycophenolate mofetil (1000 mg/day), and prednisone (5 mg/day) since his kidney transplant 7 years earlier. Twenty days before admission, he tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antigen and was administered molnupiravir for 5 days. At admission, real-time PCR testing of a nasopharyngeal specimen revealed high viral loads, with Ct values of 22.2 and 27.9 for the E and N2 genes, respectively. An oxygen flow rate of 15 L/min was required to maintain arterial oxygen saturation above 90%. TAC was continued, and antibiotics, steroids, anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodies, intravenous immunoglobulin, and ensitrelvir (ESV) were administered. With invasive positive-pressure ventilation, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and prone positioning, the arterial oxygen tension/inspired oxygen tension (P/F) improved from 61.3 to 386 within 7 hours. The patient was extubated 30 hours after admission. The TAC dose was adjusted from 2.5 mg/day to 1 mg/day to achieve the target trough level. The patient was discharged on hospital day 8. PCR testing at discharge showed a decrease in viral load. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the treatment of COVID-19 in patients receiving immunosuppressants. Combination therapy of ESV and TCA was feasible in kidney transplant recipients with dose adjustment. The use of other anti-inflammatory drugs should also be considered

Abstract: Oxidative stress is one of the few defined causes of male infertility affecting at least one third of patients attending infertility clinics. Human spermatozoa are vulnerable to this form of attack because their stripped-down architecture means that they possess limited antioxidant protection and little capacity for biochemical repair. They also compound their vulnerability by being active generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and possessing multiple substrates for oxidative damage. The major sources of ROS in these cells are their mitochondria, an L-amino acid oxidase (IL4I1) and a calcium-dependent NADPH oxidase (NOX 5). Spermatozoa tolerate the risks associated with ROS generation because their biology is heavily dependent on redox regulation. ROS are important mediators of sperm capacitation, stimulating the generation of cAMP and prostaglandins, inhibiting protein phosphatases and encouraging removal of cholesterol from the plasma membrane. Furthermore, during fertilization, the ability of ROS to activate metalloproteinases facilitates penetration of the zona pellucida and sperm-oocyte fusion. While ROS are physiologically important for sperm function, the over-production of these metabolites can impair sperm function. Antioxidants have therefore assumed some importance as a possible therapy for the infertile male. However, before this potential can be realized, we need to optimize the composition and dose of reagents used in such formulations and develop improved methods of diagnosing oxidative stress within the patient population.

Abstract: Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition but is associated with dyslipidemia, increasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Data on lipid profile alterations in rural South Africa primary healthcare settings remain limited despite high HIV burdens. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of lipid profile alterations among adult HIV patients receiving HAART at rural Eastern Cape primary healthcare facilities. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of clinical and laboratory records from 370 adults (>18 years) on HAART at five OR Tambo District health care facilities (2020 – 2024) Lipid parameters (Total cholesterol {TC} LDL Cholesterol< HDL cholesterol, Tri-glycerides {TG} from National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) data base were assessed NCRP ATP III thresholds. Prevalence was calculated with SPSS v29.0; overall dyslipidemia defines as any abnormality. Results: High prevalence of lipid alterations was observed: hypercholesterolemia 53.8 % (199/370). Overall dyslipidemia affected 80.8 % (299/370) of patients, confirming substantial metabolic burden in this rural cohort. Conclusion: Over 80% of rural HAART patients exhibited dyslipidemia predominantly elevated LDL-cholesterol, LDL+C (61.4%) and triglycerides (60.5%) Findings underscore urgent need for routine lipid screening, regimen optimization toward integrase strand transfer inhibitors. (INSTIs) and NCD-HIV integration in South Africa’s primary healthcare system to mitigate CVD risk.

Abstract: Generative AI tools have lowered barriers to producing branded social media images and captions, yet small-business owners (SBOs) still struggle to create on-brand posts without access to professional designers or marketing consultants. Although these tools enable fast image generation from text prompts, aligning outputs with a brand’s intended look and feel remains a demanding, iterative creative task. In this position paper, we explore how SBOs navigate iterative content creation and how AI-assisted systems can support SBOs’ content creation workflow. We conducted a preliminary study with 12 SBOs who independently manage their businesses and social media presence, using a questionnaire to collect their branding practices, content workflows, and use of generative AI alongside conventional design tools. We identified three recurring challenges: (1) translating brand “feel” into effective prompts, (2) difficulty revisiting and comparing prior image generations, and (3) difficulty making sense of changes between iterations to steer refinement. Based on these findings, we present a prototype that scaffolds brand articulation, supports feedback-informed exploration, and maintains a traceboard of branching image iterations. Our work illustrates how traces of the iterative process can serve as workflow support that helps SBOs keep track of explorations, make sense of changes, and refine content. CCS Concepts: Human-centered computing → Human computer interaction (HCI).

Abstract: Nitrogen (N) availability is a major determinant of crop productivity; however, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains relatively low in most agricultural systems. After uptake from the soil, inorganic N is assimilated into organic forms, primarily amino acids, which represent the principal long-distance transport form in most plants. The distribution of amino acids from source tissues to developing sink organs therefore plays a central role in plant growth, yield formation, and the nutritional quality of harvested organs. Amino acid transporters (AATs), also known as permeases, regulate the cellular and long-distance movement of amino acids and play a central role in nitrogen partitioning within the plant. These membrane proteins belong to the AAAP, APC, and UMAMIT transporter families and participate in multiple physiological processes, including amino acid uptake in roots, xylem and phloem transport, intracellular compartmentalization, and partitioning to reproductive tissues. Recent functional studies in both model plants and crop species demonstrate that manipulation of amino acid transporters can significantly influence biomass production, seed yield, grain protein content, and nitrogen use efficiency. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on the structure, transport mechanisms, and physiological roles of plant amino acid transporters, with particular emphasis on their contribution to nitrogen partitioning and crop productivity. We also discuss emerging opportunities for exploiting amino acid transporters in crop breeding and biotechnology to enhance nitrogen utilization and improve the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Abstract: Introduction. One of the most common integrated morphological indices used in breast cancer (BC) patients is the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI). NPI can only be used after surgical treatment, as its calculation requires information on the status of axillary lymph nodes. Methods. We perform preoperative assessment of the axillary lymph node metastases risk in BC patients using the integrated morphological index – Total Malignancy Score (TMS). The TMS was calculated as the sum of the following parameters: tubule formation; nuclear pleomorphism; mitotic activity; invasive component; lymphoid infiltration; and lymphovascular invasion. The TMS was formed by summing the scores of the aforementioned micromorphological criteria and ranged from 5 to 20. Results. The study included 358 BC patients with a median age of 58.0 years (48.0–65.0). The TMS showed a statistically significant correlation with axillary lymph node metastases (p < 0.001). At the same time, a statistically significant direct moderate correlation was found between the TMS and the number of axillary lymph nodes metastases (r= 0.342; p< 0.001). The study demonstrated that the disease prognosis based on the TMS correlated statistically significantly with the prognosis based on the NPI (p< 0.001). Conclusion. The TMS is not inferior to the NPI in terms of prognostic value, but unlike the latter, it can be used at the preoperative stage. The TMS is a relatively simple, low-cost model for predicting recurrence risk and can be recommended for personalizing BC therapy in routine practice.

Abstract: Mining and industrial activities generate large volumes of waste, up to 99% of the extracted material, forming a major global residue source. In this context, the valorization of mining sludge for sustainable construction materials gains relevance. This study examines the fabrication of ceramic bricks incorporating mining sludge from the Panasqueira mine, evaluating sludge incorporation levels and sintering temperatures to optimize resource use and reduce environmental impacts. Bricks were produced by blending residual clays from Víznar (Granada, Spain) with Panasqueira sludge at substitution rates of 10, 25 and 50%, and fired at 800, 950 and 1100 °C. The samples were characterized by XRF, XRD, water absorption tests, porosimetry, ultrasound pulse velocity, compressive strength testing, ESEM, leaching analysis and colorimetry to assess their chemical, physical and mechanical behavior. Both clays and sludge are rich in SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, suitable for ceramic processing, while fluxing oxides promote vitrification and densification. Incorporating 25 and 50% sludge reduces porosity, increases ultrasonic velocity and improves mechanical strength, achieving optimal performance at 1100 °C. Moreover, firing immobilizes toxic metals and allows controlled color development, confirming the technical and environmental suitability of these bricks, whose microstructure and stability depend on sludge content and firing temperature, essential factors for sustainable construction and architectural rehabilitation.

Abstract: The standard $\varepsilon$--$\delta$ definition of continuity is inherently quantitative, yet the precise dependence of the admissible radius $\delta$ on the accuracy $\varepsilon$ and the base point $x_0$ is rarely treated as an independent mathematical object. In this paper, we introduce the \textit{radius of continuity} through two variants: the radius of pointwise continuity and the radius of uniform continuity, defined as explicit numerical invariants that capture the maximal symmetric neighborhood on which a real-valued function maintains a prescribed tolerance. We establish the fundamental structural properties of these radii, including their behavior under algebraic operations such as sums, products, and compositions, and demonstrate their inverse relationship to the classical modulus of continuity. Furthermore, we prove that the finiteness pattern of these radii characterizes constant versus non-constant functions. To illustrate the utility of this framework, we derive closed-form expressions for the pointwise radius of quadratic polynomials and the uniform radius of the normal probability density function. These examples highlight how the radius of continuity encodes geometric and probabilistic features, such as local curvature and global scale parameters. Ultimately, this perspective bridges the gap between real analysis and quantitative methods in metric geometry, offering a concrete measure of the stability of a function's continuity.

Abstract: Background: The release of Large Language Models (LLMs) has introduced numerous benefits across the healthcare domain. This study evaluated the responses of 11 LLMs from the Claude, Mistral, Llama, and GPT families to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding ovarian cancer with regards to three domains: (a) ease of understanding, (b) accuracy, and (c) empathy. Methods: Fifteen FAQs were sourced from the Ovarian Cancer Action (OCA) website comprising (a) anticipated questions and (b) actual questions. Responses from each of the 11 LLMs were blinded and then evaluated by three Gynaecological Oncology Surgical Fellows using a 5-point Likert scale. Inter-observer agreement was calculated for each response, and LLMs were compared across the three domains using Friedman’s test (p&lt;0.05). Finally, all LLM responses were compared with the ones from the OCA website using the same evaluation criteria. Results: Varying levels of inter-observer agreement were observed. Claude 3 Opus produced the easiest-to-understand answers (average score 4.38), followed by Mistral Large (4.36) and GPT-4o (4.33). GPT-4o scored highest for accuracy (average score 4.24) and showed strongest performance in empathy (average of 3.87). Compared with the OCA responses, GPT-4o outperformed all models in accuracy (4.24) and empathy (3.87), with 50% of its responses rated more accurate and 70% more empathetic than the OCA content. Claude 3 Opus, Mistral Large, and Mixtral 8x7B surpassed OCA in clarity for one-third of responses, while Claude 3 Sonnet achieved the highest readability gains (40%). Conclusion: The study informs the development of LLMs suitable for patient-facing ovarian cancer communication with Claude 3 Opus and GPT-4o excelling in different metrics. While improvements in emotional intelligence remain necessary, our findings pave the way for developing a specialized LLM for ovarian cancer, using domain-specific text to provide comprehensive and empathetic information.

Abstract: The convergence of Neuro-Symbolic AI, Edge Computing, and Reinforcement Learning heralds a transformative era in autonomous engineering design, addressing longstanding challenges in optimization efficiency, real-time responsiveness, and interpretability. Traditional design workflows suffer from siloed neural pattern recognition lacking logical rigor, centralized cloud dependencies creating latency bottlenecks, and heuristic optimization struggling with multi-objective trade-offs in vast design spaces. This paper introduces an integrated framework that synergistically combines these paradigms to create self-sustaining, end-to-end autonomous pipelines for complex engineering applications from aerospace structures to precision manufacturing.Neuro-Symbolic AI fuses deep neural networks for perceptual feature extraction with symbolic reasoning engines enforcing hard constraints and generating auditable proofs, enabling systems that both discover novel configurations and validate them against domain physics. Edge Computing decentralizes inference across device-fog-cloud hierarchies, achieving sub-10ms decision cycles critical for real-time applications like robotic assembly or smart grid stability. Reinforcement Learning optimization engines navigate continuous state-action spaces representing design variables, iteratively refining solutions through shaped rewards aligned with Pareto-optimal engineering objectives such as minimizing mass while maximizing strength-to-weight ratios.The proposed architecture orchestrates these components via directed acyclic graphs of containerized microservices, with federated synchronization ensuring data consistency across distributed nodes and human-in-the-loop interfaces providing strategic oversight for safety-critical decisions. Mathematical formulations ground the system hybrid loss functions balance learning objectives, edge partitioning optimizes, and multi-agent RL decomposes collaborative design tasks.Deployed on resource-constrained edge platforms, this framework demonstrates 8-12× acceleration in design cycle times, 25-35% improvements in structural efficiency, and full traceability satisfying aerospace certification standards (DO-178C). By eliminating manual iteration bottlenecks while preserving human insight where needed, the system redefines engineering practice, enabling rapid innovation across domains requiring concurrent optimization of performance, manufacturability, sustainability, and cost.

Abstract: The thermo-mechanical behavior of masonry materials is investigated through an in-tegrated experimental testing and numerical modelling approach. The study focuses on the characterization of masonry under fire exposure, where coupled thermal and mechanical effects govern material response and failure mechanisms. A multi-scale framework is proposed to link physico-chemical transformations, material-level prop-erties, and structural-scale behavior. The experimental component includes full-scale fire-resistance tests on load-bearing masonry walls, providing temperature evolution, deformation histories, and observed damage patterns. These results enable the identi-fication of key mechanisms such as stiffness degradation, cracking, and the influence of thermal gradients on structural response. The experimental observations are used to support the development and calibration of numerical models capable of representing temperature-dependent behavior and strain-rate effects. In addition, non-destructive testing techniques are incorporated to relate internal damage to measurable diagnostic signals, enhancing material characterization and structural assessment. Although the present study is limited to structural-scale validation, the proposed approach demon-strates how combined experimental and numerical strategies can be used to develop consistent constitutive descriptions of masonry materials. The results contribute to improved understanding and modelling of engineering materials subjected to coupled thermo-mechanical loading.

Abstract: Polymer composites used in structural applications are frequently exposed to combined thermal and moisture environments, which gradually degrade their mechanical performance over time. Predicting this behavior remains challenging due to the complex interaction between moisture diffusion, thermally activated degradation, and evolving mechanical response. In this study, a physics-based digital twin framework is developed to model the coupled hygro–thermo–mechanical degradation of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The approach integrates moisture diffusion based on Fickian principles, temperature-dependent degradation described using Arrhenius kinetics, and a coupled modulus evolution model to represent time-dependent material behavior. The results capture key physical trends, including moisture saturation behavior, gradual stiffness reduction, and stable damage evolution under moderate environmental conditions. In addition, the influence of fiber volume fraction and temperature is systematically examined, highlighting their important roles in governing degradation resistance and long-term durability. Rather than relying on data-driven methods, the proposed framework is grounded in physically interpretable mechanisms, providing a transparent and computationally efficient tool for durability assessment. The model is presented as a qualitative benchmarking framework in the absence of system-specific calibration, with clear potential for future experimental validation and probabilistic extensions.

Abstract: Background: Malnutrition and systemic inflammation are increasingly recognized as important determinants of prognosis in patients with heart failure. Several immuno-nutritional indices, including the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, and the C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte (CALLy) index, have been proposed as markers of nutritional and inflammatory status. However, their prognostic value in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains incompletely defined. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of these immunonutritional indices in elderly patients with HFpEF over a long-term follow-up period. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 200 elderly patients hospitalized with HFpEF (mean age 86.6 ± 6.5 years). Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were collected at admission. Nutritional status was assessed using PNI, CONUT score, and CALLy index. Patients were followed for mortality during long-term follow-up. Survival analyses were performed using Cox regression models, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Kaplan–Meier analysis. Median follow-up was 3.8 years (IQR 2.1–5.9). Results: During follow-up, 123 patients (61.5%) died, while 77 patients (38.5%) were alive at the end of observation. In univariate analysis, PNI, CONUT score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio were significantly associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, the CONUT score, LVEF, and the TAPSE/sPAP ratio remained independent predictors of mortality. ROC analysis showed strong prognostic performance for the TAPSE/sPAP ratio (AUC 0.932), CONUT score (AUC 0.925), and LVEF (AUC 0.897). Optimal cut-off values for mortality prediction were CONUT ≥6, LVEF ≥65%, and TAPSE/sPAP ≤0.55. Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed significantly reduced survival among patients with higher CONUT scores, higher LVEF, and an impaired TAPSE/sPAP ratio. Conclusions: In elderly patients with HFpEF, nutritional status and cardiopulmonary functional parameters are important determinants of long-term prognosis. The CONUT score emerged as the most informative immunonutritional index, while echocardiographic parameters reflecting ventricular function and right ventricular–pulmonary arterial coupling provided additional prognostic information. Integrating nutritional assessment with echocardiographic evaluation may improve risk stratification in elderly patients with HFpEF.

Abstract: The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability within the European Union raises important questions about the nature and internal structure of corporate envi-ronmental effort. This study examines environmental expenditures - measured as in-termediate consumption of environmental protection services - and environmental investments - measured as gross fixed capital formation for environmental protection - in ten EU member states over the period 2015-2022, using data from the Eurostat En-vironmental Protection Expenditure Accounts. The analysis is conducted at both the national and sectoral levels and covers four NACE Rev.2 sectors: agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and electricity. The results reveal a pronounced asymmetry, with en-vironmental expenditures consistently exceeding environmental investments, sug-gesting that environmental effort is more strongly oriented towards maintenance than transformation. This asymmetry varies substantially across countries and even more across sectors: agriculture displays a strongly expenditure-dominated profile, whereas the electricity sector shows a more balanced pattern. On the basis of the relative inten-sity of expenditures and investments, the study proposes an interpretative four-quadrant typology of environmental strategies, distinguishing active transfor-mation, investment focus, maintenance mode, and passive profiles. The findings high-light the importance of sectoral disaggregation and show that the internal composition of environmental effort is as informative as its overall level.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Diving exposure can cause auditory injury involving both middle and inner ear structures. Inner ear barotrauma (IEB) and inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS) are the major inner ear disorders and frequently present with auditory and vestibular symptoms. This study examined how diving characteristics relate to patterns of auditory trauma. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 30 patients with 36 affected ears was performed. Diving depth, clinical manifestations, and treatment responses were analyzed to identify factors influencing relatively prognosis. Results: Diving depth was the important factor associated with symptom severity and type of injury. Dives deeper than 30 meters of sea water were linked to a higher incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo. In contrast, transient symptoms with minimal objective abnormalities were typically observed in shallow dives. Patients with concomitant decompression sickness (DCS) showed poorer auditory and vestibular recovery following hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while those without DCS showed better hearing improvement. Vertigo was observed in 80% of IEB cases and 66.7% of IEDCS cases. Hearing recovery was more frequently observed in cases presenting with middle ear symptoms, suggesting a relatively favorable prognosis for IEB compared with IEDCS. Conclusions: Diving depth and DCS involvement may play a role in the severity and prognosis of diving-related inner ear injury. IEB generally demonstrates better auditory outcomes than IEDCS. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to refine prognostic indicators and optimize management strategies.