Search Results (3,467)

Urban shrinkage has emerged as a worldwide concern, which is increasingly prevalent in developing countries like China, particularly in medium-sized cities (MSCs). Compared to large cities and counties, MSCs find themselves in a national policy blind spot and have been neglected both in policy and research. Previous studies, based on population changes, have shown that urban shrinkage in China is not severe. However, urban shrinkage is not just about population decline, and it has not been adequately discussed from a multi-dimensional perspective. This paper adopts a multi-dimensional model, considering population, economy, and space dimensions to analyze shrinkage patterns in 164 MSCs in China from 2010 to 2020. Findings reveal that 6.1% of MSCs experienced population shrinkage, and 24.4% faced shrinkage in economic or spatial dimensions. Shrinking MSCs are spatially distributed in the Northeast as well as in the areas surrounding large cities. Industrial restructuring, job losses, and healthcare disparities contribute to urban shrinkage, and the impact of aging will be further felt. As large cities consistently attract population and resources and digitization has dramatically affected population mobility, more MSCs will shrink in the future. This paper contributes to the understanding of shrinkage of MSCs among scholars and policymakers, urging a shift towards more balanced and digital urban governance. Full article

This study delves into the strategic development trends within the automotive industry of Ukraine, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and anticipate future trajectories. The objectives of this research are twofold: firstly, to identify the key drivers shaping the evolution of the automotive industry in Ukraine; and secondly, to assess the strategic responses of industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, policymakers, and market participants, to these emergent trends. The study reveals several critical insights. Firstly, it identifies the growing significance of electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable mobility solutions as a key trend, driven by both regulatory mandates and shifting consumer preferences. Secondly, it underscores the importance of innovation and technological integration, particularly in areas such as autonomous driving, connectivity, and digitalization. Thirdly, it highlights the strategic imperatives for Ukrainian automotive industry players to adapt to these trends, including investment in R&D, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships. In conclusion, this study underscores the imperative for proactive strategic planning and adaptation to global trends towards sustainability, innovation, and digitalization within the Ukrainian automotive industry. Full article

This paper analyzes current and emerging technologies in battery management systems and their impact on the efficiency and sustainability of electric vehicles. It explores how advancements in this field contribute to enhanced battery performance, safety, and lifespan, playing a vital role in the broader objectives of sustainable mobility and transportation. By optimizing energy management and integrating with renewable resources, this technology supports the transition to greener, more resilient transportation systems. The paper also discusses future research directions, emphasizing the importance of innovation in battery management systems in achieving global sustainability goals. Full article

Background: Older people are more likely to have poor nutrition and low muscle mass, which leads to poor physical performance and anemia, resulting in a poor quality of life and risks to mobility and mortality. Furthermore, malnutrition may, in part, raise the level of inflammatory biomarkers as well as muscle catabolism. Moreover, a range of indices related to systemic inflammation, obtained from routine complete blood count (CBC) tests, have been applied to inflammation markers. However, these biomarkers remain insufficiently addressed in the evidence supporting the presence of sarcopenia and malnutrition. This study aimed to explore sarcopenia in terms of malnutrition, anemia, and inflammation among Thai community-dwelling older people. Methods: This study enrolled community-dwelling older people aged 60 years and above. All participants were requested to complete a questionnaire assessing for sarcopenia (SARC-F) and nutritional status using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA). In addition, blood samples were obtained for the CBC test. Logistic regression analysis explored the risk of sarcopenia, CBC, and malnutrition status. Results: Of 126 older people (aged 62–88 years) enrolled, 12 individuals (9.52%) had sarcopenia. Furthermore, 34.9% and 5.56% of the participants were demonstrated to have anemia and malnutrition, respectively. Nutrition status was positively associated with hemoglobin levels (r = 0.241, p = 0.007) and negatively related to SARC-F scores (r = −0.190, p = 0.034). Older people with anemia show an increased risk of malnutrition at an odds ratio (OR) of 3.375. Moreover, individuals with anemia were at a higher risk of developing sarcopenia (OR 4.982) than those with no anemia. However, individuals with a high level of inflammatory markers, e.g., a high systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), had a higher risk of sarcopenia than those with low SIRI and MLR values. The systemic immune–inflammation index (SII) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also positively associated with SARC-F scores. Conclusions: The association between sarcopenia, malnutrition status, and anemia might overlap in clinical manifestation. In addition, future research directions regarding the utility of routine CBC testing should focus on sarcopenia and malnutrition status. Full article

This study documents the experiences of health system personnel in the implementation of mass distribution campaigns for the control of lymphatic filariasis in rural Guinea. This was an exploratory qualitative study using data collected from implementing actors of mass distribution campaigns in the Boké health district. The results showed four main facilitators of mass distribution campaign rollout in the Boké health district: (i) support to the district teams in the organization of the campaigns; (ii) involvement of community-based associations in social mobilization; (iii) strong adherence of the communities to the different mass distribution campaigns, facilitated through the involvement of community relays, who are members of these communities, in the distribution of drugs; and (iv) transparency in the allocation of incentives to drug dispensers and supervisors. However, the frequent shortages of medicines, the difficulty of access to rural areas, and the lack of logistical means for the supervision of activities were the main obstacles to the success of the various mass distribution campaigns in Boké. The provision of buffer stocks for special areas such as Boké by national programme actors and partners, joint planning of campaign activities with local managers of health systems and services, and improvement of existing mechanisms for motivating health workers, including community health workers, during future campaigns should help to achieve national objectives in the fight against NTDs in Guinea. Full article

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy and arthrofibrosis of the shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) are debilitating musculoskeletal disorders that significantly impact joint function and impair quality of life. Despite its high prevalence and common clinical presentation, the metabolic mechanisms underlying these conditions characterized by pain, and reduced mobility, remain poorly understood. This review aims to elucidate the role of metabolic processes implicated in the pathogenesis of calcific tendinopathy and shoulder arthrofibrosis. We will be focusing on the mechanistic role of how these processes contribute to disease progression and can direct potential therapeutic targets. Calcific tendinopathy is marked by aberrant calcium deposition within tendons, influenced by disrupted calcium and phosphate homeostasis, and altered cellular responses. Key molecular pathways, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), Wnt signaling, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of calcification, calcium imbalance, and muscle fibrosis. In contrast, shoulder arthrofibrosis involves excessive collagen deposition and fibrosis within the shoulder joint capsule, driven by metabolic dysregulation and inflammation. The TGF-β signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), are central to the fibrotic response. A comparative analysis reveals both shared and distinct metabolic pathways between these conditions, highlighting the interplay between inflammation, cellular metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling, calcific deposition, and calcium migration to the glenohumeral joints, resulting in adhesive capsulitis, thereby providing insights into their pathophysiology. This review discusses current therapeutic approaches and their limitations, advocating for the development of targeted therapies that address specific metabolic dysregulations. Future therapeutic strategies focus on developing targeted interventions that address the underlying metabolic dysregulation, aiming to improve patient outcomes and advance clinical management. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the metabolic mechanisms involved in calcific tendinopathy and shoulder arthrofibrosis, providing a foundation for future research and therapeutic development. Full article

Water quality is intricately linked to the global water crisis since the availability of safe, clean water is essential for sustaining life and ensuring the well-being of communities worldwide. Pollutants such as industrial chemicals, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage frequently enter rivers via surface runoff or direct discharges. This study provides an overview of the key mechanisms governing contaminant transport in rivers, with special attention to storage and hyporheic processes. The storage process conceptualizes a ubiquitous reactive boundary between the main channel (mobile zone) and its surrounding slower-flow areas (immobile zone). Research from the last five decades demonstrates the crucial role of storage and hyporheic zones in influencing solute residence time, nutrient cycling, and pollutant degradation. A review of solute transport models highlights significant advancements, including models like the transient storage model (TSM) and multirate mass transport (MRMT) model, which effectively capture complex storage zone dynamics and residence time distributions. However, more widely used models like the classical advection–dispersion equation (ADE) cannot hyporheic exchange, limiting their application in environments with significant storage contributions. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in accurately quantifying the relative contributions of storage zones to solute transport and degradation, especially in smaller streams dominated by hyporheic exchange. Future research should integrate detailed field observations with advanced numerical models to address these gaps and improve water quality predictions across diverse river systems. Full article

Mobile applications, websites and social media networks are now widely used communication tools. With the emergence of communication-related technologies in our lives and, consequently, the rise of social media networks and mobile applications, nutrition-related applications have become popular. Smartphones and other artificial intelligence technologies have become very useful tools for delivering nutrition-related interventions because they are very accessible and cost-effective. Digital interventions are also able to serve a larger number of communities than traditional interventions. Nutrition is not a field that has remained on the sidelines of these technological advances, and numerous mobile applications and technological tools have emerged that are intended to provide dietary advice or guidelines on the process of recovering from a disease. However, many of these applications have limitations and barriers that are important to consider. The aim of this review was to analyze the most current and widely used mobile applications related to nutrition, as well as their complementary tools (activity bracelets and smart scales, among others), highlighting their importance in improving lifestyle habits. In addition, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed and future directions are proposed. Full article

Background. As China has undergone tremendous socioeconomic and demographic changes during and after the pandemic, it is crucial to enhance youth well-being and facilitate their transition into the workforce. This study aims to explore the multi-dimensional features of well-being and examine their relationships with fairness and trust. Methods. Using the nationally representative data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study analyzes the well-being of 1726 young adults aged 18 to 34 years old living in 19 provinces in China. Results. The research findings generate five latent factors of well-being and reveal the multi-faceted nature of subjective well-being, including physical and mental health challenges, positive outlook, sense of purpose, personal growth, and self-fulfillment. Physical and mental health is the cornerstone for well-being and happiness. Young people with poor physical and mental health conditions are less likely to perceive that society is fair or that people are trustworthy. Additionally, a positive outlook and future orientation are strongly associated with high fairness and/or trust. Discussion and Conclusions. By investigating the differential domains of well-being, this study contributes to the literature with the new conceptualization of well-being sub-measures and their application to youth. Furthermore, this study identifies that well-being is not only an individual-level characteristic but also a group-level attribute that can contribute to fairness and trust at the societal level. As China continues to expand its infrastructure on education, health, and technology, it is expected that sustainable economic growth and development should boost young people’s career development and promote their upward mobility. Full article

Standardisation has become imperative to retaining order and development in modern society. The simplest actions, such as train timings and the width of the railroad, would be very difficult to achieve without Standardisation. Standardisation also solves problems, such as the use of mobile devices, which requires travel abroad when out of range. We perform a large-scale quantitative analysis for papers dealing with (1) standards and (2) Information and communications technology (ICT) data in three important databases, namely Web of Science, IEEE Explore, and ACM digital library, in this paper. These three databases presented 216 articles that were divided into five categories: standard-related review and survey studies, information management across hardware and software standards, energy management standards, machine learning model classification performance, privacy-aware software system standards, and health information and communications technology standards. This paper discusses how Standardisation facilitates the planning of the entire research and innovation process by encouraging discussions regarding the specific outputs the research aims to achieve. The paper further illustrates that references related to standardisation within the call topics act as a crucial motivating factor in the decision to adopt standardisation. In conclusion, our contribution provides a better understanding of standards in peer-reviewed publications and an essential foundation for future research. In addition, we demonstrate that standards play an important role in innovation. Full article

The material family halide perovskites has been critical in recent room-temperature radiation detection semiconductor research. Cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃) is a halide perovskite that exhibits characteristics of a semiconductor that would be suitable for applications in various fields. In this paper, we report on the correlations between material purification and crystal material properties. Crystal boules of CsPbX₃ (where X = Cl, Br, I, or mixed) were grown with the Bridgman growth method. We describe in great detail the fabrication techniques used to prepare sample surfaces for contact deposition and sample testing. Current–voltage measurements, UV–Vis and photocurrent spectroscopy, as well as photoluminescence measurements, were carried out for material characterization. Bulk resistivity values of up to 3.0 × 10⁹ Ω∙cm and surface resistivity values of 1.3 × 10¹¹ Ω/□ indicate that the material can be used for low-noise semiconductor detector applications. Preliminary radiation detectors were fabricated, and using photocurrent measurements we have estimated a value of the mobility–lifetime product for holes (μτ)_h of 2.8 × 10⁻⁵ cm²/V. The results from the sample testing can shed light on ways to improve the crystal properties for future work, not only for CsPbX₃ but also other halide perovskites. Full article

In the next decade, the amount of network traffic is estimated to reach Zettabytes. The future International Mobile Telecommunications-2030 (IMT-2030) standard of mobile networks, known as 6G, introduces an important paradigm shift in the context of wireless communication systems thanks to capabilities such as low latency and high data rates. Official documents on 6G standardization have been released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, other visions and use cases of 6G have been proposed by industrial stakeholders and research institutions, thus generating a multitude of use cases and usage scenarios that are only apparently different from each other. This paper would contribute to providing a holistic vision of the 6G-enabled use cases and potentially impacted vertical market sectors. The differences and similarities between what has been proposed by ITU and other initiatives are identified through a comparison based on the technological characterization of use cases and of the considered vertical market sectors. The main findings presented in this paper demonstrate that many of the use cases proposed by ITU and by the other initiatives are almost identical in many cases. Full article

Existing deep learning models for detecting citrus diseases and nutritional deficiencies grapple with issues related to recognition accuracy, complex backgrounds, occlusions, and the need for lightweight architecture. In response, we developed an improved YOLOv8-GABNet model designed specifically for citrus disease and nutritional deficiency detection, which effectively addresses these challenges. This model incorporates several key enhancements: A lightweight ADown subsampled convolutional block is utilized to reduce both the model’s parameter count and its computational demands, replacing the traditional convolutional module. Additionally, a weighted Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) supersedes the original feature fusion network, enhancing the model’s ability to manage complex backgrounds and achieve multiscale feature extraction and integration. Furthermore, we introduced important features through the Global to Local Spatial Aggregation module (GLSA), focusing on crucial image details to enhance both the accuracy and robustness of the model. This study processed the collected images, resulting in a dataset of 1102 images. Using LabelImg, bounding boxes were applied to annotate leaves affected by diseases. The dataset was constructed to include three types of citrus diseases—anthracnose, canker, and yellow vein disease—as well as two types of nutritional deficiencies, namely magnesium deficiency and manganese deficiency. This dataset was expanded to 9918 images through data augmentation and was used for experimental validation. The results show that, compared to the original YOLOv8, our YOLOv8-GABNet model reduces the parameter count by 43.6% and increases the mean Average Precision (mAP50) by 4.3%. Moreover, the model size was reduced from 50.1 MB to 30.2 MB, facilitating deployment on mobile devices. When compared with mainstream models like YOLOv5s, Faster R-CNN, SSD, YOLOv9t, and YOLOv10n, the YOLOv8-GABNet model demonstrates superior performance in terms of size and accuracy, offering an optimal balance between performance, size, and speed. This study confirms that the model effectively identifies the common diseases and nutritional deficiencies of citrus from Conghua’s “Citrus Planet”. Future deployment to mobile devices will provide farmers with instant and precise support. Full article

This study looks at how travelers move between MADINA and JEDDA, using the UPPAAL Stratego tool to tackle the complexities of urban mobility. As cities grow, effective transportation planning becomes more challenging. Travelers have three options: car, bus, and train. The choices for car and bus travel are impacted by traffic conditions, which can vary between heavy and light, affecting both travel time and cost. We propose a detailed mathematical model that captures all possible scenarios related to these travel options, incorporating the uncertainties of real life. This allows us to simulate different traffic situations. By using UPPAAL Stratego, we evaluate three strategies: the Safe Strategy, which minimizes risk; the Fast Strategy, which aims to reduce travel time; and the Fast and Safe Strategy, which seeks a balance between speed and safety. This paper starts with an introduction to the Stochastic Priced Timed Games approach, highlighting its relevance in modeling dynamic travel environments. We then provide an overview of UPPAAL Stratego, showcasing its abilities in generating, optimizing, and comparing strategies. Next, we outline our mathematical model, explaining the assumptions, parameters, and data sources we used. Our simulation results illustrate how each strategy performs under different conditions, shedding light on traveler preferences and behaviors. The findings underscore the significance of accounting for traffic variability in travel planning and offer important insights for urban transportation policies aimed at improving the traveler experience and optimizing resource use. Additionally, we emphasize the theoretical contributions of our model by demonstrating its applicability to real-world scenarios and its potential to inform future research in urban mobility optimization. Ultimately, this research adds to the growing knowledge of smart transportation systems, demonstrating how formal mathematical modeling can address complex real-world challenges and inform future urban mobility strategies. Full article

Background: Sleep care is crucial for the health and development of infants, with proper sleep patterns reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents. Educational interventions targeting caregivers are essential in promoting safe sleep practices. Methods: This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, searching databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving home-based interventions for infants aged 0–12 months, including parental education and behavioral interventions. Exclusion criteria included studies in clinical settings and non-peer-reviewed articles. Data extraction and synthesis were performed by two independent reviewers, using a narrative approach to categorize interventions and outcomes. Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings indicate that home-based educational interventions, including hospital-based programs, home visits, and mobile health technologies, significantly improve parental knowledge and adherence to safe sleep practices. These interventions also enhance parental satisfaction and contribute positively to infant health outcomes. Conclusions: Educational interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting safe sleep practices among caregivers, particularly in home settings. These interventions, including hospital-based programs, home visits, and digital tools, improve parental knowledge, adherence to guidelines, and overall satisfaction. The impact is evident in the reduction of unsafe sleep behaviors and enhanced infant health outcomes. However, variability in the intervention methods and delivery, cultural contexts, and geographic focus suggest a need for more tailored, long-term, and comprehensive studies. Future research should standardize outcome measures and assess the sustained impact of these educational strategies on infant sleep patterns and caregiver practices over time. This will provide deeper insights into the trends and long-term effectiveness of educational patterns and methods in diverse home environments. Full article