The occurrence, distribution, removal, and mass loadings of common organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in an advanced municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were comprehensively investigated. The OPFRs were mainly partitioning in the dissolved phase, and the total concentrations ranged from 1364 to 1701 ng/L in influent, 678~1064 in effluent, and 177~470 ng/g dw in residual sludge. Tributoxyethyl phosphate and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate were the abundant compounds in both the dissolved phase and adsorbed phase. The removal frequencies and mechanisms of the OPFRs were highly associated with the properties of compounds. According to the mass balance analysis, 14.9%, 13.0%, and 11.2% of the total OPFR loads were removed in the traditional treatment, tertiary treatment, and to the sludge, respectively. The mass loadings and environmental emissions of the OPFRs were 0.67~291 μg/d/person and 0.57~107 μg/d/person, respectively. The effluent discharged from the WWTP posed ecological risks to the receiving river, which requires being paid more attention. Full article

This work focuses on the study and comparison of two mixing methods for the dispersion of Alumina-Toughened Zirconia (ATZ) within the polymer matrix of Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The dry-mixing method using solvent-free impact milling (M) and the solvent casting method with chloroform (SC) were investigated. Samples were produced by 3D printing, and specimens were printed at increasing ATZ loadings (namely, 10, 20, and 40 wt.%). The chemico-physical, mechanical, and cell interaction characteristics of the materials prepared with both mixing methods were studied. Solvent mixing allowed better dispersion of the ATZ in the polymer matrix with respect to dry mixing. In addition, dry mixing affected the molecular weight of the PCL/ATZ composites much more than the solvent casting method. For these reasons, materials obtained by solid mixing exhibited the worst mechanical performance with respect to those obtained by solvent casting, which showed increased Young’s moduli with increasing ATZ amounts. The in vitro biological response elicited in a mesenchymal stem cell model seemed to be influenced by the mixing method, with a preference for the composites obtained through solvent mixing and containing 20 or 40 wt.% of ATZ. Full article

Ocular surface staining for assessing corneal and conjunctival epithelium integrity is typically conducted using fluorescein, lissamine green, or rose Bengal dyes. Recently, a novel vital dye, REmark^®, based on riboflavin, has been proposed for ocular surface examination. In the management of corneal and ocular surface diseases (OSD), the use of contact lenses is integral to therapeutic strategies. This study explores the compatibility of REmark^® with four different types of disposable or bi-weekly soft contact lenses. Morphological variations observed under stereomicroscopy and ultraviolet (UV) ray transmittance in the visible spectrum (VIS) were evaluated at 2 and 4 h post-immersion of the contact lenses in both the original fluid and the new dye. The findings indicate no significant differences between the group treated with the original liquid and those immersed in REmark^®, except for a yellow hue observed in the latter group, which dissipates after 8 h in physiological solution. This study highlights the potential of utilizing the new vital dye for ophthalmologic examinations even in the presence of applied soft contact lenses, offering a promising avenue for improved diagnostic practices and patient comfort. Full article

A route positioning system is a technology that identifies the current route when driving from one stop to the next, commonly found in public transportation systems such as shuttle buses that follow fixed routes. This is especially useful for smaller-scale services, such as shuttle buses, where using expensive technology and sensors for location tracking might not be feasible. Particularly in urban areas with tall buildings or mountainous regions with lots of trees, relying solely on GPS can lead to many errors. Therefore, this paper suggests a cost-effective solution that uses just one camera sensor to accurately determine the location of small-scale transportation services on fixed routes. For this, this paper uses a single-stage detection network that quickly identifies objects and tracks them using a simple algorithm. These detected features are compiled into a “codebook” using the bag-of-visual-words technique. During actual trips, this pre-created codebook is compared with landmarks that the camera sees. This comparison helps to determine the route currently being traveled. To test the effectiveness of this approach, this paper used the route of a shuttle bus on the Gachon University campus, which is similar to a downtown area with tall buildings or a wooded mountainous area. The results showed that the shuttle bus’s route was recognized with an accuracy of 0.60. Areas with distinct features were recognized with an accuracy of 0.99, while stops with simple, nondescript structures were recognized with an accuracy of 0.29. Additionally, applying the SORT algorithm to enhance performance slightly improved the accuracy from 0.60 to 0.61. This demonstrates that our proposed method can effectively perform location recognition using only cameras in small shuttle buses. Full article

In this review, we examine the impact of media and self-compassion on the mental well-being of Nigerian youth, particularly in suicide prevention and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Nigeria faces socioeconomic challenges contributing to poor mental health and high suicide rates among young people. Despite this, the influence of media and self-compassion interventions on mental health remains largely unexplored. The research questions centred on how media exposure enhances mental health awareness and resilience building, as well as the role of self-compassion in preventing suicide. Seven studies employing various methodologies such as interviews, surveys, and experimental designs were identified from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases and were analysed. The results indicated the significant role of media in health communication and education, while self-compassion interventions show promise in enhancing mental health resilience. Recommendations include utilising media for mental health education and support services, particularly targeting youth. This synthesis offers insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and educational institutions to integrate media-based mental health interventions into their strategies. Full article

To solve the sand problem during the depressurization of methane hydrate (MH), we proposed a method to build a porous grout body with sufficient permeability and strength around the wellbore through inhibitor pre-injection and grouting, and verified its effectiveness and potential in our previous research using artificial cores created with silica sand and alternative hydrates such as TBAB- hydrate and iso-butane hydrate. However, all of the artificial cores mentioned above were created with high homogeneity, injected, cured, and had their physical properties measured in the vertical direction, which differs from real reservoir conditions. To investigate the effects of grouting in a more realistic fluid flow, we conducted further experiments using horizontal 1D cores, 1D cubic models, and a 2D cross-sectional model mimicking the near wellbore. These experiments revealed that (1) the generated gas somewhat suppressed the effects of grouting as in the case of previous experiments, and (2) grouted reservoirs would be heterogenous and anisotropic due to the fluid densities and the distribution of grout particles and turbidite sediments, but sufficient permeability and satisfactory strength could still be attained. The above series of experiments demonstrated that our method has the potential to effectively produce actual MH, preventing sand problems even in heterogeneous and anisotropic grouted reservoirs. Full article

The present study screened various fungal species for inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, and DPP-4, enzymes that are crucial in carbohydrate metabolism. Ethanolic extracts exhibited superior inhibitory activity compared to water extracts, suggesting their potential as sources of anti-diabetic agents. Further fractionation revealed fomentariol from Fomes fomentarius as a potent inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase and DPP-4, with higher activity against alpha-glucosidase than acarbose. Fomentariol presents a novel avenue for diabetes management, demonstrating the simultaneous inhibition of key enzymes in glucose metabolism. However, comprehensive clinical studies are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans. Full article

There is a growing interest in sustainable urban transport solutions in cities around the world. These changes, known as “smart urban mobility”, aim to reduce the negative effects of transport on the natural environment and enhance the standard of living for urban dwellers. It should be noted that in addition to this transformation’s technological aspects, modifying the city’s structure and architecture also has a social dimension. The transformation of urban mobility has a significant impact on social relations. Introducing new modes of transport, such as city bikes and electric scooters, creates new ways of moving around the city and can impact social interactions. This can increase social integration and a community’s sense of belonging. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the differences between social groups to ensure equal access to the benefits of these changes in addition to deeper social elements, such as changing the habits and expectations of residents and adapting solutions to the specific needs of each city. This paper aims to look at the social aspects of smart urban mobility, including the impact of these changes on the lives and relationships of city residents. Full article

Public service media (PSM) are grappling with structural shifts in the audio-visual sector, notably the shift of audiences towards over-the-top (OTT) or subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services. They have also heavily invested in online platforms, adapting their policies to engage digital users on their video-on-demand (VOD) platforms. This paper assesses PSM policies in Britain, Denmark, and Greece, examining initiatives regarding adaptation to the digital era. It explores whether they implement new strategies to expand their digital reach. Data from policy documents and interviews with BBC, DR, and ERT leading executives inform the analysis. Findings showed varied responses among PSM organisations, influenced by market dynamics and the evolution of broadcasting traditions. Full article

Poikilodermatous plaque-like hemangioma (PPH) is a recently described clinical and pathological entity, with only 18 cases reported in the literature. Although uncommon, this benign condition presents consistent clinical and histological findings. We present a new case of PPH in an 81-year-old male and review the existing literature. The persistence over time and the need to distinguish PPH from more significant lesions underscore the importance of its clinical and pathological recognition. Full article

The combined production of three varieties of lettuce (romaine, iceberg, and red leaf) with flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) was tested in triplicate in three independent coupled aquaponic units with no thermal control. For this purpose, a total of 114 fish (2.5 kg/m³) were stocked in each fish tank (2 m³), and 92 lettuces were planted in the hydroponic unit (6 m²). As no thermal control was included in the design of the aquaponic system, water temperatures declined from maximum values of 20.4 °C to minimum values of 5.0 °C, which directly affected fish growth. However, the conditions imposed by the aquaponic system were suitable for promoting lettuce’s growth and external appearance, as no pests or leaf discoloration were noticed. Lettuce survival was similar among the three tested varieties (98.5 ± 1.7%). The yields for the romaine and iceberg varieties were 384 ± 100 g/lettuce and 316 ± 70 g/lettuce, respectively, and that for the red leaf variety was lower, at 176 ± 75 g/lettuce. Yield values ranged between 3.6 and 4.4 kg/m² depending on the replicate considered (4.0 ± 0.4 kg/m²). According to present results, each aquaponic unit required ca. 2.6–2.7 L of water per unit of lettuce produced. Full article

Li–S batteries are positioned as a strong alternative for efficient energy storage due to their high theoretical energy density and their theoretical specific capacity (1675 mA h g⁻¹) compared to current Li-ion batteries; however, their commercialization is affected by the rapid decay of the specific capacity as a consequence of the different species of lithium polysulfides that are generated during the charge–discharge processes. The use of nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon materials has been shown to have the ability to confer electronic conductivity to sulfur and retain the lithium polysulfide species. However, there are not enough studies to help understand how the type of nitrogen precursor influences the development of specific nitrogen functionalities to favor the retention of lithium polysulfide species. This work seeks to determine the effect of the use of different nitrogen precursors on the structural changes of the mesoporous carbon materials prepared, and thus evaluate the electrochemical behavior of Li–S cells correlating the type of nitrogen functionality generated when the precursor is variated with the charge/discharge capacity developed during the cell operation. For this study, different carbon materials were prepared by the variation of the nitrogen source (melamine, ethylenediamine, and hexadecylamine) to obtain a N-doped mesoporous carbon with different distributions of nitrogen functionalities in its structure. The use of the primary amine ethylenediamine as a nitrogen precursor in the formation of structured carbon materials favored elemental sulfur infiltration into its pores, resulting in the maximum sulfur content within the pores and interacting with the carbonaceous matrix (78.8 wt.%). The carbon material prepared with this precursor resulted in a higher content of N-pyridinic functionality, which, combined with the high content of N-pyrrolic, resulted in the highest specific discharge capacity at 0.1 C after 100 cycles when compared to cells assembled with materials derived from the use of melamine and hexadecylamine precursors. The cell assembled with the electrode formed from ethylenediamine as a nitrogen precursor presented an initial discharge capacity of 918 mA h g⁻¹ with a Coulombic efficiency of ~83.4% at 0.1 C after 100 cycles. Full article

The aim was to investigate how the congruence of odors and visual objects in virtual reality (VR) affects later memory recall of the objects. Participants (N = 30) interacted with 12 objects in VR. The interaction was varied by odor congruency (i.e., the odor matched the object’s visual appearance, the odor did not match the object’s visual appearance, or the object had no odor); odor quality (i.e., an authentic or a synthetic odor); and interaction type (i.e., participants could look and manipulate or could only look at objects). After interacting with the 12 objects, incidental memory performance was measured with a free recall task. In addition, the participants rated the pleasantness and arousal of the interaction with each object. The results showed that the participants remembered significantly more objects with congruent odors than objects with incongruent odors or odorless objects. Furthermore, interaction with congruent objects was rated significantly more pleasant and relaxed than interaction with incongruent objects. Odor quality and interaction type did not have significant effects on recall or emotional ratings. These results can be utilized in the development of multisensory VR applications. Full article

The game of soccer is complex and unpredictable, demanding multifaceted strategies for success. Performance analysis has evolved, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) to determine the factors that most significantly influence a team’s success or failure during matches. Traditional performance analysis methods have emphasized quantifiable data like physical exertion and basic play events but often neglected the subtler tactical dimensions that could significantly impact game outcomes. This study aimed to fill the gap in the current literature by creating a comprehensive framework that incorporates tactical situations as KPIs. The objective was to examine whether specific playing styles adopted by teams in various tactical situations and phases of the game could predict the outcome of matches. A dataset comprising all First Division Championship matches from 11 different European countries for the 2021–2022 season was analyzed. Variables representing tactical situations were correlated with match outcomes using a Generalized Estimating Equation framework. The model was specified with a binomial distribution and a logit link function. Statistical significance was determined using Wald χ² tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The study’s findings revealed that possession style, counterattacking during offensive transitions, and a balanced aggressive defensive strategy significantly increase a team’s chances of victory. It also showed that successful teams tend to focus on central attacks, minimize crossing, and execute strategic plays that lead to final attempts on goal with minimal ball possession. The above findings demonstrate that adopting certain tactical approaches significantly influences soccer match outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering tactical aspects as KPIs. Full article

The consumption of “ready-to-cook” foods has been experiencing rapid expansion due to modern lifestyles, and they are often sold in economical multipacks. These foods necessitate packaging that maintains their quality for extended periods of time during home storage once the original packaging is opened. This study evaluates a chitosan-based film derived from low- and high-molecular-weight (MW) chitosan in acetic acid without synthetic additives as an alternative packaging material for “ready-to-cook” beef burgers. The burgers were stored at 8 °C after being removed from their sales packaging. A commercial polyethylene (PE) film designed for food use, devoid of polyvinylchloride (PVC) and additives, served as the reference material. The production of six biogenic amines (BAs), indicative of putrefactive processes, was monitored. Additionally, the release of four phthalates (PAEs), unintentionally present in the packaging films, was assessed using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). Microbiological tests were conducted to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of the packaging against Aspergillus Niger NRR3112. The results showed that the chitosan-based films, particularly those with low MW (LMW), exhibited superior meat preservation compared to the PE films. Furthermore, they released PAEs below legal limits and demonstrated the complete inhibition of fungal growth. These findings highlight the potential of chitosan-based packaging as a viable and effective option for extending the shelf-life and maintaining the quality of “ready-to-cook” meat products during domestic storage. Full article

Extensive use of Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles, electronics, and other energy storage applications has resulted in a need to recycle valuable metals Li, Mn, Ni, and Co in these devices. In this work, an aqueous mixture of glycolic and lactic acid is shown as an excellent leaching agent to recover these critical metals from spent Li-ion laptop batteries combined with cathode and anode coatings without adding hydrogen peroxide or other reducing agents. An aqueous acid mixture of 0.15 M in glycolic and 0.35 M in lactic acid showed the highest leaching efficiencies of 100, 100, 100, and 89% for Li, Ni, Mn, and Co, respectively, in an experiment at 120 °C for 6 h. Subsequently, the chelate solution was evaporated to give a mixed metal-hydroxy acid chelate gel. Pyrolysis of the dried chelate gel at 800 °C for 15 h could be used to burn off hydroxy acids, regenerating lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, and the novel method presented to avoid the precipitation of metals as hydroxide or carbonates. The Li, Ni, Mn, and Co ratio of regenerated lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide is comparable to this metal ratio in pyrolyzed electrode coating and showed similar powder X-ray diffractograms, suggesting the suitability of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid mixtures as leaching agents and ligands in regeneration of mixed metal oxide via pyrolysis of the dried chelate gel. Full article

Softwood is widely employed in construction and faces high demand. Australia is grappling with substantial timber scarcity, specifically related to radiata pine, which is the dominant structural timber in the construction sector. However, Australia has a significant hardwood population, which can be utilized to reduce the high demand for radiata pine. This paper aims to investigate the bond properties of both Australian softwood (radiata pine) and hardwood (shining gum). It also discusses the potential to combine softwood and hardwood in glue or cross-laminated timber by evaluating the bond properties of the radiata pine–shining gum interface. For hardwood, the effect of primer is also investigated to determine its efficacy in improving failure mode, bond strength, and stiffness. Lastly, both glulam and cross-laminated timber bonding scenarios are simulated for bond testing by examining the effect of relative fibre orientation on the bond properties of the aforementioned species individually and in combination. Instead of conventional block shear testing, which is predominantly used for same-species bond testing, push-out testing is adopted in this study. However, a comparison with block shear testing is also made in this article. The results indicated that the use of primer on hardwood reduced the inconsistencies in the bond properties and improved wood-side failure rates. It was also concluded that the effect of fibre orientation in a CLT scenario with combined hardwood and softwood failure modes can vary significantly, which leads to a higher standard deviation in the results. Nevertheless, this study outlines the challenges and opportunities for producing hardwood–softwood hybrid glue or cross-laminated timber. Full article

In the complex and dynamic landscape of cyber threats, organizations require sophisticated strategies for managing Cybersecurity Operations Centers and deploying Security Information and Event Management systems. Our study enhances these strategies by integrating the precision of well-known biomimetic optimization algorithms—namely Particle Swarm Optimization, the Bat Algorithm, the Gray Wolf Optimizer, and the Orca Predator Algorithm—with the adaptability of Deep Q-Learning, a reinforcement learning technique that leverages deep neural networks to teach algorithms optimal actions through trial and error in complex environments. This hybrid methodology targets the efficient allocation and deployment of network intrusion detection sensors while balancing cost-effectiveness with essential network security imperatives. Comprehensive computational tests show that versions enhanced with Deep Q-Learning significantly outperform their native counterparts, especially in complex infrastructures. These results highlight the efficacy of integrating metaheuristics with reinforcement learning to tackle complex optimization challenges, underscoring Deep Q-Learning’s potential to boost cybersecurity measures in rapidly evolving threat environments. Full article

This study uses the finite element method (FEM) to investigate the effect of key structural parameters on the impact resistance of E-glass 3D orthogonal woven (3DOW) composites subjected to low-velocity impact. These structural parameters include the number of y-yarn layers, the path of the binder yarn (z-yarn), and the density of the x-yarn. Using ABAQUS, yarn-level finite element (FE) models are created based on the measured geometrical parameters and validated for energy absorption and damage behavior from experimental data gathered from the previous study. The results from finite element analysis (FEA) indicate that the x-yarn density and the binder path substantially influenced the composites’ damage behavior and impact performance. Increasing x-yarn density in 3DOW leads to a 15% increase in energy absorption compared to models with reduced x-yarn densities. Moreover, as the x-yarn density increases, crack lengths at the back face of the resin matrix decrease in the y-yarn direction but increase in the x-yarn direction. The basket weave structure absorbs less energy than plain and 2 × 1 twill structures due to the less constrained weft primary yarns. These results underscore the importance of these structural parameters in optimizing 3DOW composite for better impact performance, providing valuable insights for the design of advanced composite structures. Full article

The functional characteristics of starch can be altered by shear force, which makes the impact on its microstructure of great importance to the food industry. This study investigated the effects of freeze-drying on the gel texture, pasting capabilities, and swelling power of starches made from sweet potatoes (SP), chickpeas (CP), and wheat (WS) combined with Cordia (CG) and Ziziphus gum (ZG). The samples were annealed in water without shearing and in a rapid visco-analyzer (RVA) for 30 min at 60 °C while being spun at 690 rpm. Both native and freeze-dried samples were mixed with 1% or 3% ZG and CG. After annealing, the starches were examined using a texture analyzer and RVA. The results showed that freeze-drying had a substantial (p > 0.05) impact on the starch granule, in addition to the effect of annealing. The peak viscosity of freeze-dried native CP and SP starches increased, but the peak viscosity of freeze-dried wheat starch decreased. The setbacks for CP and WS increased, whereas the setbacks for SP varied slightly. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that annealing in an RVA exhibited a substantially lower peak viscosity than annealing in a water bath; the RVA’s shearing effect may have been the cause of this difference. Cordia gum fared better than ZG in terms of peak viscosity, although ZG significantly reduced setback in comparison to CG. Among the various blends, the native WB sample had the lowest hardness (100 ± 4.9 g), while the freeze-dried WB SP sample had the greatest (175.5 ± 4.8 g). Shearing of starches broke up the granules into smaller pieces, which made them gel at lower temperatures. This could be a good thing when they are needed for food uses that require little cooking. Full article