Although several studies have found disparities in health outcomes between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)-identifying individuals, few studies have focused on subjective well-being and protective factors for health and well-being. The purpose of this work is twofold: (1) to examine the relevance of sexual orientation to health and well-being in women and men; (2) to identify protective and risk factors for psychological distress, self-rated health, and well-being for gay men, lesbian women, bisexual women and men, and heterosexual women and men. The sample consisted of 908 women and 586 men from the general Spanish population aged 16–64, half of whom identified themselves as LGB and half as heterosexual. All were assessed using eight questionnaires and inventories. The results showed that differences varied depending on the health indicator considered. In general, bisexuals had the poorest health, with lower self-rated health and lower self-esteem. In all groups, self-esteem was a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with better health and well-being. To a lesser extent, social support served as a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with greater well-being in all groups. It is concluded that although sexual orientation is relevant to the health and well-being of individuals, there are differences among sexual minorities, with bisexuals having lower self-esteem than homosexuals. Full article

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) mortality remains high despite revascularization and the use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Advanced mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as catheter-based ventricular assist devices (cVAD), may impact mortality. We aim to identify predictors of mortality in AMI-CS implanted with IABP and the proportion eligible for advanced MCS in an Asian population. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) stage C and above AMI-CS patients with IABP implanted from 2017–2019. We excluded patients who had IABP implanted for indications other than AMI-CS. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for patient characteristics. Results: Over the 3-year period, 242 patients (mean age 64.1 ± 12.4 years, 88% males) with AMI-CS had IABP implanted. 30-day mortality was 55%. On univariate analysis, cardiac arrest (p < 0.001), inotrope/vasopressor use prior to IABP (p = 0.004) was more common in non-survivors. Non-survivors were less likely to be smokers (p = 0.001), had lower ejection fraction, higher creatinine/ lactate and lower pH (all p < 0.001). On multi-variate analysis, predictors of mortality were cardiac arrest prior to IABP (aOR 4.00, CI 2.28–7.03), inotrope/vasopressor prior to IABP (aOR 2.41, CI 1.18–4.96), lower arterial pH (aOR 0.02, CI 0.00–0.31), higher lactate (aOR 2.42, CI 1.00–1.19), and lower hemoglobin (aOR 0.83, CI 0.71–0.98). Using institutional MCS criteria, 106 patients (44%) would have qualified for advanced MCS. Conclusions: Early mortality in AMI-CS remains high despite IABP. Many patients would have qualified for higher degrees of MCS. Full article

The windigo is a generally malicious figure in several Indigenous cultures of the land currently administered by the governments of the USA and Canada. In traditional narratives, the windigo is generally associated with hunger, greed, winter, and cannibalism. In this paper, I discuss how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous writers have used the figure of the windigo to critique and challenge environmental injustice. While some windigo stories present the being as a terrifying monster of the “wilderness”, others use the figure as an embodiment of environmental destruction and the injustice that comes with it. Windigo stories also highlight three further aspects of colonial violence: military violence, sexual violence, and religious violence. Although some stories depict windigos being defeated through violence, many stress the importance of care and healing to overcome the windigo affliction. In fact, storytelling itself may be part of the healing process. Windigo stories, I argue, can be a useful way to interrogate the injustices created by colonialism and environmental destruction, and the stories can also offer hope for healing and for an environmentally just future. Full article

Computerized assessments and digital games have become more prevalent in childhood, necessitating a systematic investigation of the effects of gamified executive function assessments on performance and engagement. This study examined the feasibility of incorporating gamification and a machine learning algorithm that adapts task difficulty to individual children’s performance into a traditional executive function task (i.e., Flanker Task) with children ages 3–5. The results demonstrated that performance on a gamified version of the Flanker Task was associated with performance on the traditional version of the task and standardized academic achievement outcomes. Furthermore, gamification grounded in learning science and developmental psychology theories applied to a traditional executive function measure increased children’s task enjoyment while preserving psychometric properties of the Flanker Task. Overall, this feasibility study indicates that gamification and adaptive machine learning algorithms can be successfully incorporated into executive function assessments with young children to increase enjoyment and reduce data loss with developmentally appropriate and intentional practices. Full article

Healthy dietary patterns rich in flavonoids may benefit cognitive performance over time. Among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, the association between flavonoid intake and measures of cognition is unclear. This study sought to identify associations between flavonoid intake and cognitive performance among Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study participants (n = 1947) across three study visits. Flavonoid intakes were assessed via two 24-h dietary recalls. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Trail Making Test (TMT)-A and TMT-B, which provide measures of attention and executive function, respectively. Mixed effects linear regression was used to model TMT scores over three study visits against visit 1 (v1) flavonoid intake, time (years from v1), and the interaction between v1 flavonoid intake and time, capturing both the cross-sectional association between flavonoid intake and time at v1 as well as the longitudinal association between v1 flavonoid intake and the change in TMT scores over time. Prior to adjustment, inverse cross-sectional associations at v1 were observed between (1) anthocyanidin intake and TMT-A scores for the overall sample and (2) total flavonoid, anthocyanidin, flavan-3-ol, flavone, and flavonol intake and TMT-B scores for the overall sample and among White adults. Only the association between anthocyanidin intake and TMT-B at v1 among White adults persisted after adjustment (for demographic characteristics such as age). One possible explanation for the few significant associations is universally low flavonoid intakes resulting from the consumption of an unhealthy dietary pattern. Full article

The article examines the main characteristics of white brine cheeses from different manufacturers and changes in their quality indicators. These characteristics include the active acidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, oxidation–reduction potential, and organoleptic assessment. In this context, the connection to biomimetics lies in the approach of integrating multiple sensory modalities, similar to how biological systems often use multiple senses to perceive and understand their environment. For this purpose, spectral, ultrasonic, and gas characteristics were used, from which informative indices were extracted, united at a later stage in a vector of features. Based on the classification, it was found that the optical characteristics of cheeses from different manufacturers overlap, thus making it possible to predict the main indicators for each type of cheese. The results show that the use of a multimodal approach combining features from different sensors contributes to a better understanding of the variations in cheese properties, while improving the predictive abilities of the created models. The obtained results give a clear idea of the quality of the cheese, thus enabling adequate decisions to be made during the production process. Full article

The concept of nature positive has recently emerged from the widespread recognition of the global scale at which nature is being lost and the threat this poses to the collective survival of the human race. Much of the interest in nature positive reflects the initial commitment to it by conservation organisations and by a number of international political initiatives. However, the pursuit of nature positive approaches by businesses has received little attention in the business and management literature. Building upon an analysis of secondary sources, this entry paper first examines how three international organisations suggest a nature positive strategy could be pursued. This paper then focuses on two multinational companies and how they plan to pursue a nature positive approach to their business activities. This article identifies a number of critical factors in developing a nature positive strategy: incorporating suppliers in this strategy, assessing corporate dependencies and impacts on nature, and reporting on nature positive initiatives and outcomes. At the same time, this article raises concerns that nature positive approaches could be driven more by business imperatives rather than fundamental corporate concerns about biodiversity and that many business commitments to nature positive could be seen as mainly aspirational. Full article

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have demonstrated remarkable performance in many areas but require significant computation and storage resources. Quantization is an effective method to reduce CNN complexity and implementation. The main research objective is to develop a scalable quantization algorithm for CNN hardware design and model the performance metrics for the purpose of CNN implementation in resource-constrained devices (RCDs) and optimizing layers in deep neural networks (DNNs). The algorithm novelty is based on blending two quantization techniques to perform full model quantization with optimum accuracy, and without additional neurons. The algorithm is applied to a selected CNN model and implemented on an FPGA. Implementing CNN using broad data is not possible due to capacity issues. With the proposed quantization algorithm, we succeeded in implementing the model on the FPGA using 16-, 12-, and 8-bit quantization. Compared to the 16-bit design, the 8-bit design offers a 44% decrease in resource utilization, and achieves power and energy reductions of 41% and 42%, respectively. Models show that trading off one quantization bit yields savings of approximately 5.4K LUTs, 4% logic utilization, 46.9 mW power, and 147 $\mathsf{\mu }$J energy. The models were also used to estimate performance metrics for a sample DNN design. Full article

Magnesium sulfate has been widely detected on the surface of Mars. The occurrence of magnesium sulfate and mixed cationic sulfates preserves clues regarding the sedimentary environment, hydrological processes, and climate history of ancient Mars. In this study, seven magnesium sulfate double salts were synthesized in the laboratory using a high-temperature solid phase reaction or slow evaporation of aqueous solutions. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction to confirm their phase and homogeneity. Subsequently, the Raman, mid-infrared spectra, and visible near-infrared spectra of these samples were collected and analyzed. Our results showed that the spectra of the analyzed magnesium sulfate double salts exhibited distinctive spectral features. These laboratory results may provide new insights for the identification of various magnesium sulfate double salts on Mars during the interpretation of in situ data collected by Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC), SuperCam, and the ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS). In addition, the MIR and VNIR spectra features obtained in this study provide an improved reference and spectra library for decipherment of data sourced from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES), Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and Mars Mineralogical Spectrometer (MMS). Full article

Hybrid bonded–bolted composite material interference connections significantly enhance the collaborative load-bearing capabilities of the adhesive layer and bolts, thus improving structural load-carrying capacity and fatigue life. So, these connections offer significant developmental potential and application prospects in aircraft structural assembly. However, interference causes damage to the adhesive layer and composite laminate around the holes, leading to issues with interface damage. In this study, we employed experimental and finite element methods. Initially, different interference-fit sizes were selected for bolt insertion to analyze the damage mechanism of the adhesive layer during interference-fit bolt installation. Subsequently, a finite element tensile model considering damage to the adhesive layer and composite laminate around the holes post-insertion was established. This study aimed to investigate damage in composite bonded–bolted hybrid joints, explore load-carrying rules and failure modes, and reveal the mechanisms of interference effects on structural damage and failure. The research results indicate that the finite element prediction model considering initial damage around the holes is more effective. As the interference-fit size increases, damage to the adhesive layer transitions from surface debonding to local cracking, while damage to the composite matrix shifts from slight compression failure to severe delamination and fiber-bending fracturing. The structural strength shows a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing, with the maximum strength observed at an interference-fit size of 1.1%. Full article

As they possess the qualities of high specific strength, high specific modulus, high specific energy absorption, and excellent designability, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced composites have gradually replaced traditional materials such as ceramics and steel plates as the main ballistic protection materials. Using an improved test method, the uniaxial tensile tests of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites at two strain rates of 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ and 10⁻² s⁻¹ and a temperature range from −20 °C to 80 °C are carried out to study the effects of strain rate and temperature on the tensile behavior of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites. The experimental results indicate that the tensile responses exhibit nonlinear characteristics and the sensitivity of strain rate and temperature. The yield strength and modulus decrease with increasing temperature and increase with the increase in strain rate. A phenomenological viscoelastic constitutive model composed of a nonlinear spring and a nonlinear Maxwell element is proposed to characterize the temperature and strain rate dependent deformation behavior of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites before yielding. The results show that the model can accurately predict the tensile nonlinear viscoelastic responses of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites before yielding over a wide temperature range under quasi-static loading. Full article

As offshore wind farms move into deeper waters and the capacity of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) increases, a new type of OWT foundation needs to be developed. In this study, a new type of five-bucket jacket foundation (FBJF) was proposed based on the broad application of a multi-bucket jacket foundation (MBJF) in offshore wind farms. The soil around the OWT foundation is subject to scour due to the complex marine environment. To investigate the effects of scouring on the FBJF, a series of local-scour simplified finite-element models of the FBJF were established using ABAQUS, and the effects of scouring depth and the extent on the bearing capacity of the FBJF with the monotonic load were analyzed. Then, the failure envelopes of the FBJF under combined loading were obtained using the fixed-displacement ratio method, and the effects of various scour conditions on the failure envelopes were compared. The results indicate that the failure envelope profile contracts inward, and the bearing capacity decreases with the increasing scouring depth and extent. Furthermore, the failure envelopes of the FBJF under different vertical loads were calculated, and the F_V-F_H-F_M failure envelopes of the FBJF were obtained through interpolation. Finally, the effects of different scour conditions on the F_V-F_H-F_M failure envelopes of the FBJF were analyzed. The results show that the F_V-F_H-F_M failure envelopes of the FBJF have similar profiles and follow the same trend under different scour conditions. Full article

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) inhabit bays, sounds, and estuaries (BSEs) throughout the southeast region of the U.S.A. and are sentinel species for human and ecosystem-level health. Dolphins are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation of contaminants through the coastal food chain because they are high-level predators. Currently, there is limited information on the spatial dynamics of mercury accumulation in these dolphins. Total mercury (THg) was measured in dolphin skin from multiple populations across the U.S. Southeast Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and the influence of geographic origin, sex, and age class was investigated. Mercury varied significantly among sampling sites and was greatest in dolphins in St. Joseph Bay, Florida Everglades, and Choctawhatchee Bay (14,193 ng/g ± 2196 ng/g, 10,916 ng/g ± 1532 ng/g, and 7333 ng/g ± 1405 ng/g wet mass (wm), respectively) and lowest in dolphins in Charleston and Skidaway River Estuary (509 ng/g ± 32.1 ng/g and 530 ng/g ± 58.4 ng/g wm, respectively). Spatial mercury patterns were consistent regardless of sex or age class. Bottlenose dolphin mercury exposure can effectively represent regional trends and reflect large-scale atmospheric mercury input and local biogeochemical processes. As a sentinel species, the bottlenose dolphin data presented here can direct future studies to evaluate mercury exposure to human residents in St. Joseph Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Florida Coastal Everglades, as well as additional sites with similar geographical, oceanographic, or anthropogenic parameters. These data may also inform state and federal authorities that establish fish consumption advisories to determine if residents in these locales are at heightened risk for mercury toxicity. Full article

Energy transition and the creation of sustainable jobs are major concerns towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, particularly in emerging petroleum-producing economies such as Ghana. Our study examines Ghana’s sectorial employment vulnerability to the dynamics of energy transition. Employing a dynamic ARDL simulation model, we use quarterly data from 2011 to 2021 from Ghana’s Energy Commission, the Bank of Ghana, and the Public Interest and Accounting Committee. We find that transition scenarios increase industrial sector employment. Also, industrial sector employment changes more favorably under the 5% scenario than under the 1% scenario. Agriculture industry employment is positively impacted by the 1% energy transition scenarios but negatively impacted by the 5% scenarios. Up to the sixth year, both transition scenarios increase employment in the services sector; however, employment opportunities are more affected by the 1% scenario than by the 5% scenario. Therefore, developing a policy architecture that aids Ghana’s transition to renewable energy is essential. Full article

In the face of geopolitical threats in Artsakh, the preservation of Armenia’s epigraphic heritage has become a mission of both historical and cultural urgency. This project delves deep into Armenian inscriptions, employing advanced digital tools and strategies like the Oxygen text editor and EpiDoc guidelines to efficiently catalogue, analyze, and present these historical treasures. Amidst the adversities posed by Azerbaijan’s stance towards Armenian heritage in Artsakh, the digital documentation and preservation of these inscriptions have become a beacon of cultural resilience. The XML-based database ensures consistent data, promoting scholarly research and broadening accessibility. Integrating the Grabar Armenian dictionary addressed linguistic challenges, enhancing data accuracy. This initiative goes beyond merely preserving stone and text; it is a testament to the stories, hopes, and enduring spirit of the Armenian people in the face of external threats. Through a harmonious blend of technology and traditional knowledge, the project stands as a vanguard in the fight to ensure that Armenia’s rich epigraphic legacy, and the narratives they enshrine remain undiminished for future generations. Full article

The surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) induces the aggregation of gold nanoclusters (GNCs), leading to the development of a proposed fluorometric technique for detecting thiocyanate (SCN⁻) ions based on an anti-aggregation mechanism. This approach is straightforward to execute, highly sensitive, and selective. A significant quenching effect occurs in fluorescence upon using the aggregation agent CTAB in GNCs synthesis, resulting in a transition from intense red fluorescence to dim red. The decrease in fluorescence intensity of GNCs in the presence of CTAB is caused by the mechanism of fluorescence quenching mediated by aggregation. As the levels of SCN⁻ rise, the fluorescence of CTAB-GNCs increases; this may be detected using spectrofluorometry or by visually inspecting under UV irradiation. The recovery of red fluorescence of CTAB-GNCs in the presence of SCN⁻ enables the precise and discerning identification of SCN⁻ within the concentration range of 2.86–140 nM. The minimum detectable concentration of the SCN⁻ ions was 1 nM. The selectivity of CTAB-GNCs towards SCN⁻ ions was investigated compared to other ions, and it was demonstrated that CTAB-GNCs exhibit exceptional selectivity. Furthermore, we believe that CTAB-GNCs have novel possibilities as favorable sensor candidates for various industrial applications. Our detection technique was validated by analyzing SCN⁻ ions in milk samples, which yielded promising results. Full article

The traditional fermentation process of soy sauce employs a hyperhaline model and has a long fermentation period. A hyperhaline model can improve fermentation speed, but easily leads to the contamination of miscellaneous bacteria and fermentation failure. In this study, after the conventional koji and moromi fermentation, the fermentation broth was pasteurized and diluted, and then inoculated with three selected microorganisms including Corynebacterium glutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum for secondary fermentation. During this ten-day fermentation, the pH, free amino acids, organic acids, nucleotide acids, fatty acids, and volatile compounds were analyzed. The fermentation group inoculated with C. glutamicum accumulated the high content of amino acid nitrogen of 0.92 g/100 mL and glutamic acid of 509.4 mg/100 mL. The C. ammoniagenes group and L. plantarum group were rich in nucleotide and organic acid, respectively. The fermentation group inoculated with three microorganisms exhibited the best sensory attributes, showing the potential to develop a suitable fermentation method. The brewing speed of the proposed process in this study was faster than that of the traditional method, and the umami substances could be significantly accumulated in this low-salt fermented model (7% w/v NaCl). This study provides a reference for the low-salt and rapid fermentation of seasoning. Full article

In this paper, we investigate a sequential fractional boundary value problem which contains a combination of Hilfer and Caputo fractional derivative operators and non-separated boundary conditions. We establish the existence of a unique solution via Banach’s fixed point theorem, while by applying Leray–Schauder’s nonlinear alternative, we prove an existence result. Finally, examples are provided to demonstrate the results obtained. Full article

Slavic folk culture is a fusion of Christian and of pre-Christian, pagan beliefs based on magic. This article is devoted specifically to ancient pre-Christian ideas about death and posthumous existence and the associated magical rituals and prohibitions, which persist to our time. It considers the following interactions between the living and the dead: 1. the measures taken and prohibitions observed by the living to ensure their well-being in the other world; 2. the measures taken by the living to ensure the well-being of their dead relatives in the other world (including funeral rites; memorial rites; cemetery visits; providing the dead with food, clothes, and items necessary for postmortem life; and sending messages to the other world); 3. communication between the living and the dead on certain days (including taking opportunities to meet, see, and hear them; treat them; prepare a bed for them; and wash them); 4. fear of the dead and their return and the desire to placate them to prevent them from causing natural disasters (hail, droughts, floods, etc.), crop failures, cattle deaths, diseases, and death; 5. magical ways for protecting oneself from the “walking dead”; 6. transforming the dead into mythological characters—for example, house-, water-, or forest-spirits and mermaids. The material presented in the article is drawn from published and archival sources collected by folklorists and ethnographers of the XIX and XX centuries in different regions of the Slavic world, as well as from field recordings made by the author and his colleagues in Polesie, the borderland of Belarus and Ukraine, in the 1960–1980s, in the Russian North and in the Carpathian region in the 1990s. It shows that the relationship between the living and the dead in folk beliefs does not fit comfortably within the widespread notion of an “ancestor cult”. It argues that the dead are both venerated and feared and that the living feel a dependence on their ancestors and a desire to strictly observe the boundary between the two worlds. Full article

Our objective is to achieve a new good-quality and mechanically durable high-transparency material that, when activated by rare earth ions, can be used as laser sources, scintillators, or phosphors. The best functional transparent ceramics are formed from high-symmetry systems, mainly cubic. Considering hexagonal hydroxyapatite, which shows anisotropy, the particle size of the initial powder is extremely important and should be of the order of several tens of nanometers. In this work, transparent micro-crystalline ceramics of non-cubic Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ calcium phosphate were fabricated via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) from two types of nanopowders i.e., commercially available (COM. HA) and laboratory-made (LAB. HA) via the hydrothermal (HT) protocol. Our study centered on examining how the quality of sintered bodies is affected by the following parameters: the addition of LiF sintering agent, the temperature during the SPS process, and the quality of the starting nanopowders. The phase purity, microstructure, and optical transmittance of the ceramics were investigated to determine suitable sintering conditions. The best optical ceramics were obtained from LAB. HA nanopowder with the addition of 0.25 wt.% of LiF sintered at 1000 °C and 1050 °C. Full article

Stanozolol shows promise as an anabolic and anti-catabolic agent for treating degenerative joint disease (DJD). This study assessed the clinical efficacy of a single intra-articular stanozolol injection in canine knees with DJD and its correlation with serum IL-1β levels. Thirty dogs (n = 30) were divided into a control group (CG, n = 10) and a study group (SG, n = 20) with DJD. Pain levels were assessed using the Brown query, and radiographs were taken at T0 and T3. IL-1β levels were quantified via ELISA. Apart from 2 patients, all showed reduced pain intensity, with 15 patients showing improvement at T1 and 3 patients at T2. A positive correlation (r = 0.84; p < 0.01) was found between pain level and IL-1β in 15 patients. No systemic effects were observed. Most patients (18/20) experienced reduced pain. This pilot study suggests stanozolol’s potential in managing DJD in dogs. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and understand stanozolol’s mechanism in DJD treatment. Full article