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Explainable AI analysis of printing parameter effects on life cycle assessment for sustainable material-extrusion additive manufacturing
No full textAs material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX) moves into industrial use, its electricity and filament consumption translate into non-negligible life cycle assessment (LCA) impacts. We propose a unified explainable AI (XAI)–LCA framework that links four printing parameters (print speed, layer height, infill density, raster angle) to four ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) indicators at the printing stage. Slicer-generated datasets are combined with random forest models, Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), response surfaces and partial dependence plots (PDPs) to quantify how parameters affect impacts through energy- and material-driven pathways. The resulting decomposition model achieves coefficients of determination [Formula: see text] and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) below 7% in ten repeated splits; blind validation on fifteen unseen configurations yields MAPE [Formula: see text]. XAI analyses show that layer height and print speed dominate energy-related indicators, while infill density governs material-related ones. We demonstrate transferability to other materials (ABS, PETG) and geometries (cube, cylinder, L-shape) with MAPE [Formula: see text]. The framework integrates with standard slicing workflows, estimates cost per part, and is compatible with emerging policy instruments such as the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and Digital Product Passport schemes, providing transparent decision support for sustainable MEX
Association between maternal age at childbirth and children’s internalising problems in the USA: a cross-sectional mediation analysis of housing instability and family support using the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH)
No full textObjectives The optimal maternal age at childbirth has been a topic of bourgeoning literature, with earlier ages offering physiological benefits for maternal recovery. In contrast, later ages to give birth may provide psychological advantages due to greater emotional maturity. This study investigates the impact of maternal age at childbirth on children’s internalising problems and explores the mediating roles of housing instability and family support in this relationship.Design Cross-sectional study; mediation analysis of the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data.Setting Response in the 2022 NSCH in the USA.Participants This study is based on the 2022 NSCH, collecting a total of 54 103 completed surveys from randomly selected households across the USA. In this study, after excluding participants due to missing values in critical variables, 48 073 participants were included in the final analysis.Results Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that increasing maternal age at childbirth is associated with lower children’s internalising problems. Analysis suggested this association operates directly and is indirectly linked to child outcomes through lower levels of housing instability and higher levels of family support. However, a distinct indirect effect emerged: increased maternal age was also associated with reduced family support, which was in turn linked to more internalising problems. The results illuminate potential mechanisms linking maternal age at childbirth to children’s internalising problems and underscore the importance of stable housing and family support in mitigating risk factors for children’s emotional well-being.Conclusion We found an association between advanced maternal age and fewer internalising problems in children. This relationship appears to operate directly and indirectly via a sequential pathway: higher maternal age correlates with lower housing instability, which in turn is associated with increased family support, ultimately correlating with improved child mental health outcomes
Macular, Foveal and RNFL Thickness Patterns in Amblyopia: A Comparative Study
No full textChiranjib Majumder,1 Safinaz Mohd Khialdin,2 Subrata Mukhopadhyay,3 Rokiah Omar1 1Optometry & Vision Science Programme, Fakulti Sains Keshihatan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, 56000, Malaysia; 3Shankar Bhaban Netralaya, Rupnarayanpur, Asansol, WB, 713386, IndiaCorrespondence: Rokiah Omar, Email [email protected]: The purpose of this study is to compare the macular thickness, foveal thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in amblyopic eyes with those of fellow non-amblyopic eyes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted with amblyopic subjects from August 2022 to December 2024. A pilot study was carried out using simple random sampling technique. The study involved OCT-based measurement of macular, foveal, and RNFL thickness in amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes using standardized imaging protocols. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical tests (paired and independent t-tests) based on normality results to compare values across eye types and gender.Results: The results showed significantly higher macular, foveal, and RNFL thickness in amblyopic eyes compared to non-amblyopic eyes (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between anisometropic and mixed amblyopia subtypes. Gender had no significant effect on retinal thickness, except for superior RNFL thickness, which was higher in the anisometropic group of non-amblyopic eyes.Conclusion: This study confirms that amblyopia involves both functional and structural retinal changes, notably in the macula and RNFL, regardless of type or gender. OCT proves valuable in detecting these changes, and future studies should focus on axial length correction and post-treatment outcomes.Keywords: refractive amblyopia, mixed amblyopia, optical coherence tomography, macular thickness, foveal thickness and RNFL thicknes
Qualitative Analysis of Maternal Mortality Reporting Gaps and the Emerging Fourth Delay in Garut Regency, Indonesia
No full textHadi Susiarno,1 Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani,2,3 Ira Nufus Khaerani,4 Windi Nurdiawan,1 Aisyah Shofiatun Nisa,1 Victor Abiola Adepoju5 1Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia; 2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; 3Midwifery Working Group, Center for Health System Studies and Health Workforce Education Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; 4Midwifery Profession Program, STIKes Karsa Husada, Garut, Indonesia; 5Jhpiego Nigeria, An Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Abuja, NigeriaCorrespondence: Hadi Susiarno, Email [email protected]: Indonesia’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remains among the highest in Southeast Asia, with significant subnational disparities. Despite national reforms and insurance coverage have expanded, maternal deaths continue in districts with high facility birth rates, including Garut Regency, West Java. Investigating social, clinical, and systemic factors contributing to these deaths can inform improvements in maternal surveillance and care quality.Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in Garut Regency through in-depth interviews with bereaved family members (n = 3), frontline midwives (n = 5), and the district maternal death registrar (n = 1). Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase reflexive method, supported by NVivo 14™. Triangulation, audit trails, member-checking, and reflexive journaling were employed to ensure rigour.Results: Three interrelated themes emerged: (1) the support system surrounding women, (2) the actions and constraints of healthcare providers, and (3) the architecture of maternal death reporting. Despite high antenatal coverage and BPJS insurance, delays in care-seeking, transport, referral, and a newly identified “fourth delay”— administrative and digital barriers in the Maternal Death Notification (MDN) system. COVID-19 further strained services through ambulance delays, oxygen shortages, and MDN system interruptions. Indirect causes—such as asthma, tuberculosis, and cardiomyopathy—featured prominently, reflecting a shift in maternal mortality epidemiology. While community innovations (eg, mobile ultrasound, WhatsApp triage) were noted, structural and training gaps persist.Conclusion: Maternal mortality in Garut reflects systemic gaps across health and reporting systems, including the newly identified fourth delay (digital barriers), rather than individual lapses. To achieve SDG targets, Indonesia must invest in digital resilience, integrated chronic disease services during ANC, equitable transport infrastructure, and respectful maternity care. A robust, real-time MPDSR system that includes maternal deaths outside of facilities is essential. Maternal survival depends on aligning national commitment with district-level readiness and action.Keywords: maternal mortality, death surveillance, MDN system, qualitative study, maternal mortality, digital dela
Efficacy and Safety of Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Obesity Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
No full textXing-xian Li,1 Zhuo-ya Hu,1 Dong-ni Yuan,1 Jun-xin Zhao,1 Wen-bin Ma,2 Lei Lan1 1Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Lei Lan, Email [email protected]: Obesity is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Although Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is frequently used to treat the clinical symptoms of simple obesity, it is unclear how it will affect obesity associated with PCOS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of ACE in treating obesity in women with PCOS.Methods: We searched databases from inception to January 8, 2025. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. All meta-analyses used random effects models, and the GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.Results: We included 25 RCTs (1,663 participants). Based on usual care, compared to blank treatment, ACE probably reduces body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (WC), and may enable a greater proportion of patients to achieve a weight loss no less than 5% (relative risk [RR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.55) and may reduce triglycerides (TG). Furthermore, when compared to active comparators, ACE probably enables a greater proportion of patients to achieve a weight loss no less than 5% (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.76) and reduces WC and may also reduce BMI and TG. All effects were supported by low to moderate certainty evidence.Conclusion: When compared to blank treatment, on the basis of usual care, ACE for obesity associated with PCOS may improve obesity-related outcomes. When compared to active comparators, it may have comparable or greater therapeutic efficacy and fewer adverse events. Such improvements in obesity-related indicators may help alleviate metabolic and reproductive symptoms in women with PCOS. As all included trials were conducted in China, further high-quality studies in diverse populations are needed to confirm the generalizability of these findings.Keywords: obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, acupoint catgut embedding, meta-analysi
Normative leadership and constrained idealism: strategic humanitarian diplomacy in Tanzania’s foreign policy
No full textThis study investigates how Tanzania, a non-donor state in the Global South, strategically deploys humanitarian diplomacy (HD) to advance foreign policy objectives while navigating structural constraints and normative commitments. Drawing on 31 semi-structured interviews, policy document analysis, and thematic coding across Dodoma, Kigoma, and Dar es Salaam (July 2023–July 2024), the research reveals that Tanzania blends Pan-African solidarity, liberation heritage, and security cooperation into a hybrid HD model. The findings, categorized as Value-Embedded Humanitarian Engagement, Governance Architecture for Humanitarian Influence, and Resilience Dilemmas in a Constrained Idealism Context, demonstrate that Tanzania’s HD functions as both a moral commitment and a tool for accruing soft power. Yet fiscal dependency, centralized decision-making, and host-community legitimacy pressures constrain agility and long-term sustainability. By integrating constructivism, soft power theory, political economy, and constrained idealism, the paper offers a novel analytical framework for understanding non-donor HD in the Global South and proposes policy reforms for enhancing its effectiveness
Jaringan Literatur tentang Keterlibatan Kerja: Analisis Kolaborasi, Titik Panas, dan Tema-Tema Baru yang Muncul
No full textThis study aims to map the development of the literature on work engagement through a bibliometric approach based on network analysis using VOSviewer software. Work involvement is an important concept in human resource management because it is directly related to employee welfare, individual performance, and workforce retention. This study uses scientific publication data taken from the Google Scholar database with an analysis period of 2021-2025. The analysis was carried out with four main approaches, namely publication development analysis, keyword mapping (co-occurrence analysis), cluster-based mapping, and Google Scholar Rank mapping. The results of the study show that the topic of work engagement has increased significantly in the last two decades and has developed into a multidisciplinary field. The keyword mapping resulted in nine main clusters that represent the focus of global research, including supportive leadership, psychological well-being, and green work engagement. Meanwhile, the collaboration analysis shows the dominance of researchers from the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada who act as the center of knowledge networks. The findings also reveal the emergence of new themes such as digital engagement, hybrid work environment, and psychological safety. Overall, the results of this study provide a comprehensive overview of intellectual structures, collaborative relationships, and thematic evolution in work engagement research. These findings are expected to serve as a basis for further research and development of more adaptive and sustainable human resource management strategies
Pengaruh Komunikasi Organisasi, Karakteristik Individu, Kemampuan Kerja dan Etika Kerja Terhadap Prestasi Kerja Karyawan
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of organizational communication, individual characteristics, work ability and work ethic on employee performance at PT. Nusantara Plantation IV. The type of research used in this study is an associative type. The sample used is the employees of PT. Perkebunan Nusantara IV Medan with a total of 175 respondents. In this study researchers used primary data sources. The data collection technique in this study was a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used in this research is multiple linear regression test. Based on the results of the study it was found that organizational communication significantly influences employee performance, individual characteristics variables significantly influence employee performance, work ability variables significantly affect employee performance, and work ethic variables significantly influence employee performance as well as organizational communication variables. Individual characteristics, work abilities and work ethics of employees at PT. Perkebunan Nusantara IV jointly has a positive and significant effect on the performance of employees of PT. Perkebunan Nusantara IV Medan, thus the proposed hypothesis is proven
The suitability of structural soil for the development of trees growing in urban areas
No full textBackground Tree survival in urbanized areas is increasingly challenged by dense city infrastructure, including underground systems. Engineered planting systems, such as structural substrates, offer more effective solutions for tree planting in urban sites where natural soil is unavailable. This study aims to assess the physiological responses of trees to different substrates in the context of long-term growth in modified urban habitats. Methods Eight Tilia tomentosa Moench trees were planted in four substrate types: structural soil (SS), a mixture of crushed stone and soil; compacted soil (CS), simulating urban soil conditions; a mixture of soil and rubble with impermeable pavement (AS), representing harsh urban conditions; and natural soil (C), serving as the control. In the fifth and sixth years after planting, chlorophyll a fluorescence, relative chlorophyll content (Chl), and epidermal flavanols (Flv) were measured. Results The highest values Fv/Fm were observed in the control and SS samples (average Fv/Fm: 0.78–0.85), indicating good tree health, in contrast to the AS group. Energy dissipation per reaction center (DI0/RC) showed no significant differences between SS and C, except in September 2022. Indicators such as energy transfer into the electron transport chain (ET0/TR0), performance index (PIABS), and chlorophyll content declined slightly in SS compared to C, but remained higher than in AS and similar to CS. Flavanol content was lower in both the control and SS groups, suggesting no evident stress response. Conclusion This study confirms that structural soil provides favorable habitat conditions for urban trees, supporting undisturbed photosynthetic processes over the long term, comparable to natural soil. Structural substrates show strong potential as effective solutions for improving urban tree soil conditions, particularly in areas with soil compaction or limited root space beneath pavements. Future research should explore potential nutrient limitations, especially nitrogen availability, in structural soils
Metabarcoding and targeted barcoding can enhance Norwegian Continental Shelf macrofauna species inventories
No full textMetabarcoding of bulk community samples is a powerful tool to characterize marine softbottom macrofaunal communities, but high-quality taxonomic assignment is dependent on adequate sequence coverage in taxonomic databases. Here, our main aim was to advance metabarcoding as a complement to benthic morphological taxonomy in biodiversity inventories on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). We used morphological taxonomy, barcoding, and metabarcoding for two objectives, namely to (1) increase macrofauna barcode coverage for a selection of species, and (2) provide an in-depth comparison of morphology and metabarcoding data from mock bulk samples of softbottom macrofauna. We used morphological taxonomy to identify 257 morphotaxa from 32 sieved grab sampling stations at eight areas on the NCS. For the first objective (barcoding), 45 species (95 specimens) were selected from these 32 stations based on incomplete sequence coverage in online repositories, obtaining barcodes for 25 (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, COI), 35 (18S rDNA), and 24 (28S rDNA) species. Results typically showed an increase in taxonomic assignment of 4–5 ranks in the subsequent metabarcoding data for these particular species. For the second objective (metabarcoding), mock bulk samples with a known taxonomic composition including Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca and a single brachiopod, were sequenced using the COI and 18S rDNA V1-V2 partitions from a subset of eight stations from three of the areas. COI Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and MIDORI2 assignment with some additional manual sequence curation recovered 100 distinct species-rank taxa compared to 120 species-rank taxa (152 taxa total) from morphology based taxonomic identification. Assignment of 18S rDNA using SILVA recovered 29 unique species including 13 not found in the COI data. Annelida, Arthropoda, and Mollusca were all well-represented in metabarcoding data, and abundance biases were associated with disparate species in a range of clades. Taxonomic congruence was high at high rank, but in some cases species assignments resolved as genus only or sibling species to those identified by morphological taxonomy even when present in one of the databases used. Potential explanations include species genotype variation, putative species complexes and remnant sequencing artifacts. The study findings show the potential of metabarcoding in an area with relatively high taxonomic database coverage. Integrating metabarcoding datasets can increase biodiversity inventory pace and uncover hidden biodiversity, but performance is dependent on database coverage, highlighting the importance of barcoding efforts in biodiversity studies, and metabarcoding-based inventories need to be critically examined by taxonomic expertise
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