Search Results (1,260)

This study investigates the dynamic interdependencies among key sectors of Borsa Istanbul—industrial, services, technology, banking, and electricity—using a novel network-geometric framework. Daily closure prices from 2022 to 2024 are transformed into logarithmic returns and analyzed via a sliding window approach. In each window, mutual information is computed to construct weighted networks that are filtered using Triangulated Maximally Filtered Graphs (TMFG) to isolate the most significant links. Forman–Ricci curvature is then calculated at the node level, and entropy measures over k-neighborhoods ($k=1,2,3$) capture the complexity of both local and global network structures. Cross-correlation, Granger causality, and transfer entropy analyses reveal that sector responses to macroeconomic shocks—such as inflation surges, interest rate hikes, and currency depreciation—vary considerably. The services sector emerges as a critical intermediary, transmitting shocks between the banking and both the industrial and technology sectors, while the electricity sector displays robust, stable interconnections. These findings demonstrate that curvature-based metrics capture nuanced network characteristics beyond traditional measures. Future work could incorporate high-frequency data to capture finer interactions and empirically compare curvature metrics with conventional indicators. Full article

It is estimated that over 60% of known tailed phages are siphophages, which are characterized by a long, flexible, and non-contractile tail. Nevertheless, entire high-resolution structures of siphophages remain scarce. Using cryo-EM, we resolved the structures of T-series siphophage T1, encompassing its head, connector complex, tail tube, and tail tip, at near-atomic resolution. The density maps enabled us to build the atomic models for the majority of T1 proteins. The T1 head comprises 415 copies of the major capsid protein gp47, arranged into an icosahedron with a triangulation number of seven, decorated with 80 homologous trimers and 60 heterotrimers along the threefold and quasi-threefold axes of the icosahedron. The T1 connector complex is composed of two dodecamers (a portal and an adaptor) and two hexamers (a stopper and a tail terminator). The flexible tail tube comprises approximately 34 hexameric rings of tail tube. The extensive disulfide bond network along the successive tail rings may mediate the flexible bending. The distal tip of T1, which is cone-shaped and assembled by proteins gp33, gp34, gp36, gp37, and gp38, displays structural similarity to that of phage lambda. In conjunction with previous studies of lambda-like siphophages, our structure will facilitate further exploration of the structural and mechanistic aspects of lambda-like siphophages. Full article

The fashion industry has a detrimental environmental impact throughout its supply chain operations that needs immediate attention. Limited work focuses on measuring the environmental sustainability of clothing products made from post-consumer waste in the circular economy. This research aims to evaluate the environmental sustainability of fashion products made from post-consumer waste using the Higg Index tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Three t-shirt manufacturers—namely factory A (LEED certified), factory B (non-LEED certified), and factory C (Sub-contract) were considered as case studies. Data were collected through practice-based qualitative questions to manufacturing practitioners, which were supplemented by triangulations, and scores were obtained using the Higg Index product environmental sustainability tool. The findings highlight significant variations in most subsection analyses for product environment sustainability dimensions, scoring 369.5 (73.9%), 277.6 (55.5%), and 153.5 (30.7%) out of 500 by factories A, B, and C, respectively. Findings reveal significant differences in scores (from low to high) for the three t-shirt manufacturers. Various subsections revealed deficiencies in actual policies including product design, materials selection, manufacturing operations, and priorities regarding subcategories. Products made in a green factory and embracing the circular economy achieved the highest score, while the sub-contractor factory product obtained the lowest score. Findings highlight poor and emerging sustainable practices, identify challenges, and suggest improvement in the above-mentioned categories. The research urges stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices for fashion products to reduce environmental impact through life cycle stages and benefit the industry. Full article

The aim of this article is to analyse the disclosure of financial and non-financial information in an ESG report on the energy sector in Poland, using the example of the Enea Group, i.e., information on the following: (1) the structure of the Enea Group, its business model, and created values; (2) the impact of the energy sector on the natural environment; (3) environmental protection costs in correlation with the calculation of electricity prices and rates (financial and non-financial aspects); and (4) pro-ecological projects. The specific aim is to adapt the accounting policy of business entities to environmental challenges by proposing changes to the energy sector’s chart of accounts, using the example of the Enea Group, which ultimately leads to changes in the structure of the integrated report and finally in the ESG report. This study is of a theoretical and conceptual nature. As a result of the triangulation of the scientific methods used in this article, it was found that neither the accounting policy nor the company’s chart of accounts have so far presented correct records of costs related to environmental protection, which implies the development and proposal of implementing changes in this area. The research sample is limited to three years and includes a case study of the Enea Group. The presented discussion allows us to fill the research gap in the scope of information on the activities undertaken by the Enea Group for the protection of the natural environment and the costs of environmental protection incurred. The added value is the original structure of the integrated report presented by the authors and ultimately the ESG report of the energy group and adapting the accounting policy to environmental challenges. Full article

In its long-term vision for tourism development (2017–2036), Thailand has chosen to focus on the development of quality tourism, which is supposed to enable sustainable tourism development and a more inclusive sharing of tourism-generated revenues. However, the use of the term “quality tourism” remains conceptually unclear, and the means by which quality tourism will enable a more inclusive sharing of wealth remain ambiguous. Taking the tourist island of Phuket as a case study, we question how quality tourism has materialized on the island and how it has affected the configuration of power between large international hotel chains and local hotel operators regarding tourism development. Guided by a critical political economy framework and based on a qualitative methodology involving triangulation of data collection among official documents, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation, we argue that quality tourism in Phuket, although justified as a form of sustainable tourism, is more akin to luxury tourism. This has led to greater concentration of wealth among large hotel chains and real estate groups who have taken advantage of quality tourism-related policies to boost their portfolios at the expense of local stakeholders. Full article

Background: It is well established by research that large-scale and indiscriminate prescribing, dispensing, and use of antimicrobials drive antimicrobial resistance (AMR) endangering the health and well-being of people, animals, and the environment. In the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the prescribing of antimicrobials is often not based on biomedical rationality but involves alternative logic driven by social, cultural, and institutional factors. This paper seeks to develop a “biosocial” perspective, reflecting a unified perspective that treats the biomedical and social conditions as two sides of the same coin. Methods: This analysis is based on an empirical investigation of prescription slips that patients carry to buy drugs from the pharmacy following an outpatient department encounter with the clinician. Data collection involves mixed methods, including the quantitative analysis of the antimicrobials prescribed and a qualitative analysis of the underlying reasons for these prescriptions, as described by doctors, pharmacists, and patients. Data analysis involved triangulating quantitative and qualitative data, to develop a “biosocial” perspective, which can provide implications for the development of antimicrobial stewardship policies, particularly relevant for health institutions in low- and middle-income countries. Results: Our analysis of 1175 prescription slips showed that 98% contained antimicrobials, with 74% being broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Only 9% of cases were advised antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) before initiating treatment. Qualitative findings indicated that patients had poor awareness of antimicrobials and pharmacists played a crucial role in counseling. Conclusions: This study highlights that antimicrobial prescriptions in public health settings are influenced by both biomedical and social factors, supporting a biosocial perspective. Although AMS interventions are predominantly biomedical, adhering to clinical standards and best practices, this study underscores the necessity of integrating a biosocial viewpoint by incorporating the experiences of pharmacists and patient groups. Strengthening diagnostic support, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration could improve rational antimicrobial uses in low-resource settings. Full article

We propose a method for generating a constrained Delaunay triangulation CDT applied to labeled 2D images with high morphological complexity. In the previous paper, Part 1, we established an unbiased planar straight-line graph (PLSG) on image objects of any morphological complexity, using mathematical morphology tools. In the case of labeled images of this paper, the PSLG is defined by the set of local PSLG pieces for each adjacent label. The global PSLG of each label must respect the injective nature of Jordan’s curve. Full article

This paper presents findings from an oral history theater project, developed by older individuals, aimed at primary and secondary school students. A professional theater company in Hong Kong has completed a three-year initiative that recruited retired older adults as creative participants. The research employed a mixed-methods approach; usage audience questionnaires completed by students and qualitative analysis to examine how the performances facilitated and empowered both students and older participants through interviews and field observations. Utilizing data and document triangulation as the primary analysis method in this mixed-methods research, the project revealed that younger students responded very positively to the performances by older adults. In addition to empowering both students and elders, the author discusses how the performances contributed to the education of young people in two key areas: moral development and history education. Both aspects suggest an enhancement of intergenerational relationships and the mental well-being of both younger and older individuals. Full article

Aerial optical cameras are the primary method for capturing high-resolution images to produce large-scale mapping products. To improve aerial photography efficiency, multiple cameras are often used in combination to generate large-format virtual central projection images. This paper presents a high-precision method for directly transforming raw images obtained from a dual-camera system mounted at an oblique angle into virtual central projection images, thereby enabling the construction of low-cost, large-format aerial camera systems. The method commences with an adaptive sub-block in the overlapping regions of the raw images to extract evenly distributed feature points, followed by iterative relative orientation to improve accuracy and reliability. A global projection transformation matrix is constructed, and the sigmoid function is employed as a weighted distance function for image stitching. The results demonstrate that the proposed method produces more evenly distributed feature points, higher relative orientation accuracy, and greater reliability. Simulation analysis of image overlap indicates that when the overlap exceeds 7%, stitching accuracy can be better than 1.25 μm. The aerial triangulation results demonstrate that the virtual central projection images satisfy the criteria for the production of 1:1000 scale mapping products. Full article

The paper considers the results of experiments on localization of the sources of geoacoustic radiation generated in near-surface sedimentary rocks. Geoacoustic signals from sources were recorded by a spaced sensor system consisting of two combined receivers and a hydrophone. The system was installed near the bottom of a natural water body (Mikizha lake) in Kamchatka. Radiation sources were located by two methods, a triangulation survey and estimation of the signal arrival time difference from spaced receivers. Coordinates for more than 40 sources were measured, and their space distribution was mapped. As the result of the experiment, it was stated that geoacoustic radiation sources are located in bottom rocks at the depths up to 2.20 ± 0.25 m at the distances of up to 8 ± 0.25 m. Localization of geoacoustic radiation sources is topical for projecting a new alarm system for the notification on the possibility of strong earthquake occurrence. The results of the analysis of the frequency of rock AE source generation and accurate estimation of their location will be the basis of this system. Full article

Background: Childsmile is Scotland’s national child oral health improvement programme designed to reduce inequalities in oral health and ensure universal access to NHS dental services by working closely with children and their families. Research has shown that parents with more dental concerns are less likely to bring their children for regular preventive dental check-ups.Therefore, a communication toolkit named ‘Chatterbox’ was created to help families access dental care services. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of Chatterbox from the perspective of parents with young children and from staff who work with them. Thirty parents of young children, volunteers, and staff affiliated with three third-sector family support organisations in Dundee participated in in-depth interviews, focus groups, and observations to assess the objectives of Chatterbox. A framework analysis was conducted to capture the themes, patterns, and findings triangulated using observations and field notes. Results: Chatterbox was found to promote effective communication, identify barriers to dental attendance, provide a platform for reflection, convey the complexities of daily life, and boost parents’ confidence to seek assistance. Conclusions: Chatterbox has the potential to help parents in accessing preventive dental care for their young children when used with trained support workers. Full article

This study examines the barriers to implementing sustainable mobility strategies in small municipalities by integrating participatory and multi-criteria decision-making methods. A triangulated approach combines the nominal group technique (NGT), focus groups (FGs), and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to systematically identify, refine, and rank key barriers. The NGT enables stakeholders to list and prioritize barriers individually, ensuring balanced participation. FG discussions then refine and contextualize these barriers, addressing qualitative depth. Finally, the FAHP quantitatively ranks the barriers while accounting for uncertainty in stakeholder judgments. The results highlight systemic constraints, such as financial limitations and regulatory inefficiencies, alongside local challenges like inadequate infrastructure and public resistance. Integrating the NGT, FGs, and the FAHP enhances the analytical rigor by merging structured decision-making with participatory engagement. This methodological innovation strengthens the reliability of barrier assessment and offers a replicable framework for urban mobility planning. The findings underscore the need for locally tailored strategies that balance stakeholder inclusion with structured prioritization, contributing to improved governance in sustainable transport planning. Full article

We propose a method for establishing a Constrained Delaunay Triangulation CDT applied to 2D binary images of high morphological complexity. A prerequisite for CDT is the unbiased definition of the Planar Straight-Line Graph PSLG, which must respect the injective nature of Jordan’s Curve whatever the topology of the image objects. Mathematical morphology provides tools for extracting the image contour, on which points will be judiciously placed at particular points to construct the vector path of the PSLG. Finally, these tools will enable us to implement a judicious pointing process in the image to guarantee the relative equivalence of triangles. The deterministic and rigorous procedure detailed in this article will be generalized in a second article, Part 2, to the case of labeled images for which the definition of the PSLG is more complex to define, since the contour of objects in the image is defined by the set of contours of adjacent objects. Full article

If we can understand dialogue activities, it will be possible to know the role of each person in the discussion, and it will be possible to provide basic materials for formulating facilitation strategies. This understanding can be expected to be used for business negotiations, group work, active learning, etc. To develop a system that can monitor speech activity over a wide range of areas, we propose a method for detecting multiple acoustic events and localizing sound sources using an asynchronous distributed microphone array arranged in a regular hexagonal repeating structure. In contrast to conventional methods based on sound source direction using triangulation with microphone arrays, we propose a method for detecting acoustic events and determining sound sources from local maximum positions based on estimation of the spatial energy distribution inside the observation space. We evaluated the conventional method and the proposed method in an experimental environment in which a dialogue between two people was simulated under 22,104 conditions by using the sound source signal convolving the measured impulse response.We found that the performance changes depending on the selection of the microphone array used for estimation. Our finding is that it is best to choose five microphone arrays close to the evaluation position. Full article

This study explores the application of three localization methods in identifying transient impact sources in the ship cabin structure. These methods examined are based on energy curvature and cumulative error, time-reversed virtual focusing triangulation, and energy correlation localization. It presents an elliptical region-based transient impact source localization technique for the ship cabin structure. The center of the elliptical region is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of the position coordinates obtained from three methods, and the long and short semi-axes of the ellipse are defined as three times the standard deviations in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively, to construct an elliptical localization area for precise positioning. Experimental results indicate that the average error distance of this impact localization technique is 0.10 m, with the predicted position error of 22 impact points being 0 m. Among 15 impact points, 14 impact points have error distances ranging from 0 m to 0.40 m, while 1 impact point has an error distance of 1.08 m, primarily due to the weak connection between sensors and the ship cabin structure. The overall localization error of the ship cabin structure is low, meeting the required localization accuracy. Full article