Abstract:Objective: We report a case series of Silent Killer Aortic Syndrome, characterized by various pathologies detected via computed tomography (CT) in the infrarenal aortic segment, where the aortic diameters measured below the gender-specific normal range. Background: Small Aortic Syndrome (SAS) is believed to result from intrauterine hypoplasia affecting the development of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. A related but distinct entity is abdominal aortic coarctation, a condition far less common than coarctation of the aortic isthmus. This case series aims to highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by these overlapping pathologies and to emphasize the clinical implications of SAS in affected individuals. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study evaluated anterior-posterior diameter measurements of the infrarenal abdominal aorta using CT. Infrarenal aortic diameters were considered pathologic when measuring less than 16 mm in men and less than 15 mm in women, based on sex-specific reference values. CT images were also assessed for the presence of additional concurrent aortic and extra-aortic pathologies, which were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 12 patients were included in the study, comprising 4 females and 8 males. All patients had a history of hypertension. Ascending aortic aneurysms were observed in 7 patients. Bicuspid aortic valve was identified exclusively in male patients. Interestingly, dissection and thrombus formation were more frequently observed in female patients compared to males. Conclusions: Silent Killer Aortic Syndrome represents a newly proposed clinical entity. Given its association with potentially fatal surgical emergencies, long-term surveillance of patients with this pathology is essential. Increased awareness and early identification may improve outcomes and reduce mortality.
Abstract:(Background) The 20th-century reductionist medical paradigm is reaching its limits, facing unsustainable costs from aging populations and chronic multi-morbidity. This context necessitates a paradigm shift from reactively treating disease to proactively engineering healthspan, highlighting the purpose of this study: to establish the comprehensive rationale for adopting a systems engineering perspective to guide this transformation. (Methods) Through a structured literature review, this study synthesizes the theoretical foundations of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) and Systems Engineering as applied to healthcare. It surveys the emerging technological architecture, including high-level simulation toolkits like Digital Twins and AI, and the pervasive layer of personal health devices. The review further analyzes the practical implications of this shift across education, clinical practice, and policy. (Results) The synthesis reveals that Systems Engineering offers a robust methodology to manage the inherent complexity of health systems. This review identifies the possible technological architecture and confirms that a paradigm shift requires reforms across multiple areas of the healthcare ecosystem. (Conclusions) A systems engineering approach is a step forward, presenting a sustainable approach for the future of health systems: mandating the integration of new theoretical, technological, practical, and ethical frameworks to move beyond extending lifespan to truly engineering longevity.
Abstract:This study investigates the symbolism and production of Silla face-inlaid glass bead to reassess their origin and significance within the context of ancient Korean craftsmanship and cultural exchange. Through design analysis, archaeological data, textual sources, and comparative cultural study, the paper argues for the likelihood of local production in Silla, supported by advanced metalworking and inlay technologies. The analysis also explores how these beads reflect a unique shamanistic worldview, and how their distribution pattern provides insight into Silla's participate on in steppe and maritime Silk Road trade networks. The findings contribute to a reevaluation of Silla's technological and symbolic sophistication and suggest a broader role for ancient Korea in early trans-regional cultural interaction.
Abstract:This study examines the relationship between coaching styles and the athletic performance of high-level basketball players in Hunan Province, China. Driven by the 'Healthy China 2030' strategy, there is a growing need to understand the athletic outcome of coaching influence. While previous researches have categorized coaching styles, little is known about the empirical evidence for the direct impact on the performance. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by utilizing the sample of 246 players and 83 coaches from 15 universities. Data are collected by using the Sports Leadership Scale (LSS) and the Sports Performance Perception Scale, the result demonstrates that the regression equation – Athletic Performance =1.500+0.156 (Rewards) + 0.326 (Social Support) + 0.105 (Authoritative) + 0.363 (Democratic) + 0.288 (Training). The findings reveal that the coaches predominantly use a reward and a praise style, a significant positive correlation exists between the coaching style and the player performance. Specifically, democratic behavior shows the strongest correlation with high athletic performance (r = 0.407, P < 0.01). A subsequent regression analysis confirms this and demonstrates that democratic coaching has the most significant predictive effect on performance (β = 0.363, P < 0.05), with the five coaching dimensions collectively explaining 25.9% of the variance. In addition, the study concludes that a democratic coaching style is the most influential in enhancing athletic performance, providing a clear recommendation for coaches to adopt an athlete-centered approach in training and further development.
Abstract:This study examines the suitability of Patos clays for drilling fluid applications in the Patos Marinza oil field, Albania’s most productive petroleum region. The mineral and chemical composition of the clays, including montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite, was studied to determine their effect on drilling fluid properties such as density, viscosity, filtration, and rheological performance. A series of laboratory tests were performed to assess key characteristics, including suspension stability, sedimentation behavior, sand content, and filter cake development, under various temperature and pressure conditions. The results demonstrate that Patos clays possess advantageous rheological properties, especially in achieving low viscosity at elevated densities, which makes them appropriate for deep well drilling. On the other hand, their high sand content and increased filtration rates necessitate further treatment and additive use, leading to higher operational costs. While technically applicable, the economic viability of Patos clays remains limited when compared to imported bentonite. Nonetheless, their distinctive characteristics offer promise for future use in deep drilling operations, particularly with further research aimed at enhancing performance and reducing costs. This study underscores the relevance of employing locally sourced materials in the oil and gas sector, while also acknowledging the associated technical and economic limitations.
Abstract:In recent years, climate change has displaced millions of people around the world. South Asia—particularly Pakistan—is among the most vulnerable regions, where re-current floods, droughts, and extreme heat events have forced large segments of the population to migrate in search of safety and livelihoods. Despite this growing crisis, no comprehensive study has systematically examined the key factors driving cli-mate-induced migration in Pakistan. In this context, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2024, drawing from Google Scholar and Web of Science, to identify and synthesize the multidimensional drivers of climate-induced migration. Our analysis categorizes these drivers into three intersecting vulnerability domains: socioeconomic (income inequality, landlessness, limited access to healthcare and education, gender disparities), geographical (hazard exposure, terrain, water scarcity, slowonset events like droughts and heatwaves), and historical-structural (colonial legacies, tribal norms, land conflicts, governance failures, and gendered social structures). Findings reveal that climate-induced migration is not solely a response to environmental hazards but is shaped by overlapping vulnerabilities that compound risk. Research to date has focused disproportionately on flood-induced displacement, with limited attention to slow-onset disasters. A critical insight emerging from the review is the heightened vulnerability of women, who face systemic barriers, increased exposure to violence, and restricted access to relief and recovery resources during displacement. This review highlights the urgent need for integrated, risk-informed migration policies that address deep-rooted socioeconomic inequalities, strengthen institutional capacities, and ensure genderresponsive planning. Tackling the structural drivers of vulnerability is essential for enabling safe, dignified, and adaptive forms of climate mobility in Pakistan.
Abstract:This paper analyses the impact of hydropower on Georgia’s GPD. The research process is divided into two parts-secondary sources analysis, followed by a regression formula representing the electricity sector’s effect on economic indicators. As a result, we have developed a tailored framework customized for Georgia, leveraging country-specific, relevant data. The study showed that there is a positive correlation between the increased energy consumption (Energy Supply) and GDP growth. Specifically, a 1% boost in energy consumption results in a 0.15% GDP rise. Georgia has a significant resource of hydropower. The findings provide a solid basis for crafting policies and strategic decisions regarding the economic processes linked to the analysed variables.
Abstract:This research presents a numerical model used to solve the problem of biphasic water-crude oil flow, under the influence of capillary pressure and the gravitational effect in a two-dimensional x-y space. The novelty counts in the solution model of the system of equations resulting from the development in finite differences which led to the removal of some errors that affected especially the saturation values. For the case of water-crude oil mixture flow from a core, the model was successfully tested and the results were compared with the analytical solution, which highlighted the advantages of using this method compared to others.
Abstract:Although numerous studies have explored teaching practice satisfaction among Chinese normal university students, they often focus on rational and technical factors, overlooking the emotional aspects. This study examines the influence of affective experiences on teaching practice satisfaction and the mediating role of emotional labor strategies. A total of 1,234 normal university students in China completed the Affective Experience Scale, Emotional Labor Strategy Scale, and Teaching Practice Satisfaction Scale. The findings of our current findings showed that positive affective experiences were significantly correlated with deep behavior, natural behavior, and teaching practice satisfaction. Moreover, deep behavior was positively associated with both natural behavior and satisfaction. Multiple mediation analysis revealed that positive affective experiences directly and indirectly impacted teaching practice satisfaction through deep and natural behaviors. Conversely, negative affective experiences were linked to surface behavior and inversely related to natural behavior and teaching practice satisfaction. Surface behavior negatively impacted satisfaction, while natural behavior positively correlated with it. Multiple mediation analysis also indicated those negative affective experiences indirectly influenced teaching practice satisfaction via surface and natural behaviors. Emotional labor partially mediates the relationship between affective experiences and teaching practice satisfaction. These findings offer empirical evidence and practical insights for enhancing satisfaction through emotional labor strategies and the management of affective experiences.
Abstract:The Baltic region faces significant geotechnical challenges related to its widespread soft soil deposits, particularly along coastal areas. This investigation examines an innovative foundation solution combining micropiles with soil-cement Load Transfer Platforms (LTPs) designed to address these challenges. Through comprehensive three-dimensional Finite Element Modelling, we assess various configurations of micropile arrangements in soft soil conditions typical of Baltic coastal environments. Results demonstrate remarkable improvements in bearing capacity: individual micropiles show 2.1-fold increases, three-pile groups achieve 9-fold enhancements, and integration with LTPs produces up to 19-fold increases in load-bearing capacity. The most substantial improvements were observed in larger pile groups, with up to 80-fold capacity increases when combined with optimized LTPs. These findings offer promising solutions for construction on problematic soft soil deposits throughout the Baltic region, particularly for transportation infrastructure and medium-rise structures in developing coastal areas.