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Success, injuries, future career opportunities of athletes, and the societal gains of participating in sports and organizing (mega) sports events are all related to individual risk-taking behavior. Although the sports economics and management literature has broadly addressed these issues, it is surprising that less attention has been paid to the implications of risk-taking on the organization of sports in general and, more particularly, on the design and behavior of sports organization members. Related Books Topics in Sports Finance Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities Risks Public Health & Healthcare ... Risk, Ruin and Survival Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities ... Risk and Financial Consequences Business & Economics Rethinking Sport and Social Issues Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities The recommendations have been generated using an AI system. About: About MDPI Books Advisory Board Legal Information: MDPI Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Terms of Use Accessibility Sales: Or

Azoospermia, defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate after examination of the centrifuged specimens, affects about 1\% of the male population and 10–15\% of infertile men. In about two-thirds of cases, this is caused by severe spermatogenic dysfunction, and it is commonly termed “nonobstructive azoospermia” (NOA) to differentiate it from the less severe form of azoospermia caused by the obstruction of the seminal tract (obstructive azoospermia—OA), the latter affecting the remaining one-third of cases. Managing patients with NOA is challenging due to the severity of spermatogenic dysfunction and the lack of medical treatments, with surgical retrieval of testicular sperm being the only way of enabling some of these patients to father their own biological children. In-depth clinical knowledge is key for supporting clinical reasoning and decision making when counselling patients with NOA, and surgical skill is required to maximize the outcome of surgical procedures that aim to re

This volume of Proceedings gathers papers presented at XOVETIC2020 (A Coruña, Spain, 8–9 October 2020), a conference with the main goal of bringing together young researchers working in big data, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, HPC (High-performance computing), cybersecurity, bioinformatics, natural language processing, 5G, and other areas from the field of ICT (Information Communications Technology); and offering a platform to present the results of their research to a national audience in Portugal. This third edition aims to serve as the basis of this event, which will be consolidated over time and acquire international projection. Related Books XoveTIC 2019 Engineering XoveTIC 2018 Engineering The 4th XoveTIC Conference Engineering Salutogenesis and Coping Engineering The 3rd IEEE International Conference on Electronic Communications, Internet of Things and Big Data 2023 Computer Science & Mathematics ... The recommendations have been generated using an AI system.

This reprint highlights the growing importance of floating systems, as offshore engineering continues to expand into deeper waters and more challenging marine environments. Floating structures, used across applications such as renewable energy, transportation, coastal protection, and aquaculture, present significant engineering challenges due to their inherently dynamic behavior and the complex coupling of hydrodynamic, aerodynamic, structural, and mooring interactions. The ten contributions in this volume demonstrate how advances in numerical methods, particularly computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) and integrated multi-physics modeling, enable more accurate prediction and analysis of these systems under realistic environmental conditions. Spanning four thematic areas encompassing (1) energy infrastructure, (2) transportation systems, (3) coastal resilience, and (4) aquaculture, the collected works showcase state-of-the-art approaches to understanding performance, improving safety, and optimizing design. Together, they reflect both the breadth of current research and the critical role of computational modeling in advancing the reliability and efficiency of floating structures across diverse fields of application.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the multifaceted aspects of data-driven intelligent modeling and optimization algorithms for industrial processes. The main goals are to harness the power of data to improve control, decision making, and parameter optimization, and to drive industrial systems to unprecedented levels of efficiency, reliability, and adaptability. Research areas in this Special Issue include digital twin technology, multimodal data recognition, sensor data ingestion and real-time processing, multi-objective path-planning, conditional generative adversarial network, generating job recommendations, comprehensive risk assessment, large language models, self-supervised key-point learning, trustworthy article ranking, engine optimization model, and bioinspired generative design. These powerful and intelligent algorithms use data for control, decision making, and parameter optimization, driving industrial systems to unprecedented levels of efficiency, reliability, and adaptability. By sharing their practice and insights in the development and application of these new technologies, the authors of the articles in this reprint have demonstrated the value of data-driven intelligent modeling and optimization algorithms for industrial processes, providing readers with valuable ideological inspiration in the field.

This reprint is of interest to scholars and researchers in the field of dental biomaterials and biotechnologies and provides information on the current challenges and future directions in this domain. It compiles a total of thirteen cutting-edge research and extensive review articles demonstrating the great potential of novel, high-quality biomaterials and biotechnologies and their ultimate impact on the quality of life for dental patients.

This reprint is a comprehensive compilation of both fundamental and applied research findings related to power system dynamics in the context of large-scale renewable energy integration. The reprint contains an analysis of the complex dynamic behavior of power systems when integrating renewable energy sources, covering a wide range of topics in the process. It particularly focuses on the many innovative technical developments that have emerged in this field and explores the various ways to achieve renewable energy integration. The covered topics include the impact of renewable energy integration on system stability, reliability, and resilience, as well as issues related to system optimization, control, and management. The reprint provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are interested in the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of renewable energy sources. Related Books Power System Dynamics and Renewable Energy Integr

Lipid-based nanosystems, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), cationic lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and liposomes, have been extensively studied to improve drug delivery through different administration routes. The main advantages of these systems are their ability to protect, transport, and control the release of lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules (either small-molecular-weight molecules or macromolecules); the use of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) excipients that minimize the toxicity of the formulations; and the possibility to modulate pharmacokinetics and enable the site-specific delivery of encapsulated payloads. In addition, the versatility of lipid-based nanosystems has further been demonstrated for the delivery of vaccines, the protection of active cosmetic ingredients, and the improvement of moisturizing properties of cosmetic formulations.Lipid-based nanosystems are well established and there are already differen

This book compiles the Special Issue of Applied Sciences, entitled “Application of Biology to Cultural Heritage”, and aims to cover all the latest outstanding progress on the biological and biochemical methods developed and applied to cultural heritage.Eleven excellent papers (including both reviews and full research articles) form part of this book and each paper went through a hard and demanding review in order to ensure maximum quality. We do thank all the reviewers for their efforts which are so crucial for the improvement of the now-published papers. In the field of cultural heritage, biodiversity and biodeterioration have received a great deal of research attention in recent years. This book intends to provide a comprehensive examination of the science of biology in various fields and areas, as well as its practical application for the preservation of cultural heritage. Full research articles and reviews on all aspects of biological causes, modes of action, biocidal treatments,

In this Special Issue, we have published papers on the health-promoting effects of nutraceuticals from different sources, and their effects in different pathologies. Extracts from plants have been analyzed, for example, extracts from olive leaves, Mikania micrantha, the devil’s claw, raspberries and others, alongside marine phytoplankton, egg-yolk and marketed dietary supplements. The effects of these extracts and dietary supplements have been studied in diseases associated with obesity, and in diseases where inflammation pathways are involved. The effectiveness of resveratrol and curcumin to support the anticancer activity of cisplatin has also been reported, as well as the ability of devil’s claw root extract to stimulate the CB2 receptors in synoviocytes in osteoarthritis patients. The anti-oxidant effect of marine phytoplankton has been studied on muscle damage, both in humans and in an animal model, and the effects of the metabolite of antocianin were analyzed in a mouse model of

The following Reprint presents a comprehensive collection of articles from the Special Issue on anterior cruciate ligament injuries, with a focus on contemporary clinical treatment and rehabilitation strategies. It highlights recent advances in surgical techniques, including graft selection and lateral extra-articular procedures, in addition to postoperative outcomes and functional recovery. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based approaches to enhance joint stability, minimize complications, and facilitate return to sports and daily activities. In addition, this Reprint addresses rehabilitation protocols and biological considerations that influence long-term joint health. By integrating clinical insights with current research, this Reprint provides valuable perspectives for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and researchers involved in the management of ACL injuries.

This Special Issue presents twelve papers examining vocabulary development across first- and second-language contexts, emphasizing the dynamic link between theory and classroom practice. Key topics include the influence of first-language (L1) knowledge on second-language (L2) vocabulary acquisition, the creation and validation of innovative vocabulary assessment tools, and the effectiveness of instructional strategies for promoting lexical growth. A central theme is the interaction between L1 and L2 vocabularies. Several contributions explore how learners’ L1 knowledge shapes L2 vocabulary learning, highlighting cross-linguistic influences and strategies for leveraging L1 resources to enhance L2 acquisition. This underscores the importance of understanding inter-lingual connections for effective teaching. The Issue also advances research on vocabulary assessment by introducing novel methods for measuring lexical knowledge and its relationship to broader language skills, such as reading comprehension. As such, it provides valuable frameworks and practical tools for educators and researchers. Additionally, the collection includes investigations into instructional approaches such as spaced repetition and digital annotation, as well as cognitive factors such as working memory. These studies show how targeted strategies can improve vocabulary retention and acquisition, offering insights for differentiated instruction.

"Performance-Related Material Properties of Asphalt Mixture Components (Second Edition)" is a comprehensive compilation of 14 research papers that explore the latest advancements in pavement engineering. This Reprint focuses on the performance-related properties of asphalt mixtures and pavements, offering valuable insights into the factors that influence durability, resilience, and overall pavement quality. The included studies cover a broad range of topics, such as the mechanical behavior of asphalt under different environmental conditions, the effects of innovative materials and modifiers, advanced modeling techniques, and the impact of recycling processes on pavement performance. Together, these papers provide a holistic view of the current state of pavement research, making this Reprint an essential resource for engineers, researchers, and professionals in the field.

This reprint is a comprehensive compilation of both fundamental and applied research findings related to power system dynamics in the context of large-scale renewable energy integration. The reprint contains an analysis of the complex dynamic behavior of power systems when integrating renewable energy sources, covering a wide range of topics in the process. It particularly focuses on the many innovative technical developments that have emerged in this field and explores the various ways to achieve renewable energy integration. The covered topics include the impact of renewable energy integration on system stability, reliability, and resilience, as well as issues related to system optimization, control, and management. The reprint provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are interested in the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of renewable energy sources. Related Books Power System Dynamics and Renewable Energy Integr

The discovery of new drugs is one of pharmaceutical research's most exciting and challenging tasks. Unfortunately, the conventional drug discovery procedure is chronophagous and seldom successful; furthermore, new drugs are needed to address our clinical challenges (e.g., new antibiotics, new anticancer drugs, new antivirals).Within this framework, drug repositioning—finding new pharmacodynamic properties for already approved drugs—becomes a worthy drug discovery strategy.Recent drug discovery techniques combine traditional tools with in silico strategies to identify previously unaccounted properties for drugs already in use. Indeed, big data exploration techniques capitalize on the ever-growing knowledge of drugs' structural and physicochemical properties, drug–target and drug–drug interactions, advances in human biochemistry, and the latest molecular and cellular biology discoveries.Following this new and exciting trend, this book is a collection of papers introducing innovative co

Contaminants of emerging concern in water are an ongoing challenge globally. This Special Issue is devoted solely to emerging contaminants in water. Research papers in this Special Issue address sampling and analysis, treatment effectiveness, and regulation to limit human exposure. Emerging contaminants addressed include pharmaceuticals and personal care products, glyphosate, microplastics and nanoplastics, venlafaxine, and benzodiazepine. Regulation of emerging contaminants in drinking water is reviewed focusing on PFOA and PFOS. Related Books Occurrence, Risk Assessment and Removal of Emerging Contaminants in Aquatic Environment Biology & Life Sciences ... Emerging Pollutants in the Environment Environmental & Earth Sciences Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences Biology & Life Sciences ... Environmental Fate of Emerging Organic Micro-Contaminants Environmental & Earth Sciences New Research on Detection and Removal of Emerging Pollutants Biology & Li

The exploitation of naturally occurring polymers to engineer advanced nanocomposites and hybrid materials is the focus of increasing scientific activity, explained by growing environmental concerns and interest in the peculiar features and multiple functionalities of these macromolecules. Natural polymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, present a remarkable potential for the design of all kinds of materials for application in a multitude of domains. This Special Issue collected the work of scientists on the current developments in the field of multifunctional biopolymer-based nanocomposites and hybrid materials with a particular emphasis on their production methodologies, properties, and prominent applications. Thus, materials related to bio-based nanocomposites and hybrid materials manufactured with different partners, namely natural polymers, bioactive compounds, and inorganic nanoparticles, are reported in the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites and Hybrid

Numerical analysis and applied mathematics are essential in many areas of modern life. The current growth of computer technologies drives the rapid development of numerical analysis, which, in turn, finds increasing application in applied mathematics, with a strong influence on numerous branches of natural sciences, engineering, finance, and industry. This Reprint provides an advanced forum for high-value scientific studies in numerical analysis and applied mathematics. In particular, 14 high-level papers dedicated to the construction, analysis, real-world applications, and computer implementations of numerical algorithms have been collected here.

Highlighting the topic of environmental protest and rebellion, as expressed in selected literature for children and young adults, this Reprint seeks to contribute to sustaining a focus on environmental and ecocritical thinking in the face of global crises. Comprising contributions from scholars in Ukraine, Finland, Norway, Italy, the UK, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, and Ireland, all sharing their unique analyses of literary eco-rebellion written for children and young adults, each of the contributors position themselves in relation to current discussions in the scholarly field of environmental research on children’s and YA literatures in their own ways. It is our hope that this collection of original articles may encourage environmental thinking and educational practices and help resist the dismantling of democratic and academic freedoms that are currently under pressure in many countries.

The Special Issue, entitled "Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change", addresses the critical nexus between energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings, particularly in the context of global climate change. This compilation presents cutting-edge research and innovative strategies aimed at optimizing indoor environments to enhance occupant comfort while minimizing energy consumption. Topics include thermal comfort models, passive and active design strategies, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and the role of renewable energy sources in maintaining thermal comfort. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches, this Special Issue provides valuable insights for architects, engineers, policymakers, and researchers focused on creating sustainable and resilient built environments in the face of evolving climatic conditions.

This Special Issue aims to showcase current work at the interface of pragmatics (the linguistic discipline that studies meaning in context) and argumentation theory (the study of the way people argue). These two disciplines have much in common, from overlapping research objects to shared theoretical frameworks, and have accordingly been in constant dialogue for approximately half a century. The objective of this Special Issue is to explore this interface by taking stock of existing work and discussing new contact points between the disciplines. The 17 papers comprising this Special Issue consider different lines of inquiry, from methodological questions (how can one discipline be of use in the investigation of research questions belonging to the other discipline?) to theoretical (how and to what extent do pragmatic phenomena related to meaning play out in argumentative exchanges? How is argumentation expressed?) and practical questions (under which conditions can we consider argumen

This Special Issue on “Soft Photonic Crystals and Metamaterials” from Materials consists of 10 papers that highlight recent advances in a broad scope of optical-wavelength and sub-wavelength structures made of soft materials and particles. Soft matter shows plenty of unique and improved optical properties for deep scientific understanding, thereby promoting fabrication, characterization and device performance for potential photonic applications that include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic cells, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, tunable microlasers, optical filters for biosensors, smart windows, virtual/augmented reality head-mounted elements, and high-speed spatial light modulators in glasses-free 3D displays. Related Books Photonics Metamaterials Engineering The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Soft Matter Chemistry & Materials Science New Horizon of Plasmonics and Metamaterials Engineering Photofunctional Nanomaterials and Nanostructures Physical Scienc

The increasing frequency of tropical-cyclone damage has attracted public interest regarding the impact of global warming on tropical cyclone activity. Although the global mean temperature has been rising since the 20th century, the detection and attribution of any climate change in tropical cyclone activity remain uncertain due to the limited length of reliable observations. A number of previous studies have reported projected future changes in tropical cyclone frequency. However, there remains substantial uncertainty regarding future changes in tropical cyclone activity and their impact. The publication of this Special Issue aims to minimize uncertainty in the possible future changes in tropical cyclone activity. Individual papers solicited for this Special Issue focus on (1) quantifying change in the characteristics of tropical cyclones in a warmer climate; (2) observed climate change in tropical cyclone activity; (3) assessing tropical cyclone risks, mitigations, and adaptations f

Ceramic materials in the form of coatings can significantly improve the functionality and applications of other engineering materials. Due to a wide range of controllable features and various deposition methods, it is possible to create tailored substrate–coating systems that meet the requirements of modern technologies. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the relationships between the structures, morphology and the properties of ceramic coatings and expand the base of scientific knowledge about them. This book contains a series of fourteen articles which present research on the production and properties of ceramic coatings designed to improve functionality for advanced applications. Related Books Functional Coatings for Metallic and Ceramic Materials Chemistry & Materials Science ... Ceramic Films and Coatings: Properties and Applications Chemistry & Materials Science ... Functional Coatings Chemistry & Materials Science ... Additively Manufactured Coatings Chemistry & Materials S