Hybrid Bootstrap–LSTM Model for Probabilistic Sea Level Rise Prediction

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Sea level rise poses increasing risks to coastal regions, highlighting the need for accurate and reliable forecasting methods. This study proposes a probabilistic sea level forecasting framework by integrating a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model with the Moving Block Bootstrap (MBB) technique. The LSTM model is used to capture nonlinear temporal dependencies in sea level time-series data, while the bootstrap approach is employed to quantify prediction uncertainty through probabilistic forecasting. The LSTM model achieved high deterministic prediction accuracy with an MSE of 2.11 × 10!”, RMSE of 0.00459, MAE of 0.00356, and MAPE of 0.34%. The proposed hybrid MBB–LSTM model generates probabilistic forecasts with a 95% confidence interval, resulting in an MSE of 0.01155, RMSE of 0.10749, MAE of 0.08370, and MAPE of 8.99%. Forecast results indicate relatively stable sea level variability until 2026 with an estimated rising trend of approximately 7.44 mm per year. The proposed hybrid framework provides a more informative prediction approach by combining deep learning with bootstrap-based uncertainty estimation, which is valuable for coastal risk assessment and climate adaptation planning.

Association of Economic Status and Type of Occupation with Changes in Risky Behaviors among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kupang City, Indonesia

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Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major global public health problem. Changes in risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) play a crucial role in preventing further transmission. Socioeconomic factors, particularly economic status and type of occupation, may influence behavioral changes by affecting access to health information and services.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association between economic status and type of occupation with changes in risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kupang City, Indonesia.

Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among adult PLWHA in Kupang City from August to October 2024. A total of 136 respondents were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing economic status, type of occupation, risky behaviors, and changes in risky behaviors. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation test, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Most respondents showed changes in risky behaviors after being diagnosed with HIV. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between economic status and changes in risky behaviors among PLWHA. In addition, type of occupation was also significantly associated with changes in risky behaviors.

Conclusion: Economic status and type of occupation are significantly associated with changes in risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kupang City. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating socioeconomic considerations into HIV prevention and behavioral intervention programs.

Application of Magnesium Sulfate in In-Situ Leaching of Rare Earth Elements: Mechanisms, Performance and Environmental Implications

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Ion-adsorption clay deposits are among the most important sources of heavy rare-earth elements (REEs), particularly in southern China, where extraction is commonly performed by in situ leaching (ISL) using ammonium salts. Although ammonium sulfate and related lixiviants achieve high extraction efficiencies via ion-exchange mechanisms, their large-scale use has raised significant environmental concerns, including ammonium contamination, soil degradation, and groundwater pollution. In recent years, magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) has emerged as a potential alternative lixiviant with lower environmental impact. This review critically analyzes the application of MgSO₄ in the in-situ leaching of REE-bearing ion-adsorption clays, focusing on ion-exchange mechanisms, leaching performance, hydrodynamic behavior, and environmental implications. The thermodynamic and geochemical aspects governing Mg²⁺–REE exchange reactions are examined together with laboratory, column, and pilot-scale studies. Comparative analyses with conventional ammonium-based lixiviants are discussed in terms of extraction efficiency, selectivity, reagent consumption, and environmental footprint. The review also identifies key research gaps related to process optimization, hydrogeological modeling, and large-scale implementation. Overall, MgSO₄-based leaching systems represent a promising pathway toward more sustainable rare-earth extraction, although further technological and environmental validation is required before full-scale industrial deployment.

The Influence of Bureaucratic Administration and Human Resource Competence on Organizational Performance with Work Engagement as a Moderating Variable

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This study examines the influence of bureaucratic administration and human resource competence on organizational performance, with work engagement acting as a moderating variable. Organizational performance is an important factor in ensuring operational effectiveness and service quality, particularly in strategic infrastructure sectors such as port operations. This research aims to analyze how administrative systems and employee competencies contribute to improving organizational performance in the Operational Department of Timor Port Tibar, Timor-Leste.

This study employed a quantitative research approach using a survey method. Data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to employees working in the operational department. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine both direct and moderating relationships among variables.

The results indicate that bureaucratic administration and human resource competence positively influence organizational performance. Furthermore, work engagement strengthens the relationship between bureaucratic administration and organizational performance as well as the relationship between human resource competence and organizational performance. These findings highlight the importance of effective administrative systems, competent human resources, and strong employee engagement in improving organizational performance in port operations.

A Practical Exploration on the Integration of Modern Information Technology and Chinese Language Pedagogy in Higher Education

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This paper systematically investigates the practical value of integrating modern information technology into the pedagogy of Chinese language majors in higher education. It aims to provide an effective reference for enhancing students’ comprehensive proficiency in applied Chinese and cultivating their cross-cultural communicative competencies. Furthermore, this study seeks to facilitate the continuous optimization and upgrading of Chinese language instruction toward highly efficient and smart educational paradigms.Employing a quasi-experimental design and quantitative analysis, this research contrasts the traditional pedagogical model with a digitally empowered diversified teaching framework. The instructional intervention emphasizes the application of digital resource-sharing platforms, Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data analytics. In conclusion, the application of information technology within the pedagogy of Chinese Language and Literature in higher education yields substantial advantages. It not only broadens the channels for sourcing instructional content, diversifies the modalities of classroom instruction, and enhances learners’ academic efficacies, but also facilitates the precise, data-driven evaluation of the pedagogical process. Consequently, higher education institutions should proactively explore pathways for the deep integration of information technology with Chinese language pedagogy, thereby effectively elevating the instructional quality of Chinese language courses.​

Sustaining Leprosy Elimination in Sri Lanka: The Way Forward

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Background: Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) remains a public health concern in Sri Lanka decades after achieving WHO elimination as a public health problem (<1 prevalence per 10,000) in 1995. Although prevalence targets were reached, new case detection rates have remained persistently elevated, with 1,000–2,000 new cases annually and evidence of ongoing transmission, including among children. Continued disability and social stigma complicate disease control.

Objectives: To evaluate current epidemiology, control efforts, and barriers to elimination in Sri Lanka, and propose an evidence-based way forward, aligned with the WHO “Towards Zero Leprosy” Strategy (2021–2030).

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining national surveillance data (Ministry of Health and Anti-Leprosy Campaign), active case finding surveys, quality of life and stigma studies, and review of global control strategies. Quantitative data on annual case detection rates by age, disability, and geographic region were compiled. A narrative synthesis of interventions and outcomes was undertaken.

Results: Sri Lanka reports approximately 1,500–2,000 new leprosy cases annually, with about 10% in children. Case detection rates fluctuate between 7 and 12 per 100,000 population. Grade 2 disability proportions (visible deformities) range from 6–8%, indicating delayed diagnosis. Active case finding in endemic districts reveals hidden disease burdens (~20/10,000 in targeted surveys). Stigma and quality-of-life impacts remain substantial. Global strategies emphasize integrated services, enhanced surveillance, and prevention of transmission, stigma reduction, and disability management.

Conclusions: While past efforts successfully reduced prevalent leprosy, sustained transmission persists. Achieving elimination of transmission and zero disability requires strengthened surveillance, integrated health services, intensified contact tracing with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), stigma reduction programs, and regionally tailored interventions. A roadmap toward elimination by 2035 is proposed, aligning national targets with WHO guidance.

Farming Efficiency of Pest and Disease Control Techniques on The Efficiency of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) Farming in Local Agricultura Areas in Timor-Leste

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Agriculture is one of Timor-Leste’s most important economic sectors, providing a living for the vast majority of the population. The key issue for shallot producers in Timor-Leste’s local agricultural areas is the high intensity of plant pest organism attacks, which has an impact on production costs and revenue. The purpose of this study is to determine how pest and disease control approaches affect the efficiency of shallot (Allium ascalonium L.) cultivation in Timor-Leste’s local agricultural areas. This study employs a quantitative approach, collecting primary data from farmers via surveys, structured interviews, and questionnaires administered to a sample of 10 shallot farmers and 40 respondents in the study area, and analyzing farming efficiency using the Linear Regression Analysis method implemented in SPSS version 22. This study found that, when compared to other ways, the use of integrated control in shallot cultivation is the most profitable and efficient. With a production of 3,700-4,320 kg and a consistent selling price of $3.50, total production costs (TC) range from $660 to $785. The t-test results showed that the variables Chemical Use (X1), Biological Use (X2), and Integrated Control (X4) all had a significant and positive effect on the dependent variables. The use of biological uses (X4) was the most significant factor, with a tcal value of 6,715, demonstrating that chemical technology intervention is still the principal driver of agricultural efficiency at this research site. The model accounts for 69% of the variance in farming efficiency (R² = 0.690). As a result, expanding farmer training and extension programs on integrated pest management (IPM) is critical for improving sustainable pest control and increasing the efficiency of shallot farming in Timor-Leste. So extension and training initiatives on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques should be strengthened to help farmers manage pests more efficiently and sustainably.

Traditional Mediterranean Diet as a Holistic Diet: A Review of Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Lifestyle Through Pyramids

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Today, Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a globally recognized dietary pattern and public health model. In this review, traditional Mediterranean Diet (MD) is revisited: multiple aspects and facets of the diet including its history, cultural roots, food categories, lifestyle, religious traditions, physical activity and health benefits are presented through pyramids. Mindful eating of mainly plant-based and whole foods, seasonal and locally-sourced, along with the enjoyment in every step of production, preparation and consumption of the food, are the main characteristics of the traditional MD, which is presented for the first time as a 5F-diet based on 5F-pillars. MD is also described as a holistic diet – it is a diet that nourishes the body, the mind, and the soul through balanced and sustainable approach to food choices. The food choices and lifestyle practices provide holistic health not only for the whole body, but also yield healthy communities – the people are part of the community, have “sense of belonging”, and their interactions are in harmony with the environment, respecting the planetary resources and boundaries. The diet’s health benefits, including reduced risks of non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as cardio-vascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancers, prevention from neuro-cognitive disorders, and increased longevity, are a result not only of the food consumed, but also the presence of commensality and conviviality, and the lifestyle leading to daily stress relief. Overall, MD is a concept that embraces biodiversity, sustainability, quality, palatability, health, cultural aspects and heritage.

Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Low TB Detection Rate in Selected Facilities of Ndola District

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Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where case detection rates remain below international targets. In Zambia, the TB detection rate remains significantly lower than the 75% target recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), posing a threat to effective TB control. This study evaluated the factors contributing to low TB detection rates in selected health facilities in Ndola District, Copperbelt Province of Zambia. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected from 93 respondents comprising health care workers and community members selected from 33 health facilities providing TB services. Structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to gather information on demographic characteristics, knowledge of TB symptoms, availability of diagnostic services, and barriers to TB detection. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarise the data. The findings revealed that inadequate laboratory equipment was the most frequently reported factor contributing to low TB detection (55.9%), followed by limited community awareness of TB disease (24.7%). Other factors identified included TB-related stigma (7.5%), shortage of skilled laboratory personnel (6.5%), and long distances to health facilities (5.4%). The study further established that cough was the most widely recognised TB symptom among respondents, while awareness of other symptoms such as fever and night sweats was relatively low. The study concludes that low TB detection in Ndola District is influenced by both health system constraints and community-related factors. Strengthening diagnostic capacity, increasing public awareness of TB symptoms, addressing stigma, and improving access to diagnostic services are critical interventions for improving TB case detection. Enhancing these strategies will contribute to early diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced transmission of tuberculosis within the community.

Leader–Member Exchange as A Driver of Job Satisfaction: Examining The Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support and The Moderating Role of Work Engagement

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This study investigates the influence of Leader–Member Exchange on Job Satisfaction, with Perceived Organizational Support as a mediating variable and Work Engagement as a moderating variable among employees in high-risk industries. The research was conducted among construction and mining workers who had completed occupational safety training at PT Sepakat Safety. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and the Job Demands–Resources framework, the study seeks to explain the relational and psychological mechanisms underlying employee satisfaction in safety-sensitive environments. A quantitative approach was applied using structured questionnaires distributed to eligible respondents. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling to examine direct and indirect relationships among the variables. The findings reveal that Leader–Member Exchange has a strong positive and significant effect on Job Satisfaction. Leader–Member Exchange also significantly enhances Perceived Organizational Support, which subsequently exerts a positive influence on Job Satisfaction. Mediation analysis indicates complementary mediation, demonstrating that leadership quality affects Job Satisfaction both directly and indirectly through organizational support perceptions. Work Engagement shows a significant direct effect on Job Satisfaction; however, its moderating role is not supported. Overall, the results emphasize the importance of relational leadership and organizational support in improving employee satisfaction within high-risk industrial contexts.