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The increasing adoption of back-to-back built-up cold-formed steel (CFS) channel columns in construction is attributed to their lightweight nature, versatility in shape fabrication, ease of transportation, cost efficiency, and enhanced load-bearing capacity. Additionally, the incorporation of web openings facilitates the integration of electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. These built-up sections are widely utilized in wall studs, truss elements, and floor joists, with intermediate screw fasteners strategically positioned at regular intervals to prevent the independent buckling of channels. Based on 18 experimental tests, this study demonstrates an excellent correlation between finite element analysis and the experimental results, confirming the accuracy of geometrically and materially nonlinear finite element modeling in predicting the axial buckling strength of built-up short columns. Furthermore, the design standards of the American Iron and Steel Institute and Australian/New Zealand Standards were found to underestimate the axial load capacity by approximately 12.5%. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the influence of various hole configurations, both with and without stiffeners, on the axial performance of built-up short CFS channel columns. A total of 180 finite element models were developed, examining four different unstiffened and edge-stiffened hole configurations, validated against experimental results from plain webs. The findings reveal that web holes and edge stiffeners significantly impact axial load-bearing capacity, while the specific shape of the openings has a negligible effect. Specifically, introducing a hole at the centroid of each web results in an approximate 8.5% reduction in axial load capacity in the absence of edge stiffening. However, the incorporation of stiffeners around the perforations mitigates this reduction and enhances both structural efficiency and load-bearing capacity. These results highlight the critical role of edge stiffening in optimizing the structural performance of perforated built-up CFS columns.

Due to the growing significance of structural theories concerning the composite structure analysed and designed plastically, this paper introduces a new optimisation method for controlling the plastic behaviour of a full-scale composite integral abutment bridge by employing complementary strain energy of residual forces that existed within the reinforcing rebars. Composite bridges are structures made of components such as steel and concrete, which are frequent and cost-effective building methods. Thus, various objective functions were used in this work when applying optimum elasto-plastic analysing and designing the composite integrated bridge structure that was tested experimentally in the laboratory. In contrast, the plastic deformations were constrained by restricting the complementary strain energy of the residual internal forces aiming to find the maximum applied load and the minimum number of steel bars used to reinforce the concrete column part of the structure. The numerical model employed in this paper was validated and calibrated using experimental results, which were considered inside ABAQUS to produce the validated numerical model, using concrete damage plasticity (CDP) constitutive model and concrete data from laboratory testing to solve the nonlinear programming code provided by the authors. This paper presents a novel optimization method using complementary strain energy to control the plastic behaviour of a full-scale composite integral abutment bridge, with the original contribution being the incorporation of residual forces within reinforcing rebars to limit plastic deformations. Following that, a parametric investigation of the various optimisation problems revealed how models performed variously under different complementary strain energy values, which influenced the general behaviour of the structure as it transitioned from elastic to elasto-plastic to plastic; also results showed how the complementary strain energy value is connected with the amount of damaged accrued in both concrete and steel.

Athletes today are no longer defined solely by their performance on the pitch; they have evolved into powerful personal brands that shape advertising narratives and influence consumer behavior globally. Their charisma, public personas, and ability to engage with audiences often make them as marketable as traditional celebrities. This research investigates the phenomenon of athlete branding, focusing on the intersection of personal identity and commercial partnerships. A prime example of this evolution is Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose outspoken, rebellious personality, humor, and confidence have allowed him to transcend the typical boundaries of sports endorsements. Applying the Model of Athlete Brand Image (MABI) framework, this study explores how Ibrahimović’s unique persona dominates advertising campaigns, often taking center stage alongside the brands he represents. Through a content analysis of commercials, the research highlights how Ibrahimović’s personal brand drives engagement and resonates with consumers, offering insights into the growing significance of authenticity and individuality in advertising with athletes. Ibrahimović’s case exemplifies how modern sports figures extend beyond the realm of athletics, becoming influential cultural icons and redefining the dynamics of brand partnerships.

The current sustainability concerns affect visitors' behavior and competitiveness of destinations. For these reasons, the destinations need sustainable and innovative branding to address sustainability concerns, stand out in a competitive market, meet changing visitor preferences, and ensure long-term competitiveness in a dynamic global environment. In this regard, identifying and understanding challenges, opportunities, and innovative strategies are critically important. An integrative literature review method was employed using the Scopus database. The study identified major challenges, such as growing environmental concerns, the dynamic advancement of new technologies and artificial intelligence, health and safety concerns, diversity and inclusion, economic and geopolitical uncertainties, local community engagement, and competitive markets. Conversely, responsible tourism, the digital landscape, wellness and health, cultural festivals and events, accessibility and inclusivity, creative industries, and authenticity have been identified as future tourism branding opportunities. Based on the literature insights, the paper provides readers with essential information and advances the field of tourism and hospitality as it identifies challenges, opportunities, and innovative branding strategies in the industry. Furthermore, this work contributes to existing literature and proposes future research agendas.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) elements have gained significant attention in the field of structural engineering due to their numerous advantages, including high strength-to-weight ratio, cost-effectiveness, and ease of assembly and prefabrication. This review paper presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art analysis of the design and analysis of CFS structures, with a specific focus on columns and beams. The primary objectives and aims of this review paper are to provide a detailed assessment of the factors influencing the behavior and performance of CFS elements, including partial composite action, fastener spacing, bolt arrangement, web aperture, stiffeners, and connection spacing, to propose and present various formulas and methodologies that accurately estimate critical buckling loads, strength, and moment resistance for CFS members, and to emphasize the significance of proper screw and bolt placement in preventing premature failure and enhancing the overall load-carrying capacity of CFS structures. Additionally, the impact of temperature on the mechanical properties and performance of CFS members is discussed. The review paper proposes different formulas and methodologies to accurately estimate critical buckling loads, strength, and moment resistance for CFS members. Moreover, the paper highlights the importance of proper screw and bolt placement to prevent early failure and improve the overall load-carrying capacity of CFS structures. The discussion also emphasizes the need for revisions in existing standards and codes to provide more practical guidelines for designers and engineers. Overall, this state-of-the-art review paper provides valuable insights and recommendations for researchers and practitioners involved in the design and analysis of CFS elements.

The verification of a column made from a lipped cold-formed channel section, subjected to pure axial compression relative to the gross cross-section, often results in a combined verification of bending and compression due to the appearance of a shift of the centroid of its effective cross-section. Following Eurocode 3 rules, this requires the determination of two distinct effective cross-sections and various interaction factors. This paper, based on an analytic approach, offers a modification to the actual buckling curve, based on Ayrton–Perry formulation, to include the second-order effects raised by the eventual shift of the effective centroid due to local buckling of the compressed web plate. This eliminates the need to use an interaction formula. The modified buckling curve is verified based on a GMNIA analysis performed on a numerical parametric model, which was previously validated by laboratory tests. In addition, the results are compared with strength results provided by appropriate Eurocode 3 formulas and AISI Direct Strength Method for global-local interaction and with classic experimental results.

Natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and unique local experiences attract visitors to destinations worldwide - and Albania is no exception. Despite its late emergence as a tourist destination due to historical and political constraints, Albania's tourism sector has grown rapidly since 1990, becoming one of the country's most important industries. However, the pace and intensity of this growth have also raised concerns about long-term sustainability, particularly regarding environmental impact and cultural preservation. Today, sustainable growth is a critical priority - not only for Albania but for the entire Western Balkans region. The region shares common challenges and untapped opportunities, and an integrated approach may help unlock greater economic potential while advancing the principles of sustainable development. This study explores whether the development of an integrated Western Balkans tourism destination could support sustainability goals, while proposing a framework that balances economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative expert interviews with quantitative surveys targeting Albanian citizens and international visitors. The results reveal a significant correlation between investment in green technologies, education, and the belief that regional integration enhances sustainability. Albanian respondents demonstrated strong support for regional cooperation, while international visitors expressed greater satisfaction with the idea of multi-destination travel across the region-suggesting that cross-border tourism experiences are increasingly valued. These findings underscore the value of regional partnerships in fostering stakeholder engagement, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing Albania's attractiveness as part of the Western Balkans. The study culminates in the creation of a Balanced Marketing Framework designed to support economic development while safeguarding cultural and environmental assets. This model integrates four core pillars: economic growth, environmental protection, social well-being, and regional collaboration. It offers practical guidance for policymakers and tourism stakeholders, emphasizing the need for dynamic destination management, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and cross-border knowledge exchange. Ultimately, the study illustrates the potential for sustainable tourism growth through regional cooperation and positions Albania's tourism strategy within a broader, collaborative future.

The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. Its mutations have been linked to hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the channel is an attractive target for the management of AF. The development of IKur blockers to treat AF resulted in small molecule Kv1.5 inhibitors. The selectivity of the blocker for the target channel plays an important role in the potential therapeutic application of the drug candidate: the higher the selectivity, the lower the risk of side effects. In this respect, small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.5 are compromised due to their limited selectivity. A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. We found two peptides in the literature, which inhibited IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. Their affinity and selectivity for Kv1.5 can be improved by rational drug design in which their amino acid sequences could be modified in a targeted way guided by in silico docking experiments.

The voltage-gated proton channel Hv1 is widely expressed, among others, in immune and cancer cells, it provides an efficient cytosolic H + extrusion mechanism and regulates vital functions such as oxidative burst, migration and proliferation. Here we demonstrate the presence of human Hv1 (hHv1) in the placenta/chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) using RT-PCR. The voltage- and pH-dependent gating of the current is similar to that of hHv1 expressed in cell lines and that the current is blocked by 5-chloro-2-guanidinobenzimidazole (ClGBI) and activated by arachidonic acid (AA). Inhibition of hHv1 by ClGBI significantly decreases mineral matrix production of cMSCs induced by conditions mimicking physiological or pathological (inorganic phosphate, Pi) induction of osteogenesis. Wound healing assay and single cell motility analysis show that ClGBI significantly inhibits the migration of cMSCs. Thus, seminal functions of cMSCs are modulated by hHv1 which makes this channel as an attractive target for controlling advantages/disadvantages of MSCs therapy.

Voltage-activated ion channels contain S1-S4 domains that sense membrane voltage and control opening of ion-selective pores, a mechanism that is crucial for electrical signaling. Related S1-S4 domains have been identified in voltage-sensitive phosphatases and voltage-activated proton channels, both of which lack associated pore domains. hTMEM266 is a protein of unknown function that is predicted to contain an S1-S4 domain, along with partially structured cytoplasmic termini. Here we show that hTMEM266 forms oligomers, undergoes both rapid (µs) and slow (ms) structural rearrangements in response to changes in voltage, and contains a Zn2+ binding site that can regulate the slow conformational transition. Our results demonstrate that the S1-S4 domain in hTMEM266 is a functional voltage sensor, motivating future studies to identify cellular processes that may be regulated by the protein. The ability of hTMEM266 to respond to voltage on the µs timescale may be advantageous for designing new genetically encoded voltage indicators.