Saved Queries

by Penglong Ding, Silu Zheng, Jiahe Zhou, Xiatao Tang, Huina Shan, Chuanyang Lu, Wenjian Zheng, Xuhui Gong, Jiajia Niu and Lianyong Xu

Materials 2026, 19(9), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19091696 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

Residual stress is an inherent consequence of the welding process and can significantly compromise the structural integrity of welded components. To clarify the high-temperature creep damage evolution of the 600 MPa-grade ship hull structural steel base metal, high-temperature creep tests were conducted, aiming to improve the understanding of its deformation behavior and to support reliable numerical predictions. The experimentally calibrated creep constitutive model was subsequently integrated into finite element simulations to analyze the residual stress evolution in welded joints and to quantitatively evaluate the effects of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) and hammer peening. The results indicted that, within 450–550 °C, creep deformation of the steel was dominated by dislocation glide and climb, while creep damage was mainly associated with void and crack formation. The simulation results revealed that residual stresses were predominantly concentrated in the weld metal and the heat-affected zone, with the peak von Mises stress in the as-welded joint reaching 686.5 MPa, exceeding the material’s yield strength at the simulated temperature. PWHT exhibited superior stress-relief effectiveness compared with hammer peening, markedly reducing the peak residual stress. Moreover, the stress-relief behavior showed a nonlinear dependence on both holding time and heat-treatment temperature. In contrast, hammer peening produced a localized stress-relief effect, confined primarily to the mechanically impacted region. These findings provided a theoretical foundation for optimizing post-weld treatment strategies to mitigate residual stress in the high strength steel welded joints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)

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13 pages, 918 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Effectiveness and Sustainability of Water Chlorination in Public Healthcare Services in Guatemala

by Paulina Garzaro, Carmen Castillo, Natalie Fahsen, Lucas Santos, Joyce Lu, Christiana Hug, Matthew Lozier, Douglas R. Call, Celia Cordón-Rosales and Brooke M. Ramay

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(5), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11050111 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections are a significant public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. While hand hygiene is critical for infection prevention, contaminated water from hand hygiene stations (HHSs) in healthcare facilities (HCFs) may undermine infection control efforts. Chlorination can reduce microbial contamination in HHSs, ensuring that water intended for hygiene does not become an infection source. Methods: Water quality was monitored before and after the installation of on-site chlorine dispensers (CDs) in water tanks and HHSs of HCFs in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, to evaluate their effectiveness in improving water quality. Focus groups were conducted to develop action plan proposals to ensure the intervention’s sustainability. Results: Before the intervention, 75% of HHS water samples tested positive for total coliforms, with 50% testing positive for presumptive extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing total coliforms, while 20% were E. coli-positive, with 50% presumptive ESBL-producing E. coli. After installing CD, 1% of samples were coliform-positive over a six-month period. Focus groups identified resource limitations and political barriers and proposed solutions such as developing operational manuals, strengthening inter-institutional relationships, and forming alliances with external organizations. Conclusion: Localized chlorination was successfully implemented using a community participatory approach to improve water quality in resource-limited HCFs. These findings have important implications for infection prevention and control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Public Health in Tropical Regions of Central America)

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12 pages, 980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Puberty on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

by Shuanhu Zhou, Bonnie L. Padwa and Julie Glowacki

Endocrines 2026, 7(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines7020017 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives It is known that failure to gain sufficient bone during skeletal growth and maturation phases predisposes to the development of senile osteoporosis as age-related bone loss ensues. There is limited knowledge about factors that are necessary for the pubertal growth spurt and achievement of peak bone mass. Diminution or disappearance of Juvenile Protective Factors (JPFs) after a given maturational stage could contribute to the onset of age-related declines in a variety of physiological functions, including bone physiology. Methods With available pediatric platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and mesenchymal/skeletal stem cells (MSCs), we tested whether proteomics and RNA-seq methodology have potential for the discovery of novel regulators of pubertal skeletal growth. Results Our data demonstrate that pediatric PPP rejuvenates age-related compromised MSC functions; that Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics identified known and novel circulating tissue growth/trophic factors in human PPP of pubertal, as compared with pre-pubertal, and post-pubertal subjects; and that the unbiased RNA-Seq approach revealed new genes and networks of genes that are dramatically elevated or diminished in pubertal MSCs. Conclusions The findings support the hypothesis that the characterization of pro-osteogenic JPFs could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to promote bone health in the elderly and of potential treatment regimens for senile osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Endocrinology and Growth Disorders)

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18 pages, 1479 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Dynamics of Market Microstructure in Cryptocurrency Perpetual Futures: Econometric Evidence from Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges

by Petar Zhivkov, Venelin Todorov and Slavi Georgiev

Int. J. Financial Stud. 2026, 14(5), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs14050103 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

We apply rolling-window econometric methods, including GARCH(1,1) estimation, Bai–Perron structural break detection, CUSUM stability testing, and Granger causality analysis in bivariate VAR frameworks, to analyze the temporal dynamics of market integration in cryptocurrency perpetual futures, tracking funding rate correlations, arbitrage prevalence, and volatility persistence across 26 exchanges and 812 symbols over two months (November 2025 through January 2026). Using 53 overlapping seven-day rolling windows on 9.1 million hourly observations, we find that the two-tiered market structure previously documented in a static snapshot (centralized exchanges tightly integrated, decentralized exchanges fragmented) persists qualitatively but varies substantially in magnitude, with the integration gap ranging from

- 0.041

0.222

. Structural break tests detect no discrete regime shifts; the market evolves through gradual drift. GARCH(1,1) analysis reveals that near-integrated (IGARCH) volatility behavior, previously reported as a general property, appears in only 24.5% of windows, concentrated in specific time periods. Granger causality tests show that mid-tier exchanges lead the largest venue (Binance) more frequently than the reverse, challenging a simple size-based price discovery hierarchy. Intraday spread patterns are statistically significant and linked to funding rate settlement mechanics, with spreads peaking approximately two hours after standard settlement times. These findings have implications for systemic risk assessment: market surveillance frameworks that focus on the largest venue may miss price discovery signals originating from mid-tier exchanges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical Finance: Theory, Methods, and Applications)

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8 pages, 628 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Early Signal Without Clinical Cases: A Single Clade III Candidozyma auris Isolate from a Face Mask Highlights the Value of Environmental Quality Control

by Angelika Bauer, Astrid Mayr, Stephanie Toepfer, Kathrin Spettel, Birgit Willinger, Richard Kriz and Cornelia Lass-Flörl

J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050307 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

Candidozyma auris (C. auris) is an emerging healthcare-associated yeast of major epidemiological concern because of its multidrug resistance and outbreak potential. We report the recovery of a single C. auris isolate from a used face mask collected in May 2025 during a blinded dental medicine quality-control programme assessing microbial contamination in the working environment. To contextualise this finding, we analysed routine diagnostic laboratory data from 2017 to 2025. The isolate underwent whole-genome sequencing for molecular characterisation, including analysis of the ERG11 gene, and antifungal susceptibility testing by EUCAST broth microdilution. In addition, 53,802 patient-related Candida spp. isolates collected between 2017 and 2025 were reviewed retrospectively; species identification had been performed by MALDI-TOF. The environmental isolate belonged to clade III and carried the V125A/F126L substitutions in ERG11, consistent with African clade isolates and associated with intrinsically high fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations. No C. auris was detected in routine patient specimens during the study period, whereas Candida albicans remained the predominant species in clinical samples. These findings provide no evidence of ongoing C. auris transmission at the Medical University of Innsbruck, but highlight the need for continued vigilance and robust infection-prevention measures to limit the risk posed by isolated introductions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Candida and Candidemia)

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36 pages, 6369 KB

Open AccessArticle

A System Dynamics Evaluation of a Sustainable Energy-Efficiency Business Model Integrating Performance Contracting, Supply Contracting, and Savings Insurance

by Usain Kadri, Nashwan Dawood, Ammar Al-Bazi and Olugbenga Akinade

Energies 2026, 19(9), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19092030 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

This paper evaluates a Sustainable Energy Efficiency Business Model (SEEBM) for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European industrial sector. The sustainability-oriented model, developed by the authors, combines Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), Energy Supply Contracting (ESC), and Energy Saving Insurance (ESI) within a unified framework to support industrial decarbonisation. The study identifies key performance indicators and translates them into a System Dynamics model using a Design-Based Research approach. The model is built from secondary data drawn from 45 SME case studies in the European SMEmPower project and is validated through extreme condition testing and behavioural sensitivity analysis. Results indicate that the integrated model significantly enhances financial performance, reducing the average payback period from average 36 months to 10 months. Sensitivity analysis highlights the influence of contract duration, energy saving rates, and energy prices on both payback and emissions reduction outcomes. This research introduces a novel dynamic framework integrating EPC, ESC, and ESI, enabling time-based evaluation of investment viability and environmental impact. It offers a replicable decision support tool for policymakers and market actors seeking scalable, low risk pathways to SME decarbonisation. Overall, the model provides practical insights for improving investment decisions while accelerating the transition toward sustainable industrial systems across Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulation and Optimisation for Operational Decision-Making in Renewable Energy Supply Chains and Systems)

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18 pages, 3946 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Frictional Power Loss on the Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of a High-Speed Ultra-Precision Machine Tool Spindle Bearing

by Heng Tian, Dengke Wang and Gang Li

Lubricants 2026, 14(5), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14050182 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

To address the problems of insufficient precision reserve, limited rotational speed, and excessive temperature rise in high-speed ultra-precision machine tool spindle bearings, the influence of frictional power loss on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the bearing system was investigated. Firstly, based on the analysis of the heat source of the bearing, the friction power consumption model of the bearing assembly is established, and the analysis of the bearing temperature field is realized by studying the heat energy transfer. Secondly, the test bench is built for experimental verification. Finally, through the study of thermal-mechanical coupling performance, the influence of different rotational speeds on bearing stress and life is analyzed. The results show that the friction power consumption generated by the spin sliding of the bearing rolling element accounts for the largest proportion, accounting for 31% of the total friction power consumption; the increase in bearing speed will increase the bearing temperature. At 55,000 r/min, the highest temperature at the rolling element is close to 75 °C, followed by the inner ring up to 68 °C, and the lowest outer ring temperature is 57 °C. The temperature has a great influence on the bearing performance. Under the same working conditions, the equivalent stress is increased by 21%, the contact pressure is increased by 25%, and the fatigue life of the bearing is reduced by 5.6%. Bearing performance is significantly affected by thermodynamic behavior. Full article

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43 pages, 3631 KB

Open AccessArticle

LeadWinO Self-Assessment Model for Managers Activity: A Feed-Forward Neural Network-Based Indicator System

by Lidija Kraujalienė and Alytis Gruodis

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16050197 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study addresses the growing need for structured, measurable organizational development (OD) models amid digital transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing managerial complexity. Contemporary middle- and top-level managers are expected to ensure productivity, strategic clarity, resilience, and data-driven decision-making; however, existing leadership methodologies are often examined separately and lack integrated evaluation frameworks. The research analyses two prominent approaches: the American Action Science methodology and the Scandinavian (particularly Finnish) consensus-based leadership concept. While Action Science emphasizes explicit reasoning, double-loop learning, accountability, and measurable performance outcomes, the Finnish consensus model prioritizes trust, participation, and relational cohesion. The aim of the study is to develop and empirically test the original digital model LeadWinO (LEADership for WINning Organizations) for evaluating the organizational development activities of middle- and top-level managers. The model was empirically tested on managers in Lithuania. The novelty of the research lies in combining management and informatics perspectives by embedding organizational development evaluation into a digital, indicator-based, and potentially predictive framework. The type of study is quantitative research integrating questionnaire analysis in the case of multi-profile sections. Analytical tool used for data simulation is Feedforward Neural Network for constructing sufficient gapless sets of digitalized data. Research results showed that the American Action Science methodology is most effectively used by managers working in very small and small enterprises in the service and maintenance sectors. The findings are expected to contribute to the operationalization of leadership effectiveness under uncertainty and provide organizations with an auditable structure linking managerial behaviour, decision-making processes, and organizational performance outcomes. Full article

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18 pages, 271 KB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Migration Dietary and Lifestyle Transitions and Chronic Disease Risk Among African Migrants in Australia: A Case of Nigerian Migrants

by Kingsley Arua Kalu, Muideen Olaiya, Nse Odunaiya and Blessing Jaka Akombi-Inyang

Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091327 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Migration from low- and middle-income to high-income settings is often accompanied by dietary and lifestyle changes that may increase long-term risk of non-communicable diseases. African migrants represent a growing but under-studied population in Australia, with limited evidence on post-migration nutrition transitions and associated chronic disease risk. This study examined changes in diet and lifestyle among Nigerian-born adults before and after migration to Australia and explored any association with chronic diseases. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted among adults who migrated from Nigeria to New South Wales, Australia, between 1992 and 2019. Data were collected via a culturally adapted, self-administered online questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, dietary intake, lifestyle behaviours, and self-reported chronic conditions in the 12 months immediately before and after migration. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) and inferential analyses (Chi-square tests, McNemar test, and the Bowker test) were used to compare pre- and post-migration behaviours and examine associations with chronic disease outcomes. Results: Ninety-three participants completed the survey (mean age 37.0 ± 7.2 years; 50.5% male). Post-migration, regular breakfast consumption declined (−24.3%), while irregular eating (low and moderate) patterns increased (+7.6% and +16.7%). Regular vegetable intake improved (+5.4%), whereas fruit intake remained low (13.0%). Regular consumption of Nigerian local foods decreased markedly (−53.7%), while regular intake of meat (+18.5%), dairy foods, fats (+14.3%), and non-alcoholic beverages increased (+22.8%). Salt use shifted away from the highest-risk category (−22.2%), and smoking and alcohol consumption remained low and stable. Self-reported chronic conditions were uncommon; hypertension (6.5%) and obesity (5.4%) were the most frequently reported. Conclusions: Nigerian migrants in Australia experience substantial post-migration dietary and lifestyle transitions that may elevate long-term chronic disease risk despite a currently low reported disease burden. Early, culturally responsive nutrition and lifestyle interventions are needed to support healthy adaptation and prevent the progression of cardiometabolic conditions in this growing migrant population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

26 pages, 6322 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time, Reconfigurable CAN Intrusion Detection for EV Powertrain Networks via Specification-Driven Timing and Integrity Constraints

by Engin Subaşı and Muharrem Mercimek

Electronics 2026, 15(9), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15091788 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

The Controller Area Network (CAN) remains the backbone of in-vehicle communication, but its lack of built-in security exposes safety-critical systems to cyberattacks. This paper presents a real-time, reconfigurable, specification-driven intrusion detection system (IDS) implemented on a custom test bench that emulates an EV powertrain. The CAN traffic captured from the four-ECU setup formed the dataset used in this study. The IDS enforces a compact, reconfigurable ruleset covering timing bounds, jitter envelopes, identifier whitelists, frame format, data length code (DLC) compliance, bus-load thresholds, application-level CRC, and alive-counter verification. The IDS achieves detection times below 2 ms with false positive rates under 1% for injection, denial of service (DoS), and fuzzy attacks, even at CAN bus loads up to 70%, while microcontroller resource usage remains within the constraints of automotive-grade devices, supporting deployment in embedded environments. The main contributions of this study are as follows: (i) a validated and reproducible EV powertrain test bench with millisecond-level timing, (ii) a deployable and easily reconfigurable ruleset with deterministic runtime, and (iii) a latency-oriented evaluation framework that is portable across automotive microcontroller platforms. The EV powertrain dataset v1.0 was released in a public GitHub repository to facilitate reproducible research and enable future benchmarking studies. Full article

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12 pages, 4188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Stability and Microstructural Evolution of Cu Joints with an Ultra-Thin Sintered Layer

by Siwen Shao, Chenghao Zhang, Wei Jiang, Chun Li, Xiaoqing Si, Zongjing He, Jian Cao and Yang Liu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4108; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094108 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Low-temperature Cu sintering is used as a die-bonding strategy for the third-generation power device, and the Cu-sintered joints require long-term stability at elevated temperature. In this work, we investigate the thermal stability and microstructural evolution of the Cu interconnect joints with an ultra-thin sintered layer at the temperature of 250 °C in air. The as-prepared joint shows a dense well-bonded interface with low porosity before the thermal aging test. The average shear strength of the joints increases from 85.5 MPa to 91.3 MPa after aging up to 300 h. With further increase in aging time, the shear strength begins to decrease. However, the strength remains at a high level of 69.8 MPa even after 500 h of aging, satisfying the requirements for high-temperature stability. At short aging times, the porosity within the interface reduces slightly, and the fracture exhibits distinct ductile characteristics. When the aging time exceeds 300 h, the oxide content at the interface increases from the outer region toward the inner part, and aging cracks eventually appear at the edge of the sintered layer. Therefore, it is demonstrated that the dense and thin sintered layer limits oxygen diffusion, guaranteeing the high-temperature stability of the sintered joint. Full article

21 pages, 963 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Knowledge–Behavior Gap in Orthodontic Oral Hygiene: A Mixed-Methods Study with Development of a Patient-Centered Guidance Form

by Mohamad Kheir Yassine and Müfide Dinçer

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4109; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094109 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Maintaining optimal oral hygiene during fixed orthodontic treatment is critical yet challenging. This study assessed oral hygiene knowledge, practices, and challenges among fixed orthodontic patients and developed a patient-centered guidance form. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 fixed orthodontic patients (150 males, 150 females) age range 13–31+ years followed by in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected patients. Quantitative data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and multiple regression; qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Scale reliability was acceptable to excellent (α = 0.681–0.941). Females demonstrated higher knowledge (p < 0.001); males showed better recall (p = 0.005). Knowledge increased with age and education (p < 0.001). A substantial knowledge–behavior gap was evident: 85% recognized interdental brushes as essential, but only 23% used them daily. Discomfort was the main barrier (77%), and 71% preferred mobile app reminders. Knowledge of auxiliary aids predicted recall (β = 1.912, p < 0.001), explaining 81.9% of variance. Notably, 100% reported current instructions are physically difficult to execute; 86% prioritized technique guidance. Conclusions: Fixed orthodontic patients demonstrate adequate knowledge but poor translation into practice. The patient-centered guidance form provides a practical resource to support oral hygiene self-management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental and Oral Surgery)

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18 pages, 1664 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Screening Strategies of Hepatitis B in Guangdong Province, China

by Weizhao Lin, Xiaoping Shao, Junjie Wang, Hongqing Wen, Jiahong Liu, Can Xiong, Zixia Qian, Wei Zhao, Jun Liu and Jiufeng Sun

Viruses 2026, 18(5), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18050486 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Determining the characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the healthy population and evaluating the effectiveness of detection strategies will facilitate the optimization of hepatitis B screening strategies in the community and accelerate the elimination of HBV infection in China by the end of 2030. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (ECLIAs), HBsAg-rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and HBV DNA-nucleic acid tests (NATs) were performed on serum samples from 2721 community-based healthy participants in Guangdong Province. The screening performance of the RDT and NAT and the distribution characteristics of HBsAg and HBV DNA were evaluated. The prevalence rates of HBsAg-ECLIA, HBsAg-RDT and HBV DNA-NAT in Guangdong Province were 6.10% (95% CI: 5.26~7.06), 4.96% (95% CI: 4.21~5.84) and 6.55% (95% CI: 5.64~7.49), respectively, and the prevalence rates for the three methods for individuals aged over 30 years were 11.18%, 10.92% and 12.57%, respectively. When the ECLIA was used as the gold standard, the sensitivities of the RDT, NAT and RDT and NAT in parallel were 80.7% (95% CI: 73.9~86.4), 86.7% (95% CI: 80.6~91.5) and 93.4% (95% CI: 88.5~96.6), respectively, and the sensitivity of the RDT and NAT in parallel was greater than that of the RDT alone (p < 0.001). The parallel RDT and NAT revealed an additional cost‒benefit ratio (ACBR) < 1 for males and individuals aged over 30 years, which indicated that switching from the RDT screening strategy to the RDT and NAT in parallel is more cost effective. Adults aged over 30 years are the main population with hepatitis B infection in Guangdong Province, China, whose prevalence of HBsAg-ECLIA was 11.18%. Single RDT screening is prone to miss individuals with low levels of HBsAg. It is recommended to implement an RDT and NAT in parallel for individuals older than 30 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

18 pages, 1004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability and Optimization of a Vector Thrust-Controlled Tail-Sitter UAV Based on Flight Test

by Ruishuo Li, Xiaowen Shan and Hao Wang

Drones 2026, 10(5), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10050316 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Stability plays essential roles for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles. This paper investigates the stability characteristics of a novel tail-sitter VTOL vehicle employing vector thrust control, specifically focusing on nonlinear modeling and parameter optimization. Firstly, the tail-sitter VTOL which employs vector thrust controlling principles, is designed, and manufactured using 3D printing and carbon-fiber reinforced techniques, with a customized flight controller implemented on the PX4 architecture. To address the nonlinear dynamic characteristics introduced by the vector thrust mechanism, a nonlinear dynamic model for cruise flight is established based on an offline database and validated against cruise flight test data. Flight tests show that the vector-thrust-based pitch control provides rapid response and accurate tracking during cruise flight. Furthermore, based on the validated model, a hybrid optimization strategy combining pattern search and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) is used to tune the cascaded control parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimized controller reduces the rise time from 6.8 s to 0.2 s and the settling time from 10.1 s to 0.9 s under the tested cruise-condition step response, indicating a marked improvement in dynamic response performance. This study provides a practical framework for cruise-flight modeling, pitch-stability analysis, and control-parameter optimization of vector-thrust tail-sitter UAVs. Full article

9 pages, 375 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wearable Inertial Sensor Analysis of Turning Performance Reveals Motor Reserve Effects in Drug-Naïve Parkinson’s Disease

by Andrea Rizzardi, Cinzia Zatti, Alice Galli, Mohsen Fallahi, Sofia Bonomelli, Nicolò Agostini, Klaudia Eshja, Martina Ogliani, Veronica Pucci, Massimo Nucci, Sara Mondini, Clint Hansen, Robbin Romijnders, Walter Maetzler, Alessandro Padovani and Andrea Pilotto

Sensors 2026, 26(9), 2594; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26092594 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Motor reserve (MR) has been hypothesized as a protective factor against age-related and pathological motor decline, potentially enhancing quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the influence of MR on motor performance, assessed via mobile health technology (MHT), in drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods: Consecutive drug-naïve PD patients and age-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent cognitive and motor assessments. Turning MHT parameters were extracted from the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) performed at self-selected and fast speeds. Participants were categorized into high- or low-MR groups based on the Motor Reserve Index questionnaire (MRIq). Results: Forty-five PD patients and forty healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. PD patients showed longer TUG durations and altered performance compared to HC. No differences were found between high and low motor reserve (MR) groups in demographics or clinical severity. However, high-MR patients exhibited shorter turn duration and higher angular velocities at both self-selected (p < 0.005) and fast speeds (p < 0.05). MR subdomains related to physical and care activities correlated with MHT turning metrics, unlike housework and leisure domains. Conclusions: the findings highlighted the relevance of MR on motor performances assessed by MHT in drug naïve PD, independently from motor severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Sensor for Health Monitoring)

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