Search Results (4,328)

Fetal electroencephalogram (fEEG) recording could address the gap of functional fetal brain testing and enable direct assessment of fetal brain status during pregnancy and labor. However, the fetal EEG signal (~1 µV) is masked by roughly 80 dB (about 10,000×) of maternal ECG and other bioelectric interferences. This synthetic-data feasibility study presents whether the fetal EEG can be recovered from the maternal abdomen surface by using the following three sensing architectures on physiologically scaled synthetic data: single electrode, dual electrode, and a concentric 28-electrode array centered over the fetal head. We show that exploiting a known geometric attenuation steering vector with a minimum-variance distortionless-response (MVDR) beamformer raises recovery correlation from ~0 to ~0.28 and improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by ~67 dB. A follow-up validation replaces the synthetic EEG generator with actual neonatal EEGs recorded from the scalp, obtained from OpenNeuro ds004577 and the Helsinki Zenodo corpus. Comparable recovery performance across both datasets confirms that the synthetic feasibility conclusion generalizes to real neonatal EEG composition and behavioral characteristics. The primary evaluation is based on waveform-level engineering metrics (correlation, SNR, and RMSE), while exploratory secondary analyses assess aEEG envelopes, band-power trends, and burst detection. These analyses are not intended as clinical validation. Independent per-electrode sensor noise remains the dominant residual limiter under the homogeneous geometric model. The reported r ≈ 0.28 should not be interpreted as expected in vivo performance at all gestational ages: an intact vernix layer can add approximately 35 dB of attenuation and makes the required noise floor substantially more stringent. This analysis adds a five-layer volume-conductor analysis, misalignment, depth and impedance-drift stress tests, recording-level statistics, comparisons with classical extraction families (PCA, ICA, adaptive cancelation, and multichannel Wiener filtering), an interference-alignment sensitivity analysis, and exploratory biomarker-level analyses, which together bound the idealizations of the forward model. Full article

Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is a specialized form of crisis intervention in which trained handlers and therapy dogs provide emotional support following crises and disasters. Although previous research has examined AACR, less is known about the contribution of the human–canine partnership. This study explored the human–canine partnership and its perceived role in effective crisis response and canine welfare. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews and demographic surveys. Twenty-one crisis responders participated, and interview data were analyzed using Charmaz’s grounded theory approach. Findings suggest that participants perceived a highly trained handler, a carefully selected dog, and the quality of their partnership as important components of effective AACR practice. Canine welfare emerged as a fundamental component of the human–canine partnership, with participants emphasizing the handler’s role in recognizing canine stress cues, safeguarding welfare, and cultivating a strong partnership with the dog. Although bringing a dog to a crisis scene presents practical challenges, participants also described benefits for the team and improved engagement with trauma survivors. These findings support conceptualizing AACR as a welfare-centered human–canine partnership in which handler expertise, canine suitability, and attention to welfare are perceived as important components of effective and ethical crisis-response practice. Full article

Background: Advances in neonatology and paediatric pharmacology have markedly improved neonatal survival, particularly among preterm and critically ill infants. At the same time, clinical research constitutes the cornerstone for generation of evidence on the safety and efficacy of therapeutic interventions. However, neonatal participation in research relies on parental informed consent, a complex and multifactorial process shaped by cognitive, emotional, and cultural factors. In Greece, evidence regarding the determinants of parental consent for neonatal clinical research remains scarce. The aim of this study was to develop and conduct a preliminary evaluation of a questionnaire designed to assess parents’ perceptions and attitudes toward informed consent for participation of their offspring in neonatal clinical studies. Methods: A structured questionnaire was developed based on the international literature and the principles of informed consent. The instrument comprised five domains assessing knowledge and understanding of research, the informed consent process, trust in healthcare professionals, parental emotions, and sociodemographic characteristics. Content validity was assessed by an expert panel, followed by pilot testing in 20 parents. Preliminary evaluation of temporal stability was performed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient and weighted kappa. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: The questionnaire showed variable test–retest agreement across items and domains in the pilot sample. Domains covering cognitive aspects of research participation exhibited greater stability over time compared with emotional dimensions, which showed higher variability between measurements. Questions related to study type and trust in healthcare professionals demonstrated higher levels of reliability. Conclusions: This study describes the development and preliminary evaluation of a questionnaire designed to explore factors potentially influencing parental consent for participation in neonatal research in Greece. The findings provide preliminary evidence regarding the temporal stability of individual questionnaire items while also identifying items that may require further evaluation or refinement. Further evaluation in larger and more diverse populations, including a more comprehensive assessment of its measurement properties, is warranted before broader research application. Full article

Fixed external shading is often optimized in isolation, although annual loads also depend on glazing, thermal storage, the window area, the climate, and plant efficiency. We tested whether these variables produced one transferable optimum or climate-conditioned near-optimal sets, defined as designs within 5% of each climate’s grid minimum. A balanced overhang depth-to-window-height ratio (D/H), solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and effective thermal-capacity factorial grid was simulated with EnergyPlus across six climates and four window-to-wall ratio (WWR) profiles, including a 60% high-glazing extension and 50% internal gain sensitivity. Across 4608 annual simulations, SHGC dominated cooling-dominated climates, whereas capacity dominated mixed and heating-dominated reference cases; halving gains changed five of six sampled optima. Physical archetypes preserved five of six best combinations, while heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) weighting changed the dominant factor in two climates and the best design in four. A non-fitted two-node resistance-capacitance (RC) model maintained $\rho \ge 0.965$ in 18 Phoenix/Helsinki parameter combinations but required climate-specific shortlist widths to recall near-optimal sets. These results support the reporting of climate-conditioned priorities and near-optimal sets, with reduced models, HVAC weighting, and gain scenarios used as diagnostics rather than final predictions. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic, biofilm-induced inflammatory disease characterized by episodic connective tissue destruction and is epidemiologically associated with cardiometabolic conditions, notably type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Conventional clinical signs do not reliably distinguish quiescent from actively progressing disease, which delays intervention and interdisciplinary referral. Chair-side point-of-care testing (POCT) of oral fluids offers a pragmatic, non-invasive adjunct for real-time assessment of disease activity, not only in dental but also in medical settings. This narrative review, reported in line with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA), examines the clinical rationale and current evidence for oral-rinse POCT targeting active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) and calprotectin. Oral-rinse aMMP-8 reflects disease-active collagenolysis and shows the more robust single-marker performance for periodontitis, whereas oral-fluid calprotectin, a neutrophil-derived S100A8/A9 protein, behaves as a predominantly local inflammatory signal and lacks validated oral-fluid reference ranges. Combining the two markers may add information beyond either alone when used in tandem as a complementary pair, but the supporting data are heterogeneous, largely exploratory, and hypothesis-generating. Dual-biomarker oral-rinse POCT is therefore best framed as a risk-stratification and referral aid rather than a stand-alone diagnostic, with combined interpretation potentially supported by AI technologies. Standardized pre-analytics, transparent threshold reporting, oral-fluid calprotectin reference values, and prospective multicenter validation are required before broad implementation. Full article

Smart city mobility systems face a persistent gap between digital innovation and large-scale deployment. While Mobility-as-a-Service platforms and Mobility Living Labs have generated promising local solutions, transferring these solutions across cities remains constrained by data fragmentation, proprietary platforms, and divergent governance frameworks. This study proposes and operationalizes a policy-oriented framework for assessing the transferability of smart mobility solutions across urban contexts, drawing on the GEMINI project spanning seven European cities: Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Munich, Paris-Saclay, Porto, and Turin. A structured dataset covering application features, interoperability characteristics, technical specifications, and implementation challenges was developed and analysed using comparative indicators including Ease of integration, interoperability level, and replication potential. The results demonstrate that transferability depends on the interaction of technical, governance, and institutional conditions rather than technical compatibility alone. Applications built on open standards and modular architectures show significantly higher replication potential, while legacy systems, fragmented governance structures, and restrictive data-sharing arrangements remain the most persistent barriers. To operationalize the framework, a web-based Knowledge Hub was developed and deployed as a live decision-support platform, currently serving all seven Mobility Living Labs and openly accessible to cities across Europe. The framework offers a replicable model for smart city mobility governance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances are at increased risk of plaque accumulation, gingivitis, and caries because brackets and bands hinder mechanical hygiene. This study evaluated whether regular home use of dual-light antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) supports oral hygiene during fixed orthodontic treatment in adolescents. Methods: In a single-center, randomized, assessor-blinded trial, forty-one adolescents starting fixed orthodontic treatment were randomised to a Control group (standard hygiene) or a Test group (standard hygiene plus home-use dual-light aPDT). Visible Plaque Index (VPI%), Bleeding on Probing (BOP%), and Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks by an assessor blinded to allocation. After two protocol-driven exclusions, 39 participants (20 Test group, 19 Control group) were analysed. Site-level proportions were compared using the chi-square test. Results: VPI decreased in both groups, with a larger mean within-group reduction in the Test group (−7.0%) than in the Control group (−3.7%); exploratory site-level analysis showed a greater reduction in plaque-positive sites in the Test group at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). BOP increased in both groups but to a smaller extent in the Test group (mean +2.4% versus +5.7%), and a higher proportion of Test-group participants maintained BOP ≤ 10% (85% versus 58%); bleeding-positive sites were lower in the Test group at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). The Test group also showed a flatter distribution of OPI scores around orthodontic brackets. No device- or protocol-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: In adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, regular home use of dual-light aPDT was safe and associated with better site-level plaque and bleeding control, with directional but non-significant trends at the participant level. The findings support further evaluation of dual-light aPDT as an adjunct to mechanical hygiene during this vulnerable treatment period. Full article

Introductory and intermediate electrical-engineering education commonly models fundamental circuit and device parameters, including inductance, capacitance, resistance, permeability, permittivity, conductivity, characteristic impedance, transformer turns ratio, machine constants, amplifier gain, resonant frequency, propagation velocity, and mutual inductance, as numerical constants. While this approximation is valid within the intended small-signal operating regime, it becomes methodologically incomplete when these coefficients exhibit measurable state dependence. This paper presents a comparative audit of thirteen such coefficients by systematically contrasting their textbook formulations with the established engineering literature and interpreting the results through two complementary frameworks: the JCGM GUM-6:2020 measurement-model methodology for omitted effects, and the Heckmann–Nye/Gasik multidomain coupling architecture for multi-axis physical interactions. The analysis demonstrates that mainstream engineering practice routinely exploits state-dependent coefficients without invoking new physical laws, and that relaxing the constant-coefficient assumption naturally introduces physically meaningful terms, including the inductive contribution $I\mathrm{d}L/\mathrm{d}t$, the capacitive counterpart $V\mathrm{d}C/\mathrm{d}t$, and the mutual-inductance term $i_2\mathrm{d}M/\mathrm{d}t$. The principal scientific contribution is the development and experimental validation of a unified theoretical and engineering framework for high-power resonant transformers and orthogonal Metglas AMCC-1000 paraformers. The proposed approach combines a new physics-based modal theory of octave ($2:1$) parametric excitation with simultaneous optimization of magnetic-core resonance, electrical resonance, nonlinear inductance modulation, resonant conductor lengths selected as integer multiples of the operating resonant wavelength, multi-stranded high-frequency Litz-wire windings, resonant capacitor synthesis, and the nonlinear magnetic characteristics of the AMCC-1000 amorphous core. The modal analysis demonstrates how coupled resonant eigenmodes and engineered state-dependent inductance can be used to satisfy the conditions for stable octave parametric excitation. Experimental results obtained from both the symmetric two-leg resonant transformer and the orthogonal paraformer are in close agreement with analytical predictions and numerical simulations, thereby validating both the proposed electromagnetic design methodology and the underlying modal theory. Full article

Background/Objectives: A parsimonious multivariable model was engineered and externally validated using dental electronic health records to screen for a clinician-evaluated “gum disease or related problem” status. Designed for seamless electronic integration, a positive screening result triggers a targeted referral—and the model is well-suited for dental hygienist use— while providing clinical decision support for dentists during definitive diagnoses. This automated support standardises workflows, maximises team efficiency, and supports data-driven clinical decision-making. Methods: This cross-sectional study developed the model using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012 cohort (n = 1732) and independently validated it on the 2013–2014 replication cycle (n = 1855) for the high-risk 30–50-year-old demographic. Survey-weighted logistic regression incorporated age, gender, and eight targeted molar probing depth (PD) measurements paired with binary indicators for tooth presence to predict whether an individual has a gum disease or related problem. Results: External validation demonstrated high parameter generalisability, yielding a pooled population-level AUC of 0.859 (95% CI: 0.828–0.885). At the prevalence-matched threshold of Pt = 0.367, the framework yielded a sensitivity of 78.39% (95% CI: 69.48–85.29%) and a specificity of 79.10% (95% CI: 74.55–83.04%). Demonstrating public health utility via Decision Curve Analysis, the model avoided approximately 39 unnecessary clinical examinations by a dentist per 100 individuals at a practical clinical decision threshold of 0.33, achieving a substantial pooled net benefit compared with a treat-all strategy without compromising case-detection metrics. Conclusions: This scalable screening model offers a highly practical pathway for gum disease and related problem interception. Optimised for seamless software integration, the framework facilitates rapid, hygienist-led risk stratification without increasing chairside burden, and delivers objective data streams to reinforce the dentist’s definitive diagnostic workflow. Full article

Background: Fathers may experience psychological difficulties during the transition to parenthood, and depressive symptoms during the antenatal period may be associated with fathers’ well-being and adjustment to the paternal role. Marital satisfaction and paternal attachment may be important psychosocial factors associated with fathers’ mental health during this period. This study aimed to examine the relationships among marital satisfaction, paternal attachment, and depressive symptoms among expectant fathers. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. The study was approved by the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (20 December 2024; Approval No. 2024/13-07). Institutional permission was obtained from the hospital where the study was conducted. Written and verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants, and the study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Data were collected between January 2025 and September 2025 at a hospital located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. The study was completed with 336 fathers. Data collection instruments included the Personal Information Form, Marital Life Scale (MLS), Paternal–Antenatal Attachment Questionnaire (PAAQ), and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Multiple regression analysis and forest plot analysis were performed. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between EPDS scores and MLS, PAAQ, educational status, spouse’s educational status, place of residence, family type, income status, spousal attendance at antenatal visits, and history of depression (p < 0.05). The regression model was statistically significant (F(9326) = 14.4, p < 0.001) and explained 26.4% of the variance in EPDS scores (R² = 0.284). In the adjusted regression model, MLS, educational level, PAAQ, and family type were significantly negatively associated with EPDS scores, whereas a history of depression was significantly positively associated with EPDS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher marital satisfaction and paternal attachment were associated with lower depressive symptoms among expectant fathers, whereas a history of depression was associated with higher depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of considering marital and attachment-related factors when assessing fathers’ psychological well-being during the antenatal period. Full article

Lake ice is a reliable indicator of climate variability and change. This research investigates annual and spatial variations in lake ice phenology of small lakes (<2 km²) in the Cascade Mountain Range (U.S.A.) using high-temporal frequency remote-sensing data and a probabilistic model. Data from the Harmonized Landsat-Sentinel-2 (HLS-2) project were analyzed to detect the presence of lake ice for 2872 small lakes and characterize ice phenology during each of the 10 ice seasons (2014–2023). A multiple logistic regression model (Accuracy ~0.80 and AUC 0.88 for cross-validation) was used to predict the probability of ice for every non-imaged day during each ice season. From the time-continuous combination of HLS-2 observations and modelled ice presence, we extracted three ice phenology metrics: ice-on date, ice-off date, and total number of ice days (TID), and we analyzed their variabilities across ice seasons and across the Cascade Range. Both ice-on date and ice-off date distributions exhibited high inter- and intra-season temporal variability. All median TID fell between 100 and 150 days. Our research quantifies the variability of a large sampling of small alpine lakes in a climate-sensitive region and demonstrates the efficacy of extracting ice phenology metrics from daily ice presence probabilities based on remote-sensing data. Full article

Background: Problematic social media use among adolescents has emerged as a growing public health concern. This study examined gender differences in problems related to social media use and their behavioural, psychosocial, family-related, and school-related correlates among Finnish adolescents. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, binary logistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the Finnish sample of the 2024 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), including 3293 adolescents aged 15–16 years. Results: Overall, 45% of girls and 30% of boys were classified as having problems related to social media use. Significant gender interactions were observed in the associations of gaming-related problems and perceived family socioeconomic status with problems related to social media use. Gaming-related problems were the strongest correlate, with a substantially stronger association among boys. Elevated psychological distress was associated with a higher likelihood of problems related to social media use, particularly among girls, whereas higher parental monitoring was associated with a lower likelihood only among girls. Truancy and plans for general upper secondary school were both associated with a higher likelihood of problems related to social media use among girls and boys. Conclusions: The findings suggest that problems related to social media use are closely linked to adolescent well-being and behaviour. Prevention and intervention efforts may therefore benefit from addressing problematic social media use as part of adolescent mental health and digital well-being strategies, combining universal approaches with targeted support for adolescents experiencing problematic patterns of digital media use. Full article

We describe Microrhagus ziwulingensis Muona & Meng, sp. nov., from China. The genus Microrhagus Dejean, 1833, was previously represented in China by only two species. We sequenced and assembled the complete mitogenome of M. ziwulingensis (GenBank accession OK143440), which encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and a putative control region with a total length of 15,843 bp. Overall, 36 species of Elateroidea were collected as the ingroup (for six of these species, two sequences of the same species submitted by different submitters were used). Eight species of Buprestoidea served as the outgroup. We constructed phylogenetic trees using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods based on 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) from mitochondrial genomes. The phylogenetic trees showed that all families within the superfamily Elateroidea, which was used as the ingroup, formed monophyletic groups. The topology differed from previous studies, showing that Rhagophthalmidae and Lampyridae formed a sister clade, and that Phengodidae + Lycidae, with Cantharidae, formed a sister clade. These discrepancies should be attributed to the use of a single type of molecular marker and the intense shortage of available sampling. This also indicates that mitochondrial genomic research on Eucnemidae, and even on the superfamily Elateroidea, still needs further expansion. Full article

Background: Growing concerns about health and sustainability are accelerating the need to transform food systems to promote well-being and reduce environmental impacts. Despite increasing policy efforts, evidence remains limited on self-perceived knowledge, reported practices, intentions, and perceived barriers related to healthy and sustainable eating among European households with children. Establishing healthy eating habits during childhood is essential for long-term health, with parents playing a pivotal role in shaping these behaviors. Understanding the factors and barriers related to food choices is essential for informing interventions that support healthier and more sustainable dietary practices. Methods: This study, conducted in 2023 as part of the European TITAN project, explored parental perceptions and practices related to healthy and sustainable eating in Spain, Poland, and Finland. A structured questionnaire was completed by 240 parents of children aged 6–12 in each country using quota sampling based on national income tertiles. Results: Although households reported high self-perceived knowledge, patterns consistent with a possible discrepancy between self-perceived knowledge and reported food choices were observed. Finnish households, despite showing the highest recognition of predefined healthy and sustainable eating concepts, reported lower self-reported adherence to healthy and sustainable practices. Reducing meat consumption and choosing sustainably sourced seafood were among the least valued actions across all countries. Cost was the most frequently reported barrier, especially in Finland (60%), alongside greater difficulty in forming new habits and resisting less healthy options. Overall, cost and behavioral constraints were among the most frequently reported barriers to healthier and more sustainable dietary practices. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored strategies to support households in transitioning toward healthier and more sustainable dietary behaviors. Addressing perceived barriers and food-choice constraints may be important for supporting healthier and more sustainable dietary practices at the household level. Full article