Search Results (3,880)

This research investigates the formation and behavior of sustainable crumb rubber-modified gypsum–cement–pozzolan (GCP) composites, with a view to their use in a broad concept for construction. GCP binders are gaining attention as a low-carbon replacement for Portland cement, and the addition of recycled rubber helps the achievement of circular economy goals and potentially increases durability. The present research evaluates the impact of crumb rubber (CR) on the mechanical strength, water absorption, dimensional stability, and freeze–thaw resistance of 3D-printed GCP-rubber composites. Composite blends of variable proportions of crumb rubber were prepared at constant binder ratios. Mechanical properties were defined by prism specimens (40 × 40 × 160 mm) by the flexural and compressive strengths, and deformation was determined by micrometers to measure longitudinal strain as a function of curing. Water absorption was determined prior to freeze–thaw cycling to define pore saturation. Durability was investigated using two approaches: (1) controlled freeze–thaw experiments on cube specimens, with XF1 grade performance achieved, and (2) ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) testing of specimens 3D-printed for assessing internal structural change after long-term frost exposure. Results showed that compressive strength decreased moderately (10–20%) with increasing rubber content from 17% up to 50%, while flexural strength improved up to 15%, showing the elastomeric action of CR. Water absorption was reduced by 5–8% in the rubber-modified blends due to the hydrophobic character of rubber. Deformation tests also confirmed minimum length variation (<0.02%) during curing. Freeze–thaw durability was enormously improved, and test specimens retained more than 95% of initial strength. UPV measurements detected only a relatively modest velocity drop (~50 m/s) after 36 days cycling with subsequent stabilization up to 200 days, demonstrating long-term internal structure with minimal progressive damage. In summary, the findings demonstrate that GCP composites with crumb rubber incorporated are printable, dimensionally stable, and capable of freeze–thaw degradation resistance. Despite a moderate loss of compressive strength, the balance of introduced durability and sustainability suggests their competence as viable materials for additive manufacturing in construction. Full article

This study compares three methods for 2D bone metastasis segmentation on computed tomography slices-the self-configuring nnU-Net pipeline, a fine-tuned DINOv3 foundation model, and a prompt-free MedSAM foundation model adaptation-to assess their suitability for clinical-grade lesion delineation. Methods: A dataset of 2D CT slices from 88 patients (11,006 image–label pairs) was annotated by experts. The three models were trained and evaluated under comparable conditions, using model-specific native input resolutions and training schedules. Performance was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Normalized Hausdorff distance (NHD) on a held-out test set, with a separate cohort of previously unseen patients. On a held-out test set, the MedSAM, DINOv3, and nnU-Net models achieved the following Dice scores: 0.6280, 0.4480, and 0.6849, respectively. Additionally, on a held-out test set, the MedSAM, DINOv3, and nnU-Net models achieved the following normalized Hausdorff distances: 0.1008, 0.1019, and 0.0473, respectively. In conclusion, the nnU-Net framework provides robust segmentation performance and serves as a strong baseline for 2D slice-wise bone metastasis delineation even with limited annotated data. Full article

Background: Multisite digital psychiatry trials increasingly rely on complex onboarding and implementation processes at local research sites. While outcome-focused evaluations are common, less attention has been paid to the site-level labor required to operationalize such studies in real-world settings, particularly at smaller or resource-constrained sites. This study addresses this gap by examining hidden implementation labor from a single-site reflexive perspective. Methods: This study adopts a reflexive qualitative case study approach to examine onboarding and implementation processes at a single research site participating in a multisite digital psychiatry trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04953208). The analysis draws on longitudinal experiential data, supported by site-specific documentation, onboarding timelines, troubleshooting records, device-management materials, data quality assurance activities, and internal communications generated during site coordination and implementation activities. Results: Five interrelated themes were identified: hidden labor and role overload; resource scarcity at small research sites; fragmented remote communication and technical coordination; multi-role professional contexts and competing demands; and the impact of external systemic disruptions. Findings show how administrative, technical, logistical, and coordination tasks were absorbed into individual roles, often exceeding initial role expectations. Despite limited resources, the site achieved high performance through intensified individual effort, masking the true implementation burden. This pattern is conceptualized as a high-performance paradox, in which apparent site efficiency may conceal substantial hidden labor and role compression. Conclusions: This site-level reflexive account highlights the central role of hidden labor in sustaining implementation in multisite digital psychiatry trials. Recognizing and explicitly resourcing implementation work, particularly at small research sites, may improve feasibility, sustainability, and equity across study settings. The study contributes a practice-based methodological perspective on how implementation burden can be identified through reflexive analysis of site-level trial processes. Full article

This study evaluated the agronomic performance of 15 plum cultivars grafted on both P. cerasifera and ‘Wangenheim Prune’ (P. domestica) seedling rootstocks over nine years at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. Trees on P. cerasifera were planted 4.5 m × 2.5 m apart, while those on ‘Wangenheim Prune’ were 4 m × 1.5 m apart. On average, trees on ‘Wangenheim Prune’ developed 23% smaller trunk diameters and produced 42% less pruning mass than those on P. cerasifera yet demonstrated higher yield efficiency, except for the ‘Valor’ cultivar, which performed better on P. cerasifera. Mean plot yield was about 40% higher on ‘Wangenheim Prune’. Based on productivity, survival, and fruit quality, the most promising cultivars for Nordic climates are ‘Čačanska Najbolja’ and ‘Jubileum’ on ‘Wangenheim Prune’, while ‘Valor’ was productive on both rootstocks. Leaf nutrient analyses revealed rootstock-dependent differences: leaves on P. cerasifera contained more P, K, Ca, and Mn, whereas Mg, Cu, and Zn were higher on ‘Wangenheim Prune’. Regardless of rootstock, trees grown in calcareous, high-pH soils were deficient in Fe and Mn. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) remains challenging to diagnose due to clinical and radiological overlap with mimicking conditions. The 2024 revisions of the McDonald criteria have incorporated the central vein sign (CVS) and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers to improve diagnostic specificity. This study assessed the prevalence and anatomical distribution of CVS and PRLs in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 91 patients with RRMS diagnosed according to the 2017 McDonald criteria. MRI scans were obtained using 3T scanners, and T2-FLAIR and susceptibility-weighted angiography (SWAN) sequences were analyzed. CVS and PRLs were identified using established criteria. Patients were stratified by lesion count (<5, 5–9, ≥10), and lesions were categorized by anatomical location. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression adjusted for covariates were performed. Results: CVS was present in 69.2% of patients, while PRLs were identified in 29.7%. Both markers were more frequent in patients with higher lesion burden in univariate analysis. CVS prevalence increased significantly with lesion count (p < 0.001) and remained an independent predictor in multivariable logistic regression. PRL presence was associated with lesion count in univariate analysis but not after adjustment. Most CVS- and PRL-positive lesions were supratentorial and predominantly periventricular. No significant association was observed between CVS and PRL presence. Conclusions: CVS is a highly prevalent MRI feature in RRMS and independently associated with lesion burden, supporting its role as a diagnostically relevant imaging marker. PRLs were less prevalent and showed weaker independent associations. Full article

Neck pain is increasingly associated with exposure-dependent dysfunction linked to digitally mediated behaviors, prolonged near-work, sustained postures, and reduced movement variability, whereas cervical assessment remains dominated by static imaging and brief in-clinic examination. This narrative review evaluates why current diagnostic approaches remain poorly suited to the dynamic nature of many contemporary cervical disorders and examines segmental cervical motion as a clinically relevant but insufficiently observed functional target. Evidence from static imaging, dynamic radiographic methods, laboratory motion analysis, wearable inertial sensing, markerless video, and digital measure validation frameworks is synthesized to assess both current capabilities and translational limitations. Dynamic radiographic methods can characterize intervertebral motion with high anatomical specificity, but they are not suitable for scalable longitudinal monitoring. By contrast, wearable and video-based approaches are more compatible with real-world assessment, yet they capture external head–neck kinematics rather than vertebral-level kinematics directly and remain constrained by indirect observability, soft-tissue artifact, and inference uncertainty. On this basis, the review proposes a four-layer framework for continuous non-invasive cervical functional assessment based on sensing, representation, inference, and clinical interpretation, in which segmental cervical behavior is treated as a latent segment-informed functional construct inferred from multimodal external signals and periodically anchored to sparse reference-grade imaging anchors. Segmental motion signatures are consequently positioned as candidate digital measures for longitudinal cervical monitoring, provided that their development is supported by rigorous analytical and clinical validation, explicit uncertainty reporting, and demonstrated incremental clinical value. Full article

Understanding how socioemotional concerns evolve during emerging adulthood is central to research on young people’s psychological adaptation. This study examines temporal shifts in university students’ communication-related concerns across twelve consecutive cohorts (2014–2025) at a European university. Using a repeated cross-sectional mixed-method design, the study analyses nearly 800 student-generated questions from 543 first- and second-year students collected at the beginning of a communication psychology course. Inductive thematic coding, combined with χ² tests and trend analyses, identified temporal patterns in thematic frequencies. Results show a significant increase in concerns related to emotion regulation, stress management, and conflict resolution, alongside a decline in abstract self-development and understanding others. These findings suggest a shift from exploratory, cognitively oriented priorities toward more pragmatic, emotionally grounded coping concerns among emerging adults. From a developmental perspective, early university adaptation increasingly centers on self-regulation and interpersonal boundary management. The study demonstrates how reflective data can serve as indicators of changing socioemotional needs, contributing to research on young people’s adaptation, wellbeing, and developmental processes during the transition to adulthood. Full article

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) continue to impose substantial health and productivity losses in grazing ruminants, and the accelerating emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) underscores the need for SWC strategies. Although multiple SWC approaches have been validated experimentally, their implementation across European livestock systems remains inconsistent, and limited evidence exists regarding the stakeholders’ perceptions that affect decision-making. This study conducted a multilingual cross-sectional survey of 1261 respondents, including farmers, veterinarians, advisors, and other professionals, across 13 European countries to evaluate perceived worm-control cost burdens and the economic feasibility of seven SWC strategies. Descriptive and regression analyses revealed that a majority of respondents (56.7%) considered diagnostic testing to be financially reasonable, although perceptions varied significantly between countries. Sustainable anthelmintic use, quarantine and strategic screening, and grazing management were perceived as the most viable strategies, whereas biological control and bioactive compound-based approaches elicited greater uncertainty. An aggregated SWC Attitude Score demonstrated systematically higher acceptance among veterinarians compared to farmers, while male and older respondents exhibited lower levels of agreement across practices. The overall findings suggest that economic considerations may not be perceived as the primary barrier to sustainable worm control adoption, but other practical factors may potentially limit implementation. Full article

As a low-carbon alternative, methane pyrolysis offers a viable approach to overcoming the emission challenges associated with traditional hydrogen generation. However, catalyst deactivation is one of the key challenges, mainly caused by high-temperature sintering and coke deposition that block active sites. This study investigates the application of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment for the regeneration of coked catalysts through in situ carbon removal and performance recovery. Carbon removal by NTP is proposed as a cleaner alternative to conventional regeneration methods. The influence of plasma treatment was evaluated under different plasma treatment configurations, including the use of an auxiliary magnet to direct plasma flux toward the targeted region, and variations in gas composition (H₂/Ar and H₂/O₂). The plasma-treated catalyst was analyzed by SEM, EDS, XPS, and XRD techniques. Additionally, samples were evaluated for hydrogen production via methane pyrolysis. The results demonstrated measurable surface carbon removal, reaching approximately 38%. However, methane pyrolysis experiments revealed that this level of surface carbon removal was insufficient to achieve substantial catalytic activity recovery, indicating the need for further optimization. Full article

Objectives: To systematically synthesize existing evidence on functional biomechanical tests of the foot and ankle in physiotherapy and sports, focusing on their outcome measures, compatibility with wearable sensor technologies, and psychometric properties. Methods: We performed a systematic review (PRISMA-guided) of PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus from inception to December 2025. Eligible studies evaluated functional foot/ankle biomechanics in athletes, healthy adults, or adults with musculoskeletal foot/ankle conditions using wearable sensors (e.g., IMUs, wireless pressure insoles). Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and appraised methodological quality using the COSMIN Risk of Bias tool, applying property-specific ratings. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis; findings were narratively synthesized and tabulated. Results: Twenty full texts were reviewed; four studies (n = 83 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Wearable devices included foot- or trunk-mounted IMUs and wireless pressure insoles. Reported outcomes spanned temporal gait events and inner-stance phases, vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and centre-of-pressure trajectories, running step rate/stride length, and jump counts in competition. Validity was most frequently assessed: foot-worn IMUs showed millisecond-level agreement with in-shoe pressure references for stance and inner-stance events; pressure insoles demonstrated acceptable agreement with force plates for vGRF/COP alongside fair-to-excellent test–retest reliability; foot- vs. shank-mounted IMUs provided strong agreement for running step rate and stride length; and competition-based jump detection using IMUs achieved high sensitivity. Across studies, reliability indices were inconsistently reported, measurement error (SEM/MDC) was sparse, and MCID was not reported. The COSMIN appraisal ranged from very good/adequate to inadequate, driven primarily by small sample sizes, non-gold-standard comparators, and incomplete psychometric reporting. Full article

At the outset, startups need to choose a strategy that will enable them to operate in the long term. A proper strategy for startups ensures the development and overall viability of their products or services. The present research was conducted to identify the most suitable development strategies for startups in the Baltic States. Accordingly, the research aims to evaluate alternative startup strategies, considering external and internal factors. Research methods: monographic, SWOT analysis, and the quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM). Experts were selected using the targeted sampling method, based on the following selection criteria: experience in startup management or active involvement in the startup ecosystem in the Baltic States. The research involved 12 experts from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The research was conducted between November 2025 and January 2026. The geographical coverage was Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. First limitation of the research was that it provided insight into the five proposed startup strategies for the Baltic States, while other alternative strategies were not considered, given the limited scope and the need for in-depth analysis. The second limitation was that the sample includes 12 experts, including representatives from all three Baltic ecosystems, but they are not in the same numerical ratio. The main conclusion was that the intensive strategy was the most significant one. The second most important alternative strategy was the financial strategy. The least important alternative strategy was the sustainability strategy. The results showed that startups in the Baltic States focused on intensive market entry and product development, as well as strategic financial management, to develop in the long term. Full article

Digital Twins (DTs) have emerged as a key technology for sensor-driven cyber–physical systems, enabling such features as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization. Despite rapid progress, existing research in the area remains fragmented, mostly addressing only singular aspects, such as data acquisition, modeling, or control, lacking a unified lifecycle-oriented methodology capable of integrating heterogeneous sensor infrastructures, hybrid analytical models, and continuous feedback mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of Digital Twin technologies, focusing on sensor-centric architectures, data integration strategies, and hybrid modeling approaches. Based on the identified limitations, a novel Federated Digital Twin Lifecycle Model (F-DTLM) is proposed as a unifying framework for industrial applications. The model structures the DT lifecycle into four iterative phases—Definition and Scoping; Sensor Data and Infrastructure Federation; Hybrid Modeling and State Synchronization; and Operational Optimization and Closed-Loop Control, supported by cross-cutting layers addressing interoperability and governance. The integration of federated sensing infrastructures with hybrid physics-informed and data-driven models enables scalable synchronization between physical and digital systems. A comparative analysis and an illustrative predictive maintenance scenario illustrate the potential applicability of the proposed approach. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intracranial hypotension is a rare and underdiagnosed serious condition characterized by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, often resulting from trauma to the dura mater. While manual therapy is increasingly used for musculoskeletal complaints, it is not without risk and may, in rare cases, result in complications such as dural tears. Although these complications are rare, they require early recognition and appropriate treatment to prevent further morbidity. This case report aims to highlight a rare presentation of multilevel dural defects in temporal association with manual therapy and to demonstrate the efficacy of epidural blood patch (EBP) treatment. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 46-year-old woman without chronic illness who developed worsening orthostatic headaches, weakness, and vomiting after multiple manual therapy sessions. Only after 6 months did the patient undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which revealed intracranial hypotension due to dural damage in the spinal dura mater at C6–T1 and T8–T10, brain sagging, and an increased risk of subdural hematoma. After excluding other causes of dural defects, EBP was performed under CT guidance at C6–C7 and T8–T9, which resulted in symptom regression. Follow-up MRI was recommended for the patient. Conclusions: This case highlights a rare but clinically significant occurrence of multilevel dural defects and intracranial hypotension in temporal association with manual therapy. This emphasizes the critical role of timely diagnosis using MRI and the clinical effectiveness of EBP as a minimally invasive procedure. Full article

Ballistic para-aramid fabrics are widely used in personal protection and defense applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, thermal stability, and durability. This study investigates the influence of laser-based surface modification on graphene-modified Kevlar^® KM2-600 (600 dtex) fabrics, with a particular focus on surface morphology and topographical characteristics of para-aramid fabrics used in ballistic applications. The deposition of graphene onto para-aramid fibers introduces new opportunities for surface engineering, while laser processing enables localized and controlled modification of the fiber surface without compromising the integrity of the bulk material. In this work, graphene-modified Kevlar^® KM2-600 fabrics were subjected to controlled laser processing under various parameter settings, and the resulting surface modifications were systematically analyzed. Three-dimensional laser microscopy was employed to characterize surface morphology and roughness, providing detailed insight into laser-induced topographical changes. The results demonstrate that optimized laser processing enables controlled surface restructuring while avoiding severe thermal damage, particularly when appropriate mechanical stabilization and focal conditions are maintained. Under identical laser processing conditions (Matrix II, q = 3.65 × 10⁴ W/cm²), the mean arithmetic roughness increased from 4.57 ± 1.04 µm for the unmodified fabric to 5.54 ± 1.05 µm for the graphene-modified fabric, while the mean root mean square roughness increased from 5.76 ± 1.41 µm to 6.95 ± 1.39 µm. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of laser–graphene–aramid interactions and provide a foundation for future studies addressing the potential functional implications of surface modification in lightweight protective textiles. Full article

With growing interest in the effects of AI disclosure on user-generated content, empirical studies have produced mixed results. While some studies report negative consequences of disclosure, others suggest that transparent AI use does not necessarily reduce perceived authenticity or product evaluations. There is still limited knowledge about how AI disclosure in online reviews influences consumer perceptions when AI is presented as a support tool rather than a replacement for human input. To address this gap, the present study examines how AI disclosure and AI-related review cues influence consumer trust. The study compares three labeled review scenarios—reviews without AI-related information, AI-assisted labeled reviews, and AI-generated labeled reviews. The textual content of the reviews remained constant across conditions, while only AI-related labels and images were varied. This study also examines how these labeled scenarios relate to perceived authenticity and whether perceived authenticity mediates the relationship between labeled review scenarios and consumer trust. Based on survey data from 370 users of digital marketplaces in Latvia, analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, pairwise comparisons, and mediation analysis, this study found that: (1) reviews labeled as AI-generated showed the lowest levels of consumer trust and perceived authenticity, whereas AI-assisted labeled reviews were evaluated more favorably than AI-generated labeled reviews; (2) differences across the three scenarios were statistically significant for both consumer trust and perceived authenticity; and (3) perceived authenticity significantly mediated the relationship between labeled review scenarios and consumer trust. This study contributes to the literature by providing a more nuanced understanding of how AI disclosure and AI-related review cues shape consumer trust. It suggests that the key issue is not AI disclosure alone, but how AI-related cues shape perceived authenticity and, in turn, consumer trust. Full article