Search Results (795)

Background: This study investigates the precision of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in evaluating the Finger Tapping Test (FTT) to differentiate motor control competencies in women with fibromyalgia, a clinical population characterized by motor impairments. Methods: The sample consisted of 240 FTT trials collected from 20 women, half of whom were diagnosed with fibromyalgia (F = 46.4 ± 12.714; C = 45.9 ± 12.950). Procedures consisted of participants completing FTT while data were collected from a high-speed camera and an IMU for linear acceleration and angular velocity, respectively. Analyses employed the Bland–Altman technique with both parametric and bootstrap-derived limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients to assess levels of agreement between traditional and IMU-derived methods. Results: The results showed a strong agreement at subject×hand aggregation for the number of taps (RPC = 4.3 and ICC = 0.94) and for the inter-tap interval (RPC = 0.02 and ICC = 0.89), indicating minimal differences between measurements and demonstrating the potential for highly sensitive motor function assessment using an IMU. Conclusions: These findings suggest that IMU technology can effectively detect subtle aspects of motor control, supporting its use in exercise, rehabilitation, and clinical physiotherapy settings, including functional training, adapted rehabilitation exercises, and home-based monitoring for fibromyalgia. This approach offers detailed insights into subtle motor impairments, emphasizing its value for both clinical and exercise applications. Full article

This study aimed to assess the biocompatibility and bioactivity of three different silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] mixtures against human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). hDPSCs were treated with one of the following medicaments: 2 nm mixture, 5 nm mixture, 10 nm mixture, Ca(OH)₂ alone, and triple antibiotic paste (TAP). Cell viability was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and LIVE/DEAD Viability/Cytotoxicity Kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate redox probe. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α>, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mineralization was assessed using Alizarin Red S staining. Data were compared across groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test and within groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Ca(OH)₂ alone and the 10 nm mixture demonstrated the highest cell viability and lowest ROS release (p < 0.05), while the 2 nm and 5 nm mixtures resulted in decreased viability and significant morphological distortion of the cells. Ca(OH)₂ alone and the 10 nm mixture comparably demonstrated the highest production of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 (p < 0.05), the lowest production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α (p < 0.05), and the highest ALP release and mineralization (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, Ca(OH)₂ alone and the 10 nm mixture improved hDPSCs’ viability, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Both illustrated a significantly higher anti-inflammatory response by the residing stem cell population. Full article

This paper investigates and evaluates a compact, high-Q glass transformer with a 3D spiral structure that offers low loss and high area efficiency. Furthermore, we designed a CMOS power amplifier (PA) with an output-matching network implemented using an off-chip high-Q glass transformer to validate its operation. Two transformer types were developed: a five-port transformer with a center-tap and a four-port transformer without a center tap. The high-Q property of the transformer leads to low loss and tight coupling, as evidenced by an increase in maximum available gain (MAG). Compared with an integrated CMOS transformer, the high-Q transformer exhibits significantly lower loss while maintaining similar area and inductance, despite being an external component. A test PA comprising the CMOS PA and the off-chip transformer was evaluated with simulations and measurements, and it was also compared with a fully integrated PA at the simulation level to verify performance improvements. The proposed PA achieved a saturation power of 29.8 dBm, which was 1.7 dB higher than that of the fully integrated PA. The PAE also improved by 11 percentage points, from 32.1% to 43.1% in simulation. The results show substantial performance gains in simulation, while the total area increases only slightly. Measurements show the same trend as the simulations; with shorter bond-wire lengths, the measured results are expected to approach the simulated performance. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of an ultra-compact CMOS–off-chip hybrid PA that delivers high performance while maintaining a footprint comparable to that of a fully integrated PA, enabling applications in compact devices including mobile products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anxiety and depression are prevalent global health concerns, especially prominent in vulnerable groups such as older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions (e.g., neurodegeneration and cancer), and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Digital interventions, including computerized cognitive training (CCT), show promise in addressing emotional dysfunctions in a more accessible and cost-effective manner. The CREATE platform aims to enhance Emotion Regulation (ER) through targeted Working Memory (WM) training, aesthetic engagement, and creativity, while accounting for dopamine activity via spontaneous Eye Blink Rate (sEBR). The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the platform’s feasibility and validity through a single pilot trial. Methods: The study enrolled twenty-seven healthy adults (aged 21–44) who completed standardized self-report questionnaires on sleep quality and ER. They were also enrolled in sEBR recordings and performed a CCT-adapted Corsi block-tapping task and an aesthetic art evaluation. Affective textual narratives and valence/arousal ratings were also collected. Participants were divided into “Good Sleepers” and “Poor Sleepers”. The platform evaluation enrolled a multi-modal pipeline including correlations and regression analysis of intervention metrics, sentiment analysis, and group comparisons. Results: WM task performance correlated positively with global ER and Cognitive Reappraisal scores. Post-training sEBR was significantly associated with ER, and lower sleep efficiency negatively impacted changes in dopamine activity (sEBR Diff). Dopamine activity of “Good Sleepers”, as indicated by sEBR, reached the high levels of the “Poor Sleepers” group after the training, suggesting a dopamine boost caused by the CREATE platform for those with quality sleep. Creativity and emotional expression, as indicated by sentiment analysis, were related to sleep quality. Conclusions: The CREATE platform shows promise in enhancing ER through multi-modal digital engagement, integrating cognitive training, art, and creativity. The findings support the inclusion of sleep and dopamine markers in intervention evaluation. Further studies with larger samples and clinical cohorts are warranted to establish efficacy and generalizability, as the present one was not powered to test the effectiveness of our training platform but was designed to assess its feasibility and validity instead. Full article

The vortex throw, similar to the javelin throw, requires exceptional mastery of technique and specific motor abilities to ensure success. This study examines the anthropometric and motoric status of young female track-and-field athletes and investigates their relationship with vortex throwing performance. This research included 63 young female athletes; the results of 14 motor tests, three anthropometric measures, and training experience were compared with vortex throwing distance and vortex release velocity. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that the most valuable strong correlation was between the release velocity and the throwing distance (r > 0.75), indicating that they almost equally contributed to throwing performance. The most valuable moderate correlations were those between the leg tapping test, the overhead medicine ball throw, and the chest medicine ball launch and the performance of both forms of throwing. Accounting for shared variance among predictors, multivariable models explained 43% of the variance in vortex release velocity and 58% in vortex throwing distance, with the standing long jump uniquely predicting release velocity and the overhead 1-kg medicine ball throw uniquely predicting throwing distance. Finally, the motor abilities recognized in athletes in this research are valuable indicators of quality throwing performance and could play a crucial role in throwing success, which supports previous evidence on similar topics. Collectively, these results support using release velocity alongside distance to evaluate youth vortex throwers and highlight simple field tests (leg tapping, medicine ball throws, and long jumps) as practical markers for training prescription and early talent identification. Full article

An individual’s ability to process flickering light is expressed by critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF), tested with the flicker test. CFFF is used to assess visual processing, arousal, and cognitive functioning, among other things, although it is unclear how it reflects these processes. Due to possible differences between CFFF values obtained in trials with increasing and decreasing frequency, it also remains questionable to use only averaged CFFF values in research. The main objective of the present study was to assess how CFFF is related to cognitive functions (attention, short-term and working memory, and executive functions), and psychomotor speed. The research objectives also included assessing the stability of CFFF and its variability with age and comparing CFFF between men and women. Thirty-six participants (17 women and 19 men) completed computerized cognitive tests (Simon and flanker tasks, the Corsi block-tapping task, and the digit span task) three times, along with the flicker test. We found that CFFF scores were stable across sessions but differed between fusion and flicker thresholds, with age significantly correlating only with the fusion frequency. Given that, we suggest that future studies analyze not only the averaged CFFF, but also examine flicker and fusion thresholds separately to better understand their distinct contributions. Our results also revealed generally weak correlations between CFFF and neuropsychological test scores, with significant associations found only in women, suggesting that CFFF may not be a reliable indicator of cognitive functioning. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance plays a critical role in tracking emerging trends and informing evidence-based policies. This study assessed bacterial contamination and resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 1886 drinking water samples from 12 regions of Ghana between April 2024 and April 2025. Findings were compared to a baseline study from the Greater Accra region (2022). Water samples analysed included sachet, bottled, tap, borehole, well, and surface water. Isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. The majority of treated and packaged water samples were free from bacterial contamination. E. coli was frequently detected in untreated surface water (68%) and well water (63%). E. coli isolates from untreated water samples exhibited high resistance to cefuroxime (74%) and amoxicillin-clavulanate (50%); resistance to gentamicin increased from 3% in 2022 to 35% in 2025, while ertapenem resistance rose from 6% to 18%. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli isolates were found in samples from eight regions, and MDR P. aeruginosa in three, mostly from borehole water. These findings highlight the urgency to integrate AMR surveillance into national water quality initiatives, along with coordinated public health interventions, to educate communities on household water treatment practices and the health risks posed by AMR. Full article

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in unbalanced distribution networks presents significant challenges for optimal operation, particularly concerning power loss minimization and voltage regulation. This paper proposes a comprehensive Optimal Power Flow (OPF) model that coordinates various assets, including on-load tap changers (OLTCs), reactive power compensators, and controllable electric vehicles (EVs). To solve this complex and non-convex optimization problem, we developed the Shrinking Net Algorithm (SNA), a novel metaheuristic with mathematically proven convergence. The proposed framework was validated using the standard IEEE 123-bus test system. The results demonstrate significant operational improvements: total active power loss was reduced by 32.1%, from 96.103 kW to 65.208 kW. Furthermore, all node voltage violations were eliminated, with the minimum system voltage improving from 0.937 p.u. to a compliant 0.973 p.u. The findings confirm that the proposed SNA is an effective and robust tool for this application, highlighting the substantial economic and technical benefits of coordinated asset control for modern distribution system operators. Full article

Noise has detrimental effects on mental and physical health and quality of life, especially for those living in apartment buildings. Therefore, sound insulation materials are pivotal for reducing unwanted noise as well as enhancing acoustic comfort. This study offers a hybrid approach for analyzing 3D woven textile sound insulation material effectiveness, especially in residential buildings, by simulating airborne sound insulation and testing manufactured slab samples with 3D woven textile mortars in a laboratory using a tapping machine. At the same time, the JCA model and the transfer matrix method are employed to calibrate sound absorption coefficients (SAC) and simulate its airborne sound insulation effect in buildings in Seoul, South Korea. Results indicate that the maximum mean sound pressure level (SPL) of the 3D woven textile was reduced up to 9 dB in the octave band frequencies. The thickness improvement of 3D woven textiles enhances the mid- and high-frequency sound absorption effect, most pronounced in 3D woven textiles made of double-layer (DSRM) material, which demonstrated an air sound insulation efficiency around 28.5% greater than that of traditional materials. The maximum drop in impact sound pressure level (SPL) at 2 kHz is 13 dB. The study also proposes a strategy to optimize sound insulation performance, which is used as an effective solution for noise control in buildings. These findings lay the groundwork for research on the application of 3D woven textiles for sound insulation in residential buildings and offer prospects for sustainable textile composites in architectural building applications. Full article

Suture anchors are widely used for tendon and ligament repair, but their fixation strength is compromised in osteoporotic bone and limited bone volume such as the coracoid process. Existing designs are prone to penetration and insufficient cortical engagement under such conditions. In this study, we developed a novel short expandable-wing (SEW) suture anchor (Ti6Al4V) designed to enhance pull-out resistance through a deployable wing mechanism that locks directly against the cortical bone. Finite element analysis based on CT-derived bone material properties demonstrated reduced intra-bone displacement and improved load transfer with the SEW compared to conventional anchors. Mechanical testing using matched artificial bone surrogates (N = 3 per group) demonstrated significantly higher static pull-out strength in both normal (581 N) and osteoporotic bone (377 N) relative to controls (p < 0.05). Although the sample size was limited, results were consistent and statistically significant. After cyclic loading, SEW anchor fixation strength increased by 25–56%. In a 3D-printed anatomical coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction model, the SEW anchor provided nearly double the fixation strength of the hook plate, underscoring its superior stability under high-demand clinical conditions. This straightforward implantation protocol—requiring only a 5 mm drill hole without tapping, followed by direct insertion and knob-driven wing deployment—facilitates seamless integration into existing surgical workflows. Overall, the SEW anchor addresses key limitations of existing anchor designs in small bone volume and osteoporotic environments, demonstrating strong potential for clinical translation. Full article

To address the challenge of identifying water-flooded layers in the high-porosity, high-permeability, and strongly heterogeneous reservoirs of the Guantao Formation in the Penglai 19-3 Oilfield, research on water-flooded layer identification methods was systematically conducted. The logging characteristics of oil layers and water-flooded layers at different levels overlap considerably, which limits the accuracy of traditional identification methods. Meanwhile, the Archie equation shows significantly reduced applicability during the moderate and strong water-flooding stages. A water-flooded layer identification model was constructed using HistGBDT, and performance comparison between the base model and the optimized model reveals that the latter achieves a test accuracy of 91.6%. Compared with BPNN and SVM, the optimized HistGBDT model demonstrates substantially higher test accuracy and better generalization performance. Based on six sets of logging data, the optimized HistGBDT model developed enables the accurate identification of oil layers and multi-level water-flooded layers. It provides a reliable technical approach for tapping remaining oil in the high-water-cut stage of the Penglai 19-3 Oilfield and offers a new method and engineering reference for water-flooded layer identification in similar high-porosity, high-permeability heterogeneous reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin. Full article

Alcohol misuse can lead to alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), a condition linked to long-term cognitive impairment and considerable disease burden. The pharmacological characteristics of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) make it a promising candidate for the treatment of ARBD. In this study, adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight experimental groups. Four groups received a 20% (v/v) ethanol–tap water solution ad libitum for 15 weeks to induce early-stage ARBD, while the remaining received only tap water. After 14 weeks, all groups were administered daily injections for one week with either ALA, rivastigmine, or memantine. Behavioral testing included the step-through passive avoidance and rotarod performance tests. Whole-brain biochemical analyses assessed acetylcholinesterase activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Brain weight, relative brain weight, and brain histopathological changes were also evaluated. Results showed that, similar to memantine and rivastigmine, ALA improved STL at both 24 h and 8 days and reduced ethanol-induced Purkinje cell damage. It also decreased lipid peroxidation levels by 44%, unlike the reference drugs, and superoxide dismutase activity by 33%, similar to them. No other significant changes were detected. Albeit several limitations, this is the first study comparing ALA with rivastigmine and memantine in this experimental context. Full article

This study presents a sustainable upcycling strategy to convert “Pit,” a carbon-rich coke oven by-product from steel manufacturing, into high-purity graphite for use as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries. Despite its high carbon content, raw Pit contains significant impurities and has irregular particle morphology, which limits its direct application in batteries. We employed a multi-step, additive-free refinement process—including jet milling, spheroidization, and high-temperature graphitization—to enhance carbon purity and structural properties. The processed Pit-derived graphite showed a much-improved particle size distribution (D50 reduced from 25.3 μm to 14.8 μm & Span reduced from 1.72 to 1.23), increased tap density (from 0.54 to 0.80 g/cm³), and reduced BET surface area, making it suitable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries anodes. Structural characterization by XRD and TEM confirmed dramatically enhanced crystallinity after graphitization (graphitization degree increasing from ~13 for raw Pit to 95.7% for graphitized Pit at 3000 °C). The fully processed graphite (denoted S_Pit3000) delivered a reversible discharge capacity of 346.7 mAh/g with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 93.5% in half-cell tests—comparable to commercial artificial graphite. Furthermore, when composited with silicon oxide to form a hybrid anode, the material achieved an even higher capacity of 418.0 mAh/g under high mass loading conditions. These results highlight the feasibility of transforming industrial coke waste into value-added electrode materials through environmentally friendly physical processes. The upcycled graphite anode meets industrial performance standards, demonstrating a promising route toward circular economy solutions in both the steel and battery industries. Full article

It is just as important to produce high-quality drinking water as it is to distribute it throughout the water supply system without compromising chemical or microbiological quality. Therefore, it is essential to study the migration of substances in contact with water to assess potential chemical contamination under the conditions usually found in distribution systems, which is critical for potential toxicity studies. This initial characterization of the material allows for the assessment of its suitability for contact with drinking water. The rubber material used in the water supply system was selected and subjected to migration tests for 29 days using demineralized water. The potential organic contaminants from migration waters were extracted using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). More than 50 organic compounds were quantified in migration waters. Most of the organic compounds were considered unexpected substances. Benzothiazole, 2-benzothiazole, and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole were dominant compounds. The unknowns showed a lower estimated concentration at the consumer tap (C_Tap) than the maximum tolerable concentration at the tap (MTC_Tap), and their sum was less than 5.0 µg/L. The studied rubber material is suitable for use in the water distribution system, as it satisfies the criteria of the migration tests. Full article

This work demonstrates the use of SUS316L stainless steel as a new material for the fabrication of quasi-reference electrodes (QREs) intended to replace conventional reference electrodes (REs) in electrochemical sensors. The present study examined the potentials generated by SUS316L specimens annealed in air at 400 °C and above for 1 h or more. Annealing above 500 °C increased the proportion of Cr in surface oxide films, hence reducing the stability of the potential. Samples annealed at 400 °C for 5 h produced the most stable electrode potential, which was attributed to a higher concentration of Fe in the oxide layer. The potential of such specimens increased by only 28.3 mV between test durations of 24 and 168 h, and potential data acquired at 30 s intervals had a standard deviation of less than 2 µV. Applying a surface treatment prior to immersion in the simulated tap water evidently stabilized the electrode potential, as a consequence of the formation of an inner oxide layer together with an outer layer consisting primarily of iron oxides. Full article