Search Results (2,881)

Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) wood is a preferred resonance material for musical instruments, but the surface coatings used to protect it also alter its acoustic behaviour. In this study, the effects of nitrocellulose and polyurethane coatings on spruce lamellas during an ageing period of 300 days were investigated. Gloss, hardness, impact resistance, resonance frequencies, vibration damping (tan δ) and acoustic conversion efficiency (ACE) were measured. Both coatings initially reduced the resonance frequencies and moduli of elasticity (E), while increasing the tan δ and reducing the ACE, with the nitrocellulose having a greater effect. Ageing led to greater hardness, lower tan δ and improved ACE, which can be attributed to the progressive curing of the coatings. The strong correlation between hardness and acoustic parameters suggests that mechanical surface properties may serve as predictors of acoustic effectiveness. Polyurethane maintained acoustic performance better than nitrocellulose, although impact resistance decreased with ageing. These results emphasize the importance of choosing coating systems that balance durability and long-term acoustic requirements in instrument making. Full article

General self-efficacy is identified as a modifiable determinant of adolescent mental health and well-being. This study sought to better understand how conditions in different environments of adolescents’ lives and socio-demographic factors are associated with adolescents’ general self-efficacy. We conducted a hierarchical multi-variable linear regression analysis based on survey data from 2021 of a large population-based sample of Norwegian adolescents (n = 15,040). We found that better Relation to peers (β = 0.20, 95% CI [0.18; 0.22]) and Academic/social relation to teachers (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.11; 0.14]), Perceived neighbourhood safety (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.06; 0.10]), and Participation in physical activities (β = 0.07, 95% CI [0.06; 0.09]) had medium to small positive associations with adolescents’ general self-efficacy, whilst Parental involvement, Participation in organized music/cultural leisure activities, and Perceived access to neighbourhood leisure arenas had negligible associations with general self-efficacy. Boys reported a stronger general self-efficacy than girls (β = −0.17, 95% CI [−0.19; −0.16]) and Age and Socio-economic status had small positive associations with general self-efficacy (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.07; 0.10] and 0.04, 95% CI [0.02; 0.06], respectively). We found some small moderation effects by socio-demographic factors in the associations between environmental factors and general self-efficacy. Our findings suggest that general self-efficacy-promoting initiatives that target adolescents apply a multi-sectorial and multi-level approach and pay particular attention to gender differences. A focus on facilitating adolescents’ experiences of mastery and access to relevant successful role models and supportive behaviour by adults and peers in the various contexts seems to be of particular importance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by musculoskeletal manifestations such as myopathies, arthritis, and arthralgia. Physical activity may improve patients’ quality of life and overall wellbeing. This study aimed to evaluate physical activity levels in patients with SLE and identify how clinical, psychosocial, and sociodemographic factors influence these levels. Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted including 64 patients with SLE. Clinical variables were obtained from medical records, and patient-reported outcomes were collected at the time of the survey. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Independent variables included fatigue (FAS), quality of life (SF-36), sleep (PSQI), depression (BDI-II), anxiety (HARS), age, disease factors (activity, duration, damage), sex, smoking, and comorbidities. Results: Significant associations were found between physical activity levels and smoking status (χ² = 11.88; p = 0.003), sleep quality (χ² = 6.81; p = 0.03), and anxiety (χ² = 18.39; p = 0.001). In multivariable analyses, poor sleep (PSQI > 5) (OR = 14.40; 95% CI: 2.50–82.99), higher anxiety (HARS; per point OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.05–1.20), and higher SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores (per point OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.15–1.45) were associated with being in a higher physical activity category. Given the counterintuitive direction for sleep and the limited model fit, these results should be interpreted cautiously. Conclusions: In patients with SLE, physical activity was associated with sleep disturbances, anxiety, and perceived physical health. These findings underscore the need to integrate psychosocial and behavioural factors into multidisciplinary strategies promoting physical activity in lupus care and provide a rationale for future longitudinal and interventional studies to validate and extend these associations. Full article

This paper assesses the correlates of perceived well-being among young women aged 18 to 30 in five Balkan cities: Athens, Greece; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Bucharest, Romania; Nis, Serbia; and Shtip, North Macedonia, by integrating urban, travel behavioural, and socio-economic features. A cross-sectional survey was employed using standard questionnaires including the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the adapted ALPHA environmental questionnaire. To answer research questions, linear regression models were developed to analyse predictors of well-being at both regional and national levels. Results show that neighbourhood and mobility features play a significant role in shaping mental well-being. Access to walkable sidewalks, green spaces, mixed land-use structure, and attractive local facilities (e.g., shops, recreational centres in the neighbourhood) were consistently associated with higher levels of well-being. Conversely, perceived insecurity, especially at night or regarding bicycle theft, significantly reduced well-being. Physical activity levels, particularly days of walking and vigorous activity, showed strong positive associations, underscoring the role of active lifestyles in promoting mental health. Socio-economic variables, including financial status, relationship status, and work status, were also found to be linked to perceived well-being. Cycling-related variables may affect Greek well-being up to 16.5 times. Perception of crime during the night may negatively affect both Bulgarian and Serbian well-being (up to 10 times), while Romanian well-being is mostly affected by the existence of shopping facilities. Finally, the most impactful factors for well-being in North Macedonia refer to cycling safety and scooter accessibility. Full article

Background: Menopause is associated with metabolic, sensory, and psychosocial changes that may reshape eating behaviours and nutrition-related quality of life. This study explored how women experience nutrition and chemosensory changes during menopause and how these intersect with identity, control, and social practices. Methods: We conducted online focus groups (Microsoft Teams) with women living in Ireland (n = 40; mean age 58.3 years (±4.5 years)) between January and March 2025. Discussions followed a semi-structured guide focused on taste/smell, appetite, food choice, and coping. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, anonymised, and analysed following Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Results: Four themes captured patterned meanings in the dataset: (1) Chemosensory Changes—reports of diminished taste, contrasted with heightened smell and selective intensification (sweetness), prompting compensatory behaviours (more salt/spice/strong coffee) and new aversions (e.g., cucumber, spicy dishes) alongside unexpected likes (e.g., dark chocolate); (2) Behavioural and Emotional Consequences—increased snacking, sugar/salt cravings, and perceived loss of satiety co-occurred with weight gain and altered body shape, undermining food pleasure and self-confidence; (3) Interacting Influences—affecting vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbance, joint pain, and “brain fog” compounded dietary disruptions and social withdrawal (e.g., embarrassment about appetite, reduced desire to dine out); (4) Strategies for Wellbeing—women described medical approaches (HRT, prescribed medications) alongside food modifications and the importance of diagnosis, information, and peer/professional support. Conclusions: Menopause reshapes sensory perception and eating behaviour in complex, individualised ways that extend beyond biology to identity and social life. Nutrition care should integrate symptom management with person-centred strategies and improved access to evidence-based information, diagnosis, and support networks. Full article

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa remain disproportionately affected by HIV due to a complex interplay of structural, social, and gender-based vulnerabilities. This study explored the experiences of AGYW who participated in a group-based HIV prevention intervention in three low-socio-economic communities—Soweto, Alexandra, and Orange Farm—in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The intervention integrated economic strengthening with HIV prevention education, delivered through structured, mentor-led group sessions. Using qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 AGYW aged 15–24 to examine how participation empowered them to reduce HIV-related risks. The findings reveal that the intervention significantly enhanced participants’ self-awareness, assertiveness, and knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), while fostering personal independence, goal setting, and agency. The group-based format also facilitated peer connection and created a safe space for challenging harmful gender norms, improving health-seeking behaviours, and navigating access to SRH services. Mentorship emerged as a critical enabler of impact, providing emotional support and trusted guidance. The study underscores the value of community group-based HIV prevention models that empower AGYW through social, economic, and gender-responsive approaches, offering practical insights for policy and programme design in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Three-dimensional printing has emerged as a promising technology in endovascular surgery for the production of patient-specific stent-grafts. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is widely used for this purpose due to its favourable biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and mechanical properties. However, its long-term stability under physiological conditions remains uncertain. This study evaluates the ageing behaviour of 3D-printed TPU stent-grafts under accelerated oxidative conditions (20% H₂O₂–0.1 M CoCl₂) over three months, corresponding to approximately 45 months in vivo, and during three months in hydrolytic (0.1 M NaOH) conditions. Mechanical, physicochemical, thermal, and surface properties were periodically analysed. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a decrease in crystallisation enthalpy of 41% and a reduction in melting enthalpy of 29% after hydrolytic ageing, whereas no decrease was observed after oxidative ageing. Despite these chemical changes, size exclusion chromatography indicated minimal chain scission. However, spectroscopy and microscopy showed minor chain scission and additive migration (antioxidant and lubricant). Nevertheless, tensile testing highlighted that mechanical performance remained within clinically acceptable ranges. These findings demonstrate that 3D-printed TPU vascular implants retain essential properties under prolonged simulated ageing, supporting their safety and durability for vascular applications. Full article

Background: Dementia is a common disease in the elderly, and its prevalence continues to increase worldwide. A significant proportion of patients with dementia are hospitalised due to comorbidities. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) reflects overall health and is used in clinical trials, economic evaluations, and population health studies. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of dementia and quality of life related to the health status of patients hospitalised in geriatric wards. Methods: The study was conducted in geriatric wards of hospitals in the Lublin region. A total of 308 patients aged 65–98 years participated in the study. Results: The NOSGER scale evaluation of patients was at the average level of 75.82 points. The seniors showed best functioning in the area of disruptive behaviours (average 9.45 points), and the greatest deficits were found in the area of instrumental activities of everyday life (15.95 points). The cohort of patients assessed their overall quality of life at the average level of 3.16 ± 0.78 points and health status at 2.44 ± 0.77 points. The highest scores were given to the social domain (59.52 ± 13.69) and the environmental domain (56.96 ± 1.95). Conclusions. Psychophysical fitness was shown to decline in correlation with geriatric ward patients’ quality of life self-assessment. Full article

Background: This study examined the clustering of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and their determinants among adolescents across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. Methods: The study included 210,713 adolescents aged 11 to 15 years from 45 countries who participated in the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. Lifestyle behaviours, including physical inactivity, inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, frequent soft drink consumption, alcohol use, and smoking, were used to examine the clustering of unhealthy behaviours. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to assess the associations between unhealthy behaviour clustering (≥3 unhealthy behaviours) and contextual factors at the individual, family, and school levels. Results: A high prevalence of clustered unhealthy behaviours was observed among adolescents, with 51.5% engaging in three or more unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. The odds increased with age (AOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.75, 1.84 for those aged ≥ 15 years), among males (AOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 123, 1.28), and among those experiencing higher academic pressure (AOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.17 for very high academic pressure). In contrast, the odds were lower among adolescents from a higher family affluence background (AOR: 0.62 95% CI: 0.60, 0.65 for high), among adolescents living with both parents (AOR: 0.83, 95 CI: 0.81, 0.85), those reporting higher family support (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.63 for high), higher peer support at school (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.89 for high), and those reporting higher school satisfaction (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.52 for very high). Conclusions: The study reveals that one in two adolescents engages in three or more unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. It emphasises the need to tackle this public health challenge through multisectoral interventions targeting individual-level and contextual factors at the family and school levels. Full article

The increasing demand for electricity and the requirement for transformers to operate under higher loads have driven the search for new insulating materials. On the one hand, papers with enhanced thermal resistance, such as thermally upgraded kraft (TUK) papers, are being introduced; on the other, the use of ester liquids is gaining attention due to their thermal and environmental advantages. This study investigates the thermal ageing behaviour of TUK paper impregnated with five ester liquids—four natural liquids of different origin and one synthetic—subjected to accelerated ageing at 130 °C, 150 °C, and 170 °C, and compared with mineral oil as impregnating fluid as a reference. The degradation of the paper, assessed through its degree of polymerisation, was monitored alongside the evolution of key chemical, physical, and dielectric properties of the liquids. In addition to the experimental analysis, this work also examines the current maintenance standards applied to transformers operating with different insulating fluids. The results showed that while the paper degradation was similar across most of the esters, the ageing behaviour of the fluids differed significantly in terms of acidity, moisture content, interfacial tension, and dielectric dissipation factor. These discrepancies strongly influence the interpretation of fluid condition based on existing transformer maintenance standards, which may lead to inconsistent assessments when applied to ester-filled transformers. The findings highlight both the suitability of natural esters for high-temperature operation and the need to revisit condition assessment criteria in standards that were originally developed for mineral oil systems. Full article

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a crucial process in electrochemical systems, such as fuel cells, as it effectively converts oxygen into water, thereby contributing significantly to sustainable energy generation. In this study, copper oxide (CuO) thin films were deposited onto silver (Ag) substrates using a modified successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, followed by an investigation of their electrocatalytic performance toward ORR in an alkaline medium. Comprehensive electrochemical characterizations, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and open circuit potential (OCP), were employed to evaluate catalyst behaviour. Elemental analysis through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the uniform distribution of CuO, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a sponge-like surface morphology which potentially enhances catalytic efficiency. Moreover, EIS spectra revealed a lower charge transfer resistance for the CuO/Ag electrode (3.37 kΩ) compared to bare Ag (4.23 kΩ), reflecting improved ORR kinetics. Among different deposition cycles, 15 SILAR cycles yielded the highest current density of 0.8 mA cm⁻² at 0.60 V. Kinetic analysis revealed that the reaction is irreversible, with a lower value of Tafel slope (32 mV dec⁻¹) and high transfer coefficient (α = 0.45), indicating a concerted reduction mechanism. The ORR pathway was found to follow a four-electron (4e⁻) transfer process. Full article

This study aimed to analyse young consumers’ behaviour in Poland toward the consumption of plant-based beverages as milk alternatives. The sensory analysis included oat, buckwheat, cashew, almond, soy, pea, rice, coconut, hazelnut, and macadamia nut beverages and their mixtures. Quantitative analysis of sensory desirability and sensory profiling were employed to evaluate plant-based beverages. The study was conducted among young people (aged 18–35) who declared a vegan or omnivorous diet. It was found that the most frequently consumed beverages included oat and soy beverages, both among vegan and traditional (omnivorous) young groups. A significantly lower frequency of plant-based beverage consumption was confirmed in the group of people with an omnivorous diet. The taste characteristics in plant-based beverages are a key factor in driving sensory desirability among young consumers. Analysis of the influence of respondents’ declared diet and gender revealed no significant differences in the desirability of the taste of the plant-based beverages. The consumers rated the coconut, pea, macadamia, oat, and rice–coconut beverages as the most desirable in terms of taste. The lowest taste desirability was confirmed for the soy drink despite its high reported consumption. The importance of this study focused on the local market development in vegan food, as well as its potential due to further consumer expectations. Full article

Background: Chronotype is a determinant of tolerance to shift work; however, its physiological and psychological correlates remain insufficiently explored in healthcare workers. This study investigated associations between chronotype, perceived stress, sleep quality, and health behaviours in a large cohort of shift-working nurses and physicians. Additionally, diurnal salivary cortisol patterns were characterised in a physiological subsample. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 451 participants (77% female; mean age 42 ± 11 years) completing validated instruments, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptom Scale (PHQ-15), and reduced Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ). In addition, a prospective pilot substudy was performed in a physiological subsample of nurses (n = 40), in which salivary cortisol was measured at three time points during both day and night shifts. Results: Evening chronotype exhibited a higher prevalence of insomnia (70%) and elevated AIS scores (8.2 ± 4.2, p < 0.001). In the physiological subsample, evening types demonstrated a significantly attenuated cortisol awakening response (6.5 ± 5.1 nmol/L, p = 0.02) and a flatter diurnal cortisol slope during day shifts (p = 0.01). Logistic regression indicated that increased age, somatic symptom burden, and perceived stress were significant risk factors for insomnia, whereas morningness was protective (OR = 0.89, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Evening chronotype among healthcare professionals is associated with altered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation and impaired sleep quality. These findings highlight the potential utility of chronotype-based scheduling and behavioural interventions targeting circadian misalignment to improve occupational health outcomes in shift-working populations. Full article

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the relationships between screen time (ST), sleep time (SLT), physical activity engagement (PA), Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence, body mass index (BMI), self-esteem (SE) and academic performance (AP) in high-socioeconomic-status (SES) school-aged youth in southern Spain. Methods: A descriptive, comparative, non-experimental and cross-sectional research study was conducted with a total sample of 217 Spanish students (13.88 ± 1.32). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to analyse relationships between study variables as a function of sex. Results: SLT was positively associated with MD adherence and negatively related with BMI. Both PA and MD adherence were positively linked to SE, whilst MD adherence and SE were also positively related to AP. Regarding sex differences, ST was a stronger determinant among girls, showing negative associations with PA (β = −0.378; p < 0.001) and MD adherence (β = −0.315; p < 0.001), with this pattern not being observed in boys. PA was positively associated with SE in both sexes, but more strongly in boys (β = 0.332; p < 0.001) than in girls (β = 0.190; p = 0.034). In girls, both MD adherence (β = 0.295; p < 0.001) and SE (β = 0.224; p = 0.008) were positively associated with AP, with these associations not being found in boys. Conclusions: The findings underscore the complex interplay between lifestyle behaviours, psychosocial factors, and AP in school-aged youth. Regardless of SES, interventions should focus on reducing ST, promoting PA and MD adherence, and enhancing SE whilst considering sex-specific patterns. Full article

This study investigated the preference behaviour of 24 four-week-old weaned piglets under different lighting conditions (0 lux with 0 Kelvin vs. 80 lux with 3000 Kelvin vs. 6500 Kelvin). Two trials with 12 piglets each were conducted over five weeks in a room with four interconnected pens, allowing free movement between the pens. Pens A and B were nearly dark (~0 lux), while pen C (80 lux, 3000 Kelvin) and pen D (80 lux, 6500 Kelvin) were illuminated. On three days in weeks 1, 3 and 5, behaviour (lying, eating and activity) was recorded using video observations and a 5 min time sampling method. Cleanliness was also monitored daily. In the first week, piglets in the first batch preferred the darkened pens, whereas piglets in the second batch preferred illuminated pens, especially when the colour temperature was 3000 Kelvin. By the third week, piglets in the second batch now preferred darker areas. In the fifth week, the piglets spent more time in the dark in the mornings and evenings but showed no preference for colour temperature. The darkened pens remained mostly clean, whereas pen D, which had a light colour temperature of 6500 Kelvin, was the most soiled. The results show that piglet behaviour changes with age and the time of day, suggesting that lighting concepts can be adapted to improve both animal welfare and pen hygiene. Full article