Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (220)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = bed-mobility

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
30 pages, 2521 KiB  
Article
From Batch to Pilot: Scaling Up Arsenic Removal with an Fe-Mn-Based Nanocomposite
by Jasmina Nikić, Jovana Jokić Govedarica, Malcolm Watson, Đorđe Pejin, Aleksandra Tubić and Jasmina Agbaba
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141104 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a significant public health concern, with As(III) posing a greater and more challenging risk than As(V) due to its higher toxicity, mobility, and weaker adsorption affinity. Fe-Mn-based adsorbents offer a promising solution, simultaneously oxidizing As(III) to As(V), enhancing [...] Read more.
Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a significant public health concern, with As(III) posing a greater and more challenging risk than As(V) due to its higher toxicity, mobility, and weaker adsorption affinity. Fe-Mn-based adsorbents offer a promising solution, simultaneously oxidizing As(III) to As(V), enhancing its adsorption. This study evaluates an Fe-Mn nanocomposite across typical batch (20 mg of adsorbent), fixed-bed column (28 g), and pilot-scale (2.5 kg) studies, bridging the gap between laboratory and real-world applications. Batch experiments yielded maximum adsorption capacities of 6.25 mg/g and 4.71 mg/g in a synthetic matrix and real groundwater, respectively, demonstrating the impact of the water matrix on adsorption. Operational constraints and competing anions led to a lower capacity in the pilot (0.551 mg/g). Good agreement was observed between the breakthrough curves in the pilot (breakthrough at 475 bed volumes) and the fixed-bed column studies (365–587 bed volumes) under similar empty bed contact times (EBCTs). The Thomas, Adams–Bohart, and Yoon–Nelson models demonstrated that lower flow rates and extended EBCTs significantly enhance arsenic removal efficiency, prolonging the operational lifespan. Our findings demonstrate the necessity of continuous-flow experiments using real contaminated water sources and the importance of optimizing flow conditions, EBCTs, and pre-treatment in order to successfully scale up Fe-Mn-based adsorbents for sustainable arsenic removal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 3717 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Importance of Epidemic Prevention in Chinese Cities Considering Population Mobility Network
by Bing Li, Jie Zhang and Ziye Xiang
Mathematics 2025, 13(14), 2222; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13142222 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Against the backdrop of frequent public health emergencies caused by infectious diseases, it is urgent to evaluate the importance of urban epidemic prevention by integrating population mobility networks. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed based on a population mobility [...] Read more.
Against the backdrop of frequent public health emergencies caused by infectious diseases, it is urgent to evaluate the importance of urban epidemic prevention by integrating population mobility networks. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed based on a population mobility network, and the improved entropy weight method and analytic hierarchy process are used to obtain the comprehensive weights. The weight imbalance problem of traditional methods is solved by introducing community structure weighting and subjective weight. We establish a Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)-based evaluation model named city importance evaluation based on the division of communities and TOPSIS (CICT) for the importance of urban epidemic prevention and simulate the model using data from 297 cities in China. It can rank indicators that affect the importance of cities in infectious disease prevention and control and identify key cities for infectious disease prevention and control. The influence of various indicators on the evaluation objectives vary during different investigation periods, but the entropy weights of confirmed cases, hospital beds, and practicing (assistant) physicians remain at a high level. Cities with a high number of confirmed cases consistently rank at the top in the comprehensive evaluation, but this model can also identify potential key cities with fewer confirmed cases. These cities require key management during the outbreak of infectious diseases. The evaluation model can scientifically assess the epidemic prevention significance of cities, improve the efficiency of public health emergency management, and provide quantitative support for formulating urban epidemic control strategies, promoting resource optimization allocation, and implementing targeted measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data Modeling and Analysis in Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 4584 KiB  
Article
Fast Track Design Using Process Mining: Does It Improve Saturation and Times in Emergency Departments?
by Angeles Celda-Moret, Gema Ibanez-Sanchez, Javier Garijo, Mirela Pop-Llut, Miriam Faus-Lluquet and Carlos Fernandez-Llatas
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7367; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137367 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 306
Abstract
Emergency department overcrowding disproportionately affects complex patients, such as older adults and those with comorbidities, who consume significant resources and experience prolonged delays. This study integrates process mining and predictive simulation to identify key factors influencing length of stay and to propose a [...] Read more.
Emergency department overcrowding disproportionately affects complex patients, such as older adults and those with comorbidities, who consume significant resources and experience prolonged delays. This study integrates process mining and predictive simulation to identify key factors influencing length of stay and to propose a data-driven solution: a tailored fast-track pathway for high-risk patients. Using data from 94,489 emergency episodes, a predictive formula was developed based on clinically relevant variables, including age (>65 years); triage levels (II and III); frequent emergency department visits; need for mobility aids; and specific reasons for consultation such as dyspnea, abdominal pain, and poor general condition. Simulation results demonstrated that implementing this fast-track pathway reduces length of stay by up to 21% and emergency department saturation by 35%, even with minimal resource allocation (five beds). The manual predictive formula showed comparable prediction performance to machine learning models while maintaining transparency and traceability, ensuring greater acceptability among healthcare professionals. This approach represents a paradigm shift in emergency department management, offering a scalable tool to optimise resource allocation, improve patient outcomes, and reduce operational inefficiencies. Future multicenter validations could establish this model as an essential component of emergency department management strategies. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1138 KiB  
Article
Early Mobilization of Critically Ill Patients: A Survey of Knowledge, Practices and Perceptions of Greek Physiotherapists
by Elpida Papadimitriou, Stavros Petras, Georgios Mitsiou, Ioannis Vasileiadis, Eirini Grammatopoulou and Irini Patsaki
Healthcare 2025, 13(11), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111248 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 1017
Abstract
Background/Objective: Early mobilization (EM) of critically ill patients is a feasible and safe intervention that limits the implications of bed rest and improves lung function. However, its limited implementation suggests a gap between the research evidence and clinical practice. It is widely accepted [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Early mobilization (EM) of critically ill patients is a feasible and safe intervention that limits the implications of bed rest and improves lung function. However, its limited implementation suggests a gap between the research evidence and clinical practice. It is widely accepted that early mobilization faces a variety of barriers. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of Greek physiotherapists on EM barriers and record their knowledge and practices. Methods: We conducted an electronic survey using the online platform “Microsoft Forms”, among critical care physiotherapists in 66 hospitals that had an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) department in Greece in 2024. We administered a questionnaire, developed based on valid and reliable international questionnaires, with the following domains: education and knowledge on early mobilization, practices, perception regarding EM, and perceived barriers to early mobilization. Results: A total of 126 Greek physical therapists participated. The majority of them worked in urban area hospitals and in a rotation schedule around all departments. Most physical therapists stated that early mobilization is a priority for the patient’s rehabilitation and an important factor in preventing the complications of bed rest. Yet, they do not use specific protocols. Most had knowledge of what EM involved and the international guidelines. The most common barriers reported were the hemodynamic instability and the incoherence with the ventilator. Dedicated physiotherapists singled out certain barriers like the presence of delirium and the lack of communication among ICU staff. Additionally, physiotherapists with more years of experience did not acknowledge tubes, connections, femoral lines and Body Mass Index (BMI) as barriers. Conclusions: Most Greek physiotherapists believe that early mobilization is crucial for the rehabilitation of critically ill patients. A significant percentage know the guidelines, yet they do not follow a specific protocol. Various barriers prevent its implementation, which depends on the patients, healthcare providers, and the overall process. Yet, It is recognized that practices and perceived barriers are influenced by experience and work schedule. Establishing clinical protocols is essential to facilitate the implementation of early mobilization and support patient rehabilitation. Future efforts should focus on designing strategies and EM protocols for physiotherapy in Greek ICUs. Also, we need to monitor changes in perceived barriers across other countries as focus on the matter via published studies and clinical seminars could lead to significant changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Patient Safety in Critical Care Settings)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8986 KiB  
Article
Stability Assessment of the Tepehan Landslide: Before and After the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes
by Katherine Nieto, Noha I. Medhat, Aimaiti Yusupujiang, Vasit Sagan and Tugce Baser
Geosciences 2025, 15(5), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15050181 - 17 May 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
This study focuses on the investigation of the Tepehan landslide triggered by the 6 February 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye. The overall goal of this study is to understand the slope condition and simulate the failure considering pre- and post-event geometry. Topographic variations [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the investigation of the Tepehan landslide triggered by the 6 February 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye. The overall goal of this study is to understand the slope condition and simulate the failure considering pre- and post-event geometry. Topographic variations in the landslide area were analyzed using digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from the Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data and geospatial analysis. Slope stability analyses were conducted over a representative alignment, including assessments of soil structure, geological history, and field features. A limit equilibrium back-analysis was performed under both static and pseudo-static conditions, where an earthquake load coefficient was considered in the analyses. A total of five scenarios were evaluated to determine factors of safety (FoS) based on fully softened and residual strength parameters. The resulting critical slip surfaces from the simulations were compared with the geomorphometric analysis, necessitating the adjustment of the subsurface hard clay layer for residual conditions. The analyses revealed that the slope behaves as a delayed first-time landslide, with bedding planes acting as localized weak layers, reducing mobilized shear strength. This integrated remote sensing–geotechnical approach advances landslide hazard evaluation by enhancing the precision of slip surface identification and post-seismic slope behavior modeling, offering a valuable framework for similar post-disaster geohazard assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geomechanics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1049 KiB  
Review
Early Mobilization Protocols in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients: A Scoping Review of Strategies, Tools and Perceived Barriers
by Lizeth Dayana Noreña-Buitrón, Valeria Sanclemente-Cardoza, Maria Alejandra Espinosa-Cifuentes, Harold Andrés Payán-Salcedo and Jose Luis Estela-Zape
Children 2025, 12(5), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12050633 - 14 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1076
Abstract
Background/Objectives: We will describe the early mobilization protocols applied to critically ill pediatric patients in PICUs, analyzing the strategies employed, the tools used, and the barriers perceived by the healthcare team during their implementation. Methods: The scoping review followed the guidelines established by [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: We will describe the early mobilization protocols applied to critically ill pediatric patients in PICUs, analyzing the strategies employed, the tools used, and the barriers perceived by the healthcare team during their implementation. Methods: The scoping review followed the guidelines established by PRISMA-ScR. A search was conducted across five electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions AI, and ScienceDirect. Articles published in English that focused on pediatric patients aged 0 to 18 years were included. Results: A total of 3508 records were initially identified, of which 3422 articles were evaluated after duplicate removal. Subsequently, 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The methodological quality of the studies was mostly adequate, with 71.43% achieving scores between eight and nine on the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and 50% of the randomized clinical trials obtaining the maximum score of 7/7 on the Jadad scale. The interventions analyzed, including active bed mobility, bed cycling, and virtual reality, showed positive results in terms of feasibility and safety. The most frequently reported barriers to mobilization were hemodynamic instability, excessive sedation, pain, and lack of personnel and equipment. Conclusions: Early mobilization in pediatric PICUs is linked to improvements in mobility, reduced hospital stays, and shorter mechanical ventilation duration. However, its implementation is limited by barriers such as hemodynamic instability, excessive sedation, and lack of personnel and equipment. Further research is needed to establish uniform protocols, reduce these barriers, and optimize their effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Emergency Medicine & Intensive Care Medicine)
Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 5211 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Influence of LPBF Process Parameters on the Surface Quality of Stainless Steel on the Adhesion Properties with Thermoplastics
by Florian Lehmann, Juliane Troschitz and Maik Gude
Eng. Proc. 2025, 90(1), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025090113 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 169
Abstract
Spinodoid metamaterials are artificial, architected materials that offer unique properties superior to the corresponding bulk material. This type of structure enables tailored properties to create new opportunities for applications in, e.g., the mobility, health, and energy sectors. Spinodoid metal structures only can be [...] Read more.
Spinodoid metamaterials are artificial, architected materials that offer unique properties superior to the corresponding bulk material. This type of structure enables tailored properties to create new opportunities for applications in, e.g., the mobility, health, and energy sectors. Spinodoid metal structures only can be manufactured by advanced additive manufacturing technologies such as the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. For various application scenarios of metamaterials, it may be necessary to bond or coat them with thermoplastics. The surface quality of the additively manufactured structure is particularly relevant for the adhesion of the metallic to the thermoplastic structure, as the mechanical adhesion, for example, depends on the roughness and surface properties. Therefore, this paper focuses on the investigation of the surface properties of additively manufactured stainless steel components with dependence on the parameters of the LPBF process with regard to subsequent adhesion with thermoplastics. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 7647 KiB  
Article
Cryogenic MMIC Low-Noise Amplifiers for Radio Telescope Applications
by Haohui Wang and Maozheng Chen
Electronics 2025, 14(8), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14081572 - 13 Apr 2025
Viewed by 681
Abstract
This paper presents two cryogenic low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) based on the WIN’s 0.18 μm gate length gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) process designed for radio telescope receivers. Discrete transistors with gate peripheries spanning 50–600 μm were DC-characterized [...] Read more.
This paper presents two cryogenic low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) based on the WIN’s 0.18 μm gate length gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) process designed for radio telescope receivers. Discrete transistors with gate peripheries spanning 50–600 μm were DC-characterized at 290 K and 15 K, respectively. The LNAs underwent on-chip noise characterization under 15 K using a Y-factor measurement setup, which integrated a calibrated noise source and a noise figure analyzer. This approach directly quantified the noise temperature—critical metrics for radio telescope receiver front-ends. The top-performing LNA variant identified through on-chip characterization was packaged and evaluated in a cryogenic test-bed. This LNA, spanning a bandwidth of 0.3–15 GHz, demonstrated a gain of 26 dB and a minimum noise temperature of 6 K when operated at an ambient temperature of 15 K. In contrast, a second LNA architecture, tested solely on-chip, demonstrated a gain of 30 dB and a minimum noise temperature of 15 K across the 0.3–7 GHz range. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 7625 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Threshold Velocity Values for Sediment Transport at the Outer Bank of a 180-Degree Bend with Emergent Vegetation
by Nasim Rismani, Hossein Afzalimehr, Seyed-Amin Asghari-Pari, Mohammad Nazari-Sharabian and Moses Karakouzian
Water 2025, 17(7), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17070971 - 26 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 539
Abstract
The interaction between curvature-induced flow and vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating threshold velocity, influencing sediment transport dynamics. This experimental study investigates the effects of flow velocity and turbulence, induced by both emergent vegetation and curvature-driven flow, on the threshold of sediment [...] Read more.
The interaction between curvature-induced flow and vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating threshold velocity, influencing sediment transport dynamics. This experimental study investigates the effects of flow velocity and turbulence, induced by both emergent vegetation and curvature-driven flow, on the threshold of sediment motion around a vegetated patch. Using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), a total of 504 velocity profiles were collected under vegetated and non-vegetated conditions, considering a range of vegetation densities (φ = 0.001–0.0099) in both a straight channel and a 180-degree bend. The results indicate that vegetation modifies turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and velocity gradients, thereby enhancing sediment mobility. Specifically, vegetation significantly reduces maximum velocity by up to 37%, shifting the flow core to the center and enhancing TKE by up to 30 times. This analysis shows that channel curvature contributes a maximum of 34% and 17% to turbulent kinetic energy in the first and second halves of a 180-degree bend, respectively. Turbulence from the bed and vegetation accounts for 50% in straight paths, while in curved paths, it reaches 37% and 32% in the first half and 48% and 42% in the second half of a 180-degree bend. This study proposes a model for turbulent kinetic energy (kt) that incorporates velocity threshold constraints, validated through controlled laboratory experiments, highlighting the role of near-bed turbulence in modulating sediment transport. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that sediment motion initiation is governed by both mean flow velocity and TKE, leading to the introduction of a novel criterion for assessing initial sediment transport conditions in curved and vegetated flows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Erosion and Sediment Transport)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 8137 KiB  
Article
Impact of Flow Rate, Sediment Uniformity, and Outlet Size on Sediment Removal Upstream of a Cross-River Structure
by Rana Saud Ahmed and Thamer Ahmed Mohammed
Water 2025, 17(7), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17070967 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
The sediment accumulation behind dams and cross-river structures reduces storage capacity, increases pool water level, reduces hydropower production, and causes damage to the blades of turbines. The operation of the impoundment hydropower and run-of-river plants is affected by the sediment accumulation in the [...] Read more.
The sediment accumulation behind dams and cross-river structures reduces storage capacity, increases pool water level, reduces hydropower production, and causes damage to the blades of turbines. The operation of the impoundment hydropower and run-of-river plants is affected by the sediment accumulation in the vicinity of their water intake. In this study, the effectiveness of sediment removal through an outlet in a model of cross-river structure was experimentally investigated. The model was fixed tightly at the end of a 2 m working section in a laboratory flume with a length of 12 m, a width of 0.3 m, and a depth of 0.45 m. To study the impact of main variables on scour volume (Vs), a total of 27 experiments were conducted. The studied variables were flow rate (Q), area (Ao), location of outlet centerline outlet from the bed (hs), and uniformity of the sedimentation used in the mobile bed of the working section. For the same outlet area (Ao = 47.5 cm2), results show that when the flow rate increased from 3.2 to 6.3 l/s, the scour volume in nonuniform sediment was increased by twofold. However, the above increment caused the scour volume in uniform sediment to increase by only 170%. In addition, the scour volume in the mobile bed of uniform sediment was found to be greater than that in nonuniform sediment by an average of 17%. For a flow of 3 l/s and when the outlet area was reduced by either 25% or 50%, the scour volume in both uniform and nonuniform sediment was reduced by 46%. The accuracy of the proposed dimensionless multiregression model was statistically tested by calculating the Nash efficiency coefficient (NEC) and found to be 0.91, which confirmed the accuracy of the model prediction. The outcomes of the present study are useful to engineers involved in dam design and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport in Ocean Engineering)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1493 KiB  
Article
Comparative Effectiveness of Active and Reactive Mattresses in Pressure Injury Healing for Older People in Their Own Homes: A Pragmatic Equivalence Randomised-Controlled Study
by Katherine E. Rae, Judith Barker, Dominic Upton and Stephen Isbel
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15030111 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 817
Abstract
Background: Pressure injuries are an ongoing problem commonly managed with the prescription of pressure mattresses. There is conflicting research about the comparable effectiveness of the two types of pressure mattresses, active and reactive. This, coupled with technological advances and an updated understanding [...] Read more.
Background: Pressure injuries are an ongoing problem commonly managed with the prescription of pressure mattresses. There is conflicting research about the comparable effectiveness of the two types of pressure mattresses, active and reactive. This, coupled with technological advances and an updated understanding of pressure aetiology, means decision-making when prescribing pressure mattresses is complicated. Objective/Design: A pragmatic approach was used to design an equivalence randomised-controlled trial investigating the comparative effectiveness of active and reactive pressure mattresses in a community setting from a wound healing perspective as well as from a user acceptability perspective. Methods: Participants with an existing pressure injury were provided with an active or reactive mattress for wound healing, with wound stages assessed using photography. Usual clinical care was provided based on the protocols of the health care service, including nursing and occupational therapy input. Participants were monitored for the healing of their existing pressure injuries, using the Revised Photographic Wound Assessment Tool. User acceptability feedback was provided through surveys, including impact on comfort, pain levels and bed mobility. An equivalence design was used for data analysis to determine if the surfaces were comparable. Results: Twelve participants completed the study, which found that people on active mattresses healed 11.71 days (95% CI −55.97–31.78 days) quicker than people on reactive mattresses; however, the small sample size meant that a definitive determination could not be made. Users found bed mobility more challenging, and pain levels decreased, regardless of mattress type. Conclusions: A pragmatic methodology is imperative for research in this field due to the complexity of pressure injury healing. Researchers exploring multi-faceted conditions should consider a pragmatic design to ensure transferability of results to the clinical setting. The results from this study were inconclusive when determining the equivalence of active and reactive mattresses due to the small sample size. When choosing a mattress, prescribers need to consider user preferences and mattress features to ensure user acceptability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wound Assessment and Management in Nursing Practice and Education)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 229 KiB  
Protocol
Effectiveness of Early Mobilization and Bed Positioning in the Management of Muscle Weakness in Critically Ill People Under Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care: A Systematic Review of Intervention Literature Protocol
by Inês Bento, Bruno Ferreira, Cristina Lavareda Baixinho and Maria Adriana Henriques
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15030075 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1306
Abstract
Background: Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is a set of physical, cognitive, and mental health symptoms that arise following intensive care (ICU) hospitalization. Regarding physical changes, muscle weakness is highlighted, potentially leading to functional impairments during and after hospitalization. Multidisciplinary guidelines recommend [...] Read more.
Background: Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is a set of physical, cognitive, and mental health symptoms that arise following intensive care (ICU) hospitalization. Regarding physical changes, muscle weakness is highlighted, potentially leading to functional impairments during and after hospitalization. Multidisciplinary guidelines recommend early mobilization, a rehabilitation intervention, as a strategy to prevent ICU-acquired muscle weakness and reduce functionality impairments. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of early mobilization and positioning interventions to prevent or minimize ICU-acquired weakness in critically ill patients under invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Methods: A systematic review of effectiveness will be conducted following Cochrane recommendations. Searches will be made in MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies will include randomized controlled trials on the functional management of muscle weakness, muscle strength, and ICU-acquired muscle weakness in adults (≥18 years) who have undergone IMV. Eligible interventions (and comparators) include any manual mobilization and positioning strategy or the use of medical devices. Two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data using a piloted tool and assess bias with the RoB 2 tool. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted, pooling standardized mean differences using a random-effects model. Results: This review included primary experimental studies manipulating at least one variable, control group studies, or randomized trials comparing early intervention protocols, programs, or plans with standard care or existing approaches in the ICU. Conclusions: This review will provide meaningful comparisons of different mobilization and positioning strategies, evaluating their impact on muscle strength and functionality in critically ill patients. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD4202348091. Full article
23 pages, 883 KiB  
Article
SAM-PAY: A Location-Based Authentication Method for Mobile Environments
by Diana Gratiela Berbecaru
Electronics 2025, 14(3), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14030621 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1390
Abstract
Wireless, satellite, and mobile networks are increasingly used in application scenarios to provide advanced services to mobile or nomadic devices. For example, to authenticate mobile users while obtaining access to remote services, a two-factor authentication mechanism is typically used, e.g., based on the [...] Read more.
Wireless, satellite, and mobile networks are increasingly used in application scenarios to provide advanced services to mobile or nomadic devices. For example, to authenticate mobile users while obtaining access to remote services, a two-factor authentication mechanism is typically used, e.g., based on the ownership of a personal mobile phone, device, or (smart)card and the knowledge of a (static) username and password. Nevertheless, two-factor authentication is considered roughly “adequate” for security problems encountered today on the Internet and even less for ubiquitous or mobile environments. To increase the authentication level, several authentication methods of different classes may be combined to achieve more reliable user identification. In particular, location technologies allow ubiquitous applications to better exploit the (physical) location information in the authentication process. Consequently, in security applications based on multiple authentication factors, an additional authentication factor could be the location information protected for integrity against undesired modification. We present the SAM-PAY authentication method, which combines different authentication factors to obtain a more reliable user identification. The mechanism is based on the use of a (location-aware) device, the location information certified by a trusted external party, such as a component or element in a telecom network, and the knowledge of data, like a static PIN and a dynamically generated one-time password. We also describe the design and implementation of a real case scenario exploiting our SAM-PAY method, namely the refueling service at a self-service gas station. The test-bed put in place for this service demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the SAM-PAY method in open mobile environments. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 13298 KiB  
Article
A Case Study of the Debris Flows Event in the Chalk Cliffs Basin, Colorado, USA: Numerical Simulations Based on a Multi-Phase Flow Model
by Mohammad Wasif Naqvi, Diwakar KC and Liangbo Hu
Water 2025, 17(3), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030406 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1067
Abstract
Debris flows are among the severe gravity-driven mass phenomena that pose a significant threat to the environment and communities. Recent events and studies in the Chalk Cliffs basin in Colorado suggest that it is very susceptible to debris flow incidents that initiate from [...] Read more.
Debris flows are among the severe gravity-driven mass phenomena that pose a significant threat to the environment and communities. Recent events and studies in the Chalk Cliffs basin in Colorado suggest that it is very susceptible to debris flow incidents that initiate from surface run-off, which involves significant entrainment of material along the hill slope and channel sediments. The entrainment of material along the flow makes these events destructive, with large travel distances s well as high velocity, flow pressure, kinetic energy, etc. This paper presents a case study of a debris flow event on 15 September 2009 based on a multi-phase flow model. The model provides the ability to investigate the effect of fluid and solid phases individually. Three sensitivity analyses are presented investigating the effect of bed roughness on solid and fluid phases separately, and also the effect of the entrainment of bed material. The findings demonstrate that the numerical model effectively replicates the observed field data, with the simulated peak discharge and runout distance closely aligning with the observed measurements. The analysis reveals that lower bed roughness promotes higher flow mobility and longer runout distances, while entrainment significantly influences flow height, velocity, and deposition pattern. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the dominant role of entrainment in debris flow evolution and emphasizes its importance in determining deposition and erosion patterns. These findings provide critical insights into the key processes of debris flows and could contribute to the development of accurate numerical models for debris flow events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flowing Mechanism of Debris Flow and Engineering Mitigation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 403 KiB  
Article
Community-Engaged Approach to Improve Food Access and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in a Rural Appalachian Community
by Courtney T. Luecking, Makenzie Barr-Porter, Dawn Brewer and Kathryn M. Cardarelli
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030431 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1588
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Community–academic partnerships offer unique opportunities to leverage expertise and resources to modify structural factors that address community priorities. However, few in-depth examples of successful partnerships in rural communities to improve food security are available. This manuscript describes the process of building [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Community–academic partnerships offer unique opportunities to leverage expertise and resources to modify structural factors that address community priorities. However, few in-depth examples of successful partnerships in rural communities to improve food security are available. This manuscript describes the process of building a partnership to reduce food insecurity in a rural Kentucky community. Methods: The research team worked with Cooperative Extension to form a community advisory board (CAB) representative of diverse sectors of the community who had interest in food security, agriculture, and/or nutrition. The CAB convened regularly, in-person or virtually, to review community assessment information and identify, select, and adapt relevant multi-level interventions. CAB members were invited to complete two surveys and participate in a listening session to provide feedback on working with academic partners. Results: Over the first two years of the project, 17 people served on the CAB. Early in the project, the CAB prioritized interventions for working families, relatives raising children, and lower income households. Some ideas were able to come to fruition (e.g., family cooking social classes, raised garden beds), while others were explored but were unable to gain momentum (e.g., mobile market) due to challenges with feasibility, organizational capacity, and/or interest. CAB members reported high engagement and strong communication between community and academic partners. Conclusions: Full exploration of potential solutions suggested by CABs may build trust between community and academic partners and could provide a strategic selection process for multi-level, evidence-based interventions deemed feasible for addressing complex issues such as food insecurity and nutritional health outcomes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop