Search Results (23,985)

Obesity is a complex public health issue requiring a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. The aim of this narrative review is to present motivational interviewing as a communication-based intervention that supports non-stigmatizing, patient-centered care for individuals with excess body weight, with particular emphasis on fostering intrinsic motivation and sustainable lifestyle change. This narrative review examines motivational interviewing (MI) as a tool to support non-stigmatizing, patient-centered communication and promote behavior change in adults, children, and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Evidence from original studies, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials suggests that MI can help improve healthy eating, increase physical activity, and strengthen confidence in maintaining lifestyle changes. Its effectiveness is linked to communication based on empathy, partnership, acceptance, and support, free from stigma, which enhances patient autonomy, and encourages active engagement. Despite promising results, research gaps remain regarding the long-term effectiveness of MI and its integration into routine clinical practice. Full article

Active magnetic levitation bearings incorporate backup bearings that support the rotor during a breakdown, allowing it to maintain its circular movement despite the loss of magnetic force. This safeguards both the stator of the magnetic levitation bearing and the motor stator from harm. Research reveals that ball bearings are susceptible to failure mechanisms, including raceway wear and scoring. The principal cause is the unregulated motion of the rolling parts, which are divided by the cage, once wear manifests, resulting in raceway lag. This leads to significant contact deformation between the rolling elements and the raceway, along with prolonged cumulative impacts between the rolling elements and the cage. Cage-free bearings prevent collisions between the cage and rolling elements; yet, the orbital motion of the rolling elements in these bearings demonstrates a level of independence and randomness relative to traditional caged ball bearings. This presents considerable obstacles to attaining standard orbital motion in cage-free ball bearings. Despite advancements in technology that have largely elucidated the non-linear motion dynamics of ball bearings, several critical hurdles in behavioral characterization persist. This work presents a thorough review of the non-linear motion behavior of ball bearings and the methodologies for their multi-body dynamic characterization. This report proposes future research topics to improve the design of high-performance bearings and augment their reliability. Full article

Compliant mechanisms have contributed to many advances in soft robotics, and there is strong motivation to translate these ideas to assistive devices where adaptive motion at the human interface is required. This work presents novel reconfigurable compliant joints (RCJs) as a parameterized joint element for functional biomimicry in lower-extremity joints for prosthetic knees and ankle–foot orthoses, with concepts that extend to other limb joints. The RCJ uses a rigid hub and outer ring joined by an array of flexible links with centerlines defined by cubic Bézier curves. Link shapes are organized into four Bézier classes (A–D), with base types using 10, 12, or 14 uniformly distributed link slots and variants generated by modifying active-link count and distribution, forming a structured morphology space of 12 configurations for machine design. Dual-extrusion 3D-printed prototypes are characterized by a custom testing apparatus using a 2.2 kN load cell at 25 mm/s over a 0–90° rotation range across six recorded load cycles to measure torque–angle curves and stiffness under large deformations. Angle-dependent stiffness is evaluated over three fixed intervals (0–30°, 30–60°, and 60–90°) to quantify multi-stage behavior. A 2-dimensional corotational frame model and a Simscape Multibody model, including a rolling-contact knee configuration, use the same parameterization to relate geometry, nonlinear mechanics, and system-level motion. Experiments and simulations show multi-stage torque–angle profiles and predictable stiffness modulation across all configurations, with both magnitude and transition angle tunable through Bézier class and active-link distribution, positioning the RCJ as a CAD/CAE-compatible joint architecture for assistive devices or wearable robotic systems and a basis for advancing functional biomimicry in compliant mechanism design. Full article

Masonry bricks and blocks are among the most widely used construction materials worldwide; however, their conventional production relies on energy-intensive firing processes and virgin raw materials, leading to significant environmental impacts. In response to increasing sustainability and decarbonization demands in the construction sector, numerous novel ceramic and refractory materials have been proposed for masonry applications. This systematic review provides a comprehensive assessment of recent advances in ceramic and refractory materials for masonry bricks and blocks, focusing on material classification, processing routes, microstructure–property relationships, and sustainability performance. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the peer-reviewed literature published between 2018 and 2025 was systematically identified, screened, and analyzed. An analytical framework based on well-established relationships from ceramic science was adopted to support consistent comparison of mechanical, thermal, acoustic, durability, and sustainability-related properties across heterogeneous material systems. Conventional fired ceramics, waste-derived ceramics, lightweight and porous systems, alkali-activated and unfired materials, and advanced engineered ceramics were comparatively evaluated. The results reveal a clear shift from dense traditional fired ceramics toward materials incorporating industrial and agricultural residues, engineered porosity, and low-temperature or unfired processing routes. Waste-derived and geopolymer-based systems demonstrate significant potential for reducing CO${}_2$ emissions and energy consumption while maintaining functional performance suitable for masonry applications. Lightweight and porous ceramics exhibit enhanced thermal and acoustic behavior, often accompanied by reduced mechanical strength, highlighting application-dependent trade-offs. Overall, this review provides an integrated perspective linking composition, processing, microstructure, performance, and environmental impact, identifying key research trends and knowledge gaps relevant to sustainable masonry construction. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a major public health concern associated with adverse metabolic outcomes later in life. Despite increased awareness, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors—including suboptimal diet quality, physical inactivity, insufficient sleep, and unfavorable body composition—remain prevalent in pediatric populations. Effective, child-centered educational tools for early prevention are still limited. Methods: We developed the Lifestyle Tridimensional Pyramid, an educational model integrating nutrition, physical activity, and sleep within a single, three-dimensional framework. The model also addresses body composition by emphasizing the balance between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and the interdependence of lifestyle behaviors. This narrative review is supported by an umbrella review of 17 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2025, synthesizing evidence on lifestyle behaviors of pediatric obesity. Results: High- to moderate-quality evidence indicates that adherence to Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and a healthier body composition might prevent the development of obesity and improved cardiometabolic profiles in children and adolescents. The pyramid provides a structured, visually accessible tool to support lifestyle counseling in pediatric outpatient settings and is adaptable to school- and community-based health promotion. Conclusions: Although prospective validation studies are warranted, the Lifestyle Tridimensional Pyramid represents a practical, evidence-informed framework to support integrated lifestyle education and improve primary and secondary prevention of pediatric obesity. Full article

Objective: Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) are vital to Thailand’s primary healthcare, yet many face high risks for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This preliminary study aimed to implement health empowerment theory-based personalized health promotion for individuals in the NCD-risk group. Methods: The preliminary mixed-methods study implemented a 6-month empowerment-based health promotion program for 21 VHV leaders (mean age 62.43 ± 7.28 years) at risk for NCDs. The intervention integrated laboratory data, behavioral and qualitative focus-group insights, and quantitative anthropometric data obtained via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: Participants’ exercise adequacy significantly improved after the intervention, increasing from 8.3% to 61.9% (p = 0.03). BIA revealed a physiological shift toward improved energy homeostasis, including decreased body weight, reduced visceral fat area, and increased muscle hydration. While biochemical markers did not reach statistical significance, clinically favorable downward trends were observed in median HbA1c (8.0% to 7.3%) and LDL cholesterol (141.8 to 119.0 mg/dL), alongside stable renal and liver function. Qualitative thematic analysis identified four primary domains of impact: sustainability and systemic advocacy, personal transformation, broad competence acquisition, and enhanced social capital. Participants reported a marked increase in self-efficacy, transitioning from inactive beneficiaries to active health advocates. This change was largely driven by mastery experiences, such as visible improvements in body composition and functional health literacy. Conclusions: The empowerment program significantly improved physical activity and body composition while fostering the social capital and health literacy necessary for community leadership, suggesting that personal health mastery is a critical precursor to effective systemic advocacy and long-term sustainability in community-led health programs. Full article

The environmental impacts from fossil fuel use have accelerated the global transition to sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen has become a promising alternative due to its high energy density and clean combustion. However, hydrogen production streams are frequently contaminated with methane, which needs efficient, durable, and cost-effective purification technologies such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA). The present study provides a comparative evaluation of biomass-derived activated carbons and a commercial activated carbon for hydrogen–methane separation. High-surface-area activated carbons were synthesized from sustainable pine and birch precursors via chemical activation using potassium hydroxide (KOH, impregnation ratio 3:1) at 800 °C. Their dynamic adsorption performance was systematically assessed in a fixed-bed setup under a PSA system operating at pressures of 25, 35, and 50 bar, using a of hydrogen–methane gas mixture, where methane feed concentrations ranging from 10 to 30 vol%. This work focuses on the behavior of the adsorbent material and does not constitute a complete PSA process evaluation. The biomass-derived activated carbons showed well-developed textural characteristics, with specific surface areas up to 1416 m² g⁻¹, which exceeded that of the commercial reference material (1023 m² g⁻¹). This improved pore structure was reflected in their adsorption behavior at an operating pressure of 50 bar; the birch-derived carbon achieved a methane uptake of 10.5 mol kg⁻¹, more than twice the capacity of 5.30 mol kg⁻¹ measured for the commercial adsorbent. Beyond initial adsorption capacity, the study emphasizes operational durability and reusability. Cyclic adsorption–desorption experiments, supported by Raman spectroscopy, revealed pronounced structural changes in the commercial activated carbon under repeated operational stress, as indicated by an increase in the I_D/I_G ratio from 1.08 to 1.24. In contrast, the biomass-derived activated carbons preserved their morphological integrity and adsorption efficiency over successive cycles. These findings demonstrate that pine- and birch-derived activated carbons are not only sustainable alternatives but also operationally stable adsorbents capable for hydrogen purification processes. Full article

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary system. Identifying new potential therapeutic targets and exploring molecular mechanisms are crucial for improving treatment and prognosis. The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel 2, known to play a key role in various physiological and pathological processes, has an unclear function and mechanism of action in bladder cancer. We employed bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry to assess the role of HCN2 in bladder cancer, integrating in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate the impact of HCN2 on cell behavior. Molecular interactions were characterized using immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Our investigation revealed a significant upregulation of HCN2 in bladder cancer tissues, which was predictive of a poorer clinical outcome. Functionally, HCN2 knockdown in bladder cancer impeded cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and curtailed migration and invasion. Mechanistically, the overexpression of HCN2 contributed to the translocation of the REST transcription factor into the nucleus and facilitated its binding to the BGN promoter for transcriptional activation of its expression. This regulatory mechanism was shown to suppress ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, thereby enhancing the proliferative and tumorigenesis of bladder cancer cells. This study uncovers the novel mechanism by which HCN2 regulates ferroptosis via the REST-BGN axis, affecting bladder cancer cell behavior, and provides new perspectives and strategies for future clinical treatment. Full article

As global urbanization accelerates, biophilic urbanism has emerged as a key nature-based strategy for enhancing public health. While plants are critical active agents for psychological restoration, the specific pathways through which vegetation characteristics influence human–environment interactions remain fragmented. This knowledge gap hinders the evidence-based translation of biophilic principles into actionable urban design and governance. This study conducts a systematic bibliometric analysis of 443 peer-reviewed articles (2000–2025) at the intersection of restorative landscapes, urban settings, and plant-based interventions retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Employing multiple visualization tools (VOSviewer, bibliometrix, and CiteSpace), we map publication trends, international collaborations, and thematic evolution. The results demonstrate a significant shift in the field, moving beyond the validation of foundational restorative theories (e.g., ART and SRT) to a more precise, implementation-oriented framework. This shift is characterized by the operationalization of vegetation attributes as controllable design variables, increasingly relating biophilic principles to broader nature-based solutions (NbS) agendas and evidence-informed urban governance. Thematic clustering analysis identified three core knowledge domains: (1) the role of plants as active exposure agents and behavioral mediators in psychological restoration; (2) the impact of specific plant characteristics—such as canopy structure, species diversity, and seasonal variation—on therapeutic outcomes; and (3) the integration of urban green spaces into broader governance frameworks to promote health equity and inclusive well-being. Our analysis highlights that plant-based interventions are evolving from aesthetic ornaments into precision design levers for fostering human–nature interactions. This study provides a science-based foundation for developing practical design guidelines and policy frameworks, shifting biophilic urbanism toward a robust governance strategy for creating equitable, restorative, and resilient cities. Full article

Emerging evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important regulatory roles in honeybee social behavior and development. However, the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in honeybees remain largely elusive. To systematically identify ncRNAs associated with queen-regulated ovary activation, we conducted whole-transcriptome sequencing on the heads of Apis mellifera workers from queenright and queenless colonies. Subsequent bioinformatics analyses were conducted to profile differentially expressed (DE) RNAs and construct potential regulatory networks. High-quality sequencing data provided a foundation for subsequent analyses. This transcriptome data yielded 3968 lncRNA transcripts, comprising 3146 known and 822 novel candidates, all of which exhibited typical structural features of lncRNAs. Comparative expression analyses revealed that 246 lncRNAs, 1439 mRNAs, and 10 miRNAs were differentially expressed. Comprehensive functional analyses indicated that the identified DElncRNAs potentially regulate sensory perception-related target mRNAs via cis-regulation, and coordinate metabolic and proteostatic reprogramming via trans-regulation to support the transition to reproductive activation in workers. Furthermore, a competing endogenous RNA network was constructed which integrated 74 DElncRNAs, 5 DEmiRNAs, and 36 DEmRNAs to predict their potential post-transcriptional interactions. Our findings highlight a comprehensive analysis of ncRNAs and mRNAs in worker heads, providing a foundation for functional validation of their roles in honeybee ovary development. Full article

The adoption of instrumented wheelsets on diagnostic trains offers the possibility of continuous monitoring of wheel–rail contact forces. The collection of large datasets can be exploited for diagnostic purposes, aiming to localize specific track defects, allowing significant improvements in terms of safety and maintenance costs. Machine learning (ML) techniques can be used to automate anomaly detection. In this work, the authors compare the application of various ML algorithms based on the identification of different frequency or time-based features of analyzed signals. To perform the activity, a significant number and variety of local defects have been included in the recorded data. From a practical point of view, the insertion of real known defects into an existing line is extremely time-consuming, expensive, and not immune to safety issues. On the other hand, the design of anomaly detection algorithms involves the usage of relatively extended datasets with different faulty conditions. The authors propose deliberately adding real contact force profiles of healthy lines to a mix of synthetic signals, which substantially reproduce the behavior and the variability of foreseen faulty conditions. The results of this work, although preliminary and still to be completed, offer a contribution to the scientific community both in terms of obtained results and adopted methodologies. Full article

Ionizing radiation affects enzymes, which are essential for most cellular functions, by inducing chemical alterations in their molecular structures, often resulting in the inhibition of their activities. Unraveling the molecular and kinetic mechanisms driving these effects requires irradiation protocols that ensure accurate dose delivery, spatial homogeneity, and reproducibility. In this study, we established a systematic experimental framework that adapts a medical linear accelerator (LINAC) as a precision source for biochemical irradiation experiments. A rigorous protocol was developed that allows enzyme solutions to be irradiated under strictly defined and verifiable dosimetric conditions. Using this approach, we quantified the radiation-induced modulation of enzyme activity in two representative enzymes: invertase (β-fructofuranosidase) and collagenase. For invertase, a pronounced nonlinear decrease in enzyme activity was observed, with the enzyme retaining approximately only 2.2% of its initial activity at 50 Gy. Conversely, collagenase activity exhibited an exponential dose–response behavior over the dose range 0.1–200 Gy, yielding a global inactivation constant of $K = 0.015 {\mathrm{G}\mathrm{y}}^{-1}$. Complementary SDS–PAGE analysis revealed no detectable radiation-induced protein fragmentation or aggregation under the investigated conditions. These results confirm enzyme-specific radiation sensitivity and demonstrate the efficacy of this LINAC-based methodology for quantitative dose–effect studies. Overall, this work provides a versatile experimental tool for applied radiation research, bridging the gap between clinical medical physics and fundamental biochemistry. Full article

The primary objective of this research is to engineer a high-performance, sustainable material for aquatic remediation by repurposing low-cost biogenic silica into a selective hydrophobic adsorbent. By integrating the natural hierarchical porosity of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) with a tailored silanization strategy, this work aims to provide a scalable and eco-friendly solution for the efficient encapsulation and mechanical recovery of hydrocarbons from contaminated water. To overcome the inherent hydrophilicity of DE, a two-step functionalization process was developed, involving alkaline activation followed by the covalent grafting of hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (C16) in different concentrations. The resulting C16@DE hybrid materials underwent a dramatic surface energy transformation, shifting from hydrophilic behavior to robust hydrophobicity, with static contact angles reaching up to 134.8°. Optical analysis revealed a unique remediation mechanism: while pristine DE disperses homogeneously in the aqueous phase, functionalized C16@DE spontaneously organizes into discrete pellets upon contact with diesel, effectively encapsulating the fuel. Quantitative UV/vis spectrophotometry confirmed that these composites sequester approximately 55–56% of the diesel phase. Together, these results demonstrate that C16@DE materials couple intrinsic biosilica porosity with tailored hydrophobicity to achieve efficient hydrocarbon capture. By combining the natural hierarchical porosity of diatoms with engineered surface selectivity, this research positions functionalized DE as a scalable, low-cost, and eco-friendly promising solution for marine oil spill recovery and industrial wastewater treatment. Full article

(1) Background: Exploring regional foods can help consumers expand their options for consuming diverse food products in various forms. This could enhance human health in local populations. (2) Methods: The present study evaluated the physicochemical composition of quince powder using standard analytical methods. Color parameters were determined using a PCE-CSM colorimeter equipped with a xenon lamp; the antioxidant activity via DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods; the sorption capacity (at 10 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C and a_w from 0.1 to 0.9) through the static gravimetric method; and monolayer moisture content (MMC) with the BET model. The isotherms were fitted via modified Chung–Pfost, Halsey, Henderson and Oswin models. (3) Results: The approximate physico-chemical composition of laboratory-produced quince powder (dried at 45 °C for 10 h) was: proteins—1.27 g, carbohydrates—75.80 g, fats—0.49 g, fibers—21.50 g, ash—2.31 g, and nutritional value—355.65 kcal. The color analysis indicated limited non-enzymatic browning. Antioxidant activity was confirmed by all four methods. The three-parametric Halsey model is recommended to describe the representative S-shaped isotherms from type II. The MMC for the adsorption process ranged from 14.41% d.b. to 7.09% d.b., and for the desorption process, it ranged from 13.11% d.b. to 7.80% d.b.; (4) Conclusions: This study presents a quince powder as a convenient form for both storage and consumption, emphasizing its value as a rich source of bioactive compounds and its suitability for home production and regular inclusion in a healthy daily diet. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic diseases pose a major challenge for healthcare systems, requiring integrated, patient-centered approaches that combine clinical management, prevention, and self-care. Lifestyle Medicine (LM) and lifestyle in general offers complementary frameworks to address these needs. However, the potential integration of LM within community nursing—particularly through the role of Family and Community Nurse (FCN)—has not been comprehensively synthesized. This narrative review aimed to synthesize international evidence on the role of community nursing—particularly FCN—in integrating chronic care management and LM view. Methods: For quality assessment, a narrative review was conducted in accordance with the SANRA criteria to enable the integration of heterogeneous evidence and a comprehensive synthesis of this complex topic. Literature searches were performed in the PubMed–Medline database, and the final screening of references from included studies was used to identify relevant manuscripts. Primary studies published in English over the past ten years were screened and analyzed using the PICOS framework. Sixteen eligible studies were included in the final synthesis. Results: The included studies indicated that nurse-led community interventions in LM view were associated with improvements in self-management, treatment adherence, and selected clinical outcomes, such as blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and physical activity levels. Empowerment-based approaches and the use of digital or telehealth tools supported patient engagement and health literacy. At the organizational level, multidisciplinary collaboration, shared protocols, and professional leadership emerged as key factors in sustaining continuity and quality of care, while organizational fragmentation and limited training in behavioral counseling were commonly reported barriers. Conclusions: Community nursing, particularly through FCNs, plays a relevant role in integrating chronic care management and LM approaches, contributing to improved self-management, treatment adherence, and selected clinical outcomes. The evidence highlights the importance of empowerment-based interventions, digital support tools, and multidisciplinary collaboration in enhancing care continuity and patient engagement. Addressing organizational barriers and strengthening behavioral counseling training remain essential to support effective implementation in community settings. Full article