Search Results (28)

Whole-body vibration (WBV) remains a critical factor influencing ride comfort, driver performance and occupational health in vehicle applications. Despite the widespread use of standardized indicators, assessing WBV exposure and its perceptual implications remains challenging due to the complex interaction between road excitation, vehicle dynamics, seat transmissibility and human biodynamic response. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of contemporary methods for WBV assessment, emphasizing their theoretical foundations, practical implementation and inherent limitations. The paper examines classical evaluation metrics, including frequency-weighted root mean square acceleration and vibration dose value, alongside complementary approaches such as overall vibration total value, absorbed power and motion sickness indicators. Biodynamic modeling strategies for the human–seat–vehicle system are critically reviewed, highlighting trade-offs between model simplicity and physiological realism. Particular attention is given to road surface representation and excitation modeling, discussing the implications of ISO 8608-based stochastic profiles versus measured, time-domain inputs on WBV assessment outcomes. Simulation frameworks, experimental platforms and driving simulators are reviewed as complementary tools for evaluating vibration exposure and validating predictive models. Emerging methods, including time–frequency analysis and data-driven approaches, are discussed with a focus on interpretability, validation and integration with established standards such as ISO 2631. The review consolidates recent advances in integrated evaluation approaches, including the role of driving simulators and simulation-, hardware- and driver-in-the-loop (SiL/HiL/DiL) frameworks as enabling tools for repeatable testing, objective–subjective comfort correlation and early-stage vibration-control development. By critically examining both established and emerging methodologies, this review aims to support informed selection and interpretation of WBV assessment tools in vehicle design and evaluation. The findings underscore the need for integrated, transparent and application-oriented approaches to advance vibration comfort assessment and guide future research and standardization efforts. Full article

Background/Objectives: RAPID^TM Biodynamic Haematogel is a platelet-based gel for wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers. This study aimed to identify the processing parameters that impact on the quality of this autologous point-of-care manufactured product. Methods: An innovative design of experiments (DOE) approach utilizing a split-plot factorial design and linear mixed-effects models enabled the evaluation of six processing parameters on time to gel and the exudation of gel releasate. Results: Across all manufacturing conditions, time to gel was 181.3 ± 179.2 s (n = 28) and the total mass of releasate exuded in 2 h was 5.6 ± 2.1 g (n = 28). Two processing parameters (temperature 15–30 °C and pre-mixing of ascorbic acid and L-PRP) had a significant impact on releasate exudation and/or time to gel. The other processing parameters (time-to-thrombin use, mixing time, WBC content and filtering of the thrombin) had little effect. The amount of releasate exuded was affected by the interaction of the temperature and time-to-thrombin use. Time to gel was affected by the mixing time and by pre-mixing the ascorbic acid and L-PRP in conjunction with temperature. Conclusions: This study illustrates an optimization of DOE methodology to inform pharmaceutical product development and identify factors that influence variability in the RAPID Biodynamic Haematogel product. Full article

The main objective of this study is to offer fresh empirical insight into the evolving relationship between digitalisation and agroecology by examining Mulini Di Segalari, a biodynamic vineyard in Italy. While much of the existing literature positions digital agriculture as potentially misaligned with agroecological principles, this case study unveils how digital tools can actively reinforce agroecological practices when embedded within supportive socio-technical networks. Novel findings of this study highlight how the use of digital technologies supported agroecological practices and led to the reconfiguration of social relations, knowledge systems, and governance structures within the farm. Employing a technographic approach revealed that the farm’s transformation was driven not just by technology but through collaborative arrangements involving different stakeholders. These interactions created new routines, roles, and information flows, supporting a more distributed and participatory model of innovation. By demonstrating how digital tools can catalyse agroecological transitions in a context-sensitive and socially embedded manner, this study challenges the binary framings of technology versus ecology and calls for a more nuanced understanding of digitalisation as a socio-technical process. Full article

Aortic dissection (AD) is a highly lethal cardiovascular emergency, and clinical studies have found that a high percentage of AD patients are hypertensive. In previous studies, the AD model was simplified, such as by treating the vessel wall as a single-layer rigid material, ignoring the complex biomechanical factors of the vascular lumen. This study elucidates key biomechanical mechanisms by which hypertension promotes primary AD progression using multiscale modeling. First, based on experimental data from longitudinal and circumferential uniaxial tensile testing of porcine aortic walls (5–7-month-old specimens), a constitutive model of the aortic wall was developed using the Holzapfel–Gasser–Ogden (HGO) framework. The material parameters were calibrated via inverse optimization in ABAQUS-ISIGHT, achieving close alignment with mechanical properties of the human aorta. Using this validated model to define the hyperelastic properties of the aortic wall, a multiphysics coupling platform was constructed in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2, integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid–structure interaction (FSI) algorithms. This framework systematically quantified the effects of blood pressure (bp) fluctuations on compressive stresses, von Mises stresses, and deformation of the intimal flap within the AD lesion region. With constant blood rheology, elevated blood pressure enhances wall stresses (compressive and von Mises), and intima-media sheet deformation, this can trigger initial rupture tears, false lumen dilation, and branch arterial flow obstruction, ultimately deteriorating end-organ perfusion. Full article

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has become one of the cornerstones of neuropathology, influencing synaptic plasticity, cognitive resilience, and neuronal survival. Apart from its molecular biology, BDNF is a powerful target for transformative benefit in precision medicine, leading to innovative therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, clinical applicability is obstructed by hurdles in delivery, patient-specific diversity, and pleiotropic signaling. Here, we summarize findings in BDNF research, including its regulatory pathways and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and integrative therapeutic approaches. We describe innovative delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA therapies and CRISPR-dCas9-based epigenetic editing that bypass obstacles such as BBB (blood–brain barrier) and enzymatic degradation. The recent implementation of multiplex panels combining BDNF biodynamic indicators with tau and amyloid-β signaling markers showcases novel levels of specificity for both early detection and potential therapeutic monitoring. Humanized preclinical models like iPSC-derived neurons and organoids point to the key role of BDNF in neurodeveloping and neurodegenerative processes, paralleling advances in bridging preclinical observation and clinical environments. Moreover, novel therapeutic tools delivering TrkB activators or the implementation of AI-based dynamic care platforms enable tailored and scalable treatments. This review also aims to extend a framework used in the understanding of BDNF’s relevance to traditional neurodegenerative models by situating more recent work detailing BDNF’s actions in ischemic tissues and the gut–brain axis in the context of systemic health. Finally, we outline a roadmap for the incorporation of BDNF-centered therapies into worldwide healthcare, highlighting ethical issues, equity, and interdisciplinary decomposition. The therapeutic potential of BDNF heralds a new era in neuroscience and medicine, revolutionizing brain health and paving the way for the advancement of precision medicine. Full article

In practice, the structural analysis and design of pedestrian systems subjected to human-induced vibrations is often based on simplified biodynamic models that can be used in place of even more complex computational strategies to describe Human-Structure Interaction (HSI) phenomena. Among various walking features, the vertical reaction force that a pedestrian transfers to the supporting structure during motion is a key input for design, but results from the combination of multiple influencing parameters and dynamic interactions. Robust and practical strategies to support a realistic HSI description and analysis have hence been the object of several studies. Following earlier research efforts, this paper focuses on the optimised calibration of the input parameters for the consolidated Spring-Mass-Damper (SMD) biodynamic model, which reduces a single pedestrian to an equivalent SDOF (with body mass m, spring stiffness k, and viscous damping coefficient c) and is often used for vibration serviceability purposes. In the present study, this calibration process is carried out with smartphone-based acquisitions and experimental records from the Centre of Mass (CoM) of each pedestrian to possibly replace more complex laboratory configurations and devices. To verify the potential and accuracy of such a smartphone-based approach, different pedestrians/volunteers and substructures (i.e., a rigid concrete slab or a timber floor prototype) are taken into account, and a total of 145 original gaits are post-processed for SMD modelling purposes. The analysis of the experimental results shows a rather close match with previous findings in terms of key pedestrian parameters. This outcome poses the basis for a more generalised application of the smartphone-based strategy to a multitude of similar applications and configurations of practical interest. The validity of calibration output and its possible sensitivity are further assessed in terms of expected effects on substructures, with a critical discussion of the most important results. Full article

This review paper investigates the current state of research on structure-to-human interaction (S2HI) in the monitoring and control of cyclo-pedestrian footbridges, focusing specifically on the biodynamic effects of oscillations on pedestrians. Its aim is, therefore, twofold: In the first half, it examines the limited but evolving understanding of human gait responses to vertical and horizontal vibrations at frequencies and amplitudes characteristic of footbridge dynamics. The second half includes a detailed analysis of various modelling strategies for simulating pedestrian and crowd dynamics, emphasising the movements and stationary behaviours induced by structural vibrations. The aim is to highlight the strengths and limitations of these modelling approaches, particularly their capability to incorporate biomechanical factors in pedestrian responses. The research findings indicate that existing studies predominantly focus on human-to-structure interaction (HSI), often neglecting the reciprocal effects of S2HI, with many results in the literature failing to adequately address the biomechanics of single pedestrians or crowds experiencing structural vibrations on cyclo-pedestrian bridges. This gap underscores the need for more precise and comprehensive studies in the field to improve the understanding of dynamic interactions between single or multiple walking individuals and footbridge vibrations, especially for vulnerable and elderly people with limited mobility. Furthermore, considerations regarding the impact of Structural Control and Health Monitoring to alleviate these issues are briefly discussed, highlighting the potential to optimise footbridge performance in terms of pedestrian comfort. Full article

Over-exposure of the hand-arm system to intense vibration and force over time may cause degeneration of the vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems in the fingers. A novel animal model using rat tails has been developed to understand the health effects on human fingers exposed to vibration and force when operating powered hand tools or workpieces. The biodynamic responses, such as vibration stress, strain, and power absorption density, of the rat tails can be used to help evaluate the health effects related to vibration and force and to establish a dose-effect relationship. While the biodynamic responses of cadaver rat tails have been investigated, the objective of the current study was to determine whether the biodynamic responses of living rat tails are different from those of cadaver rat tails, and whether the biodynamic responses of both living and cadaver tails change with exposure duration. To make direct comparisons, the responses of both cadaver and living rat tails were examined on four different testing stations. The transfer function of each tail under a given contact force (2 N) was measured at each frequency in the one-third octave bands from 20 to 1000 Hz, and used to calculate the mechanical system parameters of the tails. The transfer functions were also measured at different exposure durations to determine the time dependency of the response. Differences were observed in the vibration biodynamic responses between living and cadaver tails, but the general trends were similar. The biodynamic responses of both cadaver and living rat tails varied with exposure duration. Full article

A reliable prediction model can greatly contribute to the research of car seating system vibration control. The novelty of this paper lies in the development of a hybrid method of an artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) to predict the peak seat-to-head transmissibility ratio of a seating suspension system and to evaluate its ride comfort for different seat design parameters. Additionally, this method can remove the experimental design of the RSM model. In this paper, four seat design parameters are selected as input parameters and arranged using the central composite design method. The peak transmissibility ratio from seat to head at 4 Hz is chosen as the response target output value. To illustrate this hybrid method, the response target output value of the peak transmissibility ratio is calculated from the frequency response of a five-degrees-of-freedom (5-DOF) lumped-parameter biodynamic seating suspension model. The input design parameters and the response target output values are used to train an ANN to establish the relationship between the seat design parameters and the peak transmissibility ratio. At the same time, the input design parameters and the response target output values predicted by the ANN are used to develop the relationship between the seat design parameters and the peak transmissibility ratio using the response surface method and linear regression models. The hybrid of the ANN and response surface methods makes the planning or design of experiments not essential. The hybrid model of the ANN and response surface method is more accurate and convenient than a linear regression model for the study of seating system vibration isolation. Full article

Existing biodynamic models adopt apparent mass and seat-to-head transmissibility to predict the response of seated humans to whole-body vibration, limiting their ability to capture the actual response of distinct body segments in different excitation conditions. This study systematically develops a 7-DOF seated human model, a vibration experiment, and a novel hybrid optimization to estimate unknown mechanical parameters and predict the response of different human body segments to vertical vibrations. Experimental results showed that the upper trunk and head were most susceptible to transmitted vibrations. Combining the 7-DOF model and HOM resulted in accelerated optimization, improved numerical stability, and significant minimization of the objective function value compared to conventional algorithms. Notably, the estimated parameters, particularly stiffness, remained consistent regardless of increasing excitation magnitude or change in the body segment data used. Additionally, the model captured the non-linearity in human biodynamics through stiffness softening. These findings are applicable in seating systems optimization for comfort and safety. Full article

In this study, we provide an efficient simulation to investigate the behavior of the solution to the Brusselator system (a biodynamic system) with the Rabotnov fractional-exponential (RFE) kernel fractional derivative. A system of fractional differential equations can be used to represent this model. The fractional-order derivative of a polynomial function $t^p$ is approximated in terms of the RFE kernel. In this work, we employ shifted Vieta–Lucas polynomials in the spectral collocation technique. This process transforms the mathematical model into a set of algebraic equations. By assessing the residual error function, we can confirm that the provided approach is accurate and efficient. The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness and simplicity of the technique for accurately simulating such models. Full article

A novel two-compartment model for drug release was formulated. The general fractional derivatives of a specific type and distributed order were used in the formulation. Earlier used models in pharmacokinetics with fractional derivatives follow as special cases of the model proposed here. As a first application, we used this model to study the release of gentamicin from poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/gentamicin (PVA/CHI/Gent) hydrogel aimed at wound dressing in the medical treatment of deep chronic wounds. As a second application, we studied the release of gentamicin from antibacterial biodynamic hydroxyapatite/poly(vinyl alcohol) /chitosan/gentamicin (HAP/PVA/CS/Gent) coating on a titanium substrate for bone tissue implants, which enables drug delivery directly to the infection site. In both cases. a good agreement is obtained between the measured data and the data calculated from the model proposed here. The form of the general fractional derivatives used here results in an additional parameter in the compartmental model used here. This, as a consequence, leads to a better approximation of the experimental data with only a slightly more complicated numerical procedure in obtaining the solution. Full article

To solve radioecological and oceanological problems (estimate the vertical transport, flows of particulate organic carbon, phosphorus biodynamics, submarine groundwater discharge, etc.), it is necessary to determine the natural values of the radionuclides’ activity in seawater and particulate matter. For the first time, the radionuclides’ sorption from seawater was studied using sorbents based on activated carbon modified with iron(III) ferrocyanide (FIC) and based on activated carbon modified with iron(III) hydroxide (FIC A—activated FIC) obtained by FIC sorbent treatment with sodium hydroxide solution. The possibility of trace amounts of phosphorus, beryllium, and cesium recovery in laboratory conditions has been investigated. Distribution coefficients, dynamic, and total dynamic exchange capacities were determined. The physicochemical regularities (isotherm and kinetics) of sorption have been studied. The results obtained are characterized via Langmuir, Freindlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm equations, as well as pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, intraparticle diffusion, and the Elovich model. Under expeditionary conditions, the sorption efficiency of ¹³⁷Cs using FIC sorbent, ⁷Be, ³²P, and ³³P—using FIC A sorbent with a single-column method by adding a stable tracer, as well as the sorption efficiency of radionuclides ²¹⁰Pb and ²³⁴Th with their natural content by FIC A sorbent in a two-column mode from large volumes of seawater was assessed. High values of efficiency of their recovery by the studied sorbents were achieved. Full article

The objective of this study was to develop a new rat-tail vibration model for studying finger vibration health effects. Unlike the previous rat-tail models, the vibration strain and stress of the rat tail can be conveniently and reliably quantified and controlled in a biological experiment. This makes it possible to identify and understand the quantitative relationships between these biodynamic responses and vibration health effects. Full article

This manuscript investigates the rotational mechanical impedance of the human hand–arm system with respect to vibration excitation around the gripping axis of the hand under the influence of body posture, gripping force, and push force. Knowledge of rotational mechanical impedance is required for deriving models of hand–arm biodynamics. These models are used in the validation of power tools to predict further vibrational human–machine interactions. In the current state of research, such models exist for translational but not rotational vibration excitation. Consequently, this study investigates the properties of a hand–arm system with respect to rotational vibration excitation. In the study, the rotational impedance of the hand–arm systems of 13 adults was measured at various gripping and push forces applied in different body postures. The setup of the test used in this study consisted of a shaker that applied rotational vibrations at certain frequencies to the subjects’ hand–arm systems via a cylindrical handle. The results of the study indicate a spring–damper dynamic of the hand–arm system. The gripping force strongly influences the magnitude of rotational impedance across the frequency spectrum. Regarding push force and posture, no corresponding influence could be determined. The results suggest that the frictional contact between the hand and handle might confer a damping effect. Full article