Search Results (1,061)

Blind and visually impaired individuals face persistent challenges when navigating unfamiliar environments, where unseen obstacles compromise their safety and independence. Although many electronic travel aids have been proposed, most remain impractical for daily use—they often rely on bulky or costly hardware, require external processing, or provide unintuitive feedback. This work presents a wearable stereo-vision-based vibrotactile system for real-time obstacle detection and navigation assistance. The device combines an off-the-shelf stereo camera integrated with a simultaneous localization and mapping framework to perceive spatial geometry and detect obstacles in the user’s path. Two stereo-matching methods were implemented to estimate depth: a block-based algorithm optimized for low-latency performance and a semi-global approach providing denser depth maps. Detected obstacles are translated into distinct vibration patterns delivered through four skin-contact body-mounted actuators encoding both direction and distance. The system was evaluated with blindfolded sighted, visually impaired, and blind participants. Both stereo approaches supported reliable real-time guidance and high obstacle-avoidance rates, demonstrating robust performance on affordable, wearable hardware. These findings confirm the feasibility of real-time tactile guidance using commercially available components, marking a concrete step toward accessible navigation support that enhances safety and autonomy for blind and visually impaired individuals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maziren-Wan (MZRW) is a traditional herbal prescription that has been used for the treatment of chronic constipation and is currently available in the form of granules or decoctions. Given its multi-component nature and various dosage forms, evaluating the chemical consistency of MZRW preparations is important for pharmaceutical quality assessment. The aim of the present study was to compare formulation-dependent chemical profiles of different MZRW preparations using a multi-component analytical approach. Methods: An excipient-free reference extract and two commercially available MZRW extract granule products were analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method operating in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Thirty marker compounds derived from the constituent herbs were simultaneously quantified, and their levels were statistically compared among the preparations. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed formulation-dependent variation in the abundance of several marker compounds. Amygdalin and magnoloside A exhibited markedly higher levels in the excipient-free reference extract than in the commercial granule products, whereas sennoside A showed relatively consistent levels across the preparations. Conclusions: The results indicate that MZRW preparations sharing an identical herbal composition can exhibit formulation-dependent differences in chemical profiles. Comparative evaluation based on multiple marker compounds may provide useful information for assessing chemical consistency and supporting quality assessment of MZRW preparations formulated under different conditions. Full article

Background: Musculoskeletal pain affects an estimated 1.7 billion people worldwide and ranks among the leading causes of global disability. This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of osteopathy in treating musculoskeletal pain across multiple body regions and conditions. Methods: A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across five databases (Embase, Medline via Ovid, The Cochrane Library, PEDro, and INAHTA), yielding 964 citations. Eligible studies were RCTs published in English or German up to May 2022; conference abstracts were excluded. A hybrid design was employed: a systematic review of RCTs for neck, shoulder, knee, foot, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia was combined with a pre-specified umbrella review component for chronic non-specific low back pain (registered in PROSPERO) to avoid duplication of an existing high-confidence evidence synthesis. From 35 critically appraised articles, the best available evidence (n = 15) was selected per body region based on a risk of bias (RoB) assessment (Cochrane Collaboration tool, version 1); the existing review was appraised with AMSTAR 2. An updated search (2022–July 2025) was performed without a RoB assessment. Data were synthesised qualitatively and reported narratively. Results: Fifteen RCTs and one systematic review were included, covering eight body regions and conditions (2408 participants). Pain improved immediately post-treatment in most regions; statistically significant between-group differences were less consistent at mid- and long-term follow-ups. Key findings: neck pain (n = four RCTs)—improvement in three of four studies immediately post-treatment; shoulder pain (n = two RCTs)—improvements across all follow-up points in one study; low back pain (n = one systematic review, 10 RCTs, 1160 participants)—pain reduced immediately and at mid-term follow-up; knee pain (n = two RCTs)—significant reduction in one study; foot pain (n = two RCTs)—improvement in both studies post-treatment and at mid-term follow-up; osteoporosis (n = one RCT)—no improvement immediately post-treatment; fibromyalgia (n = two RCTs)—significant between-group differences in one study post-treatment and at mid-term follow-up. Functional outcomes were heterogeneous across regions. Adverse events were minor and transient; no serious side effects were reported across any included study. The updated search (2022–July 2025) identified 12 additional RCTs across five regions, with findings broadly consistent with the primary analysis, though results for the neck region were marginally less favourable. Discussion: Based on current evidence, osteopathy can improve neck and low back pain for up to three months and may reduce shoulder and foot pain; evidence for other body regions remains inconclusive. RoB was unclear to high across studies, largely due to the inherent inability to blind patients and practitioners in manual therapy trials. Substantial heterogeneity in interventions, outcome measures, and study designs limits comparability. Overall certainty of evidence was low to moderate, warranting cautious interpretation. The consistent absence of serious adverse events across all included studies supports osteopathy as a safe therapeutic option. High-quality research with standardised interventions, rigorous designs, long-term follow-ups, and a focus on technique, dosage, and safety is needed to inform clinical practice and healthcare policy. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: MRI-guided neurovascular interventions could benefit from lower-field systems due to reduced magnetic and radiofrequency hazards. However, safety and practical visibility of commonly used neurointerventional devices at 0.55 T remain insufficiently characterized. We evaluated magnetic field interactions, RF-induced heating, and qualitative device visibility in 11 commercially available and commonly used neurovascular devices on a 0.55 T MRI system. Methods: Eleven devices, including stent retrievers, guidewires, catheters, and one embolization implant, were tested at 0.55 T. Magnetostatic interactions were quantified using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)-guided deflection methods for translational force (ASTM-F2052) and a two-string suspension apparatus for torque (adapted from Stoianovici et al.). RF-induced heating was measured in an in vitro perfused cerebral vessel phantom using a 15 min high-specific absorption rate spin echo sequence under static and flow conditions. Qualitative device visibility was assessed using a turbo spin echo (TSE) and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging on each device individually. Results: Eight of eleven devices passed the translational force test, while three devices (D, E, and G), containing significant ferromagnetic components, failed with deflection angles > 45°. Eight devices passed torque testing, remaining below the critical threshold in all rotation positions; three devices (D, G, and J) failed by exceeding the 54° criterion, including one guidewire and two devices with braided/coiled metallic structures. Under static conditions, RF-induced heating ranged from negligible to 10.4 °C (maximum in device D) and generally decreased under flow; in the flow configuration, temperature rise remained below 2 °C for 6/11 devices. Qualitative imaging performance differed by sequence, with bSSFP enabling improved delineation of device structure (best for devices A, C, and H), whereas devices D, E, F, and J produced extensive signal voids that precluded reliable visualization in both sequences. Overall, three devices satisfied all safety criteria while remaining clearly visible under MRI. Conclusions: Devices that pass safety thresholds at 0.55 T can serve as candidates for further sequence optimization and preclinical workflow development, enabling the design of low-SAR, device-compatible imaging protocols tailored for neurointerventional workflows. These results provide key safety data supporting the feasibility of MR-guided neurovascular procedures at 0.55 T. Full article

This manuscript presents an energy management strategy (EMS) for a commercial smart building participating in a tertiary frequency regulation market. The building integrates non-controllable components, such as loads and photovoltaic generation, and controllable resources such as a battery storage system and a set of electric vehicle (EV) chargers that are available for customers of the smart building. The EMS is based on model predictive control due to its innate ability to deal with operational constraints and different optimization criteria, which are critical for the operation of the EMS, and consists of two stages. The first iteratively optimizes energy costs and revenues from tertiary regulation reserves and activations in order to determine the optimal operation of the smart building and the regulation offers in nominal conditions. Then, a second problem determines the operation whenever an activation request is made. Simulation-based analyses are performed to study the performance of the EMS and its financial viability in diverse scenarios relevant to the smart commercial building. The results show that profits are greater if both upward and downward regulation can be provided, for a larger number of EVs and chargers and for longer connection times. Most notably, incomes from regulation almost match operation costs for a large number of chargers and EVs (240), obtaining a deficit of only EUR 39.12 for a day of operations. Full article

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is one of the most widely consumed fruit tree crops worldwide, with cultivation expanding rapidly beyond its Mesoamerican and northwest South America center of origin. In emerging secondary diversity centers such as East Africa, farmers have long propagated seedling naturalized populations that may hold valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity, yet these resources remain underexplored. To help fill this gap, this study developed the first genomic resources for avocados in Tanzania, where avocado has a long history of introduction and diversification dating to the first Arab incursions and Catholic missionary missions. Low-coverage whole-genome resequencing (lcWGS) data were obtained from 95 trees sampled in Tanzania across the low- to mid-altitude Morogoro region (n = 25) and the Southern Highlands—i.e., the Iringa (n = 20), Mbeya (n = 30) and Ruvuma (n = 20) regions. In order to guide racial assignation, sequences were merged with NCBI-available lcWGS data from 205 avocado trees, including 42 commercial varieties, with reported ancestry. Population stratification as inferred via maximum likelihood phylogenetic inference, genetic principal component analysis, and ADMIXTURE unsupervised clustering suggested that the sampled Tanzanian avocado trees were genetically closer to the West Indian race and more distant from the northwest South American Caribbean and Andean groups. Additionally, while the trees from the low- to mid-altitude region of Morogoro were almost exclusively West Indian type, some trees from the Southern Highlands aligned more closely with West Indian × Guatemalan and West Indian × Mexican hybrids. These trends were equally supported by a subset of 10,460 high-coverage (10×) SNP markers. Together these findings clarify the dynamics of avocado diversification in a secondary center in East Africa, spanning recent introductions from a single Mesoamerican race, adaptation to a wide range of locally geographic conditions, and farmer-driven selection matching local tribal preferences. Characterizing these locally adapted resources is key for identifying underrepresented yet promising provenances, developing resilient and sustainable horticultural production systems, and safeguarding the species’ global genetic heritage. Full article

Railway traffic monitoring requires robust detection technologies capable of operating reliably under real-world vibration and environmental conditions. In this work, we present the design and validation of an optical vibration sensor based on a Single-mode–Multimode–Single-mode (SMS) fiber structure for Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) detection. The sensing mechanism relies on multimodal interference in the multimode fiber (MMF), where rail-induced vibrations modify the guided mode distribution and, consequently, the transmitted optical intensity. The optical signal is converted to voltage and processed through an embedded acquisition system. Additionally, we conducted tests with freight trains and maintenance trains in order to evaluate the applicability of the sensor in other types of trains besides the LRV. We conducted laboratory experiments to assess mechanical stability, sensibility, and packaging strategies, followed by supervised field tests on an operational LRV line. The recorded time-domain signal exhibited clear modulation during train passage, and first-derivative and sliding-window variance analyses were applied to reliably identify vibration events, even in the presence of slow baseline drift. In addition, frequency-domain analysis was performed by applying the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to the measured signal, enabling the identification of characteristic low-frequency spectral components induced by train passage. A quantitative sensitivity assessment was further carried out by correlating the integrated spectral energy (0–12 Hz) with vehicle weight, yielding a linear response with a sensitivity of 0.0017 a.u./t and coefficient of determination $R^2=0.933$. The proposed solution demonstrated stable operation using commercially available low-cost components, confirming the feasibility of SMS-based optical sensing for railway monitoring. These results indicate strong potential for future deployment in traffic safety systems and distributed sensing networks. Full article

Lost circulation remains a persistent and costly challenge in drilling operations for oil, gas, and geothermal energy systems, particularly when wide fractures and cavernous formations are encountered. Although a wide range of lost circulation materials (LCMs) is commercially available, multiple laboratory studies report that many conventional products are unable to effectively seal fractures of approximately 5 mm width under controlled conditions. In contrast, recent investigations of shape memory polymer (SMP)-based LCMs have demonstrated successful sealing of fractures up to approximately 12 mm in width. This review examines recent advances in SMP-based LCMs as an emerging class of smart materials capable of overcoming geometric and operational constraints associated with drilling equipment, particularly bottom-hole assembly (BHA) components. Through thermomechanical programming, these materials are transformed into compact temporary shapes suitable for seamless circulation and are subsequently triggered by reservoir temperatures to recover permanent geometries up to an order of magnitude larger. Upon activation, these discrete elements function collectively as a hierarchical, jammed system. The resulting multiscale networks—comprising ladder-shaped elements, interwoven fibers, and granular particles—bridge large apertures, enhance mechanical interlocking, and achieve superior hydraulic isolation. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between viscosity and manufacturability of two-component silicones in extrusion-based additive manufacturing. A methodology is proposed to adapt commercially available, low-viscosity general-purpose silicones for direct 3D printing using the material extrusion system provided by Lynxter S300X. EcoFlex™ 00-50 silicone was modified through controlled additions of a thixotropic agent (THI-VEX), producing formulations with progressively increased viscosity. After a preliminary qualitative viscosity assessment, formulations were printed using identical process parameters and evaluated through a set of dedicated geometric benchmark specimens targeting critical failure modes, including unsupported thin walls, overhangs, gaps, and slender structures. Print outcomes were assessed via multi-rater visual inspection with inter-rater reliability analysis to ensure consistency. Results reveal a strong correlation between thixotropy and geometric fidelity, identifying the formulation containing 4.0 wt% THI-VEX as optimal under the tested conditions. The study provides practical design and process guidelines for silicone additive manufacturing and highlights the importance of integrated material–process optimization for reliable fabrication of soft, highly deformable materials. Full article

This study assessed the structural stability and in vitro antioxidant capacity of a cosmetic formulation incorporating sangre de grado extract (Croton lechleri Muell) and vegetable oils from aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.), aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana L.), super sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana sp. nov.), and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), sourced from Peruvian biodiversity. Structural characterization was conducted using Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) on the formulation at the initial time point (ASC T0) and after six months under accelerated stability conditions (ASC T6). Characteristic absorption bands corresponding to carbonyl, ether, and hydroxyl functional groups were observed, confirming the structural integrity of the lipid–polymeric components within the emulsifying system. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC₅₀ values comparable to those of a commercially available cream. In the DPPH assay, ASC T6 exhibited IC₅₀ of 5744.8571 μg/mL, comparable to a commercial formulation (5641.1585 μg/mL). In the ABTS assay, ASC T0 demonstrated antioxidant activity statistically equivalent (p > 0.05) to that of the commercial cream, with IC₅₀ values of 410.2358 and 420.2202 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the preservation of antioxidant activity is attributed to the structural integrity of the formulated system, which stabilized and retained synergistic interactions of the antioxidants. Future studies should explore the incorporation of additional antioxidants and include in vivo instrumental assessments of stability and efficacy. Full article

Hair loss, or alopecia, constitutes a significant and prevalent concern affecting individuals worldwide. Despite the availability of numerous commercial solutions, many individuals continue to experience substantial psychological distress, leading to adverse impact on personal relationships, social interactions, and occupational performance. The limitations of conventional treatments, such as oral medication with potential systemic side effects and topical applications with localized adverse events, have driven the exploration of alternative therapies. Emerging localized injectable treatments for hair regrowth (PRP, stem cells, exosomes) offer a promising avenue for addressing this persistent issue. These injectable therapies hold the potential to minimize the systemic side effects often associated with oral medications, while also mitigating the localized adverse events that can arise from topical applications. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the medical state-of-the-art in off-label injectable hair regrowth treatments, delving into the diverse range of available options. A critical component of this narrative review involves a thorough evaluation of relevant clinical studies, assessing the efficacy and safety profiles of these emerging therapies. Furthermore, detailed attention is given to injection techniques and administration protocols, crucial factors in optimizing treatment outcomes. These evolving therapies represent a significant advancement in the field of scalp regenerative medicine. By stimulating hair follicle reactivation, these treatments aim to promote sustained and natural hair growth, providing individuals with more effective and durable solutions. The enhanced safety profiles of these injectable therapies, compared to conventional systemic pharmacological treatments (minoxidil, finasteride), offer a substantial improvement in patient care, addressing a widespread clinical need. Full article

Following the growing interest in small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), this paper presents a comprehensive conceptual design methodology for a modular ducted-fan aerial vehicle intended for research applications. Although ducted-fan configurations offer significant advantages over conventional multirotor platforms, particularly in urban, indoor, and human-interaction scenarios, the availability of affordable and customizable ducted-fan UAVs platforms suitable for scientific research remains limited. To address this gap, the paper details the complete design of the vehicle, including propeller aerodynamics and duct design, mechanical structure, actuation system, dynamic modeling, and control strategy. All major structural and aerodynamic components are fabricated using low-cost additive manufacturing, enabling rapid prototyping and high modularity. The vehicle’s performance is experimentally assessed through bench tests and indoor flight experiments, demonstrating stable flight and satisfactory attitude control. The presented work shows that a fully functional ducted-fan UAVs can be realized using commercial off-the-shelf electronics and exclusively 3D-printed components, and provides practical guidelines to replicate and adapt the proposed platform for advanced research in UAVs control, navigation, and autonomy. Full article

Background/Aim: Fermented soybean-based products are known to influence gut microbial composition; however, the long-term effects of multicomponent soybean fermented preparations on gut microbiota and colonic mucosal features remain insufficiently characterized. This study examined the effects of a commercially available soybean fermented preparation (SFP), containing additional fermented plant and marine derived components, on gut microbial community structure and colonic histological features in BALB/c mice. Methods: BALB/c mice received oral SFP (1000 mg/kg) for 30 and 60 days. Gut microbial communities were analyzed using full-length rRNA operon sequencing. Colonic mucosal architecture and goblet cell density were evaluated via histological analysis (H&E). Results: SFP supplementation induced significant β-diversity separation at both 30 and 60 days (p < 0.05), indicating consistent restructuring of the gut microbial community. While alpha diversity (Observed OTUs) remained stable at 30 days, Shannon and Simpson indices were significantly reduced at 60 days (p = 0.001), indicating reduced community evenness driven by increased dominance of specific taxa, including Duncaniella. At the genus level, SFP administration was associated with increased relative abundances of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Duncaniella, accompanied by reductions in several genera previously linked to dysbiosis. Histological analysis demonstrated a significant increase in goblet cell density (p < 0.01) in SFP-treated mice. Conclusions: Long-term SFP supplementation was associated with sustained alterations in gut microbial composition and measurable histological changes in the colonic mucosa. While these findings indicate that SFP intake influences microbial structure and goblet cell abundance, further studies are required to determine the functional and physiological implications of these changes, particularly in relation to epithelial barrier function and host health. Full article

This paper presents a compact floating memtranstor (MT) emulator, a memory element characterized by a direct φ–q relationship, realized without analog multipliers or complex circuitry. The proposed design employs only two active blocks—a voltage differential transconductance amplifier (VDTA) and a voltage differential current conveyor (VDCC)—along with three grounded capacitors and a single grounded electronically tunable resistor. The emulator accurately reproduces the fundamental φ–q dynamics, exhibiting origin-crossing pinched hysteresis loops under sinusoidal excitation, and operates at a low supply voltage of ±0.9 V. Electronic tunability is achieved via bias-controlled transconductance modulation, enabling flexible adaptation across excitation frequencies and operating conditions. Validation is performed through analytical modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, temperature sensitivity analysis, and full LTspice post-layout simulations using a 180 nm CMOS process. The full-custom layout occupies 2529.49 μm², with robust performance confirmed under parasitic and process variations. Adaptive learning simulations demonstrate the emulator’s artificial synaptic plasticity, highlighting its suitability for neuromorphic computing, chaos-based circuits, and nonlinear dynamical systems. The compact, low-power, and multiplier-free architecture establishes the proposed MT emulator as a practical platform for emerging analog memory-centric applications. To validate the feasibility of the proposed solution, experimental tests are performed using commercially available components. Full article

Camera-based wildlife monitoring is often overwhelmed by non-target triggers and slowed by manual review or cloud-dependent inference, which can prevent timely intervention for high stakes human–wildlife conflicts. Our key contribution is a deployable, fully offline edge vision sensor that achieves near-real-time, highly accurate wildlife event classification by combining detector-based empty-image suppression with a lightweight classifier trained with a staged transfer-learning curriculum. Specifically, Stage 1 uses a pretrained You Only Look Once (YOLO)-family detector for permissive animal localization and empty-trigger suppression, and Stage 2 uses a lightweight EfficientNet-based binary classifier to confirm puma on detector crops and gate downstream actions. Our design is robust to low-quality nighttime monochrome imagery (motion blur, low contrast, illumination artifacts, and partial-body captures) and operates using commercially available components in connectivity-limited settings. In field deployments running since May 2025, end-to-end latency from camera trigger to action command is approximately 4 s. Ablation studies using a dataset of labeled wildlife images (pumas, not pumas) show that the two-stage approach substantially reduces false alarms in identifying pumas relative to a full-image classifier while maintaining high recall. On the held-out test set ($N=1434$ events), the proposed two-stage cascade achieves precision $0.983$, recall $0.975$, F1 $0.979$, accuracy $0.986$, and balanced accuracy $0.983$, with only 8 false positives and 12 false negatives. The system can be easily adapted for other species, as demonstrated by rapid retraining of the second stage to classify ringtails. Downstream responses (e.g., notifications and optional audio/light outputs) provide flexible actuation capabilities that can be configured to support intervention. Full article