Search Results (424)

Alkyd resins are among the most common coatings used for exterior wood joinery. In Romania, solvent-borne alkyd coatings are widely used to finish wood. The study aims to compare the performance after 7 years of outdoor exposure of two types of alkyd coatings, a semi-transparent brown stain with micronized pigments (Alk1) and an opaque white enamel (Alk2), applied directly on wood or wood pre-treated with three types of resins: acryl-polyurethane (R1), epoxy (R2), and alkyd-polyurethane (R3). Fir (Abies alba) wood served as the substrate. Cracking, coating adhesion, and biological degradation were periodically assessed through visual inspection and microscopy. Additionally, a cross-cut test was performed, and the loss of coating on the directly exposed upper faces was measured using ImageJ. The results indicated that resin pretreatments somewhat reduced cracking but negatively affected coating adhesion after long-term exposure. All samples pretreated with resins and coated with Alk1 lost more than 50% (up to 78%) of the original finishing film by the end of the test. In comparison, coated control samples lost less than 50%. The Alk2 coating exhibited a film loss between 2% and 12%, compared to an average loss of 9% for the coated control. Overall, samples pretreated with alkyd-polyurethane resin (R3) and coated with alkyd enamel (Alk2) demonstrated the best performance in terms of cracking, adhesion, and discoloration. Full article

Background and Objectives: Functional capacity assessment is essential in bariatric surgery candidates, but the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) may be limited by fatigue, joint pain, and spatial constraints in individuals with severe obesity. Shorter tests such as the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Three-Minute Walk Test (3MWT), and One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1MSTS) have been proposed as alternatives, yet comparative data in this population remain scarce. We aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and clinical utility of the 2MWT, 3MWT, and 1MSTS as substitutes for the 6MWT in patients preparing for bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 142 obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) underwent standardized 2MWT, 3MWT, 6MWT, and 1MSTS protocols. Correlation, linear regression, test–retest reliability (ICC), and ROC analyses were used to determine each test’s correlation and discriminative accuracy for impaired exercise tolerance (6MWT < 450 m). Results: The 3MWT showed the strongest correlation with the 6MWT (r = 0.930) and the highest explained variance (R² = 0.865), especially in individuals with BMI > 50. It also exhibited excellent reliability (ICC > 0.9) and a strong ROC profile (AUC = 0.931; 212 m cut-off). The 2MWT demonstrated acceptable concurrent validity but slightly lower agreement. The 1MSTS showed weak and inconsistent associations with 6MWT performance, suggesting limited value in assessing aerobic capacity in this population. Conclusions: The 3MWT appears to be a valid, reliable, and clinically practical alternative to the 6MWT in individuals with severe obesity. The 2MWT may be used when time or patient tolerance is limited. The 1MSTS, while safe and simple, may reflect strength and coordination more than aerobic capacity, limiting its utility in this context. Full article

Manufacturing in modern industrial sectors involves the machining of components where the undeformed chip thickness inevitably decreases to values comparable to the tool edge radius. Under such conditions, the ploughing effect between the workpiece and the tool becomes dominant, followed by the noticeable formation of a stagnation zone. This paper presents research focused on the analysis of the cutting process for small cross-sections of the removed layers, based on cutting force components. This study investigated the machining of two titanium alloy grades—Ti Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) and Ti Grade 2—with the main focus on process stability. A material separation model was analyzed to demonstrate the mechanism of material flow within the cross-section of the machined layer. It was found that the material has a limited ability to flow sideways at the boundary of the chip thickness, thus determining the probable size of the stagnation zone in front of the cutting edge. Orthogonal cutting experiments enabled the determination of the minimum chip thickness coefficient for constant temperature conditions, independent of the tool edge radius, as $h_{min0}=$0.313. In oblique cutting tests, the sensitivity of thin-layer machining was demonstrated for the determined values of minimum undeformed chip thickness. By applying the 0–1 test for chaos, the measurement time (parameter $T·dt$) was determined for both titanium alloys to determine the range of observable chaotic behavior. The analyses confirmed that Ti Grade 2 enters chaotic dynamics much more rapidly than Ti Grade 5 and displays local cutting instabilities independent of the uncut chip thickness. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and demographic characteristics, presenting complaints, clinical diagnoses, and patient outcomes in patients admitted to the emergency department for gastrointestinal (GI) emergencies. The predictive value of PNI for the clinical course of patients with GI emergencies was investigated. Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 583 patients with a diagnosis of GI emergencies in the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital between January 2021 and December 2024. Data such as age, sex, presenting complaints, final diagnosis, and emergency department outcomes (discharge, ward admission, and transfer to intensive care unit) were collected. The PNI value was calculated using serum albumin (g/dL) and total lymphocyte count (/mm³) with the formula PNI = 10 × albumin + 0.005 × lymphocyte. The PNI was calculated based on serum albumin levels and peripheral lymphocyte counts. Results: The mean age of the study group was 63.4 ± 17.4 years, and 52.1% of the patients were female. The number of patients with a PNI value < 38 was significantly higher in the intensive care unit (p < 0.001). PNI values were considerably lower, especially in patients diagnosed with malignancy, cirrhosis, and GI hemorrhage (X² = 71.387; p < 0.001). The PNI was an independent predictor of outcomes in patients with GI emergencies. The mean PNI was significantly higher in discharged patients but significantly lower in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (p < 0.002). The cut-off score for PNI was calculated using the median value, and the cut-off score for PNI was <38. Conclusion: PNI is a powerful biomarker for predicting the clinical severity and prognosis of patients with GI emergencies. Since it can be easily calculated from routine biochemical tests, it can be used as a practical and effective risk stratification tool. The evaluation of PNI, especially for the early detection of critically ill patients at high risk of malnutrition, may contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality through the timely initiation of appropriate supportive therapies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is an endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate cortisol production, leading to non-specific symptoms that delay diagnosis. The Low Dose Synacthen Test (LDST) is commonly used to evaluate adrenal function, but traditional cortisol cut-offs may not accurately reflect adrenal function in all patients. This study aims to identify baseline cortisol cut-offs to accurately rule in and out AI, reassess the value of cortisol increment during LDST, and evaluate the accuracy of 30 and 60 min cortisol measurements in diagnosing AI. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patients who underwent LDST at Farhat Hached University Hospital. Diagnostic accuracy of baseline cortisol levels and cortisol increment was assessed using ROC curve analysis to determine optimal cut-offs for predicting LDST outcomes. Results: Among 163 patients (mean age 42.9 years, 63% female), baseline cortisol ≤ 5.35 μg/dL had 100% specificity but 41.5% sensitivity for LDST failure. Conversely, baseline cortisol ≥ 12.4 μg/dL had 100% sensitivity with 45.9% specificity. Single measurements at 30 and 60 min correctly classified 92.64% and 93.87% of cases, respectively. ROC analysis of 30 and 60 min cortisol increments showed high diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.923 and 0.914, respectively). The optimal cortisol increment cut-off was 6.35 μg/dL for ruling in AI (99% specificity). Conclusions: We propose a novel AI diagnostic algorithm based on a single 30 min cortisol measurement, complemented by revised baseline cortisol cut-offs and cortisol increment as additional criteria. This approach may enhance diagnostic accuracy and minimize unnecessary testing, warranting further clinical validation. Full article

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the major preventable causes of intellectual disability. This study evaluates the incidence of CH through a newborn screening (NBS) program in eastern Morocco. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used and heel prick blood samples were collected on blotting paper to measure Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) using an immunofluorimetric assay. 4062 newborns were screened (51.3% male, 48.7% female). TSH levels significantly varied by age: newborns sampled before 24 h had a higher median TSH (3.7 µU/mL [0.10–28.90]) compared to those sampled at 24 h or more (2.1 µU/mL [0.10–32.30]; p < 0.001). Using age-specific cut-off values, 18 suspected CH cases were recalled (recall rate: 0.44%). Among the 16 cases who completed confirmatory testing, 4 had transient hyperthyrotropinemia (HTT), characterized by mildly abnormal serum TSH and T4 levels that normalized spontaneously after few months without treatment. Three cases were diagnosed with CH confirmed at birth with markedly elevated serum TSH concentrations and significantly reduced T4 levels. Consequently, the birth prevalence of CH confirmed at birth was 1:1354 live births. The median preanalytical delay was 6 days (IQR: 3–12) and the TSH result turnaround was 8 days (IQR: 5–15), potentially affecting timely intervention. This first report from eastern Morocco confirms the relevance of neonatal screening but highlights delays that must be addressed to enhance early diagnosis and management. Full article

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a major pathogen causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a lethal disease in cats, necessitating accurate diagnostic methods. This study developed and compared novel primers targeting the FCoV membrane (M) gene for enhanced detection. Specific primers were designed for the M gene and their performance evaluated using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), nested RT-PCR, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) on 80 clinical effusion samples from cats suspected of FIP. Specificity of assays was tested against other feline viruses, with sensitivity being assessed via serial dilutions of FCoV RNA. RT-qPCR had the highest sensitivity, detecting 9.14 × 10¹ copies/µL, identifying 93.75% of positive samples, followed by nested RT-PCR (87.50%, 9.14 × 10⁴ copies/µL) and RT-PCR (61.25%, 9.14 × 10⁶ copies/µL). All assays had 100% specificity, with no cross-reactivity to other viruses. The nested RT-PCR and RT-qPCR outperformed RT-PCR significantly, with comparable diagnostic accuracy. The novel primers targeting the FCoV M gene, coupled with RT-qPCR, delivered unparalleled sensitivity and robust reliability for detecting FCoV in clinical settings. Nested RT-PCR was equally precise and amplified diagnostic confidence with its high performance. These cutting-edge assays should revolutionize FCoV detection, offering trusted tools that seamlessly integrate into veterinary practice, empowering clinicians to manage feline infectious peritonitis with unprecedented accuracy and speed. Full article

Background and Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates remain high and have a significant impact on female football players. This study aims to evaluate knee kinematics and lower limb muscle activity in players at risk of ACL injury compared to healthy players through three side-cutting tests. It also investigates how the amplitude of a change in direction influences stabilization parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was conducted with 16 second division female futsal players (23.93 ± 5.16 years), divided into injured (n = 8) and healthy groups (n = 8). Injured players had a history of non-contact knee injury involving valgus collapse, without undergoing surgical intervention. Three change of direction tests, namely the Change of Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT), Go Back (GOB) test, and Turn (TURN) test, were used for evaluation. The peak and range of knee joint angles and angular velocities across three planes, along with the average rectified and peak envelope EMG signals of the Biceps Femoris (BF), Semitendinosus (ST), Vastus Medialis (VM), and Lateral Gastrocnemius (LG), were recorded during the preparation and load phases. Group differences were analyzed using two-factor mixed-model ANOVA with pairwise comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Injured players demonstrated lower external tibial rotation angular velocity and a greater range of motion in tibial external rotation compared to healthy players. Additionally, the injured group showed significantly higher average rectified muscle activity in VM and LG both increased by 4% during the load phase. The CODAT and TURN tests elicited higher BF and VM muscle activity, compared to the GOB test. The TURN test also showed greater extension angular velocity in the sagittal plane. Conclusions: The results revealed differences in knee kinematics and muscle activity between players at risk of ACL injury and healthy players, influenced by the amplitude of directional changes. Players altered transverse plane mechanics and increased VM and LG activation during LOAD may reflect a dysfunctional motor pattern, while the greater sagittal plane angular velocity and VM and BF activation from the CODAT and the TURN test highlight their higher potential to replicate ACL injury mechanisms compared to the GOB test. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the European Evaluation of Vertigo (EEV) and analyse its test–retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC), concurrent validity, and discriminant validity. Methods: A cross-sectional validation study was designed. Subjects were recruited from the Otolaryngology Service of the University Hospital of Jaen. Psychometric properties of the EEV were analysed, including the concurrent validity, the SEM, and the MDC. Discriminant validity was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The EEV test–retest reliability was nearly perfect (Kappa index = 0.97). The SEM and the MDC were set at 0.56 and 1.10, respectively. Regarding the discriminant validity, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.831 (95% CI; 0.743–0.899) for the BPPV prediction, the AUC = 0.731 (95% CI; 0.633–0.815) for the disability prediction from the ABC-16 score, and the AUC = 0.846 (95% CI; 0.760–0.911) for the disability prediction from the ABC-6 score. Furthermore, a cut-off point greater than 12 was a good predictor of disability and the fall risk measured with the ABC scale, whereas a value of 11 points was a good predictor for discriminating BPPV patients. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the EEV is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the clinical symptoms of vestibular syndrome. This instrument demonstrated a nearly perfect test-retest reliability, a low measurement error, and good accuracy in discriminating between patients with vestibular disorders and those with BPPV. Full article

Acoustic tomography is a non-destructive technique used in the internal assessment of standing trees. Various researchers have focused on developing analytical tools using this technique, demonstrating that they can detect internal biodeterioration in cross-sections with good accuracy. This study evaluates the use of two ultrasonic wave devices with different frequencies (USLab and Sylvatest Duo) and a stress wave device (Microsecond Timer) to generate acoustic tomography using ImageWood VC1 software. The tests were carried out on 12 cross-sections of urban trees in the city of Madrid of the species Robinia pseudoacacia L., Platanus × hybrida Brot., Ulmus pumila L., and Populus alba L. Velocity measurements were made, forming a diffraction mesh in both standing trees and logs after cutting them down. An inspection was carried out with a perforation resistance drill (IML RESI F-400S) in the radial direction in each section, which allowed for more precise identification of defects and differentiating between holes and cracks. The various defects were determined with greater accuracy in the tomographic images taken with the higher-frequency equipment (45 kHz), and the combination of ultrasonic tomography and the use of the inspection drill can provide a more accurate representation of the defects. Full article

StageMix is a video compilation of multiple stage performances of the same song, edited seamlessly together using appropriate editing points. However, generating a StageMix requires specialized editing techniques and is a considerable time-consuming process. To address this challenge, we introduce AutoStageMix, an automated StageMix generation system designed to perform all processes automatically. The system is structured into five principal stages: preprocessing, feature extraction, identifying a transition point, editing path determination, and StageMix generation. The initial stage of the process involves audio analysis to synchronize the sequences across all input videos, followed by frame extraction. After that, the facial features are extracted from each video frame. Next, transition points are identified, which form the basis for face-based transitions, inter-stage cuts, and intra-stage cuts. Subsequently, a cost function is defined to facilitate the creation of cross-edited sequences. The optimal editing path is computed using Dijkstra’s algorithm to minimize the total cost of editing. Finally, the StageMix is generated by applying appropriate editing effects tailored to each transition type, aiming to maximize visual appeal. Experimental results suggest that our method generally achieves lower NME scores than existing StageMix generation approaches across multiple test songs. In a user study with 21 participants, AutoStageMix achieved viewer satisfaction comparable to that of professionally edited StageMixes, with no statistically significant difference between the two. AutoStageMix enables users to produce StageMixes effortlessly and efficiently by eliminating the need for manual editing. Full article

Competency-based assessment in engineering education is becoming increasingly critical as the profession faces rapid technological advances and the growing need for cross-cutting competencies. This paper introduces SmartRubrics, an AI-based tool designed to support the automated generation of competency-based assessment rubrics. The development of this tool is based on a systematic literature mapping study conducted between 2019 and 2024, which identified key gaps, such as the limited integration of digital tools and the under-representation of transversal skills in current assessment practices. By addressing these gaps, SmartRubrics aims to support the standardisation, accessibility, and potential enhancement of competency-based assessment practices, aligned with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Preliminary testing of the prototype with computer science educators has provided valuable information on the effectiveness of the tool and areas for improvement. Future work includes further experimental validation in real educational settings to assess the impact of the tool on teaching and learning practices. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy based on neurodynamic techniques and electrophysical modalities in the conservative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). A total of 128 upper limbs affected by CuTS were initially enrolled in this study, with 82 completing the full treatment protocol. The participants were divided into the following two intervention arms: the first arm (MT) (42 arms) received therapy based on sliding and tensioning neurodynamic techniques, while the second arm (EM) (40 arms) underwent physiotherapy based on electrophysical modalities, specifically low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and ultrasound therapy (US). Chi² and Student’s t-test were used to compare the intervention arms, and no statistically significant differences were found. The evaluated outcomes included nerve conduction testing, ultrasound assessments (measuring cross-sectional area and shear modulus), pain levels, two-point discrimination, thresholds for cutaneous sensory perception, symptom severity, functional ability in specific tasks, and overall post-treatment improvement. Baseline comparisons indicated no statistically significant differences in any measured variables between the intervention groups (p > 0.05). Following treatment, each group exhibited significant improvements in their respective parameters (p < 0.01). Comparisons between groups post-intervention revealed statistically significant differences in nerve conduction results, ultrasound measurements (cross-sectional area and shear modulus), two-point discrimination, and sensory perception thresholds. These parameters improved more in the MT intervention arm. The use of neurodynamic techniques, ultrasound, and low-level laser therapy in the conservative treatment of mild to moderate forms of CuTS has a beneficial therapeutic effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: The body mass index (BMI) is considered a key method for the classification of individuals’ weight status, according to cut-off points proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO); however, the use of this classification is still the subject of debate and criticism. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the WHO BMI classification in reflecting true adiposity in the Italian general population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1351 adults of mixed gender aged between 18 and 98 years, comprising 19 (1.4%) underweight individuals, 787 (58.3%) normal weight, 354 (26.2%) overweight, and 191 (14.1%) with obesity according to the WHO BMI. After that they were re-categorized according to adiposity based on body fat percentage (BF%) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The agreement between the two classification systems was tested using the kappa statistic (κ), with the system based on BF% being considered the gold standard. Results: According to the BMI classification, 78.1% of the individuals who were in the normal weight range were correctly classified. However, 53.4% of the overweight group and 68.4% of the underweight group were misclassified according to the BMI, as the majority of those misclassified fell within the normal weight range according to their BF%. Finally, regarding the obesity group, 34% who were classified as having obesity according to the BMI were misclassified, since they were revealed to be only affected by overweight according to adiposity status. Conclusions: Despite the fact that the BMI seems to be reliable in determining body weight status in the normal weight range, over a third of the general population was misclassified, as the current BMI classification appears to inflate the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among the general population. Accordingly, this may warrant consideration of revising the National Guidelines in Italy related to weight status classification. Healthcare practitioners should be advised not to rely solely on the BMI, and should integrate its use with adiposity measures (i.e., BF%) or alternative surrogate indicators (i.e., waist-based) in routine evaluations, especially in those with a BMI below or above 18.5 kg/m² or 25 kg/m². Full article

In recent years, plastic decorative materials have been used in the automotive industry due to their advantages such as being environmentally friendly, aesthetic, light and economically affordable. Plastic decorative materials can exhibit high strength and metallic reflection with metal coatings. Chrome plating is generally preferred in the production of decorative plastic parts in the automotive industry. In this study, the effect of injection molding processing parameters on the metal–polymer adhesion of chrome-plated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) was investigated. The ABS-based front grille frames are fabricated by means of using an industrial-scale injection molding machine. Then, the fabricated ABS-based front grille frame was plated with chrome by means of the electroplating method. The metal–polymer adhesion was investigated as a function of the injection molding processing parameters by means of a cross-cut test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). As a result, it was determined that the optimal injection process parameters, a cooling time of 18 s, a mold temperature of 70 °C, injection rates of 45-22-22-20-15-10 mm/s, and packing pressures of 110-100-100 bar, were effective in enhancing polymer–metal adhesion for the ABS-based front grille frame. Full article