Search Results (548)

Background: Quantitative assessment of proprioception in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is limited by methodological variability and the lack of developmentally appropriate protocols. Joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS) assessments are commonly used in adults; however, their reliability in pediatric populations has not been sufficiently established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of adapted JPS and FS protocols in children with DCD and to determine whether the observed reliability supports the use of these methods in experimental research. Methods: A repeated-measurements reliability research design was employed. Twenty-eight children aged 10–15 years (mean age 12.86 years), with a mean body mass of 43.68 kg and a mean height of 149.32 cm, and with medically confirmed DCD, completed four proprioceptive tests: joint angle reproduction and differentiation, and force reproduction and differentiation. Absolute errors were calculated for each trial. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,k), standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable difference. Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate agreement. Results: Reliability across all tests and movement directions ranged from good to excellent. Most ICC values exceeded 0.90, with only a small number falling between 0.86 and 0.90. Although differentiation tasks produced larger absolute errors than reproduction tasks, their reliability remained excellent. Bland–Altman analyses demonstrated acceptable bias, reasonable clustering around the mean difference, and only occasional outliers beyond the limits of agreement. Conclusions: The adapted JPS and FS protocols demonstrated high intra- and inter-rater reliability in children with DCD, supporting their use in experimental research. Full article

Health and safety concerns at construction sites have become increasingly significant, especially with the rapid technological development and the opportunities it brings. Since fall-from-height incidents are the most frequent construction accidents in the field, this paper focuses on a fall risk prevention method for building construction sites by integrating algorithm-based techniques with BIM models and introducing a smart adaptive system that automatically detects danger zones and places requiring safety equipment regardless of the layout complexity and design modifications. Moreover, the work reveals the optimal quantities and material takeoffs for the suggested safety plan over time, based on the construction sequence. It provides a 4D BIM simulation of building projects, in which the appropriate configurations, quantities, lengths, and costs of the required safety equipment can be derived at any chosen time interval within the construction stage. Full article

Background: Inter-limb asymmetry has implications for both athletic performance and healthcare practice. High baseline inter-limb asymmetries have been associated with impaired mobility, increased fall risk, and musculoskeletal injuries across the lifespan. Exercise interventions able to stimulate the stretch–shortening cycle (e.g., plyometric training and jump training) have been shown to have a good impact on asymmetries. Among these, Mini-Trampoline Training (MTT) has recently emerged as potentially effective in reducing asymmetries. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of a single MTT session on muscle power and inter-limb asymmetry in young adults. Methods: Twenty-eight recreationally active participants (25.6 ± 2.4 years) completed one MTT session. Before (PRE) and after (POST) the MTT session, single-leg 6 m Timed Hop (6MTH) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered. Additionally, 6MTH values of the dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NODOM) limbs were used to stratify participants according to higher (HBIA) or lower (LBIA) baseline inter-limb asymmetry, based on a commonly adopted Normalized Symmetry Index (NSI) threshold (NSI ≥ 10%, n = 12; NSI < 10%, n = 16). Repeated-measures mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the MTT session on 6MTH, NSI, and CMJ. Results: Regardless of group and limb, significant (p < 0.0001) improvements in 6MTH (PRE: 2.5 ± 0.06 s; POST: 2.3 ± 0.05 s) were found. Interestingly, the MTT session had a significant (p = 0.01) effect on both groups, with a significant (p = 0.003) interaction with NSI values, showing an improvement for HBIA (PRE = 15.4 ± 1.1%, POST = 11.3 ± 2.1%), whereas a decrement in LBIA was recorded (PRE = 5.1 ± 0.6%, POST = 9.6 ± 1.5%). CMJ did not show any changes in HBIA (PRE: 36.2 ± 0.9 cm; POST: 35.1 ± 0.7 cm), while a significant (p = 0.007) decrease was found in LBIA (PRE: 34.8 ± 1.2 cm; POST: 33.2 ± 1.3 cm). Conclusions: A single MTT session induced acute neuromuscular fatigue, reflected by reduced CMJ performance and improved (~8%) inter-limb control during hopping. The HBIA group preserved jump height (~36 cm) and demonstrated a significant reduction in asymmetry (NSI: −4.1%), suggesting more balanced lower-limb recruitment. Conversely, LBIA showed a significant decrease in CMJ and an increased NSI (+4.5%), possibly reflecting fatigue-related compensatory strategies. Overall, a single MTT elicited distinct responses according to baseline asymmetry, supporting its potential as an adaptable modality for enhancing neuromuscular function in HBIA. Full article

The presented dataset contains spatial models of cones formed from lunar soil simulants. The cones were formed in a laboratory by allowing the soil to fall freely through a funnel. Then, the cones were measured using three methods: a high-precision handheld laser scanner (HLS), photogrammetry, and a low-cost LiDAR system integrated into an iPad Pro. The dataset consists of two groups. The first group contains raw measurement data, and the second group contains the geometry of the cones themselves, excluding their surroundings. This second group was prepared to support the calculation of the cones’ volume. All data are provided in standard 3D file format (.STL). The dataset enables direct comparison of resolution and geometric reconstruction performance across the three techniques and can be reused for benchmarking 3D processing workflows, segmentation algorithms, and shape reconstruction methods. It provides complete geometric information suitable for validating automated extraction procedures for parameters such as cone height, base diameter, and angle of repose, as well as for further research into planetary soil and granular material morphology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury is a rare but often fatal condition, typically resulting from high-energy deceleration mechanisms such as motor vehicle collisions or falls from height. Mortality can reach 80–90% at the scene, with in-hospital mortality up to 46%. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to improve outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 45 patients (29 males, 16 females) with varying degrees of aortic isthmus injury treated between January 2007 and December 2024 at two Italian vascular surgery centers. Aortic lesions were graded 0–3, with 40 patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Procedures utilized Gore TAG or Medtronic Valiant endografts. Perioperative management included controlled hypotension and left subclavian artery coverage was performed when necessary. Results: Procedural success was achieved in all patients (100%), with one type II endoleak. No perioperative complications or spinal cord ischemia were observed. Coverage of the left subclavian artery was required in 28.9% of cases. Thirty-day mortality was 9%, with no deaths directly attributable to aortic injury. Postoperative CTA confirmed adequate endograft placement in all patients. Conclusions: Endovascular repair is a safe and effective approach for BTAI, with excellent short-term outcomes. Management should be tailored to injury severity and patient comorbidities, with ongoing vigilance for spinal cord ischemia. Full article

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the thoracic–lumbar spine are common in older adults and can lead to pain, kyphotic posture, impaired postural control, and altered gait. These changes increase the risk of falls and reduce functional mobility, highlighting the need for effective assessment and intervention strategies. Objectives: To analyze stability and gait in patients who sustained a thoracic–lumbar spinal fracture and underwent minimally invasive surgery. Methods: Seventeen patients participated in this study (women = 11, age 68.36 ± 6.15 years, body weight 68.18 ± 12.8 kg, height 161.45 ± 5.26 cm; men = 6, age 62.67 ± 4.41 years, body weight 78.5 ± 20.36 kg, height 176.67 ± 12.64 cm). All participants had undergone minimally invasive spinal surgery using percutaneous screws reinforced with bone cement 12 months prior. Each patient underwent two assessments: postural stability measurement and biomechanical gait analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica software (StatSoft, PL), with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: In the stability test, seven participants could not complete the measurement due to falls (FRT = 6.45 ± 2.43), six performed within the normal range (FRT = 2.41 ± 0.9), and four were below the normal range for their age group (FRT = 2.22 ± 1.7). Patients exhibited slower walking speed, shorter stride length, and reduced hip extension during the stance phase (approximately 5° less) due to a forward-leaning posture and cautious gait. Foot placement was flat rather than heel-first, likely as a compensatory strategy to enhance safety. Conclusions: Patients after osteoporotic thoracic–lumbar vertebral fractures treated with minimally invasive surgery demonstrate shorter, wider, and slower steps, along with reduced postural stability, indicating a persistent risk of forward falls. Full article

To investigate the effects of varying degrees of shading on the photosynthetic characteristics of Spuriopinnella brachycarpa (Kom.) Kitag. experiments were conducted under five shading treatments: 0% (full sunlight), 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. The results demonstrated that shading significantly influenced plant growth and photosynthesis. Plant height, stem diameter, and leaf area in the control group (0% shading) were significantly greater than those in shaded treatments, although a 40% shading treatment notably increased the aboveground harvestable biomass, demonstrating greater potential for economic yield compared to the control. All shading treatments significantly enhanced the net photosynthetic rate of S. brachycarpa compared to the control; however, excessive shading (i.e., 80% shading) led to a reduction in the net photosynthetic rate, falling below that observed under full sunlight. The 40% shading treatment yielded the most substantial improvement in net photosynthetic rate. Shading also significantly enhanced the maximum quantum yield of PSII, facilitating improved use of light energy for photosynthesis while reducing energy dissipation as heat. Additionally, antioxidant activity in shaded plants was markedly higher than in the control, with the highest levels observed under 40% shading. These findings suggest that moderate shading, particularly at 40%, is optimal for improving photosynthetic efficiency, light energy utilization, and antioxidant activity in S. brachycarpa Full article

To address inefficiencies, pig stress from traditional manual body dimension measurement, and environmental interference in existing automated technologies, this study designed and validated a non-contact measurement system for Jiangquan black pigs based on dual-view (top + side) depth vision (Intel RealSense D455). Key dimensions (body length/width/height, chest depth) were accurately extracted via depth map calibration, dynamic scaling, and U-Net segmentation. Chest girth was estimated using the Ramanujan ellipse perimeter model (MAE = 4.15 cm, R² = 0.908) and integrated as the core parameter for body weight prediction in an empirical formula. This experimental dataset comprises 30 pigs sourced from a single farm, with body weights falling within a limited range (30–100 kg). All dimensions achieved R² > 0.9, with top-view body width performing best (R² = 0.9424, MAE = 1.9 cm). Body weight prediction yielded R² = 0.957 and MAE = 5.1 kg. The system completes measurements in 24 ± 4 s with low hardware costs and stress-free operation, making it suitable for precision breeding in small-to-medium pig farms. Full article

Rainfall simulators are crucial devices in erosion research, enabling the controlled reproduction of precipitation characteristics for both laboratory and field investigations. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of a rainfall simulator originally designed to assess the erosive effects of precipitation on heritage surfaces. The simulator, installed at the University of León, was evaluated using volumetric methods and disdrometric techniques, employing a Parsivel² optical disdrometer. Simulations were conducted with a falling height of 10 m and high-intensity rainfalls. Spatial uniformity was assessed through thematic mapping and the Christiansen Uniformity (CU) coefficient, revealing limited uniformity across the full wetted area, but an improved performance within the central zone (CU up to 80%). Disdrometric data provided detailed insights into drop size and velocity distributions, enabling the estimation of rainfall intensity, kinetic energy, and momentum, as well as the spatial uniformity of the energetic parameters. Empirical models to estimate the raindrop’s fall velocity were tested against disdrometric measurements, confirming the simulator’s ability to generate rainfall with velocity characteristics comparable to those of natural precipitation. Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple measurement approaches to enhance the reliability and accuracy of rainfall simulator characterization. Full article

The Korean aquaculture sector relies heavily on foreign workers, who face elevated risks due to language barriers and limited safety training. This disparity necessitates data-driven safety interventions addressing specific worker vulnerabilities to ensure sustainable industry growth. This study quantitatively investigated accident characteristics and economic losses by nationality in Korean aquaculture by integrating 325 approved cases (2018–2022) from Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (268 Korean; 57 foreign) and field survey data into the Formal Safety Assessment and Fault Tree Analysis frameworks recommended by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The study revealed that entanglement during machinery operations accounted for 63.5% of the total cost among foreign workers. For Korean workers, slip and fall accidents were most frequent, while falls from height were the most severe in terms of unit cost and fatality. Based on the importance index and Human Element analysis, four risk control options were proposed: guarding and interlocks retrofit, multilingual training for foreign workers, and fall-protection upgrades and permit-to-work systems with lockout/tagout for Korean workers. Scenario analysis demonstrated consistent cost-saving effects. Both direct and indirect costs were incorporated into total loss estimation, with indirect costs calculated as 0.5–1.0 times the direct costs following the Ministry of Employment and Labor (2021). Full article

Urea production plays a crucial part in the worldwide agricultural economy, providing a primary supply of nitrogen for fertilizers. For storage and transport, urea is synthesized in granular form, and the prilling technology is frequently employed. In this technique, the hot liquid feed passes through an atomizer to produce small droplets, which then fall along the high tower. During the falling process, the liquid droplets gradually become solid because the internal energy is removed by the cooling air, which flows upward from the bottom. Typically, three consecutive thermal phases are analyzed for the solidification process: the liquid droplet cooling, solidification when the surface reaches freezing point, and the solid particle cooling. In this paper, the temperature distribution across the radius of the urea particles was analyzed using a heat transfer equation, which is considered a two-phase Stefan problem. The system of partial differential equations is solved numerically using the finite difference method and the enthalpy method. The temperature of the cooling air at various heights of the tower and the degree of solidification of different particle sizes were estimated and compared with data obtained from the urea factory to assess their reliability. The validation demonstrated a strong correlation between the model estimates and the real plant observations. Full article

The inability to regain balance following a trip-induced event is one of the leading causes of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to expose individuals to realistic environments with minimal injury risk compared to real-world exposures. The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity joint kinematics during overground walking when exposed to real and virtually generated trip obstacles. A total of 14 healthy participants [7 male, 7 female; age: 23.46 ± 3.31 years; height: 173.85 ± 8.46 cm; mass: 82.19 ± 11.41 kg; shoe size (men’s): 9.03 ± 2.71 s] were recruited for this study. Knee and ankle joint kinematics were recorded during obstacle negotiation when exposed to REAL and VR environments. Environmental exposure was assigned in a counterbalanced order to prevent an order effect. Knee and ankle joint kinematics were independently analyzed using a 2 × 3 repeated measures ANOVA to compare environmental conditions and gait type of the lead leg and trail leg at an alpha level of 0.05. No significant differences were observed between environmental conditions. However, significant differences were observed between gait types of the lead leg and trail leg. Current findings reveal similar gait kinematics during obstacle negotiation when exposed to real and virtually generated trip obstacles, suggesting the potential transfer of skill in fall prevention strategies to real-world conditions. Full article

Birds are important indicators of ecosystem health and provide a range of benefits to society. It is important, therefore, to understand the impacts of agricultural land use changes on bird populations. The cultivation of energycane (EC)—a sugarcane hybrid—for biofuel production represents one form of agricultural land use change in southern Florida. We used passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to examine bird community use of experimental EC fields and other agricultural land uses at two study sites in southern Florida. We deployed 16 acoustic recorders in different study plots and used the automatic species identifier BirdNET to identify 40 focal bird species. We found seasonal differences in daily avian species diversity and richness between EC experimental plots and reference agricultural fields (corn fields, orchards, pastureland), and between time periods (pre-planting, post-planting). Daily avian species diversity and richness were lower in the EC experimental plots during Fall and Winter months when plants reached maximum height (>400 cm in some areas). Despite seasonal differences in daily measures of species diversity and richness, we found no differences in cumulative species richness, suggesting that there may be little overall (season-long) effects of EC production. These findings could provide insight to avian seasonal habitat preferences and underscore the potential limitations of PAM in areas experiencing dynamic vegetation changes. More research is needed to better understand if utilization of EC cropping systems results in positive or negative effects on avian populations (e.g., foraging habitat quality, predator–prey dynamics, nest success). Full article

This study aims to investigate the role of red lentil flour gel in the development of dough and bread texture. The flour was obtained from untreated (FLU), blanched (FLS), and fermented (FLF) red lentil seeds. Subsequently, wheat flour was replaced with lentil flour in different percentages (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%), and the α-amylase activity of the flour samples was determined. The rheological properties of the dough during the fermentation process (dough development and gas formation and retention, elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli) were also investigated. The hardness, resilience, cohesiveness, and elasticity of the bread samples were obtained using a TVT-6700 texturometer (Perten Instruments, Hägersten, Sweden). The results showed that α-amylase activity was stronger and the falling number decreased as the amount of lentil flour added increased (from 506 ± 2.50 s (control sample) to 386 ± 1.25 s for 10% FLU and to 403 ± 0.60 s for 10% FLF), except for the FLS samples (which ranged from 518 ± 2.92 to 559 ± 2.81 s). Lentils can disrupt the gluten network in dough, and it has been observed that dough quality was influenced by the addition and treatment of lentils: the maximum height of the dough decreased (from 53.8 mm (control sample) to less than 35 mm) as the percentage of wheat flour replaced by lentil flour increased. In contrast, the amount of gas formed was greater than in the control sample, demonstrating the positive effect of lentil flour on dough fermentation. Textural analysis showed positive effects at moderate concentrations of up to 6% lentil flour. Thus, bread hardness decreased from 1933 ± 0.13 (control sample) to 1849 ± 0.75 for 6% FLU and 1911 ± 0.56 for 6% FLF. The results showed that the use of 4% blanched or fermented lentil flour in dough gives it superior properties compared with regular dough, which leads to improved properties in baked goods. Full article

Background: Free fatal falls (FFF) are a frequent occurrence in forensic medicine. Many variables, such as the victim’s sex, BMI, intoxication, height of the fall, and mental illness, can influence injury patterns. Previous studies identified fracture patterns and frequencies mostly with general anatomical detail, focusing on broad areas. As specific fractures might be roots for new statistical connections, this leaves a gap in our understanding. Using postmortem computed tomography, we aim to establish fracture frequencies and identify possible new statistical connections. Methods: In total, we retrospectively analyzed seventy-nine cases of confirmed deaths due to falls using the database of the Department and Institute of Forensic Medicine in Lublin. Our inclusion criteria were death due to free fall onto hard, non-deformable surfaces. We excluded cases of ground-level falls. All victims must have undergone postmortem computed tomography. Furthermore, each analyzed case documented individual intrinsic variables (sex, age, body mass, height, pre-existing mental conditions, and drug or alcohol use) and extrinsic variables (fall height, landing surface, time between the fall and death, and known cause of the fall). Results: Injuries in free fatal falls tend to focus on the axial skeleton. Suicides experience more severe, bilateral fractures, often involving the pelvis and limbs, while accidents tend to have unilateral injuries with rare limb involvement. We established new correlations with the height of the fall for the maxilla, mandible, anterior and posterior regions of the occipital bone, and the temporal bone. Moreover, our research confirmed previously noted correlations between the height of the fall and fractures of the limbs (and their individual bones), the lumbar vertebrae, and the chest. Conclusions: Our findings highlight that free fatal falls are characterized by distinct skeletal injury patterns that differ between accidents and suicides, with bilateral pelvic and limb fractures being particularly indicative of intentional falls. The integration of PMCT with autopsy improves the detection of these patterns. It provides valuable diagnostic and medico-legal insights, supporting a more precise determination of the cause and manner of death. Full article