Search Results (889)

The present study aimed to comprehensively characterize the physicochemical, nutritional, and functional properties of Armoracia rusticana leaves and roots, with a focus on their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. Quality parameters (color, moisture, titratable acidity, pH), macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibers) and micronutrient (minerals, vitamins) content were determined. Polyphenolic profiles were evaluated using HPLC-DAD in two types of extracts: methanol–water (1:1, v/v) and deionized water. Flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin), hydroxybenzoic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic), and hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric, rosmarinic) were identified. Freeze-drying proved effective in preserving thermolabile compounds, such as vitamin C (299.78 mg/100 g) and polyphenols (107.14 mg/100 g). Antioxidant capacity of the leaf extracts ranged between 74.52% and 76.90%, while pigment quantification revealed high levels of chlorophyll a (360.7 mg/100 g), chlorophyll b (110.03 mg/100 g), and total carotenoids (72.35 mg/100 g). FTIR spectroscopy was employed to assess molecular structures and functional group composition. Overall, the results support the valorization of A. rusticana leaves—an underutilized plant part—alongside roots, for applications in functional foods and nutraceutical development. Full article

Background: The influence of varying slope gradients on the hydraulic performance of sprinkler irrigation systems operating on sloping farmland is investigated, with a specific focus on longitudinal and transverse travel directions. Methods: A sprinkler irrigation performance test system for sloping terrain is established, combining theoretical analysis with field experiments. The study systematically examines how different slope conditions affect sprinkler irrigation intensity and uniformity, and identifies the impact of longitudinal and transverse sprinkler machine movement on hydraulic performance under sloping conditions. A three-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental design is adopted, using slope gradient, nozzle pressure, and walking speed as variable factors, with sprinkler irrigation intensity and uniformity as optimization objectives. Results: Results indicate that the influence of slope angle on both sprinkler irrigation intensity and uniformity diminishes along both longitudinal and transverse travel directions. Furthermore, slope gradient exerts the greatest influence on sprinkler irrigation uniformity, followed by walking speed and nozzle pressure. For sprinkler irrigation uniformity, optimal parameters under transverse travel are determined as a 5° slope, 250 kPa pressure, and 30 m/h speed. Under longitudinal travel, optimal sprinkler irrigation uniformity is achieved at a 5° slope, 300 kPa pressure, and 30 m/h speed. Regarding sprinkler irrigation intensity, nozzle pressure and walking speed demonstrate the greatest influence, followed by slope gradient. Optimal intensity for both travel directions is attained at a 5° slope, 300 kPa pressure, and 30 m/h speed. Conclusion: These findings provide theoretical guidance for selecting sprinkler travel patterns and optimizing operational parameters on sloping farmland, offering significant practical implications for enhancing irrigation efficiency and mitigating slope soil erosion. Full article

This work presents an analytical 2D model for estimating eddy current losses in the permanent magnets (PMs) of a coaxial magnetic gear (CMG), with a focus on loss minimization through magnet segmentation. The model is applied under various operating conditions, including different rotational speeds, load levels, and segmentation configurations, to derive empirical expressions for eddy current losses in both the inner and outer rotors. A 1D lumped-parameter thermal model is then used to predict the steady-state temperature of the PMs, incorporating empirical correlations for the thermal convection coefficient. Both models are validated against finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. The analytical eddy current loss model exhibits excellent agreement, with a maximum error of 2%, while the thermal model shows good consistency, with a maximum temperature deviation of 5%. The results confirm that eddy current losses increase with rotational speed but can be significantly reduced through magnet segmentation. However, achieving an acceptable thermal performance at high speeds may require a large number of segments, particularly in the outer rotor, which could influence the manufacturing cost and complexity. The proposed models offer a fast and accurate tool for the design and thermal analysis of CMGs, enabling early-stage optimization with minimal computational effort. Full article

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder that requires early diagnosis and strict phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet to prevent neurocognitive impairment. Various infant feeding models have been used to achieve optimal metabolic control during early life. The aim of this study was to compare two different feeding models for infants with classical PKU in terms of metabolic control, growth parameters, micronutrient status, the process of introducing complementary foods, and with a particular focus on sleep quality. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 26 infants with classical PKU were followed for 12 months. Patients were assigned to one of two feeding groups: Group-1 received breast milk and Phe-free formula in alternating feeds, while Group-2 received Phe-free formula followed by breastfeeding until satiety. Blood Phe, micronutrient levels and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire-Revised (BISQ-R). A structured set of parental questions was used to evaluate their experiences during the complementary feeding period. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of blood Phe levels, anthropometric measurements, serum levels of iron, ferritin, vitamin-B12, vitamin-D, and zinc. Complementary feeding tolerance were similar across the groups. The BISQ-R analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Both feeding models were equally effective in maintaining metabolic control, supporting normal growth, complementary feeding processes, and preserving sleep quality during infancy. These findings suggest that either approach can be adopted based on the preference of the caregiver and the practicality of the clinical setting. Full article

The natural fiber-reinforced nanomaterial filler polymer matrix hybrid composite has superior applications in industrial and manufacturing fields due to its enhanced mechanical and machinability characteristics. However, in order to generate high-quality components, unconventional machining techniques, notably abrasive waterjet machining, have become more popular due to the inhomogeneity of composites, fiber pullout, greater surface roughness, and dimensional inaccuracy under traditional machining. Delamination typically refers to the separation that occurs along a plane parallel to the surface, such as the detachment of a coating from its underlying material or the separation between different layers within the coating itself. This paper investigates the AWJM characteristics of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis/Carbon nanotube/Epoxy (HRSCE)-based hybrid composite, focusing on delamination factors at entry, exit, and machining time. An L₂₇ orthogonal array was employed to optimize process parameters, revealing that DF-entry decreased with increasing CNT (wt.%), achieving its lowest values at 3 (wt.%) CNT and 2 mm stand-off distance due to enhanced composite toughness and precise jet focus. Conversely, DF-exit increased with higher CNT (wt.%), stand-off distance and traverse speed, attributed to the composite’s increased brittleness and reduced cutting efficiency. Machining time was predominantly influenced by CNT (wt.%) (92.4%), increasing with higher reinforcement levels due to enhanced material resistance. Response surface methodology models demonstrated high accuracy in predicting machining outcomes, with errors below 3%. Contour and surface plots identified optimal conditions for minimal delamination and machining time as 3 (wt.%) CNT, low stand-off distance (2 mm), and moderate traverse speed (200 mm/min). The SEM and optimal microscopy analysis confirmed that CNT reinforcement positively influenced fiber matrix interfacial integrity and reduced surface damage. Full article

Background and Objectives: Music therapy has a long tradition in palliative care, and recent studies have investigated its Neuro-Psycho-Endocrine-Immunological (NPEI) effects in terminally ill patients. Despite numerous published articles, there is a lack of a compendium connecting the physiological basis of music therapy with the specific musical elements most effective in end-of-life settings. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the physiological mechanisms underlying responses to music, with a focus on terminal patients and implications for nursing practice. Materials and Methods: For quality and possible reproducibility, a narrative review was conducted in accordance with Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. The review targeted articles from the past five years indexed in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo, supplemented by additional relevant references identified through manual searching. The PICOS framework was performed to structure the search strategy and study selection, focusing on studies relevant to the biological effects of music therapy in end-of-life care and their practical implications for nursing care. Results: The neurophysiology of music perception in terminal patients is complex, involving a wide array of clinical and cultural factors. Key musical elements—such as rhythm, melody, harmony, tempo, and mode—can influence physiological and psycho-emotional responses. Music therapy interventions, when tailored to the individual’s preferences and cultural background, may modulate parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormone levels, and pain perception. Evidence supports the need for individualized approaches and highlights the NPEI rationale for integrating music therapy into end-of-life care. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of the scientific mechanisms discussed in this narrative review can enhance the effectiveness of music therapy interventions in end-of-life settings. Nursing practice can benefit by integrating evidence-based selection of musical pieces and personalizing interventions to the clinical and cultural profile of each patient. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to establish standardized criteria for music therapy in palliative care and to optimize outcomes for terminally ill patients. Full article

Liming is an essential practice for neutralizing soil acidity, influenced by factors like lime particle size and application rate, addressing challenges from climate change, acid rain, nitrate leaching, and mineral oxidation. This study evaluated the efficiency of fine (0.1 mm) and coarse lime (1–2 mm) applied at rates of 3 t/ha and 6 t/ha in mitigating soil acidity, with a particular focus on their impact on subsoil characteristics. Over two years, key soil parameters were monitored, including pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺), along with exchangeable aluminum (Al³⁺). Fine lime particles demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to coarser ones, leading to faster and more uniform pH increases due to their greater surface area and higher solubility. Lime application significantly improved CEC by reducing exchangeable aluminum and increasing calcium availability, particularly in the topsoil. While these effects were most pronounced in surface layers, aluminum toxicity remained a concern in deeper soil levels. Strong positive correlations were observed between lime application and soil parameters such as pH, CEC, and exchangeable cations, while aluminum showed a negative correlation. Principal component analysis confirmed the benefits of higher lime doses, with fine lime producing rapid improvements and coarse lime offering a slower but sustained effect on soil health. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether income was associated with dental caries experience and dental care levels among 12-year-old children in two contrasting economic contexts, Sri Lanka (lower-middle-income) and Wales (high-income), regardless of national income status. Methods: An ecological study design was used with published data. For Sri Lanka, the income parameters used included household income, mean per capita income, and the Gini coefficient. For Wales, the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation was used. Dental caries was assessed using the DMFT index and its components (DT, MT, FT), while dental care was assessed using the care index, restorative index, and treatment index. Pearson correlations were used to explore associations between income measures and both caries experience and dental care indices across districts in Sri Lanka and unitary authorities in Wales. Results: The mean DMFT for 12-year-old children was 0.6 in both Sri Lanka and Wales, with caries prevalence of 30.4% and 29.6%, respectively. In Sri Lanka, both mean household income and per capita income showed moderate, statistically significant positive correlations with DMFT (r = 0.47, p = 0.01). Income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, was positively associated with caries experience (r = 0.42, p = 0.03). In Wales, higher deprivation (lower income) was moderately associated with increased DMFT, in areas within the 20% (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), 30% (r = 0.53, p < 0.01), and 50% (r = 0.61, p < 0.01) deprived quintiles. The dental care indices showed no clear association with income in either of the countries. Conclusions: Income-related disparities in dental caries were evident in both countries. Prevention strategies should focus on higher-income groups in Sri Lanka and on deprived populations in Wales. However, as this was an ecological study, the results are subject to ecological fallacy and should therefore be interpreted with caution. Full article

The current research on light transmission under rainfall conditions primarily focuses on monochromatic converging light sources, and the related conclusions cannot be directly applied to spherical continuous-spectrum light sources (SCLSs). Based on the Lorenz–Mie scattering method, this study calculated the optical parameters of Gamma-distributed rainfall across three rainfall types and four intensity levels. A numerical algorithm model for radiative transfer under rainfall conditions was established for SCLSs. The effects of rainfall type, rainfall intensity, and light wavelength on radiative transfer were analyzed. Key conclusions include the following: when rainfall intensity is below moderate, the type of rainfall can be disregarded. However, for heavy to torrential rain, distinct differences between stratiform and non-stratiform rainfall must be considered. The attenuation caused by rainfall intensity does not increase linearly. Specifically, attenuation during moderate rain is lower than that in light rain, while heavy and torrential rain exhibit greater attenuation than both light and moderate rain. Wavelength bands significantly influence radiative transfer. Efforts to optimize the attenuation of radiative energy by rainfall should focus on the primary energy bands where most energy is concentrated. These findings highlight the importance of considering rainfall classification, nonlinear attenuation mechanisms, and wavelength-specific characteristics when evaluating radiative transfer under varying rainfall conditions. Full article

Understanding genetic variation in commercially valuable tree species is essential for improving breeding and conservation efforts. This study investigates genetic variation, heritability, and trait relationships in Pterocarpus macrocarpus, a vital hardwood species for Thailand’s reforestation initiatives. We evaluated growth (height and diameter), morphology (biomass dry weight and specific leaf weight), and physiological traits (net photosynthesis [A], transpiration rate [E], and water-use efficiency [WUE]) across 112 open-pollinated families from six natural populations under controlled nursery conditions over 30 weeks. Using a randomised complete block design, variance and covariance analyses were conducted to estimate genetic parameters. Seedling survival reached 95%, confirming favourable conditions for genetic expression. There were significant differences among populations and families within populations in growth and biomass. In contrast, physiological traits showed notable family-level variation (A, E, WUE) and only population effects for WUE. Residual variance was predominant across traits, indicating considerable within-family variation. Growth and biomass exhibited moderate to high heritability (individual: 0.39–1.00; family: 0.61–0.90), while specific leaf weight and shoot-to-root ratio had lower heritability at the individual level. Physiological traits showed low to moderate heritabilities (individual: 0.26–0.43; family: 0.47–0.62), with maternal effects via seed weight significantly influencing early growth. The heritability of height decreased over time, whereas the heritability of diameter remained stable. Strong genetic correlations among growth and biomass suggest the potential for combined selection gains. However, physiological traits show weak or no correlations with growth, highlighting their independent genetic control. Variation at the population level in growth and WUE may reflect adaptive responses to seed-source environments. Our findings support the use of nursery-based screening as a cost-effective method for the early identification of high-quality families. WUE is a promising focus for breeding programs targeting drought-prone regions. This study provides key insights for advancing the genetic improvement and conservation of P. macrocarpus, emphasizing the importance of incorporating physiological traits into breeding and conservation strategies. Full article

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in numerous physiological systems, including the muscular, immune, and endocrine systems, as well as calcium and bone homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency, a global health problem affecting billions of people, is associated with adverse health outcomes and can serve as a marker for health status, disease severity, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Nutritional supplementation has been shown to be highly beneficial and is strongly recommended. Methods: In this study, the medical records of 834 hospitalized patients were retrospectively analyzed, with a focus on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. The patients were divided into groups based on serum vitamin D levels: deficient, suboptimal, adequate, and high. Correlations between vitamin D levels, LOS, laboratory parameters, comorbidities, seasonal variations, medical diagnosis of deficiency, and supplementation were examined. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was common and associated with a longer LOS. Women had higher vitamin D levels than men. No seasonal variation was observed. Only 14% of the patients took supplements before hospitalization, and 61% of the patients with vitamin D deficiency received supplementation. Conclusions: Routine vitamin D screening, tailored supplementation, and increased public awareness are essential to reduce hospitalizations, improve treatment outcomes, and promote independence among at-risk groups. Full article

Small targets in drone imagery are often difficult to accurately locate and identify due to scale imbalance and limitations, such as pixel representation and dynamic environmental interference, and the balance between detection accuracy and resource consumption of the model also poses challenges. Therefore, we propose an interpretable computer vision framework based on YOLOv12m, called LCW-YOLO. First, we adopt multi-scale heterogeneous convolutional kernels to improve the lightweight channel-level and spatial attention combined context (LA2C2f) structure, enhancing spatial perception capabilities while reducing model computational load. Second, to enhance feature fusion capabilities, we propose the Convolutional Attention Integration Module (CAIM), enabling the fusion of original features across channels, spatial dimensions, and layers, thereby strengthening contextual attention. Finally, the model incorporates Wise-IoU (WIoU) v3, which dynamically allocates loss weights for detected objects. This allows the model to adjust its focus on samples of average quality during training based on object difficulty, thereby improving the model’s generalization capabilities. According to experimental results, LCW-YOLO eliminates 0.4 M parameters and improves mAP@0.5 by 3.3% on the VisDrone2019 dataset when compared to YOLOv12m. And the model improves mAP@0.5 by 1.9% on the UAVVaste dataset. In the task of identifying small objects with drones, LCW-YOLO, as an explainable AI (XAI) model, provides visual detection results and effectively balances accuracy, lightweight design, and generalization capabilities. Full article

Respiratory effort is a critical parameter for assessing respiratory function in various pathological conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as in patients undergoing respiratory ventilation. Currently, the gold-standard method for measuring it is esophageal pressure (Pes), which is obtrusive and uncomfortable for patients. An alternative approach is using diaphragmatic electromyography (dEMG), a non-obtrusive method that directly reflects the electrical drive triggering respiratory effort, holding potential for quantifying effort. Despite progress in this area, there is still no clear agreement on the best features for assessing respiratory effort from dEMG. This feasibility study considers several time, frequency, and statistical domain features, providing a comparative analysis to determine their performance in estimating respiratory effort. In particular, we evaluate the correlation of the different features with Pes using overnight recordings from 10 OSA patients and assess their robustness across different signal quality levels with the Kruskal–Wallis test. Our results support that time-domain dEMG features such as the filtered envelope, root mean square, and waveform length (WL) exhibit moderately strong correlations (R > 0.6) with respiratory effort. In terms of robustness to noise, the best features were WL, the area under the curve, and the slope sign change, demonstrating moderately strong to fair correlations (R > 0.5) even in low- to very low-quality signals. In contrast, features like skewness, the mean frequency, and the median frequency performed poorly (R < 0.3), regardless of signal quality, likely because they focus on overall signal characteristics rather than the dynamic and transient changes associated with respiratory effort by temporal features. These findings highlight the importance of selecting optimal features to obtain a reliable estimation of respiratory effort, providing a foundation for future research on non-intrusive methods. Full article

This study aimed to develop a novel biomaterial for neural tissue regeneration by combining chitosan (CS), a natural polymer, with graphene oxide (GO) at concentrations of 3%, 6%, and 9%. The homogeneity, conductivity, three-dimensional characteristics, and ability to support cell viability of the composite materials were systematically evaluated. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of GO into the CS matrix, while UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometry revealed modifications in the optical properties with increasing GO content. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC) demonstrated improved thermal stability of the composites, and swelling tests indicated enhanced water absorption capacity. Although some agglomerates were observed, the homogeneity was reasonable at both macroscopic and microscopic level (optical visualization–FTIR and electron microscopy). The composite films exhibited promising physical and electrochemical properties, highlighting their potential for neural tissue engineering applications. Their biological activity was assessed by culturing neuronal cells on the CS-GO scaffolds. Results from MTT, LDH, and LIVE/DEAD assays demonstrated excellent cell viability, moderate-to-good cell attachment, and the promotion of intercellular network formation. Among the tested formulations, the CS-GO 6% scaffold showed the most favorable biological response, with a significant increase in SH-SY5Y cell viability after 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to the CS control. LIVE/DEAD imaging confirmed enhanced cell attachment and elongated morphology, while the LDH assay indicated minimal cytotoxicity. Notably, a critical threshold was identified between 6% and 9% GO, where conductivity increased by approximately 52-fold. Future studies should focus on optimizing the composite parameters, loading them with specific biologically active agents and thus targeting specific neuronal applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) often leads to gait impairments, even in early stages, and can affect autonomy and quality of life. Traditional assessment methods, while widely used, have been criticized because they lack sensitivity to subtle gait changes. This scoping review aims to map the landscape of advanced gait analysis technologies—both wearable and non-wearable—and evaluate their application in detecting, characterizing, and monitoring possible gait dysfunction in individuals with MS. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed and Scopus databases for peer-reviewed studies published in the last decade. Inclusion criteria focused on original human research using technological tools for gait assessment in individuals with MS. Data from 113 eligible studies were extracted and categorized based on gait parameters, technologies used, study design, and clinical relevance. Results: Findings highlight a growing integration of advanced technologies such as inertial measurement units, 3D motion capture, pressure insoles, and smartphone-based tools. Studies primarily focused on spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinematics, gait variability, and coordination, with many reporting strong correlations to MS subtype, disability level, fatigue, fall risk, and cognitive load. Real-world and dual-task assessments emerged as key methodologies for detecting subtle motor and cognitive-motor impairments. Digital gait biomarkers, such as stride regularity, asymmetry, and dynamic stability demonstrated high potential for early detection and monitoring. Conclusions: Advanced gait analysis technologies can provide a multidimensional, sensitive, and ecologically valid approach to evaluating and detecting motor function in MS. Their clinical integration supports personalized rehabilitation, early diagnosis, and long-term disease monitoring. Future research should focus on standardizing metrics, validating digital biomarkers, and leveraging AI-driven analytics for real-time, patient-centered care. Full article