Search Results (281)

Dynamic mobilization exercises (DME) are an effective strategy to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and promote back health in sport horses. Previous studies focused mainly on multifidus muscle cross-sectional area, with limited data on locomotion and adaptation timing. This study evaluated locomotor changes using accelerometry, over 8 weeks of DME application in 14 sedentary horses: a DME group (n = 8) performing 10 different DME (3 neck flexions, 1 neck extension and 3 lateral bending exercises to each side), 5 repetitions of each DME per session, 3 sessions/week, and a control group (n = 6), that continued with their daily routine activities without any other training. During the study period, all horses were housed in medium-sized paddocks. Accelerometric measurements were performed at walk and trot before intervention, 2 h and 24 h after a DME session, and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The DME group showed significant increases in dorsoventral displacement and dorsoventral and mediolateral activities from week 4, at both walk and trot, which then stabilized. Longitudinal activity increased from week 2 on trot and from week 4 at walk. Locomotor symmetry and stride length improved at week 6, while stride frequency decreased at week 8; velocity remained unchanged. These findings indicate that DME enhances dorsoventral, mediolateral and longitudinal activities, producing longer, more symmetrical strides. Overall, DME appears to promote more symmetrical movement patterns. Full article

Starvation in horses presents critical welfare, economic, and management challenges with underlying molecular mechanisms of metabolic modification and recovery left poorly defined. Prolonged caloric deprivation induces significant systemic shifts in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, reflected in coordinated changes in tissue-specific gene expression. This review synthesizes current knowledge on equine metabolic responses to starvation, emphasizing pathways found through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) studies. Molecular investigations using RNA-seq and RT-qPCR have provided insight into transcriptional reprogramming during starvation and subsequent refeeding. Shifts in gene expression reflect the metabolic transition from carbohydrate dependence to lipid use, suppression of anabolic signaling, and activation of proteolytic pathways. However, interpretation of these data requires caution, as factors such as post-mortem interval, tissue handling, and euthanasia methods particularly the use of sodium barbiturates can influence transcript stability and abundance, potentially confounding results. The literature shows that starvation-induced molecular changes are not uniform across tissues, with skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue showing distinct transcriptional signatures and variable recovery patterns during refeeding. Cross-species comparisons with hibernation, caloric restriction, and cachexia models provide context for understanding these changes, though equine-specific studies remain limited. Identified gaps include the scarcity of longitudinal data, inconsistent tissue sampling protocols, and lack of standardized reference genes for transcriptomic analyses in horses. Addressing these limitations will improve the accuracy of molecular evaluations and enhance our ability to predict recovery trajectories. A more comprehensive understanding of systemic and tissue-specific responses to starvation will inform evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, reduce the risk of refeeding syndrome, and improve survival and welfare outcomes for affected horses. Full article

Current passive anti-rollover systems exhibit inadequate adaptability to complex operational environments. Additionally, due to unidentified critical factors driving rollover incidents during landing, the design of active anti-tipping systems for airdrop remains constrained. Given the foregoing circumstances, this paper divides the landing impact process of the vehicle into the airbag cushioning stage and the rigid collision stage. In the airbag cushioning stage, a vertical impact test bench and a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model is built up to obtain the terminal impact velocity when the airbag’s touching down speed is set as around 8 m/s. An oblique impact test bench and a dynamic model are proposed to investigate the influence of terminal sideslip angles and impact velocities on the vehicle’s roll/pitch stability during the rigid collision phase. Experimental and numerical analyses reveal that the peak overload during the airbag cushioning stage reaches approximately 11 g while the terminal impact velocity in this stage is around 2 m/s. In the rigid collision stage, higher initial descent velocities amplify the peak roll angles and significantly compromise the roll stability. Notably, adjusting the terminal sideslip angle from 90° to 0°/180° triples the critical horizontal velocity threshold from 5.3 m/s to 14.7 m/s which markedly enhances the vehicle’s stability. To address this, an active sideslip angle control system activated at a 250 m altitude is developed to align the vehicle’s horizontal velocity vector with its longitudinal axis to nearly 0°/180° and thus improves the roll/pitch stability. This study establishes a technical foundation for the design of a highly reliable anti-rollover device for the airdrop vehicle. Full article

This study examines the longitudinal relationship and interactions among comprehensive water management, human development, and fragility. The seventeen Middle Eastern countries were examined for the period from 1996 to 2023. The Human Development Index (HDI) and Fragile States Index (FSI) were considered as a proxy for human development and fragility. In addition, the Water Poverty Index (WPI) was thoroughly assessed using classical and improved methods to measure multidisciplinary water management. Findings highlight that “Resources” and “Environment” are the most critical components of WPI. Iran performed the most consistently across WPI versions, whereas Palestine performed the worst. “Capacity,” “Environment,” and “Access” are the most influential components of HDI. FSI was found to be the most sensitive to “Capacity” and “Environment”, which contribute to both human development and stability. This study provides empirical evidence to inform SDG 6 implementation by demonstrating the linkage between WPI components and progress in human development. Full article

The aim of this work was to systematically evaluate the effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom powder (LMM, 0–40%) on the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and flavor profile of soy protein isolate-based high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs). Optimal incorporation of 20% LMM significantly enhanced product quality by acting as a secondary phase that inhibited lateral protein aggregation while promoting longitudinal alignment, achieving a peak fibrous degree of 1.54 with dense, ordered fibers confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Rheological analysis showed that LMM improved viscoelasticity (G′ > G″) through β-glucan; however, excessive addition (≥30%) compromised structural integrity due to insoluble dietary fiber disrupting protein network continuity, concurrently reducing thermal stability as denaturation enthalpy (_ΔH) decreased from 1176.6 to 776.3 J/g. Flavor analysis identified 285 volatile compounds in HMMAs with 20% LMM, including 98 novel compounds, and 101 flavor metabolites were upregulated. The mushroom-characteristic compound 1-octen-3-ol exhibited a marked increase in its Relative Odor Activity Value of 18.04, intensifying mushroom notes. Furthermore, LMM polysaccharides promoted the Maillard reaction, increasing the browning index from 48.77 to 82.07, while β-glucan induced a transition in protein secondary structure from random coil to β-sheet configurations via intramolecular hydrogen bonding. In conclusion, 20% LMM incorporation synergistically improved texture, fibrous structure, and flavor complexity—particularly enhancing mushroom aroma. This research offers valuable insights and a foundation for future research for developing high-quality fungal protein-based meat analogues Full article

To improve the adaptability of 4WID electric vehicles under various operating conditions, this study introduces a model predictive control approach utilizing a neural network for adaptive weight parameter prediction, which integrates four-wheel steering and longitudinal driving force control. To address the difficulty in adjusting the MPC weight parameters, the neural network undergoes offline training, and the Snake Optimization method is used to iteratively optimize the controller parameters under diverse driving conditions. To further enhance vehicle stability, the real-time stability state of the vehicle is assessed using the $\beta -\dot{\beta }$ phase plane method. The influence of vehicle speed and road adhesion on the instability boundary of the phase plane is comprehensively considered to design a stability controller based on different instability degree zones. This includes an integral sliding mode controller that accounts for both vehicle tracking capability and stability, as well as a PID controller, which calculates the additional yaw moment based on the degree of instability. Finally, an optimal distribution control algorithm coordinates the longitudinal driving torque and direct yaw moment while also considering the vehicle’s understeering characteristics in determining the torque distribution for each wheel. The simulation results show that under various operating conditions, the proposed control strategy achieves smaller tracking errors and more concentrated phase trajectories compared to traditional controllers, thereby improving path tracking precision, vehicle stability, and adaptability to varying conditions. Full article

Introduction: Evidence on orthodontic interventions for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is fragmented and inconclusive, creating a gap in guidance for clinical decision-making. This study addresses that gap by evaluating current knowledge on these interventions. Methods: A PRISMA-ScR scoping review was conducted with a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2018–2023). Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, English-language, human studies examining TMD treatment and/or etiology. Three independent reviewers screened records and extracted data and a fourth reviewer performed random audits. Results: Of 899 records, 10 studies met inclusion criteria (non-surgical, n = 7: 4 case reports, 2 prospective, 1 longitudinal; combined orthodontic–surgical, n = 3: 1 case report, 2 longitudinal; participant ages 15–71 years). Diagnostics included imaging, clinical examination, occlusal analysis, and questionnaires, although few used RDC/TMD or DC/TMD criteria. Non-surgical orthodontic modalities (fixed appliances, camouflage, TADs, stabilization splints) showed mixed results, with several studies reporting short-term symptom improvement, while others found no effect on TMD onset or progression. Combined orthodontic–surgical approaches (e.g., bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, Le Fort I) also showed variable outcomes. Conclusions: Low-to-moderate quality evidence suggests that orthodontic-surgical interventions may alleviate TMD symptoms in select patients; however, heterogeneity and limited use of standardized diagnostics constrain the certainty of these findings. Future research should prioritize DC/TMD-based diagnostics, core outcomes, comparative designs, and ≥12–24 months of follow-up to identify prognostic factors and responsive subgroups. Full article

In-wheel motor (IWM)-driven electric vehicles (EVs) are susceptible to road excitation, which can induce eccentricity between the stator and rotor of the IWM. This eccentricity leads to unbalanced electromagnetic forces (UEFs) and electromechanical coupling (EMC) effects, severely degrading vehicle dynamic performance. To address this issue, this study first established an EMC system model encompassing UEF, IWM drive, and vehicle dynamics. Based on this model, four typical operating conditions—constant speed, acceleration, deceleration, and steering—were designed to thoroughly analyze the influence of EMC effects on vehicle dynamic response characteristics. The analysis results were validated through real-vehicle experiments. The results indicate that the EMC effects caused by motor eccentricity primarily affect the vehicle’s vertical dynamics performance (especially during acceleration and deceleration), leading to increased vertical body acceleration and reduced ride comfort, while having a relatively minor impact on longitudinal and lateral dynamics performance. Additionally, these effects significantly increase the relative eccentricity of the motor under various operating conditions, further degrading motor performance. To mitigate these negative effects, this paper designs an active suspension controller based on distributed model predictive control (DMPC). Simulation and experimental validation demonstrate that the proposed controller effectively improves ride comfort and body posture stability while significantly suppressing the growth of the motor’s relative eccentricity, thereby enhancing motor operational performance. Full article

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM), IDH-wildtype, is one of the most aggressive primary brain malignancies, and maximal safe resection is consistently recognized as a significant prognostic factor. Intraoperative adjuncts including functional mapping, neuronavigation, and fluorescence-guidance are not always present in many centers around the world. The aim is not to suggest equivalence to adjunct-assisted resections, but rather to illustrate the feasibility of anatomy-guided surgery in carefully selected cases and to contribute to the broader discussion on safe operative strategies in resource-limited environments. Methods: We present the case of a 54-year-old right-handed male who presented with progressive non-fluent aphasia, seizures, and signs of intracranial hypertension. Pre-operative MRI showed a heterogeneously hyperintense, frontobasal intra-axial mass involving the dominant inferior frontal gyrus, extending toward the corpus callosum and orbitofrontal cortex, and early subfalcine shift. Surgery was performed via a left frontobasal craniotomy, using subpial dissection and cortical–sulcal anatomical landmarks while aiming to preserve eloquent subcortical tracts (frontal aslant tract, superior longitudinal fasciculus). Nueronavigation, functional mapping or fluorescence was not used. We defined our outcomes by the extent of resection, functional preservation, and early radiological stability. Results: The procedure achieved a subtotal-near-total resection (>95% estimated volume) while maintaining functional motor function from prior to surgery and the patient’s baseline expressive aphasia, with no new neurological deficits. Early post-operative CT showed decompression of the resection cavity without hemorrhage or shift. At three months post-operative, CT showed stability of the cavity and resolution of the most perilesional edema with no evidence of recurrence. Clinically, the patient showed gradual improvement in verbal fluency, he remained seizure free, and maintained independence, which allowed for timeliness of the initiation of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Conclusions: We intend for the case to illustrate that, in selected dominant frontal GBM, following microsurgical anatomical principles closely may provide a high extent of resection with the preservation of function, even without advanced intraoperative adjuncts. We hope that our experience may support our colleagues who practice in resource-limited settings and contribute to our shared goal of both oncological outcomes and the quality of life of our patients. Full article

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and impaired nasal breathing are common in children and are frequently linked to maxillary constriction. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is an orthopedic treatment used to increase upper airway dimensions and improve respiratory function. It has been hypothesized that RME could contribute to improvements in behavior and cognition, possibly through enhanced sleep and respiratory function. It also promotes the shift from oral to nasal breathing, supporting craniofacial development and neuromuscular stability, and it is increasingly recognized as a multidisciplinary intervention that can improve pediatric health outcomes. With increasing evidence supporting its efficacy, RME should be considered not only for its orthodontic benefits but also as a multidisciplinary treatment option within pediatric care protocols. This underscores the importance of integrated care among orthodontists, ENT specialists, and pediatricians. Aim: To systematically assess the impact of RME on nasal respiratory parameters and sleep-disordered breathing, particularly OSAS, in pediatric patients. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using 12 clinical studies evaluating anatomical and functional respiratory changes after RME in children with mouth breathing or OSAS. Parameters included airway volume (CBCT, cephalometry), nasal resistance (rhinomanometry), and polysomnography (PSG) data. Results: RME consistently resulted in significant increases in nasal cavity volume and upper airway dimensions. Multiple studies reported reductions in the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), improved oxygen saturation, and better subjective sleep quality. Longitudinal studies confirmed the stability of these benefits. However, variability in study protocols limited meta-analytical comparison. Conclusions: RME is effective in enhancing nasal breathing and mitigating OSAS symptoms in children. While results are promising, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings and guide standardized treatment protocols. Full article

This paper addresses the spatial path tracking problem of the X-rudder autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) under random sea current disturbances. An adaptive line-of-sight guidance-linear quadratic regulator (ALOS-LQR) control strategy with roll constraints is proposed to enhance the tracking control accuracy and stability of the X-rudder AUV in such environments. First, to mitigate the roll-instability-induced depth and heading coupling deviations caused by unknown environmental disturbances, a roll-constrained linear quadratic regulator (LQR) heading-pitch control strategy is designed. Second, to handle random disturbances and model uncertainties, a nonlinear extended state observer (ESO) is employed to estimate dynamic disturbances. At the kinematic level, an adaptive line-of-sight guidance method (ALOS) is utilized to transform the path tracking problem into a heading and pitch tracking problem, while compensating in real time for kinematic deviations caused by time-varying sea currents. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is validated through simulation experiments and lake trials. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. Specifically, the roll-constrained ESO-LQR reduces lateral and longitudinal errors by 77.73% and 80.61%, respectively, compared to the roll-constrained LQR. ALOS navigation reduced lateral and longitudinal errors by 85.89% and 94.87%, respectively, compared to LOS control, while exhibiting faster convergence than ILOS. In physical experiences, roll control reduced roll angle by 50.52% and depth error by 33.3%. Results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy significantly improves the control accuracy and interference resistance of the X-rudder AUV, exhibiting excellent accuracy and stability. Full article

Research on morphing aircraft that can change geometry to achieve the desired performance and stability under different flight conditions has been ongoing for many years. This study provides a conceptual-level, preliminary analysis of the impact of symmetrically changing the wing sweep angle on aircraft performance and stability. The T-37B-like aircraft is selected as a base to compare the results with T-37B’s known data. The T-37B-like aircraft is modeled in both Digital DATCOM and Open VSP software. Changes in aircraft performance and stability are demonstrated for changes in the wing sweep angle between −10° and 40°. When 0° and 40° wing sweep configurations are compared, it is observed that the 40° wing sweep configuration performs better in terms of climb and range, but worse in terms of takeoff distance, glide, approach, and radius of turn. In terms of static stability, it has a positive effect on longitudinal stability. While it does not significantly affect lateral stability overall, it contributes positively to stability around the roll axis. Changing the symmetrical wing sweep angle is expected to improve certain performance and stability parameters while degrading others. A symmetrical variable-sweep wing offers advantages by adjusting to the optimal sweep angle for each flight phase. Thus, benefits can be fully utilized, and drawbacks minimized. However, it entails design, mechanical, weight, and financial costs. Therefore, whether the performance and stability benefits outweigh these costs must be evaluated on an aircraft-specific basis. Full article

Accurate trajectory control during atmospheric entry is critical for the success of Mars landing missions, where strong non-linearities and uncertain dynamics pose significant challenges to conventional control strategies. This study develops a computational framework that integrates fuzzy parameter-varying models with Lyapunov-based analysis to achieve robust trajectory stabilization of Mars entry vehicles. The non-linear longitudinal dynamics are reformulated via sector-bounded approximation into a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy parameter-varying model, enabling systematic gain-scheduled controller synthesis. To reduce the conservatism typically associated with quadratic Lyapunov functions, a fuzzy Lyapunov function approach is adopted, in conjunction with the Full-Block S-procedure, to derive less restrictive stability conditions expressed as linear matrix inequalities. Based on this formulation, several controllers are designed to accommodate the variations in atmospheric density and flight conditions. The proposed methodology is validated through numerical simulations, including Monte Carlo dispersion and parametric sensitivity analyses. The results demonstrate improved stability, faster convergence, and enhanced robustness compared to existing fuzzy control schemes. Overall, this work contributes a systematic and less conservative control design methodology for aerospace applications operating under severe non-linearities and uncertainties. Full article

Wheel slipping during trajectory tracking presents significant challenges for wheeled mobile robots (WMRs), degrading accuracy and stability on low-friction or dynamic terrain. Effective control requires addressing unknown slipping parameters while balancing tracking precision and energy efficiency. To address this challenge, a control framework integrating a sliding mode observer (SMO), an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is proposed. First, a dynamic model incorporating longitudinal slipping is established. Second, an SMO is designed to estimate the slipping ratio in real-time, with chattering suppressed using a low-pass filter. Finally, an improved PSO algorithm featuring a nonlinear cosine-decreasing inertia weight strategy optimizes the LQR weighting matrices (Q/R) online to both minimize tracking errors and control energy consumption. Simulations including both circular and sine wave trajectories demonstrate that the SMO achieves rapid and accurate slipping ratio estimation, while the PSO-optimized LQR significantly enhances tracking accuracy, achieves smoother control inputs, and maintains stability under varying slipping conditions. Full article

Telemedicine has transformed obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to synthesize evidence on the adoption, effectiveness, barriers, and technological innovations of telemedicine in OB/GYN across diverse healthcare settings. This scoping review synthesized 63 peer-reviewed studies (2010–2023) using PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map global applications, outcomes, and challenges. Key modalities included synchronous consultations, remote monitoring, AI-assisted triage, tele-supervision, and asynchronous communication. Results demonstrated improved access to routine care and mental health support, with outcomes for low-risk pregnancies comparable to in-person services. Adoption surged >500% during pandemic peaks, stabilizing at 9–12% of services in high-income countries. However, significant disparities persisted: 43% of rural Sub-Saharan clinics lacked stable internet, while socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural barriers disproportionately affected vulnerable populations (e.g., non-English-speaking, transgender, and refugee patients). Providers reported utility but also screen fatigue (41–68%) and diagnostic uncertainty. Critical barriers included fragmented policies, reimbursement variability, data privacy concerns, and limited evidence from conflict-affected regions. Sustainable integration requires equity-centered design, robust policy frameworks, rigorous longitudinal evaluation, and ethically validated AI to address clinical complexity and systemic gaps. Full article