Search Results (24,113)

This research examines the risk factors that influence injury severity in individual motorcycle accidents, utilising a dataset of 5253 incidents. Five machine learning algorithms—multinomial logistic regression, classification trees, random forests, XGBoost, and neural networks—were used to classify the results into three groups: Death (13.48%), Injury (80.14%), and No injury (6.38%). In all models, passenger presence was the most important predictor of injury. Motorcycle accidents involving passengers do not always have more serious consequences for several overlapping reasons. On the one hand, a motorcycle with a passenger has a significantly higher mass, which increases the braking distance and kinetic energy at the moment of collision, hindering quick defensive manoeuvres, cornering, and reactions to sudden hazards. Often, the rider also refrains from sudden movements to prevent the passenger from losing their balance. In the case of single-rider motorcycle accidents on roadways, approximately 5% of those involved with a passenger were fatalities, while approximately 48% were uninjured; in the case of those without a passenger, no one was uninjured. It follows from the above that the presence of a passenger increases the rider’s sense of responsibility. Other factors that significantly increased risk were single-lane carriageways, vehicle overturning, contaminated road surfaces, and collisions with complex objects, e.g., like trees. The multinomial logistic regression model had an overall accuracy of 69.2% on the test set. The Recurrent Neural Network achieved the best overall accuracy of 79.56%. Balanced accuracy, as the average between sensitivity and specificity of the RNN model for the “death” class was 68.15%, for the “injury” class—72.6%, and for the “no injury” class—96.61%. The Area Under the ROC Curve of the Recurrent Neural Networks model for “no injury” was 0.97, indicating it was very good at distinguishing between this class and the other classes. Even though it was easy to tell which cases did not involve injuries, it was still hard to tell the difference between fatal and non-fatal injuries in all models. The results support interventions tailored to specific situations, such as improved road lighting and speed control in rural areas, as well as helmet enforcement and safety measures at intersections in cities. Full article

This study investigated the individual and interactive effects of thermal and acoustic parameters on university students’ concentration and satisfaction in a library environment. Measurements of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and sound pressure level (SPL), alongside questionnaire surveys assessing students’ concentration, environmental perceptions, and satisfaction, were conducted over ten continuous working days in four library rooms. The results revealed significant interactive effects between operative temperature (To), RH, and background noise level (LA90) on students’ concentration and overall satisfaction, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach to managing Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Furthermore, multi-objective optimization using the NSGA-II algorithm suggested optimal ranges for To (22.6–24.8 °C), RH (41.0–48.4%), and LA90 (45.0–48.5 dB(A)). Existing library conditions surpassed these optimal levels, particularly on the first floor, indicating a pressing need for interventions to enhance student well-being and academic performance. Overall, this study provides insights into the interactions between thermal comfort and acoustic quality, offering recommendations for creating more conducive learning environments that boost student satisfaction and performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hydrocephalus is a complex neurological disorder marked by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and ventricular enlargement. Despite breakthroughs in neuroimaging, diagnosis and longitudinal the application of imaging markers for the diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of hydrocephalus remains challenging in routine clinical practice. The present study examines the behavior and cross-modality agreement of commonly used linear ventricular measurements under routine imaging conditions, at a single Romanian tertiary-care center characterized by heterogeneous acquisition protocols and limited availability of advanced volumetric techniques. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of 68 adults with hydrocephalus. Linear ventricular metrics, including Evans index and third-ventricle width, were measured on all available CT and MRI scans. CT–MRI agreement was assessed using paired examinations within a 90-day window. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using first–last and pre–post VP shunt comparisons. Associations between baseline imaging features and VP shunt placement were evaluated using rule-based and odds ratio analyses. Results: CT and MRI measurements demonstrated strong agreement for both Evans index (r = 0.93) and third-ventricle width (r = 0.90), with minimal systematic bias. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated small-magnitude changes in ventricular size following intervention, with substantial inter-individual variability. VP utilization increased across Evans index strata, reaching 100% in patients with values ≥0.50. Transependymal cerebrospinal fluid exudation showed the strongest association with subsequent VP shunting. Imaging-based rules exhibited expected trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Standard linear ventricular parameters exhibited adequate cross-modality agreement and clinically important longitudinal behavior in this cohort. While insufficient as standalone predictors, these readily available imaging markers remain important tools when combined with a comprehensive clinical assessment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is associated with pain, functional decline, and altered biomechanics. The Step-Up and Down-Forwards (StUD-F) task provides an ecologically relevant assessment of challenging movements. This study investigated neuromuscular activation and lower-limb kinematics of leading and trailing-limbs during the StUD-F in individuals with KOA. Methods: Forty participants with KOA (65.3 ± 7.68 years; 21M/19F; BMI 28.9 ± 4.52 kg/m²) completed a 25 cm box StUD-F task. Surface electromyograph recorded bilateral activation of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), bicep femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST). Triplanar hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were estimated using inertial measurement units. StUD-F events (initial stance; step contact; ascent completion; descent preparation; step-down touchdown; and descent completion) were identified using custom algorithms. Pain was assessed using visual analogue scales and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Limb differences were analysed for leading or trailing roles using paired samples t-tests or non-parametric equivalents; waveforms were visually inspected. Results: Distinct neuromuscular and kinematic asymmetries were observed when affected and contralateral limbs were compared within each role (leading/trailing). During step-up, the affected leading limb demonstrated higher quadriceps activation at initial stance (VM: p = 0.035; VL: p = 0.027) and reduced trailing-limb activation at step contact (VM: p = 0.015; VL: p = 0.018), with sagittal-plane ankle differences (p = 0.004). During step-down, when the affected limb initiated ascent, trailing limb activation was higher at descent completion (VL: p < 0.001; VM: p = 0.003; BF: p = 0.009), with coronal-plane hip deviations (p < 0.001). When the contralateral limb-initiated ascent, trailing-limb muscles activation differences (VM: p < 0.001; VL: p = 0.015; BF: p = 0.007) and ankle/coronal-plane asymmetries (p ≤ 0.049) persisted. Conclusions: The StUD-F task elicits altered strategies in KOA, including elevated quadriceps–hamstring co-activation and altered sagittal/coronal alignment, and habitual limb choice across ascent and descent. These adaptations may enhance stability and joint protection but could increase medial compartment loading. The findings support rehabilitation focused on dynamic control, alignment, and shock absorption. Full article

Bovines are suitable hosts and can be affected by fly infestations. Flies pose a significant threat to cattle livestock in Latin America (LA), causing substantial economic repercussions to animal production (reduced productivity, veterinary expenses, and decreased animal welfare) and damage to human health. The most important flies affecting cattle in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay are Haematobia irritans, Dermatobia hominis, and Cochliomyia hominivorax. Due to production losses and the consequent economic costs associated with these flies, control measures must be implemented, primarily relying on insecticidal products. However, decision-making for preventing and treating animals with insecticides varies due to differences in environmental conditions across countries and regions, production systems, animal populations, infestation levels, animal welfare, and the prevalence of myiasis, among other factors. Although insecticides remain the most effective option for fly control in cattle, resistant populations have developed, rendering them less effective. To overcome fly resistance to insecticides, non-chemical (mechanical, environmental, biological, and genetic) methods are being integrated into alternative control and eradication strategies. The use of integrated livestock fly control contributes to safeguarding animal, public, and environmental health. This review is designed to support individuals and institutions, both civil and governmental, addressing the ongoing challenge posed by flies affecting livestock. Full article

Objectives: Connective tissue dysplasia (CTD) is associated with disorders of collagen synthesis and is widely spread among the healthy population and people with disabilities. In the heart, primarily in the left ventricle (LV), CTD manifests itself as the formation of false tendons (LVFTs) to maintain close-to-normal LV pump function. This exploratory work is devoted to the search for general patterns of cardiac response to physical activity in athletes with disabilities, CTD, and LVFTs. The extent to which “the type of sports or the type of disability” determines the involvement of the heart’s functional reserve is the main testable question of the proposed research. Methods: The group under this study included 610 individuals with disabilities aged from 6 to 60 years with at least two transverse and/or oblique FTs per LV. Participants represented different sports disciplines (n = 10) and various forms of disabilities (n = 4). Cardiovascular indicators were obtained by means of standard TTE, impedance cardiography for hemodynamic monitoring in active orthotest, resting, and stress 12-lead ECG. Exercise testing of the athletes was performed with the use of appropriate methods of physical loading. In total, 141 parameters of cardiorespiratory function and exercise performance per participant were recorded. Statistical analysis of the dataset obtained across sports types or disability types was performed using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance. Results: Most importantly, it was found that only maximum relative oxygen consumption (VO₂max, mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) as a reliable indicator of the heart’s functional reserve and the corrected QT (QTc, ms) interval as an integral measure of the heart’s electrical activity demonstrated statistically significant differences across the sports specialization or the disability type. In particular, significance values (P) for VO₂max across athletic disciplines and nosology categories were equal to 0.00063 and 0.01028 (one-way ANOVA), while for QTc they were 0.00001 and 0.02185 (Kruskal-Wallis), respectively. Furthermore, the type of disability had a lower impact on VO₂max and QTc than the type of athletic activity. Conclusions: In athletes with disabilities and CTD, sport specialization may involve the heart’s functional reserve to a greater extent than the type of disability. To prescribe training loads for people with disabilities and CTD, individual cardiology screening with an emphasis on VO₂max and QTc is necessary. Full article

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the growing spine, frequently associated with functional impairment, altered trunk biomechanics, compromised respiratory performance, and psychosocial burden. The risk of curve progression increases during periods of rapid growth, highlighting the need for effective conservative interventions targeting both structural and neuromuscular components of the deformity. This review synthesizes evidence published between 2005 and 2025 on the effects of Schroth-based physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises in adolescents aged 10–18 years with idiopathic scoliosis and Risser stages 0–5. Studies applying Schroth therapy exclusively or predominantly, either as a stand-alone intervention or combined with bracing, were included, while non-idiopathic scoliosis and mixed PSSE protocols were excluded. A total of 17 studies meeting predefined eligibility criteria were included. Across randomized controlled trials, controlled cohort studies, and longitudinal case series, Schroth interventions were associated with attenuation of Cobb angle progression, improvements in three-dimensional trunk symmetry, postural control, respiratory mechanics, and health-related quality of life. Combined Schroth and brace therapy generally demonstrated superior outcomes compared with bracing alone. Despite these findings, heterogeneity in intervention protocols and outcome measures limits direct comparability across studies. Overall, current evidence supports the Schroth Method as a relevant conservative strategy for AIS, particularly when initiated early and delivered through individualized three-dimensional correction. Further high-quality multicenter studies with standardized protocols are required to strengthen the long-term evidence base. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults is frequently accompanied by substantial medication burden, increasing risks of adverse drug events and poor adherence. The Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), emphasizing plant-based foods and sustainable dietary patterns, may improve cardiometabolic health and reduce medication requirements. This study examined the association between PHD adherence as measured by the PHDI and medication burden among older adults with CKD. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018 cycles. Older individuals aged ≥ 65 years with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or albumin-to-creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g) at the baseline visit were included (n = 3161). PHDI scores (0–150) were calculated from two consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. Medication burden was assessed as the total prescription medication count and frequency of individual classes. Multivariable Poisson regression models evaluated associations between PHDI score and number of prescribed medications, adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates; logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between PHDI score and specific medication classes. Results: Mean (SD) age was 75.0 (5.5) years; mean PHDI score was 62.4 (18.7). Participants in the highest PHDI tertile had significantly lower medication burden compared to the lowest tertile. In fully adjusted Poisson regression models, each 10-point increase in PHDI score was associated with 3% fewer medications (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, p = 0.011). Participants in the highest PHDI tertile had 8% fewer medications compared to the lowest tertile (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.98, p = 0.013). Higher PHDI scores were significantly associated with lower odds of proton pump inhibitor use (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79–0.94 per 10-point increase) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescription (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–0.97 per 10-point increase). Participants in the highest PHDI tertile had 34% lower odds of PPI use (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.89) and nonsignificant lower odds of NSAID use (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.40–1.11) compared to those in the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Higher PHDI adherence was independently associated with lower medication burden in older adults with CKD. These findings suggest that plant-forward, sustainable dietary patterns may reduce pharmacological complexity in this vulnerable population. Prospective studies are needed to assess causality and clinical implementation strategies. Full article

Purpose: This study aimed to quantify the severity of fear of falling (FOF) in people with low vision (LV) compared with age–gender-matched healthy individuals during gait initiation (GI). Methods: A total of 14 adults with LV and 14 age–gender-matched healthy adults were recruited from local communities. The Falls Efficacy Scale International was used to evaluate FOF. We compared temporal events between healthy and LV groups. For the healthy group, GI under normal vision was further compared to conditions using a low-vision sight simulator (SS) and an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment designed to simulate a fear-evoking experience. Independent t-test and one-way repeated measure ANOVA were conducted for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Results: People with LV showed a significantly greater FOF than healthy individuals (p < 0.05). During GI, participants with LV exhibited significantly prolonged anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) durations compared to healthy normal and SS conditions (p < 0.05). While VR-evoked fear in healthy participants primarily prolonged the push-off (PO) phase, the delay in the LV group was characterized by a significantly extended initial anticipation (AP) phase. Notably, the APA duration in the LV group showed no significant difference compared to the healthy VR condition, indicating that the inherent fear in LV produces postural delays as severe as those induced by extreme VR-evoked fear of heights (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that individuals with LV adopt a chronically conservative motor program during the transition from standing to walking. These postural hesitations are statistically comparable to those observed under fear-evoking, VR-induced environments. These findings suggest that LV is associated with a distinct biomechanical strategy that prioritizes static stability over dynamic movement. Accordingly, multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches that emphasize sensory reweighting, including vestibular training, alongside interventions targeting FOF, may be essential for mitigating altered postural control and reducing fall risk in the LV population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adjuvants, added to vaccines to enhance immune responses, are central to shaping the magnitude and durability of immunity, yet their precise mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study evaluated how diverse adjuvant combinations influence HPV vaccine immunogenicity in non-human primates, with a particular focus on impacts on hematopoietic biology—megakaryocytes and platelets—and broader innate and adaptive pathways. Methods: Eight adjuvanted formulations, each incorporating distinct immunomodulatory components and delivery platforms, were compared against an alum-only control in non-human primates. Longitudinal antibody titers (HPV16-specific) were measured up to 54 weeks, and blood transcriptomes were profiled at Day 1 and Day 7 after both prime and boost doses to assess pathway-level enrichment and gene-expression patterns. Results: Several adjuvant combinations significantly increased antibody titers at 54 weeks compared with alum alone. Formulations containing cationic lipid or monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) were associated with enhanced antibody responses. Early upregulation of immune-related genes across innate and adaptive pathways was also observed, with some combinations (e.g., inclusion of QS21 or ISCOMs) showing similar trends. Distinct group- and time-dependent transcriptional signatures were observed, with higher-responding formulations exhibiting stronger enrichment in pathogen-influenced signaling and cellular/humoral immune programs. Conclusions: Adjuvant selection and formulation strategy substantially modulate vaccine immunogenicity and early transcriptional programs, including innate, adaptive, and hematopoietic pathways. While individual adjuvants differentially regulate immune and platelet-associated genes, common pathway-level patterns emerge across formulations. These findings suggest candidate mechanisms for prolonged vaccine efficacy and provide actionable insights to guide rational adjuvant design for sustained immune protection. Full article

C. spectabilis (Crotalaria spectabilis), a large leguminous herb species, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, and it has important ecological and economic values. However, the ecological adaptation of the major leaf functional traits of the species across different habitats and canopy positions remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we sampled leaves from the upper, middle, and lower canopy positions in two common habitats—forest understory and exposed land—and quantified key leaf traits as well as trait–trait relationships to assess differences. The results showed that irradiance and air temperature were significantly lower in the understory than in exposed land, whereas soil moisture and relative humidity were higher, indicating that habitat exerted a stronger influence on leaf traits than canopy position. Canopy position also significantly affected most traits and showed significant interactions with habitat. In exposed land, middle plants exhibited higher individual leaf dry mass (180.049 ± 68.480 mg), larger vein diameter (1.692 ± 0.288 mm), and longer petioles (5.406 ± 0.940 mm). These traits were accompanied by a higher morphology-based leaf dry matter accumulation rate and greater stability of the leaf-trait network, reflecting an adaptive strategy characterized by increased structural investment. In contrast, understory middle leaves were generally longer (13.361 ± 2.714 cm) and wider (7.005 ± 1.464 cm), along with lower photosynthate accumulation rates and weaker trait-network stability, indicating a strategy that enhances light-use efficiency under low-light conditions. In both habitats, leaves from the middle canopy position generally exhibited the highest values for most measured traits. Overall, leaf traits of C. spectabilis and their interrelationships showed considerable plasticity in response to external environmental pressures, primarily differences in light availability. However, from a practical production perspective, minimizing shading is recommended to maximize its ecological benefits. Full article

This study aims to describe oral contraceptive knowledge among adolescents and young women, and to examine individuals’ characteristics associated with oral contraceptive knowledge. A cross-sectional survey was administered using an online panel. Females aged 16 to 24 were recruited. Oral contraceptive knowledge was measured using nine items with six domains, including oral contraceptive use, efficacy, indication, mechanism of action, risks, and side effects. A summated score was created, with a score of 9 indicating highest level of knowledge. Multivariable regression was used to examine significant socio-demographics and clinical characteristics. Among the 700 included responses, largest proportion of respondents were White (45.43%) and were covered by public insurance (43.14%). A total of 446 (63.71%) respondents expressed at least slight interest in using over-the-counter oral contraceptives. Overall, the mean score of knowledge was 4.08 out of 9. Most did not correctly answer questions about side effects, the mechanism of action and appropriate use. Similar patterns were observed among those who were interested in over-the-counter oral contraceptives (mean = 4.11). Adolescents and young women had a low level of oral contraceptive knowledge. With a high proportion of individuals interested in over-the-counter oral contraceptives, additional information support is needed to support informed contraception choice and use. Full article

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes has amplified discussions surrounding algorithmic authority—the perceived epistemic legitimacy of AI systems over human judgment. This study investigates how individuals attribute epistemic authority to AI, focusing on psychological, contextual, and sociotechnical factors. Existing research highlights the importance of trust in automation, perceived performance, and moral frameworks in shaping such attributions. Unlike prior conceptual or philosophical accounts of algorithmic authority, our study adopts a relational and empirically grounded perspective by operationalizing algority through psychometric measures and contextual assessments. To address knowledge gaps in the micro-level dynamics of this phenomenon, we conducted an empirical study using psychometric tools and scenario-based assessments. Here, we report key findings from a survey of 610 participants, revealing significant correlations between trust in automation (TiA), perceptions of automated performance (PAS), and the propensity to defer to AI, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like criminal justice and job-matching. Trust in automation emerged as a primary factor, while moral attitudes moderated deference in ethically sensitive contexts. Our findings highlight the practical relevance of transparency and explainability for supporting critical engagement with AI outputs and for informing the design of contextually appropriate decision support. This study contributes to understanding algorithmic authority as a multidimensional construct, offering empirically grounded insights for designing AI systems that are trustworthy and context-sensitive. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise-induced fatigue is a fundamental component of running performance and training, yet it is also implicated in altered movement mechanics and increased injury risk. While numerous studies have examined fatigue-related biomechanical changes during running, findings remain fragmented across biomechanical domains and fatigue modalities. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize contemporary evidence on the effects of fatigue on lower-limb biomechanics during running and to interpret the potential injury relevance of these adaptations. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for original empirical studies published between January 2010 and December 2025. Eligible studies involved human participants performing running or running-related tasks, applied an explicit fatigue protocol, and reported quantitative lower-limb biomechanical outcomes. Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Data extraction included participant characteristics, fatigue protocols, biomechanical measures, instrumentation, and key findings. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB-2) tool. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Across studies, fatigue consistently altered spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinematic and kinetic variables, spring-mass behavior, impact loading, coordination variability, neuromuscular output, and inter-limb symmetry. Common adaptations included increased ground contact time, reduced ankle joint power and stiffness, increased joint range of motion, elevated impact loading, and greater movement variability. These changes reflected reduced mechanical efficiency and a redistribution of mechanical load from distal to proximal joints, particularly toward the knee and hip. Similar fatigue-related biomechanical patterns were observed in both laboratory-based and real-world endurance running conditions. Conclusions: Exercise-induced fatigue produces systematic and injury-relevant alterations in lower-limb biomechanics during running. These adaptations may preserve short-term performance but create mechanical conditions associated with increased susceptibility to overuse and non-contact injuries. Integrating fatigue-aware biomechanical assessment, neuromuscular conditioning, and individualized load management strategies may help mitigate adverse fatigue-related adaptations. Full article

As social media becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, understanding the psychological mechanisms that shape users’ digital experiences is essential for promoting healthy, sustainable digital behavior. This study examines two motivational life-orientation strategies—prioritizing meaning and prioritizing positivity—and investigates how they are differentially associated with patterns of social media use, digital flourishing, and psychological well-being. A sample of 414 adults completed validated measures of digital and psychological outcomes, including a Hebrew adaptation of the Digital Flourishing Scale (DFS), and measures of prioritizing meaning and prioritizing positivity. Across seven regression models, prioritizing meaning was consistently associated with more adaptive digital outcomes, including lower screen time, reduced FoMO, higher digital flourishing, greater self-compassion, and lower psychopathology. In contrast, prioritizing positivity was associated with greater social media engagement and elevated social comparison but showed no associations with digital flourishing or psychological well-being. These findings support a dual-pathway framework, suggesting that meaning-oriented individuals tend to interact with digital platforms more intentionally and resiliently, whereas positivity-oriented individuals engage in more affect-driven and evaluative patterns that do not translate into well-being benefits. The study advances current understanding of digital behavior by identifying motivational factors that shape how users navigate online environments and highlights implications for designing digital well-being interventions and platform features. Full article