Search Results (9,417)

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) alters lower limb biomechanics, often leading to an asymmetric plantar pressure distribution. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore joint function and may normalize plantar loading, but evidence from instrumented static pressure analysis is limited. The objective of this study was to compare static plantar pressure distributions before and after TKA in individuals with knee OA and in age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: A pre-post study was conducted on 77 individuals with severe knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4) who underwent TKA and 77 matched healthy controls. The plantar pressure area, average pressure, and maximal pressure were assessed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively using a Win-Track force platform. Standard postoperative rehabilitation was followed. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Compared with controls, pre-TKA patients presented significantly lower plantar pressure area, average pressure, and maximal pressure than controls (p < 0.001). At 6 and 12 months post-TKA, the plantar pressure area (p < 0.001) and average pressure (p = 0.001) improved significantly, with more balanced bilateral loading and increased forefoot weight transfer. At 12 months, no significant differences in any plantar pressure parameters remained between the TKA and control groups. Conclusions: Severe knee OA is associated with altered static plantar pressure patterns, characterized by reduced loading and asymmetry. TKA effectively restores plantar pressure distribution, achieving normalization within 12 months. The incorporation of plantar pressure assessment into pre- and postoperative care may guide targeted rehabilitation and enhance functional recovery. Full article

Flow stabilization and velocity uniformity in a Göttingen-type closed-circuit subsonic aerodynamic wind tunnel with an expanded test section are investigated in this study. Both experimental and numerical approaches were employed. The experiments were performed by using Laser Doppler Anemometry, Pitot tubes, and thermal anemometry. For numerical simulations, Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations with a standard k-ε turbulence model were employed to evaluate flow characteristics in the velocity range of 0.05–20 m/s. The study shows that a properly contoured contraction nozzle suppresses inlet turbulence and ensures stable Reynolds-independent core flow. The contraction nozzle significantly accelerates and redistributes the flow, allowing rapid hydrodynamic stabilization and ensuring velocity measurements with high repeatability. These characteristics are inherent in a benchmark facility. Additionally, the study shows that the outlet-to-inlet diameter has the most prominent role in longitudinal velocity distribution in the test section. An optimal ratio of 1.10 was identified, stabilizing the pressure distribution and providing the most uniform longitudinal velocity profile. These findings offer geometry-dependent design guidelines for achieving high-quality measurements in Göttingen-type wind tunnels with expanded test sections and support accurate velocity measurement instrument calibration and aerodynamic testing. Full article

Milk products are a diverse group of foods and important sources of essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Among their key quality attributes, texture is particularly critical, as it strongly influences consumer perception and overall product quality. Numerous devices and techniques have been developed to evaluate the texture of milk products, most of which rely on mechanical tests such as puncture, compression, shearing, creep, and relaxation. Instrumental evaluations are essential for correlating physical measurements with sensory perceptions, yet several challenges limit their reliability. Inconsistencies in testing protocols—such as reporting force versus penetration depth versus force versus time; variations in testing temperature, sample shape and dimensions; probe geometry; compression depth; and container size for semisolid samples contribute to discrepancies across studies. Additionally, many studies omit these critical methodological details, reducing reproducibility and comparability. This review systematically examines the current methods used to assess dairy product texture, identifies gaps and challenges in standardization, and provides guidance to support future research aimed at obtaining accurate, reproducible, and meaningful texture measurements. Full article

We investigated how nostalgia and declinism, two distinct forms of past-oriented reflection, differentially relate to personal growth. In preregistered cross-sectional Study 1 (N = 810, Chinese sample), we measured nostalgia using three instruments: the Southampton Nostalgia Scale (SNS), the Nostalgia Inventory (NI), and the Personal Inventory of Nostalgic Experiences (PINE). Although SNS- and NI-based nostalgia were positively associated with personal growth and uncorrelated with declinism, PINE-based nostalgia was positively linked to declinism and unrelated to growth. Canonical correlation analysis further indicated conceptual overlap between PINE items and declinism. In experimental Study 2 (N = 360, Chinese sample), we manipulated nostalgia and declinism with the Event Reflection Task to test their causal effects. Compared to a control condition, nostalgia increased personal growth, but declinism reduced it. Collectively, the findings highlight the importance of measurement in nostalgia research and underscore the psychological distinction between nostalgia and declinism. Accurately capturing the tone and function of nostalgic reflection is essential to understanding its influence on the self, motivation, and well-being. Full article

The classification of urban residential settlements through Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) remains a complex task due to the intrinsic heterogeneity of urban environments and the scarcity of large, accurately labeled training datasets. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a novel GIS-based unsupervised classification framework that exploits Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering for the detection and interpretation of urban morphologies. Compared to unsupervised classification approaches that rely on crisp-based clustering algorithms, the proposed FCM-based method more effectively captures heterogeneous urban fabrics where no clear predominance of specific building types exists. Specifically, the method applies fuzzy clustering to census units—considered the fundamental scale of urban analysis—based on construction techniques and building periods. By grouping census areas with similar structural features, the framework provides a flexible, data-driven approach to the characterization of urban settlements. The identification of cluster centroids’ dominant attributes enables a systematic interpretation of the spatial distribution of the built environment, while the subsequent mapping process assigns each cluster a descriptive label reflecting the prevailing building fabric. The generated thematic maps yield critical insights into urban morphology and facilitate evidence-based planning. The framework was validated across ten Italian cities selected for their diverse physical, morphological, and historical characteristics; comparisons with the results of urban zone classifications in these cities conducted by experts show that the proposed method provides accurate results, as the similarity to the classifications made by experts, measured by the use of the Adjusted Rand Index, is always higher than or equal to 0.93; furthermore, it is robust when applied in heterogeneous urban settlements. These results confirm the effectiveness of the method in delineating homogeneous urban areas, thereby offering decision makers a robust instrument to guide targeted interventions on existing building stocks. The proposed framework advances the capacity to analyze urban form, to strategically support renovation and urban regeneration policies, and demonstrates a strong potential for portability, as it can be applied to other cities for urban scale analyses. Full article

To study the impact of photovoltaic facilities on the climate of aquaculture areas within the new aquaculture model (photovoltaic fishery mode, PFM), meteorological monitoring instruments were used to measure light intensity, temperature, humidity, and water environment in the PFM aquaculture areas of Dongying City and Taishan City. The experimental results showed that photovoltaic facilities (PFs) significantly affected lighting, causing a substantial decrease in light intensity above the ponds, with an annual average reduction ranging from 24.15% to 67.75%, compared to the traditional pond mode (TPM). The impact of flexible PF on lighting was less pronounced than that of fixed photovoltaic facilities, with decreases of only 24.15% and 65.06%, respectively, compared to TPM. PF influenced temperature within a small range, particularly in the Dongying City aquaculture area, where the temperature difference reached 1.48 °C. The effect of flexible PF on temperature, with a decrease of only 0.071%, was much smaller than that of fixed PF, which showed a decrease of 3.28% compared to TPM. In both Dongying City and Taishan City aquaculture areas, PF reduced environmental humidity by 4.71% to 9.62% compared to TPM. In Dongying City, the water temperature under the PFM-fixed system was 0.39 to 3.78 °C lower than that of TPM. The annual biomass variation patterns of zooplankton and phytoplankton in Dongying City and Taishan City were opposite. This study provides data to support further research on the relationship between PFM and aquaculture. Full article

Background: The general psychopathology factor (p factor) is central to understanding the shared variance across mental disorders, offering a dimensional alternative to traditional diagnostic models. The early identification of this factor in childhood is key for improving prevention and intervention strategies. This study evaluated the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a brief measure to assess p factor in children. Methods: A community sample of 284 children, ages 6 to 12, was assessed using parent-reported SDQ and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Confirmatory Factor Analyses compared two models of psychopathology: a higher-order model and a first-order bifactor model. Results: Results showed that the bifactor model provided a better fit for both instruments, with the SDQ showing particularly strong fit indices. Moreover, SDQ-derived p factor scores were strongly correlated with key CBCL scales, particularly attention and externalizing problems, supporting its concurrent validity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the SDQ, due to its brevity and psychometric robustness, is a valid alternative to the CBCL for assessing general psychopathology in children. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of virtual reality (VR) on functionality, quality of life, and motivation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022321170) and conducted using the keywords physical therapy OR physiotherapy AND “Virtual Reality”. Studies were screened based on title, abstract, and full-text review. The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality, and the GRADE system was applied to determine the level of certainty of the evidence. Results: A total of 10 studies showed improvements in balance, 6 in gross motor function, and 8 in upper limb coordination. Additional gains were found in daily functioning (6), gait (4), motivation (3), and spasticity (1–2). Overall, virtual reality enhanced motor abilities and engagement compared with conventional therapy, underscoring its value as a playful and motivating tool in rehabilitation. All outcome measures showed positive changes, particularly in functionality and quality of life. The primary outcomes with the most favorable responses to intervention were gross motor function and balance, followed by motivation and adherence. However, the generalities of the findings are limited due to variabilities in outcome reporting and measurement tools. Conclusions: The findings indicated clinical improvements in key outcome measures following VR interventions. Nonetheless, there were significant variabilities in the evaluation instruments used across studies. Despite this, the clinical evidence supported the integration of VR into neurorehabilitation processes for children with CP. Full article

The increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has established the need to examine the implications of specific AI-based technologies. We analyzed students’ perceptions of Packback, an AI-driven discussion board platform, in a large-enrollment undergraduate course at the University of Tennessee, United States. Valid and reliable quantitative survey instruments were used to measure students’ (n = 96) user experience (UX) of Packback and their perceptions of instructors who require the use of AI platforms in their courses. Data were analyzed to determine how students’ personal characteristics, prior use of Packback, and the UX of Packback influence their perceptions of the credibility (competence, goodwill, trustworthiness) of instructors who require the use of AI platforms. Findings indicated that students had an overall favorable experience of the Packback platform, despite moderate variability. For the credibility of instructors who require the use of AI technologies, students reported a moderate-to-high belief of competence, a moderate belief of goodwill, and a moderate-to-high belief of trustworthiness. A significant model was produced to explain the variance in students’ perception of teacher credibility. Female students and students who had more favorable UX were significantly associated with having higher beliefs in instructor credibility. Although the use of AI platforms can improve efficiency in teaching and learning, our data suggest it can also influence students’ perceptions of instructor credibility. Full article

The China Seismo Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) mission provides in situ measurements of the electromagnetic field, plasma, and charged particles in the topside ionosphere. Each CSES spacecraft carries several different scientific payloads delivering a wealth of information about the ionospheric plasma dynamics and properties, as well as measurement about energetic particles precipitating in the ionosphere. In this work, we introduce CSESpy, a Python package designed to provide an interface to CSES data products, with the aim of easing the pathway for scientists to carry out analyses of CSES data. Beyond simply being an interface to the data, CSESpy aims to provide higher-level analysis and visualization tools, as well as methods for combining concurrent measurements from different instruments, so as to allow multipayload studies in a unified framework. Moreover, CSESpy is designed to be highly flexible as such, it can be extended to interface with datasets from other sources and can be embedded in wider software ecosystems. We highlight some applications, also demonstrating that CSESpy is a powerful visualization tool for investigating complex events involving variations across multiple physical observables. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthcare organizations worldwide face challenges in retaining talented employees, with the phenomenon of quiet quitting increasingly recognized as a contemporary issue. Rather than leaving their jobs, employees remain at work but exert minimal effort and exhibit reduced engagement, which can ultimately undermine the performance of healthcare organizations. The aim of this research was to examine the impact of servant leadership on work engagement within healthcare organizations, to determine whether this leadership style can help mitigate the effects of quiet quitting. Methods: The study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing validated instruments to measure servant leadership and work engagement. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, employing a convenience sampling method. A total of 362 valid surveys were collected from healthcare professionals in Serbia participating in the study from January to March 2025. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to examine the relationship between servant leadership and work engagement among healthcare professionals. Results: The results indicate that servant leadership has a positive and statistically significant impact on all dimensions of engagement: vigor, dedication, and absorption. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is concluded that servant leadership can serve as an effective strategy for enhancing work engagement and reducing negative employee behaviors, such as quiet quitting, which may, in turn, improve organizational efficiency in the healthcare industry. Full article

Particulate matter (PM2.5) is a critical indicator of air quality and has significant health implications. This study presents the development and evaluation of a custom-built PM2.5 device, named the P-Tracker, designed to offer an accessible alternative to commercially available air quality monitors. This paper presents the design framework used to address the requirements of a low-cost, accessible device which meets the performance of existing commercial systems. Step-by step build instructions are provided for hardware and software development and connection to the P-tracker open access website which displays the data and interactive map. To demonstrate the performance, the P-Tracker was compared against leading consumer devices, including the AtmoTube Pro by AtmoTech Inc., Flow by Plume Labs, View Plus by Airthings, and the Smart Citizen Kit 2.1 by Fab Lab Barcelona, across four controlled tests. The tests included: (1) a controlled paper combustion test in which all devices were exposed to combustion aerosols in a sealed environment alongside the DustTrak 8530 (TSI Incorporated, Shoreview, MN, USA), used as the gold standard reference, where the P-Tracker achieved a Pearson correlation of 0.99 with DustTrak over the final measurement period; (2) an outdoor test comparing readings with a stationary reference sensor, Osiris (Turnkey Instruments Ltd., Rudheath, UK), where the P-Tracker recorded a mean PM2.5 concentration of 3.08 µg/m³, closely aligning with the Osiris measurement of 3.53 µg/m³ and achieving a Pearson correlation of 0.77; (3) a controlled indoor air quality assessment, where the P-Tracker displayed stable readings with a standard deviation of 0.11 µg/m³, comparable to the AtmoTube Pro; and (4) a real-world kitchen environment test, where the P-Tracker effectively captured fluctuations in PM2.5 levels due to cooking activities, maintaining a consistent response with the DustTrak reference. The results indicate varied degrees of agreement across devices in different conditions, with the P-Tracker demonstrating strong correlation and low error margins in high-pollution and controlled scenarios. This research underscores the potential of open-source, low-cost, custom-built air quality sensors which may be developed and deployed by communities to provide hyperlocal measurements of air pollution. Full article

Telerehabilitation is an effective, accessible addition or alternative to conventional rehabilitation for fracture management, especially in older adults after hip fractures, leveraging video visits, mHealth apps, virtual reality (VR), and wearable sensors to deliver exercise, education, and monitoring at home with high satisfaction and adherence. Across non-surgical and surgical contexts, telemedicine shows feasibility and cost benefits, with mixed superiority but consistent non-inferiority for functional outcomes versus in-person care. In hip fracture populations, randomized and non-randomized studies indicate improvements in functional independence measure (FIM), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADLs/IADLs), and quality of life, with some evidence for reduced anxiety and depression, while effects on mobility, pain, and adverse events remain uncertain overall. In patients with upper-limb fractures, telerehabilitation appears to improve function and pain, though strength gains may lag compared with in-person therapy in some trials; adjuncts like motor imagery and virtual reality may enhance outcomes and motivation. Application is facilitated by user-friendly platforms, caregiver involvement, and simple modalities such as structured phone follow-up. Limitations include small samples, heterogeneous protocols, scarce long-term data, and a predominance of non-inferiority or complementary designs, warranting larger, definitive trials. This technology can lead to improved patient management at home, effortlessly verifying treatment compliance, efficacy, and safety, while simultaneously reducing the need for hospitalization, promoting a more peaceful recovery. Here, we have undertaken a narrative review of the medical–scientific literature in this field. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and botulinum toxin remain among the most frequently requested non-surgical esthetic procedures, due to their favorable safety profile and ability to restore volume and improve skin quality. However, variability in product performance and the lack of objective measurement tools remain challenges in clinical practice. This prospective, single-arm, non-randomized pilot study aimed to assess the esthetic efficacy, tolerability, and duration of effect of Sofiderm^® HA fillers in Caucasian patients with signs of facial aging, and to explore the correlation between subjective visual grading and instrumental imaging outcomes. Five patients with Griffiths photoaging scores ranging from 4 to 8 were treated with different Sofiderm^® formulations. Standardized evaluations were performed at baseline, 2 months, and 9 months using VISIA-CR and PRIMOS 3D optical profilometry. All subjects experienced measurable improvements, with an average 2-point reduction in Griffiths scores at 2 months, maintained at 9 months in most cases. Objective imaging data confirmed enhancements in volume, texture, and surface regularity. No serious adverse events occurred. These findings suggest that Sofiderm^® fillers may offer sustained esthetic benefits with a favorable safety profile and demonstrate how integrated digital imaging can enhance treatment evaluation in esthetic dermatology. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to linguistically and culturally adapt the Social Participation Restrictions Questionnaire (SPaRQ) and the Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI) for the Elderly/Adults to Danish and to investigate the reliability and validity of the questionnaires and their subscales in a clinical population. These questionnaires are quantifiable self-assessment tools that are used internationally to evaluate the social–emotional impacts of hearing impairment. Methods: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation procedures followed recommendations to adapt hearing-related questionnaires for different languages and cultures. In total, 64 participants (43 hearing aid users and 21 hearing aid candidates) completed both questionnaires using a test–retest paradigm. Results: Reliability analysis showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha between 0.82 and 0.94) and good agreement between the test and retest rounds (intraclass correlation values between 0.79 and 0.88) with both questionnaires. Neither SPaRQ nor HHI were correlated with better-ear PTA. However, SPaRQ and HHI, as well as their subscales, were significantly correlated with each other. Significant differences were observed at baseline between the HA users and candidates in terms of the better-ear PTA, but the distributions of subscale scores were broad and overlapping. Conclusions: The Danish version of SPaRQ is a reliable instrument for measuring the subjective impacts of hearing impairment. It can be used to capture the experiential aspects of hearing impairment that are not necessarily captured with objective measures of hearing. Full article