Search Results (2,629)

Self-myofascial release tools like foam rollers and massage guns are being integrated into athlete warm-ups with increasing frequency, but evidence on their acute effects is limited. Sixteen healthy, trained athletes (23.2 ± 1.3 years; four female) completed three warm-up conditions in a randomised, crossover design separated by >48 h: dynamic warm-up plus foam rolling (FOAM), dynamic warm-up plus massage gun (GUN), and dynamic warm-up alone (CON). After each intervention, participants completed a countermovement jump (CMJ; height and reactive strength index [RSImod]), a 10/5 repeated jump test (RJT), a 20 m sprint, and a knee-to-wall ankle mobility test. Perceived soreness and fatigue were recorded. Linear mixed models and Cohen’s d were used to assess between-condition differences. Relative to CON, FOAM and GUN were associated with reduced CMJ height (d = −0.29 to −0.36) and RSImod (d = −0.40 to −0.52; p’s < 0.05). GUN was associated with significantly impaired sprint time (d = 0.34). There were modest improvements in ankle mobility (left side) following FOAM (d = 0.23, p < 0.05) and lower levels of muscle soreness compared to CON (p < 0.05). Despite some improvements in ankle mobility and muscle soreness with foam rolling, both foam rolling and massage gun use may acutely impair aspects of physical performance compared to a dynamic warm-up alone. Full article

This article deals with the issue of electromagnetic radiation, specifically methods of eliminating radiation using protective coatings. Protective coatings were created from commercially available fabricated but also recycled metal powders and commonly available interior paint. The aim of the experiments was to produce protective coatings with different qualitative and quantitative compositions and subsequently test their shielding effects. For the preparation of the coatings, mixtures in the form of commercially produced powder with a particle size of <10 μm were used, namely aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), and graphite (C). Recycled powders are powdered iron (Fe) and zinc oxide (ZnO) with a particle size of <50 μm. The powders were mixed in various ratios and compounds into a commercially available white interior paint. Measurements were performed in the frequency range of 0.9–9 GHz with a step of 0.1 GHz, evaluating the shielding effectiveness, absorption, and reflection. The best shielding values were achieved for samples containing 100 g of carbon powder, 100 g of iron powder, and 100 g of manganese dioxide, ranging from 0.38 to 6.2 dB in the full measured frequency range. Full article

Background/Objectives: The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) rs7903146 polymorphism has been strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in various populations; however, its impact on different ethnic groups is not fully understood. Given the distinct minor allele frequency in Chinese populations, this study aimed to analyze the association of rs7903146 with the risk of T2DM in a Han Chinese cohort and its relationship with relevant clinical parameters. Methods: We conducted a case–control study including 600 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 511 sex-matched non-diabetic controls of Han Chinese descent. The TCF7L2 rs7903146 (C/T) polymorphism was genotyped using a TaqMan™ SNP assay. Clinical parameters, including body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were compared between genotypes. Logistic regression analyses were performed under a dominant genetic model (CT/TT vs. CC), adjusting for age, sex, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI, and smoking status. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, BMI category, age at diagnosis, and family history of T2DM. Given the exploratory nature of this study and the low frequency of the TT genotype, no formal correction for multiple testing was applied. Results: Frequencies of the CT and TT genotypes were higher in the diabetic group (p = 0.045) and were significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM under a dominant genetic model (adjusted OR = 2.24, p = 0.025). Individuals with CT/TT genotypes had elevated fasting glucose and hs-CRP levels; these genotypes were also linked to higher BMI in the female T2DM patients. The T allele frequency varied across ethnic groups, being lowest in East Asians and highest in Latin (Brazilian/mixed ancestry) populations. Mechanistically, the T allele may contribute to T2DM via altered TCF7L2 expression, impaired insulin secretion, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. Conclusions: The TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele was associated with an increased risk of T2DM and higher fasting glucose and hs-CRP levels in this Han Chinese cohort. The CT/TT genotypes were also associated with higher BMI in the female T2DM patients. While the findings are consistent with the known effects of this variant in other populations, mechanistic hypotheses such as the involvement of inflammatory or metabolic pathways remain hypothetical and warrant further functional validation. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Cetuximab improves survival by combining EGFR inhibition with immune activation. This study evaluated the influence of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-mediated immune responses on cetuximab efficacy in 124 metastatic CRC patients: 55 with wild-type (WT) KRAS and 69 with KRAS mutations. Peripheral blood was genotyped for 19 KIR genes and relevant HLA alleles, focusing on key KIR–HLA interactions (2DL1–C2, 3DL1–Bw4, 3DS1–Bw4). KRAS-WT patients showed better outcomes, receiving more treatment cycles (median: 17 vs. 4) and showing slower disease progression (60% vs. 92.8% at 12 months). WT patients had higher frequencies of inhibitory KIRs and the Bw4 allele, with KIR3DS1–Bw4 heterozygosity linked to longer survival (p = 0.013). In KRAS-mutant patients, heterozygous KIR genotypes (AB) and mixed A/B semi-haplotypes were associated with improved survival (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed KIR3DS1–Bw4 as a favorable factor in WT patients and AB genotypes as beneficial in KRAS-mutants. In conclusion, KIR–HLA interactions significantly impact cetuximab efficacy in metastatic CRC, with distinct immunogenetic profiles in WT and KRAS-mutant patients. These results highlight the potential of KIR–HLA profiling to guide personalized treatment strategies. Full article

Turning-point memories, experiences that impact personal development, may be interpreted in ways that emphasize positive, negative, or mixed development because the memory prompt is open-ended with regard to event valence (i.e., it does not elicit ‘high’-point or ‘low’-point life events). Broadly, narratives that articulate how one has grown or changed for the better over time are positively associated with beneficial psychological characteristics and well-being, and are thought to be a cultural master narrative template in the United States (US). Recent work suggests cultural differences in the narration of adversity. Our mixed-methods study expands the literature on cultural comparisons of turning-point autobiographical memories by comparing themes in turning-point memory narratives of US and UK college-going emerging adults and by assessing whether or not narrative differences relate to changes in well-being and emotions after narration. Results suggest that turning points are characterized by memories of adversity and that redemptive narration is similar across samples in its frequency and associations with well-being and emotions. Discussion explores when and why redemptive narration may be beneficial for people from broad backgrounds. Full article

Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of forest disturbances globally, including windthrow, which poses substantial risks for both forest productivity and ecosystem stability. Rapid and precise assessment of wind-induced tree damage is essential for effective management, yet many injuries remain visually undetectable in the early stages. This study employed drone-based multispectral imaging and a simulated wind stress experiment (static pulling) on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) to investigate the detectability of physiological and structural changes over four years. Multispectral data were collected at multiple time points (2023–2024), and a suite of vegetation indices (the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Structure Insensitive Pigment Index (SIPI), the Difference Vegetation Index (DVI), and Red Edge-based indices) were calculated and analysed using mixed-effects models. Our results demonstrate that trees subjected to mechanical bending (“Bent”) exhibit substantial reductions in the near-infrared (NIR)-based indices, while healthy trees maintain higher and more stable index values. Structure- and pigment-sensitive indices (e.g., the Modified Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Index (MCARI 2), the Transformed Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflectance Index/Optimised Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (TCARI/OSAVI), and RDVI) showed the highest diagnostic value for differentiating between damaged and healthy trees. We found the clear identification of group- and season-specific patterns, revealing that the most pronounced physiological decline in Bent trees emerged only several seasons after the disturbance. Full article

In turbine blade environments, the combination of blade curvature and accelerating flow gives rise to streamwise pressure gradients (SPGs), which substantially impact coolant–mainstream interactions. This study investigates the effect of SPGs on film cooling performance using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) for a shaped cooling hole at a density ratio of $\mathrm{DR}=1.5$ under two blowing ratios: $M=0.5$ and $M=1.6$. Both favorable pressure gradient (FPG) and zero pressure gradient (ZPG) conditions are examined. LES predictions are validated against experimental data in the high blowing ratio case, confirming the accuracy of the numerical method. Comparative analysis of the time-averaged flow fields indicates that, at $M=1.6$, FPG enhances wall attachment of the coolant jet, reduces boundary layer thickness, and suppresses vertical dispersion. Counter-rotating vortex pairs (CVRPs) are also compressed in this process, leading to improved downstream cooling. At $M=0.5$, however, the ZPG promotes greater lateral coolant spread near the hole exit, resulting in superior near-field cooling performance. Instantaneous flow structures are also analyzed to further explore the unsteady dynamics governing film cooling. The Q criterion exposes the formation and evolution of coherent vortices, including hairpin vortices, shear-layer vortices, and horseshoe vortices. Compared to ZPG, the FPG case exhibits a greater number of downstream hairpin vortices identified by density gradient, and this effect is particularly pronounced at the lower blowing ratio. The shear layer instability is evaluated using the local gradient $Ri$ number, revealing widespread Kelvin–Helmholtz instability near the jet interface. In addition, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis shows that FPG shifts disturbance energy to lower frequencies with higher amplitudes, indicating enhanced turbulent dissipation and intensified coolant mixing at a low blowing ratio. Full article

Supporting dementia carers is a global priority. As a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) (n = 352) of the Word Health Organization recommended, an internationally disseminated ‘iSupport’ e-health intervention was conducted, revealing no measurable benefits to the wellbeing of adult dementia carers. This process evaluation contributes original insights of the trial outcomes. Its aims were to ascertain the usability and acceptability of iSupport, participant engagement and adherence to iSupport, and contextual factors influencing its implementation and potential impact. The process evaluation followed a mixed-method design. The following data were collected from all participants randomised to iSupport (n = 175): (1) post-intervention evaluation questionnaire (n = 93) containing the 10-item System Usability Scale and bespoke items exploring acceptability, engagement, and perceived impact; (2) qualitative interviews (n = 52) with a sub-sample of participants who were purposively sampled according to age, scores on the outcome measures, and gender, as these interviews aimed to generate contextual detail and explanatory accounts; and (3) ‘Access’ data from the iSupport platform (n = 175). Descriptive statistics was used to report on the frequency of survey responses whilst a thematic analysis approach was followed to identify themes from the qualitative interview data. Data sets were analysed independently and then used with respect to one another in order to generate explanatory pathways related to the usability, acceptability, and the impact of iSupport. Despite good trial retention, 8.3% of participants (n = 32) did not spend any time on iSupport, and 54% (n = 94) spent between 30 min and 1.5 h. Factors driving this were the following: time constrains, method of delivery, and content characteristics. Positive impacts of iSupport were also described. Participants, including those with extensive caring experience, reported how iSupport had made them feel reassured, valued, and more able to ask for help. They also reported having an improved outlook on their caring role and on the needs and feelings of the person living with dementia. Research and practice should focus on exploring blended delivery, including self-directed and interactive components, such as regular contact with a health professional. These insights are critical for supporting the global implementation and adaptation of iSupport and offer valuable directions for future research. Full article

Intensified by climate change and anthropogenic activities, flood disasters necessitate rapid and accurate mapping for effective disaster management. This study develops an integrated framework leveraging synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and cloud computing to enhance flood monitoring, with a focus on a 2024 extreme rainfall event in Liaoning Province, China. Utilizing the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, we combine three complementary techniques: (1) Otsu automatic thresholding, for efficient extraction of surface water extent from Sentinel-1 GRD time series (154 scenes, January–October 2024), achieving processing times under 2 min with >85% open-water accuracy; (2) random forest (RF) classification, integrating multi-source features (SAR backscatter, terrain parameters from 30 m SRTM DEM, NDVI phenology) to distinguish permanent water bodies, flooded farmland, and urban areas, attaining an overall accuracy of 92.7%; and (3) Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering, incorporating backscatter ratio and topographic constraints to resolve transitional “mixed-pixel” ambiguities in flood boundaries. The RF-FCM synergy effectively mapped submerged agricultural land and urban spill zones, while the Otsu-derived flood frequency highlighted high-risk corridors (recurrence > 10%) along the riverine zones and reservoir. This multi-algorithm approach provides a scalable, high-resolution (10 m) solution for near-real-time flood assessment, supporting emergency response and sustainable water resource management in affected basins. Full article

This work presents the design and implementation of an automated, digital, and modular system to address a real-world industrial challenge: the automation and optimization of production schedules for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines in a factory in Portugal. The goal is to replicate and enhance the existing manual scheduling process by integrating multiple data sources and formulating a general Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model with constraints. This model can be solved using MILP optimization methods to produce efficient scheduling solutions that minimize machine downtime, reduce tool change frequency, and lower operator workload. The proposed system is implemented using open-source Python abstraction interfaces (Python-MIP), employing state-of-the-art of MILP optimization solvers such as CBC and HiGHS for solution validation. The system is designed to accommodate a wide range of constraints and operational factors, which can be switched on or off as needed, thereby enhancing its flexibility and decision-support capabilities. Additionally, a user-friendly graphical application is developed to facilitate the input of specific scheduling data and constraints, enabling flexible and efficient formulation of diverse scheduling scenarios. The proposed system is validated through multiple case studies, demonstrating its effectiveness in optimizing industrial CNC scheduling tasks and providing a scalable, practical tool for real-world factory operations. Full article

Noise in Pulsar Timing Array (PTA) data is commonly modeled as a mixture of white and red noise components. While the former is related to the receivers, and easily characterized by three parameters (EFAC, EQUAD and ECORR), the latter arises from a mix of hard to model sources and, potentially, a stochastic gravitational wave background (GWB). Since their frequency ranges overlap, GWB search methods must model the non-GWB red noise component in PTA data explicitly, typically as a set of mutually independent Gaussian stationary processes having power-law power spectral densities. However, in searches for continuous wave (CW) signals from resolvable sources, the red noise is simply a component that must be filtered out, either explicitly or implicitly (via the definition of the matched filtering inner product). Due to the technical difficulties associated with irregular sampling, CW searches have generally used implicit filtering with the same power law model as GWB searches. This creates the data analysis burden of fitting the power-law parameters, which increase in number with the size of the PTA and hamper the scaling up of CW searches to large PTAs. Here, we present an explicit filtering approach that overcomes the technical issues associated with irregular sampling. The method uses adaptive splines, where the spline knots are included in the fitted model. Besides illustrating its application on real data, the effectiveness of this approach is investigated on synthetic data that has the same red noise characteristics as the NANOGrav 15-year dataset and contains a single non-evolving CW signal. Full article

Combustion instability poses a significant challenge in aerospace propulsion systems, particularly in afterburners that employ bluff-body flame stabilizers. The flame transfer function (FTF) is essential for characterizing the dynamic response of flames to perturbations, which is critical for predicting and controlling these instabilities. This study experimentally investigates the effect of varying the number of fuel injection holes (N = 3, 4, 5, 6) on the FTF and flame dynamics in a model afterburner combustor. Using acoustic excitations, the FTF was measured across a range of frequencies, with flame behavior analyzed via high-speed imaging and chemiluminescence techniques. Results reveal that the FTF gain exhibits dual-peak characteristics, initially decreasing and then increasing with higher N values. The frequencies of these gain peaks shift to higher values as N increases, while the time delay between velocity and heat release rate fluctuations decreases, indicating a faster flame response. Flame morphology analysis shows that higher N leads to shorter, taller flames due to enhanced fuel distribution and mixing. Detailed examination of flame dynamics indicates that different pulsation modes dominate at various frequencies, elucidating the observed FTF behavior. This research provides novel insights into the optimization of fuel injection configurations to enhance combustion stability in afterburners, advancing the development of more reliable and efficient aerospace propulsion systems. Full article

Background: Ear advantage (EA) reflects hemispheric asymmetries in auditory processing. While a right-ear advantage (REA) for speech and a left-ear advantage (LEA) for music are well documented in typically developing individuals, it is unclear how these patterns manifest in young children with cochlear implants (CIs). This study investigated whether pupillometry could reveal asymmetric listening efforts in toddlers with bilateral CIs when listening to speech and music under monaural stimulation. Methods: Thirteen toddlers (mean age = 36.2 months) with early bilateral CIs participated. Pupillary responses were recorded during passive listening to speech and music stimuli, presented in quiet or with background noise. Each child was tested twice, once with only the left CI active and once with only the right CI active. Linear mixed-effects models assessed the influence of session (left/right CI), signal type (speech/music), and background noise. Results: A significant interaction between session and signal type was observed (p = 0.047). Speech elicited larger pupil sizes when processed through the left CI, while music showed no significant lateralized effects. Age and speech therapy frequency moderated pupil responses in speech and music trials, respectively. Conclusions: Pupillometry reveals subtle asymmetric listening effort in young CI users depending on the listening ear, suggesting early emerging functional lateralization despite sensory deprivation and device-mediated hearing. Full article

Background: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) make up a growing share of older adults’ diets and may contribute to frailty through pro-inflammatory pathways. The objective of this study was to examine the association of UPF intake with frailty development and with annual changes in select frailty components. Methods: This prospective cohort study used data from 2547 participants in the Framingham Offspring Cohort. UPF intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and classified according to the NOVA framework, and frailty was defined by the Fried frailty phenotype. We used cumulative and mixed logistic regression models to examine the association between daily servings of UPF and odds of developing frailty, adjusting for baseline age, education, energy intake, multivitamin use, smoking, self-rated health, history of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diet quality. For the frailty component analysis, we used cumulative linear regression models to assess the association between UPF intake and annual changes in grip strength, gait speed, and weight, further adjusting for BMI and physical activity. We also evaluated potential effect modification by sex and baseline age (<60 vs. ≥60 years). Results: The study population was 55.1% female, with a mean age of 60.3 ± 8.9 years. Over an average follow-up of 10.8 years, 233 participants (9.2%) developed frailty. UPF intake was not associated with frailty development in either the cumulative or mixed regression models. UPF intake was not associated with annual weight change but was inversely associated with annual change in gait speed and with annual change in grip strength in men only. Conclusions: Our findings contribute preliminary evidence that, in middle-aged and older adults, increased UPF intake is not associated with frailty but may be related to worsening muscle strength and function. Further research with a more granular approach to UPF classification is required to translate these findings to practical recommendations and to clarify their clinical significance. Full article

Adverse cardiovascular events and increased mortality are associated with cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the early stages of the systemic sclerosis (SSc), even prior to the development of cardiac fibrosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a three-month exercise training regimen and a subsequent comparable period of detraining on the activity of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in patients with SSc. A total of forty patients with SSc were randomized to either the control group (Group COΝ) or the exercise training group (Group ET). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed at baseline, three months later, and six months later to assess peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak). They also had 24 h electrocardiogram monitoring for heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence analysis. The following time-domain indices were evaluated in the context of HRV analysis: the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD), and the percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms (pNN50). Additionally, regarding the frequency-domain indicators, the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components, as well as the LF/HF ratio, were evaluated. Independent t-tests and Chi-square tests were used for baseline comparisons, while two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests assessed changes over time and between groups. Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships among variables and identify predictors of HRV indices and VO₂peak. Group ET implemented a three-month mixed-type exercise training program, while Group COΝ received standard care. Group ET improved indices of vagal activity [rMSSD by 32.6% (p = 0.017), pNN50 by 57.1% (p = 0.01) and HF by 20.1% (p = 0.01)] and sympathovagal activity [SDNN by 15.5% (p = 0.002) and LF/HF by 12.03% (p = 0.004)] after three months. Exercising patients also increased their VO₂peak by 20.8% (p = 0.001). A robust positive correlation was observed between ΔVO₂peak and ΔSDNN (r = 0.754, p < 0.001). After three months, there was no statistically significant difference in the VO₂peak or any HRV index in the group COΝ. Compared to the baseline values, there was no statistically significant difference in group ET at 6 months, whereas the control group exhibited a decline. In summary, a three-month mixed-type exercise training program can enhance the cardiorespiratory efficiency and cardiac autonomic nervous system function of patients with SSc, as well as alleviate the deterioration that arises following the detraining period. Full article