Search Results (6,113)

In this study, we propose a bidirectional chemical sensor platform based on a reconfigurable ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (R-ISFET) architecture. The device incorporates Ni-silicide Schottky barrier source/drain (S/D) contacts, enabling ambipolar conduction and bidirectional turn-on behavior for both p-type and n-type configurations. Channel polarity is dynamically controlled via the program gate (PG), while the control gate (CG) suppresses leakage current, enhancing operational stability and energy efficiency. A dual-control-gate (DCG) structure enhances capacitive coupling, enabling sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit without external amplification. The extended-gate (EG) architecture physically separates the transistor and sensing regions, improving durability and long-term reliability. Electrical characteristics were evaluated through transfer and output curves, and carrier transport mechanisms were analyzed using band diagrams. Sensor performance—including sensitivity, hysteresis, and drift—was assessed under various pH conditions and external noise up to 5 V_pp (i.e., peak-to-peak voltage). The n-type configuration exhibited high mobility and fast response, while the p-type configuration demonstrated excellent noise immunity and low drift. Both modes showed consistent sensitivity trends, confirming the feasibility of complementary sensing. These results indicate that the proposed R-ISFET sensor enables selective mode switching for high sensitivity and robust operation, offering strong potential for next-generation biosensing and chemical detection. Full article

Stress in pigs poses significant challenges to animal welfare and productivity in modern pig farming, contributing to increased antimicrobial use and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study involves stress classification in pregnant sows by exploring five deep learning models: ConvNeXt, EfficientNet_V2, MobileNet_V3, RegNet, and Vision Transformer (ViT). These models are used for stress detection from facial images, leveraging an expanded dataset. A facial image dataset of sows was collected at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the images were categorized into primiparous Low-Stressed (LS) and High-Stress (HS) groups based on expert behavioural assessments and cortisol level analysis. The selected deep learning models were then trained on this enriched dataset and their performance was evaluated using cross-validation on unseen data. The Vision Transformer (ViT) model outperformed the others across the dataset of annotated facial images, achieving an average accuracy of 0.75, an F1 score of 0.78 for high-stress detection, and consistent batch-level performance (up to 0.88 F1 score). These findings highlight the efficacy of transformer-based models for automated stress detection in sows, supporting early intervention strategies to enhance welfare, optimize productivity, and mitigate AMR risks in livestock production. Full article

Smart cities are technologically advanced urban environments where interconnected systems and data-driven technologies enhance public service delivery and quality of life. These cities rely on information and communication technologies, the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, and other Industry 4.0 tools to support efficient city management and foster citizen engagement. Often referred to as digital cities, they integrate intelligent infrastructures and real-time data analytics to improve mobility, security, and sustainability. Ubiquitous sensors, paired with Artificial Intelligence, enable cities to monitor infrastructure, respond to residents’ needs, and optimize urban conditions dynamically. Given the increasing significance of Industry 4.0 in urban development, this study adopts a bibliometric approach to systematically review the application of these technologies within smart cities. Utilizing major academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science the research aims to identify the primary Industry 4.0 technologies implemented in smart cities, assess their impact on infrastructure, economic systems, and urban communities, and explore the challenges and benefits associated with their integration. The bibliometric analysis included publications from 2016 to 2023, since the emergence of urban researchers’ interest in the technologies of the new industrial revolution. The task is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how smart cities evolve through the adoption of advanced technological frameworks. Research indicates that IoT and AI are the most commonly used tools in urban spaces, particularly in smart mobility and smart environments. Full article

Background: Seiza, a traditional sitting posture requiring deep ankle plantarflexion and knee flexion, often becomes difficult after ankle fracture surgery because of restricted mobility. Increased stiffness of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, particularly in its deep and superficial fibres, may limit plantarflexion and affect functional recovery. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TA muscle stiffness, assessed using shear wave elastography (SWE), and the ability to assume the seiza posture after ankle fracture surgery. We also sought to determine whether the stiffness in the deep or superficial TA fibres was more strongly correlated with seiza ability. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 38 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for ankle fractures were evaluated 3 months postoperatively. Seiza ability was assessed using the ankle plantarflexion angle and heel–buttock distance. The shear moduli of the superficial and deep TA fibres were measured using SWE. Ankle range of motion, muscle strength, and self-reported seiza pain were also measured. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictors of seiza performance. Results: The shear moduli of both deep (β = −0.454, p < 0.001) and superficial (β = −0.339, p = 0.017) TA fibres independently predicted ankle plantarflexion angle during seiza (adjusted R², 0.624). Pain during seiza was significantly associated with reduced plantarflexion, whereas muscle strength was not a significant predictor. Conclusions: TA muscle stiffness, especially in the deep fibres, was significantly associated with limited postoperative seiza performance. Targeted interventions that reduce deep TA stiffness may enhance functional outcomes. Full article

Cyclic triaxial tests are widely used in laboratory studies to assess the liquefaction susceptibility of soils. Although standardized procedures exist for conducting these tests, there is no universally accepted criterion for defining liquefaction. The choice of a liquefaction criterion significantly influences the interpretation of test results and subsequent engineering analyses. This study evaluates the impact of different liquefaction criteria by analyzing 42 cyclic triaxial tests performed on soil mixtures containing plastic fines. Both stress-based and strain-based liquefaction criteria were applied to assess their influence on test outcomes. The analyses focused on two key parameters: the number of loading cycles required to initiate liquefaction and the normalized dissipated energy per unit volume needed for liquefaction to occur. Results indicate that for soils susceptible to liquefaction failures, these parameters remain relatively consistent across different failure criteria. However, for soils prone to cyclic mobility failures, the number of loading cycles and the dissipated energy required for liquefaction vary significantly depending on the selected failure criterion. These findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting a liquefaction criterion, as it directly affects the assessment of soil behavior under cyclic loading. A better understanding of these variations can improve the accuracy of liquefaction susceptibility evaluations and inform geotechnical design and hazard mitigation strategies. Full article

Proteus mirabilis is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a growing threat to both animal and human health due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is widely found in animals, including China’s nationally protected captive giant and red pandas. This study isolated Proteus mirabilis from panda feces to assess AMR and virulence traits, and used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to evaluate the spread of resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes (VAGs). In this study, 37 isolates were obtained, 20 from red pandas and 17 from giant pandas. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were present in both hosts. Giant panda isolates showed the highest resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin (58.8%), while red panda isolates were most resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (65%) and imipenem (55%). Giant panda-derived strains also exhibited stronger biofilm formation and swarming motility. WGS identified 31 ARGs and 73 VAGs, many linked to mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as plasmids, integrons, and ICEs. In addition, we found frequent co-localization of drug resistance genes/VAGs with MGEs, indicating a high possibility of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This study provides crucial insights into AMR and virulence risks in P. mirabilis from captive pandas, supporting targeted surveillance and control strategies. Full article

One of the fundamental goals of contemporary mobility is to optimize transport processes in urban areas. The solution in this area seems to be the implementation of the idea of sustainable transport systems based on the Smart City concept. The article presents a case study—an assessment of the possibilities of changing mobility habits based on the idea of sustainable urban transport, taking into account the criterion of energy consumption of individual means of transport. The analyses are based on a comparison of selected means of transport occurring in the urban environment according to several key parameters for the optimization and efficiency of transport processes, i.e., cost, time, travel comfort, and impact on the natural environment, while simultaneously linking them to the criterion of energy consumption of individual means of transport. The analyzed parameters currently constitute the most important group of challenges in the area of shaping and planning optimal and sustainable urban transport. The presented research was used to indicate the connections between various areas of optimization of the transport process and the energy efficiency of individual modes of transport. Analyses have shown that the least time-consuming process of urban mobility is associated with the highest level of CO₂ emissions and, at the same time, the highest level of energy efficiency. However, combining public transport with other means of transport can meet most of the transport expectations of city residents, also in terms of energy optimization. The research results presented in the article can contribute to the creation of a strategy for the development of the transport network based on the postulates of increasing the optimization and efficiency of individual means of transport in urban areas. At the same time, recognizing the criterion of energy intensity of means of transport as leading in the development of sustainable urban mobility. Thus, confirming the important role of existing transport systems in the process of shaping and planning sustainable urban mobility in accordance with the idea of Smart City. Full article

Background/Objective: The most effective strategy for addressing users’ prosthetic needs is a comprehensive clinical assessment that provides a holistic understanding of the individual’s symptoms, health, function, and environmental barriers and facilitators. A standardized evaluation form would provide guidance for a structured approach to comprehensive clinical assessments of people with LLA. The objective of this study was to determine a list of relevant elements to be included in prosthetic evaluation for adults with lower limb amputation. Methods: Three independent focus group discussions were conducted with prosthetists (n = 15), prosthesis users (n = 11), and decision makers (n = 4) to identify all relevant elements that should be included in the clinical assessment of prosthetic services. The final content was then determined using the Delphi technique, with 35 panelists (18 prosthetists and decision makers, and 17 prosthesis users) voting in each round. Results: A total of 91 elements were identified through the focus group, of which 78 were included through the Delphi process. The identified elements are mostly related to the physical health of the prosthesis user (e.g., mobility, pain, and medical information), while others address personal or psychosocial aspects (e.g., activities of daily living, goals, and motivation) or technical aspects (prosthesis-related). Conclusions: Through a Delphi consensus, a list of relevant elements to be included in a prosthetic evaluation was generated. These results will inform the development of a standardized clinical prosthetic assessment form. This form has the potential to improve the quality of clinical evaluations, guide interventions, and enhance the well-being of prosthetic users. Full article

This pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—provided in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine:isoleucine:valine—combined with exercise on fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life in older adults. Twenty participants (63% female; BMI: 35 ± 2 kg/m²; age: 70.5 ± 1.2 years) were randomized to 8 weeks of either exercise + BCAAs (100 mg/kg body weight/d) or exercise + placebo. The program included moderate aerobic and resistance training three times weekly. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, chair stands, gait speed, VO₂ max, and a 400 m walk. Psychological health was evaluated using the CES-D, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and global pain, fatigue, and quality of life using a visual analog scale (VAS). Significant group x time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.03), chair stands (p < 0.01), and 400 m walk time (p < 0.01). Compared to exercise + placebo, exercise + BCAAs showed greater improvements in strength, mobility, and endurance, along with reductions in fatigue (−45% vs. +92%) and depressive symptoms (−29% vs. +5%). Time effects were also observed for ISI (−30%), FAS (−21%), and VAS quality of life (16%) following exercise + BCAA supplementation. These preliminary results suggest that BCAAs combined with exercise may be an effective way to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue and depressive symptoms in older adults. Full article

Students, particularly those in the medical field, are exposed to various stressors that can affect their health-related behaviors, including smoking habits, with implications for oral health and quality of life. Background and Objectives: to analyze the relationship between smoking, oral health, perceived stress level, and self-assessed quality of life in a sample of dental students. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 338 students, who completed validated questionnaires and were clinically examined. Lifestyle was assessed using a smoking behavior questionnaire, stress levels were measured with the Student Stress Inventory (SSI), and quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. The DMFT index was calculated to determine oral health status. Results: Among the 338 participating students, 53.8% were smokers. The lifestyle analysis revealed slightly higher average scores among non-smokers across all domains—social (3.26 vs. 3.09), attitudinal (2.75 vs. 2.97), and behavioral (3.82 vs. 3.49), but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.25). The mean DMFT score was 12.48, with no significant differences between smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.554). The SSI total score averaged 83.15, indicating a moderate level of perceived stress, again with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). However, slightly higher average stress scores among smokers may suggest the use of smoking as a coping mechanism. In contrast, quality of life as measured by EQ-5D-5L showed significantly worse outcomes for smokers across all five dimensions, including mobility (78.6% vs. 95.5%, p = 0.000) and self-care (93.4% vs. 100%, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified smoking (OR = 1.935; p = 0.047) and moderate stress levels (OR = 0.258; p < 0.001) as independent predictors of oral health status. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that smoking may function as a stress management strategy among students, supporting the relevance of integrating specific psychobehavioral interventions that address stress reduction and oral health promotion among student populations. Full article

Urban transport is a key driver of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, making its decarbonization essential to achieving EU climate neutrality targets. This study examines how European strategies, such as the Green Deal, the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, and the Fit for 55 package, are reflected in Romania’s transport policies, with a focus on implementation challenges and urban outcomes in Bucharest. By combining policy analysis, stakeholder mapping, and comparative mobility indicators, the paper critically assesses Bucharest’s current reliance on private vehicles, underperforming public transport satisfaction, and limited progress on active mobility. The study develops a context-sensitive reform framework for the Romanian capital, grounded in transferable lessons from Western and Central European cities. It emphasizes coordinated metropolitan governance, public trust-building, phased car-restraint measures, and investment alignment as key levers. Rather than merely cataloguing policy intentions, the paper offers practical recommendations informed by systemic governance barriers and public attitudes. The findings will contribute to academic debates on urban mobility transitions in post-socialist cities and provide actionable insights for policymakers seeking to operationalize EU decarbonization goals at the metropolitan scale. Full article

The availability of detritus is a key factor influencing aquatic biota and can significantly affect decomposition processes. In this study, we investigated how varying quantities of surrounding detritus impact leaf litter decay rates. It was tested in flowing and still-water microcosms to highlight context-dependent effects of surrounding detritus on leaf litter decomposition. To isolate the effect of detritus amount, experiments were conducted in laboratory microcosms simulating lotic and lentic ecosystems, each containing leaf fragments for decomposition assessments. Four detritus quantities were tested, with invertebrates either allowed or restricted from moving among detritus patches. Leaf decomposition rates were influenced by the amount of surrounding detritus, with slower decay observed at higher detritus conditions, regardless of invertebrate mobility. Detritivore distribution responded to both detritus quantity and oxygen availability, showing a preference for high detritus conditions. Additionally, detritus quantity affected microbial activity with a quadratic response, as indicated by leaf respiration rates. Overall, our findings indicate that the amount of surrounding detritus modulates leaf litter decomposition independently of invertebrate density, by influencing oxygen dynamics and, consequently, the activity of biological decomposers. Full article

Background: This study was performed to validate the addition of capacitive-based pressure sensors to an existing smart sock developed by the research team. This study focused on evaluating the accuracy of soft robotic sensor (SRS) pressure data and its relationship with laboratory-grade Kistler force plates in collecting ground force reaction data. Methods: Nineteen participants performed walking trials while wearing the smart sock with and without shoes. Data was collected simultaneously with the sock and the force plates for each gait phase including foot-flat, heel-off, and midstance. The correlation between the smart sock and force plates was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and R-squared values. Results: Overall, the strength of the relationship between the smart sock’s SRS data and the vertical ground reaction force (GRF) data from the force plates showed a strong correlation, with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.85 ± 0.1; 86% of the trials had a value higher than 0.75. The linear regression models also showed a strong correlation, with an R-squared value of 0.88 ± 0.12, which improved to 0.90 ± 0.07 when including a stretch-SRS for measuring ankle flexion. Conclusions: With these strong correlation results, there is potential for capacitive pressure sensors to be integrated into the proposed device and utilized in telehealth and sports performance applications. Full article

Urban areas are facing increasing traffic congestion, pollution, and infrastructure strain. Traditional urban transportation systems are often fragmented. They require users to plan, pay, and travel across multiple disconnected services. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) integrates these services into a single digital platform, simplifying access and improving the user experience. This review critically examines the role of MaaS in fostering sustainable mobility ecosystems. MaaS aims to enhance user-friendliness, service variety, and sustainability by adopting a customer-centric approach to transportation. The findings reveal that successful MaaS systems consistently align with multimodal transport infrastructure, equitable access policies, and strong public-private partnerships. MaaS enhances the management of routes and traffic, effectively mitigating delays and congestion while concurrently reducing energy consumption and fuel usage. In this study, the authors examine MaaS as a new mobility paradigm for a sustainable transportation system in smart cities, observing the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation. To assess the environmental impact, a sustainability index is calculated based on the use of different modes of transportation. Significant findings indicate that MaaS systems are proliferating in both quantity and complexity, increasingly integrating capabilities such as real-time multimodal planning, dynamic pricing, and personalized user profiles. Full article

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a promising sustainable urban mobility solution, expected to lead to enhanced road safety, smoother traffic flows, less traffic congestion, improved accessibility, better energy utilization and environmental performance, as well as more efficient passenger and freight transportation, in terms of time and cost, due to better fleet management and platooning. However, challenges also arise, mostly related to data privacy, security and cyber-security, high acquisition and infrastructure costs, accident liability, even possible increased traffic congestion and air pollution due to induced travel demand. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among 654 residents who experienced an autonomous bus (AB) service in the city of Trikala, Greece, in order to assess their willingness to use (WTU) and willingness to pay (WTP) for ABs, through testing a range of factors based on a literature review. Results useful to policy-makers were extracted, such as that the intention to use ABs was mostly shaped by psychological factors (e.g., users’ perceptions of usefulness and safety, and trust in the service provider), while WTU seemed to be positively affected by previous experience in using ABs. In contrast, sociodemographic factors were found to have very little effect on the intention to use ABs, while apart from personal utility, users’ perceptions of how autonomous driving will improve the overall life standards in the study area also mattered. Full article