Search Results (1,694)

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bluetongue (BT), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) are major emerging and re-emerging viral infections affecting ruminants. These diseases can threaten livestock health, food security, and economic stability in low- and middle-income countries, including Algeria. However, their dynamics remain mostly unknown, limiting the implementation of effective preventive and control measures. We analyzed outbreak data reported by Algerian veterinary authorities and the WAHIS database from 2014 to 2022 for FMD; from 2006 to 2020 for BT; and from 2011 to 2022 for PPR to investigate their spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers. Over these periods, Algeria reported 1142 FMD outbreaks (10,409 cases; 0.16/1000 incidence), 167 BT outbreaks (602 cases; 0.018/1000), and 222 PPR outbreaks (3597 cases; 0.096/1000). Small ruminants were the most affected across all diseases, although cattle bore the highest burden of FMD. BT primarily impacted sheep, and PPR showed a higher incidence in goats. Disease peaks occurred in 2014 for FMD, 2008 for BT, and 2019 for PPR. Spatial analyses revealed distinct ecological hotspots: sub-humid and semi-arid zones for FMD and BT, and semi-arid/Saharan regions for PPR. These patterns may be influenced by species susceptibility, animal movement, trade, and climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall. The absence of consistent temporal trends and the persistence of outbreaks suggest multiple drivers, including insufficient vaccination coverage, under-reporting, viral evolution, and environmental persistence. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted species- and region-specific control strategies, including improved surveillance, cross-border coordination, and climate-informed risk mapping. Strengthening One Health frameworks will be essential to mitigate the re-emergence and spread of these diseases. Full article

We inspected a sector of the Apennines (central–southern Italy) in geographic and structural continuity with the Quaternary-active extensional belt but where clear geomorphic and seismological signatures of normal faulting are unexpectedly missing. The evidence of active tectonics in this area, between Abruzzo and Molise, does not align with geodetic deformation data and the seismotectonic setting of the central Apennines. To investigate the apparent disconnection between active deformation and the absence of surface faulting in a sector where high lithologic erodibility and landslide susceptibility may hide its structural evidence, we combined multi-scale and multi-source data analyses encompassing morphometric analysis and remote sensing techniques. We utilised high-resolution topographic data to analyse the topographic pattern and investigate potential imbalances between tectonics and erosion. Additionally, we employed aerial-photo interpretation to examine the spatial distribution of morphological features and slope instabilities which are often linked to active faulting. To discern potential biases arising from non-tectonic (slope-related) signals, we analysed InSAR data in key sectors across the study area, including carbonate ridges and foredeep-derived Molise Units for comparison. The topographic analysis highlighted topographic disequilibrium conditions across the study area, and aerial-image interpretation revealed morphologic features offset by structural lineaments. The interferometric analysis confirmed a significant role of gravitational movements in denudating some fault planes while highlighting a clustered spatial pattern of hillslope instabilities. In this context, these instabilities can be considered a proxy for the control exerted by tectonic structures. All findings converge on the identification of an ~20 km long corridor, the Castel di Sangro–Rionero Sannitico alignment (CaS-RS), which exhibits varied evidence of deformation attributable to active normal faulting. The latter manifests through subtle and diffuse deformation controlled by a thick tectonic nappe made up of poorly cohesive lithologies. Overall, our findings suggest that the CaS-RS bridges the structural gap between the Mt Porrara–Mt Pizzalto–Mt Rotella and North Matese fault systems, potentially accounting for some of the deformation recorded in the sector. Our approach contributes to bridging the information gap in this complex sector of the Apennines, offering original insights for future investigations and seismic hazard assessment in the region. Full article

This study investigates eye movement patterns as indicators of text complexity in Arabic, focusing on the comparative analysis of Classical Arabic (CA) and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) text. Using the AraEyebility corpus, which contains eye-tracking data from readers of both CA and MSA text, we examined differences in fixation patterns, regression rates, and overall reading behavior between these two forms of Arabic. Our analyses revealed significant differences in eye movement metrics between CA and MSA text, with CA text consistently eliciting more fixations, longer fixation durations, and more frequent revisits. Multivariate analysis confirmed that language type has a significant combined effect on eye movement patterns. Additionally, we identified different relationships between text features and eye movements for CA versus MSA text, with sentence-level features emerging as significant predictors across both language types. Notably, we observed an interaction between language type and readability level, with readers showing less sensitivity to readability variations in CA text compared to MSA text. These findings contribute to our understanding of how historical language evolution affects reading behavior and have practical implications for Arabic language education, publishing, and assessment. The study demonstrates the value of eye movement analysis for understanding text complexity in Arabic and highlights the importance of considering language-specific features when studying reading processes. Full article

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) combine accessible behavioral phenotypes with conserved neurochemical pathways and molecular features of vertebrate brain function, positioning them as a powerful model for investigating early neurodegenerative processes and screening neuroprotective strategies. In this context, integrated behavioral and proteomic analyses provide valuable insights into the initial pathophysiological events shared by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and related disorders—including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and synaptic impairment—which emerge before overt neuronal loss and offer a crucial window to understand disease progression and evaluate therapeutic candidates prior to irreversible damage. To investigate this early window of dysfunction, zebrafish larvae were exposed to 500 μM 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) from 1 to 5 days post-fertilization and evaluated through integrated behavioral and label-free proteomic analyses. MPP⁺-treated larvae exhibited hypokinesia, characterized by significantly reduced total distance traveled, fewer movement bursts, prolonged immobility, and a near-complete absence of light-evoked responses—mirroring features of early Parkinsonian-like motor dysfunction. Label-free proteomic profiling revealed 40 differentially expressed proteins related to mitochondrial metabolism, redox regulation, proteasomal activity, and synaptic organization. Enrichment analysis indicated broad molecular alterations, including pathways such as mitochondrial translation and vesicle-mediated transport. A focused subset of Parkinsonism-related proteins—such as DJ-1 (PARK7), succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA), and multiple 26S proteasome subunits—exhibited coordinated dysregulation, as visualized through protein–protein interaction mapping. The upregulation of proteasome components and antioxidant proteins suggests an early-stage stress response, while the downregulation of mitochondrial enzymes and synaptic regulators reflects canonical PD-related neurodegeneration. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive functional and molecular characterization of MPP⁺-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae, supporting its use as a relevant in vivo system to investigate early-stage Parkinson’s disease mechanisms and shared neurodegenerative pathways, as well as for screening candidate therapeutics in a developmentally responsive context. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tongue thrust (TT) occurs when abnormal tongue movements cause anterior tongue placement with pressure and contact against or between the teeth, potentially affecting the oral phase of swallowing, impacting eating, breathing and speaking. There is limited literature on the diagnostic and treatment approaches for TT, as well as involvement of health practitioners in its management. This study aims to examine the current knowledge and practices related to TT diagnosis and treatment among health professionals in Australia. Methods: A two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted, comprising an online survey that collected participants’ demographic information and details on assessment, diagnosis, management, referral practices, and relevant experience and training. Phase one involved 47 health professionals from various disciplines in Australia who completed an online survey in its entirety. Phase two included in-depth interviews with seven speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to gain further insights into their experiences in managing TT. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data was analysed thematically. Results: Most participants diagnosed TT using clinical assessments, such as general observation and oral motor examinations. Treatment approaches commonly included orofacial myofunctional therapy and the use of myofunctional devices. Interviews with SLPs identified four key themes: tongue thrust as a symptom rather than a diagnosis, facilitators to effective treatment, multidisciplinary approaches to management, and training and education gaps in clinical practice. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into how TT is identified, assessed, diagnosed, and managed by health professionals in Australia. It highlights the perspectives of SLPs on treatment approaches, as well as their views on the availability and adequacy of training and education in this field. The findings suggest the need for a broader understanding of TT management, emphasising the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and professional development. These insights are globally relevant, as they stress the shared challenges and the value of international collaboration in improving TT diagnosis and treatment practices. Full article

Boao Jade Beach, on the east coast of Hainan Island, is a typical sandy beach and is one of the areas where typhoons frequently land in Hainan. This study examined wind speed, wind direction, and sediment transport data obtained from field meteorological stations and omnidirectional sand accumulation instruments from 2020 to 2024 to study the coastal aeolian environment and sediment transport distribution characteristics in the region. The findings provide a theoretical basis for comprehensive analyses of the evolution of coastal aeolian landforms and the evaluation and control of coastal aeolian hazards. The research results showed the following: (1) The annual average threshold wind velocity for sand movement in the study area was 6.13 m/s, and the wind speed frequency was 20.97%, mainly dominated by easterly winds (NNE, NE) and southerly winds (S). (2) The annual drift potential (DP) and resultant drift potential (RDP) of Boao Jade Belt Beach from 2020 to 2024 were 125.99 VU and 29.59 VU, respectively, indicating a low-energy wind environment. The yearly index of directional wind variability (RDP/DP) was 0.23, which is classified as a small ratio and indicates blunt bimodal wind conditions. The yearly resultant drift direction (RDD) was 329.41°, corresponding to the NNW direction, indicating that the sand on Boao Jade Belt Beach is generally transported in the southwest direction. (3) When the measured data from the sand accumulation instrument in the study area from 2020 to 2024 were used for a statistical analysis, the results showed that the total sediment transport rate in the study area was 39.97 kg/m·a, with the maximum sediment transport rate in the S direction being 17.74 kg/m·a. These results suggest that, when sand fixation systems are constructed for relevant infrastructure in the region, the direction of protective forests and other engineering measures should be perpendicular to the net direction of sand transport. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder commonly marked by upper limb tremors that interfere with daily activities. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, represent a promising solution for continuous and objective monitoring in PD. This study aimed to develop and validate a tremor-detection algorithm using smartwatch sensors. Data were collected from 21 individuals with PD and 27 healthy controls using both a commercial inertial measurement unit (G-Sensor, BTS Bioengineering, Italy) and a smartwatch (Apple Watch Series 3). Participants performed standardized arm movements while sensor signals were synchronized and processed to extract relevant features. Statistical analyses assessed discriminant and concurrent validity, reliability, and accuracy. The algorithm demonstrated moderate to strong correlations between smartwatch and commercial IMU data, effectively distinguishing individuals with PD from healthy controls showing associations with clinical measures, such as the MDS-UPDRS III. Reliability analysis demonstrated agreement between repeated measurements, although a proportional bias was noted. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis of accelerometer and gyroscope data along the x-axis successfully detected the presence of tremors. These findings support the use of smartwatches as a tool for detecting tremors in PD. However, further studies involving larger and more clinically impaired samples are needed to confirm the robustness and generalizability of these results. Full article

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by persistent itching and scratching, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Effective monitoring of scratching behaviour is crucial for assessing disease severity, treatment efficacy, and understanding the relationship between itch and sleep disturbances. This review explores current technological approaches for detecting and monitoring scratching and itching in AD patients, categorising them into contact-based and non-contact-based methods. Contact-based methods primarily involve wearable sensors, such as accelerometers, electromyography (EMG), and piezoelectric sensors, which track limb movements and muscle activity associated with scratching. Non-contact methods include video-based motion tracking, thermal imaging, and acoustic analysis, commonly employed in sleep clinics and controlled environments to assess nocturnal scratching. Furthermore, emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approaches leveraging machine learning for automated scratch detection are discussed. The advantages, limitations, and validation challenges of these technologies, including accuracy, user comfort, data privacy, and real-world applicability, are critically analysed. Finally, we outline future research directions, emphasizing the integration of multimodal monitoring, real-time data analysis, and patient-centric wearable solutions to improve disease management. This review serves as a comprehensive resource for clinicians, researchers, and technology developers seeking to advance objective itch and scratch monitoring in AD patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose levels. This condition influences the course of orthodontic treatment, as it affects various clinical aspects of the patient that must be taken into consideration prior to initiation. Therefore, achieving adequate control and management of diabetic patients undergoing orthodontic therapy is essential. This article presents a qualitative synthesis of studies addressing how diabetes affects orthodontic treatments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the necessary considerations prior to initiating treatment and how to manage potential complications. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A database search was performed on 5 May 2025, in PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and The Cochrane Library, using terms related to “diabetes mellitus” and “orthodontic treatments”. Studies meeting the search criteria were included, particularly those that were published in the past ten years and reported on the influence of diabetes on orthodontic treatment. The quality of the case–control studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS); for cross-sectional studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used; and for experimental studies, the SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias Tool was applied. Results: Fourteen studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria. The evidence showed that diabetes increases gingival bleeding due to elevated levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; reduces the efficiency of tooth movement; increases root resorption and affects bone remodeling; and compromises both periodontal and pulpal responses, thereby hindering tissue regeneration. It was also observed that the use of insulin or antidiabetic agents such as metformin may partially mitigate these adverse effects. Conclusions: This systematic review reveals a clear relationship between diabetes and various clinical aspects that influence the progression of orthodontic treatments. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to better understand the impact of this systemic condition on dental treatment outcomes. Full article

Addressing the stock market forecasting as a classification problem, where the model predicts the direction of stock price movement, is crucial for both traders and investors, as it can help them to allocate limited resources to the most promising investment opportunities. In this study, we propose a hybrid system that uses a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network and sentiment analysis for predicting the direction of the movement of the stock price. The proposed hybrid system is fed with historical stock data and regulatory news announcements for producing more reliable responses. LSTM networks are well suited to handling time series data with long-term dependencies, while the sentiment analyser provides insights into how news impacts stock price movements by classifying business news into classes. By integrating both the LSTM network and the sentiment classifier, the proposed hybrid system delivers more accurate forecasts. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed hybrid system outperforms other competing configurations. Full article

Global warming is driving significant changes in aquatic ecosystems, where temperature fluctuations influence biological processes across multiple levels of organisation. As ectothermic organisms, fish are particularly susceptible, with even minor thermal shifts affecting their metabolism, behaviour, and overall fitness. Understanding these responses is essential for evaluating the ecological and evolutionary consequences of climate change. This study investigates the effects of acute (4-day) and chronic (21-day) exposure to three temperature regimes—18 °C (low), 26 °C (control), and 34 °C (high)—on the spatio-temporal shoaling behaviour of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Groups of four fish were tested for six minutes in water maintained at the same temperature as their prior acclimation. Shoaling behaviour was assessed by analysing shoal structure—encompassing shoal dimensions and cohesion—as well as spatial positioning. Parameters measured included inter-fish distance, shoal volume, shoal area, homogeneity index, distance to the centroid, and the shoal’s vertical and horizontal distribution. Results revealed complex behavioural changes influenced by both temperature and duration of exposure. At 18 °C, zebrafish showed a marked preference for the bottom zone and exhibited no significant temporal modulation in exploratory behaviour—patterns indicative of heightened anxiety-like responses. In contrast, exposure to 34 °C resulted in increased shoal cohesion, particularly under chronic conditions, and a progressive increase in environmental exploration over the six-minute test period. This enhancement in exploratory activity was especially evident when compared to the first minute of the test and was characterised by greater vertical movement—reflected in the increased use of the upper zone—and broader horizontal exploration, including more frequent occupation of peripheral areas. These findings align with previous research linking thermal variation to neurobiological and proteomic alterations in zebrafish. By elucidating how temperature modulates social behaviour in ectotherms, this study offers valuable insights into the potential behavioural impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ataxic dysarthria is a speech disorder characterized by the impaired coordination of movement due to cerebellar dysfunction. Despite its clinical relevance, few studies have explored its rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of IMITAF, an adaptive computer-based clinical treatment protocol originally developed to target aphasia with a novel population comprising individuals with ataxic dysarthria. The approach leverages principles of procedural motor learning. Methods: Ten patients with ataxic dysarthria due to neurodegenerative disease were retrospectively studied. All patients received approximately one month of speech–language (SL) treatment. Among them, (1) three patients (LL, MD, and BoA) adjunctively received the IMITAF treatment, forming the experimental group, and (2) the remaining seven patients did not receive IMITAF, serving as the control group. Dysarthria was assessed using the “Protocollo di Valutazione Disartria e Disfonia” (PVDD). The applicability of IMITAF was assessed through within-session performance and by direct single-case comparisons of total PVDD scores pre- and post-treatment. Additionally, multiple single-case Crawford analyses were conducted using PVDD scores and subscores to compare trained (i.e., directly targeted) and untrained abilities between the experimental and control groups Results: Patients in the IMITAF group showed improvements during exercises, with further increases in total PVDD scores post-treatment. Two patients (LL and BoA) showed significant gains, while MD’s scores remained stable. Compared to the control group, all three experimental patients demonstrated measurable improvements in trained core deficits associated with dysarthria, including phonation, articulation, intelligibility, and prosody (as assessed by PVDD). Conclusions: These findings suggest that IMITAF may offer therapeutic benefits for patients with ataxic dysarthria. By engaging a cortico-subcortical network involved in procedural motor learning, IMITAF may help mitigate speech deficits resulting from cerebellar dysfunction. This preliminary evidence supports the potential of IMITAF as a promising adjunctive tool in the rehabilitation of ataxic dysarthria. Full article

It is by now a common trope that youth climate activism has become a ‘global phenomenon’. Yet, it also has significant regional variations. This literature review analyses eighteen academic articles on the topic of youth climate activism in Asia. We found that the literature from Asia overall had ambitions to contextualise and nuance international scholarship on youth climate activism. This was achieved by emphasising social and cultural constructions of youth in different Asian contexts; by exploring inequality-related barriers for young people to enter into climate activism; by emphasising solidarity across classes and ages as a particular aspect of much Asian youth climate activism; and by showcasing the political restrictions in many Asian states, which inhibit (scholarship on) activism. We conclude that Asian avatars of youth climate activism have evolved in response to their distinct social, cultural, and political contexts, and that they challenge not easily transferable concepts such as ‘school strike’ and ‘future generations’. At the end, we offer suggestions for future research, including the need for going beyond desk studies when documenting discrete movements and for conceptualisations of youth climate activism that are inclusive of diverse contexts. Full article

Background: Multiple-object tracking (MOT) is a cognitively demanding task involving sustained attention and interhemispheric integration. While previous studies have revealed that gamma-band coherence mediates interhemispheric integration in MOT tasks with visible internal boundaries, the neural mechanisms supporting integration without such boundaries remain unclear. This study investigated brain functional connectivity during a boundary-free MOT task. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy participants completed the task under four experimental conditions, defined by two load levels (two and four targets) and two movement configurations (within hemifield and between hemifield). Electroencephalography (EEG) activity was recorded in both the task and resting states. The phase locking value (PLV) and network properties were analyzed. Results: The behavioral results demonstrated greater accuracy under the two-target conditions than under the four-target conditions and significantly worse performance under the four-target between-hemifield condition. EEG analyses revealed increased theta-band PLV under the four-target between-hemifield condition, reflecting enhanced interhemispheric synchronization. The PLV difference between the four-target within-hemifield and between-hemifield conditions was positively correlated with the accuracy difference, suggesting that increased theta-band phase synchronization is associated with better task performance. Moreover, sex-related differences were observed, with males showing better performance, shorter click times, and higher theta-band PLV than females. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that theta-band phase synchronization plays a critical role in interhemispheric integration during boundary-free MOT, extending previous findings on gamma-band coherence under visible-boundary conditions and offering new insights into the neural mechanisms of interhemispheric coordination. Full article

The review provides an overview of research concerning the assessment of cattle welfare in different housing systems. Hence, it restricts its scope to factors known to have a particular influence on the expression of their natural behaviours. It analyses the impact of housing systems on social and maternal bonds, as well as on the health and productivity of animals and on the feeding behaviour and physical activity of animals. It also pays attention to the occurrence of stereotypies, indicating the quality of the environment in which animals live, and attempts to determine the extent to which environmental enrichment improves welfare. It can be seen that welfare can vary significantly depending on the cattle rearing system. In intensive rearing environments, weaning calves and limited space often result in stress and behavioural disorders (e.g., cross-sucking). Extensive systems, offering access to pasture and longer cow–calf contact, usually provide higher levels of welfare. A freestall system allows greater freedom of movement and social contact but requires appropriate management to prevent aggression; in contrast, the tethering system limits movement, which increases the risk of stress and health problems. It has also been shown that enriching the living space of animals can significantly improve their welfare, regardless of the housing system. By balancing productivity with ensuring that the cattle are able to express their natural behaviours and maintain good health, it is possible to benefit both the animals and the agricultural sector as a whole, increasing its profitability and gaining consumer confidence. Full article