Search Results (184)

Implementing neonatal hearing screening has significantly reduced the age at which hearing impairments are detected in children. Nevertheless, objective electrophysiological assessments, such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) or auditory steady-state response (ASSR) testing, are often necessary for children older than six months. These evaluations should be conducted while the child is asleep to obtain accurate and interpretable results, as movement and muscle activity can introduce artifacts that compromise the quality of the recordings. In this narrative review, we evaluate sedation strategies in paediatric procedures, focusing on the efficacy, safety, and practicality of agents/routes for inducing sleep during ABR/ASSR testing. Sedation choices should prioritise patient safety, clinical context, and result reliability and be tailored to the individual’s age, health status, and procedural needs. Full article

This study aims to develop and evaluate a cycling-specific marker protocol that minimises the number of markers while accounting for the unique biomechanics of cycling. Although movements in the frontal and transverse planes during cycling are limited, they are clinically relevant due to their association with overuse injuries. Existing gait-based marker protocols often fail to consider cycling-specific factors such as posture, range of motion, marker occlusion, and muscle-induced artifacts. The proposed protocol (PP) uses 15 physical and 8 virtual markers. In the absence of a gold standard for 3D pedalling kinematics, the PP was evaluated by comparing it with established gait analysis protocols. The protocol demonstrated high correlation in gait (CCC > 0.98 for hip and knee in the sagittal plane), low intra-subject variability (CV < 15% for hip, knee, and ankle), and high repeatability. During pedalling, position, velocity, and acceleration were measured in all three spatial directions. Notably, angular velocity and linear acceleration showed significant components outside the sagittal plane, particularly for angular velocity. These findings highlight the importance of considering 3D motion when estimating forces, joint moments, and joint-specific powers in cycling biomechanics. Full article

Recent advancements in Mobile Eye-Tracking (MET) technology have enabled the detailed examination of visitors’ embodied visual behaviors as they navigate exhibition spaces. This study employs MET to investigate visual attention patterns in an archeological museum, with a particular focus on identifying “hotspots” of attention. Through a multi-phase research design, we explore the relationship between visitor gaze behavior and museum learning experiences in a real-world setting. Using three key eye movement metrics—Time to First Fixation (TFF), Average Fixation Duration (AFD), and Total Fixation Duration (TFD), we analyze the distribution of visual attention across predefined Areas of Interest (AOIs). Time to First Fixation varied substantially by element, occurring most rapidly for artifacts and most slowly for labels, while video screens showed the shortest mean latency but greatest inter-individual variability, reflecting sequential exploration and heterogeneous strategies toward dynamic versus static media. Total Fixation Duration was highest for video screens and picture panels, intermediate yet variable for artifacts and text panels, and lowest for labels, indicating that dynamic and pictorial content most effectively sustain attention. Finally, Average Fixation Duration peaked on artifacts and labels, suggesting in-depth processing of descriptive elements, and it was shortest on video screens, consistent with rapid, distributed fixations in response to dynamic media. The results provide novel insights into the spatial and contextual factors that influence visitor engagement and knowledge acquisition in museum environments. Based on these findings, we discuss strategic implications for museum research and propose practical recommendations for optimizing exhibition design to enhance visitor experience and learning outcomes. Full article

Recently, technologies monitoring users’ physiological signals in consumer electronics such as smartphones or kiosks with cameras and displays are gaining attention for their potential role in diverse services. While many of these technologies focus on photoplethysmography for the measurement of blood flow changes, respiratory measurement is also essential for assessing an individual’s health status. Previous studies have proposed thermal camera-based and body movement-based respiratory measurement methods. In this paper, we adopt an approach to extract respiratory signals from RGB face videos using photoplethysmography. Prior research shows that photoplethysmography can measure respiratory signals, due to its correlation with cardiac activity, by setting arterial vessel regions as areas of interest for respiratory measurement. However, this correlation does not directly reflect real-time respiratory components in photoplethysmography. Our new approach measures the respiratory rate by capturing changes in skin brightness from motion artifacts. We utilize these brightness factors, including facial movement, for respiratory signal measurement. We applied the wavelet transform and smoothing filters to remove other unrelated motion artifacts. In order to validate our method, we built a dataset of respiratory rate measurements from 20 individuals using an RGB camera in a facial movement-aware environment. Our approach demonstrated a similar performance level to the reference signal obtained with a contact-based respiratory belt, with a correlation above 0.9 and an MAE within 1 bpm. Moreover, our approach offers advantages for real-time measurements, excluding complex computational processes for measuring optical flow caused by the movement of the chest due to respiration. Full article

Improving the aqueous solubility of poorly soluble pharmaceuticals is essential for accurate pharmacotoxicological testing, but the biological safety of solubilizers and hydrotropic agents used for this purpose requires careful evaluation. This study assessed the acute toxicity, physiological parameters (heart rate, claw and appendage movement), behavioral responses (swimming speed), and embryotoxicity of 15 commonly used solubilizers and hydrotropes using Daphnia magna as a biological model. Compounds included surfactants (polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)), sulfonated hydrotropes (sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodium benzenesulfonate (SBS), sodium p-toluenesulfonate (PTS), sodium 1,3-benzenedisulfonate (SBDS)), and solubilizing solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol (GLY), propylene glycol (PDO), dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N’-Dimethylbenzamide (DMBA), N,N-Diethylnicotinamide (DENA), N,N-Dimethylurea (DMU), urea). Acute lethality was evaluated across concentration ranges appropriate to each compound group (e.g., 0.0005–0.125% for surfactants; up to 5% for less toxic solvents). Surfactants exhibited extreme toxicity, with Tween 20 and SLS causing 100% lethality even at 0.0005%, while Tween 80 induced 40–50% lethality at that concentration. In contrast, DMSO, GLY, and PDO showed low acute toxicity, maintaining normal heart rate (202–395 bpm), claw and appendage movement, and swimming speed at ≤1%, though embryotoxicity became evident at higher concentrations (≥1–2%). SXS, SBS, PTS, and SBDS displayed clear dose-dependent toxicity but were generally tolerated up to 0.05%. DMBA, DENA, and DMU caused physiological suppression, including reduced heart rate (e.g., DMBA: 246 bpm vs. control 315 bpm) and impaired mobility. Behavioral assays revealed biphasic effects for DMSO and DMBA, with early stimulation (24 h) followed by inhibition (48 h). Embryotoxicity assays demonstrated significant morphological abnormalities and developmental delays at elevated concentrations, especially for DMSO, GLY, and PDO. Overall, DMSO, GLY, PDO, SXS, and DMF can be safely used at tightly controlled concentrations in Daphnia magna toxicity assays to ensure accurate screening without solvent-induced artifacts. Full article

The Gobi Wall is a 321 km-long structure made of earth, stone, and wood, located in the Gobi highland desert of Mongolia. It is the least understood section of the medieval wall system that extends from China into Mongolia. This study aims to determine its builders, purpose, and chronology. Additionally, we seek to better understand the ecological implications of constructing such an extensive system of walls, trenches, garrisons, and fortresses in the remote and harsh environment of the Gobi Desert. Our field expedition combined remote sensing, pedestrian surveys, and targeted excavations at key sites. The results indicate that the garrison walls and main long wall were primarily constructed using rammed earth, with wood and stone reinforcements. Excavations of garrisons uncovered evidence of long-term occupation, including artifacts spanning from 2nd c. BCE to 19th c. CE. According to our findings, the main construction and usage phase of the wall and its associated structures occurred throughout the Xi Xia dynasty (1038–1227 CE), a period characterized by advanced frontier defense systems and significant geopolitical shifts. This study challenges the perception of such structures as being purely defensive, revealing the Gobi Wall’s multifunctional role as an imperial tool for demarcating boundaries, managing populations and resources, and consolidating territorial control. Furthermore, our spatial and ecological analysis demonstrates that the distribution of local resources, such as water and wood, was critical in determining the route of the wall and the placement of associated garrisons and forts. Other geographic factors, including the location of mountain passes and the spread of sand dunes, were strategically utilized to enhance the effectiveness of the wall system. The results of this study reshape our understanding of medieval Inner Asian imperial infrastructure and its lasting impact on geopolitical landscapes. By integrating historical and archeological evidence with geographical analysis of the locations of garrisons and fortifications, we underscore the Xi Xia kingdom’s strategic emphasis on regulating trade, securing transportation routes, and monitoring frontier movement. Full article

Background/Objective: Transcutaneous Doppler ultrasound is a fundamental tool in evaluating carotid stenosis cross-sectional severity (CS-CSS) in clinical practice because peak-systolic and end-diastolic velocities (PSV, EDV) increase with angiographic diameter stenosis. We tested the hypothesis that lesion length (LL) may affect PSV and EDV. Methods: CARUS (Carotid Artery IntravasculaR Ultrasound Study) prospectively enrolled 300 consecutive patients (age 47–83 years, 64.3% men, 63.3% symptomatic) with carotid stenosis ≥50% by Doppler ultrasound considered diagnostic (corelab analyst). We correlated stenosis LL (mm) and minimal lumen area (MLA, mm²) with PSV and EDV. Results: IVUS imaging (20 MHz Volcano/Philips) was uncomplicated. As IVUS probe forward/backward movement with systole/diastole (“jumping”-related artifact superimposed on motorized pullback) restrained LL (but not MLA) determination, LL measurement was angiographic. Final data set included 293 patients/stenoses (applicable to seven angiograms unsuitable for LL measurement). Irrespective of CS-CSS, a significant LL effect on PSV and EDV occurred with LL ≥ 7 mm (n = 224/293, i.e., 76.5% study patients/lesions; r = 0.38 and r = 0.35); for MLA irrespective of CS-CCS the coefficients were r = 0.49 (PSV) and r = 0.42 (EDV); p < 0.001 for all. For LL and MLA considered together, the correlations were stronger: r = 0.61 (PSV) and r = 0.54 (EDV); p < 0.0001 for both. Combined LL and MLA effect was represented by the following formulas: PSV = 0.31 × LL/MLA + 2.02 [m/s]; EDV = 0.12 × LL/MLA + 0.63 [m/s], enabling to correct the PSV (EDV)-based assessment of CS-CSS for the LL effect. Conclusions: This study provides, for the first time, systematic evidence that the length of carotid stenosis significantly affects lesional Doppler velocities. We established formulas incorporating the contribution of both stenosis length and its cross-sectional severity to PSV and EDV. We advocate including stenosis length measurement in duplex ultrasound reports when performing PSV (EDV)-based assessment of carotid cross-sectional stenosis severity. Full article

For almost forty years, scholars of the Bible have drawn on the conglomerate field of migration studies to illuminate historical contexts and to exegete biblical texts. This paper recognizes the rich contributions supplied across the decades by such interdisciplinary scholarship. It offers a rejoinder to this work by exploring how biblical scholars might balance the interdisciplinary scales through reciprocal contributions to migration studies. The response is structured in three movements. First, I present the biblical corpus as a migration-informed and migration-informing artifact that has influenced perceptions of and engagements with migration for more than two millennia. The second part of the paper presents three avenues biblical scholars might pursue in their approaches to migration scholars as interlocutors. Finally, my conclusion offers closing reflections on ways biblical scholars might more appropriately prepare themselves for further interdisciplinary mutuality. Full article

This study examines the effects of implementing a movement-integrated instruction (MII) program in third-grade mathematics classes with a focus on students’ mathematical learning outcomes and physical literacy development. The program was designed using the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation (ADDIE) instructional model and was implemented in a public elementary school in South Korea. While the primary instructional emphasis was placed on improving mathematical concept comprehension and problem solving, the study also evaluated outcomes in three core areas of physical literacy: physical competence, motivation and confidence, and knowledge and understanding of physical activity. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted and supplemented with quantitative data. The data sources included classroom observations, learning artifacts, teacher reflections, semi-structured interviews, and structured student surveys. The results showed that 82.6% of students reported improved bodily control and coordination, while 75.4% indicated that they used skills acquired through physical education (PE) to solve math problems. Student work demonstrated an increasing use of multi-step reasoning, diagrammatic representations, and contextual explanations, suggesting that embodied learning reinforces both cognitive engagement and physical development. Although challenges related to time, space, and varying motor abilities were encountered, they were addressed through interdisciplinary integration and differentiated instructional strategies. This study provides empirical support for MII as a pedagogical model that effectively bridges academic learning and physical development, and offers practical recommendations for broader applications in elementary education. Full article

Positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the most advanced imaging diagnostic devices in the medical field, playing a crucial role in tumor diagnosis and treatment. However, patient motion during scanning can lead to motion artifacts, which affect diagnostic accuracy. This study aims to develop a head motion monitoring system to identify and select images with excessive motion and corresponding periods. The system, based on an RGB-D structured-light camera, implements facial feature point detection, 3D information acquisition, and head motion monitoring, along with a user interaction software. Through phantom experiments and volunteer experiments, the system’s performance was tested under various conditions, including stillness, pitch movement, yaw movement, and comprehensive movement. Experimental results show that the system’s translational error is less than 2.5 mm, rotational error is less than 2.0°, and it can output motion monitoring results within 10 s after the PET scanning, meeting clinical accuracy requirements and showing significant potential for clinical application. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the major problems faced by modern society. In addition to reducing people’s quality of life, bringing high costs to the health system, and causing losses in economic productivity, they are the leading cause of death in the world. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best actions to minimize the damage and costs caused by these diseases. For this, developing techniques and technologies that have higher accuracy in the analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals is necessary. Early diagnosis benefits from relevant ECG interpretation. Then, it can contribute to reducing healthcare costs by replacing interventionist responses with preventive actions. This work presents a method and system for heart rate estimation using Linear Prediction Coefficients (LPCs) centered on an ESP32 microprocessor module and an AD8232 ECG signal conditioning module. The proposal was validated with a Tektronix AFG1022 function generator that produces ECG signals and obtained measurements with accuracy above 98.87%, showing performance similar to studies presented in the literature. Also, the LPC algorithm showed good performance in rejecting low-frequency noise caused by some common artifacts, such as body movement and electrode displacement. Full article

The expansion of empires and colonial rule significantly shaped the movement of religious communities, practices, and institutions across borders. This article examines the intersections of empire, colonialism, and religious mobility with a view to exploring how colonial administrations facilitated, restricted, or co-opted religious movements for governance and control. Religious actors—such as missionaries, clerics, traders, and diasporic communities—played roles in transnational exchanges, carrying faith traditions across imperial networks while simultaneously influencing local spiritual landscapes. The study situates religious mobility within the broader framework of colonial power structures and analyzes how missionary enterprises, religious conversions, and state-sponsored religious policies were used to consolidate imperial control. It also considers how indigenous religious movements navigated, resisted, or transformed under colonial rule. The case studies include Christian missionary networks in British and French colonies, the movement of Islamic scholars across the Ottoman and Mughal empires, and the role of Buddhism in colonial southeast Asia. These examples highlight the role of religion not just as a tool of empire but as a vehicle for indigenous agency, resistance, and syncretic transformation. This article explores the transnational mobility of religious artifacts, sacred texts, and pilgrimage networks, demonstrating how colonial expansion altered religious landscapes beyond political boundaries. The study critically engages with postcolonial perspectives to interrogate how colonial legacies continue to shape contemporary religious diasporas and global faith-based movements. Full article

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a highly informative diagnostic method; however, its quality heavily depends on the patient’s immobility. Even minimal movements, such as breathing, can cause artifacts that complicate image interpretation, not to mention more significant movements, such as twitching or shivering. Given the high cost of the procedure, repeated scanning is undesirable. The aim of this study was to prepare patients for MRI procedures using specialized training software designed to minimize involuntary movements and improve diagnostic quality. The software tracked participants’ movements in an MRI simulator and reproduced characteristic scanning sounds. The Farnebäck optical flow algorithm detected even the slightest movements captured by the camera, allowing for the evaluation of movements during training sessions and improving patient readiness for actual scanning. A pilot study conducted on a group of 10 students aged 21–27 years demonstrated a significant reduction in the average number of movements during testing—from 27.7 in the first test to 8.3 in the second, corresponding to an average decrease of 19.4 movements. Additionally, two participants showed a noticeable reduction in anxiety levels after the first test, which likely contributed to the decrease in movements, emphasizing the importance of psychological preparation in enhancing training effectiveness. The study results suggest potential improvements in the quality of diagnostic images, which can increase their diagnostic value and enhance patient comfort during actual scanning, reducing the likelihood of repeated procedures. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of a dry electrode cap design for neonatal electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. Recordings on a phantom and a real infant are compared between a novel dry electrode cap and a clinically used gel-based electrode cap. The phantom recordings included measuring both the electrode contact force and the signal quality during still and respiration-like head motion. The real infant recordings were assessed for the EEG signals’ spectral characteristics, including powerline interference. Compared to gel-based caps, the dry caps showed a largely comparable skin force, an expectedly greater sensitivity to motion-induced artifacts, and a slightly lower powerline interference. Recordings on the real infant showed no significant skin marks after using the dry electrode, and the spectral compositions were comparable between dry- and gel-based electrode caps. These findings suggest that neonatal EEG recordings with a dry electrode cap are technically feasible, but movement-related artifacts, such as respiration in a supine lying infant, may challenge long-term recordings of spontaneous EEG activity. Yet, the ease of use of dry electrode caps calls for future studies to define the optimal use case in neonatal recordings. Full article

Accurate identification of sleep stages is essential for understanding sleep physiology and its role in neurological and behavioral research. Manual scoring of polysomnographic data, while reliable, is time-intensive and prone to variability. This study presents a novel Python-based algorithm for automated vigilance state scoring using single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings from rats and mice. The algorithm employs artifact processing, multi-band frequency analysis, and Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-based clustering to classify wakefulness, non-rapid, and rapid eye movement sleep (NREM and REM sleep, respectively). Combining narrow and broad frequency bands across the delta, theta, and sigma ranges, it uses a majority voting system to enhance accuracy, with tailored preprocessing and voting criteria improving REM detection. Validation on datasets from 10 rats and 10 mice under standard conditions showed sleep–wake state detection accuracies of 92% and 93%, respectively, closely matching manual scoring and comparable to existing methods. REM sleep detection accuracies of 89% (mice) and 91% (rats) align with previously reported (85–90%). Processing a full day of EEG data within several minutes, the algorithm is advantageous for large-scale and longitudinal studies. Its open-source design, flexibility, and scalability make it a robust, efficient tool for automated rodent sleep scoring, advancing research in standard experimental conditions, including aging and sleep deprivation. Full article