Search Results (1,473)

The Copernicus Programme is a joint European initiative developed by the European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA) to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive Earth observation data for environmental monitoring, climate change analysis, disaster management, and security. The Copernicus program comprises a series of dedicated satellite missions, i.e., the Sentinels spanning a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum with different sensing techniques. Sentinel-1 is the radar imaging component of Copernicus. It is a two-satellite constellation placed in the same orbit and spaced 180° apart. The all-weather, day-and-night images of Earth’s surface are systematically provided by Sentinel-1 to the Copernicus service component and to scientific users. The Sentinel-1 SAR data are suitable for interferometric and radiometric applications, whose performance depends on the thermal noise level in the data. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the activities spanning 10 years, focused on properly measuring, characterizing, and removing the thermal noise from S-1 data. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered an effective way in improving aerobic capacity and selected health parameters. Ashwagandha is an herb with possible health-promoting properties that may affect metabolism and performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha supplementation (600 mg/day) during an 8-week HIIT on body composition, lipid profile and hormone levels related to energy homeostasis in healthy young men. Methods: The study was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled (Placebo group, PL, n = 20; ashwagandha, A, n = 18). HIIT was conducted on a rowing ergometer (3 times per week, 5–7 series of 1.5 min at 85–95% of maximum power, with intervals of 1.5 min at 70 W). Body composition (BIA, Tanita TBF 300P), serum lipid profile (tChol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TG) and serum levels of adiponectin, asprosin and irisin were analysed before (term 1) and after the8-week study (term 2). Both the lipid and hormonal profiles were measured in three time points: pre- and post-graded exercise test and after 24 h recovery period. Results: Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05). In turn, the 8-week HIIT decreased resting levels of adiponectin and increased irisin levels post-exercise and after 24 h (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In young, healthy men, an 8-week HIIT programme significantly affects selected hormones related to energy metabolism of adipose (adiponectin) and muscle (irisin) tissues, but ashwagandha supplementation did not significantly affect any of the hormonal parameters analysed. Full article

The rapid digital transformation of higher education creates opportunities and challenges, particularly in professional programmes where students must balance academic learning with preparation for operational duties, such as in medicine, engineering, and defence. While digital technologies are widely used in higher education, their sustainable integration into professional contexts, especially security and defence education, remains underexplored. This study investigates the determinants of perceived e-learning usefulness among undergraduates (cadets) at the Lithuanian Military Academy, applying an adapted technology acceptance model framework. A structured questionnaire was used to measure constructs related to distance learning effectiveness, classroom innovation, security, sustainability of digital systems, and individual learning preferences, with hypotheses tested through mediation and moderated mediation models. The results indicate that the effectiveness of distance learning is the strongest factor influencing intention to use it, supported by the roles of classroom innovation and system security. Perceived usefulness further emerges as both a direct predictor of adoption and a conditional factor shaping the impact of pedagogical and infrastructural design on acceptance. These findings extend traditional technology acceptance frameworks and provide new insights into how sustainable digital teaching can be fostered in higher professional education, where academic quality and operational readiness must be aligned. Full article

We present a large-scale neuromodulation system-on-chip (SoC) that integrates a 128-channel neural recording and 32-channel stimulation ASIC designed for a wide range of neuroscientific applications. Each recording channel achieves low-noise performance (~4 μV_rms) with a configurable bandwidth of 0.05 Hz–7.5 kHz and supports 16-bit digitization with scalable sampling rates up to 30 kS/s. To enhance signal quality, the ASIC includes an adjustable digital high-pass filter and a fast-settling function for rapid recovery from stimulation artifacts. SoC also incorporates on-chip electrode-impedance measurements as a built-in safety feature by reusing the recording channels. The stimulation subsystem generates current-controlled monopolar biphasic pulses with a high compliance voltage of ±6 V using standard low-voltage (1.8 V/3.3 V) CMOS devices. Each of the 32 stimulation channels provides arbitrary 9-bit programmable waveforms and dual current modes (4 μA/bit and 8 μA/bit), supporting both fine-resolution microstimulation and high-current applications such as spinal-cord and deep-brain stimulation. On-chip charge-balancing switches in each channel further ensure safe and reliable stimulation delivery. The SoC supports digital communication via a standard SPI with both 3.3 V CMOS and low-voltage differential signaling options and integrates all required analog references and low-dropout regulators. The prototype was fabricated in a standard 180 nm CMOS process, occupying 31.92 mm² (equivalently, 0.2 mm² per recording-and-stimulation channel), and was fully validated through benchtop measurements and in vitro experiments. Full article

The quality of teacher education represents a fundamental pillar for effective educational systems. European and Czech educational policies emphasise alignment with labour market demands and continuous professional development of teachers. This study examines the motivations of and barriers faced by secondary school teachers enrolled in a pedagogical study programme at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, contextualised within broader European and national strategic frameworks. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined document analysis of international and national educational policy reports with a longitudinal questionnaire survey of 404 bachelor’s level teacher education students. Chi-square tests and sign residual analyses investigated relationships between labour market position, study motivation, and perceived obstacles. Findings reveal that employer requirements primarily drive educational professionals to pursue further qualifications, whilst other occupational groups cite personal interest as their main motivator. Time constraints emerge as the predominant barrier across all groups, followed by inadequate employer support. No significant association was identified between motivation and perceived barriers. Comparative analysis demonstrates Czech teachers’ lower remuneration satisfaction relative to other countries examined in this research. The study concludes that enhanced employer support and targeted policy measures addressing time constraints are essential for effective teacher professional development. Full article

In parallel with technical training on knowledge and skills of task-specific medical or surgical procedures, wide arrays of soft skills training would contribute to obstetric safety in the contemporary healthcare setting. This article, as a service evaluation, explored the effect of a specialty-based Crew Resource Management (CRM) training series that transforms the concept of human factors into sustainable measures in fostering clinical safety culture of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Within the last decade, a tri-phasic programme has been implemented by an inter-professional workgroup which consists of a consultant anaesthesiologist, medical specialists and departmental operations manager from O&G, a nurse simulation specialist, hospital administrators, and a research psychologist. (1) Phase I identified different patterns of attitudinal changes (in assertiveness, communication, leadership, and situational awareness, also known as “ACLS”) between doctors and nurses and between generic and specialty-based sessions for curriculum planning. (2) Phase II evaluated how these specific behaviours changed over 3 months following CRM training tailored for frontline professionals in O&G. (3) Phase III examined the coping style in conflict management and the level of sustainability in self-efficacy over 3 months following specialty-based CRM training. The findings showed the positive impacts of O&G CRM training on healthcare professionals’ increased attitude and behaviour in “ACLS” by 22.7% at a p < 0.05 level, character strengths in conflict management, and non-inferior or sustained level of self-efficacy under tough conditions in the clinical setting up to 3 months after training. As a way forward, incorporating a scenario-based O&G CRM programme into existing skills-based training is expected to change service framework with an innovative approach. In addition, exploring actual clinical outcomes representing a higher level of organisational impacts can be a strategic direction for further studies on the effect of this practical and educational approach on obstetric safety culture. Full article

Childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer (CAYAC) survivors often face challenges entering the workforce due to long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological late effects, defined as chronic health conditions resulting from cancer and its treatments. This study evaluated a vocational integration programme that addresses these barriers and promotes psychosocial well-being. The multidisciplinary intervention combined career guidance, soft-skills training, and a paid internship. Using a mixed-method design with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, we assessed feasibility, satisfaction, and psychosocial outcomes. Thirteen participants (mean-age-at-diagnosis: 12.9 years, SD 5.2; mean-age-at-interview: 27.2 years, SD 5.3) reported over 40 late effects, mostly of moderate severity. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), measured by the SF-12, showed a Physical Component Score mean of 45.2 (SD 9.1) and a Mental Component Score mean of 43.5 (SD 11.2), indicating greater psychological impact. The programme received high satisfaction ratings (mean 8.3/10) and was described as motivating and valuable, enhancing self-confidence and career prospects. Social support emerged as a key facilitator, while participants noted the need for flexibility and individualised pacing. Despite a limited sample size and potential recruitment bias, this study provides preliminary insights into the feasibility and perceived value of tailored vocational programmes, emphasising the importance of adaptable, socially supportive interventions for CAYAC survivors. Full article

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), which embed several sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) are employed by musicians and performers to control sound, music, or lighting on stage. In particular, wireless IMU systems in the performing arts require particular attention due to strict requirements regarding streaming sample rate, latency, power consumption, and programmability. This article presents a review of systems developed in this context at IRCAM as well as in other laboratories and companies, highlighting specificities in terms of sensing, communication, performance, digital processing, and usage. Although basic IMUs are now widely integrated into IoT systems and smartphones, the availability of complete commercial wireless systems that meet the constraints of the performing arts remains limited. For this reason, a review of systems used in performing Arts provides exemplary use cases that may also be relevant to other applications. Full article

This paper pioneers the integration of hyperspectral imaging and robotics for the automated analysis of cultural heritage, representing a measurable advancement over existing manually operated systems. For the first time in the cultural heritage domain, a compact push-broom hyperspectral camera working in the VNIR range has been successfully mounted on a robotic arm, enabling precise and repeatable acquisition trajectories without the need for manual intervention. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on fixed paths or manual repositioning, the proposed approach allows dynamic and programmable imaging of both planar and volumetric objects, greatly improving adaptability to complex geometries. The integrated system achieves spectral reliability comparable to established manual methods, while offering superior flexibility and scalability. Current limitations, particularly regarding the illumination setup, are discussed alongside planned optimisation strategies. Full article

This research investigates the integration of green cores as central biophilic elements in residential architecture, proposing a climate-responsive design methodology grounded in architectural optimization. The study begins with the full-scale refurbishment of a compact urban apartment, wherein interior partitions, fenestration and material systems were reconfigured to embed vegetated zones within the architectural core. Light exposure, ventilation potential and spatial coherence were maximized through data-driven design strategies and structural modifications. Integrated planting modules equipped with PAR-specific LED systems ensure sustained vegetation growth, while embedded environmental infrastructure supports automated irrigation and continuous microclimate monitoring. This plant-centered spatial model is evaluated using quantifiable performance metrics, establishing a replicable framework for optimized indoor ecosystems. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)-specific LED systems and embedded environmental infrastructure were incorporated to maintain vegetation viability and enable microclimate regulation. A programmable irrigation system linked to environmental sensors allows automated resource management, ensuring efficient plant sustenance. The configuration is assessed using measurable indicators such as daylight factor, solar exposure, passive thermal behavior and similar elements. Additionally, a post-occupancy expert assessment was conducted with several architects evaluating different aspects confirming the architectural and spatial improvements achieved through the refurbishment. This study not only demonstrates a viable architectural prototype but also opens future avenues for the development of metabolically active buildings, integration with decentralized energy and water systems, and the computational optimization of living infrastructure across varying climatic zones. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of different territorial contexts on academic mobility within the framework of the Erasmus Programme, using data on Key Action 1 exchanges between 2015 and 2023. Using official EU datasets and a gravity model framework, the research investigates how economic performance, geographical distance, EU membership, AUF (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie) regional affiliation, and state contiguity shape international academic flows. The research developed two gravity models: one aimed to measure the potential barriers to academic flows through a residuals analysis, and the second integrated territorial delineations as predictors. In both models, the core of the explanatory variable is formed by indicators describing the economic performance of states and the distance between countries. When applied, the models converge in emphasizing that the inclusion of states in different territorial configurations has a strong effect on the structuring of academic flows. This suggests that the Erasmus Programme exhibits trends of overconcentration of flows in a limited number of countries, questioning the need for a more polycentric strategy and a reshaping of the funding mechanisms. Even if the gravity models behave well, given the limited number of predictors, further studies may need to incorporate qualitative indicators for a more comprehensive evaluation of the interactions. Full article

Hemiparesis is a disabling consequence of stroke, causing abnormal gait patterns with biomechanical asymmetries. Gait mechanics for stroke survivors appear resistant to conventional rehabilitation. Auditory rhythmical cueing (ARC) represents an emerging intervention option. To determine effective gait interventions, objective measures of gait collected from real-world environments may be required in addition to standard clinical outcomes to aid understanding of gait mechanics. This study reports on the ability of wearable activity monitors to quantify an ARC intervention for fifty-nine stroke survivors randomised into an ARC gait and balance training programme or an equivalent training programme without ARC. Gait assessments were undertaken at baseline and at 6 weeks for 4-metre walks and continuously for 7 days following each home assessment using a wearable activity monitor. The success rates of data collection using the wearable activity monitors ranged from 64 to 95%. Forty-eight Digital Mobility Outcomes representing a broad range of gait mechanics were calculated. Visualisation of all DMOs using radar plots indicated changes from baseline in both groups, with individual data indicating large variability in response to the intervention and control programme. Including wearable activity monitors to evaluate gait interventions for stroke survivors provides additional value to traditional methods and aids understanding of individual responses; as such, they should be used for future intervention-based research. Full article

The aim of the study was to determine correlations between performance of vertical jumps and dolphin kick sprints, and between the results of a dry-land butterfly arm pull test and butterfly arms-only swimming. The study recruited competitive junior male swimmers (15.9 (0.7) years, 179.3 (5.3) cm body height, 64.6 (4.3) kg body mass). On dry land, we measured jump height, lower-limb work and power, as well as peak velocity, power, and force in the butterfly arm pull test. In swimming tests, time, velocity, power, force, and work were assessed during the dolphin kick and butterfly arms-only trials. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and the coefficients of determination were calculated between measurements. The findings showed correlations between swimming velocity and power recorded during the dolphin kick test with jump height, work and power measured in the jump tests (maximum r = 0.90, r² = 0,81, p < 0.05). The best correlations between the results of the jump tests and swim variables were determined for the CJ30s test. The butterfly arm pull test was not associated with all parameters measured by the butterfly arms-only test. Our study demonstrates that targeted dry-land training programmes using exercises like vertical jumps can enhance competitive swimmers’ performance and offer coaches an accessible means of tracking athlete progress. Moreover, such simple drills may serve as a cost-effective approach for early evaluation of strength and power potential and for preventing musculoskeletal injuries, all without requiring pool access or specialized underwater equipment. However, the small and homogeneous sample (n = 12, junior males only) and the absence of reliability analyses limit the generalizability of the results. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hearing loss is a disorder that develops because of being exposed to high noise levels affecting the quality of life among affected individuals. A review of the literature was conducted to explore the prevalence of hearing loss and its associated factors among workers in the metal industry. Methods: The literature search was conducted on ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Pub Med, ResearchGate and African Journals Online databases to identify articles according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The studies published in scientific journals between January 2014 and December 2024 describing hearing loss and its associated factors among workers in the metal industry were considered for inclusion in the review. The articles were screened by the author. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality assessment tool with modified checklist questions was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Results: Following the literature search and using the relevant inclusion criteria, a total of 127 articles were identified, and 8 articles with a total of 2605 participants were included in the review. The sample sizes ranged from 93 to 606. The participants’ age ranged from 19 to 65 years. A review of studies showed varying prevalence of hearing loss ranging from 13.8% to 59%. Furthermore, the studies have found working experience, advanced age, cigarette smoking, tinnitus, working in areas of high noise levels and not using hearing protective devices to be associated with a risk of developing hearing loss. Conclusions: The review found that workers in the metal industry are at risk of developing hearing loss and, therefore, implementation of control measures to prevent the occurrence of hearing loss is necessary. Full article

This paper presents a novel mechanically beam-steered antenna system for 10 GHz applications, enabled by multi-material 3D-printing technology. The proposed design eliminates the need for complex electronic circuitry by integrating a mechanically rotatable, 3D-printed hemispherical lens with a conventional rectangular patch antenna. The system comprises three main components: a 10-GHz patch antenna, a precision-fabricated hemispherical dielectric lens produced via stereolithography (SLA), and a structurally robust rotation assembly fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The mechanical rotation of the lens enables discrete beam-steering from −45° to +45° in 5° steps. Experimental results demonstrate a gain improvement from 6.21 dBi (standalone patch) to 10.47 dBi with the integrated lens, with minimal degradation across steering angles (down to 9.59 dBi). Simulations and measurements show strong agreement, with the complete system achieving 94% accuracy in beam direction. This work confirms the feasibility of integrating additive manufacturing with passive beam-steering structures to deliver a low-cost, scalable, and high-performance alternative to electronically scanned arrays. Moreover, the design is readily adaptable for motorized actuation and closed-loop control via embedded systems, enabling future development of real-time, programmable beam-steering platforms. Full article