Search Results (124)

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common musculoskeletal conditions in adults. The repetitive neuromusculoskeletal demands of operatic singing, together with suboptimal technique, intensive training, and psychological strain, may be associated with TMD-related symptoms. Knowledge of TMD and awareness of warning signs may support appropriate health-seeking behaviours. This study aimed to assess self-reported TMD-related symptoms and selected aspects of TMD-related knowledge among Polish opera singers. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 among 241 adult Polish classically trained singers, including professional opera singers and vocal students (90 men and 151 women; age range, 20–73 years). Data were collected using an author-developed questionnaire and the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), a self-report screening instrument for TMD-related symptoms and symptom severity. Results: FAI scores were within the lowest symptom category in 21.6% of participants, within the mild category in 50.6%, within the moderate category in 24.5%, and within the severe category in 3.3%. Overall, 87.1% rated their TMD-related knowledge as poor or sufficient, although 89.6% recognised that TMD may adversely affect vocal technique. Conclusions: Self-reported TMD-related symptoms were frequently observed in this study sample, and responses to individual questionnaire items indicated gaps in selected areas of TMD-related knowledge. A self-reported previous diagnosis of TMD was associated with greater FAI-assessed symptom severity, whereas self-assessed TMD knowledge was not. These findings may support further evaluation of targeted education and access to appropriate clinical assessment for classically trained singers. Full article

As the modulation rate in high-speed optical communication systems continues to increase and modulation formats become increasingly complex, conventional electrical-domain sampling techniques, limited by the “electronic bottleneck,” are unable to meet the time-domain analysis requirements of optical vector signals with bandwidths exceeding 100 GHz. In this paper, a system based on linear optical sampling (LOS) is implemented for time-domain analysis of high-speed polarization-division-multiplexed (PDM) optical vector signals. An unbalanced input method is proposed to ensure the integrity of the sampling clock when the power of the signal under test is zero; a resampling method combined with soft integration is proposed to replace the conventional peak detection method, improving the accuracy of sampling point position and amplitude information extraction; and an adaptive frequency offset estimation algorithm is proposed to compensate for the continuously varying frequency offset caused by the use of low-repetition-rate sampling pulses. We constructed a signal acquisition system for optical vector signal measurement based on LOS. Using the above methods, the eye diagrams and constellation diagrams of 50 Gbaud PDM-QPSK (quadrature phase-shift keying), PDM-16QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), and PDM-32QAM signals are successfully measured, and related parameters, including error vector magnitude (EVM) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), are calculated. The experimental results show that the proposed system achieves quasi-real-time measurement of 500 Gbps optical vector signals, and the measured performance parameters are on the same order of magnitude as those obtained from a commercial high-speed oscilloscope. Full article

In this paper, we describe and analyse the characteristics of news articles published in Spanish media which were written with assistance, of different types and to varying extents, from generative AI. We pursue three objectives: to identify how AI is being used, to examine the formal and textual characteristics of articles produced in this way, and to determine the degree of transparency with which the use of generative AI is communicated to readers. Using content analysis techniques, 120 articles published in different newspapers were studied, including articles written entirely by AI, written with the help of AI, and resulting from other uses of AI. Our analysis shows different results depending on the use of AI. The first group exhibits standardised writing, repetitive structures, and fewer sources. The second group shows less standardisation, more contextual information, and more journalistic errors. Despite relying on a repetitive structure, the third group does not display standardised writing. Regarding transparency, this study reveals that not all texts disclose AI use, and when they do, it appears separately from the byline or within the text. This study is pioneering due to the breadth of the analysed sample and our examination of different uses of AI in the Spanish news media. Full article

Rare earth element (REE) detection sensitivity with minimal sample damage is exciting. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with a typical methodology is a useful diagnostic tool, but often shows poor REE sensitivity. This study presents the qualitative, quantitative, and classification analysis of REE-bearing ore samples that contain multiple elements from the lanthanoid (Ln) group (e.g., La, Ce, Nd, Sm, and Gd) using the LIBS technique, and the results are compared with those obtained using a magnetic-field-assisted LIBS (MFA-LIBS) system. The LIBS spectrum was recorded using a Nd:YAG Laser with a 532 nm emission wavelength, a 5 ns pulse duration, and a 10 Hz repetition rate. Optical regions exhibiting the strongest emission lines of REEs were identified, followed by MFA-LIBS to improve the qualitative signatures of the elements of interest. MFA-LIBS also assists in confirming signal enhancement for Sm and Gd, which were unidentified with a conventional LIBS setup. Quantitative analysis was performed using a calibration-free and magnetic-field-assisted LIBS (CF-MF-LIBS) method. La, Ce, and Nd concentrations were estimated to be from 1 to 3 wt.%, whereas Sm and Gd were detected within 0.5 wt.%. The results obtained using CF-MF-LIBS were compared with those obtained using the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) technique, showing good agreement between the LIBS/XRF techniques. Further, the limit of detection (LOD) of the REEs using in-house prepared samples was estimated, and the results were compared with those previously reported in the literature. Furthermore, classification analysis of REE ores based on compositional variations was achieved using principal component analysis (PCA). The first two principal components (PCs) with maximum spectral variance, such as PC1~74.5% and PC2~14.5%, were considered for the clustering, and ellipses with 95% confidence using major (x) and minor (y) axes were created to explore outliers. Therefore, the CF-MF-LIBS method in combination with PCA demonstrates a rapid, robust, and effective methodology for the detection, quantification, and classification investigation of REE-bearing ores. Full article

Background: Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder associated with substantial disability and socioeconomic burden. Although pharmacological therapies remain the mainstay of treatment, their effectiveness may be limited by incomplete response and adverse effects. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique that may modulate cortical excitability and pain-processing networks involved in migraine pathophysiology. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of rTMS compared with sham stimulation in individuals with migraine. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), PsycNet, and Ovid (including MEDLINE and Embase) from database inception to December 2025 in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies investigating rTMS in adults with migraine and including a sham comparator were eligible for inclusion. Data regarding study design, participant characteristics, rTMS parameters, outcomes, and adverse events were extracted using a predefined template. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Results: Seven studies comprising a total of 301 participants were included. Most trials evaluated high-frequency rTMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Across studies, rTMS was generally associated with reductions in migraine frequency and severity compared with sham stimulation, although results varied depending on stimulation parameters and study design. Treatment was consistently well tolerated, with only mild and transient adverse effects reported. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed in diagnostic criteria, stimulation protocols, outcome measures, and follow-up duration. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that rTMS may represent a promising and well-tolerated neuromodulatory approach for migraine management. Nevertheless, methodological variability, limited sample sizes, and concerns regarding risk of bias restrict definitive conclusions. Larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and longer follow-up periods are needed to clarify the clinical role of rTMS in migraine treatment. Full article

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a surface treatment technique focused on improving the mechanical performance of metal components by inducing compressive residual stresses. This research evaluated the effects of LSP on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy, an α + β titanium alloy manufactured by wrought and additive manufacturing used in biomedical and aerospace applications. Samples manufactured by conventional processes and additive manufacturing were treated under the following conditions: Pulse width of 6 ns, wavelength of 1064 nm, scan density of 2500 pulses/cm², pulse energy of 0.750 J, and repetition frequency of 10 Hz. The mechanical response was evaluated in terms of residual stress, microhardness, and microstructure before and after treatment. The results showed significant improvements, reaching compressive residual stress fields of up to −800 MPa and a 22% increase in microhardness, and grain refinement from 18.16 μm to 5.54 μm. These results confirm the effectiveness of LSP in improving the surface integrity and mechanical behavior of Ti64 components, regardless of their manufacturing method. Full article

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) represents a frequent and clinically challenging manifestation of advanced malignancy, particularly in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its management requires integration of diagnostic imaging, symptom-directed therapeutic strategies, and, increasingly, molecular profiling technologies. Recent advancements in this field based on liquid medium (so-called liquid biopsy) have achieved a significant increase in sensitivity, enhancing our ability to investigate biofluids and suggesting their potential integration into standard diagnostic practices, far beyond the canonical plasma biopsies. Fluid obtained from MPE after cytological sample centrifugation is rich in cell-free DNA and less susceptible to nucleic acid degradation during processing, improving overall diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the clinical management of malignant pleural effusions in patients with metastatic NSCLC, integrating imaging, procedural management, and molecular profiling from a multidisciplinary tumor board perspective. The primary objective was to synthesize contemporary knowledge with particular attention to the feasibility, reliability, and reproducibility of pleural fluid-based molecular testing. Results: MPE poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for all members of the multidisciplinary tumor board, traditionally associated with an adverse prognosis. However, recent advances in cytopathology, histopathology, and liquid-based techniques demonstrate that MPE could be an important source of prognostic or predictive information. At the same time, optimal patient management requires careful integration of imaging findings and procedural strategies (such as pleurodesis or indwelling pleural catheters) with individualized systemic therapy selection. Cell-free DNA in pleural effusions is a promising field of exploration and study, potentially suitable for future guideline implementation, after validation in adequately powered studies, contributing to improving patient management, particularly useful in fragile subsets. Conclusions: The management of MPE in advanced NSCLC is evolving toward a multidisciplinary, precision-oriented model that integrates clinical evaluation, imaging, procedural interventions, and molecular testing. Liquid biopsy technology has gained enough analytical robustness and clinical feasibility to be a useful tool in routine analysis. Biofluid-based molecular testing may have outstanding potential, contributing to improving patient management, avoiding repetitive procedures, and optimizing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic practices. Moreover, collaborative projects among different specialties help in consolidating trust in the tumor board decision-making process. Full article

To address the issue of low closed-loop feedback bandwidth caused by the long latency of Carrier-Envelope Phase (CEP) measurement systems for amplified femtosecond laser pulses, and to meet the requirements for real-time single-shot measurement in 10 kHz repetition rate systems, this paper proposes a microsecond-level low-latency CEP measurement technique based on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). To tackle the problem of non-uniform spectral sampling resulting from nonlinear wavelength-frequency mapping, the system implements a real-time linear interpolation algorithm for the interference spectrum. This approach effectively suppresses computational spurious peaks introduced by non-uniform sampling and significantly reduces measurement errors. Adopting a fully pipelined parallel processing architecture, the system achieves a CEP processing latency of approximately 89 μs, representing an improvement of 2–3 orders of magnitude compared to traditional Central Processing Unit (CPU)-based solutions. Hardware-in-the-loop testing, conducted by injecting a known sinusoidal phase modulation into the interference spectrum of a 10 kHz laser amplification system, demonstrates that the computational error of the proposed algorithm is less than 30 mrad. This work paves the way for achieving single-shot CEP feedback locking in high-repetition-rate laser amplification systems. Full article

The highly squinted mode, as an operational configuration of synthetic aperture radar (SAR), fulfills specific remote sensing demands. Under equivalent conditions, it necessitates a higher pulse repetition frequency (PRF) than the side-looking mode but produces inferior imaging quality, thereby constraining its widespread application. By applying the sparse SAR imaging method to highly squinted SAR systems, imaging quality can be enhanced while simultaneously reducing PRF requirements and expanding swath. Hyperparameters in sparse SAR imaging critically influence reconstruction quality and computational efficiency, making hyperparameter optimization (HPO) a persistent research focus. Inspired by HPO techniques in the deep unfolding network (DUN), we modified the iterative soft-thresholding algorithm (ISTA) employed in fast sparse SAR reconstruction based on approximate observation operators. Our adaptation enables adaptive regularization parameter tuning during iterations while accelerating convergence. To improve the robustness of this enhanced algorithm under realistic SAR echoes with noise, we integrated hypergradient descent (HD) to automatically adjust the ISTA step size after regularization parameter convergence, thereby mitigating overfitting. The proposed method, named Hyper-ISTA-GHD, adaptively selects regularization parameters and step sizes. It achieves high-precision, rapid imaging for highly squinted SAR. Owing to its training-free iterative minimization framework, this approach exhibits superior generalization capabilities compared to existing DUN methods and demonstrates broad applicability across diverse SAR imaging modes and scene characteristics. Simulations show that the hyperparameter selection and reconstruction results of the proposed method are almost consistent with the optimal values of traditional methods under different signal-to-noise ratios and sampling rates, but the time consumption is only one-tenth of that of traditional methods. Comparative experiments on the generalization performance with DUN show that the generalization performance of the proposed method is significantly better than DUN in extremely sparse scenarios. Full article

Staggered synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is an innovative concept capable of achieving an ultrawide continuous swath with fine azimuth resolution by variable pulse repetition interval. However, the inherent data gaps and nonuniform sampling introduce severe azimuth artifacts, degrading image quality. Existing methods can mitigate these artifacts but struggle to effectively balance imaging quality and computational cost, especially under low oversampling conditions. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a low-artifact preview image generation method for staggered SAR. First, the artifact characteristics are analyzed through the derivation of a staggered SAR signal model. Then, a three-stage processing framework is introduced, consisting of constant-gradient phase extrapolation, artifact-based inverse filtering, and result fusion. Additionally, data nonuniformity is addressed using a weighted nonuniform fast Fourier transform. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves processing speed compared to existing techniques while maintaining good imaging quality, making it suitable for rapid scene screening in wide-area SAR applications. Full article

Within the context of pedagogical renewal in Physical Education, Game-Based Learning (GBL) has emerged as a pedagogical model that can foster students’ motivation and engagement. This study explored university learners’ perceptions of a playful activity in a natural environment, entitled Autolycus’ Game, and its perceived contributions to their holistic development. A total of 114 undergraduate students enrolled in Early Childhood and Primary Education degrees participated in a two-hour session designed as a Breakout EDU in a university park. After the experience, their perceptions were collected through an online semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using qualitative coding techniques in Atlas.ti. Findings indicated that participants perceived Autolycus’ Game as motivating, creativity-enhancing, and supportive of social interaction and cooperative work. Most participants highlighted that this methodology helped them strengthen social and communication skills, while also valuing the use of the natural environment as a didactic resource. At the same time, participants identified areas for improvement—such as repetitive tasks, uneven difficulty across challenges, and limited supervision—that may reduce engagement if not carefully planned. Overall, participants described Autolycus’ Game as a valuable pedagogical strategy that may enrich learning experiences in Physical Education and support socio-emotional and motor competences, although the findings should be interpreted in light of the study’s limitations (single-institution sample, self-reported data, intact class groups taught by the researchers). Future work could examine outdoor Breakout EDU with mixed-methods and longitudinal designs to assess motivational processes and learning outcomes over time. Full article

Land cover products are essential tools in environmental and ecological research. However, limited attention has been paid to their data quality issues. Many existing products suffer from pronounced spatiotemporal inconsistencies, characterized by frequent and repetitive classification fluctuations in specific regions and years, which substantially compromise the accuracy of analyses and models that rely on them. To address these challenges, this study introduces a method for deriving spatiotemporally stable samples to support high-precision land cover classification. The approach integrates national and regional land-use policies to assess temporal stability and incorporates advanced time-series processing techniques together with innovative vegetation indices to facilitate effective sample reuse. Experimental results show that this method markedly improves classification accuracy across vegetation types and reduces the extent of areas prone to frequent land-cover changes by 22.64%. Compared with existing products of similar spatial resolution, our approach achieves an overall classification accuracy of 91.1%, providing stable, high-quality input data that underpin precise and reliable regional-scale environmental and ecological modeling. Full article

We report the simultaneous generation of conventional solitons (CSs) and dissipative solitons (DSs) in an erbium-doped mode-locked fiber laser with a dual-branch cavity configuration based on the nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) technique. By incorporating fibers with different dispersion properties in two propagation branches, the laser can establish simultaneous operation in the normal and anomalous dispersion regimes within the respective loops, enabling the generation of two distinct soliton types. The CSs exhibit a 3 dB spectral bandwidth of 9.7750 nm and a pulse duration of 273 fs, while the DSs have a quasi-rectangular spectrum spanning 18.7074 nm and a pulse duration of 2.2 ps, which can be externally compressed to 384 fs. The fundamental repetition rate is approximately 21 MHz, with a repetition rate difference of 216 Hz for the two pulse trains. Stable second-order, third-order, and fourth-order harmonic mode-locking (HML) can be achieved through optimization of pump power and intracavity polarization states. The laser we build in this work has significant potential for applications in high-precision spectroscopy and asynchronous optical sampling. Full article

Affecting over 50% of stroke patients, dysphagia is still challenging to diagnose and manage due to its complex multifactorial nature and can be the result of disruptions in the coordination of cortical and subcortical neural activity as reflected in electroencephalographic (EEG) signal patterns. Sample Entropy (SampEn), a signal complexity or predictability measure, could serve as a tool to identify any abnormalities associated with dysphagia. The present study aimed to identify quantitative dysphagia biomarkers using SampEn from EEG recordings in post-stroke patients. Sample entropy was calculated in the theta, alpha, and beta bands of EEG recordings in a repetitive swallowing task performed by three groups: 22 stroke patients without dysphagia (controls), 36 stroke patients with dysphagia, and 21 healthy age-matched individuals. Post-stroke patients, both with and without dysphagia, exhibited significant differences in SampEn compared to healthy subjects in the alpha and theta bands, suggesting widespread alterations in brain dynamics. These changes likely reflect impairments in sensorimotor integration and cognitive control mechanisms essential for effective swallowing. A significant cluster was identified in the left parietal region during swallowing in the beta band, where dysphagic patients showed higher entropy compared to healthy individuals and controls. This finding suggests altered neural dynamics in a region crucial for sensorimotor integration, potentially reflecting disrupted cortical coordination associated with dysphagia. The precise quantification of these neurophysiological alterations offers a robust and objective biomarker for diagnosing neurogenic dysphagia and monitoring therapeutic interventions by means of EEG, a non-invasive and cost-efficient technique. Full article

Objective: Several studies have compared the accuracy of digital scans and conventional impressions for post space capture. However, only a few have specifically investigated the precision of intraoral scanners in measuring post spaces of varied lengths. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of various intraoral scanning techniques in capturing long and short post spaces. Material and Methods: This study grouped samples into eight categories based on four techniques and two post space depths (7 and 11 mm). After tooth preparation, root canal treatment, and post space preparation, laboratory scans were performed using Duralay. Intraoral scans were obtained directly and indirectly with the Trios fourth generation scanner using the Duralay and PVS techniques. The accuracies, in terms of trueness, and precisions were compared after ten repetitions for each group using the Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: The Duralay Intraoral Scan groups demonstrated a high consistency, while the Direct Intraoral Scan groups showed moderate consistency. Variability was higher for the Duralay Lab Scan and PVS Intraoral Scan groups for short post spaces. Conclusions: The capture technique significantly affected the accuracies of the post space measurements. The techniques also demonstrated varying consistency and precision. These findings provide critical insights to guide their selections for clinical and research applications. Clinical Significance: This study is one of the few to compare the accuracy of intraoral scanners for the capture of both short and long post spaces. It addresses a key gap in current dental research and offers practical guidance for clinicians and researchers in selecting appropriate scanning techniques for various clinical scenarios. The findings have the potential to enhance the accuracy and reliability of post space measurements and improve patient outcomes. Full article