Search Results (46,985)

Accurate estimation of knee joint moment is important for biomechanical monitoring and injury-risk assessment, yet model generalizability under altered sensory environments remains unclear. This study evaluated a support vector regression model for predicting sagittal knee moment during the landing–takeoff cycle of the drop vertical jump (DVJ) under visuo-proprioceptive conflict and examined whether adding hip and ankle kinematics improved performance. Fourteen healthy men performed DVJs under one real and four virtual perturbation conditions with a fixed physical drop height and virtual heights of 0, 10, 30, and 50 cm. Bilateral surface electromyography and three-dimensional lower-limb kinematics were used as inputs, and the inverse-dynamics-derived sagittal knee moment served as the target. Basic and extended feature sets were compared under leave-one-subject-out (LOSO) and leave-one-condition-out (LOCO) frameworks. Within the present experimental design, prediction performance was generally higher under LOCO than under LOSO. Adding hip and ankle kinematics improved prediction mainly under LOCO, whereas gains under LOSO were limited. Waveform similarity showed a non-monotonic decrease-then-recovery pattern across perturbation levels. Residual analysis showed no directional bias, and errors were greater during landing absorption and push-off than during flight. These findings suggest that under the present study design and in this sample, lower performance was observed under LOSO than under LOCO, and that multijoint kinematics may improve prediction robustness under cross-condition settings. Full article

The increasing digitalization of electrical substations, enabled by IEC 61850-based architectures, has improved operational efficiency while expanding the cyber attack surface. This paper introduces a standards-aligned cybersecurity risk mitigation model specifically designed for digital substations and mapped to representative attack scenarios. The model integrates preventive, detective, and application-level controls derived from NIST SP 800-82r3, IEC 62443, and ISO/IEC 27019, and is validated in a laboratory process-bus environment. A baseline risk assessment identified four high-risk scenarios in the studied digital substation architecture. For validation, a selected subset of controls was experimentally evaluated against two representative attack vectors, namely false data injection (FDI) on GOOSE messages and denial-of-service (DoS) against PTP synchronization. For the remaining scenarios, the post-mitigation effects were reassessed analytically based on control coverage, architectural exposure, and standards-aligned cybersecurity reasoning. The experimental validation demonstrated that both empirically tested high-risk scenarios (FDI on GOOSE and DoS on PTP) were effectively mitigated, reducing their residual risk to moderate and low levels, respectively. For the remaining two scenarios, a post-mitigation analytical reassessment based on control coverage and architectural exposure suggested a consistent risk reduction trend, although without direct experimental confirmation. Under this combined empirical–analytical assessment, the number of high-risk scenarios decreased from four to one, corresponding to a 50% experimentally validated reduction in high-risk exposure, complemented by an analytical reassessment of the remaining scenarios. These results provide quantitative evidence about the effectiveness of the model, even with partial implementation. The scientific contribution of this study lies in integrating multistandard cybersecurity requirements into an operational mitigation model tailored to IEC 61850 substations, combined with experimental risk quantification in a realistic process-bus testbed. The proposed model offers practical guidance for utilities and establishes a scalable foundation for advancing cybersecurity in critical power infrastructure. Full article

Camera-based 3D occupancy prediction commonly relies on bird’s-eye-view (BEV) representations, yet two limitations remain: optimization instability when inserting new modules into pre-trained BEV encoders, and height-agnostic BEV-to-voxel lifting that fails to preserve elevation-aware scene structure. We propose GSH-Occ (Gradient-Shielded and Height-Aware BEV Occupancy Network), a framework that tackles both issues through two complementary mechanisms. Gradient-Shielded Residual Dual Attention (GS-RDA) introduces a zero-initialized residual gate that preserves the identity mapping at initialization, allowing new attention modules to be grafted onto pre-trained encoders without disturbing learned features. Height-Aware Adaptive Lift (HAL) replaces naive channel replication with per-voxel adaptive fusion of BEV features and learnable height embeddings, followed by 3D convolutional refinement to capture vertical structure. On the Occ3D-nuScenes validation benchmark, GSH-Occ achieves 46.92 mIoU, outperforming FlashOcc by $+3.40$ mIoU. Ablation studies confirm that GS-RDA and HAL target distinct failure modes and yield complementary improvements. Full article

This study investigated the use of aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaf extracts as a source of bioactive compounds in edible coatings for strawberry postharvest preservation. Extraction conditions were evaluated by varying solid-to-solvent ratio, temperature, and time, using total phenolic content (TPC) as the response variable. Response surface analysis indicated that the best predicted extraction conditions within the studied range were 1:50 (w/v), 57.36 °C, and 25 min. Among the evaluated treatments, extract C503 (1:50 (w/v), 50 °C, and 25 min) showed the highest experimental TPC (474.62 ± 21.69 mg GAE/g DM) and was selected for further characterization. This extract also showed high antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 7085 ± 72.0 µM FeSO₄/g; ABTS: 4921 ± 149.0 µM Trolox/g) and antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. When incorporated into gelatin- and starch-based edible coatings and applied to strawberries, both coatings reduced mass loss and delayed deterioration during nine days of storage at room temperature. At the end of storage, mass loss was reduced by approximately 25% with the gelatin-based coating and 11% with the starch-based coating. These results support aqueous pomegranate leaf extract as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the development of sustainable edible coatings to improve strawberry preservation. Full article

Inadequate management of urban organic waste generates significant environmental impacts, including the accumulation of biodegradable residues and greenhouse gas emissions. Composting represents a key biotechnological strategy for the valorization of organic waste; however, its efficiency may be limited by long stabilization periods. This study evaluated the effect of a microbial consortium composed of Klebsiella oxytoca, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Pantoea spp. on the composting of organic waste generated at a higher education institution in Colombia using the Earthgreen SAC-2250 Autonomous Composting System. Four treatments based on different proportions of organic waste (OW) and sawdust (DM) were evaluated, and the best-performing formulation was subsequently inoculated with the microbial consortium and compared with a non-inoculated control pile. The 3:1 ratio (OW:DM) showed the best performance, reaching compost stabilization within 45 days. Inoculation with the microbial consortium reduced the stabilization time by approximately 20 days compared with the control treatment. These results demonstrate that microbial bioaugmentation using selected environmental isolates can significantly accelerate organic matter degradation and improve the efficiency of composting systems, providing a promising strategy for sustainable organic waste management in institutional environments. Full article

Pyrolysis liquid (PL) derived from biomass pyrolysis exhibits biopesticidal properties and represents a promising value-added product within the sustainable circular economy framework. However, knowledge about the antimicrobial potential of PLs produced from walnut residue at different pyrolysis temperatures remains limited. We investigated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of PLs obtained from agricultural walnut residue (Juglans regia L.) against selected plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. PLs were produced at four temperature ranges: 200–300 °C (W-1), 300–400 °C (W-2), 400–500 °C (W-3), and 500–600 °C (W-4). Chemical characterization was performed using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), with determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced the chemical profile and bioactive compound content of the PLs, with W-4 showing the highest total phenolic and flavonoid levels. Heavy metal analysis indicated minimal contamination in all samples. Antibacterial activity was observed in stock solutions, whereas diluted applications showed limited effects. The W-4 fraction showed the strongest antibacterial activity and exhibited MIC values of 12.50 µL/mL against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, and 25.00 µL/mL against Erwinia amylovora. Antifungal activity differed markedly across temperature ranges, with W-3 and W-4 displaying superior activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae, achieving complete mycelial growth inhibition at 5%, compared to 10% for W-2 and 20% for W-1. Positive controls confirmed assay validity (ciprofloxacin for antibacterial assays and cycloheximide for antifungal assays), whereas negative controls showed no inhibitory effect. Overall, higher pyrolysis temperatures, particularly 400–600 °C, enhanced the antimicrobial potential of walnut residue-derived PLs, supporting their possible use as bio-based antifungal agents for sustainable crop protection. Full article

During the machining processes, surfaces are often contaminated by cutting fluids, metallic debris, and residual films, which may compromise subsequent operations (e.g., coating, bonding, or precision assembly). In the present study, the effectiveness of several cleaning methods applied to machined metallic surfaces was experimentally evaluated. A set of commonly used industrial metals, including stainless steels, alloy steels, aluminum alloys, and brass, was machined under controlled conditions and subjected to various cleaning treatments, including solvent-based cleaning, ultrasonic washing, and aqueous detergent processes. Surface conditions were first assessed through optical microscopy, focusing on machining grooves as preferential sites for contaminant accumulation. Then, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was employed to better identify residual contaminants. Optical observations highlighted the progressive removal of debris and lubricant residues, while SEM–EDS analyses revealed the presence of thin organic films and localized carbon-rich contaminants, even on apparently clean surfaces. Results show a consistent trend across all materials, with increasing cleaning effectiveness from solvent-based treatments to ultrasonic cleaning and specific aqueous detergent processes. Ultrasonic cleaning proved particularly effective in removing thin films and contaminants in complex geometries, whereas aqueous detergent treatment demonstrated superior performance in eliminating larger debris and achieving overall surface cleanliness. The findings, combining a broad experimental campaign across multiple materials, cleaning treatments, and characterization techniques, underline the importance of multi-scale characterization for a reliable assessment of cleaning efficiency and suggest that combined cleaning approaches may further enhance surface quality in demanding industrial applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The clinical determinants and functional relevance of persistent lung ultrasound (LUS) abnormalities after COVID-19 pneumonia remain poorly characterized. We aimed to identify determinants of qualitative LUS abnormalities and global lung involvement assessed by the LUS score, and to evaluate their association with persistent dyspnoea. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study that included 261 patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia and were assessed 1–6 months after discharge. A standardized 14-zone LUS protocol was used to assess qualitative abnormalities (pleural line irregularity, ≥3 B-lines, and subpleural consolidations) and to calculate the LUS score. Associations with clinical variables, including dyspnoea assessed by the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The severity of the acute pneumonia episode emerged as the strongest determinant of qualitative LUS abnormalities and elevated LUS score (>6). Increasing age was independently associated with ultrasound findings. Persistent dyspnoea (mMRC ≥ 1) was associated with all qualitative abnormalities and with a higher prevalence of elevated LUS score (56.6% vs. 22.1%; p < 0.001). A graded association was observed between dyspnoea severity and both qualitative findings and LUS score. An increase in dyspnoea from baseline (ΔmMRC ≥ 1) remained independently associated with an elevated LUS score. Conclusions: Persistent LUS abnormalities are strongly associated with the severity of the acute episode. The LUS score provides a robust, clinically meaningful measure of residual lung involvement and shows a stronger association with persistent dyspnoea than qualitative findings, supporting its role in follow-up and risk stratification. Full article

Rapid antigen tests targeting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein were essential for decentralised testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent performance evaluations are essential to support regulatory approval and inform clinical implementation, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study presents a retrospective analytical and operational evaluation of two instrument-based fluorescent immunoassays (FIAs): the PCL COVID-19 Ag Rapid FIA and LumiraDx SARS-CoV-2 Ag Test. Analytical sensitivity was determined using recombinant nucleocapsid protein and viral cultures. Clinical performance was assessed using residual clinical specimens (n = 110) with RT-PCR as a reference, stratified by cycle threshold (Ct). Operational characteristics were assessed using a structured Likert framework. Overall sensitivity was 63% (51–73) for PCL and 95% (88–99) for LumiraDx. For Ct ≤ 25, sensitivity increased to 93% and 100%. Specificity was ≥97% for both. LumiraDx maintained sensitivity (83–94%) at Ct 25–30, whereas PCL did not detect any positives in this range. The limit of detection was 39 pM (PCL) and 0.6 pM (LumiraDx). Operational usability was high for both (90% PCL, 87% LumiraDx). LumiraDx showed higher analytical sensitivity across a broader viral load range, supporting primary diagnostic use, whereas PCL was limited to high viral loads. This evaluation provides a reproducible framework for rapid diagnostic assessment during emerging outbreaks. Full article

Stone coal is an important vanadium-bearing resource and a potential source of rare earth elements (REEs). Previous studies have mainly focused on the bulk occurrence, resource potential, and leaching behavior of V or REEs in stone coal, whereas the microscale spatial relationships between V and REEs and their evolution during leaching remain poorly constrained. In this study, three representative stone coal samples were analyzed by synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to characterize the microscale distributions of V and REEs in raw samples and corresponding leaching residues. Pearson correlation analysis was further used to quantify changes in V–REE spatial relationships during leaching. The results showed that V–REE relationships were generally weak and were modified to different extents after leaching. In the GZ sample, the V–Eu correlation coefficient decreased from 0.63 to 0.34, indicating that the migration of V and REEs was not fully synchronized. The three samples also showed different REE distribution tendencies after leaching: GZ showed partial transfer of REEs to the leachate with residual retention, PX showed mixed behavior with appreciable retention in the residue, whereas PZ retained REEs predominantly in the residue. These results suggest that the integrated utilization of V and REEs in stone coal can be better achieved through a staged recovery route, in which the REE recovery pathway is determined according to their actual distribution between the leachate and the residue after V leaching. This study provides a microscale basis for the comprehensive utilization of coal-related critical metal resources. Full article

Background: Maxillary sinus lift is among the most common preprosthetic procedures in the posterior maxilla due to alveolar ridge resorption and the maxillary sinus pneumatization. It often extends treatment duration, significantly increases costs, and is not without complications. Objective: To explore the prevalence and morphology of the palatal bone reservoir as a viable site for dental implant insertion, offering a conservative alternative to avoid maxillary sinus lift. Methods: DICOM data sets from helical CT of maxillofacial trauma patients aged 50 years and older were used to perform virtual dental implant positioning in the edentulous second premolar, first molar, or second molar areas using ImplaStation software (version 5.3.2; ProDigiDent, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ, USA). A 3D Slicer software (version 5.3.2; ProDigiDent, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ, USA) was used to calculate the volume of the palatal bone reservoir and identify its mean density. The density of the residual alveolar process was also identified and compared with that of the previous one. Results: A total of 1822 maxillofacial trauma cases with helical CT between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved. After exclusion, 305 cases were analyzed. A total of 65 implants were virtually positioned in 50 patients. The mean volume of the palatal bone reservoir was 229 ± 139.2 mm³ with a mean radiodensity of 546.7 ± 159.6 HU. The mean radiodensity of the residual alveolar process was 286.3 ± 118.0 HU. The palatal bone reservoir was significantly denser than the residual alveolar process (95% CI [184.2, 336.6]; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The presence of a palatal bone reservoir is not uncommon and can offer a more conservative alternative for implant placement, potentially increasing primary stability and facilitating immediate loading. Full article

Urban emptiness is a recurring spatial condition across contemporary cities, resulting from long-term planning decisions, functional transformations, and shifting socio-economic dynamics. Urban voids are often interpreted as signs of failure or neglect; however, they also represent flexible and open-ended spaces embedded within everyday urban environments. This study develops and tests the Adaptive Void Assessment Framework (AVAF), a five-dimensional typological instrument applied to n = 33 urban voids identified through a systematic grid-based field survey (100 × 100 m resolution) in the central urban zone of Nitra, Slovakia (March 2025–January 2026). The framework evaluates sites across nine indicators spanning openness, social appropriation, ecological succession, temporal persistence, and institutional flexibility, yielding composite Adaptivity Index scores and four dominant adaptive regimes. The findings demonstrate that 34% of identified voids function in a socially active regime while 14% exhibit ecological dominance, with a moderate positive correlation identified between temporal persistence and adaptive capacity (r = 0.46, p < 0.05). This challenges conventional deficit-based classifications and reframes urban voids as active components of the urban metabolism capable of enhancing ecological connectivity and spatial flexibility within post-industrial urban landscapes. This reframes urban voids from residual outcomes of urbanization to spaces with potential for green integration within sustainable contemporary cities. Full article

This study proposes a methodology to identify deteriorated pipes in water distribution networks using prior system information and routine chlorine residual data. While bulk chlorine decay k_bulk can be measured in laboratories, wall decay k_wall depends on pipe material, diameter, and ageing, particularly in unlined metallic pipes. Empirical data were used to estimate k_wall, which was integrated into a Bayesian inference framework solved with Markov Chain Monte Carlo. Applied to an Italian network with synthetic chlorine data, this method demonstrated effectiveness across three test scenarios, exploiting the contrast between k_wall and k_bulk to detect deteriorated pipes within a computationally efficient environment. Full article

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome, predominantly affecting younger women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In hemodynamically stable patients, accumulating evidence supports a conservative management strategy owing to the high rate of spontaneous vessel healing, while technically challenging invasive interventions should be reserved for selected high-risk cases. Despite growing evidence regarding acute management, recurrent SCAD and other adverse cardiovascular events have been reported during follow-up, underscoring the need for surveillance. However, optimal strategies for post-acute follow-up and for assessing the appropriateness of treatment decisions remain insufficiently established. This review focuses on clinical decision-making in the management of SCAD, with particular emphasis on follow-up assessment. We summarize the existing evidence regarding indications for conservative versus invasive treatment and discuss the clinical rationale for longitudinal imaging surveillance. Special attention is given to the role of non-invasive follow-up using coronary computed tomography angiography, including confirmation of vessel healing, evaluation of residual intramural hematoma, and assessment of distal coronary flow. Given the heterogeneity of SCAD and the risk of recurrence, individualized treatment decisions and structured follow-up strategies are essential to optimize management, avoid unnecessary invasive procedures, and support care and risk stratification in patients with SCAD. Full article

Plaque-disclosing agents are widely used to enhance visualization of dental biofilm. However, their chromogenic components may adhere to enamel surfaces, resulting in transient extrinsic discoloration. This study evaluated the extent and short-term recovery of such discoloration and compared three removal modalities in terms of enamel color change (CIEDE2000, ΔE₀₀), surface roughness (Ra), and gloss (GU). Extracted human anterior teeth with intact buccal enamel were stained using an erythrosine-based disclosing agent and randomly allocated into three groups (n = 15): manual brushing with conventional toothpaste, rubber-cup polishing with a perlite-containing paste (1000 rpm, 5 s), or erythritol-based air-polishing (5 s; 50% power/100% water). ΔE₀₀ was measured at baseline, immediately after cleaning, and after 1 week of storage in artificial saliva. Ra and GU were recorded at baseline and post-cleaning. Data were analyzed using appropriate tests (p < 0.05). All modalities were associated with a reduction in visible discoloration without significantly affecting Ra or GU (p > 0.05). Immediate ΔE₀₀ values remained above commonly reported acceptability thresholds, indicating residual discoloration. Partial color recovery occurred after artificial saliva storage. Within the limitations of this study, the findings indicate no statistically significant differences among the tested procedures, without evidence of superiority of any single modality. Full article