Search Results (2,988)

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of driver training programmes aimed at the proper use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs). Participants (N = 49) were divided into the following three groups based on the type of training received: practical training, e-learning, and brief manual instruction. The effectiveness of the training methods was assessed using selected parameters obtained from driving simulator studies, including reaction times and system activation attempts. Given the large volume and nonlinear nature of the input data, a heuristic, expert-based approach was used to identify key evaluation criteria, structure the decision-making process, and define fuzzy rule sets and membership functions. This phase served as the foundation for the development of a fuzzy logic model in the MATLAB environment. The model processes inputs to generate a quantitative performance score. The results indicate that practical training (mean score = 4.0) demonstrates superior effectiveness compared to e-learning (3.09) and manual instruction (mean score = 3.01). The primary contribution of this work is a transparent, data-driven evaluation tool that overcomes the inherent subjectivity and bias of traditional trainer-based assessments. This model provides a standardised and reproducible approach for assessing driver competence, offering a significant advancement over purely qualitative, trainer-based assessments and supporting the development of more reliable certification processes. Full article

A new approach in amperometric enzyme electrodes production based on all-electrochemically assisted procedures will be described. Enzyme (glucose oxidase) immobilization was performed by in situ co-crosslinking of enzyme molecules through electrophoretic protein deposition, assuring enzyme immobilization exclusively onto the transducer surface (Pt electrode). Analogously, the poor selectivity of the transducer was dramatically improved by the electrosynthesis of non-conducting polymers with built-in permselectivity, permitting the formation of a thin permselective film onto the transducer surface, able to reject common interferents usually found in real samples. Since both approaches required a proper and distinct electrochemical perturbation (a pulsed current sequence for electrophoretic protein deposition and cyclic voltammetry for the electrosynthesis of non-conducting polymers), an appropriate coupling of the two all-electrochemical approaches was assured by a thorough study of the likely combinations of the electrosynthesis of permselective polymers with enzyme immobilization by electrophoretic protein deposition and by the use of several electrosynthesized polymers. For each investigated combination and for each polymer, the analytical performances and the rejection capabilities of the resulting biosensor were acquired so to gain information about their sensing abilities eventually in real sample analysis. This study shows that the proper coupling of the two all-electrochemical approaches and the appropriate choice of the electrosynthesized, permselective polymer permits the easy fabrication of novel glucose oxidase biosensors with good analytical performance and low bias in glucose measurement from typical interferent in serum. This novel approach, resembling classical electroplating procedures, is expected to allow all the advantages expected from such procedures like an easy preparation biosensor, a bi-dimensional control of enzyme immobilization and thickness, interferent- and fouling-free transduction of the electrodic sensor and, last but not the least, possibility of miniaturization of the biosensing device. Full article

This study evaluated the wind speed simulation performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at three resolutions in Hebei Province based on wind speed data from 2022. The results show that the simulation effectiveness of the WRF model for wind speeds at different heights varies significantly under different seasons and topographic conditions. In general, the model simulates the wind speed at the high level most accurately, followed by the mid level, and the simulation of low level wind speed shows the largest bias. Increasing the model resolution significantly improves the simulation of low-level wind speed, and the 5 km resolution performs best at most stations; while for the mid-level and high-level wind speeds, increasing the resolution does not significantly improve the simulation effect, and the high-resolution simulation has a greater bias at some stations. In terms of topographic features, wind speeds are generally better simulated in mountainous areas than in the plains during spring, summer, and autumn, while the opposite is true in winter. These findings provide scientific reference for WRF model optimal resolution selection and wind resource assessment. Full article

As yet, no study has investigated the use of a research magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to support undergraduate medical radiation science (MRS) students in developing their MRI knowledge and practical skills (competences). The purpose of this study was to test an innovative program for a total of 10 s- and third-year students of a MRS course to enhance their MRI competences. The study involved an experimental, two-week MRI learning program which focused on practical MRI scanning of phantoms and healthy volunteers. Pre- and post-program questionnaires and tests were used to evaluate the competence development of these participants as well as the program’s educational quality. Descriptive statistics, along with Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t-tests, were used for statistical analysis. The program improved the participants’ self-perceived and actual MRI competences significantly (from an average of 2.80 to 3.20 out of 5.00, p = 0.046; and from an average of 34.87% to 62.72%, Cohen’s d effect size: 2.53, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, they rated all aspects of the program’s educational quality highly (mean: 3.90–4.80 out of 5.00) and indicated that the program was extremely valuable, very effective, and practical. Nonetheless, further evaluation should be conducted in a broader setting with a larger sample size to validate the findings of this feasibility study, given the study’s small sample size and participant selection bias. Full article

This study examines how several gender-encoding strategies in Spanish and social factors influence gender perception, reinforcing or mitigating a sexist male bias. Using an experimental design, we tested four linguistic conditions in a job recruitment context: masculine forms (theoretically generic), gender-splits, epicenes, and non-binary neomorpheme “-e”. After reading a profile in one of these conditions, 837 participants (52% women) selected an image of a woman or man. Results show that masculine forms lead to the lowest selection of female candidates, manifesting a male bias. In contrast, gender-fair language (GFL) strategies, particularly the neomorpheme (les candidates), elicited the highest selection of female images. Importantly, not only did linguistic factors and participants’ gender identity influence results—with male participants selecting significantly more men in the masculine condition, but affinity with feminist movements and LGBTQIA+ communities or positive attitudes towards GFL also modulated responses—increasing female selections in GFL, but reinforcing male selections in the masculine. Additionally, no extra cognitive cost was found for GFL strategies compared to masculine expressions. These findings highlight the importance, not only of linguistic forms, but of social and attitudinal factors in shaping gender perception, with implications for reducing gender biases in language use and broader efforts toward social equity. Full article

This article introduces a novel approach to decomposing the Blinder–Oaxaca gender wage gap using pseudo-panel data. In many developing countries, panel data are not available; however, understanding the evolution of the gender wage gap over time requires tracking individuals longitudinally. When individuals change across time periods, estimators tend to be inconsistent and inefficient. To address this issue, and building upon the traditional Blinder–Oaxaca methodology, we propose an alternative procedure that follows cohorts over time rather than individuals. This approach enables the estimation of both the explained and unexplained components—“endowment effect” and “remuneration effect”—of the wage gap, along with their respective standard errors, even in the absence of true panel data. We apply this methodology to the case of Colombia, finding a gender wage gap of approximately 15% in favor of male cohorts. This gap comprises a −5.6% explained component and a 20% unexplained component without controls. When we control by informality, size of the firm and sector the gap comprises a −3.5% explained component and a 18.7% unexplained component. Full article

Background: Advanced and recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) presents a major therapeutic challenge with limited treatment options and poor outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown efficacy in other HPV-associated malignancies, but their role in VSCC remains poorly defined due to the rarity of the disease and limited clinical trial data. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251067565). A comprehensive literature search identified prospective clinical trials evaluating ICIs in patients with advanced, unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic VSCC. The primary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Risk of bias was assessed using the MINORS tool. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, with subgroup analyses based on PD-L1 status and treatment regimens (monotherapy vs. combination therapy). Results: Six non-randomized single-arm trials involving 181 patients were included. The pooled ORR was 21%, with higher response rates observed in combination therapy (46%) compared to monotherapy (11%), though not statistically significant. Median PFS and OS were 2.2 months and 6.4 months, respectively. ORRs were similar between PD-L1-positive and PD-L1-negative subgroups. A safety analysis showed treatment-related adverse events (AEs) in 73% of patients and grade ≥ 3 AEs in 23%. The incidence of treatment-related death was 3%. Conclusions: ICIs demonstrate modest but durable efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in advanced VSCC. The current evidence supports their use in selected patients. However, response variability and the lack of reliable predictive biomarkers, such as PD-L1 or HPV status, underscore the need for biomarker-driven clinical trials and improved patient selection strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tegoprazan (TPZ) is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer, and Helicobacter pylori infection. It exists in three solid forms: amorphous, Polymorph A, and Polymorph B. This study investigates the molecular basis of polymorph selection, focusing on conformational bias and solvent-mediated phase transformations (SMPTs). Methods: The conformational energy landscapes of two TPZ tautomers were constructed using relaxed torsion scans with the OPLS4 force field and validated by nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE)-based nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Hydrogen-bonded dimers were analyzed using DFT-D. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility, and slurry tests were conducted using methanol, acetone, and water. Kinetic profiles were modeled with the Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (KJMA) equation. Results: Polymorph A was thermodynamically stable across all analyses. Both amorphous TPZ and Polymorph B converted to A in a solvent-dependent manner. Methanol induced direct A formation, while acetone showed a B → A transition. Crystallization was guided by solution conformers and hydrogen bonding. Conclusions: TPZ polymorph selection is governed by solution-phase conformational preferences, tautomerism, and solvent-mediated hydrogen bonding. DFT-D and NMR analyses showed that protic solvents favor the direct crystallization of stable Polymorph A, while aprotic solvents promote the transient formation of metastable Polymorph B. Elevated temperatures and humidity accelerate polymorphic transitions. This crystal structure prediction (CSP)-independent strategy offers a practical framework for rational polymorph control and the mitigation of disappearing polymorph risks in tautomeric drugs. Full article

Background/Objectives: The main purpose of the present scoping review was to map and explore the efficacy of computer-controlled intraosseous anesthesia (CCIA) in comparison with conventional dental anesthesia in pediatric dental patients. Secondarily, this study aimed to compare the acceptance and preference factors between CCIA and conventional dental anesthesia in children. Given the limited and heterogeneous nature of the available literature, this review aimed to identify gaps and scope the extent of research conducted in this area, providing a foundation for future, more targeted studies. Methods: The search was conducted in 19 electronic databases, and the appropriate studies were identified according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Only split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trials that reported on the clinical outcomes of CCIA in children were included. Two reviewers worked independently on the screening and selection of the studies. The same two reviewers carried out the data extraction and the risk of bias assessment, using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Due to the exploratory nature, this review focused on mapping the characteristics, outcomes, and research trends rather than synthesizing effect sizes. Results: Out of 841 papers, 2 randomized clinical trials were ultimately included in the scoping review. The outcomes were categorized as primary (including results that answered the focus question) and secondary (relating to additional quality characteristics). Regarding the primary outcomes, in both studies, intraosseous anesthesia was efficacious in achieving the adequate level of anesthesia. One of the secondary outcomes was the acceptance and preference of CCIA in comparison with conventional dental anesthesia in children. The limited number and the high risk of bias in existing studies highlight the necessity for more comprehensive and high-quality research. Conclusions: The selected studies support the assertion that CCIA is a promising technique since it results in less pain perception and is preferred by patients compared to conventional local anesthesia. However, the existing literature is limited and at high risk of bias. Thus, further targeted investigations are needed to evaluate and yield more definitive results regarding the superiority of CCIA. Full article

The Relative Age Effect (RAE) refers to the advantage that relatively older athletes within the same age group may have in sports. While this phenomenon has been widely documented in numerous disciplines, its presence in orienteering remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to analyse the existence of RAE among Spanish orienteers selected for international competitions organised by the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) between 1987 and 2023. A total of 384 participations (225 male, 159 female) were examined across the European Youth Orienteering Championships (EYOC), Junior World Orienteering Championships (JWOC), and the European and World Orienteering Championships (EOC + WOC). The distribution of birth dates by quartiles and semesters was compared using chi-square tests, Cramér’s V, Z-tests, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The results revealed a significant RAE in male athletes, particularly in JWOC, where those born in the first quartile were up to 3.77 times more likely to be selected than those in the third quartile. In contrast, no significant associations were found in female athletes, which may reflect structural or developmental differences related to sex. These gender-based disparities highlight the importance of integrating sex-specific considerations into selection policies. Overall, the findings suggest a selection bias favouring relatively older males, which may hinder the development of late-born talent. Therefore, it is recommended that selection criteria be reassessed to ensure fairer and more inclusive talent identification and development in youth and elite orienteering. Full article

Peri-urban areas in the Global South are rapidly transforming due to urban expansion, land commodification, and institutional change. Although diverse theoretical perspectives address these dynamics, existing scholarship remains fragmented. This study systematically reviews how various theoretical frameworks deepen our understanding of peri-urban land transformation, focusing on conceptual and institutional dimensions. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review was conducted on 120 studies published between 1996 and 2024, sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and additional unindexed repositories. Eligible studies explicitly addressed peri-urban land issues in the Global South and applied theoretical approaches. Data extraction involved detailed coding of study characteristics, theoretical orientations, and thematic insights. Using open and selective coding, 19 thematic codes were identified. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) conceptualizing peri-urban spaces through territorial, functional, and transitional lenses; (2) institutionalization of place; and (3) theoretical interpretations of land transformation grounded in neoclassical, modernization, neo-Marxist, dependency, structuration, institutionalist, and urban political ecology frameworks. Studies were appraised for theoretical rigor, relevance, and potential conceptual bias. Limitations include the exclusion of non-English studies. Findings highlight the need for pluralistic, context-sensitive frameworks, with political ecology offering a particularly integrative analytical lens to examine global–local power dynamics and socio-natural transformations. This review was funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Georg Forster Fellowship, grant no. 1233452). Full article

Since the advent of composite quantile regression (CQR), its inherent robustness has established it as a pivotal methodology for high-dimensional data analysis. High-dimensional outlier contamination refers to data scenarios where the number of observed dimensions (p) is much greater than the sample size (n) and there are extreme outliers in the response variables or covariates (e.g., p/n > 0.1). Traditional penalized regression techniques, however, exhibit notable vulnerability to data outliers during high-dimensional variable selection, often leading to biased parameter estimates and compromised resilience. To address this critical limitation, we propose a novel empirical likelihood (EL)-based variable selection framework that integrates a Bayesian LASSO penalty within the composite quantile regression framework. By constructing a hybrid sampling mechanism that incorporates the Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm and Metropolis–Hastings (M-H) algorithm within the Gibbs sampling scheme, this approach effectively tackles variable selection in high-dimensional settings with outlier contamination. This innovative design enables simultaneous optimization of regression coefficients and penalty parameters, circumventing the need for ad hoc selection of optimal penalty parameters—a long-standing challenge in conventional LASSO estimation. Moreover, the proposed method imposes no restrictive assumptions on the distribution of random errors in the model. Through Monte Carlo simulations under outlier interference and empirical analysis of two U.S. house price datasets, we demonstrate that the new approach significantly enhances variable selection accuracy, reduces estimation bias for key regression coefficients, and exhibits robust resistance to data outlier contamination. Full article

Introduction: Assessing the quality of patient care within healthcare systems remains a multifaceted challenge due to varying definitions of “quality” and the complexity of care delivery structures worldwide. Patient-centeredness, institutional responsiveness, and contextual adaptability are increasingly recognized as core pillars in quality assessment. Objective: This narrative literature review aims to explore conceptual models and practical frameworks for evaluating healthcare quality, emphasizing tools that integrate technical, functional, and emotional dimensions and proposing a comprehensive model adaptable to diverse health system contexts. Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, covering the years 2000 to 2024. Studies were selected based on relevance to quality assessment models, patient satisfaction, accreditation, and strategic improvement methodologies. The review followed a thematic synthesis approach, integrating structural, process-based, and outcome-driven perspectives. Results: Core frameworks such as Donabedian’s model and balancing measures were reviewed alongside evaluation tools like the Dutch Consumer Quality Index, SERVQUAL, and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA). These models revealed significant gaps between patient expectations and actual service delivery, especially in functional and emotional quality dimensions. This review also identified limitations related to contextual generalizability and bias. A novel integrative model is proposed, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between institutional structure, clinical processes, and patient experience. Conclusions: High-quality healthcare demands a multidimensional approach. Integrating conceptual frameworks with context-sensitive strategies enables healthcare systems to align technical performance with patient-centered outcomes. The proposed model offers a foundation for future empirical validation, particularly in resource-limited or hybrid settings. Full article

Reliable gridded precipitation products (GPPs) are essential for effective hydrological simulations, particularly in mountainous regions with limited ground-based observations. This study evaluates the performance of two widely used GPPs, CHIRPS and ERA5, in estimating precipitation and supporting runoff generation using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) across three headwater catchments (Sill, Drava and Isel) in the Austrian Alps from 1991 to 2018. The region’s complex topography and climatic variability present a rigorous test for GPP application. The evaluation methods combined point-to-point comparisons with gauge observations and assessments of generated runoff and runoff trends at annual, seasonal and monthly scales. CHIRPS showed a lower precipitation error (RMAE = 25%) and generated more consistent runoff results (RMAE = 12%), particularly in smaller catchments, whereas ERA5 showed higher spatial consistency but higher overall precipitation bias (RMAE = 37%). Although both datasets successfully reproduced the seasonal runoff regime, CHIRPS outperformed ERA5 in trend detection and monthly runoff estimates. Both GPPs systematically overestimate annual and seasonal precipitation amounts, especially at lower elevations and during the cold season. The results highlight the critical influence of GPP spatial resolution and its alignment with catchment morphology on model performance. While both products are viable alternatives to observed precipitation, CHIRPS is recommended for hydrological modelling in smaller, topographically complex alpine catchments due to its higher spatial resolution. Despite its higher precipitation bias, ERA5’s superior correlation with observations suggests strong potential for improved model performance if bias correction techniques are applied. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting GPPs based on the scale and geomorphological and climatic conditions of the study area. Full article

Background: This systematic review aimed to assess the outcomes related to the use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) of patients affected by periodontitis and with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science (core collection) were queried up to January 2025. The PICO question investigated the comparison between T2DM patients undergoing NSPT with or without aPDT, in terms of improvement of clinical parameters. Two independent operators performed the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (RoB-2 tool). The meta-analysis examined the reduction in bleeding on probing (BoP) and probing pocket depth (PPD) in sites > 4 mm, reporting mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among 502 studies retrieved, 15 were finally included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. In T2DM individuals, the adjunct of aPDT to NSPT demonstrated a substantial reduction in BoP and PPD after 3 and 6 months compared to the use of NSPT alone. Conclusions: The outcomes of this systematic review suggest that adjunctive aPDT may provide additional benefit to NSPT in reducing inflammation in T2DM patients with periodontitis, indicating that this combined therapy could represent a potentially useful approach for individuals with T2DM. Review registration: registration in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) with ID CRD42024506295 on 6 February 2024. Full article