Search Results (487)

As mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression become increasingly prevalent in urban populations, there is a critical need to embed restorative functions into the built environment. Urban parks, as integral components of ecological infrastructure, play a vital role in promoting psychological well-being. This study explores how diverse park environments facilitate mental health recovery through multi-sensory engagement, using integrated psychophysiological assessments in a wetland park in Zhengzhou, China. Electroencephalography (EEG) and perceived restoration scores were employed to evaluate recovery outcomes across four environmental types: waterfront, wetland, forest, and plaza. Key perceptual factors—including landscape design, spatial configuration, biodiversity, and facility quality—were validated and analyzed for their roles in shaping restorative experiences. Results reveal significant variation in recovery effectiveness across environments. Waterfront areas elicited the strongest physiological responses, while plazas demonstrated lower restorative benefits. Two recovery pathways were identified: a direct, sensory-driven process and a cognitively mediated route. Biodiversity promoted physiological restoration only when mediated by perceived restorative qualities, whereas landscape and spatial attributes produced more immediate effects. Facilities supported psychological recovery mainly through cognitive appraisal. The study proposes a smart park framework that incorporates environmental sensors, adaptive lighting, real-time biofeedback systems, and interactive interfaces to enhance user engagement and monitor well-being. These technologies enable urban parks to function as intelligent, health-supportive infrastructures within the broader built environment. The findings offer evidence-based guidance for designing responsive green spaces that contribute to mental resilience, aligning with the goals of smart city development and healthy life-building environments. Full article

Mosquitoes detect sound with their antennae, which transmit vibrations to mechanosensory neurons in Johnston’s organ. However, their auditory system is exposed to low-frequency noise such as convective and thermal noise, as well as noise induced by flight, which could impair sensitivity. High-pass filters (HPFs) may mitigate this issue by suppressing low-frequency interference before it is transformed into neuronal signals. We investigated HPF mechanisms in Culex pipiens mosquitoes by analyzing the phase–frequency characteristics of the primary sensory neurons in the Johnston’s organ. Electrophysiological recordings from male and female mosquitoes revealed phase shifts consistent with high-pass filtering. Initial modeling suggested a single HPF; however, experimentally obtained phase shifts exceeding –90° required revising the model to include two serially connected HPFs. The results showed that male mosquitoes exhibit stronger low-frequency suppression (~32 dB at 10 Hz) compared to females (~21 dB), with some female neurons showing negligible filtering. The estimated delay in signal transmission was ~7 ms for both sexes. These findings suggest that HPFs enhance noise immunity, particularly in males, whose auditory sensitivity is critical for mating. The diversity in female neuronal tuning may reflect broader auditory functions in addition to mating, such as host detection. This study provides indirect evidence for HPFs in mosquito hearing and highlights sex-specific adaptations in auditory processing. The proposed dual-HPF model improves our understanding of how mosquitoes maintain high auditory sensitivity in noisy environments. Full article

Background: Neurogenic bladder (NB) in children may lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), renal deterioration, and a reduced quality of life. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the standard of care, but in some patients, CIC may be unfeasible due to anatomical, sensory, or compliance issues. Button cystostomy (BC) has emerged as a minimally invasive, bladder-preserving alternative. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes in the long-term of BC in pediatric NB patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on children with NB who underwent endoscopic BC placement between January 2020 and December 2024 in a tertiary pediatric center. Demographic data, operative time, complications, and follow-up outcomes were collected. All procedures used an endoscopic approach with cystoscopic guidance for safe device placement. Results: Thirty-three patients (25 males; median age 7.96 years) underwent BC placement. Most had spinal dysraphism (63.6%). The mean operative time was 48.5 ± 6 min. During a mean follow-up of 2.1 ± 1.4 years, five patients (15.2%) had febrile UTIs and two had minor leakage. No major complications occurred. Four buttons were removed due to clinical improvement (N = 1), the fashioning of a continent derivation (N = 1) and implantation of a sacral neuromodulator (N = 2); two patients accepted CIC. Satisfaction was reported by 93.9% of families. Conclusions: BC is an effective, minimally invasive alternative for urinary drainage in children with NB, even when compared to continent diversion techniques such as the Mitrofanoff, due to its lower invasiveness, greater feasibility, and lower complication rate. Broader adoption may be warranted, but prospective studies are needed to confirm long-term outcomes. Full article

The global rise in urban-related health issues poses significant challenges to public health, particularly in cities facing socio-economic crises. In Lebanon, 70% of the population is experiencing financial hardship, and healthcare costs have surged by 172%, exacerbating the strain on medical services. Given these conditions, improving the quality and accessibility of green spaces offers a promising avenue for alleviating mental health issues in urban areas. This study investigates the psychological impact of nine urban public spaces in Beirut through a comprehensive survey methodology, involving 297 participants (locals and tourists) who rated these spaces using Likert-scale measures. The findings reveal location-specific barriers, with Saanayeh Park rated highest in quality and Martyr’s Square rated lowest. The analysis identifies facility quality as the most significant factor influencing space quality, contributing 73.6% to the overall assessment, while activity factors have a lesser impact. The study further highlights a moderate positive association (Spearman’s rho = 0.30) between public space quality and mental well-being in Beirut. This study employs a hybrid methodology combining Research for Design (RfD) and Research Through Designing (RTD). Empirical data informed spatial strategies, while iterative design served as a tool for generating context-specific knowledge. Design enhancements—such as sensory plantings, shading systems, and social nodes—aim to improve well-being through better public space quality. The proposed interventions support mental health, life satisfaction, climate resilience, and urban inclusivity. The findings offer actionable insights for cities facing public health and spatial equity challenges in crisis contexts. Full article

Oleogels are a subclass of organogels that present a healthier alternative to traditional saturated and trans solid fats in food products. The unique structure and composition that oleogels possess make them able to provide desirable sensory and textural features to a range of food products, such as baked goods, processed meats, dairy products, and confectionery, while also improving the nutritional profiles of these food products. The fact that oleogels have the potential to bring about healthier food products, thereby contributing to a better diet, makes interest in the subject ever-increasing, especially due to the global issue of obesity and related health issues. Research studies have demonstrated that oleogels can effectively replace conventional fats without compromising flavor or texture. The use of plant-based gelators brings about a reduction in saturated fat content, as well as aligns with consumer demands for clean-label and sustainable food options. Oleogels minimize oil migration in foods due to their high oil-binding capacity, which in turn enhances food product shelf life and stability. Although oleogels are highly advantageous, their adoption in the food industry presents challenges, such as oil stability, sensory acceptance, and the scalability of production processes. Concerns such as mixed consumer perceptions of taste and mouthfeel and oxidative stability during processing and storage evidence the need for further research to optimize oleogel formulations. Addressing these limitations is fundamental for amplifying the use of oleogels and fulfilling their promise as a sustainable and healthier fat alternative in food products. As the oleogel industry continues to evolve, future research directions will focus on enhancing understanding of their properties, improving sensory evaluations, addressing regulatory challenges, and promoting sustainable production practices. The present report summarizes and updates the state-of-the-art about the structure, the properties, and the applications of oleogels in the food industry to highlight their full potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurological disorders often result in a broad spectrum of disabilities that impact mobility, communication, cognition, and sensory processing, leading to significant limitations in independence and quality of life. Assistive technologies (ATs) offer tools to compensate for these impairments, support daily living, and improve quality of life. The World Health Organization encourages the adoption and diffusion of effective assistive technology (AT). This narrative review aims to explore the integration, benefits, and challenges of assistive technologies in individuals with neurological disabilities, focusing on their role across mobility, communication, cognitive, and sensory domains. Methods: A narrative approach was adopted by reviewing relevant studies published between 2014 and 2024. Literature was sourced from PubMed and Scopus using specific keyword combinations related to assistive technology and neurological disorders. Results: Findings highlight the potential of ATs, ranging from traditional aids to intelligent systems like brain–computer interfaces and AI-driven devices, to enhance autonomy, communication, and quality of life. However, significant barriers remain, including usability issues, training requirements, accessibility disparities, limited user involvement in design, and a low diffusion of a health technology assessment approach. Conclusions: Future directions emphasize the need for multidimensional, user-centered solutions that integrate personalization through machine learning and artificial intelligence to ensure long-term adoption and efficacy. For instance, combining brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) with virtual reality (VR) using machine learning algorithms could help monitor cognitive load in real time. Similarly, ATs driven by artificial intelligence technology could be useful to dynamically respond to users’ physiological and behavioral data to optimize support in daily tasks. Full article

During the processing of marinated braised beef, excessive sodium intake is likely to occur, which can lead to various health issues. Exogenous L-lysine (L-Lys), as an essential amino acid for the human body, has the capability to enhance the quality of low-sodium meat products. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous L-Lys on the quality of low-sodium plain boiled beef and marinated braised beef, as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. Among them, the substitution rate of KCl was 60%. This study was conducted with three batches of experiments, each batch serving as an independent parallel. For low-sodium plain boiled beef, the optimal addition level of L-Lys was screened out through the research on the effects on meat quality indicators, water distribution, microstructure, and sensory evaluation. For the quality of low-sodium plain boiled beef, in terms of microstructure, the addition of L-Lys reduced muscle fiber breakage and voids, thereby improving its microstructural characteristics. Combined with quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), the optimal level of additional L-Lys was subsequently determined to be 0.6%. It was further processed into marinated braised beef in soy sauce, and a comparative analysis was conducted with low-sodium marinated braised beef in soy sauce without L-Lys addition for shear force, meat color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total viable count (TVC) during the storage periods of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 d. The results show that the redness (a*) value significantly increased within 0–12 d (p < 0.05), leading to a more stable meat color. Moreover, the addition of L-Lys significantly reduced the shear force and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) values in the marinated braised beef (p < 0.05), thereby optimizing the tenderness of the marinated braised beef and inhibiting lipid oxidation. Although the total viable count (TVC) of the L-Lys group was higher than that of conventional low-sodium marinated braised beef in soy sauce from 9 to 12 d, both groups of products had undergone spoilage by day 12; therefore, the addition of L-Lys had no effect on the shelf life of the products. Comprehensive analysis suggested that the addition of exogenous L-Lys could optimize beef quality by enhancing hydration, improving muscle structural properties, and exerting antioxidant synergistic effects. Full article

The structure of anthocyanins in mulberry wine is highly unstable and, therefore, degrades during the fermentation and aging process. This instability hinders the maintenance of color, affects the sensory quality, and impedes the development of the mulberry wine industry. In this study, high-yielding acetaldehyde yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae GS32 and Candida glabrata GS13, as well as high-yielding pyruvate yeast Candida xestobii D1, were selected from our laboratory’s strain bank for application in mulberry wine fermentation. The objective was to determine the impact of these high-yielding yeasts on improving anthocyanin content and color stability. The results revealed that different strains and inoculation methods significantly influenced anthocyanin content and color stability in mulberry wine. The GS32 exhibited the highest increase in total anthocyanin content, while the D1 showed a superior retention rate for C3G (a specific type of anthocyanin). Over a period of 1–5 weeks of aging time, minimal changes in color were observed across all treatment groups. These findings suggest that fermenting with yeast strains that yield high levels of pyruvate and acetaldehyde is an effective approach to address issues related to the poor stability of anthocyanins in mulberry wine. Full article

Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb) poisoning, is a significant public health issue worldwide. In Bangladesh, Pb contamination of water, soil, air, and food is detected alarmingly. Chronic exposure to Pb leads to severe health complications in the human body, including neurotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and kidney damage. Research has established that there is “no safe level” of Pb exposure, as even minimal exposure can cause detrimental effects. Although existing physical and chemical methods are widely used, they come with limitations, such as high costs and the generation of toxic byproducts. As a green, sustainable alternative, the potential of probiotics as an effective biosorption agent has been explored to reduce Pb contamination in food, especially meat, while preserving its nutritional and sensory properties. This paper aims to integrate current knowledge from these two fields and highlight their capacity to decontaminate Pb-laden meat, the primary protein source in Bangladesh. The study also investigates optimal biosorption parameters, including temperature, pH, and exposure time, to enhance effectiveness. The proposed application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in meat processing and packaging is expected to significantly lower Pb levels in meat, ensuring safer consumption. Full article

In recent years, plant-based fermented foods (PBFs) have become popular all over the world due to their high nutritional value. Compared with traditional foods, PBFs can effectively address dietary issues of high fat content, excessive calories, and elevated cholesterol levels in food formulations, while providing higher nutritional value and enhanced sensory properties (taste and flavor) than conventional plant-based products. These characteristics make PBFs more suitable for people’s yearning for a healthy diet. This review discussed the close relationship between PBFs and human health, elaborating on the definition of PBFs, common types, and the beneficial effects that occur during the fermentation process for human health. Furthermore, we also explored the nutritional value of PBFs. Herein, PBFs are not only rich in probiotics, organic acids, and various bioactive substances that promote gut health and boost immunity but also play a positive role in preventing certain chronic diseases. Finally, this article looks forward to the future development trends of PBFs, predicting their significant potential in healthy eating and sustainability. Full article

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a valuable plant rich in biologically active compounds, mainly found in its berries and leaves. The harvesting process, which includes pruning, freezing, and shaking, leaves behind large amounts of biomass and juice-pressing residues, typically composted. The aim of this study is to expand knowledge of the valorization of sea buckthorn secondary raw materials by applying an innovative pressure cyclic solid–liquid (PCSL) extraction method and to develop value-added functional food products. Extraction was performed in 20 and 60 cycles, each lasting from 2 to 10 min. The highest concentrations of proanthocyanidins (5.51 g_CE/L) and total phenolics (12.42 g_GAE/L) were obtained under prolonged conditions, but the L-4 extract (20 cycles × 2 min) was selected for kombucha production due to its favorable balance between efficiency and sustainability. Microbial safety evaluation showed that kombucha with sea buckthorn leaf extract exhibited significantly stronger antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens compared to green tea kombucha. Additionally, sensory analysis revealed higher consumer acceptability of beverages enriched with sea buckthorn extracts. Shotgun metagenomic analysis identified high microbial diversity in the M. gisevii MI-2 starter culture and fermented kombucha products (227 bacteria and 44 eukaryotes), most of which (92.5% bacteria, 77.8% eukaryotes) remain viable and contribute to fermentation dynamics. New biotechnological strategies and genetic modifications raise concerns about the safe use of microorganisms in food production. To address these issues, these findings provide a foundation for future strategies aimed at the safe application of beneficial microorganisms in food biotechnology and support the long-term goals of the European Green Deal by promoting sustainable biomass valorization and circular economy advancement in the food sector. Full article

The P300 event-related potential, evoked by attending to specific sensory stimuli, is utilized in non-invasive brain–computer interface (BCI) systems and is considered the only interface through which individuals with complete paralysis can operate devices based on their intention. Conventionally, visual stimuli used to elicit P300 have been presented using displays; however, placing a display directly in front of the user obstructs the field of view and prevents the user from perceiving their surrounding environment. Moreover, every time the user changes posture, the display must be repositioned accordingly, increasing the burden on caregivers. To address these issues, we propose a novel system that employs wirelessly controllable LED visual stimulus presentation devices distributed throughout the surrounding environment, rather than relying on traditional displays. The primary challenge in the proposed system is the communication delay associated with wireless control, which introduces errors in the timing of stimulus presentation—an essential factor for accurate P300 analysis. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate how such delays affect P300 detection accuracy. The second challenge lies in the variability of visual stimulus strength due to differences in viewing distance caused by the spatial distribution of stimulus devices. This also requires the validation of its impact on P300 detection. In Experiment 1, we evaluated system performance in terms of wireless communication delay and confirmed an average delay of 352.1 ± 30.9 ms. In Experiment 2, we conducted P300 elicitation experiments using the wireless visual stimulus presentation device under conditions that allowed the precise measurement of stimulus presentation timing. We compared P300 waveforms across three conditions: (1) using the exact measured stimulus timing, (2) using the stimulus timing with a fixed compensation of 350 ms for the wireless delay, and (3) using the stimulus timing with both the 350 ms fixed delay compensation and an additional pseudo-random error value generated based on a normal distribution. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed delay compensation method in preserving P300 waveform integrity. In Experiment 3, a system performance verification test was conducted on 21 participants using a wireless visual presentation device. As a result, statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in amplitude between target and non-target stimuli, along with medium or greater effect sizes (Cohen’s d: 0.49–0.61), were observed under all conditions with an averaging count of 10 or more. Notably, the P300 detection accuracy reached 85% with 40 averaging trials and 100% with 100 trials. These findings demonstrate that the system can function as a P300 speller and be utilized as an interface equivalent to conventional display-based methods. Full article

Introduction: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) “Inspire_© therapy” has garnered popularity among obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients seeking an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The growth in HNS has been particularly high in older adults living with OSA. Consistent and proper use of HNS in the geriatric population faces unique age-associated barriers: a high rate of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and polypharmacy (being on five or more drugs). Early recognition and patient-centered management of these barriers will allow older patients to obtain maximum benefits from HNS. HNS has distinct advantages in the geriatric population because it overcomes many concerns related to CPAP therapy adherence, such as mechanical limitations due to manual dexterity, maxillofacial anatomy, dental issues such as usage of dentures, allergy/otolaryngology-related disorders, and pre-existing post-traumatic stress disorder-related claustrophobia. This paper describes how we worked with older patients with OSA and their care partners to overcome these barriers so patients can continue to derive cardiovascular, neurologic, and quality of life benefits resulting from optimal OSA management. These benefits are especially important in the older population because of higher rates of comorbidities (dementia, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation) exacerbated by sub-optimally treated OSA. In this article, we describe our clinical experience with elderly patients on Inspire_© therapy, with a focus on the everyday difficulties faced by these patients and the measures implemented to address and mitigate these barriers. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients aged 65 and above who underwent hypoglossal nerve stimulator insertion. Experiences of older patients during and after the insertion procedure were documented and compared to a younger population of patients on HNS therapy. We specifically collected information on difficulties encountered during activation or follow-up visits and compared them between the different age groups. Using this information, we identified areas to improve treatment adherence from the patients’ perspectives. Results: We identified 43 geriatric (65 to 86 years old) patients who received the Inspire implant at a tertiary academic medical center and compared them to a younger population of 23 patients. Most common challenges noted—with a potential to impact adherence—included orofacial and lingual neuropraxia (ischemic or demyelination-induced neuropathy) at activation, cognitive dysfunction (memory problems), preexisting anxiety, and insomnia. Other difficulties that are less commonly reported but equally important to consistent and proper use of HNS included headaches, concerns of device malfunction, change in comfort levels after cardiac procedures, and general intolerance of the device. The older patient population had a statistically significant higher incidence of cognitive difficulties (30.2% vs. 4.4%) and a smaller social support system (62.8% vs. 91.3%) affecting device usage compared to the younger population. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of other more commonly reported adverse effects such as headaches, dry mouth, and anxiety between the two age groups. Conclusion: Despite several challenges faced by geriatric patients, Inspire_© hypoglossal nerve stimulation remains a viable, alternative treatment option for OSA with improved tolerance and adherence compared to CPAP. After identifying less commonly reported barriers such as cognitive decline, sensory deficits, and decreased social support systems, minor adjustments and appropriate education on use allows older patients to correctly use and benefit from Inspire_© device therapy, with subsequent improvement in sleep and overall quality of life. Full article

Despite the growth of fruit production, the challenge of postharvest fruit loss particularly in tropical and subtropical fruits due to spoilage, decay, and natural deterioration remains a critical issue, impacting the global food supply chain by reducing both the quantity and quality of fruits postharvest. Edible coatings have emerged as a sustainable solution to extending the shelf life of fruits and decreasing postharvest losses. The precise composition and application of these coatings are crucial in determining their effectiveness in preventing microbial growth and preserving the sensory attributes of fruits. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology into edible coatings has the potential to enhance their functionalities, including improved barrier properties, the controlled release of active substances, and increased antimicrobial capabilities. Recent advancements highlighting the impact of edible coatings are underscored in this review, showcasing how they help in prolonging shelf life, preserving quality, and minimizing postharvest losses of subtropical fresh fruits worldwide. The utilization of edible coatings presents challenges in terms of production, storage, and large-scale application, all while ensuring consumer acceptance, food safety, nutritional value, and extended shelf life. Edible coatings based on polysaccharides and proteins encounter difficulties due to inadequate water and gas barrier properties, necessitating the incorporation of plasticizers, emulsifiers, and other additives to enhance their mechanical and thermal durability. Moreover, high levels of biopolymers and active components like essential oils and plant extracts could potentially impact the taste of the produce, directly influencing consumer satisfaction. Therefore, ongoing research and innovation in this field show great potential for reducing postharvest losses and strengthening food security. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the application of edible coatings and their influence on extending the postharvest longevity of main subtropical fruits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the quality of fresh and fresh-cut subtropical fruits, prolonging their shelf life, and protecting them from deterioration through innovative techniques. Full article

The current rising food prices, influenced by importation costs, the global food crisis, as well as pre- and post-harvest losses, have contributed majorly to malnutrition and food insecurity. Therefore, utilizing technologies that harness our indigenous agro-products as composite flours to develop functional foods will address these issues. In this study, dry raw samples of perishable and healthy yellow potato, yellow maize and pigeon pea were obtained from the agricultural development program, Edo State, Nigeria, and authenticated and processed into gluten-free fermented composite flours. The flours were profiled physicochemically and nutritionally, providing valuable insight into their multiple benefits. An experimental design software (Design Expert 13.0.) was applied to achieve optimum blended flours regarding the ratio of sweet potato–pigeon pea–maize, and mix 5 (67.70:20.00:12.31) displayed more outstanding attributes than other blends for the production of biscuits, bread and cakes using creaming and mixing methods. Various standard tests for flours and products were appropriately carried out to evaluate the proximate, techno-functional, mineral, antioxidant, anti-nutrient, sensory and color values. Individual antioxidant parameters were improved across all products compared to wheat-based products (control) under the same production conditions, showing a statistical significance at p < 0.05. A similar trend was observed in the proximate, anti-nutritional and mineral contents, while all products had a desirable color outlook. A sensory evaluation revealed the general acceptability, while an in vivo animal experimental model revealed that all animals fed with the various product samples gained weight with improved general body organs and no evidence of disease. This research underscores the potential of harnessing agri-value chain approaches in developing functional foods and promoting food security. Full article