Search Results (103)

To address the severe multiple-seed pickup problem during the seed-filling process of an air-suction seed metering device for small-seed crops with multiple seeds per hill, a combined seed-cleaning mechanism consisting of an upper seven-tooth seed-cleaning device and a lower seed-cleaning blade was developed based on an analysis of the causes of multiple pickup. Mathematical models of seed motion and force were established to describe the interaction between the seven-tooth seed-cleaning device and the seed population during the cleaning process. The installation position and adjustment mechanism of the device on the seed chamber housing were determined, and its tooth-profile parameters and major operating positions were theoretically analyzed. Accordingly, the design method and calculation models for the key parameters of the seven-tooth seed-cleaning device were established. A quadratic regression orthogonal rotational combination experiment was conducted using three factors affecting cleaning performance: the distance between the apex of the first tooth and the corresponding suction hole, the operating speed of the seed metering device, and the negative pressure. Regression equations were established and response surface analysis was performed. With the seed-cleaning qualification rate as the optimization objective, the optimal parameter combinations were obtained as follows: for millet, 3.36 mm, 3.59 km/h, and 1.43 kPa; for broomcorn millet, 3.49 mm, 4.22 km/h, and 2.11 kPa; and for rapeseed, 3.15 mm, 3.73 km/h, and 1.52 kPa. To reduce the influence of random error, 200 repeated bench tests were conducted for each seed type under its corresponding optimal parameter combination at operating speeds of 2.0–5.0 km/h. The seed-cleaning qualification rates for millet, broomcorn millet, and rapeseed were all above 90%, meeting the design requirements of the seed-cleaning mechanism. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for seed-cleaning mechanisms for air-suction precision seed metering devices for small-seed crops with multiple seeds per hill. Full article

The investigation aimed to determine if live feedback of team- and player-specific global positioning system (GPS) running performance data between bouts of hurling small-sided games (SSGs) altered the physical and physiological responses during subsequent bouts of SSGs during a 6-week hurling pre-season period. Twenty-four (n = 24) hurling players (age 25.5 ± 3.2 years; height 177.9 ± 3.2 cm; body mass 83.5 ± 4.5 kg) received either feedback or no feedback during hurling-specific SSGs across a 6-week pre-season period. Teams were assigned to two specific groups, a) GPS live feedback or b) no GPS live feedback (control) for each session, with feedback provided during the SSG rest interval. Running performance (10-Hz, STATSports, Apex, Northern Ireland), heart rate (Polar T31 coded, Polar Electro, Finland), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Data was analyzed using linear mixed-effect models with the effect size (Cohen’s d) used to determine the size of the effect between feedback and non-feedback conditions. Trivial-o-small differences at all time points were observed in heart rate and RPE measures during SSGs, respectively. Trivial-to-moderate effects were observed between feedback and non-feedback conditions for total distance (p = 0.04; ES = 0.25; small) high-speed running (p = 0.043; ES = 0.59; moderate), maximal speed (p = 0.345; ES = 0.11; trivial) and accelerations (p = 0.03; ES = 0.55; moderate). The current data suggests that coaches and applied practitioners may use live GPS feedback to alter the running and physiological performance within hurling-specific SSGs during a pre-season period. Full article

Accurate spatial information on individual tree locations is essential for precision forestry, the integration of field and remote sensing data, and tree-level forest analyses. This study compared the positional accuracy and tree identification performance of four tree-mapping approaches: legacy paper maps, a pseudolite-based field positioning system (TerraHärp), drone-based laser scanning, and mobile laser scanning (MLS). The analysis was conducted in five long-term experimental forest sites in Lithuania, comprising pine- and spruce-dominated stands with varying stand densities. Tree locations derived from legacy maps and the TerraHärp system were compared to assess systematic and random positional discrepancies. TerraHärp-derived tree positions were subsequently used as a reference to evaluate the laser scanning-based methods. Positional accuracy was assessed using Hotelling’s T² test, root-mean-square error, and the National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA), while spatial autocorrelation of deviations was examined using Moran’s I. The results indicated that discrepancies between TerraHärp and legacy maps were dominated by systematic horizontal shifts in the historical maps, whereas random positional variability was relatively small and consistent across stand types. Drone-based laser scanning showed a strong dependence of tree identification accuracy on stand density and mean tree diameter. Overall, CHM-based segmentation yielded more accurate tree identification than 3D point cloud segmentation, with mean F1-scores of 0.78 and 0.72, respectively. Positional accuracy varied by method, with the largest errors from CHM apexes and highest 3D point cloud points (mean NSSDA ≈ 1.8–2.0 m), improved accuracy using the lowest 3D cluster points (1.45–1.72 m), and the highest accuracy achieved using mobile laser scanning (mean NSSDA 0.76–0.90 m; >95% of trees within 1 m). These results demonstrate that pseudolite-based field mapping provides a reliable reference for high-precision tree location and for integrating field and laser scanning data in managed conifer stands. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity commonly managed with conservative strategies, including bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs). The Canali Postural Method^® (CPM) is an individualized kinesiological approach aimed at postural reprogramming, while the Canali Orthopedic Brace is an intermittent, non-rigid device intended to facilitate active postural control rather than continuous passive correction. Case Presentation: We retrospectively report two adolescent females with thoracolumbar rotoscoliosis (Risser grade 4). Case 1 (15 years) presented with a left-convex thoracolumbar curve (apex T12–L1) with a Cobb angle of 19.4° and a derotation angle ratio (DAR) of 1.9. Case 2 (16 years) presented with a right-convex thoracolumbar curve (apex T10) with a Cobb angle of 41.14° and a DAR of 3.7. Both patients underwent supervised CPM-based exercise sessions combined with intermittent use of the Canali Orthopedic Brace. Discussion and Conclusions: Follow-up radiographs showed a marked reduction in curve magnitude and rotational parameters: in Case 1, the Cobb angle decreased from 19.4° to 4.1° and DAR from 1.9 to 0.4; in Case 2, the Cobb angle decreased from 41.14° to 15.17° and DAR from 3.7 to 1.36. Pelvic asymmetry was also reduced, and no worsening of sagittal alignment was observed. Given the retrospective design, the small sample size, heterogeneity in intervention duration, and the lack of clinical outcomes and formal measurement reliability testing, these findings should be interpreted with caution and warrant confirmation in prospective controlled studies. Full article

Dicer is crucial for the generation of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are essential for regulating gene expression and keeping neuronal health. Dicer’s conditional deletion cuts all spiral ganglion neurons but spares a small fraction of vestibular ganglion neurons, innervating the utricle and part of the saccule. Hair cells develop in the utricle, saccule, posterior crista, and the cochlea in Pax2^Cre; Dicer^f/f. Cochlear hair cells develop at the base and expand the OHC and IHC in the middle, or split into a base/middle and the apex. In contrast, Foxg1^Cre; Dicer^f/f cuts all canal cristae and cochlea hair cells, leaving a reduced utricle and an exceedingly small saccule. Likewise, Foxg1^Cre; Gata3^f/f shows no cochlear hair cells and is absent in the horizontal and reduced in the posterior crista. In contrast, the utricle, saccule, and anterior crista are nearly normal, underscoring the intricate regulatory networks involved in hair cell and neuronal development. The central projections have been described as the topology of various null deletions. Still, without spiral ganglion neurons, fibers from Dicer null mice navigate to the cochlear nuclei and expand into the vestibular nuclei to innervate the caudal brainstem. Beyond a ramification around the CN, no fibers expand to reach the cerebellum, likely due to Pax2 and Foxg1 that cut these neurons. Genetic alterations, such as Dicer deletion, can lead to hearing loss and impairments in auditory signal processing, illustrating the critical role of microRNAs in the development and function of auditory and vestibular neurons. Further studies on this topic could help in understanding potential therapeutic targets for hearing loss associated with neuronal degradation of miRNA. Full article

The current study investigated the relationship between match-play running demands and years of elite hurling experience across the 2021–2023 seasons. Sixty-eight (mean ± SD; Age: 25.5 ± 3.6 years, Mass: 87.5 ± 5.0 kg, Height: 184.2 ± 4.9 cm, Years Elite Experience: 5.3 ± 3.5 years) male elite intercounty hurlers participated. Each participant wore a global positioning system (GPS) unit sampling at 10 Hz (STATSports, Apex, Northern Ireland), and if they played ≥70 min, they were included in the analyses. Distance metrics analysed in metres were total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR) (≥19.8 km·h⁻¹), sprint distance (≥25.2 km·h⁻¹), and high metabolic load distance (HMLD) (≥25.5 W·kg⁻¹). Participants were split into observational groups based on their years of elite experience: Emerging: 1–3 years, Established: 4–6 years, Seasoned: 7+ years. Emerging players covered less HSR (p = 0.039, ES = 0.25, small) and sprint distance (p = 0.019, ES = 0.28, small) compared to Established players. Seasoned players covered fewer TD and HMLD compared to Emerging players (TD: p < 0.001, ES = 0.31, small; HMLD: p < 0.001, ES = 0.34, small) and Established players (TD: p < 0.001, ES = 0.51, small; HMLD: p < 0.001, ES = 0.32, small). The results identified differences in match-play running demands based on years of elite experience. These findings may guide experience-specific conditioning strategies. Full article

The wolf (Canis lupus) is an apex predator with high mobility and trophic plasticity, serving as a valuable indicator of helminth transmission at the wildlife–livestock interface. Given the ecological overlap between wolves and both wild and domestic ungulates in Romania, we aimed to identify and molecularly characterize cestodes from wolves’ small intestines. Between November 2022 and June 2025, small intestines from nine wolves were collected across four Romanian counties, frozen, and examined using classical parasitology (macroscopic and microscopic) and molecular methods (PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of mitochondrial cox1, nad1, and 12S rRNA fragments). Taeniids were detected in three (33.33%) out of nine tested individuals. Genetic analyses confirmed the presence of Taenia krabbei and Taenia hydatigena—species not previously reported in wolves from Romania. This study provides the first molecular evidence of T. krabbei and T. hydatigena in wolves from Romania, and likely Eastern Europe, indicating active transmission and underscoring the need for broader surveillance of hosts to clarify their ecology and regional dynamics within a One Health context. Full article

The operation of microgravity research missions, such as sounding rockets, CubeSats, and small landers, typically relies on proprietary mission control infrastructures, which limit reproducibility, portability, and interdisciplinary use. In this work, we present an open-source blueprint for a distributed ground-segment architecture designed to support telemetry, telecommand, and mission operations across institutional and geographic boundaries. The system integrates containerized services, broker bridging for publish–subscribe communication, CCSDS-compliant telemetry and telecommand handling, and secure virtual private networks with two-factor authentication. A modular mission control system based on Yamcs was extended with custom plug-ins for CRC verification, packet reassembly, and command sequencing. The platform was validated during the MAPHEUS-10 sounding rocket mission, where it enabled uninterrupted remote commanding between Sweden and Germany and achieved end-to-end command–response latencies of ~550 ms under flight conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first open-source ground-segment framework deployed in a space mission. By combining elements from computer science, aerospace engineering, and systems engineering, this work demonstrates how interdisciplinary integration enables resilient, reproducible, and portable mission operations. The blueprint offers a practical foundation for future interdisciplinary research missions, extending beyond sounding rockets to CubeSats, ISS experiments, and planetary landers. This study is part two of a three-part series describing the apex Mk.2/Mk.3 experiments, open-source ground segment, and service module simulator. Full article

After the successful flight of the first Advanced Processors, Encryption, and Security Experiment (apex) Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) On-Board Computer (OBC) during the Propulsion Technologies and Components of Launcher Stages (ATEK)/Material Physics Experiments Under Microgravity (MAPHEUS)-8 sounding rocket campaign, a second generation of COTS OBCs were built, leveraging the knowledge gained. This new concept and improvements are provided. The Mk.2 Science Camera Platform (SCP) has an instrumented high-definition science camera to research the behavior of small organisms such as Trichoplax adhaerens under challenging gravity conditions, while the Mk.3 Student Experiment Sensorboard (SES) represents an Arduino-like board that directly interfaces with the MAPHEUS Service Module and allows for rapid development of new sensor solutions on sounding rocket systems. Both experiments were flown successfully on MAPHEUS-10, including a biological system as a proof of concept, and paved the way for an even more capable third generation of apex OBCs. This study is part one of a three-part series describing the apex Mk.2/Mk.3 experiments, open-source ground segment, and service module simulator. Full article

Background: While widely investigated in implantology and nonsurgical endodontics, evidence on the application of dynamic navigation systems (DNSs) in endodontic surgery remains limited. This systematic review aimed to assess their accuracy and reliability based on two-dimensional and three-dimensional virtual deviations, osteotomy parameters, as well as procedural duration, the impact of the dentist’s level of expertise, endodontic surgery healing outcomes, complications, and dentist- and patient-reported feedback. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, an electronic search was conducted across the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PROSPERO (CRD420251056347) databases up to 23 April 2025. Eligible studies involved human subjects (cadaveric or live) undergoing endodontic surgery with dynamic navigation. Extracted data focused on accuracy metrics such as platform/apical depth deviation and angular deflection. Results: Fourteen studies involving 240 roots were included. DNSs showed high accuracy, with mean platform and apical deviations of 1.17 ± 0.84 mm and 1.21 ± 0.99 mm, respectively, and angular deflection of 2.29° ± 1.69°, as well as low global deviations, averaging 0.83 ± 0.34 mm at the platform and 0.98 ± 0.79 mm at the apex. Root-end resections averaged 3.02 mm in length and 7.49° in angle deviation. DNS-assisted steps averaged 5.6 ± 2.56 min. Healing outcomes were favorable and complications were infrequent. Conclusions: DNSs demonstrated satisfactory accuracy and efficiency and, in the included studies, were linked to favorable healing outcomes and a low occurrence of intra- and postoperative complications. Nevertheless, the current evidence is still limited by the small number of available studies, and the heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures, highlighting the need for further studies to define the clinical implications of DNSs in endodontic surgery. Full article

Background: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), represent a spectrum of systemic disorders characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small- to medium-sized vessels. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a validated, non-invasive technique routinely employed in the assessment of microvascular involvement in systemic sclerosis and in the differential diagnosis of Raynaud’s phenomenon; its application in the context of AAV, particularly EGPA, has not been investigated yet. The present study aims to assess the presence and the possible pattern of microcirculatory abnormalities detected by NVC in EGPA patients, and to explore potential correlations between capillaroscopic findings and disease activity status. Methods: A total of 29 patients with EGPA (19 women and 10 men), aged between 51 and 73 years, and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were retrospectively enrolled between October 2023 and April 2025, after providing informed consent and meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. NVC was conducted in both groups to assess various morphological parameters, and mean capillary density was also calculated. Results: This study observed the presence of capillaroscopic alterations in the EGPA group, including decreased capillary density (38%), neoangiogenesis (72%), rolling (100%), pericapillary stippling (66%), and inverted capillary apex (52%). Overall, when comparing healthy controls with EGPA patients, microcirculatory abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in the latter. Specifically, scores for neoangiogenesis, capillary rolling, pericapillary stippling, and inverted capillary apex showed p-values < 0.001. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a higher prevalence of four nailfold videocapillaroscopic abnormalities in patients with EGPA compared to healthy controls. However, the identification of these capillaroscopic alterations as specific to EGPA requires further confirmation. Ongoing studies aim to explore the potential role of NVC as a diagnostic marker and to investigate its correlation with the clinical manifestations of EGPA. Full article

Background/Objectives: It remains unclear whether certain areas of the prostate are more difficult to accurately sample using MRI/US-fusion-guided freehand single-access transperineal prostate biopsy (FSA-TP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection rates of clinically significant (cs) and clinically insignificant (ci) prostate cancer (PCa) in each prostate zone during FSA-TP MRI-target biopsies (MRI-TBs) and systematic biopsies (SB). Methods: This monocentric observational study included a cohort of 277 patients with no prior history of PCa who underwent 3 MRI-TB cores and 14 SB cores with an FSA-TP from January to December 2023. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was assessed to evaluate the correlation between the Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) of the index lesion and the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade stratified according to prostate zone and region of index lesion at MRI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with PCa and csPCa in patients with discordant results between MRI-TB and SB. Results: FSA-TP-MRI-TB demonstrated higher detection rates of both ciPCa and csPCa in the anterior, apical, and intermediate zones when each of the three MRI-TB cores was analysed separately (p < 0.01). However, when all MRI-TB cores were combined, no significant differences were observed in detection rates across prostate zones (apex, mid, base; p = 0.57) or regions (anterior vs. posterior; p = 0.34). Concordance between radiologic and histopathologic findings, as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was similar across all zones (apex ICC: 0.33; mid ICC: 0.34; base ICC: 0.38) and regions (anterior ICC: 0.42; posterior ICC: 0.26). Univariate analysis showed that in patients with PCa detected on SB but with negative MRI-TB, older age was the only significant predictor (p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with PCa detected on MRI-TB but with negative SB, only PSA remained a significant predictor (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4; p = 0.01). In cases with csPCa detected on MRI-TB but with negative SB, age (OR: 1.0, 95% CI 1.0–1.1; p = 0.02), positive digital rectal examination (OR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8; p = 0.03), PI-RADS score >3 (OR: 4.5, 95% CI 1.7–12.1; p < 0.01), and larger lesion size (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.1–1.2; p < 0.01) were significant predictors. Conclusions: FSA-TP using 14 SB cores and 3 MRI-TB cores ensures comprehensive sampling of all prostate regions, including anterior and apical zones, without significant differences in detection rates between nodules across different zones. Only in a small percentage of patients was csPCa detected exclusively by SB, highlighting the small but important complementary value of combining SB and MRI-TB. Full article

The Xingyi Fauna yields abundant and well-articulated skeletons of Ladinian (Middle Triassic, ab. 240 Ma) marine reptiles, associated with fishes, conodonts, crinoids, ammonoids, bivalves, arthropods, and other fossils including nannofossils and coprolites. It represents a new marine ecosystem fully developed after the end-Permian Mass Extinction, and characterized by the appearance of a diversity of large marine reptiles with large ichthyosaurs as the apex predators. Twenty marine reptile and 17 fish species have been reported. The sequence of the Xingyi Fauna records the transition from a marine ecosystem dominated by air-breathing tetrapods extending across the shallow platform to the deep ocean, as indicated by large marine reptiles with a capability for long-distance cruising into the outer sea. The faunal composition of the Lower Assemblage of the Xingyi Fauna, dominated by small- to medium-sized pachypleurosaurids and nothosaurids, is similar to that of the older Anisian Panxian Fauna and the western Tethyan Monte San Giorgio Fauna, but the faunal composition of the Upper Assemblage, with large ichthyopterygians, pistosauroid sauropterygians, and flying fishes, is similar to that of the younger Carnian Guanling Biota as well as the Raibl and Polzberg Faunas in the Alps and California. Therefore, the Xingyi Fauna can be considered a hub of paleobiogeological exchange connecting the western Tethys and the eastern Pathalassa. Full article

Background: Invasive aspergillosis with orbital apex and intracranial involvement is rare and often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific imaging findings. Misinterpretation may lead to inappropriate therapies, such as corticosteroids, which can exacerbate fungal infections. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old immunocompetent woman with diabetes mellitus presented with right ptosis and systemic malaise. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed three months prior had shown a subtle low-signal lesion in the right orbital apex. The lesion was small and thought to represent a granulomatous process, with minimal systemic inflammation and only mild surrounding changes on imaging. Biopsy was considered too invasive at that stage, and the patient was placed under observation. Over time, her condition progressed, and repeat imaging revealed intracranial extension, including involvement of the cavernous sinus and frontal lobe. Differential diagnoses included granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, prompting empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment. However, the patient’s condition worsened, and biopsy of the sphenoid sinus revealed septated fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus species on Grocott staining. Voriconazole therapy was initiated, resulting in significant clinical and radiological improvement. Discussion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of identifying orbital apex aspergillosis with early MRI changes and demonstrates the risk of misdiagnosis as granulomatous disease. Differentiating fungal infections from other inflammatory etiologies based on subtle imaging features is critical, especially when considering immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion: Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for fungal infections in patients with progressive orbital apex lesions, even in the absence of classic immunosuppression. Early imaging review and biopsy are essential to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Full article

Research on anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in wildlife has primarily focused on apex predators, with less attention given to their potential integration into lower trophic levels and the associated exposure pathways. At the base of the terrestrial food web, invertebrates have been suggested as potential vectors of ARs to insectivorous species such as small mammals, reptiles, and birds. To explore this hypothesis, we analyzed the presence of nine anticoagulant rodenticides—including both first-generation (FGARs) and second-generation (SGARs) rodenticides—in 36 liver samples from Yemen chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and 98 liver samples from six non-raptorial, predominantly insectivorous bird species from the Canary Islands. Through HPLC-MS/MS analysis, only SGARs were detected in both animal groups collected between 2021 and 2024. Approximately 80% of reptiles and 40% of birds tested positive for at least one SGAR, with brodifacoum being the most frequently detected compound. In more than 90% of positive cases, it was found as the sole contaminant, while co-occurrence with other SGARs was uncommon. Additionally, most concentrations were below 50 ng/g wet weight, except for two bird specimens, suggesting heterogeneous exposure scenarios and potential variability in contamination sources across individuals. These findings provide evidence of AR integration at the base of the terrestrial food web in the Canary Islands and suggest secondary exposure via invertebrates as a plausible route of contamination. Further research directly analyzing invertebrate samples is needed to confirm their role as vectors of ARs to insectivorous wildlife in insular ecosystems. Full article