Search Results (4,396)

Most research on domestic dog (Canis familiaris) behavior has focused on pets with restricted movement. However, free-ranging dogs exist in diverse cultural contexts globally, and their interactions with humans are less understood. Tourists can facilitate unrestricted dog movement into wilderness areas, where they may negatively impact wildlife. This study investigated which stimuli—namely, voice, touch, or food—along with inherent factors (age, sex, sociability) motivate free-ranging dogs to follow a human stranger. We measured the distance (up to 600 m) of 129 free-ranging owned and stray dogs from three villages in southern Chile as they followed an experimenter who presented them one of the above stimuli or none (control). To evaluate the effect of dog sociability (i.e., positive versus stress-related or passive behaviors), we performed a 30 s socialization test (standing near the dog without interacting) before presenting a 10 s stimulus twice. We also tracked whether the dog was in the company of other dogs. Each focus dog was video-recorded and tested up to three times over five days. Generalized linear mixed-effects models revealed that the food stimulus significantly influenced dogs’ motivation to follow a stranger, as well as a high proportion of sociable behaviors directed towards humans and the company of other dogs present during the experiment. Juveniles tended to follow a stranger more than adults or seniors, but no effects were found for the dog’s sex, whether an owner was present, the repetition of trials, the location where the study was performed, or for individuals as a random variable. This research highlights that sociability as an inherent factor shapes dog–stranger interactions in free-ranging dogs when food is given. In the context of wildlife conservation, we recommend that managers promote awareness among local communities and tourists to avoid feeding dogs, especially in the context of outdoor activities close to wilderness. Full article

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics stands out. In the frame of our ongoing studies aiming to highlight the biodiversity and the chemodiversity of natural resources, we investigated the phenolic and saponin content of the cultivar “Carciofo di Procida” collected at Procida, an island of the Gulf of Naples (Italy). Along with the edible part of the immature flower, we included in our analyses the stem and the external bracts, generally discarded for food consuming or industrial preparations. The LCMS quali-quantitative profiling of polyphenols (including anthocyanins) and cynarasaponins of this cultivar is reported for the first time. In addition to antioxidant properties, we observed a significant cytotoxic activity due to extracts from external bracts against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines with 43% of cell viability, after 24 h from the treatment (50 μg/mL), and less potent but appreciable effects also against human colorectal adenocarcinoma CaCo-2 cells. This suggests that the different metabolite composition may be responsible for the bioactivity of extracts obtained from specific parts of artichoke and foresees a possible exploitation of the discarded material as a source of beneficial compounds. Full article

Background: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the application of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS) to enhance and rehabilitate the language abilities in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: The aim of this narrative literature review is to investigate the usefulness of rTMS and tDCS to improve language abilities in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Methods: This narrative literature review was conducted through a search of the PubMed online database to identify studies investigating the effects of multiple sessions of rTMS or tDCS on language abilities in PPA patients, applied either as stand-alone interventions or in combination with language treatment. Results: Thirty-three studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria; five studies employed rTMS without language treatment; two studies applied tDCS as stand-alone intervention; twenty-two studies combined tDCS with language treatment; and four studies assessed the effects of tDCS during verbal task without language treatment. Conclusions: rTMS and tDCS applied with or without concomitant language treatment appear to be promising interventions for enhancing language abilities in PPA, with sustained effects reported over time. Further research is necessary to optimise stimulation protocols and to improve our understanding of their long-term effects. Moreover, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with larger sample sizes are critically needed to clarify the true impact of brain stimulation in PPA, with a focus on changes in cognitive and functional performance, neural activity, and potential molecular correlates. Full article

In the study of biomechanical models, balance represents a complex problem due to the issue of indeterminate forces while standing. In order to solve this problem, it is essential to measure the ground reaction forces (GRFs) applied to each foot independently. The present work proposes a methodology for determining the independent GRF applied to each foot while standing when only one forceplate is available. For this purpose, an analytical method is proposed to determine the distribution of vertical GRFs and the position of the independent center of pressure (CoP) in each foot. Concurrently, several neural network (NN) models are trained to improve the results obtained. This hypothesis is experimentally validated by a self-developed device that allows one to simultaneously obtain the vertical GRF and CoP location of each foot at the same time that the GRF and the global CoP location are obtained from a single forceplate. The results obtained achieve a CoP position error of less than 8% and a vertical force error of 2%. The analytical hypothesis is demonstrated to offer a satisfactory level of precision, while the NN is shown to result in considerable improvement in some cases. Full article

Cassiterite polymetallic sulfide ore exhibits a complex mineral composition and significant variations in mineral properties, which frequently lead to issues such as the over-grinding of cassiterite and under-grinding of sulfide minerals during the grinding process. These issues consequently impair liberation performance in subsequent beneficiation stages. Among these factors, the grinding media ratios stand as one of the critical factors influencing grinding efficiency. Based on these, the paper adopts the single-factor test method to systematically study the influence law of factors such as grinding time, mill rotational rate, and mill filling rate on the particle size composition of ore grinding products and the grinding technology efficiency under different media conditions; in addition, it is compared with the influence law of different conditions of media ratios on the grinding efficiency of ore. The results show that the optimal parameters of the grinding operation are obtained at the grinding time of 4 min, the mill rotational rate of 60%, and the filling rate of 35%. The grinding time and mill filling rate have a relatively more significant effect on the product particle size distribution, while the effect of the mill rotational rate is relatively less significant. When the parameters of grinding operations are optimal, the yield of qualified particle size and grinding technical efficiency are used as the evaluation indices, respectively. Overall, the order of the grinding effect of different media conditions was as follows: steel ball combination of Φ20 mm and Φ25 mm > steel balls of three single sizes > steel ball combination of Φ20 mm and Φ30 mm. The optimal grinding media ratios are Φ20 mm and Φ25 mm (the percentage of the Φ20 mm ball is 90%). The reasonable media ratios will effectively coordinate the optimal grinding effect between different media. The research results can provide the necessary basic data for the subsequent grinding optimization of cassiterite polymetallic sulfide ores. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging is associated with a gradual decline in physical capabilities, often leading to impaired balance and reduced functional status, which are major contributors to falls in older adults. Although many studies have assessed these variables independently, a limited amount of research has explored the direct relationship between balance and functional status in a healthy geriatric population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between balance and functional capacity and to assess the influence of demographic factors such as age, comorbidities, smoking status, and history of falls. Methods: A sample of community-dwelling older adults (19 women, 16 men) (n = 35), aged 60 years and above (M = 78 years; SD = 9.23) from Sparta, Greece, took part in the present study. Participants were assessed using three validated tools: (a) the Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, (b) the Timed Up-and-Go test, and (c) the Berg Balance Scale. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Age was positively correlated with poorer performance in the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (r = 0.40; p < 0.01) and the Timed Up-and-Go test (r = 0.47; p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with Berg Balance Scale scores (r = −0.51; p < 0.01). Comorbidities and smoking were also associated with the Berg Balance Scale. A strong negative correlation was observed between balance and the other two functional tests (Five Times Sit-to-Stand: r = −0.51; Timed Up-and-Go: r = −0.66; both p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of evaluating both balance and functional capacity in older adults as interrelated factors that can significantly influence quality of life and fall risk. Future research with larger and more diverse populations is recommended to confirm the present findings and to use exercise programs to prevent falls in the geriatric population. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) persists for several years but must be rotated to another crop before replanting. Kura clover (T. ambiguum M. Bieb) is a perennial legume that can persist indefinitely without replanting; however, establishment is slow, which limits economic returns during the process. Two studies, each with four randomized complete blocks, were planted in two consecutive years at New Mexico State University’s Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM, USA, as the first known assessment evaluating alfalfa as an economic nurse crop during kura clover establishment using various kura clover–alfalfa drilled and broadcast planting arrangements. Irrigation termination due to drought limited yield measurements to three years after seeding. In that time, kura clover–alfalfa mixtures generally yielded equally to monoculture alfalfa, except for alternate row planting. After 5 years, the alfalfa stand percentage remained >80%, except for the alternate row treatment (69% stand). Kura clover monocultures attained about 40% stand, and the mixtures had a <25% stand. Alfalfa may persist for more than 5 years before relinquishing dominance to kura clover in mixtures, but the alfalfa would continue to provide economic returns as kura clover continues stand development with minimal production, but develops its root system to maximize production when released from the alfalfa nurse crop. Full article

The periodic vehicle routing problem (PVRP) is a well-known challenge in real-life logistics, requiring the planning of vehicle routes over multiple days while enforcing visitation frequency constraints. Although numerous metaheuristic and exact methods have tackled various PVRP extensions, real-world settings call for additional features such as depot configurations, tight visitation frequency constraints, and heterogeneous fleets. In this paper, we present a two-phase biased–randomized algorithm that addresses these complexities. In the first phase, a round-robin assignment quickly generates feasible and promising solutions, ensuring each customer’s frequency requirement is met across the multi-day horizon. The second phase refines these assignments via an iterative search procedure, improving route efficiency and reducing total operational costs. Extensive experimentation on standard PVRP benchmarks shows that our approach is able to generate solutions of comparable quality to established state-of-the-art algorithms in relatively low computational times and stands out in many instances, making it a practical choice for real life multi-day vehicle routing applications. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar erector spinae plane (TL-ESP) block in standing horses. A total of 24 injections (n = 12) were performed at the L1 level using either 0.1 mL/kg of saline solution (SS group) or 2% lidocaine (LID group). The block feasibility was assessed based on needle visualization and injection time, while efficacy was evaluated through craniocaudal and dorsoventral (DV) spread using the pinprick technique over 270 min. Desensitization was observed at least once in 100% of horses in the LID group and in 75% in the SS group (p = 0.001). However, in the SS group, desensitization was primarily limited to the Th18 metamer at the 2 cm DV position, with a shorter duration compared to the LID group. The block onset occurred at 22.5 (11.25–60) min in the LID group and at 5 (5–30) min in the SS group (p = 0.069). The number of affected metamers was significantly higher in the LID group (2 [1–3]) compared to the SS group (1 [1–2.25], p = 0.014). At the 2 cm DV point, the end of the block effect occurred at 135 (120–210) min in the LID group and at 60 (3.75–60) min in the SS group (p = 0.001). Needle visualization was excellent in 95.8% of cases, and the mean injection time was 2.5 (2–3) min. These findings confirm that the TL-ESP block is a feasible technique in standing horses. However, its effect is predominantly localized to dorsal dermatomes with a limited ventral spread. Future studies evaluating larger volumes and multiple injection sites are warranted to enhance its clinical applicability. Full article

Background and Objectives: Functional capacity assessment is essential in bariatric surgery candidates, but the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) may be limited by fatigue, joint pain, and spatial constraints in individuals with severe obesity. Shorter tests such as the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Three-Minute Walk Test (3MWT), and One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1MSTS) have been proposed as alternatives, yet comparative data in this population remain scarce. We aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and clinical utility of the 2MWT, 3MWT, and 1MSTS as substitutes for the 6MWT in patients preparing for bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 142 obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) underwent standardized 2MWT, 3MWT, 6MWT, and 1MSTS protocols. Correlation, linear regression, test–retest reliability (ICC), and ROC analyses were used to determine each test’s correlation and discriminative accuracy for impaired exercise tolerance (6MWT < 450 m). Results: The 3MWT showed the strongest correlation with the 6MWT (r = 0.930) and the highest explained variance (R² = 0.865), especially in individuals with BMI > 50. It also exhibited excellent reliability (ICC > 0.9) and a strong ROC profile (AUC = 0.931; 212 m cut-off). The 2MWT demonstrated acceptable concurrent validity but slightly lower agreement. The 1MSTS showed weak and inconsistent associations with 6MWT performance, suggesting limited value in assessing aerobic capacity in this population. Conclusions: The 3MWT appears to be a valid, reliable, and clinically practical alternative to the 6MWT in individuals with severe obesity. The 2MWT may be used when time or patient tolerance is limited. The 1MSTS, while safe and simple, may reflect strength and coordination more than aerobic capacity, limiting its utility in this context. Full article

This pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—provided in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine:isoleucine:valine—combined with exercise on fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life in older adults. Twenty participants (63% female; BMI: 35 ± 2 kg/m²; age: 70.5 ± 1.2 years) were randomized to 8 weeks of either exercise + BCAAs (100 mg/kg body weight/d) or exercise + placebo. The program included moderate aerobic and resistance training three times weekly. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, chair stands, gait speed, VO₂ max, and a 400 m walk. Psychological health was evaluated using the CES-D, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and global pain, fatigue, and quality of life using a visual analog scale (VAS). Significant group x time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.03), chair stands (p < 0.01), and 400 m walk time (p < 0.01). Compared to exercise + placebo, exercise + BCAAs showed greater improvements in strength, mobility, and endurance, along with reductions in fatigue (−45% vs. +92%) and depressive symptoms (−29% vs. +5%). Time effects were also observed for ISI (−30%), FAS (−21%), and VAS quality of life (16%) following exercise + BCAA supplementation. These preliminary results suggest that BCAAs combined with exercise may be an effective way to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue and depressive symptoms in older adults. Full article

The fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) stands as a pivotal parameter within the Earth system, quantifying the energy exchange between vegetation and solar radiation. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for comprehensive validation studies to accurately quantify uncertainties and improve the reliability of FAPAR-based applications. This study validated five global FAPAR products, MOD15A2H, MYD15A2H, VNP15A2H, GEOV2, and GEOV3, over four boreal forest sites in North America. Qualitative quality flags (QQFs) and quantitative quality indicators (QQIs) of each product were analyzed. Time series high-resolution reference FAPAR maps were developed using the Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 dataset. The reference FAPAR maps revealed a strong agreement with the in situ FAPAR from AmeriFlux (correlation coefficient (R) = 0.91; root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.06). The results revealed that global FAPAR products show similar uncertainties (RMSE: 0.16 ± 0.04) and moderate agreement with the reference FAPAR (R = 0.75 ± 0.10). On average, 34.47 ± 6.91% of the FAPAR data met the goal requirements of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), while 54.41 ± 6.89% met the threshold requirements of the GCOS. Deciduous forests perform better than evergreen forests, and the products tend to underestimate the reference data, especially for the beginning and end of growing seasons in evergreen forests. There are no obvious quality differences at different QQFs, and the relative QQI can be used to filter high-quality values. To enhance the regional applicability of global FAPAR products, further algorithm improvements and expanded validation efforts are essential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition in older adults is both preventable and treatable, yet its detection and etiology remain complex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and various factors involved in the etiology of malnutrition in community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older in a health center in Ağrı, Türkiye. The nutritional status of older adults was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a series of validated instruments, including the Standardized Mini Mental Examination (MMSE), body composition measurements (BIA), dietary intake records, and physical performance tests such as hand grip strength, chair stand, and Timed ‘Up & Go’ (TUG) Test. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for group comparisons and logistic regression to investigate independent factors associated with risk of malnutrition. Results: A total of 182 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 72.1 ± 6.0 years. Of the participants, 59.3% were male. 1.6% of the participants were malnourished, and 25.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Perceived health status compared to peers (OR: 1.734, 95% CI: 1.256–2.392, p = 0.001), lower appetite status (OR: 1.942, 95% CI: 1.459–2.585, p < 0.001) and lower waist circumference (OR: 1.089, 95% CI: 1.040–1.140, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of malnutrition risk. Conclusions: The risk of malnutrition was higher among individuals with lower appetite, poorer self-perceived health status compared to peers, and smaller waist circumference. Reduced physical function and strength were also associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. Full article

Departure punctuality (KPI01) and ATFM slot adherence (KPI03) have been emphasized by the International Civil Aviation Organization as key performance indicators (KPIs) in the Global Air Navigation Plan. To address the inherent conflict between these two objectives in departure scheduling, a multi-objective optimization model is proposed that aims to simultaneously enhance departure punctuality, ATFM slot adherence, and taxiing efficiency. A simulated annealing algorithm based on a resource transmission mechanism was developed to solve the model effectively. Based on full-scale operational data from Nanjing Lukou International Airport in June 2023, the empirical results confirm the model’s effectiveness in two primary dimensions: (1) Significant improvement in taxiing efficiency: The average unimpeded taxi-out time was reduced by 6.4% (from 17.2 to 16.1 min). The number of flights with taxi-out times exceeding 30 min decreased by 58%. For representative taxi routes (e.g., stand 118 to runway 6), the excess taxi-out time was reduced by 82.3% (from 5.61 to 1.10 min). (2) Enhanced operational punctuality: Departure punctuality improved by 10.7% (from 67.9% to 78.7%), while ATFM slot adherence increased by 31.2% (from 64.6% to 95.8%). This study presents an innovative departure scheduling approach and offers a practical framework for improving collaborative operational efficiency among airports, air traffic management units, and airlines. Full article

This study explores the self-healing properties of polyurethane nanocomposites enhanced by multiple hydrogen bonds from ureido-pyrimidinone and the incorporation of 1–3 wt.% graphene nanoparticles, based on polyol α,ω-dihydroxy[oligo(butylene-ethylene adipate)]diol, which, according to our knowledge, has not been previously used in such systems. These new materials were synthesized via a two-step process and characterized by their thermal, mechanical, chemical, and self-healing properties. The mechanical analysis revealed that all nanocomposites exhibited high self-healing efficiencies (88–91%). The PU containing 2% graphene stands out as it exhibits the highest initial mechanical strength of ~5 MPa compared to approximately 2MP for a pristine PU while maintaining excellent self-healing efficiency (88%). A cut on the PU nanocomposite with 2% graphene can be completely healed after being heated at 80 °C for 1 h, which shows that it has a fast recovery time. Moreover, 3D printing was also successfully used to assess their processability and its effect on self-healing behavior. Three-dimensional printing did not negatively affect the material regeneration properties; thus, the material can be used in a variety of applications as expected in terms of dimensions and geometry. Full article