Search Results (1,486)

Rubber–textile conveyor belts are an important element of large-scale transport systems, which in many cases are subjected to excessive dynamic loads. Assessing the impact resistance of them is essential for ensuring their reliability and longevity. The article focuses on the use of machine learning methods as one of the approaches to the analysis and prediction of the impact resistance of rubber–textile conveyor belts. Based on the data obtained from the design properties of conveyor belts and experimental testing conditions, four models were created (regression model, decision tree regression model, random forest model, ANN model), which are used to analyze and predict the impact force of the force acting on the conveyor belt during material impact. Each model was trained on training data and validated on test data. The performance of each model was evaluated using standard metrics and model indicators. The results of the model analysis show that the most powerful model, ANN, explains up to 99.6% of the data variability. The second-best model is the random forest model and then the regression model. The least suitable choice for predicting the impact force is the regression tree. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endovascular thrombectomy has become a mainstay in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. Among the multiple factors that influence outcomes, the choice of anesthetic technique—general anesthesia (GA), conscious sedation (CS), or local anesthesia (LA)—remains controversial. This narrative review aims to critically examine and synthesize current evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of different anesthetic strategies in endovascular stroke treatment. Methods: A structured search of the PubMed^® database was conducted using the terms “stroke treatment”, “endovascular stroke treatment”, “anesthesia”, “general anesthesia”, “conscious sedation”, and “local anesthesia”. The search focused on clinical trials involving human subjects published in English. Studies were included if they compared at least two anesthetic techniques during thrombectomy and reported outcomes such as neurological recovery, mortality, or complication rates. Reviews, case reports, and animal studies were excluded. Results: Several randomized controlled trials and observational studies show comparable functional outcomes between GA and CS, though CS may confer advantages in early neurological recovery and reduced complications. Local anesthesia, though less studied, may offer favorable outcomes in selected patients. General anesthesia appears to be associated with greater hemodynamic variability and a higher risk of post-procedural infections, particularly in unsuccessful interventions. Maintaining stable blood pressure and minimizing ventilation duration are crucial to improving patient prognosis. Conclusions: While both GA and CS are viable options during thrombectomy, CS and LA may provide a safer profile in selected patients by preserving hemodynamic stability and reducing infectious risk. Personalized anesthetic strategies and further high-quality trials are warranted. Full article

LEDs are readily controllable and demonstrate rapid switching capabilities. These attributes facilitate their efficient integration across a broad spectrum of applications. Indeed, their inherent versatility renders them ideally suited for diverse sectors, including consumer electronics, traffic signage, automotive technology, and architectural illumination. Furthermore, LEDs serve as effective light sources for applications in spectroscopy, agriculture, pest control, and wireless optical transmission. The capability to choice high-efficiency LED devices with a specified dominant wavelength renders them particularly well-suited for integration into underwater optical communication systems. In this paper, we present the state-of-the-art of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for use in underwater wireless optical communications (UOWC). In particular, we focus on the challenges posed by water turbidity and evaluate the optimal wavelengths for communication in coastal environments, especially in the presence of chlorophyll or suspended particulate matter. Given the growing development and applications of underwater optical communication, it is crucial that the topic becomes not only a subject of research but also part of the curricula in technical school and universities. To this end, we introduce a simple and cost-effective UOWC system designed for educational purposes. Some tests have been conducted to evaluate the system’s performance, and the results have been reported. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) can enrich neuropsychological testing, yet the ergonomic trade-offs of its input modes remain under-examined. Seventy-seven healthy volunteers—young (19–29 y) and middle-aged (35–56 y)—completed a VR Trail Making Test with three pointing methods: eye-tracking, head-gaze, and a six-degree-of-freedom hand controller. Completion time, spatial accuracy, and error counts for the simple (Trail A) and alternating (Trail B) sequences were analysed in 3 × 2 × 2 mixed-model ANOVAs; post-trial scales captured usability (SUS), user experience (UEQ-S), and acceptability. Age dominated behaviour: younger adults were reliably faster, more precise, and less error-prone. Against this backdrop, input modality mattered. Eye-tracking yielded the best spatial accuracy and shortened Trail A time relative to manual control; head-gaze matched eye-tracking on Trail A speed and became the quickest, least error-prone option on Trail B. Controllers lagged on every metric. Subjective ratings were high across the board, with only a small usability dip in middle-aged low-gamers. Overall, gaze-based ray-casting clearly outperformed manual pointing, but optimal choice depended on task demands: eye-tracking maximised spatial precision, whereas head-gaze offered calibration-free enhanced speed and error-avoidance under heavier cognitive load. TMT-VR appears to be accurate, engaging, and ergonomically adaptable assessment, yet it requires age-specific–stratified norms. Full article

Over the past 20 years, laser beam–electric arc hybrid welding has gained popularity, enabling high quality and efficiency standards needed for steel welds in structures subjected to severe working conditions. This process enables single-pass welding of thick components, overcoming issues concerning the individual use of traditional processes based on an electric arc or laser beam. Therefore, thorough knowledge of both processes is necessary to combine them optimally in terms of efficiency, reduced presence of defects, corrosion resistance, and mechanical and metallurgical features of the welds. This article aims to review the technical and metallurgical aspects of hybrid welding reported in the scientific literature mainly of the last decade, outlining possible choices for system configuration, the inter-distance between the two heat sources, as well as the key process parameters, considering their effects on the weld characteristics and also taking into account the consequences for solidification modes and weld composition. Finally, a specific section has been reserved for hybrid welding of clad steel plates. Full article

Exploring the causes of the concave curved form of the roofs in traditional Chinese architecture is key to understanding its unique esthetics and structural logic. Regarding its causes, the academic community offers various explanations, including esthetics and function, but research that delves deeply into specific construction techniques and material limitations and systematically explains how they lead to the precise roof forms is relatively insufficient, which limits our comprehensive understanding of the deep generative logic of this unique form. This study aimed to bridge this gap by systematically exploring the causes of the concave curved form of roofs in traditional Chinese architecture (such as flying eaves, upturned corners, and Ju zhe) from the perspective of construction technology. Through a systematic review of historical literature (especially Yingzao fashi (Treatise on Architectural Methods)); the empirical investigation and analysis of typical architectural examples; detailed research on the structural practices, material properties (especially the creep behavior of timber), and construction techniques of key timber components such as flying rafters, hip rafters, and rafters; and mechanical principles and computational simulation, this study found that the concave curved forms of different parts of the roof, such as the eaves (flying rafters), corners (corner upturn), and main body (Ju zhe), are not purely esthetic choices but are, to a large extent, technical responses or inevitable results stemming from objective construction constraints of the time, including limitations on timber length, component connection methods, structural load distribution, and long-term deformation. Based on these findings, this study proposes the concept of “Passive Form” to summarize this form-generation mechanism, emphasizing that architectural forms are not solely determined by subjective will but are rooted in the adaptation and transformation of real constraints in construction, providing a technical perspective rooted in practice for understanding the forms of Chinese traditional architecture. Full article

The increasing demand for high-resolution subsurface imaging has driven significant advances in geophysical inversion methodologies. Despite the availability of various software packages for electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), time-domain induced polarization (TDIP), and seismic refraction tomography (SRT), significant challenges remain in selecting optimal regularization parameters and in the effective incorporation of prior information into the inversion process. In this study, we propose new strategies to address these critical issues by developing versatile and flexible tools for electrical and seismic tomographic data inversion. Specifically, we introduce two automated procedures for regularization parameter selection: a full loop method (fixed-λ optimization) where the regularization parameter is kept constant during the inversion process, and a single-inversion approach (automaticLam) where it varies throughout the iterations. Additionally, we present a novel constrained inversion strategy that effectively balances prior information, minimizes data misfit, and promotes model smoothness. This approach is thoroughly compared with the state-of-the-art methods, demonstrating its superiority in maintaining model reliability and reducing dependence on subjective operator choices. Applications to synthetic, laboratory, and real-world case studies validate the efficacy of our strategies, showcasing their potential to enhance the robustness of geophysical models and standardize the inversion process, ensuring its independence from operator decisions. Full article

Promoting behavioral change in mobility is essential for sustainable urban development. This study evaluates the effectiveness of gamified challenges in fostering sustainable travel behaviors among high school students and teachers within the High School Challenge (HSC) 2024 campaign in Lecco, Italy. Over a 13-week period, participants tracked their commuting habits via gamified mobile application, Play&Go, that awarded points for sustainable mobility choices and introduced weekly challenges. Using behavioral (GPS-based tracking) and self-report data, we assessed the influence of challenge types, player characteristics (HEXAD Player Types, Big Five traits), and user experience evaluations on participation, retention, and behavior change. The results show that challenges, particularly those based on walking distances and framed as intra-team goals, significantly enhanced user engagement and contributed to improved mobility behaviors during participants’ free time. Compared to the 2023 edition without challenges, the 2024 campaign achieved better retention. HEXAD Player Types were more predictive of user appreciation than Personality Traits, though these effects were more evident in subjective evaluations than actual behavior. Overall, findings highlight the importance of tailoring gamified interventions to users’ motivational profiles and structuring challenges around SMART principles. This study contributes to the design of behaviorally informed, scalable solutions for sustainable mobility transitions. Full article

Background and objectives: Duloxetine is widely used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and various types of neuropathic pain. While its efficacy is well documented in clinical trials, less is known about how it is perceived and utilized in routine psychiatric practice. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 80 psychiatrists from Spain to assess real-world clinical attitudes toward duloxetine. Methods: Participants completed a 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire that examined familiarity, perceived efficacy in multiple conditions (MDD, GAD, neuropathic pain, somatization, and quality of life), and perspectives on tolerability, safety, adherence, and overall satisfaction. Results: Survey results indicated that a large majority of psychiatrists frequently prescribe duloxetine, particularly for patients with MDD and comorbid chronic pain. Notably, 94% rated it as either “more effective” or “much more effective” for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Psychiatrists reported a high perceived efficacy of duloxetine: 94% rated it as “more effective” or “much more effective” for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and 93% gave similarly positive ratings for general neuropathic pain. For somatization, 70% found it “effective” or “very effective”, and 83% observed improvements in quality of life for many of their patients. Psychiatrists generally reported favorable perceptions of duloxetine’s tolerability profile: 97.5% rated it as the antidepressant associated with the least weight gain, and 82.5% perceived fewer sexual side effects compared to other options. Sedation and gastrointestinal side effects were generally considered mild or less severe. In terms of treatment adherence, 69% rated it as “better” or “much better” than other antidepressants, and 80% found its combination with other antidepressants to be “favorable” or “very favorable”. Overall satisfaction was high, with 99% of psychiatrists reporting being either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with its use. The side effect profile was generally viewed as manageable, with low perceived rates of weight gain, sedation, and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, 96% of respondents expressed a willingness to recommend duloxetine to their colleagues. Conclusions: Psychiatrists reported highly favorable attitudes toward duloxetine, viewing it as a flexible treatment option in routine care. However, these findings reflect clinicians’ subjective perceptions rather than objective clinical outcomes and should be interpreted accordingly. Full article

Linear passive electrical devices/components are usually characterized in the frequency domain by their impedance, i.e., the ratio of the voltage and current phasors. The use of the impedance concept does not raise particular concerns in low-frequency regimes; however, things become more complicated when it comes to rapid time-varying phenomena, mainly because the voltage depends not only on the position of the points between which it is defined but also on the choice of the integration path that connects them. In this article, based on first principles (Maxwell equations and Poynting vector flow considerations), we discuss the concept of impedance and define it unequivocally for a class of electrical devices/components with rotational symmetry. Two application examples are presented and discussed. One simple example concerns the per-unit-length impedance of a homogeneous cylindrical wire subject to the skin effect. The other, which is more elaborate, concerns a heterogeneous structure that consists of a dielectric disk sandwiched between two metal plates. For the lossless situation, the high-frequency impedance of this device (circular parallel plate capacitor) reaches zero when the frequency reaches a certain critical frequency f_c; then, it becomes inductive and increases enormously when the frequency reaches another critical frequency at 1.6 f_c. The influence of losses on the impedance of the device is thoroughly investigated and evaluated. Impedance corrections due to dielectric losses are analyzed using a frequency-dependent Debye permittivity model. The impedance corrections due to plate losses are analyzed by considering radial current distributions on the outer and inner surfaces of the plates, the latter exhibiting significant variations near the critical frequencies of the device. Full article

The ageing population and rising housing costs in Switzerland are increasing the number of older adults facing financial housing concerns. Older women have particularly limited housing choices because they, on average, earn less, live longer, and are more likely to live alone. This study explores potential levers to alleviate housing-related financial fears among baby boomer women (aged 55–75) living alone in Switzerland, a subject with limited academic coverage. Using regression and random forest models on unique 2023 survey data ($N=371$), we examine the influence of socio-demographic, financial, well-being, and housing factors on fears related to affordability, price increases, and lack of housing supply. Key findings show that ownership status, perceived financial situation, and concerns about maintaining one’s lifestyle significantly drive these fears. The fear of unsuitable housing strongly influences perceived lack of supply. These results highlight the importance of retirement planning and support the consideration of measures such as reverse mortgages, co-housing, subsidies, and rent-controlled units. Full article

This paper is concerned with the choice of data granularity for the application of the Mack chain ladder model to forecast a loss reserve. It is a sequel to a related paper by Taylor, which considers the same question for the EDF chain ladder model. As in the earlier paper, it considers the question as to whether a decrease in the time unit leads to an increase or decrease in the variance of the loss reserve estimate. The question of whether a Mack chain ladder that is valid for one time unit (here called mesh size) remains so for another is investigated. The conditions under which the model does remain valid are established. There are various ways in which the mesh size of a data triangle may be varied, two of them of particular interest. The paper examines one of these, namely that in which development periods are preserved. Two versions of this are investigated: 1. the aggregation of development periods without change to accident periods; 2. the aggregation of accident periods without change to development periods. Taylor found that, in the case of the Poisson chain ladder, an increase in mesh size always increases the variance of the loss reserve estimate (subject to mild technical conditions). The case of the Mack chain ladder is more nuanced in that an increase in variance is not always guaranteed. Whether or not an increase or decrease occurs depends on the numerical values of certain of the age-to-age factors actually observed. The threshold values of the age-to-age factors at which an increase transitions to a decrease in variance are calculated. In the case of a change in the mesh of development periods, but with no change to accident periods, these values are computed for one particular data set, where it is found that variance always increases. It is conjectured that data sets in which this does not happen would be relatively rare. The situation is somewhat different when changes in mesh size over accident periods are considered. Here, the question of an increase or decrease in variance is more complex, and, in general terms, the occurrence of an increase in variance with increased mesh size is less likely. Full article

The natural history of focal non-infected lesions of the abdominal aorta (fl-AA) remains unclear and largely depends on their aetiology. These lesions often involve a focal “tear” or partial disruption of the arterial wall. Penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and intramural hematomas (IMHs) are examples of focal tears in the aortic wall that can either progress to dilatation (saccular aneurysm) or fail to fully propagate through the medial layers, potentially leading to aortic dissection. These conditions typically exhibit a morphology consistent with eccentric saccular aneurysms. The management of focal non-infected pathologies of the abdominal aorta remains a subject of debate. Unlike fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysms, the inconsistent definitions and limited information regarding the natural history of saccular aneurysms (sa-AAAs) have prevented the establishment of universally accepted practice guidelines for their management. As emphasized in the latest 2024 ESVS guidelines, the focal nature of these diseases makes them ideal candidates for endovascular repair (class of evidence IIa—level C). Moreover, the Society for Vascular Surgery just referred to aneurysm diameter as an indication for treatment suggesting using a smaller diameter compared to fusiform aneurysms. Consequently, the management of saccular aneurysms is likely heterogeneous amongst different centres and different operators. Endovascular repair using tube stent grafts offers benefits like reduced recovery times but carries risks of migration and endoleak due to graft rigidity. These complications can influence long-term success. In this context, the use of endovascular bifurcated grafts may provide a more effective solution for treating these focal aortic pathologies. It is essential to achieve optimal sealing regions through anatomical studies of aortic morphology. Additionally, understanding the anatomical characteristics of focal lesions in challenging necks or para-visceral locations is indeed crucial in device choice. Off-the-shelf devices are favoured for their time and cost efficiency, but new endovascular technologies like fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and custom-made devices enhance treatment success and patient safety. These innovations provide stent grafts in various lengths and diameters, accommodating different aortic anatomies and reducing the risk of type III endoleaks. Although complicated PAUs and focal saccular aneurysms rarely arise in the para-visceral aorta, the consequences of rupture in this segment might be extremely severe. Experience borrowed from complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair demonstrates that fenestrated and branched devices can be deployed safely when anatomical criteria are respected. Elective patients derive the greatest benefit from a fenestrated graft, while urgent cases can be treated confidently with off-the-shelf multibranch systems, reserving other types of repairs for emergent or bail-out cases. While early outcomes of these interventions are promising, it is crucial to acknowledge that limited aortic coverage can still impede effective symptom relief and lead to complications such as aneurysm expansion or rupture. Therefore, further long-term studies are essential to consolidate the technical results and evaluate the durability of various graft options. Full article

Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries are valued for their high energy density, stable voltage output, low self-discharge, and strong reliability, making them a popular choice for high-performance and portable applications. Despite these advantages, the charging behavior of LiPo batteries—especially during rapid charging—remains an area with limited understanding. This research examines the electro-thermal characteristics of VARTA LiPo batteries when subjected to high charging currents (2C, 3C, and 4C rates). A temperature-sensitive charging model is developed to address safety and efficiency concerns during fast charging. Experimental data indicate that charging at 45 °C yields the best performance, achieving 80% state of charge (SoC) within 25 min. However, charging at temperatures above or below this level (such as 25 °C) reduces efficiency due to increased internal resistance and accelerated battery aging. The model, validated across a range of temperatures (25 °C, 35 °C, 45 °C, and 60 °C), shows that longer constant-current (CC) charging phases at higher temperatures are associated with lower internal resistance. These results highlight the importance of effective thermal management for optimizing both safety and performance in LiPo battery applications. Full article

Background: Sleep is a fundamental component of health, and deprivation has been linked to numerous adverse outcomes, including reduced academic and occupational performance, greater risk of accidents, and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases and premature mortality. Dietary and lifestyle behaviors are increasingly recognized as key determinants of sleep quality. Women are particularly susceptible to sleep disturbances due to hormonal fluctuations and psychosocial factors. However, women remain underrepresented in sleep research. This study aims to examine the associations between sleep quality, nutrition, and lifestyle in a large cohort of Spanish women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 785 women aged 18–64. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the NutSo-HH questionnaire on dietary and lifestyle behaviors. Descriptive analyses, correlation matrices, Gaussian Graphical Models, and Principal Component Analyses were used to assess relationships between variables. Results: More than half of the participants rated their sleep quality as good or very good, although over 30% experienced frequent nighttime awakenings. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with higher alcohol consumption, lower vegetable and white fish intake, and lower levels of physical activity. Diets rich in ultra-processed foods correlated moderately with subjective poor sleep and daytime dysfunction. However, no strong associations were found between stimulant consumption, late meals, or dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean diet) and sleep. Self-perceived health emerged as a protective factor, while nocturnal lifestyles were linked to longer sleep latency and fragmented sleep. Conclusions: In adult women, better sleep quality is linked to healthy dietary choices, regular physical activity, and a positive perception of general health. In contrast, alcohol use and irregular lifestyles are associated with poor sleep. Individual variability and cultural adaptation may moderate the impact of some traditionally harmful behaviors. Personalized, multidimensional interventions are recommended for promoting sleep health in women. Full article