Search Results (174)

Modern heritage (MH) is a key component of our built environment; however, it currently lacks widespread recognition and a clear, universally accepted definition, placing it in an emerging phase. This category of heritage, understood within the context of modernisation processes and the changes characteristic of the late modern period, remains underrepresented and warrants further study. The objective of this article is to fill the identified research gap, thereby fostering awareness of MH, improving its accessibility and enhancing its visibility and appreciation. It offers a diagnostic analysis of the corpus on MH through the design and development of a concrete methodology, which is transferable to the other heritage categories. This study reveals insights into the present understanding of the term ‘Modern Heritage’ and its relevance within an international framework. This understanding prompts a reflection on the terminology used to describe this concept, which serves not only as a significant result in itself but also as a foundation for future research. Despite the close association of modern heritage with the 20th century, this research identifies a cross-cutting nature that needs to be recognised, encompassing a wide range of periods, themes and typologies in this category. Full article

The lack of precise definitions in plastics-related terminology continues to hinder the development of coherent sustainability strategies across the materials value chain. This communication revisits current definitions of plastics, polymers, and bioplastics, distinguishing between source (bio-based vs. fossil-based), structure (synthetic vs. natural polymer), and degradation behaviour (persistent vs. compostable or biodegradable). It critiques ambiguous classifications promoted in policy and marketing discourse. It introduces the concept of “Zero-Trace Plastic” (ZTP) to refer to materials that are non-plastic substitutes intended for versatile plastic-like uses while guaranteeing no trace of synthetic plastics in their composition and no contribution to pollution across their lifecycle. The ZTPframework prioritises complete mineralisation without plastic or microplastics or chemical residues under real-world conditions. ZTP is proposed not as a replacement for existing biodegradability standards, but it helps distinguish between plastic and non-plastic biopolymers and works as a complementary benchmark for biodegradability that aligns with and extends them by incorporating environmental specificity and system-wide traceability. The paper proposes a harmonised terminology matrix and calls for coordinated efforts by international agencies and standardisation institutes, national bodies and industries to avoid using misleading terminologies like bioplastics, often used for greenwashing and to enhance circular material strategies. Full article

Transparency is a key requirement for some classes of robots, exoskeletons, and assistive devices (READs), where safe and efficient human–robot interaction is crucial. Typical fields that require transparency are rehabilitation and industrial contexts. However, the definitions of transparency adopted in the literature are heterogeneous. It follows that there is a need to clarify, summarize, and assess how transparency is commonly defined and measured. Thus, the goal of this review is to systematically examine how transparency is conceptualized and evaluated across studies. To this end, we performed a structured search across three major scientific databases. After a thorough screening process, 20 out of 400 identified articles were further examined and included in this review. Despite being recognized as a desirable and essential characteristic of READs in many domains of application, our findings reveal that transparency is still inconsistently defined and evaluated, which limits comparability across studies and hinders the development of standardized evaluation frameworks. Indeed, our screening found significant heterogeneity in both terminology and evaluation methods. The majority of the studies used either a mechanical or a kinematic definition, mostly focusing on the intrinsic behavior of the device and frequently giving little attention to the device impact of the user and on the user’s perception. Furthermore, user-centered or physiological assessments could be examined further, since evaluation metrics are usually based on kinematic and robot mechanical metrics. Only a few studies have examined the underlying motor control strategies, using more in-depth methods such as muscle synergy analysis. These findings highlight the need for a shared taxonomy and a standardized framework for transparency evaluation. Such efforts would enable more reliable comparisons between studies and support the development of more effective and user-centered READs. Full article

This article presents a comprehensive review of assistive devices for synovial joints, addressing their definitions, classifications, and technological advancements. The historical evolution of artificial exoskeletons, orthoses, prostheses, and splints is analyzed, emphasizing their impact on rehabilitation and the enhancement of human mobility. Through a systematic compilation of scientific literature, patents, and medical regulations, the study clarifies terminology and classifications that have often been imprecisely used in scientific discourse. The review examines the biomechanical principles of the musculoskeletal system and the kinematics of synovial joints, providing a reference framework for the optimization and design of these devices. Furthermore, it explores the various types of artificial exoskeletons, and their classification based on structure, mobility, power source, and control system, as well as their applications in medical, industrial, and military domains. Finally, this study highlights the necessity of a systematic approach in the design and categorization of these technologies to facilitate their development, comparison, and effective implementation, ultimately improving users’ quality of life. Full article

Background/objectives: This study addresses two questions: what body sizes/shapes do participants believe correspond to the boundaries of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) weight categories for children aged 4–5 and 10–11 years old, and are these judgements altered by using terminology encouraging positive action by parents? Methods: The study used photorealistic computer-generated stimuli based on 388 3D scans of children in a method of adjustment task. We first asked participants to estimate the boundaries between weight status categories as described by the NCMP. To test validity, we asked a second set of participants to estimate the body that represented exemplars of each weight category (the exemplars should fall between the boundary estimates). We then recruited a third set of participants to determine whether substituting positive action terminology for the weight status definitions altered the boundary positions. Results: First, validity was confirmed. Second, we found a compressed response range (lower weights overestimated and higher weights underestimated) for the positioning of both categorical boundaries and exemplars. Finally, the use of alternative weight status terminology resulted in an upward shift in the position of all boundaries in the BMI spectrum but failed to remove the compressive stimulus response effect. Discussion: There is a disconnect between the child size that people perceive to correspond to the different weight categories and the size criteria used by health professionals, and it is likely that this gap can only be bridged by training to recognise the medically based categories. Full article

The Illustrated Commentary on the Wuzhen Pian Based on the Zhouyi (周易悟真篇圖注 Zhouyi Wuzhen Pian Tuzhu), authored by the Ming dynasty Confucian scholar Cheng Yiming 程易明, is an illustrated alchemical text that integrates the elixir methodology of Wuzhen pian 悟真篇 (the Awakening to Reality) with the images and numbers (xiangshu 象數) system of The Book of Changes (Zhouyi 周易). Centered on Daoist alchemical theory and elucidated through “Yijing diagrams” (yitu 易圖, diagrams based on the Yijing), it stands as a masterpiece within the tradition of alchemical Yijing studies (dandao yixue 丹道易學). Building on a review of the scholarly history of The Wuzhen Pian, this article focuses on the alchemical Yijing diagrams (dandao yitu 丹道易圖) in the Illustrated Commentary, exploring their terminological definitions, theoretical origins, and diagrammatic systems. By analyzing the structure of cosmology and internal alchemy practice theory (neidan gongfulun 內丹工夫論) as presented in these diagrams, this article demonstrates that the Illustrated Commentary not only inherits the theoretical legacy of early Yijing diagram scholars such as Chen Tuan (陳摶) and Yu Yan (俞琰), but also displays a unique systematic and intuitive approach to illustrating neidan practices through xiangshu diagrams (象數圖解). Notably, diagrams such as “Mundane Continuation vs. Alchemical Inversion” (shunfan nixian 順凡逆仙), the “Three-Five-One Mathematical Model” (sanwuyi shuli moxing 三五一數理模型), and the “Fire Phases” (huohou 火候) reveal attempts to construct an alchemical theoretical system centered on Yijing diagrams. The article further posits that the Illustrated Commentary bridges the gap between images–numbers Yijing studies (xiangshu yixue 象數易學) and alchemical visual hermeneutics, offering a fresh perspective centered on internal alchemy for the study of “Yijing Diagram Studies” (yitu xue 易圖學). Full article

Thermal comfort is not a luxury; rather, a lack of it is a matter of life and death, particularly for vulnerable people, such as older people. This work systematically reviews and analyses the thermal comfort of older people and their health and mortality as it relates to exposure to extreme temperatures, and suggests acceptable thermal conditions and the related energy use of buildings. A total of 69 out of 198 papers were found on older people and these were analysed in detail. This was followed by an analysis of the UN and UK governments’ open access data. This work highlights the disparity regarding the definition of age for older people and encourages the use of the term ”older people”, rather than ”elderly”, which can be an offensive piece of terminology. The UK findings suggest a significant relationship between cold (below 5 °C) outdoor air temperatures and mortality in older people, particularly for those who are over 85 years old. In the UK, thermal conditions can lead to up to 175 deaths per degree temperature change up to two weeks after a cold spell or an overly hot period. The indoor comfort temperature of older people varies between 22.5 and 27 °C in natural ventilation mode. However, some studies found 18 °C to be comfortable in winter time, a finding which could lead to a significant energy saving in relation to space heating. Current gaps in and the recommended future direction of research include topics such as gender differences in terms of thermal comfort and during menopause; thermal comfort conditions, adaptive behaviours and naturally ventilated buildings; thermal conditions when sleeping and energy use as it relates to space heating or cooling for older people. Full article

The main purpose of the review is to analyze the terminology and methodologies for conservation treatment in cultural heritage conservation, in particular, to define key terminology (such as quality, compatibility, efficacy, and durability); to identify methodologies for assessing conservation interventions; to examine case studies where these assessment techniques have been applied. A summary of the various definitions of terms such as quality, compatibility, efficacy and durability found in the literature is provided. This is followed by a presentation of some theoretical approaches found in the literature on how to evaluate different aspects of conservation interventions. Some more practical examples are then considered, with a focus on mural paintings. Finally, the importance of monitoring interventions over time in the context of preventive conservation is highlighted. The present review emphasizes that key concepts such as compatibility, efficacy, and durability are inherently flexible and context-dependent, often overlapping and evolving according to cultural heritage typology, intervention methods, and environmental conditions. Full article

Invasive alien plants are typically associated with negative impacts on ecosystems and sometimes on health, but studies also describe their ethnomedicinal usage, particularly by indigenous communities. Given the existing limitations regarding a critical study on the berry-producing invasive plants, this study aims to provide scientific evidence and much-needed updated knowledge on the pharmacologically significant fruits of several berry-producing invasive alien plants. A list of 35 species from 16 families is provided, along with their characteristics, historical medicinal uses, updated biological activities, and available toxicity data. The definitions, terminology, and classification criteria used to describe alien species, specifically the invasive types, are also provided. Most of the berries of the described species exhibit remarkable antioxidant properties due to their abundance of highly reactive molecules, mainly polyphenols and carotenoids. Other biological activities, ranging from antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic to anticancer and neuroprotective activities, have been identified. In contrast, quantitative toxicity issues have been poorly studied for berries from invasive plants. Hopefully, this work will serve as a starting point for further exploration of the molecules from berries of these plants in terms of drug discovery to advance various therapies or other applications. Full article

Members of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) participated in the odor profile method (OPM) training program. The OPM is the flavor profile analysis (FPA) standard method applied to air samples. The FPA method is a widely used standard method in drinking water taste and odor evaluations. It was found that pre-screening of potential OPM trainees for anosmia cases was necessary. After odor characteristics were defined by odor references and standardized terminology, the trainees were able to accurately describe single odors. However, the trainees could not always simultaneously perceive all odors within a mixture. Therefore, a method to separate the odors in a mixture should be applied in the future for environmental analysis by the OPM. After a half-day training session every day for a week, a panel could be formed to accurately determine the characteristics of atmospheric odors from various facilities. With the help of an intensity scale defined by sugar solutions, the panel could also report average odor intensity values consistent with the facilities’ operation. However, a high variance of individual intensity values relative to panel average was noted. It was likely caused by the simultaneous presence of multiple odors in the air and a lack of definition of low odor intensity values by sugar solutions. Secondly, lower odor intensities were reported when sampling bags were used for the OPM analysis compared to direct sniffing at the facilities’ fenceline, apparently because of the narrow valve opening of the sampling bags. The feasibility of quick adoption of the OPM by a regulatory team as demonstrated in this study is essential for the OPM to be considered as a method to evaluate atmospheric malodors as the FPA for drinking water analysis. Full article

To write terminological definitions that meet user needs, terminologists require methods that help them effectively select the most relevant information to be included in a definition. In this sense, a corpus technique that can be useful for the definition of terms is contextonym analysis. It involves the quantitative analysis of the other terms with which the term to be defined usually co-occurs (i.e., its contextonyms), regardless of any syntactic or semantic relationship. This paper presents a study conducted to determine the optimal configuration for extracting contextonyms for the creation of terminological definitions. More specifically, this study aims to create a word sketch column in Sketch Engine that lists contextonyms, offering a user-friendly method for their extraction. This study has identified that the optimal context window for extracting contextonyms in the form of word sketches in English to inform definition writing is 50 tokens, and that these contextonyms should be ranked by frequency. Full article

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) in dogs and cats represent a definite minority of cardiac patients. One of the most commonly diagnosed is ventricular septal defects (VSDs). These are associated with abnormal ventricular septation during the prenatal period; however, the mutations of the genes responsible for this phenomenon are not fully understood. VSDs pose a significant diagnostic challenge due to the multitude of locations in the ventricular septum where they are likely to occur. Therefore, there are many phenotypes of the defect causing many problems in terms of a common nomenclature. Among the various classifications, the latest terminology issued by The International Society for Nomenclature of Paediatric and Congenital Heart Disease (ISNPCHD) considers both electrical conduction pathways and adjacent structures to standardize nomenclature. Further, defects located at different sites can alter both prognosis and subsequent management for the patient; thus, taking accurate measurements is crucial. Among these, the Qp:Qs and VSD:Ao ratios, the direction of blood flow through the defect, its location, the diameter and maximum flow velocity, and the pressure difference between the RV and LV are indicated. Emerging technologies such as 3D echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance may provide additional diagnostic value. Altogether, along with clinical symptoms, we should determine further management, involving the monitoring of the patient, the implementation of pharmacological treatment, or referral for surgical closure of the VSD. This review summarizes current knowledge on VSD, where the pathogenesis of the condition, diagnosis, and management, including conventional and surgical methods as well as long-term follow-up, are described, providing a complete overview of the issue. Full article

Background/Objectives: The definitions of feeding disorders of infants and young children were historically based on a dichotomic organic/non-organic vision. Since 2019, a new definition of pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) has reshaped the understanding of these disorders with a global vision. The aim of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the diagnostic criteria for general practice, both by exploring the evolution of classifications and by clearing the actual definition of PFDs and their possible treatments. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature, including 36 articles about PFDs, excluding adolescents, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, pica, rumination, and specific neurodevelopmental or chronic pediatric disorders. We summarized these studies in three parts: the specific classifications for children before puberty, the current definition, and the clinical guidelines. Results: Concerning the history of the classifications, we summarized the studies of Chatoor and Kerzner and the older pediatric vision of failure to thrive. For the definition of pediatric feeding disorders, we presented this new category involving at least one out of four domains: medical, nutritional, feeding skills, or psychosocial. For the main clinical guidelines, we presented recommendations for both severe and common PFDs in each altered domain for use in daily practice. Conclusions: The new definition promotes a transdisciplinary vision of childhood feeding disorders, which considers each of the intricate domains of PFDs. Using common terminology for PFDs could help all healthcare providers, families, and researchers to better understand and address PFDs. Full article

The impact of the Reformations, in Switzerland and elsewhere, on the regulation of sexuality has been extensively researched in recent decades. Laws against adultery and premarital fornication were strengthened and promulgated, leading to the decline of the late-medieval public brothel. However, the impact of these theological, legal, and institutional changes on the women who engaged in transactional or commercial sex outside of marriage has been harder to capture. Even the authorities’ definitions of such women remain difficult to pin down: were they viewed as promiscuous sinners to be punished, laborers in a dishonorable profession, poor vagrants to be exiled, or all or none of the above? This paper first discusses the historiography of prostitution to show how previous research terminology and definitions of the phenomenon are insufficient for the early modern context. It then analyses a case study from sixteenth-century Zurich in which different understandings about premodern prostitutes coexisted, intersected, and conflicted with the argument that these individuals were conceived of in terms of authorities’ fears rather than a specific set of characteristics. Full article

This study conducts a meta-analysis of over 1000 abstracts to examine the use and consistency of the terminology in biomimetics, bioinspiration, biomimicry, and bionics, focusing on how these terms impact biological study design. Despite the increasing research in these areas, the ambiguous definitions of key terms complicate study design and interdisciplinary collaboration. The primary aim of this work is to analyse how biological studies in these fields are conceptualised and evaluated, particularly concerning the inconsistent use of terminology. By identifying discrepancies in term usage, we offer refined definitions and practical examples to improve the clarity of study design and research methodologies. Our findings underscore the importance of standardised terminology for ensuring that biological research is accurately designed and executed, leading to more rigorous experimental frameworks and better alignment across disciplines. This meta-analysis reveals how clearer, more consistent terminology can enhance study design in biologically inspired research fields. Full article