Search Results (1,398)

Driving wheel slippage in agricultural tractors is influenced by soil moisture, density, and penetration resistance. These surface variations reflect post-tillage composition, enabling dynamic mapping via Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs). This study evaluated ballast recommendations based on soil surface data and slippage percentages, correlating added wheel weights at different speeds for a tractor-reversible plow system. Six 94.5 m² quadrants were analyzed for slippage monitored by RPA (Mavic3M-RTK) pre- and post-agricultural operation overflights and soil sampling (moisture, density, penetration resistance). A 2 × 2 factorial scheme (F-test) assessed soil-surface attribute correlations and slippage under varying ballasts (52.5–57.5 kg/hp) and speeds. Results showed slippage ranged from 4.06% (52.5 kg/hp, fourth reduced gear) to 11.32% (57.5 kg/hp, same gear), with liquid ballast and gear selection significantly impacting performance in friable clayey soil. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and spectral indices derived from RPA imagery, including Normalized Difference Red Edge (NDRE), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Bare Soil Index (BSI), Green–Red Vegetation Index (GRVI), Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI), and Slope, proved effective. The approach reduced tractor slippage from 11.32% (heavy ballast, 4th gear) to 4.06% (moderate ballast, 4th gear), showing clear improvement in traction performance. The integration of indices and slope metrics supported ballast adjustment strategies, particularly for secondary plowing operations, contributing to improved traction performance and overall operational efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disorder which affects carbohydrate metabolism and has been associated with other conditions such as disease-related malnutrition (DRM), leading to specific challenges in its management. This study aims to evaluate the implications of DM, its complications, and its duration on energy and protein intake in patients at high risk of malnutrition. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in 179 patients with high risk of malnutrition. Patients were compared based on the presence or absence of DM, diabetes duration and the presence of complications. Age, gender, body mass index, bioimpedanciometry, ultrasonography and dynamometry parameters and the diagnosis of sarcopenia were recorded. Energy and protein requirements were calculated, and the composition of the patients’ three-day diet was analyzed. Results: DM was associated with lower weight-adjusted energy intake (Overall: 29.15 (9.99) vs. DM: 24.87 (8.28) vs. NoDM: 30.65 (10.13) kcal/kg/day; p < 0.01) and lower weight-adjusted protein intake (Overall: 1.29 (0.47) vs. DM: 1.18 (0.39) vs. NoDM: 1.33 (0.49) g of protein/kg/day; p < 0.05). DM was a risk factor for poorer compliance with energy requirements (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.13–5.01, p < 0.05). Similarly, the occurrence of complications was identified as a risk factor associated with reduced adherence to energy intake requirements (OR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.06–2.98; p < 0.05), and a duration of diabetes mellitus exceeding 10 years was linked to lower adherence to protein intake requirements (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.08–2.99; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Among patients at high risk of malnutrition, diabetes mellitus was associated with suboptimal adherence to both caloric and protein intake requirements. The presence of diabetes and its related complications emerged as risk factors for inadequate fulfillment of energy needs, while a longer disease duration was specifically linked to reduced compliance with protein requirements. Full article

Background/Objectives: L-Citrulline (CIT) is a non-essential amino acid abundant in watermelon and commonly used as a dietary supplement to enhance exercise performance. Although its benefits for endurance and resistance training are well documented, its effects on body composition remain uncertain. This systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of CIT supplementation on anthropometric parameters. Methods: A comprehensive search of major databases identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until March 2025. A random-effects model was used to synthesize the data. Results: Twenty-one RCTs were included. Overall, CIT supplementation had no substantial effects on body mass index (BMI), body weight, fat mass (FM), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), and fat-free mass (FFM). Subgroup analyses revealed reductions in FM among participants over 40 years of age and in those administered more than 6 g/day of CIT. Interventions lasting 3 to 8 weeks were associated with a significant increase in FFM. Dose–response analyses suggested a non-linear association between CIT supplementation duration and changes in FM and FFM. Conclusions: CIT supplementation appears to have no overall effect on body composition. However, exploratory findings indicated potential benefits at higher doses or shorter durations. Rigorous trials controlling for dietary intake and training variables are needed to clarify its long-term effects. Full article

Agricultural residues such as maize byproducts and discarded cocopeat substrates are abundant but underutilised biomass resources. Improving their fuel quality requires densification, such as pelletisation, combined with thermochemical upgrading. In this study, pellets were prepared by blending cocopeat and maize residues at weight ratios of 9:1, 7:3, and 5:5, followed by torrefaction at 220, 250, and 280 °C. Their fuel characteristics were evaluated through mass yield, elemental and proximate analyses, chemical composition, calorific value, combustion indices, and grindability. Results showed that increasing maize residue content reduced ash and fuel ratio but increased volatile matter, while cocopeat-rich pellets provided higher fixed carbon and lignin contents, improving thermal stability. Torrefaction significantly enhanced calorific value (up to 21.83 MJ/kg) and grindability, while increasing aromaticity. However, higher torrefaction severity decreased the combustibility index but improved volatile ignitability, indicating a trade-off between ignition behaviour and stable combustion. An optimal balance was observed at 250 °C, where energy yield and combustion performance were maximised. This study demonstrates the feasibility of valorising discarded cocopeat substrates, blended with maize residues, into renewable solid fuels, and provides practical guidance for optimising blending ratios and torrefaction conditions in waste-to-energy applications. Full article

This study introduces the Normalized Difference Gamma Ray Index (NDGRI), a novel spectral composite derived from Sentinel 2 imagery for mapping elevated natural gamma radiation in semi-arid and arid basins. We hypothesized that water-sensitive spectral indices correlate with gamma-ray hotspots in arid regions of Mongolia, where natural radionuclide distribution is influenced by hydrological processes. Leveraging historical car-borne gamma spectrometry data collected in 2008 across the Sainshand and Zuunbayan uranium project areas, we evaluated twelve spectral bands and five established moisture-sensitive indices against radiation heatmaps in Naarst and Zuunbayan. Using Pearson and Spearman correlations alongside two percentile-based overlap metrics, indices were weighted to yield a composite performance score. The best performing indices (MI—Moisture Index and NDSII_1—Normalized Difference Snow and Ice Index) guided the derivation of ten new ND constructs incorporating SWIR bands (B11, B12) and visible bands (B4, B8A). The top performer, NDGRI = (B4 − B12)/(B4 + B12) achieved a precision of 62.8% for detecting high gamma-radiation areas and outperformed benchmarks of other indices. We established climatological screening criteria to ensure NDGRI reliability. Validation at two independent sites (Erdene, Khuvsgul) using 2008 airborne gamma ray heatmaps yielded 76.41% and 85.55% spatial overlap accuracy, respectively. Our results demonstrate that NDGRI effectively delineates gamma radiation hotspots where moisture-controlled spectral contrasts prevail. The index’s stringent acquisition constraints, however, limit the temporal availability of usable scenes. NDGRI offers a rapid, cost-effective remote sensing tool to prioritize ground surveys in uranium prospective basins and may be adapted for other radiometric applications in semi-arid and arid regions. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of specific LED light spectra on the growth and physiology of Changchuan No. 3 Capsicum annuum L. seedlings. The experimental design involved exposing pepper seedlings to six different spectral light combinations for 7, 14, and 21 days, with the treatments consisting of 2R1B1Y (red/blue/yellow = 2:1:1), 2R1B1FR (red/blue/far-red = 2:1:1), 2R1B1P (red/blue/purple = 2:1:1), 4R2B1G (red/blue/green = 4:2:1), 2R1B1G (red/blue/green = 2:1:1), and 2R1B (red/blue = 2:1). The results demonstrated distinct spectral regulation of seedling development: compared to the white light (CK), the 2R1B1FR (far-red light supplementation) treatment progressively stimulated stem elongation, increasing plant height and stem diameter by 81.6% and 25.9%, respectively, at day 21, but resulted in a more slender stem architecture. The 2R1B1G (balanced green light) treatment consistently promoted balanced growth, culminating in the highest seedling vigor index at the final stage. The 2R1B1P (purple light supplementation) treatment exhibited a strong promotive effect on root development, which became most pronounced at day 21 (126% increase in root dry weight), while concurrently enhancing soluble sugar content and reducing oxidative stress. Conversely, the 2R1B1Y (yellow light supplementation) treatment increased MDA content by 70% and led to a reduction in chlorophyll accumulation, while 2R1B (basic red–blue) resulted in lower biomass accumulation compared to the superior spectral treatments. The 4R2B1G (low green ratio) treatment showed context-dependent outcomes. This study elucidates how targeted spectral compositions, particularly involving far-red and green light, can optimize pepper seedling quality by modulating photomorphogenesis, carbon allocation, and stress physiology. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for designing efficient LED lighting protocols in controlled-environment agriculture to enhance pepper nursery production. Full article

Sports footwear is widely used across a range of physical activities. A key factor distinguishing running shoes from other types of footwear is the “drop,” the millimeter difference between the heel and the forefoot. This study aimed to analyze the influence of different drops (0, 5, and 10 mm) on ground reaction forces during walking and to examine the effects of sex and body mass index (BMI) under these conditions. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 117 participants (56 men and 61 women). The Dinascan/IBV^® dynamometric platform (Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain) was used to measure ground reaction forces during walking (braking, take-off, propulsion, and swing forces), walking speed, and stance time. The descriptive analysis revealed comparable values for the left and right limbs, with slightly higher values observed in the right limb. Statistically significant differences were found in stance time, braking force, and swing force between the 0 mm and 10 mm drop conditions. Take-off force showed highly significant differences when comparing the 0–5 mm and 0–10 mm drop conditions. Sex-based differences were observed in all variables at the initial proposed drop condition of 0 mm, except for walking speed, possibly due to anatomical and physiological differences. Significant differences were found in stance time at 0 mm drop, braking force, and propulsion force. Highly significant values were obtained for take-off force and during the swing phase. A strong correlation was found between ground reaction forces and BMI with the different proposed drops in all forces studied, except for the support force, where a moderate correlation was obtained. Although shoe drop was found to influence ground reaction forces in this study, it is one of several factors that affect gait biomechanics. Other footwear characteristics, such as sole stiffness, material composition, weight, and elasticity, also play important roles in walking performance. Therefore, shoe drop should be considered an important but not exclusive parameter when selecting footwear. However, these results are limited to healthy young adults and may not be generalizable to other age groups or populations. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia is characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength, resulting in functional limitations and an increased risk of falls, injuries and fractures. The aim of this study was to obtain detailed information on skeletal muscle changes in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) during treatment. Methods: A total of 51 patients diagnosed with MM who had undergone whole-body low-dose computed tomography acquisition prior to induction therapy (T1) and post autologous stem cell transplantation (T2) were examined retrospectively. Total volume (TV), muscle volume (MV) and intramuscular adipose tissue volume (IMAT) of the autochthonous back muscles, the iliopsoas muscle and the gluteal muscles were evaluated on the basis of the resulting masks of the BOA tool with the fully automated combination of TotalSegmentator and a body composition analysis. An in-house trained artificial intelligence network was used to obtain a fully automated three-dimensional segmentation assessment. Results: Patients’ median age was 58 years (IQR 52–66), 38 were male and follow-up CT-scans were performed after a mean of 11.8 months (SD ± 3). Changes in MV and IMAT correlated significantly with Body-Mass-Index (BMI) (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001). Patients (n = 28) with a decrease in BMI (mean −2.2 kg/m²) during therapy lost MV (T1: 3419 cm³, IQR 3176–4000 cm³ vs. T2: 3226 cm³, IQR 3014–3662 cm³, p < 0.0001) whereas patients (n = 20) with an increased BMI (mean +1.4 kg/m²) showed an increase in IMAT (T1: 122 cm³, IQR 96.8–202.8 cm³ vs. T2: 145.5 cm³, IQR 115–248 cm³, p = 0.0002). Loss of MV varied between different muscle groups and was most prominent in the iliopsoas muscle (−9.8%) > gluteus maximus (−9.1%) > gluteus medius (−5.8%) > autochthonous back muscles (−4.3%) > gluteus minimus (−1.5%). Increase in IMAT in patients who gained weight was similar between muscle groups. Conclusions: The artificial intelligence-based three-dimensional segmentation process is a reliable and time-saving method to acquire in-depth information on sarcopenia in MM patients. Loss of MV and increase in IMAT were reliably detectable and associated with changes in BMI. Loss of MV was highest in muscles with more type 2 muscle fibers (fast-twitch, high energy) whereas muscles with predominantly type 1 fibers (slow-twitch, postural control) were less affected. This study provides valuable insight into muscle changes of MM patients during treatment, which might aid in tailoring exercise interventions more precisely to patients’ needs. Full article

This study demonstrates the valorization of orange peel waste as a sustainable feedstock for the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Compositional analysis revealed a cellulose content up to 10.0% in the raw material. After performing the alkaline/peroxide treatment, CNCs were isolated via acid hydrolysis. Different inorganic acids were compared, namely sulfuric, phosphoric, and hydrochloric acids at low molar concentrations. The resulting CNCs showed distinct morphological and physicochemical properties, with sulfuric acid treatment yielding the highest crystallinity index (TCI) of 0.86 under conditions of 3.0 mol/L, 80 °C, and 225 min. Additionally, the presence of sulfate or phosphate groups significantly influenced the thermal degradation behavior and the inorganic residue content in the obtained CNCs. Finally, the CNCs were successfully tested as co-initiator for lactide ring-opening polymerization. The results show that the molecular weights of the resulting polylactide varied depending on the CNC dispersion. This work supports the use of orange peel waste as a bio-source for CNC production and their potential application as a co-initiator in the synthesis of polyesters. Full article

The isolation period during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered physical activity and social interactions in children, with disproportionately severe effects in impoverished indigenous communities. To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body composition and cognitive status in Maya children. A prospective study conducted from March 2020 (pre-COVID) to April 2022 (post-COVID) involving 80 school-aged children from Tahdziú, Yucatán, México. Somatometric, cognitive, and dietary parameters were assessed. Post-pandemic assessments revealed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of excess body fat mass (2.5% vs. 16.3%)*, fat arm area (7.6% vs. 20%)*, and fat mass index (5.1% vs. 16.3%)*. There was also an upward trend in excess body weight (24.1% vs. 31.1%) and cardiometabolic risk index (24.1% vs. 32.5%). High rates of undernutrition persisted (78.8% and 76.3%), as did impaired cognitive function (13.8% and 21.3%). Additionally, 97.8% of children reported a low-dietary-quality (HEI score < 80). The pandemic negatively impacted body composition, increasing adiposity markers associated with future cardiometabolic risk. It also exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, as evidenced by low diet quality and worsening cognitive performance, potentially contributing to long-term educational disparities in this population. Full article

Motor skills in students can be developed or improved through regular physical activity such as walking in nature, Nordic walking, hiking, cycling and swimming. This study aimed to examine the relationship between motor skills and various anthropometric and health-related factors, and to appraise any differences in motor performance and body mass index (BMI) on a sample of university students from Croatia. A total of 122 students (73 of them in health programs and 49 in non-health programs) aged 18 to 44 years participated in the study. Motor abilities were evaluated using standardized motor tests, while body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measured fat tissue, muscle and bone mass, metabolic age, degree of obesity, total body water, and BMI. While the groups were similar in terms of BMI and weight, students in non-health-related study programs had significantly higher values across a wide array of detailed body composition measures, particularly related to fat and muscle mass. Significant negative correlations were observed between body fat percentage and trunk lift performance (r = −0.55, p < 0.01), as well as between metabolic age and trunk lift performance (r = −0.44, p < 0.01) in health students. In non-health students, the strongest negative correlation was found between body fat percentage and flexibility (r = −0.47, p < 0.01). Higher muscle mass was a positive predictor of motor performance while higher fat mass and metabolic age were significant negative predictors. These findings underscore the impact of body composition on motor performance, particularly strength and flexibility, and highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies among university students. The study supports the implementation of early interventions promoting physical activity and healthy body composition to preserve motor abilities and long-term functional health in this critical age group—especially since lifestyle habits formed during university years tend to persist into adulthood. Full article

The microbiota within crop milk not only participates in the physiological regulation of parent pigeons but also promotes the healthy growth of squabs. Consequently, microbial sequencing of both crop milk and the saliva through which it passes is essential to elucidate microbial changes in both compartments during the raising brooding period. This study sampled crop milk and saliva of Mimas at three distinct time points corresponding to Days 1, 4, and 7 of raising brooding, and collected samples from three pairs of healthy breeding pigeons with similar body weights at each time point. The results demonstrated that α diversity increased in both the crop milk and salivary microbiota over time, surpassing the levels observed at the initial secretion stage. Compared to R1, the Simpson index of the salivary microbiome was significantly higher at R7 (p < 0.05). Ligilactobacillus constituted the most abundant genus in crop milk, whereas saliva harbored a greater diversity of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship between Ligilactobacillus and Enterococcus in crop milk, suggesting potential functional synergy. Furthermore, functional prediction indicated that ABC transporter-related genes presented the lowest expression in the crop milk microbiota during its peak secretion period. Notably, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between Ligilactobacillus abundance in crop milk and Psittacicella abundance in saliva. In summary, the crop milk and salivary microbiota exhibit distinct temporal dynamics, and their specific microbial compositions and functions can provide new research directions for the healthy breeding of squabs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fluoride ion plays a crucial role in protecting teeth against caries by re-mineralizing the caries lesion. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the fluoride release and recharge of restorative dental materials and their correlation with mass stability. Methods: For this study, 5 × 5 × 2 mm blocks were prepared from GIC, RMGI L, GIOMER, Resin Composite, and RMGI R using a customized silicone index. The amount of fluoride released from each material was quantified using a fluoride electrode at 0 h, 1 day, 3 days, 1-week, and 2-week periods. The fluoride recharge of each material was calculated by quantifying the amount of fluoride uptake from high concentration fluoride solution over a period of 1-week. The mass stability of the materials was measured be quantifying the weight loss/weight gain during fluoride release and recharge phase. The correlation of fluoride release/recharge with weight loss/gain were analyzed using Pearson correlation. Results: One-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in the amount of fluoride released from each group (p < 0.05). The maximum amount of fluoride release was observed on the 3rd day in all the groups except the GIC group, which showed an ascending concentration of fluoride release till 2 weeks. One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences in weight loss/gain among the rested group (p < 0.05). GIC showed the highest amount of weight loss and weight gain among the tested materials. Conclusions: The GIC material has the highest fluoride release and RMGI L has the highest fluoride recharge capability. The conventional GIC showed the least mass stability during fluoride release/recharge. Full article

Urban green space (UGS) accessibility is a cornerstone of equitable and sustainable city planning. However, existing studies focus on large metropolitan areas and rely on limited spatial models that overlook the complexity of urban morphology and socio-demographic diversity. This study shifts the focus to East Lansing, a medium-sized U.S. city that exhibits neither the spatial concentration of major metropolises nor the uniformity of small towns, thereby offering a distinctive context to examine urban green space equity. To this end, we develop a composite accessibility index by integrating four complementary spatial models: Euclidean distance, gravity-based access, two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA), and zone-based analysis. Utilizing high-resolution spatial, demographic, and environmental datasets, the study applies both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to uncover global patterns and local variations in accessibility determinants. The results reveal pronounced neighborhood-level disparities, with variables such as green coverage, park provision, and commercial density emerging as significant but spatially uneven predictors. The composite index yields a more robust and equitable representation of UGS accessibility than any individual model. This multi-model, spatially explicit framework contributes to methodological advances in accessibility assessment and offers actionable insights for place-based urban greening strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation and inflammation, predominantly affecting women. While recent evidence suggests a systemic pro-inflammatory state in lipedema, the role of diet in modulating inflammation remains underexplored. This study assessed the anti-inflammatory potential of a Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet and its effects after 7 months of adherence on systemic inflammation markers (CRP and IL-6) in women with lipedema (n = 24) and a control group with overweight/obesity (n = 24). Methods: The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was used to characterize the inflammatory potential of the diet throughout the intervention. Dietary intake was analyzed pre- and post-intervention, and anthropometric, body composition, and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: Beyond its beneficial effects on body composition (significant reductions in body weight, fat, leg circumferences, and visceral fat), the intervention diet also demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential. In lipedema, baseline diet showed a pro-inflammatory DII profile (DII/day = 3.04), which was reduced by about 1.5 points after the intervention (p = 0.008). When expressed per 1000 kcal, the DII values were markedly lower for both baseline (DII = 0.22) and intervention diet (DII = ~0.01). Following the intervention diet, reduction in CRP (−0.39, p = 0.016) and IL-6 levels (−0.33, p = 0.034) in lipedema were observed. A significant positive association was observed between the intervention diet’s DII and CRP (r = 0.55, p = 0.005), and between the baseline diet’s DII and IL-6 (r = 0.50, p = 0.013) in lipedema group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ketogenic diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients can reduce systemic inflammation in lipedema patients, independently of caloric restriction. Full article