Search Results (13,391)

Exposure of individuals to electromagnetic fields in a wide area of daily life necessitated making spaces-structures healthier against electromagnetic fields. In this study, waste copper slag and carbon fibers were added to the cement mortar in different proportions with substitutes and additives. Physical, mechanical, electromagnetic shielding and microstructure studies were carried out on the produced composite mortars at different ages. It was determined that the mechanical strengths of composite mortars were superior to those of reference mortar samples. It was observed that electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was more positive with copper slag and especially carbon fiber additions. The highest electromagnetic shielding values were obtained in mortars containing 50% copper slag and 0.5% carbon fiber. Additionally, it was determined that copper slag, stored as an environmental waste, could be suitable for use in cementitious mortar systems. These composites offer promise for sustainable building designs in terms of both environmental performance and structural material stability. Full article

As the core space for students’ daily living and learning, the quality of the indoor wind environment and air quality in dormitory buildings is particularly critical. However, existing studies often neglect natural ventilation optimization under local climatic conditions and the multidimensional evaluation of health benefits, leaving notable gaps in dormitory design. Under the Healthy China Initiative, the indoor wind environment in university dormitories directly impacts students’ health and learning efficiency. This study selects dormitory buildings in Xuzhou as the research object and employs ANSYS FLUENT 2020 software for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, combined with orthogonal experimental design methods, to systematically investigate and optimize the indoor wind environment with a focus on healthy ventilation standards. The evaluation focused on three key metrics—comfortable wind speed ratio, air age, and CO₂ concentration—considering the effects of building orientation, corridor width, and window geometry, and identifying the optimal parameter combination. After optimization based on the orthogonal experimental design, the proportion of comfortable wind speed zones increased to 44.6%, the mean air age decreased to 258 s, and CO₂ concentration stabilized at 613 ppm. These results demonstrate that the proposed optimization framework can effectively enhance indoor air renewal and pollutant removal, thereby improving both air quality and the health-related performance of dormitory spaces. The novelty of this study lies in integrating regional climate conditions with a coordinated CFD–orthogonal design approach. This enables precise optimization of dormitory ventilation performance and provides locally tailored, actionable evidence for advancing healthy campus design. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peer support offers a promising approach for improving psychosocial outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, research has focused largely on the recipients of peer support rather than the individuals who provide support. This pilot study investigates the impact of delivering support on diabetes distress and other secondary mental health outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, resilience, and perceived social support). Methods: This pre–post single-cohort study recruited 44 adults with T1D who underwent a six-hour Zoom-based peer supporter training program designed to equip them with support-related skills (asking open-ended questions, making reflections, expressing empathy). Of this group, 36 served as peer supporters for REACHOUT, a six-month mental health support intervention delivered via mobile app. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after six months and measured diabetes distress (Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale), depressive symptomatology (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), resilience (Diabetes Strengths and Resilience Measure), and perceived social support. Unadjusted and adjusted linear mixed models were performed for each outcome measure of interest. Results: Peer supporters had a mean age of 41 ± 16 years, with a majority identifying as female (75%). At baseline, peer supporters had little to no diabetes distress (50%) and no to mild depressive symptomatology (72%). Mean scores at baseline for diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, resilience, and perceived social support were sustained at 6 months post-intervention. Conclusions: Among peer supporters whose diabetes distress scores start around the target range, ongoing maintenance of these levels may reflect a favorable outcome associated with delivering mental health support. Full article

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and continues to be responsible for a substantial number of deaths worldwide each year. Development of a robust and efficient HIV-1 vaccine remains a critical priority. Structural analysis of viral proteins provides a foundational approach to designing peptide-based immunogenic vaccines. In the current experiment, we used computational prediction approaches alongside molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify potential epitopes within gp120 and Nef proteins. The selected co-epitopes were fused with the HBsAg-binding protein (SBP), a 344-amino acid protein previously identified in our laboratory through screening of a human liver cDNA expression library against HBsAg, to facilitate efficient delivery to and uptake by dendritic cells (DCs), thereby enhancing antigen (Ag) presentation. Flexible linkers are used to connect B cells, Helper T Lymphocytes (HTLs), and Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) in a sequential manner. The assembled vaccine construct comprises 757 amino acids, corresponding to a recombinant protein of 83.64 kDa molecular weight. Structural analysis through docking studies, MD simulations, and 3D structure validation revealed that the designed protein exhibits high structural stability and potential for interaction with Toll-like receptors (TLRs). These findings support the vaccine’s ability to enhance cellular and humoral feedback, including the stimulation of T and B cells and induction of antibody (Ab) production. The results underscore the promise of this in silico designed co-epitope vaccine as a viable candidate for HIV-1 prevention and suggest that such constructs may serve as effective immunogens in future HIV-1 vaccine strategies. Full article

Chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, remain a significant clinical challenge due to high infection risk and delayed healing. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of a novel wound dressing incorporating curcumin-functionalized silver–zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) nanoparticles. The formulation was rationally designed based on molecular docking simulations that identified curcumin as a high-affinity ligand for Staphylococcus aureus Protein A. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, achieving complete inhibition of multidrug-resistant pathogens, including MRSA, within 60 s. A critical comparative assessment, incorporating an unloaded Ag-ZnO nanoparticle control group, was conducted in both a rabbit wound model and a randomized clinical trial (n = 75 patients). This design confirmed that the enhanced wound-healing efficacy is specifically attributable to the synergistic effect of curcumin combined with the nanoparticles. The curcumin-loaded Ag-ZnO treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in healing time compared to both standard care and unloaded nanoparticle controls (e.g., medium wounds: 19.6 days vs. 90.6, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that curcumin-functionalized Ag-ZnO nanoparticles offer a safe and highly effective therapeutic strategy, providing robust antibacterial action and significantly accelerated wound healing. Full article

E-textiles, a type of textile integrated with conductive sensors, allows users to freely utilize any area of the body in a convenient and comfortable manner. Thus, interactions with e-textiles are attracting more and more attention, especially for text input. However, the functional aging of e-textiles affects the characteristics and even the quality of the captured signal, presenting serious challenges for character recognition. This paper focuses on studying the behavior of e-textile functional aging and alleviating its impact on text input with an unsupervised domain adaptation technique, named A²TEXT (aging-aware e-textile-based text input). We first designed a deep kernel-based two-sample test method to validate the impact of functional aging on handwriting with an e-textile input. Based on that, we introduced a so-called Gabor domain adaptation technique, which adopts a novel Gabor orientation filter in feature extraction under an adversarial domain adaptation framework. We demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional models in four different transfer tasks, validating the effectiveness of our work. Full article

Maintaining a high-quality urban environment remains a critical yet challenging issue in modern cities, particularly in densely built and historically significant central areas. In response, the European Green Deal initiative aims to promote sustainable urban development. This study presents a multi-criteria assessment methodology for evaluating urban environments, with a focus on prioritizing thermal renovations of buildings to achieve substantial environmental improvements. The research adopts a centrifugal strategy, targeting buildings with the poorest energy performance for phased renovation efforts. Using the model city of Gubin, Poland, as a case study, the assessment proceeds through five stages: evaluating technical wear (Stages I–II), estimating replacement values and renovation costs (Stages III–IV), and finally, quantifying environmental benefits from energy efficiency upgrades (Stage V). Findings reveal that buildings in the lowest energy class (Class G) require investments of 111–193% of their replacement value but can deliver CO₂ emissions reduced to 1/6.2 of the original level (an approximate 84% reduction). The primary contribution of this paper is the development and application of a novel multi-criteria assessment methodology for evaluating urban environments, specifically designed to prioritize thermal renovations in central urban areas to achieve significant environmental and economic benefits. The study provides valuable economic and environmental indicators that can guide the formulation of pro-environmental urban policies and support strategic decision-making in cities with dense populations and aging infrastructure. Full article

Background and Objectives: Horse riding simulators (HRS) provide rhythmic, repetitive, and multidirectional movements analogous to horseback riding, which may facilitate postural control, balance, and functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate the effects of the HRS application on the muscle tone of the lower extremity, gross motor function, trunk postural control, balance, gait functions, and functional independence in children with CP. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study included 30 children with cerebral palsy (17 hemiparetic, 13 diparetic; mean age, 9.3 ± 3.2 years). All participants received Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) for eight weeks, followed by eight weeks of HRS plus NDT, in a sequential design. Outcomes included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Myoton^®PRO, Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM)-88, Pedalo^® Sensamove Balance Test (Pedalo^® SBT), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), gait analysis parameters, and Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Assessments were made at baseline, the 8th, and the 16th week. Results: At week 16, after incorporating HRS, all MAS parameters demonstrated greater improvements compared to those achieved during the first eight weeks of NDT alone (ES: 0.728–0.931, p < 0.05). Myoton^®PRO measurements showed a significant reduction in gastrocnemius stiffness (ES = 0.672, p < 0.05) in hemiparetic children and decreases in hip adductor (ES: 0.649, p < 0.05) and gastrocnemius-soleus (ES: 0.766–0.865, p < 0.05) stiffness from week 8 to 16 in diparetic children following HRS intervention. Total scores on the GMFM-88, WeeFIM, TIS, and PBS improved significantly, with large effect sizes observed both from baseline to week 16 and from week 8 to 16 (ES: 0.771–0.886, p < 0.05). Additionally, Pedalo^® SBT scores increased following HRS intervention from baseline to week 16 (ES = 0.599–0.602, p < 0.05). Conclusions: HRS integrated with conventional NDT may improve muscle tone, motor function, balance, gait, and functional independence in children with cerebral palsy, representing a valuable adjunct to standard rehabilitation. These findings provide the first evidence that simulator-assisted interventions may benefit daily activities in children with cerebral palsy. Full article

This article explores how natural wood materials—especially untreated or minimally treated timber—are perceived and experienced during tourist experiences in recreational and tourism-oriented built environments. Drawing on principles of biophilic design and cultural theories of authenticity, the study examines both the psychological and the physiological impacts of wood surfaces on users. One of the objectives of this study is to strengthen the theoretical background and to explore the connections between tourists’ experiences and the material environment. Two pilot studies were conducted: a questionnaire administered to visitors of a national design fair (n = 37) and a physiological experiment measuring user responses to three material types (solid oak, chipboard, and white laminate). The results indicate that natural wood evokes significantly more positive emotional responses and is strongly associated with authenticity, sustainability, and comfort, although concerns about hygiene and surface aging persist. A SWOT analysis is used to summarize the strategic opportunities and risks associated with wood in tourism design. The findings support the inclusion of natural wood as a multisensory design element that enhances atmosphere, emotional engagement, and perceived environmental quality—especially when surface maintenance and cultural framing are appropriately addressed. Full article

Background: Clinician empathy is associated with family satisfaction and reduced anxiety, but quantitative data from the parents’ perspective in pediatric psychiatry are limited. Objective: To assess parent-perceived physician empathy in pediatric psychiatry consultations and explore its associations with clinical and demographic factors. Methods: Cross-sectional, consecutive sample of parents attending an outpatient pediatric psychiatry clinic (n = 163 parents). A 10-item behavioral empathy scale (range 10–40) was used. Analyses included reliability testing, group comparisons, correlations, OLS regression, and exploratory PCA. Results: The mean total empathy score was 34.5 (SD 4.2); most parents rated physicians as highly empathic (65%). Parents of children with ASD reported lower empathy compared to those with anxiety/depression. Empathy increased modestly with child age and was associated with a calmer state at the end of the visit. PCA suggested exploratory evidence of potential subdimensions, including child-centered communication and listening/facilitation. Conclusions: Parent-perceived empathy in this sample was generally high; however, behaviors that directly involve and facilitate the child (listening, encouraging questions) may need strengthening, particularly for children with ASD. Results should be interpreted in light of the single-center design, the absence of a recorded participation rate, parent-proxy reporting, and the exploratory nature of the PCA. Full article

Study Design: Retrospective Case–Control. Objectives: Sleep disturbances negatively impact quality of life and increase illness susceptibility. Chronic pain is a risk factor for sleep disruption, particularly in patients with degenerative spinal conditions. Existing studies suggest that degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) patients often experience sleep disturbances, possibly due to spinal cord compression and pain. However, most research is limited to small, single-center studies, creating a need for broader analyses. Methods: We utilized the Merative Explorys Dataset, focusing on electronic health record data of patients diagnosed with DCM and sleep disorders identified via ICD codes. Comorbidities analyzed included depression/bipolar disorder, chronic pulmonary disease, migraine, osteoarthritis, hypertension, malignancy, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease. Patient demographic information (age, race, sex, and body mass index (BMI)) was included as covariates. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between each comorbidity and the risk of sleep disturbance. Results: Among 40,551 DCM patients, significant predictors of sleep disturbance included higher BMI (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.05–1.06), depression/bipolar disorder (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.56–1.74), chronic pulmonary disease (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20–1.33), migraine (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22–1.43), and hypertension (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.10–1.23). Conclusions: This large-scale analysis demonstrates the multifactorial nature of sleep disturbances in DCM, highlighting strong associations with BMI and respiratory conditions, suggesting a contributory role of sleep-disordered breathing. The identification of migraines as a risk factor highlights the need for multidisciplinary management. Addressing modifiable risk factors such as BMI and mental health may improve sleep quality in DCM patients. Full article

The NewEcoSmart project addresses the need to foster inclusive green and digital transitions in rural habitat sectors by systematically assessing local socio-technical readiness and tailoring capacity-building interventions. We adapted the validated SCIROCCO Exchange Maturity Self-Assessment Tool—selecting eight dimensions relevant to environmental, technological and social innovation—and conducted a two-phase evaluation across three pilot sites in Italy, Portugal and Spain. Phase 1 mapped stakeholder evidence against predefined criteria; Phase 2 engaged local actors (45+ adults, SMEs and micro-firms) in a self-assessment to determine digital, green and entrepreneurial skill gaps. For each domain of the SCIROCCO Tool, local actors can assign a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 5. The final score of the SCIROCCO tool can be a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 40. Quantitative maturity scores revealed heterogeneous profiles (Pacentro and Majella Madre = 5; Yecla = 10; Adelo Area = 23), underscoring diverse ecosystem strengths and limitations. A qualitative analysis, framed by Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (SHAFE) domains, identified emergent training needs that are clustered at three levels: MACRO (community-wide awareness and engagement), MESO (decision-maker capacity for strategic planning and governance) and MICRO (industry-specific practical skills). The adapted SCIROCCO tool effectively proposes the assessment of socio-technical maturity in rural contexts and guides the design of a modular, multi-layered training framework. These findings support the need for scalable deployment of interventions that are targeted to the maturity of the local ecosystems to accelerate innovations through equitable green and digital transformations in complex socio-cultural settings. Full article

As cities strive for human-centered and fine-tuned development, Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) has emerged as a powerful tool for simulating pedestrian behavior and optimizing walkable neighborhood design. This study presents a comparative bibliometric analysis of ABM applications in block-scale walkability research from 2015 to 2024, drawing on both Chinese- and English-language literature. Using visualization tools such as VOSviewer, the analysis reveals divergences in national trajectories, methodological approaches, and institutional logics. Chinese research demonstrates a policy-driven growth pattern, particularly following the introduction of the “15-Minute Community Life Circle” initiative, with an emphasis on neighborhood renewal, age-friendly design, and transit-oriented planning. In contrast, international studies show a steady output driven by technological innovation, integrating methods such as deep learning, semantic segmentation, and behavioral simulation to address climate resilience, equity, and mobility complexity. The study also classifies ABM applications into five key application domains, highlighting how Chinese and international studies differ in focus, data inputs, and implementation strategies. Despite these differences, both research streams recognize the value of ABM in transport planning, public health, and low-carbon urbanism. Key challenges identified include data scarcity, algorithmic limitations, and ethical concerns. The study concludes with future research directions, including multimodal data fusion, integration with extended reality, and the development of privacy-aware, cross-cultural modeling standards. These findings reinforce ABM’s potential as a smart urban simulation tool for advancing adaptive, human-centered, and sustainable neighborhood planning. Full article

The aim of this pilot in vitro study is to investigate the fracture strength of hybrid abutment crowns (HACs) made of a 3D-printable, tooth-colored, ceramic-reinforced composite (CRC). Based on an upper first premolar, a crown was designed, and specimens were additively fabricated from a composite material (VarseoSmile Crown plus) (N = 32). The crowns were bonded to standard abutments using a universal resin cement. Half (n = 16) of the samples were subjected to artificial aging, during which three samples suffered minor damage. All specimens were mechanically loaded at an angle of 30° to the implant axis. In addition, an FEM simulation was computed. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The mean fracture load without aging was 389.04 N (SD: 101.60 N). Two HACs suffered screw fracture, while the crowns itself failed in all other specimens. In the aged specimens, the mean fracture load was 391.19 N (SD: 143.30 N). The failure mode was predominantly catastrophic crown fracture. FEM analysis showed a maximum compressive stress of 39.79 MPa, a maximum tensile stress of 173.37 MPa and a shear stress of 60.29 MPa when loaded with 389 N. Within the limitations of this pilot study, the tested 3D-printed hybrid abutment crowns demonstrated fracture resistance above a clinically acceptable threshold, suggesting promising potential for clinical application. However, further investigations with larger sample sizes, control groups, and clinical follow-up are required. Full article

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances globally and is a common component of daily diets, particularly among women of reproductive age. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated potential adverse effects of prenatal caffeine exposure, including disturbances in fetal growth, metabolic dysregulation, organ malformations, and neurodevelopmental alterations. These findings suggest that caffeine may influence multiple physiological pathways during gestation, including epigenetic modifications and metabolic programming. However, evidence from human studies remains heterogeneous and often inconclusive. Recent cohort studies and meta-analyses have reported that moderate maternal caffeine intake is not significantly associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia, although higher intake levels have been linked to anemia, preterm birth, and low birth weight in some populations. Furthermore, emerging data suggest potential associations between prenatal caffeine exposure and early neurodevelopmental outcomes, including behavioral changes, subtle structural brain differences, and alterations in offspring metabolic health and obesity risk. Despite these findings, the magnitude and clinical relevance of these effects remain uncertain, partly due to variability in caffeine sources, dosages, study designs, and reliance on self-reported intake. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on maternal caffeine consumption, its impact on pregnancy complications, fetal development, and long-term child health outcomes. By integrating experimental and clinical data, the study provides a comprehensive overview that may assist clinicians and healthcare professionals in counseling pregnant women regarding caffeine intake and potential risks. Full article