Search Results (4,649)

The proper selection of bioactive root-end material is one of the main prognostic factors for the successful healing outcome of apical microsurgery (AMS). The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the marginal adaptability of a novel calcium silicate cement (CSC), Harvard MTA Universal, and Biodentine used as root-end filling materials. The endodontic treatment of 20 extracted human maxillary central incisors was performed. The apicoectomy was simulated, and root-end cavities were prepared ultrasonically using universal retrotips. Teeth were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 10) according to the retrofilling cement used: Group 1—Harvard MTA Universal and Group 2—Biodentine. The specimens were stored in relative humidity for 48 h and sectioned longitudinally. The data were processed and analyzed statistically. Harvard MTA exhibited a significantly lower mean gap width (1.16 ± 0.37 µm) than Biodentine (2.48 ± 0.38 µm) (p < 0.05), indicating a more intimate interfacial adaptation. Additionally, the phenomenon of material penetration into the dentinal tubules was observed only in the Harvard MTA group. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, Harvard MTA Universal demonstrated better interfacial properties than Biodentine when applied as a root-end filling material. This novel biomaterial could be regarded as a promising alternative for earlier calcium silicate cements in the context of AMS goals. Clinical relevance: The quality of marginal adaptation is a determinative feature for the clinical performance of CSCs and the long-term prognosis of AMS. Full article

Based on the characteristics of offshore pile foundation engineering, this study proposes a novel interpretation method for pile settlement time history signals in Rapid Load Testing (RLT). The approach utilizes Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) to decompose and reconstruct the originally acquired acceleration signals, effectively eliminating high-frequency noise and significantly enhancing signal quality. After obtaining a purified acceleration signal, the study further refines the velocity signal based on the velocity characteristics at the beginning and end of the loading process, aiming to mitigate the influence of initial and boundary conditions on the velocity data. This process yields a highly accurate displacement time history curve. To validate the superiority of VMD in acceleration signal processing, a signal model test was conducted. Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the displacement time history curve derived from VMD-processed signals not only exhibits smaller relative errors and higher precision but also shows significant waveform improvements compared to curves obtained through direct integration of filtered signals. The research indicates that for marine pile foundations, using VMD to decompose and reconstruct the signals, and applying the continuous mean square error theory to identify the critical components of noise and effective signals has significant advantages in the processing of displacement signals using RLT. Compared with traditional analysis methods, the study successfully achieved the effective removal of high-frequency noise in the signal by applying the VMD technique to the decomposition and reconstruction of acceleration signals, significantly improving the quality of the signal. The assumption of zero pile head velocity before and after loading enables accurate determination of the actual pile head displacement Full article

Background/Objectives: In the age of digitalization, nomophobia has emerged as a relevant issue, especially among university students who utilize smartphones heavily for academic and social purposes. The Stressor–Strain–Outcome (SSO) framework explains the relationship between stressors, strain, and outcomes. Stressors such as nomophobia induce psychological strain. This strain subsequently influences outcomes like mindfulness. Nomophobia has been linked to higher distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress, that can negatively impact students’ focus. However, the mechanisms by which nomophobia impacts mindfulness remain less explored. Hence, this study aims to analyze the mediating effect of distress on the relation between student’s nomophobia and mindfulness. Methods: In this quantitative study, the researcher employed a structured close-ended survey to collect data from 723 students at the University of Ha’il in Saudi Arabia. Nomophobia was measured using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). The level of distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS-21) Furthermore, the assessment of mindfulness was conducted using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the hypotheses of this study. Results: The results from PLS-SEM indicate that nomophobia did not directly reduce mindfulness, as its effect was statistically non-significant (β_1 = −0.052, p-value = 0.168). This suggests that nomophobia alone may not weaken focus. However, it significantly increased distress, particularly depression (β_2a = 0.327, p-value < 0.001), anxiety (β_2b = 0.294, p-value < 0.001) and stress (β_2c = 0.259, p-value < 0.001). In plain terms, students with higher nomophobia reported more depression and stress, which in turn reduced mindfulness. Anxiety, however, did not significantly affect mindfulness (β_3b = 0.006, p-value < 0.933), indicating its influence may be negligible or context-specific. Mediation analysis confirmed indirect effects of nomophobia on mindfulness through depression (β_4a = −0.096, p-value < 0.001) and stress (β_4c = −0.045, p-value < 0.020). Together, these mediators explained a substantial portion of the variance in mindfulness. Conclusions: The findings align with the SSO model, indicating that nomophobia acts as a stressor, exacerbating distress, which in turn reduces mindfulness. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the need for comprehensive student support. Universities should integrate digital wellness programs, stress-management resources, and mindfulness training into their services. Limitations and Future Research: The cross-sectional design and convenience sampling restrict causal inference and generalizability. Future studies should employ longitudinal research designs. They should also examine diverse cultural contexts. In addition, researchers should investigate potential mediators such as social support and sleep quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Substance use disorders (SUD) pose a significant public health challenge, with 47.7 million people nationwide struggling to end their addiction. Individuals in recovery from SUDs are at an elevated risk of relapses, even after an extended period of abstinence from substances. While the importance of social relationships in addiction recovery has been extensively researched, the specific ways addiction recovery differs between sex/gender within Oxford House (OH) settings needs further research. Some evidence suggests males and females experience SUD differently and respond distinctively to recovery. Methods: We recruited 229 participants from 42 OH recovery homes, with 55.5% (n = 127) male participants. Moderated mediation model seven by Andrew F. Hayes was used to determine the relationship between quality of life, length of stay, sense of community, and sex/gender. Results: Length of stay was a significant predictor of sense of community, with longer stays associated with stronger perceived community ties. Additionally, quality of life had a robust direct effect on sense of community. We found that there is a small indirect effect of quality of life on sense of community through length of stay for females. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while quality of life and length of stay both independently contribute to individuals’ sense of community, the mediating role of length of stay appears to be more pronounced among females. Further research is needed to understand and address sex/gender-specific recovery experiences. Full article

Background/Objectives: In view of demographic change and the increase in chronic illnesses, home care poses a considerable challenge. Telemedical technologies offer considerable potential for improving the quality of care and relieving the burden on family caregivers. With this study, we aim to develop appropriate training strategies for the use of telemedical applications in home care, focusing on the specific requirements of patients with dementia, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke. Methods: A comprehensive survey was conducted among 31 family caregivers to record their experience with digital technologies and to analyze caregiver acceptance of these technologies and barriers to their use. The survey comprised 29 questions, including a mix of multiple-choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.8876). Results: The results show that although 32% of respondents already use digital technologies, there is a significant need for training and support. Key barriers identified include a lack of technical skills (cited by 45% of respondents), limited access to suitable devices (38%), and privacy concerns (35%). In addition, 90% of respondents expressed a willingness to participate in training programs. Conclusions: Based on the survey results, evidence-based recommendations are provided for the design of training programs tailored to the individual needs of family caregivers. Through a targeted combination of e-learning modules, webinars, and practical exercises, family caregivers can be empowered to take full advantage of telemedical technologies and thus significantly improve the quality of care at home. The results underscore the importance of overcoming technical barriers and providing comprehensive training to ensure the effective use of telemedicine in home care. Full article

Assessing the quality of groundwater, a primary source of water in many sectors, is of paramount importance. To this end, modeling the geospatial distribution of chemical contaminants in groundwater can be of great utility. Machine learning (ML) models are being increasingly used to overcome the shortcomings of conventional predictive techniques. We report here a systematic review of the nature and utility of various supervised and unsupervised ML models during the past two decades of machine learning groundwater hazard mapping (MLGHM). We identified and reviewed 284 relevant MLGHM journal articles that met our inclusion criteria. Firstly, trend analysis showed (i) an exponential increase in the number of MLGHM studies published between 2004 and 2025, with geographical distribution outlining Iran, India, the US, and China as the countries with the most extensively studied areas; (ii) nitrate as the most studied target, and groundwater chemicals as the most frequently considered category of predictive variables; (iii) that tree-based ML was the most popular model for feature selection; (iv) that supervised ML was far more favored than unsupervised ML (94% vs. 6% of models) with tree-based category—mostly random forest (RF)—as the most popular supervised ML. Secondly, compiling accuracy-based comparisons of ML models from the explored literature revealed that RF, deep learning, and ensembles (mostly meta-model ensembles and boosting ensembles) were frequently reported as the most accurate models. Thirdly, a critical evaluation of MLGHM models in terms of predictive accuracy, along with several other factors such as models’ computational efficiency and predictive power—which have often been overlooked in earlier review studies—resulted in considering the relative merits of commonly used MLGHM models. Accordingly, a flowchart was designed by integrating several MLGHM key criteria (i.e., accuracy, transparency, training speed, number of hyperparameters, intended scale of modeling, and required user’s expertise) to assist in informed model selection, recognising that the weighting of criteria for model selection may vary from problem to problem. Lastly, potential challenges that may arise during different stages of MLGHM efforts are discussed along with ideas for optimizing MLGHM models. Full article

This study aimed to explore psychosocial factors in a sample of Peruvian workers, examine their convergence with the PROPSIT model, and identify the emergence of new or idiosyncratic psychosocial dimensions. At the same time, the quality and efficiency of the categorization process were evaluated. n = 48 workers were contacted by a non-probabilistic sampling method and asked to fill out a form with open-ended questions that explored negative stressors and positive engaging factors. Some strategies were used to assess the quality and efficiency of the categorization process. The results showed that the quality, speed, and reliability of the categorization procedure were satisfactory, and several categories were aligned with the PROPSIT model and other literature, both in their negative aspects (workload and rhythm, working hours, shifts, etc.) and positive aspects (rewarding tasks, atmosphere of unity, etc.). The emerging new categories were confined to aspects of teamwork and conflict climate, as well as topics such as order, cleanliness, and recreation. These findings underline the need to adapt existing models and instruments to capture idiosyncratic aspects of the Peruvian work environment. In conclusion, this study validated an efficient mixed approach for categorizing psychosocial work factors in Peru, revealing both PROPSIT-aligned and novel context-specific categories, and highlighting the need for culturally adapted tools and broader validation. Full article

Filter wash water (FWW) from public swimming pools is a recoverable resource, yet full-scale evidence on safe on-site reuse with documented economics is scarce. We evaluated a full-scale integrated recovery unit (SOWA) installed at an indoor public pool. The SOWA system—sedimentation, granular filtration operated at a hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 7.5–10 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹, ultrafiltration, and chlorine-dioxide (ClO₂) disinfection—was monitored for physicochemical and microbiological performance. Turbidity decreased from 23.1 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 0.25 NTU; chemical oxygen demand, reported as the permanganate index (COD_Mn), fell from 10.4 to 1.6 mg O₂ L⁻¹; and total microbial count declined from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 30 colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU mL⁻¹). Indicator organisms (Escherichia coli, Intestinal enterococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were not detected, and all quality criteria complied with national standards. At the Olender facility, monthly freshwater use dropped from 1700 to 1000 m³ after 24/7 SOWA operation, while combined chlorine was maintained at 0.12 mg Cl₂/L and no issues with chloroform were observed. The unit recovered 4.7 m³ h⁻¹ of FWW for non-potable uses. According to manufacturer catalogue data, the recovery process can reach up to 96%, enabling annual savings up to ~EUR 9000 and a payback of ~2 years under favourable tariffs and loads. Our outcomes are consistent with independent full-scale reuse trains (e.g., ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis) and with disinfection-by-product control strategies reported in the literature, and they align with international guidance for swimming-pool water reuse. This study provides a rare, end-to-end implementation at full scale, documenting continuous operation, verified microbial safety, regulatory compliance, quantified water and cost savings, and site-specific economics for a compact, multi-barrier FBW recovery system that can be directly transferred to similar facilities. Full article

Composites are essential materials in a wide range of industrial and medical applications due to their unique functional properties. One of the main issues of composites arises at their end-of-life stage, especially in terms of the recyclability process and its quantitative evaluation. In this study, we present a quantitative methodology for assessing the quality of composite recycling, using a paraffin-based microcomposite with the addition of tungsten particles (at one concentration 50 wt.%) as an example. Our approach combines visible-light microscopy with digital image processing techniques to obtain quantitative metrics related to recycling efficiency. The tools utilized—recognized as relatively common and uncomplicated for use in various scientific fields—have shown that the value of average particle density significantly decreased from a primary value of 43.30% to 8.30%. Consequently, the presented results confirm the usefulness of the method for the quantitative assessment of the quality of the recycling process. Full article

Background/Objectives: This case represents the successful treatment of cervical spine injury from high-speed rear-impact motor vehicle collision and abnormal cervical kyphosis with left arm radiculopathy, utilizing conservative spine care rehabilitation methods. This patient was treated with a multimodal treatment approach integrating a cervical spine extension traction protocol. Subject and Methods: A 50-year-old male with a history of motor vehicle collision presented with left arm radiculopathy, as well as cervical and upper thoracic spine pain. Notably the cervical spine presented with kyphotic deformity. The patient presented, after a being struck during a rear-end motor vehicle collision, with neck, upper back, and left arm radiculopathy. Prescription medication and traditional chiropractic care proved ineffective for substantive symptom and quality-of-life improvement. Treatment frequency was three times per week for eight weeks using the Chiropractic Biophysics^® protocol of mirror image (MI^®) postural exercise, spinal adjustment, and cervical spinal traction. On completion of in-office care, the patient was treated monthly, performed home care at least three times per week, and was re-examined at one year. Results: Final examination after eight weeks of care showed significant improvement in cervical lordosis (21.8 degrees), resulting in reduced cervical kyphosis. The patient completed outcome indices before, during, and 12 months after cessation of active care, all indicating improvement. Conclusions: This case report demonstrates both subjective and objective improvement in cervical spine kyphosis and attendant symptoms. The successful treatment of chronic pain, peripheral weakness, and radiculopathy with long-term follow-up using CBP care is documented as well. The treatment was designed to improve sagittal balance and reduce radiographic abnormalities evincing spinal misalignment. Administration of subjective, objective, and health-related quality-of-life outcome indices during, following, and 12 months post-treatment are suggestive of long-term efficacy of Chiropractic BioPhysics^® (CBP) treatment methods. Larger studies are needed to substantiate this given the limitations of a case report. Full article

Nonintrusive load monitoring (NILM) relies on high-resolution sensor data to disaggregate total building energy into end-use load components, for example HVAC, ventilation, and appliances. On the ADRENALIN corpus, simple NaN handling with forward fill and mean substitution reduced average NMAE from 0.82 to 0.76 for the Bayesian baseline, from 0.71 to 0.64 for BI-LSTM, and from 0.59 to 0.53 for the Time–Frequency Mask (TFM) model, across nine buildings and four temporal resolutions. However, many NILM models still show degraded accuracy due to unresolved data-quality issues, especially missing values, timestamp irregularities, and sensor inconsistencies, a limitation underexplored in current benchmarks. This paper presents a fully automated data-quality assurance pipeline for time-series energy datasets. The pipeline performs multivariate profiling, statistical analysis, and threshold-based diagnostics to compute standardized quality metrics, which are aggregated into an interpretable Building Quality Score (BQS) that predicts NILM performance and supports dataset ranking and selection. Explainability is provided by SHAP and a lightweight large language model, which turns visual diagnostics into concise, actionable narratives. The study evaluates practical quality improvement through systematic handling of missing values, linking metric changes to downstream error reduction. Using random-forest surrogates, SHAP identifies missingness and timestamp irregularity as dominant drivers of error across models. Core contributions include the definition and validation of BQS, an interpretable scoring and explanation framework for time-series quality, and an end-to-end evaluation of how quality diagnostics affect NILM performance at scale. Full article

Background: Total hip and knee arthroplasty are common procedures for end-stage osteoarthritis, with rehabilitation playing a central role in functional recovery. Conventional face-to-face programs are often limited by accessibility, costs, and logistical barriers. Digital telerehabilitation has been increasingly investigated as an alternative. This review aims to summarize current evidence on its effectiveness, patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction, and economic impact. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus up to April 2025. Randomized controlled trials and longitudinal studies evaluating telerehabilitation after total hip or knee arthroplasty were included. Data were extracted on functional performance, pain, autonomy, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Results: Across multiple RCTs, telerehabilitation produced functional outcomes generally comparable to conventional rehabilitation, with some studies reporting superior short-term improvements. For example, in a retrospective trial, Timed Up and Go improved by −8.0 ± 2.6 s in the digital group versus −4.9 ± 2.5 s with standard care (p < 0.01). Tablet-assisted programs reduced Five Times Sit-to-Stand times to 11.7 s at 6 months compared with 14.7 s in controls (p = 0.05). In hip arthroplasty, digital rehabilitation resulted in higher active flexion (97.4° vs. 89.9°, p = 0.018) and abduction (51.7° vs. 43.8°, p = 0.024). Quality-of-life measures, such as EQ-5D VAS, also showed improvements (82.9 ± 4.3 vs. 68.7 ± 4.6 at 6 months). Some studies reported higher patient satisfaction, for instance, a VR-based RCT found GPE at day 15 of 4.76 ± 0.43 in the intervention group versus 3.96 ± 0.65 in controls (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Telerehabilitation after hip and knee arthroplasty appears to produce short-term functional and patient-reported outcomes comparable to conventional rehabilitation in selected populations. Evidence of superiority is limited and heterogeneous, and long-term effectiveness, equity, and cost-effectiveness remain uncertain. Heterogeneity in protocols and digital literacy barriers highlight the need for standardized guidelines and further independent validation. Full article

Nickel-based superalloys, serving as the preferred materials for hot-end structural components in aerospace engines, pose considerable challenges for the fabrication of high-quality gas film holes on their surfaces due to their inherent high hardness and strength. Water-jet-guided laser processing technology has exhibited notable potential in the realm of gas film hole fabrication; however, its engineering application is hindered by the lack of synergy between processing quality and efficiency. To tackle this issue, this study achieves efficient coupling between a 1064 nm high-power laser and a stable water jet, leveraging a multi-focal water–light coupling mode. Furthermore, an “inside-to-outside” multi-pass ring-cutting drilling strategy is introduced, and the controlled variable method is employed to investigate the influence of laser single-pulse energy, scanning speed, and pulse frequency on the surface morphology and geometric accuracy of micro-holes. Building upon this foundation, micro-holes fabricated using optimized process parameters are analyzed and validated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The findings reveal that single-pulse energy is a pivotal parameter for achieving micro-hole penetration. By moderately increasing the scanning speed and pulse frequency, melt deposition and thermal accumulation effects can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the surface morphology and machining precision of micro-holes. Specifically, when the single-pulse energy is set at 0.8 mJ, the scanning speed at 25 mm/s, and the pulse frequency at 300 kHz, high-quality micro-holes with an entrance diameter of 820 μm and a taper angle of 0.32° can be fabricated in approximately 60 s. The micro-morphology and element distribution of the micro-holes affirm that water-jet-guided laser processing exhibits exceptional performance in minimizing recast layers, narrowing the heat-affected zone, and preserving the smoothness of the hole wall. Full article

Background: Currently, population aging and the growing incorporation of digital technologies into everyday life highlight the need to ensure the digital inclusion of older adults. This is due to the existence of a significant digital divide that affects this population group, limiting not only their access to services and opportunities but also their emotional well-being and quality of life. The lack of digital skills can generate feelings of exclusion, frustration, and dependence, negatively impacting their mental health and autonomy. Methods: The objective of this study is to assess the level of basic digital competence in 404 older adults using the Scale of Basic Digital Competence in Older Adults (DigCompB_PM) in order to identify existing digital divides and provide empirical evidence for the design of educational interventions that promote the digital inclusion of this population group. To this end, we start with the following research question: Are older adults prepared to face the digital and knowledge society, taking into account personal variables such as age, gender, geographical location, place of residence, and type of cohabitation? Results: The findings reveal that participants scored highest in the dimension related to safety and digital device usage while scoring lowest in online collaboration, indicating a disparity between basic digital skills and collaborative competencies. Cluster analysis further demonstrates that age and previous occupational experience significantly influence digital literacy levels. These results highlight the heterogeneity of digital competence among older adults. Conclusions: The study concludes by emphasising the importance of implementing tailored policies that enhance digital literacy in this population. Key factors such as accessibility, training, and motivation should guide such efforts. Additionally, intergenerational learning emerges as a promising strategy, facilitating the development of digital skills through knowledge exchange and sustained support from younger cohorts. Full article

This study characterised the diversity of filamentous fungi and yeasts during Malbec grape fermentation in the Southern Oasis of Mendoza (Argentina) winegrowing region, under different sanitary conditions and SO₂ treatments, using morphological and ITS-RFLP-based molecular methods. Alternaria, Cladosporium and Penicillium were present in both sound and damaged grapes, while Aspergillus and Botrytis were primarily found in damaged grapes. The predominant yeast species in both sound and damaged grape must, at lower and higher maturity levels, were Aureobasidium pullulans and Hanseniaspora spp. At higher grape ripening levels species diversity increased, with Hanseniaspora vineae, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Candida membranifaciens dominating, and others such as Pichia kudriavzevii and Issatchenkia terricola appearing. A. pullulans and M. pulcherrima were highly tolerant to SO₂. Notably, the species Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Zygoascus hellenicus and Hanseniaspora uvarum were exclusively present in damaged grape must, while Zygosaccharomyces bailii was also found in sound grape must. Hanseniaspora spp. and P. kudriavzevii predominated at mid-fermentation and persisted at the end of the process, highlighting their resistance to wine conditions and their potential to influence post-fermentative dynamics. These findings emphasise the significant influence of grape sanitary status on mycobiota composition, with important implications for fermentation behaviour and final wine quality. Full article