Search Results (186,352)

Previous studies suggest that representational gestures support divergent thinking and that mental imagery is necessary for gestures to aid convergent thinking. However, less is known about non-representational gesture use (i.e., beat and palm-revealing) during creative thinking. Across two experiments, we examined whether these gestures supported or hindered creativity and the effects of mental imagery on creative thinking. In Experiment 1, we tested both gesture-spontaneous and gesture-encouraged conditions during divergent thinking. Beat gestures, irrespective of condition, were negatively associated with originality in divergent thinking for individuals with high mental imagery. Encouraged palm-revealing gestures were negatively associated with fluency, flexibility, and elaboration in divergent thinking, regardless of mental imagery. In Experiment 2, we examined spontaneous gestures during both divergent and convergent thinking and assessed mental imagery vividness and skills. Beat gestures were negatively associated with convergent thinking for individuals with low or average imagery vividness. Similarly, palm-revealing gestures were negatively associated with convergent thinking for individuals with low mental imagery skills. Vividness of imagery was the only consistent positive predictor of divergent thinking. Spontaneous gestures were not associated with divergent thinking. These findings show that, unlike representational, non-representational gesture use does not facilitate and might even hurt creativity, depending on individual differences in mental imagery. Full article

Aiming at the problem of a lack of positioning satellites and no available beacons in underground space, an injected ground electrode current field signal localization method is proposed. An extremely low-frequency current field signal is applied to two pairs of electrodes inserted into the earth to form a ground current field underground, and the ground electrode current field signal detected at the detection end is used for localization, which can effectively provide reference localization for the underground space when the satellite positioning fails. On this basis, considering that the ground electrode current field signal is susceptible to the influence of the geological structure, electromagnetic interference, and the complexity of the propagation path during underground transmission, which results in the signal showing strong non-stationary characteristics, it is difficult for the traditional time–frequency analysis method to accurately extract stable and reliable positioning characteristics. In order to improve the signal-processing accuracy and robustness, this paper introduces fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) to process the detected signals, and focuses the signal energy more effectively under the optimal order. In order to verify the effectiveness of the localization method, several experiments on the localization of ground electrode current field signals are carried out in the underground space. The experimental results show that, in the positioning environment of more than 10,000 square meters, the average positioning error is 6.896 m. The application of this method will provide a solid technical support for life rescue in underground space, provide the ‘last protection’ for rescue, and complete the life chain of emergency first aid, which has an important application prospect and practical value. Full article

Physical activity (PA) integration in special education has gained recognition as a neuroeducational intervention supporting emotional and social development in students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), yet teacher perceptions remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study examined how Israeli special education teachers perceive physical activity’s benefits and how teaching experience and educational setting influence these perceptions. A structured questionnaire was administered to 45 female special education teachers from northern Israel. The instrument assessed perceptions of physical activity’s emotional benefits, social outcomes, and implementation practices using Likert-type scales. Teachers strongly endorsed PA as a means to foster emotional resilience and coping, with most preferring group-based activities. Mixed activities were the most preferred approach, followed by movement games. Experienced teachers reported significantly stronger perceptions of emotional benefits compared to less experienced colleagues. Secondary teachers demonstrated higher extracurricular promotion and perceived greater social benefits than elementary teachers. Despite positive attitudes, implementation barriers, including infrastructure limitations and training gaps, were evident. These findings highlight physical activity’s potential as a neuroeducational tool for fostering regulation and inclusion while revealing the need for differentiated professional development, infrastructure investment, and policy integration. Full article

Cotton is a globally strategic crop that plays a crucial role in sustaining national economies and livelihoods. To address the challenges of accurate cotton field extraction in the complex planting environments of Xinjiang’s Alaer reclamation area, a cotton field identification model was developed that integrates multi-source satellite remote sensing data with machine learning methods. Using imagery from Sentinel-2, GF-1, and Landsat 8, we performed feature fusion using principal component, Gram–Schmidt (GS), and neural network techniques. Analyses of spectral, vegetation, and texture features revealed that the GS-fused blue bands of Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 exhibited optimal performance, with a mean value of 16,725, a standard deviation of 2290, and an information entropy of 8.55. These metrics improved by 10,529, 168, and 0.28, respectively, compared with the original Landsat 8 data. In comparative classification experiments, the endmember-based random forest classifier (RFC) achieved the best traditional classification performance, with a kappa value of 0.963 and an overall accuracy (OA) of 97.22% based on 250 samples, resulting in a cotton-field extraction error of 38.58 km². By enhancing the deep learning model, we proposed a U-Net architecture that incorporated a Convolutional Block Attention Module and Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling. Using the GS-fused blue band data, the model achieved significantly improved accuracy, with a kappa coefficient of 0.988 and an OA of 98.56%. This advancement reduced the area estimation error to 25.42 km², representing a 34.1% decrease compared with that of the RFC. Based on the optimal model, we constructed a digital map of continuous cotton cropping from 2021 to 2023, which revealed a consistent decline in cotton acreage within the reclaimed areas. This finding underscores the effectiveness of crop rotation policies in mitigating the adverse effects of large-scale monoculture practices. This study confirms that the synergistic integration of multi-source satellite feature fusion and deep learning significantly improves crop identification accuracy, providing reliable technical support for agricultural policy formulation and sustainable farmland management. Full article

Inverse problems have numerous important applications in science, engineering, medicine, and other disciplines. In this study, we present a numerical solution for a one-dimensional parabolic inverse problem with energy overspecification at a fixed spatial point, using the radial basis function (RBF) method. The collocation matrix arising in RBF-based approaches is typically highly ill-conditioned, and the method’s performance is strongly influenced by the choice of the radial basis function and its shape parameter. Unlike previous studies that focused primarily on Gaussian radial basis functions, this work investigates and compares the performance of three RBF types—Gaussian (GRBF), Multiquadrics (MQRBF), and Inverse Multiquadrics (IMQRBF). By transforming the inverse problem into an equivalent direct problem, we apply the RBF collocation method in both space and time. Numerical experiments on two test problems with known analytical solutions are conducted to evaluate the approximation error, optimal shape parameters, and matrix conditioning. Results indicate that both MQRBF and IMQRBF generally provide better accuracy than GRBF. Furthermore, IMQRBF enhances numerical stability due to its lower condition number, making it a more robust choice for solving ill-posed inverse problems where both stability and accuracy are critical. Full article

Vaccinium uliginosum (bog bilberry) is widely consumed in North America and Asia but has been historically avoided in many parts of Europe due to its alleged poisonous effects. We aimed to address this discrepancy in a systematic way with a combined phytochemical and ethnopharmacological approach, using UHPLC and UHPSFC for the chemical analysis, model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and human liver cells GFP-Huh-7 for the bioactivity and toxicity testing, as well as fermentation experiments. Phytochemical analysis revealed minimal differences in the metabolite pattern between European and North American samples, with no evidence of toxic alkaloids or harmful secondary metabolites. Extracts exhibited no strongly toxic effects in the tested concentrations, neither in vitro (cell viability) nor in vivo (C. elegans). Berries infected by Monilinia megalospora showed altered flavonoid and anthocyanin contents but no increased toxicity. Notably, bog bilberries demonstrated a fermentation potential superior to Vaccinium myrtillus, resulting in an alcohol content of 4.8–5.8% ABV in unsweetened juices, thus potentially explaining historical accounts of inebriation. In conclusion, direct toxicity derived from these fruits is unlikely, but the alcohol content due to fruit fermentation is a plausible explanation for the folklore names (“drunk, inebriating berry”). However, additional factors such as human error, individual intolerance, or endophytic activity need to be considered. Full article

In recent years, text-to-music models have been the biggest breakthrough in automatic music generation. While they are unquestionably a showcase of technological progress, it is not clear yet how they can be realistically integrated into the artistic practice of musicians and music practitioners. This paper aims to address this question via Prompt Audio Generation User Research Investigation (PAGURI), a user experience study where we leverage recent text-to-music developments to study how musicians and practitioners interact with these systems, evaluating their satisfaction levels. We developed an online tool through which users can generate music samples and/or apply recently proposed personalization techniques based on fine-tuning to allow the text-to-music model to generate sounds closer to their needs and preferences. Using semi-structured interviews, we analyzed different aspects related to how participants interacted with the proposed tool to understand the current effectiveness and limitations of text-to-music models in enhancing users’ creativity. Our research centers on user experiences to uncover insights that can guide the future development of TTM models and their role in AI-driven music creation. Additionally, they offered insightful perspectives on potential system improvements and their integration into their music practices. The results obtained through the study reveal the pros and cons of the use of TTMs for creative endeavors. Participants recognized the system’s creative potential and appreciated the usefulness of its personalization features. However, they also identified several challenges that must be addressed before TTMs are ready for real-world music creation, particularly issues of prompt ambiguity, limited controllability, and integration into existing workflows. Full article

(1) Background: In today’s digital society, challenges like cyberbullying, harmful social media use, and unhealthy digital habits demand innovative and inclusive educational responses. This study investigates the potential of service-learning (SL) and electronic service-learning (e-SL) as experiential approaches to enhance digital well-being among youth. By actively engaging students, educators, and community stakeholders in co-designed projects, SL/e-SL promotes critical awareness, digital citizenship, and prosocial values while addressing digital risks. (2) Methods: This review offers a literature-based analysis of existing programs and good practices that apply experiential education to encourage responsible digital engagement. It explores SL and e-SL experiences across various educational settings. (3) Results: The findings show that SL and e-SL can be effective educational tools, creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in tackling digital issues and building inclusive spaces where students, faculty, and communities collaborate to foster digital literacy and well-being. The analysis also led to the development of quality standards for SL and e-SL practices that promote digital well-being. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights key implications for teaching, underscoring the value of integrative pedagogies that connect experiential learning to digital challenges, promoting a more inclusive and responsible digital culture. Full article

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high risk of ischaemic stroke (IS). Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) is the standard of care for stroke prevention, even though its management remains challenging in clinical practice. An emerging problem is embolic events occurring on adequately conducted OAT, the so-called resistant stroke (RS). We aimed to describe pre-stroke prevention therapy, management on hospital discharge, and therapy at follow-up in all patients with AF hospitalized for IS and in the RS subgroup. Methods: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study of patients with known AF hospitalized for an IS. A subgroup with RS was identified. We recorded information on prevention therapy at home, recommended therapy at discharge, and data on outcome and prevention therapy at follow-up. Results: We identified 226 patients, 61% females, median age 84.04 years. Preventive therapy at home was performed in 121 (53.5%) (119 OAT and 2 Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion). At hospital discharge OAT was prescribed to 78.2% of patients. RS was diagnosed in 33 patients whose management at discharge was: same OAT in 12, shift to another Direct Oral Anticoauglant (DOAC) in 5, from DOAC to Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) and vice versa in 11, non-specified OAT in 4. At final, follow-up of 208 days (range 85–443) 23.3% (34/146) did not assume OAT. OAT was significantly associated with survival probability (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings confirm a scarce adoption of guidelines for AF-related embolic events, even in the absence of absolute contraindication to OAT. RS remains an underexplored clinical entity with empirical management, highlighting the need for targeted research and tailored therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fungotherapy has long been recognized as a therapeutic approach for treating and preventing various diseases. As an important representative of the so-called functional mushrooms, Chaga plays a crucial role in this system. Since this species is of limited distribution in Bulgaria, we are interested in studying a related but different species, Inonotus nidus-pici Pilát, with potential benefits for human health. Methods: The phytochemical composition of phenolic compounds in the studied species was analyzed using spectrophotometric methods and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed using various assays, and the gastroprotective effect was evaluated in experimental rat models with indomethacin-induced gastric damage. Results: The quantities of the main classes of phenolic compounds in the studied object were determined, and an enriched phenolic extract (EPE) was obtained. The amount of phenolic compounds, in decreasing order, is as follows: tannins (1.67 ± 0.02%), phenolic acids (1.50 ± 0.09%), and flavonoids (1.24 ± 0.04%). Quercetin was the most present flavonoid (15.95 ± 0.05 mg/g DWE), followed by (+)-catechin (9.86 ± 0.15 mg/g DWE) and kaempferol (1.67 ± 0.09 mg/g DWE) in the enriched phenolic extract. The quantity of other established compounds was significantly lower. Of all ten phenolic acids identified in the same extract, the highest concentration was found only for rosmarinic acid (6.41 ± 0.08 mg/g DWE) and somewhat for p-coumaric acid (2.13 ± 0.12 mg/g DWE). Among all the applied methods regarding antioxidant activity, the highest potential of the extract for reducing copper ions was the most pronounced (1506.93 μM TE/g DWE), and the ability of the extract to reduce iron ions was almost the same (1354.05 μM TE/g DWE). In the experimental indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer rat model, EPE (25 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) demonstrated a dose-dependent gastroprotective effect. Conclusions: The results of the experiments confirm the potential of the wood fungus species as a source of valuable biologically active compounds with beneficial and pharmacological effects. However, further studies are needed to fully determine its chemical composition and the biological activities related to it. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health plays a crucial role in the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children. Data from 2019 indicate that oral diseases remain a major concern in the Italian paediatric population, affecting not only children’s health but also caregivers’ well-being. This study aimed to assess the importance attributed by Italian families to their children’s oral health and correlate parents’ perceptions with children’s actual oral health status. Methods: A total of 131 children aged 0–12 years, admitted to the IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital (Genoa, Italy) for reasons other than dental problems, were enroled between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Parents completed validated questionnaires (ECOHIS or PCPQ + FIS) based on their child’s age, along with supplementary questions on socio-demographic background and dental history. Oral examination was performed to assess dmft/DMFT scores, the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and the Modified Gingival Index (MGI). Results: In younger children (0–5 years), oral health was generally good, but the presence of caries negatively impacted the family’s quality of life. Older children (6–12 years) showed higher rates of caries and gingival inflammation, affecting their daily functioning and emotional well-being. Poor oral health was more common among children of non-European backgrounds and those with lower parental education. Early dental visits, within the recommended 24 months of age, were rare. Conclusions: Despite clear international recommendations, early dental visits remain uncommon, and many children experience preventable oral health issues. These findings highlight the urgent need to improve caregiver education and public health strategies to promote early preventive dental care. Full article

Pedestrian accidents involving heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses remain a critical safety issue, primarily due to structural blind spots. While existing systems like radar-based FCW and BSD have been adopted, they are not fully optimized for pedestrian detection, particularly under adverse weather conditions. This study focused on the empirical validation of a 360-degree pedestrian collision avoidance system using multichannel ultrasonic sensors specifically designed for heavy-duty vehicles. Eight sensors were strategically positioned to ensure full spatial coverage, and scenario-based field experiments were conducted under controlled rain (50 mm/h) and fog (visibility <30 m) conditions. Pedestrian detection performance was evaluated across six distance intervals (50–300 cm) using indicators such as mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of variation (CV), and false-negative rate (FNR). The results demonstrated that the system maintained average accuracy of 97.5% even under adverse weather. Although rain affected near-range detection (FNR up to 17.5% at 100 cm), performance remained robust at mid-to-long ranges. Fog conditions led to lower variance and fewer detection failures. These empirical findings demonstrate the system’s effectiveness and robustness in real-world conditions and emphasize the importance of evaluating both distance accuracy and detection reliability in pedestrian safety applications. Full article

Non-cooperative spatial target detection plays a vital role in enabling autonomous on-orbit servicing and maintaining space situational awareness (SSA). However, due to the limited computational resources of onboard embedded systems and the complexity of spaceborne imaging environments, where spacecraft images often contain small targets that are easily obscured by background noise and characterized by low local information entropy, many existing object detection frameworks struggle to achieve high accuracy with low computational cost. To address this challenge, we propose YOLO-GRBI, an enhanced detection network designed to balance accuracy and efficiency. A reparameterized ELAN backbone is adopted to improve feature reuse and facilitate gradient propagation. The BiFormer and C2f-iAFF modules are introduced to enhance attention to salient targets, reducing false positives and false negatives. GSConv and VoV-GSCSP modules are integrated into the neck to reduce convolution operations and computational redundancy while preserving information entropy. YOLO-GRBI employs the focal loss for classification and confidence prediction to address class imbalance. Experiments on a self-constructed spacecraft dataset show that YOLO-GRBI outperforms the baseline YOLOv8n, achieving a 4.9% increase in mAP@0.5 and a 6.0% boost in mAP@0.5:0.95, while further reducing model complexity and inference latency. Full article

As a consequence of the gradual exhaustion of apatite ore reserves, intensive comminution has been implemented in mineral processing operations to enhance phosphorus liberation. Consequently, improving the flotation efficiency of fine particles has remained a persistent challenge within the phosphate industry. The performance of flotation columns is strongly affected by the interaction between gas (bubble) and particle. The present research was designed to evaluate how certain process variables and chemical dosages influence gas holdup and its correlation with the column flotation performance of fine particles derived from a low-grade apatite ore. Column flotation experiments were conducted employing a factorial experimental approach to evaluate the effects of air flow rate, surfactant concentration, collector dosage, and depressant dosage on gas holdup, P₂O₅ grade, and recovery. The results made it possible to identify the levels of gas holdup that lead to appropriate values of P₂O₅ grade and recovery simultaneously, and their relation with the operating variables and reagent dosage. Gas holdup values higher than 23.5% led to the desired values of P₂O₅ grade (>30%) and recovery (>60%) simultaneously. Statistical models were developed with high correlation coefficients (R² > 0.98) to predict P₂O₅ grade and recovery as functions of the operating variables. This research provides a comprehensive framework of the gas holdup effect on column flotation systems, offering significant potential for improving the economic viability of low-grade phosphate ore processing. Full article

Insect phonotaxis is influenced by various external and internal factors related to the environment and to the inner states of an organism. Previously, we found that flight, a natural behavior common among insects, significantly enhances the subsequent phonotactic response of female crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) via serotonergic mechanisms. It is known that phonotaxis is also present in male crickets. However, the natural factors influencing phonotaxis in males and the neurochemical mechanisms behind these effects remained unknown. Our goal was to clarify these points and to compare phonotaxis of freely moving male and female crickets using a recently developed experimental paradigm. First, we found that freely moving male and female crickets demonstrate similar phonotactic response, quantitatively evaluated based on the time that animals spent near the source of calling song, their average distance to it and the number of approaches to it. We also found that the experience of previous flight increased phonotaxis in male crickets as it does in females. Also, as in females, this effect was associated with serotonergic neurotransmission. Thus, the manifestation of phonotactic behavior in freely moving male and female crickets, as well as the behavioral and monoaminergic modulation of phonotaxis in both sexes, appear to be quite similar in our experimental paradigm. Full article