Search Results (386)

Auditory pseudowords are widely used in psycholinguistics and cognitive neuroscience, but their construction requires control of sublexical familiarity and careful characterization of how acoustic cue manipulations may shift perceived lexical plausibility. Here we introduce the Minho Pseudoword Wordlikeness Ratings (MPWR), the first normative dataset of wordlikeness judgments for European Portuguese (EP) auditory trisyllabic CV pseudowords, and evaluate whether adding a localized F0-based prominence cue modulates wordlikeness beyond distributional familiarity. One hundred and twenty pseudowords were assembled from naturally produced syllables drawn from the Minho Spoken Syllable Pool (MSSP) and recorded under uniform conditions. Each item was implemented in three token types with constant segmental content: a flat baseline and two F0-enhanced versions (+15%) targeting either the penultimate or final syllable. Native EP listeners (N = 101) provided wordlikeness ratings on a 7-point scale. MSSP-derived indices quantified pseudoword syllable familiarity (SWI_All, SWI_N3) and stress-position propensity for the targeted syllable (SPP_marked). Ratings were intentionally low overall yet showed substantial item-to-item variability. F0 enhancement produced a small but reliable decrease in wordlikeness relative to flat tokens, with no reliable difference between penultimate and final targeting positions. SWI_All robustly predicted ratings, whereas SPP_marked added little explanatory value. MPWR provides a practical EP resource for selecting and matching auditory pseudowords using normative wordlikeness ratings and transparent corpus-based descriptors. Full article

Objective: This study investigated the effects of menthol (MEN) mouth rinsing (MR) on cycling performance, neuromuscular activation, and perceptual responses during high-intensity exercise in the heat. Methods: A total of 10 trained adolescent male cyclists (16.7 ± 1.3 yrs; VO_2peak: 62.3 ± 7.6 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) completed a familiarization and two randomized, single-blind trials using a modified variable cycling test (M-VCT) in the heat (31.45 ± 0.59 °C; 23.40 ± 2.55% RH). The participants rinsed with 0.01% L-menthol or a placebo every 6 min during exercise. Power output (PO), cadence (RPM), rating of fatigue (ROF), affective feeling (FS), and surface electromyography (sEMG) were recorded. Results: Menthol MR significantly increased mean PO by 1.67 ± 1.59% (MEN: 177.1 ± 33.0 W; PLA: 174.1 ± 32.1 W; p = 0.002; d = 1.42) and enhanced cadence (MEN: 87.4 ± 5.1 RPM; PLA: 84.5 ± 5.2 RPM; p = 0.027; d = 0.84), particularly during high-intensity intervals. No significant differences were observed in ROF or FS between conditions (p > 0.05). Five muscles were monitored for activation (RF, VM, VL, TA, Gast). A significant main effect of time demonstrated decreased activation in VM, TA, RF, and Gast. VL showed a trend toward a main effect of condition (p = 0.057), with lower activation in MEN. Both VL and RF exhibited significant condition × lap interactions (p = 0.007 and p = 0.017), with progressively lower activation in MEN as fatigue progressed. Conclusions: Menthol MR significantly improved cycling performance in the heat without altering perceptual or physiological strain. Some muscles demonstrated reduced activation with menthol MR, and further study is needed to confirm the magnitude of ergogenic effects and elucidate the physiological mechanism. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to fundamentally reshape healthcare delivery, offering unprecedented advancements in diagnostics, treatment personalization, and operational efficiency. However, a growing body of international research reveals a critical “optimism–knowledge gap”: healthcare professionals are enthusiastic about AI’s potential but possess limited technical knowledge and practical experience. This gap compromises the safe and effective implementation of AI tools. The Italian healthcare context presents a unique and amplifying challenge, as it is defined by the stringent “human-in-the-loop” oversight mandated by the Garante per la protezione dei dati personali (Italy’s Data Protection Authority). This legal framework makes clinician competence not just a goal, but a prerequisite for regulatory compliance. Objective: This study aimed to provide an exploratory quantitative assessment of AI awareness, practical application, and understanding of its limitations among a sample of clinicians in Italy. It specifically sought to compare the preparedness of hospital-based clinicians and general practitioners (GPs) and to identify the workforce’s perceived educational needs within this unique legal environment. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to August 2025. Using a non-probability convenience sampling method via professional networks, the survey yielded 362 total responses. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Chi-square (${\chi }^2$) tests to compare cohort responses on familiarity, practical exposure, knowledge of limitations, and interest in further training. Results: A universal and high demand for education was found, with 89.9% of all respondents being “Moderately” or “Very” interested in learning more about AI. This optimism coexists with dangerously low practical exposure. The gap was most profound among GPs, 44.1% of whom have “Never” used an AI tool—a rate significantly higher than hospital clinicians (34.9%; ${\chi }^2=3.14$, p = 0.045). Furthermore, 32.6% of GPs admitted that they “understand some benefits but not the limitations.” Conclusions: Italian clinicians mirror the global optimism–knowledge gap. These findings underscore the urgent need for structured, continuous education in AI literacy to address ethical and regulatory imperatives within the Italian healthcare system. Full article

Background/Objectives: We investigated whether ingestion of caffeine (~1 h before) was beneficial to subsequent morning (07:30 h), mood, strength and cognitive measures. Methods: Fourteen recreationally active males were recruited and completed six sessions: (i) one repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press and back squat; (ii) two familiarization sessions of strength measures; (iv) three experimental conditions administered in a double-blinded, randomized counterbalanced design order, either caffeine (Caffeine [CAFF], 300 mg or 2.8–4.3 mg/kg body weight), placebo (Placebo [PLAC]) ingested at 06:30 h, or no-pill control (No Pill [NoPill]). For each experimental session, on arrival at the laboratory, rectal and skin temperature were measured as well as a battery of cognitive performance through a battery of tests (trail-making test, Rey’s auditory verbal learning test, and Stroop word–colour interference test). Thereafter, maximum voluntary contraction on an isometric chair (MVC) without and with stimulation was conducted, and three repetitions were performed at 40, 60 and 80% of 1RM for bench press and back squat. Average power (AP), average velocity (AV), peak velocity (PV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), average acceleration (RDV), displacement (D) and time-to-peak velocity (tPV) were recorded using MuscleLab linear encoders. Rating of perceived exertion and effort was asked after each set (RPE). The data was analysed using a general linear model with repeated measures. Results: MVC peak-force values with and without stimulation showed a significant increase in the CAFF condition compared to values for NoPill and with stimulation PLAC conditions (stim: Δ9.0 and 8.7%; no stim: 8.3%; p < 0.05; η²_p = 0.33 and 0.42). Greater muscle % activation was achieved for the CAFF than the other conditions (~6%, p ≤ 0.042; η²_p = 0.33). In the non-stimulated MVC, RPE was perceived as easier (4.8%, p = 0.04). AV and MPV values were higher in both bench press (Δ3.3 and 4.6%) and back squat (Δ7.7 and 9.2%) in CAFF than the PLAC condition (p = 0.031; η²_p = 0.24 and 0.23 and 0.24 and 0.32). CAFF improved auditory total recall compared to NoPill (9.5%, p = 0.040; η²_p = 0.22). Conclusions: Early morning ingestion of caffeine improved MVC to levels observed by others in the evening, as well as some aspects of bench press, back squat and recall performance. Caffeine ingestion had no effect on core temperature, mood, tiredness, alertness or other measures of cognitive performance. Full article

Sustainability considerations increasingly influence food packaging design, with recyclability serving as a prominent, consumer-facing indicator of environmental responsibility. However, recyclable design alone does not ensure correct consumer disposal, particularly for materials requiring specialized recycling pathways. This study examined consumer disposal behavior for used Colby-Jack cheese stick packaging containing non-recyclable food-contact components and secondary packaging that was non-recyclable, recyclable, or conditionally recyclable, as indicated by the How2Recycle (H2R) labeling system for consumer packaged goods commonly used in the US and Canada. Using a controlled, in-person kitchen clean-up simulation, 105 adult participants disposed of three commercially representative packaging formats differing in material type (flexible plastic films and corrugated fiberboard) and recyclability. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: no recycling label, H2R label only, or H2R label plus brief educational instruction on label interpretation. Widely recyclable corrugated fiberboard trays were placed into the recycling bin significantly more often than all other packaging components (p < 0.0001), and the presence of an H2R label increased consumer recycling of this material relative to NoLabel (p = 0.0401), while additional education did not further improve outcomes. In contrast, attempts at consumer recycling store drop-off recyclable flexible plastic packaging increased significantly only when education accompanied labeling (p = 0.0038). Non-recyclable food-contact wrappers showed uniformly low recycling rates across all conditions. Wishcycling occurred among 18.9% of participants and was more frequent in the YesLabel group (p = 0.0433). These findings indicate that material familiarity strongly influences correct recycling behavior and that labeling alone may be insufficient for less familiar recyclable materials. Full article

Gait parameters are commonly reported, but their stability over durations representative of a typical continuous run remains poorly understood. This study investigated the stability and temporal structure of key spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters during a 30 min easy-paced treadmill run (13 km∙h⁻¹) while participants wore familiar and unfamiliar every day running shoes. Step-level data were analysed across the full time series and in sequential 1 min epochs to determine how long each parameter took to reach practical stability and whether this differed between shoe conditions. Approximately 2450 steps were analysed per condition. Within-participant variability was low (CV < 2.5%) for all parameters and conditions except for peak impact force (CV = 6.9–7.0%) and average loading rate (CV = 8.4–8.7%). Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA-α) indicated persistent temporal structure for stride duration, swing time, and active peak force, whereas loading-phase kinetics showed weak long-range dependence. No significant differences were observed between shoe conditions for variability or temporal structure, although ground contact time was significantly longer when participants wore unfamiliar shoes. Practical windows of stability relative to each participant’s 30 min mean ranged from 11 to 17 min for spatiotemporal variables, 9 to 17 min for active peak force, and within the first minute for impact-related parameters and impulse. These findings indicate that studies examining spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters during easy-paced treadmill running require 11–17 min of continuous data to obtain 1 min epoch estimates that are practically stable relative to 30 min averages, regardless of footwear familiarity. Full article

Background: Aging is characterized by a decrease in olfactory, attentional, memory, language, and visuospatial/executive abilities. In this context, our study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and Carum carvi L. (caraway) essential oils (EOs) on aging. First, we assessed, in 402 participants, the age-related changes in olfactory functions (odor threshold, discrimination, and identification), gustatory perceptions (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste), cognitive functions (focusing on attention, memory, language, and visuospatial/executive functions), and their possible correlations with aging. To achieve this, olfactory function, gustatory perception, and cognitive abilities were evaluated in healthy participants across different age groups. Then, to evaluate the age-related decrease in trigeminal function (59 participants), we used rosemary and caraway EOs that contain carvone, limonene, and 1,8-cineole, all of which are considered typical trigeminal stimuli. Methods: Olfactory function was assessed with the Sniffin’ Sticks test, gustatory function by the Taste Strips test, and rosemary and caraway EOs by the ratings of odor pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity using a labeled hedonic Likert-type scale. Results: Olfactory function could be a potential early indicator of attentional, memory, language, and visuospatial/executive dysfunctions. Our data indicated that rosemary and caraway EOs were perceived without any significant decrease in odor pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity ratings in relation to aging. Conclusion: Our results suggest the potential bioactive effects of rosemary and caraway natural EOs as a new strategy to promote healthy aging. Full article

Ease-of-retrieval theories predict that information seems more credible when supporting reasons come to mind easily. However, it is unclear whether this holds for realistically ambiguous news headlines. We conducted two preregistered experiments (N = 128; N = 135) in which participants evaluated six pilot-tested real and fake headlines selected to minimize baseline credibility differences between veracity categories. In Experiment 1, participants generated either two or six reasons supporting or opposing each headline’s truth. In Experiment 2, the two-versus-six manipulation was crossed with a 20 s time limit. Headline veracity (real vs. fake) varied within participants, who then rated perceived task difficulty, credibility, and familiarity. Across experiments, generating six (vs. two) reasons increased perceived difficulty and reduced perceived deliberation time, indicating that the manipulation affected subjective fluency. However, linear mixed-effects analyses showed no reliable effect of the number of reasons on credibility. Credibility instead shifted with the direction of reasons required (supporting vs. opposing; ΔM ≈ 1.3) and increased with headline familiarity (r ≈ 0.40). These findings suggest that for ambiguous real-world headlines, classic ease-of-retrieval manipulations may alter perceived effort without translating into credibility judgments. Future work should test stronger fluency interventions and account for familiarity and motivational factors. Full article

The awareness and participation of local communities play a critical role in the sustainable development of tourism. This study aims to examine, in depth and systematically, the levels of awareness among the local population regarding the natural, cultural, and gastronomic assets of Bingöl Province. The study includes structured questions, photo-based applications, word cloud analysis, and an interactive puzzle technique (word search puzzle) to measure participants’ levels of recognition and awareness of touristic values. The data were collected through face-to-face structured interviews conducted with 25 participants. The findings reveal that while participants exhibited high levels of awareness regarding well-known values such as the Floating Islands, Natural Monument, Haserek Ski Center, Bingöl Honey, Kös Thermal Springs, and the 33 Martyrs’ Monument, their awareness was comparatively limited for lesser known or newly registered values. The correct identification rates of the photographs indicate which local assets are more familiar to the public and which require further promotion efforts. The puzzle technique used within the study enabled participants to learn about touristic and cultural assets in a more effective, interactive, and engaging manner, thereby enhancing their visual and cognitive awareness. Overall, the use of visual materials and interactive methods in the promotion of Bingöl’s touristic and cultural assets is expected to increase public awareness and contribute to the preservation of local cultural heritage. This approach also provides valuable insights for the development of regional tourism strategies and sustainable tourism planning. Full article

The interpretation and diagnosis of central sleep apnea in pediatrics by nocturnal polysomnography is challenging due to its technical complexity, which involves the simultaneous recording of multiple physiological parameters related to sleep and wakefulness. Furthermore, the unfamiliar environment of a sleep laboratory can hinder sleep evaluation, and diagnostic backlogs are common due to restricted capacity at specialist tertiary centers. The ability to undertake home sleep studies in a familiar environment using simple, robust, and low-cost technology is attractive. The potential to repurpose the PneumoWave biosensor, a UKCA Class 1 device, registered as an accelerometer-based monitoring device that is intended to capture and store chest motion data continuously over a period of time for retrospective analysis, was explored in an in vitro model of central sleep apnea. The PneumoWave system contains a biosensor (PW010), which was able to record simulated apnea episodes of 5 to 20 s across physiologically relevant pediatric breathing rates using an in vitro manikin model and manual annotation. The findings confirm that the PneumoWave biosensor could be a useful technology to support home sleep apnea testing and warrant further exploration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Older adults are disproportionately affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), representing a significant portion of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of BrainCheck (Braincheck, Inc., Austin, TX, USA), a digital cognitive assessment tool, in detecting acute TBI-related cognitive deficits in the context of dementia-related cognitive impairment in older adult emergency department (ED) patients. Methods: From March 2020 to November 2023, participants aged 65+ with mild TBI, as defined by the American College of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) diagnostic criteria, and individuals with isolated orthopedic injuries were recruited from 14 U.S. type 1 and 2 trauma centers. After informed consent, each subject was assessed by well-validated neurocognitive tests to characterize pre- and postinjury cognitive status. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were used to assess cognitive impairment, with the informant sections used to classify preinjury status. The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ16) was used to assess injury-related symptoms, and the tablet-based BrainCheck Battery was tested as a diagnostic platform for injury-related deficits across several functional domains. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess BrainCheck’s internal validity and its relationship with self-reported cognitive symptoms. Technology familiarity was self-reported on a 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) Likert scale. ROC curves evaluated the tool’s accuracy in identifying cognitive impairment associated with TBI in the context of pre-existing cognitive impairment. Results: For the 101 mTBI and 52 orthopedic trauma control patients, BrainCheck demonstrated strong internal validity, with significant correlations among its component tests, indicating its effectiveness in assessing cognitive impairment. However, low correlations with RPQ16 self-reported symptoms suggest that BrainCheck and the self-reported questionnaire assess different aspects of cognitive functions. Conclusions: While BrainCheck effectively identified cognitive impairment, the composite battery and scoring did not differentiate TBI and dementia. Technology familiarity did not affect test outcomes. BrainCheck is a useful tool for evaluating cognitive function in adults aged ≥ 65 years with and without TBI in ED settings. Full article

(1) Background: Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) are a frequent cause of medication-related harm, particularly in ambulatory care. Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to identify and manage these risks. This study assessed DDI knowledge, practices, and barriers among community pharmacists in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to community pharmacists. The survey assessed DDI knowledge using 26 clinically relevant drug pairings and included questions on professional behavior, training exposure, software use, and educational needs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to identify associations between knowledge scores and demographic or practice-related variables. (3) Results: A total of 219 pharmacists participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was (9.63 ± 4.58) out of 26, reflecting suboptimal to moderate awareness. Female pharmacists demonstrated significantly higher DDI knowledge scores than males (10.74 ± 5.4 vs. 9.08 ± 4.2; p = 0.016). Knowledge scores also differed significantly by academic qualification (p < 0.001), with PharmD holders scoring higher than B. Pharm and postgraduate degree holders. Pharmacists with less than 10 years of experience had significantly higher scores compared with those with longer practice duration (p = 0.002). Additionally, pharmacists who graduated from Saudi institutions scored higher than those trained outside Saudi Arabia (10.22 ± 4.7 vs. 8.44 ± 4.2; p = 0.005). Pharmacists who had received professional development training and those who attended workshops regularly also scored significantly higher. Familiarity with guidelines showed a positive trend. Reported barriers to effective DDI counseling included time constraints, limited patient understanding, and poor collaboration with prescribers. Self-rated awareness of DDIs was positively associated with actual knowledge scores. Pharmacists expressed strong preferences for workshops, online courses, and webinars as future training formats. (4) Conclusions: Pharmacists in the Jazan Region demonstrate moderate awareness of DDIs, with variation influenced by training, experience, and qualifications. Enhancing access to structured professional development and integrating clinical decision support tools could strengthen pharmacists’ role in preventing DDIs in community practice. Full article

Women with intellectual disabilities (IDs) face persistent health inequities, particularly in preventive services such as breast cancer screening, where participation rates remain disproportionately low. These disparities contribute to higher mortality and poorer survivorship outcomes, often linked to later-stage diagnoses. To better understand these challenges and inform the development of inclusive screening programs, this qualitative study conducted in Austria explored barriers, facilitators, and needs related to breast cancer screening from the dual perspectives of 17 women with mild-to-moderate IDs aged 45 and older and 10 caregivers. Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were analyzed thematically within a constructivist framework, integrating perspectives from both groups. Barriers included social taboos around sexuality, psychological distress, exclusion through standardized procedures, and unclear responsibility among stakeholders. Facilitators involved person-centered communication, accessible information, emotional and practical support, and familiar healthcare environments. Women with IDs expressed a strong desire for education, autonomy, and inclusion, while caregivers played a pivotal role in enabling access. These findings demonstrate that low screening participation among women with IDs is driven by systemic and organizational barriers rather than lack of health awareness or willingness to participate. Without structurally inclusive design, organized screening programs risk perpetuating preventable inequities in early detection. Embedding accessibility, clear accountability, and person-centered communication as standard features of breast cancer screening is therefore a public health priority to reduce avoidable late-stage diagnoses and narrow survival disparities for women with IDs. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study explored how attribute framing (lifestyle-focused vs. technology-focused product descriptions) and popularity cueing (presence or absence of a “best-seller” label) influenced purchase likelihood for a fictitious selection of hearing aids (HAs) among Canadian adults aged 40 years and above. The study further aimed to investigate whether the effects observed were unique to HAs or applicable to less-specialized consumer technology contexts. Method: A 2 × 2 × 2 mixed experimental design compared attribute framing and popularity cueing effects across HAs and notebook computers at three technology levels (entry-level, midrange, and premium). Participants (n = 122) provided ratings indicating their purchase likelihood for each product. Results: Attribute framing showed no significant influence on purchase decisions across technology levels. The presence of a popularity cue that the midrange HA was the best-seller negatively affected purchase likelihood for the entry-level HA, with higher purchase likelihood ratings observed when this cue was absent. Participants expressed stronger purchase likelihood for premium HAs compared to premium notebook computers. Notably, these two effects were not statistically significant following correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: Popularity cues for HAs may have inadvertent consequences for consumer perceptions of models with differing technology levels. Findings also suggest potentially greater willingness to invest in premium health-related technologies versus familiar consumer technology. Further research involving current HA users or candidates is needed to better understand these findings. Full article

Access to an unobstructed view of the outside through a window has been shown to play a critical role in supporting occupants’ visual comfort, psychological well-being, and cognitive performance, as it provides environmental connection and reduces stress. The aim of this study was to investigate how window view assessment ratings differ between “view owners” (individuals with long-term experience of the view) and “view observers” (those who view photos of a view). Findings from 12 in-person workshops on window view assessment are presented. The participants were 207 students from six European universities. Each participant presented their window view as “view owner”, while the remining students rated it on the 1–9 Likert scale as “view observers”. The ratings given by the “view owners” (prior to workshops) were significantly higher than those given by the “view observers”, showing the influence of familiarity and long-term experience. The additional contextual information about the interior and narrative descriptions provided orally by the “view owners” had a small positive effect. Night views were rated lower than day views by the “view observers”. The findings highlight the impact of long-term experience on the assessment of the window view and encourage the inclusion of night-view in recommendations. Full article