Search Results (2,146)

Fatigue and distracted driving are among the leading causes of traffic accidents, highlighting the importance of developing efficient and non-intrusive driver monitoring systems. Traditional camera-based methods are often limited by lighting variations, occlusions, and privacy concerns. In contrast, millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar offers a non-contact, privacy-preserving, and environment-robust solution, providing a forward-looking alternative. This study introduces a novel deep learning model, RTSFN (radar-based temporal-spatial fusion network), which simultaneously analyzes the temporal motion changes and spatial posture features of the driver. RTSFN incorporates a cross-gated fusion mechanism that dynamically integrates multi-modal information, enhancing feature complementarity and stabilizing behavior recognition. Experimental results show that RTSFN effectively detects dangerous driving states with an average F1 score of 94% and recognizes specific high-risk behaviors with an average F1 score of 97% and can run in real-time on edge devices such as the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, demonstrating its strong potential for deployment in intelligent transportation and in-vehicle safety systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tendinopathies represent a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by load-dependent pain, stiffness, weakness, and impaired functionality. Current treatment includes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities and injective therapy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a fundamental component of the extracellular matrix and plays a crucial role in tissue hydration, elasticity, and lubrication. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided injections of HA in improving pain symptoms and functionality in patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of supraspinatus tendinopathy, verified through ultrasound imaging, were included in the study. Patients underwent 3 ultrasound guidance injections (1/week) of Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyalotend, 20 mg/2 mL). Patients were evaluated at the baseline, 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 1 year (T4) after the first injection through the VAS, the QuickDASH and the SF-12. Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled. As regards the VAS there was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.01) of averages of values over time. The scores collected through the QuickDASH questionnaire have a statistically significant variation over time (p < 0.001). The values collected through the SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS) questionnaire show a highly statistically significant variation over time (p < 0.005). The values collected through the SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) questionnaire show a statistically highly significant change over time (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that HA (Hyalotend) injections could represent a viable therapeutic option for patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy in the short, medium, and long term. Further studies with larger patient samples and a control group are needed to better investigate the effects and the modalities of administration of HA in tendinopathies. Full article

Fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in aerospace and other fields due to their excellent specific strength, specific stiffness, and corrosion resistance, and further study of their failure criteria is essential to improve the accuracy and reliability of failure behavior prediction under complex loads. There are still some limitations in the current composite failure criterion research, mainly reflected in the lack of promotion of three-dimensional stress state, lack of sufficient consideration of multi-modal coupling effects, and the applicability of the criteria under multiaxial stress and complex loading conditions, which limit the wider application of composites in the leading-edge fields to a certain degree. In this work, a generalized Mohr failure envelope function approach is adopted to obtain the stress on the failure surface as a power series form of independent variable, and the unknown coefficients are determined according to the damage conditions, to extend the Chang–Chang criterion to the three-dimensional stress state, and to consider the coupling effect between the fiber and matrix failure modes. The modified Chang–Chang criterion significantly enhances the failure prediction accuracy of composite materials under complex stress states, especially in the range of multi-axial loading and small off-axis angles, which provides a more reliable theoretical basis and practical guidance for the safe design and performance optimization of composite structures in aerospace and other engineering fields. Full article

Ground engaging tools (GETs) are critical consumable components on mining excavators, and their timely replacement is essential to prevent risks and excessive downtime. This paper presents a monitoring method utilising the modal properties—natural frequencies and mode shapes. The method is applied in a test case to show how the GETs on an excavator bucket could be monitored. Modal analysis and dynamic analysis are conducted with ANSYS to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The finite element analysis models are validated by experimental vibration experiments. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between changes in natural frequencies and the conditions of the teeth on the excavator bucket, when comparing the intact to the worn-out condition. In conclusion, the presented method offers a promising approach for real-time monitoring of the GETs on mining excavators and similar equipment. It will contribute to efficient maintenance interventions and enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Full article

Land use/land cover (LULC) data serve as a critical information source for understanding the complex interactions between human activities and global environmental change. The subtropical karst region, characterized by fragmented terrain, spectral confusion, topographic shadowing, and frequent cloud cover, represents one of the most challenging natural scenes for remote sensing classification. This study reviews the evolution of multi-source data acquisition (optical, SAR, LiDAR, UAV) and preprocessing strategies tailored for subtropical regions. It evaluates the applicability and limitations of various methodological frameworks, ranging from traditional approaches and GEOBIA to machine learning and deep learning. The importance of uncertainty modeling and robust accuracy assessment systems is emphasized. The study identifies four major bottlenecks: scarcity of high-quality samples, lack of scale awareness, poor model generalization, and insufficient integration of geoscientific knowledge. It suggests that future breakthroughs lie in developing remote sensing intelligent models that are driven by few samples, integrate multi-modal data, and possess strong geoscientific interpretability. The findings provide a theoretical reference for LULC information extraction and ecological monitoring in heterogeneous geomorphic regions. Full article

The diagnosis and monitoring of progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) require further development of fast and effective clinical tools. Relations between MRI-based brain atrophy measures and cognitive impairment in people with primary progressive and secondary progressive MS (PwPPMS, n = 20 and PwSPMS, n = 19, respectively) were investigated in a prospective study with follow-up after a mean 14.97 ± 4.67 months. MRI analysis showed that at baseline and follow-up in PwSPMS, the left thalamic fraction and corpus callosum fraction were significantly lower than in PwPPMS (baseline: 0.39 ± 0.04 vs. 0.44 ± 0.06, p = 0.0203 and 0.26 ± 0.05 vs. 0.30 ± 0.05, p = 0.0097; respectively and follow-up: 0.40 ± 0.04 vs. 0.44 ± 0.07, p = 0.0443 and 0.25 ± 0.06 vs. 0.30 ± 0.05, p = 0.0103, respectively). In contrast, only at baseline, PwPPMS had a significantly lower cerebellar white matter fraction (CWMF) than PwSPMS (1.83 ± 0.20 vs. 2.01 ± 0.24, p = 0.0132). No other significant differences were observed in the MRI fractions at either study time point or in the changes of the MRI fractions between the PwPPMS and PwSPMS. However, a significant decline in the right putaminal fraction was found during observation in PwSPMS (0.332% ± 0.05% vs. 0.328% ± 0.05%, p = 0.0479). Cognitive test scores and their changes did not differ significantly between the subgroups. Declines in the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test Revised in the whole PMS group (18.74 ± 7.43 vs. 17.03 ± 7.61, p = 0.0209) and in PwPPMS (19.50 ± 8.29 vs. 17.20 ± 7.72, p = 0.0338), as well as in the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis in PwPPMS (1.05 ± 0.89 vs. 1.25 ± 1.02, p = 0.0421), were observed. In both PwPMS and PwPPMS, a worsening on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was associated with the reduction of fractions of white matter, cerebellum and right thalamus. SDMT performance also correlated with both gray matter fraction (GMF) and CWMF in the whole group, and with cerebellar gray matter fraction (CGMF) in PwPPMS. In PwSPMS, only Stroop Color and Word Test scores correlated with GMF and CGMF. In conclusion, subtle differences between PwPPMS and PwSPMS were detected both in MRI and neuropsychological parameters. Thus, our results indicate the need for a multicomponent attempt in characterizing progression in different clinical courses of MS. Full article

Background: Timely and accurate identification of wound infections is essential for effective management, yet remains clinically challenging. This study evaluated the utility of a near-infrared autofluorescence imaging system (Fluobeam^®, Fluoptics, Grenoble, France) and a thermal imaging system (FLIR^®, Teledyne LLC, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA) for detecting bacterial and fungal infections in chronic wounds. Fluobeam^® enables real-time visualization of microbial autofluorescence without exogenous contrast agents, whereas FLIR^® detects localized thermal changes associated with infection-related inflammation. Methods: This retrospective clinical study included 33 patients with suspected wound infections. All patients underwent autofluorescence imaging using Fluobeam^® and concurrent thermal imaging with FLIR^®. Imaging findings were compared with microbiological culture results, clinical signs of infection, and semi-quantitative microbial burdens. Results: Fluobeam^® achieved a sensitivity of 78.3% and specificity of 80.0% in detecting culture-positive infections. Fluorescence signal intensity correlated strongly with microbial burden (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) and clinical indicators, such as exudate, swelling, and malodor. Pathogens with high metabolic fluorescence, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida spp., were consistently identified. Representative cases demonstrate the utility of fluorescence imaging in guiding targeted debridement and enhancing intraoperative decision-making. Conclusions: Near-infrared autofluorescence imaging with Fluobeam^® and thermal imaging with FLIR^® offer complementary, noninvasive diagnostic insights into microbial burden and host inflammatory response. The combined use of these modalities may improve infection detection, support clinical decision-making, and enhance wound care outcomes. Full article

Identifying the impact of climate change and changes in underlying surface conditions on river runoff changes is critical for sustainable water resource use and watershed management in arid regions. The Kriya River is not only a key support for water resources in the arid environment of the Tarim Basin, but also a solid foundation for the survival and development of agricultural oases. In this study, the Kriya River Basin in Xinjiang, China, was taken as the research object, and the Mann–Kendall, Sen’s Slope, Cumulative Sum, and other methods were used to systematically analyze the temporal evolution law and multi-modal characteristics of runoff in the basin. Based on the Budyko hydrothermal coupling equilibrium equation, the contribution of temperature, evaporation, and the underlying surface to runoff variation was quantitatively interpreted. The study found that the annual runoff depth of the Kriya River Basin has shown a significant positive evolution trend in the past 60 years, with an increase rate of 0.5189 mm/a (p ≤ 0.01). Through the identification of mutation points, the runoff time series of the Kriya River was divided into the base period 1957–1999 and the change period 2000–2015. Without considering the supply of snowmelt runoff, the contribution rate of precipitation to runoff change was 75.23%, followed by the change in underlying surface (23.08%), and the potential evapotranspiration was only 1.69%. The results of this study provide a good scientific reference for water resources management and environmental governance in the Kriya River Basin. Full article

Background: Older adults with cancer are surviving longer due to earlier detection and more effective treatments for advanced stages. This population is at an elevated risk of osteoporosis due to age-related changes in bone density as well as the impact of cancer and cancer treatments on the skeletal system. Main Body: Cancer treatments are associated with increased bone loss and fracture risk via a variety of mechanisms. International guidelines recommend screening for cancer treatment-induced bone loss and provide treatment algorithms for pharmacological agents for those on hormonal therapy. There is a paucity of guidelines on bone health protection for those receiving intermittent glucocorticoid and newer immunotherapy regimes. Results: All patients receiving cancer treatment should undergo an individualised fracture risk assessment to optimise their bone health with regular review and reassessment of their risk profile. Dedicated bone health guidelines in cancer populations should be expanded to consider the impact of newer treatment modalities. All patients should receive education around non-pharmacological management and undergo a shared decision-making approach where there are indications for bone-targeted agents. Conclusions: Bone health assessment is an integral part of comprehensive geriatric assessment for older people with cancer. Strategies to minimise bone density loss and reduce fracture risk are an important consideration for cancer survivorship programmes for the majority of people and require a standardised approach. Full article

Climate change affects all human and ecological systems. The rapid climate impacts are increasingly evident on all economic activities, including tourism. Regarding the fact that “the window is closing”, climate resilience is urgently needed to protect tourism resources and maintain the quality of tourism offerings. Since the recent climate and tourism scientific literature emphasizes the necessity to mobilize existing knowledge, standardize practices, and explore appropriate tools related to tourism adaptation, we provided desk research and discussed the latest achievements of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) and related knowledge platforms. According to the results of this review, it seems that the vast majority of the authors use vulnerability assessment (VA) to provide a solid basis for climate change adaptation (CCA) options applicable to tourism. Also, there is a lack of application of the latest IPCC recommendations founded in climate risk assessment (CRA). In the context of CRA, vulnerability was often assessed in a static way, with limited consideration of future hazards, probabilistic estimates, and the interactions between climatic and non-climatic drivers. Moreover, the methodologies applied to assess climate-related issues in tourism have been highly heterogeneous, hindering comparability and aggregation of results. Since risk is a useful conceptual framework for understanding tourism’s climate issues and modalities to reach its climate resilience, we discussed the significance of shifting the vulnerability concept towards a risk-centered framework. This review paper also provides a basis for a common understanding of CRA, a step-by-step approach to its assessment, and the explanation of CCA options to strengthen the tourism community, since a decisive decade of climate action is upon us. Full article

To address the problem of flow-induced resonance in the valve core assembly of a pilot-operated molten salt regulating valve in a concentrated solar thermal power generation molten salt energy storage system under high pressure differential and high flow rate conditions, the flow-induced vibration characteristics of the pilot-operated molten salt regulating valve were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid–structure interaction modal analysis. The vibration characteristics of the valve core assembly under the excitation force of the molten salt medium were analyzed using the harmonic response method, and the influence of different parameters on the valve core assembly’s vibration characteristics was studied. The results show that under typical operating openings, the first six modal frequencies of the valve core motion assembly are not close to the fluid excitation frequency, indicating that flow-induced resonance does not occur. The maximum vibration stress and displacement of the valve core assembly decrease with increasing damping ratio. With increasing pressure differential, the maximum stress and maximum amplitude of the valve core assembly increase. By changing the valve stem constraint conditions, the vibration stress of the valve core assembly can be reduced. This study provides a reference for the design of flow-induced vibration suppression for pilot-operated molten salt regulating valves and provides guidance for the safe operation of concentrated solar thermal power generation molten salt regulating valves under high pressure differential and high flow rate conditions. Full article

Objective: To compare the efficacy of exercise modalities for simultaneously improving homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and total testosterone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials (n = 808) to evaluate six exercise interventions: yoga, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training (RT), combined aerobic-resistance training (CT), and control (CG). Primary outcomes were changes in HOMA-IR and total testosterone, with interventions ranked via surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Results: For HOMA-IR reduction, yoga (SUCRA = 90.73%; SMD = −0.73, 95% CrI: −1.3 to −0.086) and HIIT (SUCRA = 74.12%; SMD = −0.47, 95% CrI: −0.75 to −0.15) demonstrated superior efficacy versus MICT (SUCRA = 50.56%) and CT (SUCRA = 42.29%), while RT was the least effective (SUCRA = 32.53%). For testosterone lowering, yoga was ranked the highest again (SUCRA = 92.46%; SMD = −0.85, 95% CrI: −1.7 to −0.12), followed by MICT (SUCRA = 75.72%; SMD = −0.56, 95% CrI: −0.97 to −0.25) and HIIT (SUCRA = 61.12%; SMD = −0.42, CrI: −0.88 to −0.12). CT and RT showed non-significant effects for both outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Yoga is the optimal intervention for dual-pathway improvement in PCOS. HIIT and MICT provide outcome-specific benefits (metabolic vs. endocrine), whereas CT and RT necessitate protocol refinement. Systematic review registration: This systematic review and network meta-analysis study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251011979). Full article

Background: This study examined the effects of high-intensity interval training with change of direction (HIITcod) and small-sided games (SSGs) on components of physical fitness in school-aged children. The aim was to provide practical insights for optimizing exercise interventions in constrained indoor environments. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted during regular physical education (PE) classes in a school’s indoor sports hall. Fifty healthy boys (mean ± SD = 12.6 ± 0.6 years) were randomly assigned to a HIITcod group (n = 25) or an SSG group (n = 25). The intervention lasted eight weeks and consisted of structured training sessions designed to progressively increase intensity and training load in a child-friendly and safe environment. Individual maximal heart rate (HRmax) was determined using the 20 m shuttle run test prior to the intervention. Heart rate monitors were worn throughout all sessions to ensure exercise intensity consistently exceeded 75% of HRmax, with real-time monitoring used to adjust effort when necessary. Physical fitness outcomes, including the shuttle run test (SRT), handgrip strength (HG), 20 m sprint, standing broad jump (SBJ), Illinois agility test, and T-test, were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements over time in the SRT, SBJ, Illinois agility test, and T-test (p < 0.05). No significant group × time interactions were detected (all p > 0.05). Handgrip strength increased significantly in the HIITcod group (35.03 ± 7.19 kg to 36.80 ± 6.68 kg, p = 0.001, d = 0.25) and showed a non-significant trend in the SSG group (38.28 ± 9.09 kg to 39.23 ± 9.12 kg, p = 0.056). No significant changes were observed in 20 m sprint performance. Conclusions: Based on the study results, both HIITcod and SSGs were associated with improvements in multiple components of physical fitness in school-aged boys. These findings suggest that both training modalities may be viable options for implementation during physical education classes, particularly in limited indoor settings. The observed positive changes in fitness could indicate their potential to positively impact children’s fitness in a structured and engaging manner. Full article

Background: Creatine supplementation is widely used to enhance exercise performance, mainly resistance training adaptations, yet its differential effects on upper- and lower-body strength and muscular power remain unclear across populations. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of creatine supplementation in studies that included different exercise modalities or no exercise on upper- and lower-body muscular strength and power in adults. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted through 21 September 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of creatine supplementation on strength (bench/chest press, leg press, and handgrip) and power (upper and lower body). Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects modeling. Subgroup analyses examined the influence of age, sex, training status, dose, duration, and training frequency. Results: A total of 69 studies with 1937 participants were included for analysis. Creatine plus resistance training produced small but statistically significant improvements in bench and chest press strength [WMD = 1.43 kg, p = 0.002], squat strength [WMD = 5.64 kg, p = 0.001], vertical jump [WMD = 1.48 cm, p = 0.01], and Wingate peak power [WMD = 47.81 Watts, p = 0.004] when compared to the placebo. Additionally, creatine supplementation combined with exercise training revealed no significant differences in handgrip strength [WMD = 4.26 kg, p = 0.10] and leg press strength [WMD = 3.129 kg, p = 0.11], when compared with the placebo. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on age revealed significant increases in bench and chest press [WMD = 1.81 kg, p = 0.002], leg press [WMD = 8.30 kg, p = 0.004], and squat strength [WMD = 6.46 kg, p = 0.001] for younger adults but not for older adults. Subgroup analyses by sex revealed significant increases in leg press strength [WMD = 9.79 kg, p = 0.001], squat strength [WMD = 6.43 kg, p = 0.001], vertical jump [WMD = 1.52 cm, p = 0.04], and Wingate peak power [WMD = 55.31 Watts, p = 0.001] in males, but this was not observed in females. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that creatine supplementation, especially when combined with resistance training, significantly improves strength in key compound lifts such as the bench or chest press and squat, as well as muscular power, but effects are not uniform across all measures. Benefits were most consistent in younger adults and males, while older adults and females showed smaller or non-significant changes in several outcomes. No overall improvement was observed for handgrip strength or leg press strength, suggesting that the ergogenic effects may be more pronounced in certain multi-joint compound exercises like the squat and bench press. Although the leg press is also a multi-joint exercise, results for this measure were mixed in our analysis, which may reflect differences in study design, participant characteristics, or variability in testing protocols. The sensitivity of strength tests to detect changes appears to vary, with smaller or more isolated measures showing less responsiveness. More well-powered trials in underrepresented groups, particularly women and older adults, are needed to clarify population-specific responses. Full article

Aim: To investigate the synergistic effects of exercise training and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli sprout) supplementation on Apolipoprotein A-I, B-100, and J levels in men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Forty-four males with T2DM were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (CG), Supplement (SG), Training (TG), and Training + Supplement (TSG) groups. Participants in the supplement groups (SG and TSG) received 10 g of broccoli supplement after meals for 12 weeks, while those in the training groups (TG and TSG) participated in a structured exercise program (resistance and aerobic), performed three times per week for 12 weeks, at intensities of 60–70% one-repetition maximum (1RM) for resistance training and 60–70% peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) for aerobic training. Results: Circulating levels of apolipoproteins improved after 12 weeks in the TSG, TG, and SG groups. However, the TSG group exhibited the most pronounced improvements across metabolic and lipoprotein markers, reflecting an additive effect of both interventions. Specifically, the TSG group demonstrated absolute reductions in ApoB-100 (−48.30 ± 7.20 mg/dL) and ApoJ (−44.05 ± 5.76 mg/dL), along with an increase in ApoA-I (+44.92 ± 6.05 mg/dL). Main effect analysis revealed that exercise training elicited the most substantial improvements across metabolic and lipoprotein markers, with large effect sizes for glucose (η²p = 0.787), insulin (η²p = 0.640), HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.856), ApoA-I (η²p = 0.685), ApoB-100 (η²p = 0.774), ApoJ (η²p = 0.848), and HDL-C (η²p = 0.535). Supplementation showed moderate effects, particularly on HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.370), ApoA-I (η²p = 0.383), and ApoB-100 (η²p = 0.334), supporting an additive but exercise-dominant benefit. The combined intervention group (TSG) showed the most pronounced improvements across all measured outcomes, with large effect sizes for ApoA-I (η²p = 0.883), glucose (η²p = 0.946), insulin (η²p = 0.881), HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.904), and ApoJ (η²p = 0.852). Conclusions: The effects of combining training and broccoli sprout supplementation on apolipoprotein levels are likely to result from the activation of two separate pathways, one from training and the other from supplementation. This dual-modality intervention could serve as an effective complementary strategy in managing metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors for individuals with T2DM. However, the magnitude of change induced by the combination of exercise training and broccoli supplementation was largely driven by the training component, with supplementation providing complementary but less consistent benefits. Full article