Search Results (126)

Robots designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have demonstrated potential in promoting social engagement and emotional learning. This study presents the design and preliminary evaluation of JARI, a social robot developed to support emotional recognition and interaction in children with ASD aged 6 to 8 years. The robot integrates mechanical, electronic, and software components within a modular architecture and is operated via a web-based Wizard of Oz interface. Aesthetic decisions, including a deliberately ambiguous zoomorphic appearance to avoid triggering the recognition of specific animal forms and the use of sensory accessories, were made to increase acceptance and reduce overstimulation. JARI was tested in the following two scenarios: individual interaction at a special education center in Peru, and group interaction at an inclusive school in Spain. Results show that most children were able to identify the robot’s emotional expressions and responded positively to its color cues. Behavioral analysis revealed significant engagement through physical gestures, sustained visual attention, and emotional mirroring. These findings suggest that JARI is effective in capturing attention and eliciting meaningful interaction from children with ASD. Full article

The current rising food prices, influenced by importation costs, the global food crisis, as well as pre- and post-harvest losses, have contributed majorly to malnutrition and food insecurity. Therefore, utilizing technologies that harness our indigenous agro-products as composite flours to develop functional foods will address these issues. In this study, dry raw samples of perishable and healthy yellow potato, yellow maize and pigeon pea were obtained from the agricultural development program, Edo State, Nigeria, and authenticated and processed into gluten-free fermented composite flours. The flours were profiled physicochemically and nutritionally, providing valuable insight into their multiple benefits. An experimental design software (Design Expert 13.0.) was applied to achieve optimum blended flours regarding the ratio of sweet potato–pigeon pea–maize, and mix 5 (67.70:20.00:12.31) displayed more outstanding attributes than other blends for the production of biscuits, bread and cakes using creaming and mixing methods. Various standard tests for flours and products were appropriately carried out to evaluate the proximate, techno-functional, mineral, antioxidant, anti-nutrient, sensory and color values. Individual antioxidant parameters were improved across all products compared to wheat-based products (control) under the same production conditions, showing a statistical significance at p < 0.05. A similar trend was observed in the proximate, anti-nutritional and mineral contents, while all products had a desirable color outlook. A sensory evaluation revealed the general acceptability, while an in vivo animal experimental model revealed that all animals fed with the various product samples gained weight with improved general body organs and no evidence of disease. This research underscores the potential of harnessing agri-value chain approaches in developing functional foods and promoting food security. Full article

Laocong Shuixian (LCSX), a premium Wuyi rock tea derived from aged Shuixian tea trees, is valued by consumers for its distinctive “Cong flavor”—a unique aroma profile characterized by woody, bamboo leaf, and glutinous rice notes. However, the chemical basis and underlying mechanisms of this unique aroma remain unclear. Here, we assessed and established a professional sensory evaluation panel using the PanelCheck software, with significant F-value levels >5% confirming the panel’s discriminative capacity for key “Cong flavor” attributes. Combining a literature review and sensory analysis, we identified the descriptive terms associated with the “Cong flavor” of LCSX. Gas chromatography–olfactometry–mass spectrometry (GC–O–MS) analysis revealed 36 key aroma-active compounds, among which theaspirone (OAV = 500.05, ACI = 37%, R_woody = 0.82), δ-decalactone (OAV = 65.6, ACI = 4.3%, R_woody = 0.77), and 2-acetylpyrrole (OAV = 163, ACI = 9%, R_rice = 0.74) were identified as the contributors to the woody and rice-like notes of LCSX based on odor activity values and correlation analyses. Molecular docking results demonstrated that these compounds spontaneously bind to multiple olfactory receptors, with binding affinity ≤−5.0 kcal/mol, providing insights into their roles in human aroma perception: theaspirone to OR8D1; δ-decalactone to OR1E2, OR5M3, OR7D4, OR7G1, OR8D1 and OR8G1; and 2-acetylpyrrole to OR1E2, OR1G1, OR5M3, OR7D4, OR7G1, OR8D1, and OR8G1. This study enhances our understanding of the formation of distinctive aroma qualities in oolong tea and establishes a foundation for further research into its sensory and chemical properties. Full article

The sensation of dyspnea is related to various cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular diseases and is characterized by its sensory and affective qualities. Although there is a vast number of studies investigating its pathophysiology, less is known about the neuroanatomy of dyspnea perception. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of 13 studies investigating different breathing challenges using either PET or fMRI was performed to demonstrate the neuroanatomical correlates of dyspnea perception. The ALE meta-analysis was performed using the GingerAle software 3.0.2 and was displayed with the Mango software 4.1. Synthesizing the results of all included studies, clusters involving the insula and cingulated cortex in both hemispheres were observed. Subgroup analysis for the restrained breathing condition revealed activation involving the right and left cingulate cortex and left anterior cingulate cortex. For the loaded breathing condition, statistically significant activation was found for the postcentral gyrus, the superior temporal gyrus, and the right thalamus. The combined ALE map for both conditions showed activity patterns in the right cingulate cortex, the right insula, and the right thalamus. This ALE meta-analysis demonstrates that two separate neuronal pathways related to either the affective or intensity domain are involved in the central processing of dyspnea perception. Full article

The concept of a digital twin (DT), rooted in mid-20th-century ideas, has recently gained significant traction even outside software simulation and engineering modeling. The recent advancements in computational power and the development of model integration methodologies have enabled the creation of virtual replicas of complex physical objects. The success of DTs in engineering has also pushed for the exploration of their use in other domains, especially where complex systems are at stake. One of these cases, which is the focus of this paper, is the modeling of cities and the way they are transformed via technologies into so-called smart cities. In these systems, the huge amount of data that are made accessible and constantly updated via sensor networks suggests that one can use DTs dedicated to the urban scenario as data-driven decision-making devices. However, the concept of a DT was not developed for socio-technical systems and requires careful analysis when applied to urban scenarios. While technologies and information systems have become integrated into city management, this has not reduced the complexity of the city. Relying only on sensory data for city modeling and management seems pretentious since detectable data (what is made accessible via sensor networks) do not seem suitable to inform on all important aspects of the city. Urban DTs hold promise, yet their development necessitates careful consideration of both opportunities and limitations. For this goal, it can be helpful to exploit an ontological analysis due to its neutral and systematic approach and to look at a city as a system of intertwined relationships across its components, such as places, agents, and knowledge. The variety of interactions that the components manifest highlights aspects of the city that the type of data we can collect today leaves unexplored. The paper presents a preliminary example of this issue by studying cases of city squares. The final part of this paper is a call to analyze DTs’ potential role in urban contexts and become aware of the intrinsic limitations of the data they rely upon. Full article

Objectives: The purpose was to quantitatively examine brain structures using 7 Tesla MRI in the presence of visual loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) related to retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene pathogenic variants. Methods: Twelve male patients with RP (mean visual acuity 0.4) related to confirmed RPGR pathogenic variants and fifteen healthy volunteers were examined with 7 Tesla MRI of the brain. Measures of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) volume were performed manually by three independent investigators (radiologists) using ITK-SNAP (Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit) software. Other brain structures were evaluated using the open-source automated software package FreeSurfer. Prior to the 7 Tesla MRI, patients underwent an ophthalmic examination and a 1.5 Tesla MRI. Results: The mean LGN volume (right—100 mm³, left—96 mm³) and left lingual gyrus volume (6162 mm³) were significantly lower in RPGR patients in comparison to the control group (129 mm³, 125 mm³, and 7310 mm³, respectively), whilst some brain regions related to other sensory information such as the left isthmus cingulate (3690 mm³) and entorhinal cortex (right—1564 mm³, left 1734 mm³) were significantly or almost significantly higher in the RPGR group than in the control group (2682 mm³, 960 mm³, and 1030 mm³, respectively). Moreover, compared to the control group, the RPGR group’s thalamus-to-LGN ratio was substantially higher. Conclusions: The use of the 7 Tesla MRI revealed numerous structural abnormalities of the visual pathway in patients with RPGR-related RP. The reorganization of the structures of the brain demonstrated in patients with RPGR-related RP reveals a certain degree of plasticity in response to visual loss. These findings may help improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for RP patients and contribute to the development of precision medicine. Full article

Blending wheat with fava bean and black cumin flours can improve the nutritional content of wheat-based bread. The current study investigated the effects of flour blending ratios of wheat, germinated fava bean, and black cumin on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of bread. A total of sixteen bread formulations were produced using the Design Expert software version 13.0.5.0: mixtures of wheat (64–100%), fava bean (0–30%), and black cumin (0–6%). The findings showed that the mixed fraction of composite flours affected the sensory attributes and nutritional value of bread. The mineral contents [Fe, Zn, and Ca] and proximate compositions [ash, fiber, fat, and crude protein] increased with an increase in fava bean and black cumin flour content and decreased with an increase in wheat flour content. The carbohydrate content and crumb lightness (L* value) increased with a decrease in black cumin and germinated fava bean flour proportion. The sensory attributes were significantly affected by the blend proportion (p < 0.05). Sensory scores increased with an increase in the level of germinated fava bean flour and decreased with an increase in the level of black cumin. Generally, the best bread blending ratio was found to be 72.5% wheat, 25.6% germinated fava bean, and 1.9% black cumin, in terms of overall qualitative attributes. This could lead to healthier and more appealing bread options. Full article

Treating ankle fractures in athletes, commonly resulting from training injuries, remains a significant challenge. Current approaches to managing both non-surgical and postoperative foot and ankle disorders have focused on integrating sensory systems into orthotic devices. Recent analyses have identified several gaps in rehabilitation strategies, especially regarding gait pattern reformation during recovery. This work aims to enhance rehabilitation effectiveness for patients with ankle injuries by controlling load distribution and monitoring joint flexion/extension angles, as well as the reactive forces during therapeutic exercises and walking. We developed an exoskeleton device model using SolidWorks 2024 software, based on data from two patients: one healthy and one with an ankle fracture. Pressure measurements in the posterior limb region were taken using the F-Socket system and a custom electromechanical sensor designed by the authors. The collected data were analyzed using the butterfly parameterization method. This research led to the development of an adaptive exoskeleton device that provided pressure distribution data, gait cycle graphs, and a diagram correlating foot angles with the duration of exoskeleton use. The device demonstrated improvement in the patients’ conditions, facilitating a more normalized gait pattern. A reduction in the load applied to the ankle joint was also observed, with the butterfly parameter confirming the device’s correct operation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common oral cancer after tongue cancer. As these carcinomas often invade the mandible early, accurately defining the resection extent is important. This report highlights the use of preoperative virtual surgery data, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, surgical guidance, and extended reality (XR) support in achieving highly accurate marginal mandibulectomy without recurrence or metastasis. Methods: CT imaging data obtained a month before surgery were imported into Materialize Mimics and Materialize Magics (Materialize, Leuven, Belgium, Ver22.0) CAD/CAM software and used to design an osteotomy guide. An STL file was generated, and the guide was fabricated using a 3D printer (Objet 260 Connex; Stratasys Ltd., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) prior to the operation. An XR application, installed on a HoloLens (Microsoft, WA, USA) head-mounted display, projected a hologram onto the surgical field. Results: The rapid intraoperative diagnostic tests were negative, and histopathology confirmed SCC without vascular or perineural invasion. No complications, including occlusal or feeding problems and sensory abnormalities, were observed. Postoperative imaging 3 years later showed no recurrence. Conclusions: Combining CAD/CAM and XR techniques for mandibulectomy may improve surgical accuracy and safety in oral and maxillofacial surgeries, whereas in-house 3D printing aids in managing tumor progression. Full article

Background: Balance and proprioception are essential elements in postural control and injury prevention. Proprioception, the body’s sense of position and movement, is closely tied to balance, which depends on input from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. This article explores the link between trauma experiences and proprioceptive dysfunction, emphasizing how heightened muscle tone, dissociation, and altered sensory processing contribute to balance issues and the risk of injury. Method: The study included 48 participants, aged 18–25. Participants completed the Emotional Regulation Scale, Dissociative Experiences Scale II, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, after which they had to stand on a BTrackS Balance Plate while being exposed to images that are designed to evoke emotions from the OASIS image set. The balance plate software calculated outcomes of the participants’ postural sway (total sway, sway area, root mean square (RMS) to the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) way, and excursion to ML and AP ways). Results: Dissociative experience shows significant correlation with RMS ML when viewing positive pictures (rτ = 0.207, p = 0.045) and when viewing negative pictures again; scores with RMS ML (rτ = 0.204, p = 0.049) but also with RMS AP (rτ = 0.209, p = 0.042) and with Excursion ML (rτ = 0.200, p = 0.049) were significant. Experiences of physical abuse affected certain indicators of postural sway when viewing positive images compared to participants with no such experience (sway area: U = 374.50, p = 0.027; RMS AP: U = 383.50, p = 0.016; Excursion ML: U = 397.00, p = 0.007). Similarly, physical neglect affected postural sway during viewing of negative images (sway area: U = 366.50, p = 0.003; RMS AP: U = 371.00, p = 0.004; Excursion ML: U = 347.00, p = 0.034; and Excursion AP: U = 353.00, p = 0.010). Conclusions: The study highlights that dissociation disrupts balance in trauma survivors, especially under emotional stress which highlights the potential for motor-based treatments. Full article

This study aimed to assess, for the first time, the exogenous application of a new formulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) developed for agricultural use at different concentrations as a strategy to trigger color development in table grapes grown in the subtropics. Trials were conducted in commercial vineyards of ‘Benitaka’ and ‘Rubi’ grapes located in a subtropical area in the South of Brazil. For each cultivar, a randomized block design with seven treatments and four replications was used as the statistical model. Treatments included various concentrations of a formulation containing 400 g kg⁻¹ of ACC: 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 g 100 L⁻¹, as well as a standard concentration of a formulation containing 100 g L⁻¹ of abscisic acid (S-ABA): 3.2 L ha⁻¹. Treatments were exogenously applied at véraison, and for each cultivar, two trials were conducted independently, including two methods of application: to the entire canopy of the vines or only to the bunches, totaling four independent trials. The concentration of total anthocyanins and the color index of the berries were assessed weekly, whereas visual sensory analysis of the color coverage of the berries was performed at harvest. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey’s test at 5% significance using R-Studio software. A single exogenous application of ACC, ranging from 75 g 100 L⁻¹ to 125 g 100 L⁻¹, intensified berry color by increasing the total anthocyanin concentration in berry skins. For ‘Benitaka’ grape, applications of ACC to the entire canopy of vines or only to bunches ranging from 75 g 100 L⁻¹ to 100 g 100 L⁻¹ resulted in enough color coverage, while for ‘Rubi’, ACC at 100 g 100 L⁻¹ was enough to intensify and to uniform the red color of berries, as well as the application of S-ABA at 3.2 L ha⁻¹, with no negative impact to the bunches or vines. Full article

Beer is a popular beverage consumed globally, and studies have emphasized the benefits of moderate consumption as well as its sensory effects on consumers. Color is a crucial sensory attribute, being the first aspect a consumer notices when assessing a beer’s quality. This review seeks to offer detailed insights into how brewing methods, raw materials, and the chemical diversity of beer influence the production of beer color. The chemical mechanisms responsible for color development and how consumers and color systems perceive the color of beer were assessed. A systematic review following the PRISMA methodology, coupled with a bibliometric analysis, was performed using (Rayyan 2022) and (VOSviewer 1.6.20) software to assess and evaluate the scientific research retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The findings highlight the significant roles of malt types, heat brewing processes, control of chemical parameters, and innovative brewing techniques in conventional beer color production. Novel chromophores like perlolyrine, pyrrolothiazolate, and furpenthiazinate are thought to affect Pilsen-style beers, along with melanoidins, Strecker aldehydes, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in conventional beers. In craft beers, such as fruit- or herb-based beers, flavonoids like anthocyanins, along with other natural pigments and synthetic colorants, are identified as the primary sources of color. However, studies related to the influence of chromophores like perlolyrine, pyrrolothiazolate, and furpenthiazinate on beer color are scarce, and emerging additives, such as pigments from microorganisms, spices, exotic herbs, and leaves of plants, on craft beer offer insights for future research. Full article

Bioinspired approaches tend to mimic some biological functions for the purpose of creating more efficient and robust systems. These can be implemented in both software and hardware designs. A neuromorphic software part can include, for example, Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) or event-based representations. Regarding the hardware part, we can find different sensory systems, such as Dynamic Vision Sensors, touch sensors, and actuators, which are linked together through specific interface boards. To run real-time SNN models, specialised hardware such as SpiNNaker, Loihi, and TrueNorth have been implemented. However, neuromorphic computing is still in development, and neuromorphic platforms are still not easily accessible to researchers. In addition, for Neuromorphic Robotics, we often need specially designed and fabricated PCBs for communication with peripheral components and sensors. Therefore, we developed an all-in-one neuromorphic system that emulates neuromorphic computing by running a Virtual Machine on a conventional low-power CPU. The Virtual Machine includes Python and Brian2 simulation packages, which allow the running of SNNs, emulating neuromorphic hardware. An additional, significant advantage of using conventional hardware such as Raspberry Pi in comparison to purpose-built neuromorphic hardware is that we can utilise the built-in physical input–output (GPIO) and USB ports to directly communicate with sensors. As a proof of concept platform, a robotic goalkeeper has been implemented, using a Raspberry Pi 5 board and SNN model in Brian2. All the sensors, namely DVS128, with an infrared module as the touch sensor and Futaba S9257 as the actuator, were linked to a Raspberry Pi 5 board. We show that it is possible to simulate SNNs on a conventional low-power CPU running real-time tasks for low-latency and low-power robotic applications. Furthermore, the system excels in the goalkeeper task, achieving an overall accuracy of 84% across various environmental conditions while maintaining a maximum power consumption of 20 W. Additionally, it reaches 88% accuracy in the online controlled setup and 80% in the offline setup, marking an improvement over previous results. This work demonstrates that the combination of a conventional low-power CPU running a Virtual Machine with only selected software is a viable competitor to neuromorphic computing hardware for robotic applications. Full article

Electrocorticography (ECoG) is a critical tool in preclinical neuroscience research for studying global network activity. However, integrating ECoG with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has posed challenges, due to metal electrode interference with imaging quality and heating around the metallic electrodes. Here, we introduce recent advancements in ECoG grid development that utilize a polymer-thick film on an organic substrate (PTFOS). PTFOS offers notable advantages over traditional ECoG grids. Firstly, it significantly reduces imaging artifacts, ensuring minimal interference with MR image quality when overlaying brain tissue with PTFOS grids. Secondly, during a 30-min fMRI acquisition, the temperature increase associated with PTFOS grids is remarkably low, measuring only 0.4 °C. These findings suggest that utilizing ECoG with PTFOS grids has the potential to enhance the safety and efficacy of neurosurgical procedures. By providing clearer imaging results and mitigating risk factors such as excessive heating during MRI scans, PTFOS-based ECoG grids represent a promising advancement in neurosurgical technology. Furthermore, we describe a cutting-edge open-source system designed for simultaneous electrophysiology and fMRI. This system stands out due to its exceptionally low input noise levels (<0.6 V peak-to-peak), robust electromagnetic compatibility (it is suitable for use in MRI environments up to 9.4 teslas), and the inclusion of user-programmable real-time signal-processing capabilities. The open-platform software is a key feature, enabling researchers to swiftly implement and customize real-time signal-processing algorithms to meet specific experimental needs. This innovative system has been successfully utilized in several rodent EEG/fMRI studies, particularly at magnetic field strengths of 4.7 and 9.4 teslas, focusing on the somatosensory system. These studies have allowed for detailed observation of neural activity and responses within this sensory system, providing insights that are critical for advancing our understanding of neurophysiological processes. The versatility and high performance of our system make it an invaluable tool for researchers aiming to integrate and analyze complex datasets from advanced imaging and electrophysiological recordings, ultimately enhancing the depth and scope of neuroscience research. Full article

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of central motor and postural development, resulting in limited mobility. Cerebral palsy is often accompanied by cognitive impairment and abnormal behavior, significantly impacting individuals and society. Time, energy, and economic investment in the rehabilitation process is substantial, yet the rehabilitation outcomes often remain unsatisfactory. Additionally, some patients have limited sensory perception during rehabilitation training, making it challenging to effectively regulate exercise intensity. Traditional evaluation methods are mostly based on recovery performance, lack guidance at the neurophysiological level, and have an unequal distribution of medical rehabilitation resources, which pose great challenges to the rehabilitation of patients. Based on the issues mentioned above, this paper proposes a real-time cerebral signal monitoring system based on wearable devices. This system can monitor and store blood oxygen, heart rate, myoelectric, and EEG signals during cerebral palsy rehabilitation, and it can track and monitor signals during the rehabilitation treatment process. The system includes two parts: hardware design and software design. The hardware design includes a data signal acquisition module, a main control chip (ESP32), a muscle electrical sensor module, a brain electrical sensor module, a blood/heart rate acquisition module, etc. It is primarily for real-time signal data acquisition, processing, and uploading to the cloud server. The software design includes functions such as data receiving, data processing, data storage, network configuration, and remote communication and enables the visual monitoring of data signals. The system can achieve real-time monitoring of electromyography, electroencephalography, and blood oxygen levels, as well as the heart rate of patients with cerebral palsy, and adjust rehabilitation training in real-time during the rehabilitation process. At the same time, based on the real-time storage of the original electromyography and electroencephalography data, it can provide auxiliary guidance for later rehabilitation evaluation and effective data support for the entire rehabilitation treatment process. Full article