Search Results (116,033)

Background/Objectives: This study examines the impact of long-term institutionalization on the linguistic and communicative abilities of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, focusing on the influence of educational background. Schizophrenia is characterized by cognitive and social deficits, including disruptions to language use and communicative engagement. Prolonged institutionalization can exacerbate these impairments by depriving individuals of essential social interactions and cognitive stimulation. Methods: A case series approach was employed with 18 participants, and validated assessment tools such as the Montreal Evaluation of Communication and the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Test were used to measure communicative performance. Results: Participants with higher educational attainment (nine or more years of schooling) who had been institutionalized for ten years or more exhibited significantly better performance than their less-educated counterparts across various communication domains, including comprehension of linguistic prosody, lexical fluency, and auditory comprehension. This implies that completing a higher degree may mitigate the cognitive decline impact of prolonged stays in an institution. However, the study design does not allow us to ascertain whether education functions as a mitigating factor. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of incorporating educational considerations into therapeutic strategies for individuals with schizophrenia, especially those experiencing long-term institutionalization. Providing enhanced educational opportunities within institutional settings could mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged confinement and foster improved communication and social skills. These findings are consistent with research on cognitive reserve, which suggests that education fosters adaptive strategies and the utilization of alternative neural pathways. This enables individuals to maintain communication skills despite the cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric surgical emergency during pregnancy. Diagnosing appendicitis in the third trimester remains especially challenging due to physiological changes that obscure clinical presentation and limit the utility of imaging modalities. These challenges can lead to diagnostic delays, increasing the risk of severe complications for both mother and fetus. Case presentation: We present a complex case of a 36-year-old pregnant woman at 29 + 4 weeks of gestation who developed acute appendicitis with an atypical clinical course. Her initial symptoms were nonspecific and misattributed to gastrointestinal discomfort related to pregnancy. Her condition progressively worsened, leading to an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy. Intraoperative findings confirmed a perforated, necrotic appendix. Postoperatively, she experienced multiple complications, including ileus, wound dehiscence, and complete eventration of the abdominal wall. These required two additional laparotomies and the application of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy for effective wound management. Despite the severity of maternal complications and the risk of preterm delivery, a multidisciplinary team provided coordinated care. The patient was delivered vaginally at 34 + 4 weeks using vacuum assistance. The neonate, who developed sepsis, was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit and discharged after 24 days. Both mother and child ultimately recovered. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of appendicitis in late pregnancy and the potential for severe postoperative complications. Prompt surgical intervention, high clinical suspicion, and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial. Moreover, this report adds to the limited literature on the use of VAC therapy for abdominal eventration in pregnancy, demonstrating its feasibility and safety in selected cases. Full article

The modern job market demands soft and future skills from both technical and non-technical professionals. It is often challenging to teach these competencies in a traditional academic setting. This paper presents an effective approach for developing these skills through a short, intensive, joint project. While our case study is an Erasmus+ program, the methodology can be applied within various frameworks. We use problem-based and active learning, along with group work, to teach. The approach also emphasizes diversity by arranging multidisciplinary student groups to work on software development tasks. In our project, less than half of the participants had a computer science background, demonstrating that these tasks are engaging for non-technical students. The multicultural and international environment of the project is crucial in a global working environment, and its brief, intense nature helps simulate real-world stressful situations. This methodology provides a practical way to prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the project in developing certain key skills, though not all competencies showed a measurable increase during the event’s short duration. Full article

Background: As an extremely sensitive organ, particularly during in utero development, the brain has intrinsic systems to reduce the risk of cerebral damage in cases of insult, such as energy deprivation, due to a mechanism of positive balance in cerebral oxygen–energy substrate demand and supply. This mechanism is called cerebral autoregulation and is present in both the fetal and adult brain. The inaccessibility of the fetal brain to currently available measurement techniques limits its knowledge. Physiological and pathological alterations of fetal cerebral blood flow (CBF) can be assessed during the latter half of pregnancy using sonographic Doppler studies. The limited studies on this subject suggest a potential role for Doppler assessment of the fetal internal carotid artery. Objective: This article reviews the concept of CBF autoregulation and the role of fetal Doppler studies in various brain vascular territories in clinical practice. Methods: A PubMed search was performed, and 156 English articles were used as references in this bibliographic review, published between January 1996 and December 2021. Results: The study of fetal CBF involves indirect observation; the fetal brain constantly changes its characteristics towards complete maturation, which will be fully accomplished only after birth, and the maternal environment influences this process. Conclusions: Doppler study of the internal cerebral artery might be useful in clinical practice. However, technical issues for its study are not established, there are no reference curves, and studies on its clinical value have limited applicability. Full article

This paper analyses the operation of a water supply system located in the Silesian Voivodeship, serving six small localities covering a rural area of about 50 km² with a total population of 6130. The region’s varied elevation presents challenges to system performance. A hydraulic model was developed in EPANET, then validated and calibrated based on selected measurement points. Previous studies revealed that the network operates under unstable conditions. Although all users receive water under average demand, some areas experience excessive pressure. During peak demand, water shortages occur due to limited inflow to the main reservoir, which the existing pumping system cannot compensate for. In response, the validated model was used in this study to propose a reconstruction strategy to ensure a reliable water supply under all demand conditions. The analysis focused on the introduction of new water intakes, identifying their required capacity and optimal locations. It has been demonstrated that the inclusion of a new water intake positively impacts the stability of the water distribution network, and that a hydraulic model is a valuable tool for supporting the selection of its location. Hydraulic convergence of the model was necessary to optimize and evaluate the proposed solutions. As part of the selection criteria, two parameters were analysed: the percentage of nodes with pressure below 20 m H₂O, and the percentage of nodes where the pressure exceeds 55 m H₂O. Among the evaluated options, the most effective solution was intake no. 1, directly connected to a DN 160 transmission pipe supplying the area with the lowest recorded pressure. The upgraded system operates stably and meets the demands of all users. The obtained results provide valuable support for water utility management in making decisions on the development and operational optimization of water supply networks. Full article

Two essential oils: cinnamon and clove were used to aromatize rapeseed honey for the first time. For comparison self-distilled and commercially purchased essential oils were used. All essential oils and obtained flavored honeys were assessed for antioxidant activity, volatile fraction composition (GC-MS) and polyphenolic profiles (HPTLC). The results indicated that while in the case of clove oils the differences in the enrichment of the honey composition were not dependent on the origin of essential oil, the effect of the self-distilled cinnamon oil addition was completely different than for its market equivalent. The commercial cinnamon oil contained a larger amount (59.58%) of eugenol than the self-produced oil, probably as a result of the admixture of cinnamon leaf oil or different raw material used for commercial essential oil production. The described studies may constitute a basis for introducing to the market a new type of product based on honey and phytoadditives. The essential oil flavored honey is characterized not only by new desirable organoleptic features but also by highly enhanced antioxidant and probably antibacterial properties, which, however, requires further research. Full article

In the 21st century, rapid urbanisation has brought both challenges and opportunities. Smart cities have emerged as innovative solutions to meet the complex demands of urban life. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) serves as the backbone of this transformation, integrating infrastructure, public services, and environmental sustainability. Within ICT, the computing continuum has become a key paradigm for efficient resource management, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) enhance urban planning, optimise resource use, and strengthen governance. This paper systematically reviews smart city developments from January 2020 to June 2025, focusing on technological advances and sustainability goals in databases such as Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. By synthesising the literature, it identifies common challenges, implementation strategies, and future directions. The review highlights the central role of the computing continuum and AI, covering enabling technologies, applications, case studies, and deployment challenges. Our findings indicate that the IoT, AI, and data analytics are currently dominant approaches, yet significant gaps remain in citizen participation, equitable access, and long-term governance. Overall, smart cities aim to integrate data, digital technologies, and intelligent infrastructure to improve the quality of life while promoting sustainable, resilient, and inclusive services. Full article

Within the context of sustainable exploitation of phytogenetic resources, the present study aimed to develop species-specific seed germination protocols for eighteen native and potentially underutilized plant species originating from northeastern Greece. The taxa were selected based on their antioxidant potential and their provenance to enhance their regional exploitation potential, thus utilizing the species’ local adaptation traits. To quantify the maximum germination potential in each case, seed viability was assessed using the tetrazolium (TTZ) test. The pre-treatments applied for seed dormancy release included cold stratification and the application of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and kinetin. Germination tests revealed that 9 of the 18 species exhibited high germination percentages in the control treatment (ranging between 64 and 90%) indicating that after-ripening was sufficient for any seed dormancy release in a significant portion of the seed lot. Furthermore, cold stratification and hormonal treatments significantly enhanced germination in seven species (final seed germination up to 85%), indicating deeper physiological dormancy and confirming the role of cold stratification and phytohormones in dormancy release. Two species showed no germination under any pre-treatment while viable, indicating the presence of more complex dormancy mechanisms. Germination percentages were frequently lower than the corresponding seed viability values, which ranged from 70% to 100%, suggesting that a portion of the seed lot exhibited deeper dormancy throughout. The results showcased species with favorable germination patterns, thus successfully identifying species that can be readily propagated, as well as species that require specific pre-treatments. The study sets the basis for domestication and sustainable use of local antioxidant-rich flora, providing a clear roadmap for the agronomic utilization of the focal species to support the regional bioeconomy. Full article

In recent years, the increasing frequency of global seismic events has imposed severe impacts on human society. Timely and accurate assessment of post-earthquake damage and recovery is essential for developing effective emergency response strategies and enhancing urban resilience. This study investigates 11 provinces in Turkey affected by the February 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake, conducting a multidimensional evaluation of disaster loss and recovery. For loss assessment, existing studies typically focus on changes in the total value of nighttime lights at the regional level, overlooking variations at the pixel scale. In this study, we introduce a pixel-level NTL loss metric, which provides finer-grained insights and helps interpret outcomes driven by spatial heterogeneity. For recovery assessment, we propose a Composite Nighttime Light Index (CNLI) that integrates multiple recovery-phase indicators into a single quantitative measure, thus capturing more information than a one-dimensional metric. To account for complex interrelationships among indicators, a Bayesian network is employed, which moves beyond the conventional independence assumption. Moreover, an information gain (IG) approach is applied to optimize indicator weights, minimizing subjectivity and avoiding abnormal weight distributions compared with traditional methods, thereby ensuring a more objective construction of the Resilience Index (RI). Results show that Sanliurfa, Kilis, and Hatay suffered the most severe damage; Kahramanmaras and Malatya exhibited the lowest CNLI values, while Hatay, Kilis, and Gaziantep showed higher CNLI values. In contrast, Gaziantep and Adana obtained the highest RI values. Since CNLI reflects actual recovery performance while RI characterizes inherent resilience, accordingly, effectively linking CNLI and RI establishes a dual-perspective and novel framework, the 11 provinces are classified into four categories, and differentiated recovery strategies are suggested. This study contributes a refined quantitative framework for post-earthquake loss and recovery assessment and provides scientific evidence to support emergency response and targeted reconstruction. Full article

Simultaneous extraction of multiple clinically relevant, specific allergens from complex, processed foods for immunoassay quantification remains challenging. Moreover, shared extraction buffers remain elusive, which limits the effectiveness of multiplex (multi-target) technology. This study aimed to optimise extraction of specific allergens from challenging food samples and identify shared methods of extraction for multiplex analysis. Incurred processed food matrices (chocolate dessert, raw and baked biscuit) were prepared and extracted with 10 different buffers varying in base, pH, and additive content. Extracts were analysed by allergen-specific multiplex array and ELISA. Optimised recovery of 14 food allergens was obtained from complex incurred matrices using two extraction buffers: 50 mM carbonate bicarbonate with 10% fish gelatine, and PBS with 2%-Tween, 1 M NaCl with 10% fish gelatine and 1% PVP. In most cases, optimised buffers provided 50–150% recovery from incurred foods. Matrices that contained chocolate or were subject to thermal processing had lower recoveries. Optimised allergen extraction methods can be used to analyse foods associated with treatment and prevention of allergy and reference materials for clinically relevant allergen content and identify allergen contamination. Identification of shared, optimised extraction buffers will result in increased sample throughput in multiplex immunoassay techniques. Full article

This work assesses the frictional wear of lubricated transmission chains, correlating the coefficient of friction, root mean square (RMS) acoustic emissions, and vibrations induced by friction, incorporating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) components. The work is divided into two phases: understanding the frictional interactions between the steel pins of commercial transmission chain and high chrome steel plate (mimicking the interaction between the pin and roller of the chain) using a reciprocating tribometer (20 N, 2.5 Hz, 15.1 stroke length) in the presence of three commercial lubricant aerosols (Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C) and analyzing the frictional wear, sound, and vibration signals generated during the tribo-tests. In the second phase, the findings from the laboratory scale are validated using a commercial transmission chain under aerosol lubrication. Results indicated that the coefficient of friction in the case of dry conditions was 41% higher than that of Grade A aerosol and Grade C aerosol and 28% higher than that of Grade B aerosol. However, the average wear scar diameter on the pin with Grade C (0.401 ± 0.129 mm) was higher than that on the pins with Grades A (0.209 ± 0.159 mm) and B (0.204 ± 0.165 mm). Grade A and Grade B aerosols exhibited similar frictional conditions, while the wear-scar diameter in Grade C was the highest among Grades A and B but still less than in dry conditions. Analyzing the sound and vibrations generated during the friction test, it can be seen that the dry condition produced approximately 60% more sound level than the Grade A and Grade B conditions, and 41% more sound than the Grade C condition. The laboratory results were validated with a real-time transmission chain using an in-house chain wear test rig. Results from the chain wear test rig indicated that the elongation of the chain with Grade B is the least amongst the aerosols and dry conditions. The surface characterizations of the steel pins also indicated intense deep grooves and surface damage in dry conditions, with Grade A exhibiting the most severe damage, followed by Grade C, and the least severe in Grade B. Additionally, dark patches were visually observed on the rollers of the lubricated commercial chains, indicating stressed areas on the rollers, while polished wear was observed on the rollers under dry conditions. Full article

The use of dissipative bracing systems by hysteretic dampers represents one of the most efficient innovative techniques for the seismic retrofitting of existing structures, especially for reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. Many studies on design approaches and case studies have been developed in recent decades and are still in progress; however, the importance of the relation between the properties of the existing structure and of the damper system has not been analyzed, and the influence of the type of arrangement inside or outside the structure, has not been pointed out. In this paper, an innovative dimensionless approach is proposed to describe the dynamic structural properties of the retrofitted structure introducing ratios between the properties of the existing structure and damper system. Therefore, indications to optimize the design of the passive energy dissipation (PED) system can be clearly established for each case. Furthermore, a generalization of the design approach considering different solutions with internal and external bracings is proposed. The application of the dimensionless parameters to the design of a dissipation system for a single-bay three-story RC frame building and points out that damping can be reduced by two times if the capacity of the existing structure is used, further reducing the base shear transmitted to foundation. This result is also obtained by mounting the PED system on an external structure. The effect of infill walls on the stiffness of the existing structure requires an increment of the stiffness of the PED system with double the stiffness of the devices further than the buckling-restrained braces (BRBs). Full article

Background and Objectives: Implant osseointegration has been widely studied over the past few decades, particularly focusing on surface modifications that aim to improve integration. However, the literature includes few studies regarding the role of the endosteum in early osteointegration. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to approach the technique of implant insertion into bones with marrow, with an emphasis on the use of implants that are long enough to achieve marrow penetration. Materials and Methods: Titanium implants were inserted into the femurs of eight eleven-month-old rabbits. Fourteen days later, the animals were euthanized in accordance with the current legal and ethical guidelines. The histological processes that occur at the bone–implant interface were investigated. Histological sections of the bone–implant interface were colored using the Trichrome’s Goldner method, and were further analyzed and photographed using an Olympus microscope. Results: The histological analysis showed that during the initial osteointegration phases, the newly formed bone originated from the endosteal–medular zone. Periostal proliferation was observed only during the early stages. The bone that proliferated on the implant’s endosteal/medullary interface exhibited a surface area approximately 6 times larger than that of the bone formed on the osteal surface. Also, its length was approximately 25% longer. Conclusions: The bone tissue that proliferates on the endosteal and marrow surface of the implant increases significantly the bone–implant interface, and creates the setting for a good secondary stability. The findings suggest several clinical implications, as follows: penetrating the bone marrow during the insertion of short implants allows for increasing the bone–implant interface; the flap should be carefully managed; the integrity of the periosteum must be kept, as this is a key anatomical structure in cases of deficient bone marrow (i.e., severe mandible atrophy or vertical ridge augmentations). Full article

Nanocellulose has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its distinctive properties and vast potential applications across various fields. This study encompasses two distinct yet interconnected activities: the characterisation of eight different types of nanocellulose test materials, including crystalline, fibrillated, and bacterial nanocellulose, using a range of analytical techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and DLS, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a focused case study employing a tiered analytical approach to identify bacterial nanocellulose in commercially available food products like pudding and drinks with nata de coco, SCOBY, and kombucha. The results demonstrate that different types of nanocellulose can be distinguished by their unique physicochemical properties using a combination of analytical techniques. This finding was used for the identification of bacterial nanocellulose in food products by combining pyGC-MS for cellulose identification, TEM for nanosize range determination, and XRD for crystallinity analysis to distinguish between bacterial and fibrillated nanocellulose. The study advances fundamental understanding of nanocellulose and provides tools to facilitate potential future regulatory compliance. Full article

This paper presents an approach integrating Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically GPT-4 and the open-source DeepSeek-R1, into Geographic Information System (GIS) workflows to enhance the accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency of spatial analysis tasks. We designed and implemented a system capable of interpreting natural language instructions provided by users and translating them into automated GIS workflows through dynamically generated Python scripts. An interactive graphical user interface (GUI), built using CustomTkinter, was developed to enable intuitive user interaction with GIS data and processes, reducing the need for advanced programming or technical expertise. We conducted an empirical evaluation of this approach through a comparative case study involving typical GIS tasks such as spatial data validation, data merging, buffer analysis, and thematic mapping using urban datasets from Pesaro, Italy. The performance of our automated system was directly compared against traditional manual workflows executed by 10 experienced GIS analysts. The results from this evaluation indicate a substantial reduction in task completion time, decreasing from approximately 1 h and 45 min in the manual approach to roughly 27 min using our LLM-driven automation, without compromising analytical quality or accuracy. Furthermore, we systematically evaluated the system’s factual reliability using a diverse set of geospatial queries, confirming robust performance for practical GIS tasks. Additionally, qualitative feedback emphasized improved usability and accessibility, particularly for users without specialized GIS training. These findings highlight the significant potential of integrating LLMs into GISs, demonstrating clear advantages in workflow automation, user-friendliness, and broader adoption of advanced spatial analysis methodologies. Full article