Search Results (3,134)

Working memory (WM) is a crucial cognitive function, and a deficit in this function is a critical factor in learning difficulties (LDs). As a result, there is growing interest in exploring different approaches to training WM to support students with LDs. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review aims to identify current computer-based WM training applications and their theoretical foundations, explore their effects on improving WM capacity and other cognitive/academic abilities, and extract design principles for creating an effective WM application for children with LDs. The 22 studies selected for this review provide strong evidence that children with LDs have low WM capacity and that their WM functions can be trained. The findings revealed four commercial WM training applications—COGMED, Jungle, BrainWare Safari, and N-back—that were utilized in 16 studies. However, these studies focused on suggesting different types of WM tasks and examining their effects rather than making those tasks user-friendly or providing practical guidelines for the end-user. To address this gap, the principles of the Human–Computer Interaction, with a focus on usability and user experience as well as relevant cognitive theories, and the design recommendations from the selected studies have been reviewed to extract a set of proposed guidelines. A total of 15 guidelines have been extracted that can be utilized to design WM training programs specifically for children with LDs. Full article

Numerous fashion brands, such as Patagonia, H&M, and Levi’s, offer take-back programs, encouraging customers to return used clothing for monetary incentives so that the brands can resell, recycle, or donate them. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study suggests that consumers are more likely to participate in a loyal brand’s take-back program as they own more items from loyal brands due to repeated purchases. Loyal consumers, viewing this as part of an ongoing relationship with the brand, may participate because they perceive greater benefits than non-loyal consumers. In turn, brands benefit by keeping loyal consumers engaged through product collection and future purchases using coupons. This study examines how brand loyalty affects the perceived benefits of take-back programs, shaping participation intention. It also explores how environmental concern moderates the mediating effect of perceived benefits between brand loyalty and participation intention. Data were collected from 467 U.S. consumers via an online survey. Results revealed that the more loyal consumers were, the greater they perceived economic, environmental, and convenience benefits to be, increasing their intention to participate. Economic benefits were more effective for consumers with low levels of environmental concern, while environmental benefits were more influential for those with high levels of environmental concern. Full article

Background: Muscle fatigue is inevitable during resistance exercises, making its monitoring essential for maintaining athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and velocity loss have been reported as reliable indicators of muscle fatigue during explosive resistance exercises. However, their validity has been assessed only indirectly. This study aimed to directly examine the validity of RPE and velocity loss as markers of muscle fatigue during explosive back squat (BS) exercises. Methods: Seventeen trained men performed three BS tasks with varying volumes (low, medium, high) at 65% of their one-repetition maximum. RPE, spectral fatigue index (SFI), and velocity loss were measured throughout the tasks. Results: Significant effects were observed across conditions for overall RPE (p < 0.001) and velocity loss (p < 0.001), while no significant effect was found for SFI. RPE and SFI increased significantly as the tasks progressed (p < 0.001), while velocity did not significantly decrease. Significant but weak correlations were found between RPE and SFI (r = 0.325, p < 0.001) and between velocity loss and SFI (r = 0.224, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that RPE and muscle fatigue levels increase correspondingly, indicating that RPE could serve as a practical, indirect fatigue marker for explosive BS exercises. However, velocity loss may not fully reflect muscle fatigue during lower-body explosive training and should not be used as the sole indicator. Additionally, caution is warranted when applying velocity-related parameters as indirect physiological markers for resistance exercises. The significant but weak correlations between RPE, velocity loss, and SFI suggest that assessing muscle fatigue in lower-body exercises remains challenging. Full article

An extreme bandgap Al_0.64Ga_0.36N quantum channel HEMT with Al_0.87Ga_0.13N top and back barriers, grown by MOCVD on a bulk AlN substrate, demonstrated a critical breakdown field of 11.37 MV/cm—higher than the 9.8 MV/cm expected for the channel’s Al_0.64Ga_0.36N material. We show that the fraction of this increase is due to the quantization of the 2D electron gas. The polarization field maintains electron quantization in the quantum channel even at low sheet densities, in contrast to conventional HEMT designs. An additional increase in the breakdown field is due to quantum-enabled real space transfer of energetic electrons into high-Al barrier layers in high electric fields. These results show the advantages of the quantum channel design for achieving record-high breakdown voltages and allowing for superior power HEMT devices. Full article

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high level of homocysteine (Hcy) in the blood. Homocysteine is a toxic sulfur-containing amino acid that is produced during the metabolism of methionine. Under normal circumstances, Hcy is recycled back to methionine via the remethylation pathway, through the action of various enzymes and vitamins, particularly folic acid (vitamin B9) and B12 used when intracellular methionine levels are low, thus restoring the necessary levels to correctly maintain active protein synthesis. A second pathway, used in cases of intracellular methionine excess, (the trans-sulfuration pathway) is the one that recycles Hcy into cysteine (a precursor of glutathione), first passing through cystathionine (via the enzyme cystathionine beta-synthase), a reaction that requires vitamin B6 in its active form. HHcy has been identified as a risk factor for a variety of disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, osteoporosis and cancer. However, it remains unclear whether the slightly elevated concentration of Hcy (Hcy 7–10 μmol/L) is a causative factor or simply a marker of these pathologies. In human plasma, the concentration of Hcy ([Hcy]) is classified as mild (15 to 30 μmol/L), moderate (30 to 100 μmol/L), and severe (greater than 100 μmol/L). Interestingly, many laboratories continue to consider 25 μmol/L as normal. This review seeks to examine the controversial literature regarding the normal range of HHcy and emphasizes that even a [Hcy] level of 10 μmol/L may contribute to the development of several diseases, aiming to discuss whether it would be appropriate to lower the threshold of HHcy normal values. Full article

The natural fertilization of Vanilla planifolia has long been a matter of speculation. Stingless (tribe Meliponini) and orchid bees (tribe Euglossini) are often cited as effective pollinators, but direct evidence is notoriously lacking. As with other food-deceptive orchids, the natural fruit-set in V. planifolia is low and does not occur spontaneously outside its native range in Middle America. Fruiting has, therefore, necessitated human intervention through artificial pollination. How Vanilla first came to be artificially pollinated is a controversial issue spurring egotism and nationalism. There are numerous texts offering differing versions of the historical events that led to the discovery of the artificial fertilization of V. planifolia and its propagation as a crop. Historical records show Vanilla was simultaneously being pollinated in several parts of the world. I argue that the suspected independent simultaneous discoveries made in Liège, Paris, Padua, the Dutch colony of Java (Indonesia), and the French insular colonies Réunion (Bourbon), Guadeloupe, and Martinique are not unconnected. I conclude that they can be traced back to a single discoverer whose feat was spread around the globe by a tight network of corresponding naturalists. This view contrasts with previous authors. Finally, current concerns regarding Vanilla pollination and production are addressed, highlighting the need for immediate actions to conserve the genetic diversity of the crop’s wild relatives to attenuate the effect of extreme climates in a changing world. A plea is made to shift the focus to Middle America, stimulating and supporting local research and conservation efforts and the allocation of funds from this billion-dollar industry. Full article

Background: Low back pain is common. For patients with mechanic or non-specific chronic LBP (cLBP), the current guidelines suggest conservative, nonpharmacologic treatment as a first-line treatment. Among the available strategies, physiotherapy represents a common option offered to patients presenting with cLBP. The present systematic review investigates the prognostic factors of patients with mechanic or non-specific cLBP undergoing physiotherapy. Methods: In September 2024, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the efficacy of a physiotherapy programme in patients with LBP were accessed. All studies evaluating non-specific or mechanical LBP were included. Data concerning the following PROMs were collected: the pain scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A multiple linear model regression analysis was conducted using the Pearson Product–Moment Correlation Coefficient. Results: Data from 2773 patients were retrieved. The mean length of symptoms before the treatment was 61.2 months. Conclusions: Age and BMI might exert a limited influence on the outcomes of the physiotherapeutic management of cLBP. Pain and disability at baseline might represent important predictors of health-related quality of life at the six-month follow-up. Further studies on a larger population with a longer follow-up are required to validate these results. Full article

Background/Objectives: A proper posture is essential for musculoskeletal health, and a poor posture can lead to low back pain. To address the limitations of traditional text-based questionnaires, this study developed and validated a visualized posture assessment questionnaire for evaluating daily postures related to low back pain. The questionnaire was administered in Taiwan and designed using Traditional Chinese language. Methods: The proposed questionnaire evaluates six categories of daily activities including lifting heavy objects, sitting, putting on shoes, face washing and tooth brushing, getting out of bed, and doing sit-ups, or similar actions. Each category comprises an ergonomic posture and a non-ergonomic posture with corresponding illustrations. The questionnaire was administered to 100 participants, and its internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s α, while test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). An expert panel reviewed the content validity, and the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) was calculated for each item and illustration. Results: Testing revealed a Cronbach’s α of 0.808, indicating high internal consistency, and a test–retest reliability, as measured by ICCs, of 0.78, indicating high stability over time. The I-CVI scores were high across all items, with the illustrations unanimously rated by the experts as highly relevant, supporting the effectiveness of the questionnaire’s visualized format for enhanced comprehension. Conclusions: The proposed questionnaire exhibits high reliability and validity, rendering it effective in evaluating posture-related risks of low back pain. This questionnaire also offers a more accessible and intuitive alternative to text-based questionnaires, with potential applications in clinical and research settings. Full article

Low back pain (LBP) affects over 60% of individuals in their lifetime and is a leading cause of disability and increased healthcare expenditure. Facet joint pain (FJP) occurs in 27% to 40% of LBP patients but is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Additionally, there is no clear correlation between the clinical examination, radiological findings, and clinical presentation, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of FJP. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the literature regarding facet joint pain and discusses the utility of medial branch blocks (MBBs) and intra-articular (IA) injections as diagnostic and therapeutic tools prior to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA is considered the gold standard for managing FJP, employing techniques that include precise needle placement and stimulation parameters to disrupt pain signals. Promising alternatives such as cooled RFA and cryodenervation require further research on their long-term efficacy and safety. Endoscopic denervation and multifidus stimulation are emerging therapies that may benefit chronic LBP patients, but additional research is needed to establish their effectiveness. When conservative management fails, RFA provides significant and lasting relief in well-selected patients and has a favourable safety profile. The current literature does not support surgical interventions for FJP management. Full article

Chronic pain (CP) affects about 30% of the global population and poses significant challenges to individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. The interactions between physiological, psychological, and social factors are crucial in the onset and development of CP conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention, examining its impact on perceived stress (PSS), depression and anxiety (BDI-II, PGWBI/DEP, SAS, STAI Y), sleep quality (PSQI), and mindfulness abilities (MAAS) in individuals with CP. Participants (N = 89, 84.3% female) underwent one of two diagnoses [fibromyalgia (FM) or low back pain (LBP)] and took part in an MBSR intervention. The mindfulness program proved effective in reducing PSQI scores (F = 11.97; p < 0.01) over time, independently of the type of diagnosis. There was also a marginal increase in trait mindfulness as measured by MAAS (F = 3.25; p = 0.07) in both groups. A significant difference between the two groups was found for the effect on PSS: F (1,87) = 6.46; p < 0.05. Mindfulness practice also reduced anxiety in FM and depressive symptoms in LBP, indicating a reduction in psychological distress among participants. Our findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions may offer promising avenues for personalized pain management in clinical settings. Full article

Background: People with early axial spondyloarthritis experience a diagnostic delay and a similar disease burden as people with axial spondyloarthritis at a later stage of the disease. In many European countries, patients with early axial spondyloarthritis do not have access to an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. The objective of this study was to develop a new evidence-based physiotherapist-coordinated interdisciplinary rehabilitation intervention for individuals suspected of axial spondyloarthritis. This development of the rehabilitation intervention is part of the SPINCODE project which focusses on early diagnosis and treatment for people with axial spondyloarthritis. Methods: The development of the intervention encompasses: (i) identifying the evidence base and program theories; (ii) modeling and remodeling the intervention; and (iii) describing the developed intervention. Results: The six-month SPINCODE rehabilitation intervention is a physiotherapist-coordinated, interdisciplinary, outpatient rehabilitation intervention at a specialized rheumatology hospital. The intervention consists of: (i) individual physiotherapist-coordinated consultations with assessment, goal setting, tailored physical activity support, and the defined goals, and coordination across the interdisciplinary team at the hospital and across primary and secondary healthcare levels; (ii) group sessions, encompassing patient education and peer support; and (iii) optional individual support from the interdisciplinary team. Physiotherapists from private care working with the patient enrolled in the SPINCODE study are offered digital support from the hospital-based physiotherapists. Conclusions: The developed physiotherapist-led interdisciplinary SPINCODE rehabilitation intervention is ready for feasibility testing. Full article

In this study, a two-dimensional separation of microparticles based on their settling velocity and triboelectric charge ability is achieved using an air classifier for size fractionation and simultaneous charging, followed by an electrostatic separator. In the first part, considerations for enhancing particle classification with high sharpness and low-pressure drops are discussed through improvements in blade design investigated with CFD simulations and validated experimentally. Blades with extended lengths towards the center of the classifier prevent the formation of high-velocity vortices, thereby minimizing the back-mixing of particles and enhancing separation sharpness. This approach also reduces pressure drops associated with these flow vortices. In the second part of the study, the modified blades within the classifier are utilized for two-dimensional separation. Powders from two different materials are fed into the classification system, where particles become triboelectrically charged, mainly through collisions with the walls of the classification system components. Coarse particles are rejected at the wheel and exit the classifier, while differently charged fine particles of the two materials are directed into an electrostatic separator for material sorting. An enrichment of approximately 25–35% for both materials has been achieved on the electrodes of the separator. Full article

To address the issues of tedious optimization processes, insufficient fitting accuracy of surrogate models, and low optimization efficiency in drone propeller airfoil design, this paper proposes an aerodynamic optimization method for propeller airfoils based on DBO-BP (Dum Beetle Optimizer-Back-Propagation) and NSWOA (Non-Dominated Sorting Whale Optimization Algorithm). The NACA4412 airfoil is selected as the research subject, optimizing the original airfoil at three angles of attack (2°, 5° and 10°). The CST (Class Function/Shape Function Transformation) airfoil parametrization method is used to parameterize the original airfoil, and Latin hypercube sampling is employed to perturb the original airfoil within a certain range to generate a sample space. CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) software (2024.1) is used to perform aerodynamic analysis on the airfoil shapes within the sample space to construct a sample dataset. Subsequently, the DBO algorithm optimizes the initial weights and thresholds of the BP neural network surrogate model to establish the DBO-BP neural network surrogate model. Finally, the NSWOA algorithm is utilized for multi-objective optimization, and CFD software verifies and analyzes the optimization results. The results show that at the angles of attack of 2°, 5° and 10°, the test accuracy of the lift coefficient is increased by 45.35%, 13.4% and 49.3%, and the test accuracy of the drag coefficient is increased by 12.5%, 39.1% and 13.7%. This significantly enhances the prediction accuracy of the BP neural network surrogate model for aerodynamic analysis results, making the optimization outcomes more reliable. The lift coefficient of the airfoil is increased by 0.04342, 0.01156 and 0.03603, the drag coefficient is reduced by 0.00018, 0.00038 and 0.00027, respectively, and the lift-to-drag ratio is improved by 2.95892, 2.96548 and 2.55199, enhancing the convenience of airfoil aerodynamic optimization and improving the aerodynamic performance of the original airfoil. Full article

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of lost productivity, absenteeism, disability, and early retirement worldwide. LBP treatment should be comprehensive, including prevention, education, diagnosis, and various treatment methods. Management can be divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological. The role of physiotherapy in the comprehensive treatment of LBP is very important. Elastic therapeutic tape, also called kinesiology tape or therapeutic kinesiology tape, has been used for about 50 years. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping in patients suffering from (LBP), and its possible effect on the swing of the center of pressure (COP), balance, gait, improvement of coordination, and pain reduction. Methods: A total of 60 patients aged 20 to 83 years (54% women) were examined, all of whom fulfilled the requirements for admission and rejection. The L1–L5 spine of the experimental group underwent Kinesio taping in addition to thorough rehabilitation. The control group underwent balance control training based on visual feedback (VFB). The research tools used included the Bohannon single-leg standing test, the FAC (Functional Ambulatory Category) scale, the Podsiadlo and Richardson Standing and Walking Test called “Timed Up and Go” (TUG), evaluation of lumbar spine movement, Lasegue’s test and examination of neurological deficit symptoms, and self-assessment of pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: The effects of Kinesio taping on pain, gait, coordination, postural control, and balance are statistically significant. The main parameter influencing the effects of Kinesio taping was age (below 55 years); this relationship was also observed in the control group. Conclusions: Kinesio taping is an effective method in the treatment of LBP. It improves postural control, balance, gait, coordination, and pain. Full article

In this study, we evaluated the contribution of the putative genetic factors into the established associations between selected circulating adipokine levels, body composition measurements, and low-back-pain-related disability scores (LBP_DS). A total of 1078 individuals from 98 nuclear families (with 1 to 11 siblings per family) were examined. A detailed self-report questionnaire was used to collect LBP disability data; body composition (fat, skeletal muscle mass, and extracellular water (ECW)) was assessed using the bioimpedance method; plasma levels of adipokines were measured by ELISA. Pedigree-based statistical analysis methods were used, including family-based variance component analysis (VCA) and principal phenotype analysis (PPA), to estimate the contribution of potential genetic and environmental factors. The VCA revealed a significant additive genetic component in LBP_DS and for the selected body composition phenotypes and adipokines. The study also revealed that both adipokines (GDF-15, chemerin, and follistatin) and body composition variables (BMI, fat mass/weight, waist circumference, and ECW) were genetically correlated with LBP_DS. Next, PPA generated two synthetic phenotypes: PP_CT (combining cytokines) and PP_BC (combining body composition variables). There was no significant correlation between the putative genetic factors underlying the created PPs. However, each of them displayed a significant genetic correlation with LBP_DS. These findings indicate that genetic factors that are assumingly common for several adipokine variations and several body composition measurements, respectively, presumably have a pleotropic genetic influence on the LBP_DS variation, independently from one another. This, in turn, suggests that the alleged genetic factors employing pleiotropic effects on LBP_DS have a complex and probably non-overlapping composition. Full article