Balance Stability Research Articles

Transient pulsed discharge preparation of graphene aerogel supports asymmetric Cu cluster catalysts promote CO2 electroreduction

Designing asymmetrical structures is an effective strategy to optimize metallic catalysts for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions. Herein, we demonstrate a transient pulsed discharge method for instantaneously constructing graphene-aerogel supports asymmetric copper nanocluster catalysts. This process induces the convergence of copper atoms decomposed by copper chloride onto graphene originating from the intense current pulse and high temperature. The catalysts exhibit asymmetrical atomic and electronic structures due to lattice distortion and oxygen doping of copper clusters. In carbon dioxide reduction reaction, the selectivity and activity for ethanol production are enhanced by the asymmetric structure and abundance of active sites on catalysts, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 75.3% for ethanol and 90.5% for multicarbon products at −1.1 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, the strong interactions between copper nanoclusters and graphene-aerogel support confer notable long-term stability. We elucidate the key reaction intermediates and mechanisms on Cu4O-Cu/C2O1 moieties through in situ testing and density functional theory calculations. This study provides an innovative approach to balancing activity and stability in asymmetric-structure catalysts for energy conversion.

Functional Guest in Metal‐Organic Frameworks†

Comprehensive SummaryMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) contain ordered metal nodes, organic linkers, and guest species, which generally determine their properties respectively and/or synergistically. Guest species play a crucial role in maintaining charge balance and structural stability of MOFs. In addition to metal nodes and organic linkers, the type and distribution of guests can significantly influence the properties of MOFs, such as optics, magnetism, chirality, and catalysis. Understanding the role of guests to the properties of MOFs remains great challenge due to the complex chemical and electronic structures of MOFs. Recently, progresses on guest‐dependent properties of MOFs have been reported, which not only advanced our knowledge of host‐guest interactions and energy transfer mechanisms but also led to intriguing applications such as luminescent sensors, tunable magnetic materials, enantioselective materials, and catalysts. Crucially, the interactions between the host and guest can be finely tuned by altering the type and amount of guests without changing the core framework, allowing for precise regulation of targeted properties. In this review, we will explore how guest‐induced variations impact the optic, magnetic, chiral, and catalytic properties of MOFs, followed by an examination of the synergistic effects between hosts and guests, which is highly important for the development of advanced functional materials. Key ScientistsPlenty of outstanding scientists have reported a great number of MOFs with their interesting properties. Diverse regulation and modification strategies have been developed towards the metal centers, the organic linkers, and the functional guests according to the binding modes and host‐guest interactions, to bring or enhance certain properties of MOFs. Guests in the pores of MOFs are crucial part for their properties based on the guest‐induced properties or the synergistic effects between the hosts and guests, which has been greatly developed by their continuous industrious works. Stories to be Continued …

Household Debt, Financial Balance, and Macroeconomic Stability: An Empirical Stock‐Flow Consistent Model of the UK Economy

ABSTRACTThis paper constructs an empirical stock‐flow consistent model (SFCM) for the UK economy (UKFINMOD) based on national accounts. Unlike many macro‐econometric models that focus solely on flow variables, SFCMs emphasize the importance of national balance sheets and ensure their consistency with flow variables. Without incorporating national balance sheets, macroeconomic models cannot fully capture the general equilibrium effects in the economy or model the interactions between the real economy and financial sectors. Using the UKFINMOD, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the household sector to identify potential macroeconomic instability caused by over‐indebtedness. This study, aligned with the sectoral financial balance approach used by Godley in 1999 and Godley and Zezza in 2006, intends to identify unsustainable economic trajectories. The financial stability of households is discussed under different economic backgrounds, including the housing‐credit reinforcing cycle and the new pension scheme in the United Kingdom that allows early pension withdrawals. These findings suggest that monitoring household debt‐to‐income ratios, along with financial balances, is essential for identifying financial crises. This alternative modeling strategy should be integrated into the suite of macroeconomic models, as proposed by Blanchard in 2018.

The Effect of Flexible Flatfoot on the Running Function in School-Age Children.

Flexible flatfoot is common among school-age children and significantly affects walking efficiency, balance stability, and joint-movement coordination in children. The demands on the skeletal structure and muscle function are increased during running; however, the impact of a flexible flatfoot on children's running capabilities is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of flexible flatfoot on the running function of school-age children. Participants with flat feet (n = 28) and typical feet (n = 27) ran on a flat surface at their chosen maximum pace. At the same time, the kinematic and dynamic parameters of their lower limb joints were monitored. A two-sample statistical analysis assessed the differences in the lower limbs' three-dimensional kinematic and dynamic parameters during running. The findings revealed a significant reduction in running velocity, stride length, and frequency, and an increased proportion in the support phase (p < 0.05) in children with flexible flat feet. The navicular drop time decreased, whereas the dynamic navicular drop height increased (p < 0.05). A notable decrease in the maximum plantar flexion and eversion torque, power, and power absorption of the ankle joint was observed (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the maximum flexion torque of the knee and hip joints and hip joint power absorption decreased (p < 0.05). The peak ground reaction force in the anteroposterior directions was reduced (p < 0.01). These results indicate that flexible flatfoot can impair the running efficiency of school-age children and lead to diminished motor stability and reduced propulsive and braking capabilities.

Static Posture Instability as a Sensitive Biomarker for Motor Abnormalities in Pre-ataxic Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Patients.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disorder, with balance instability as a feature of the disease. Balance instability often manifests before the onset of obvious ataxic symptoms in patients. However, current clinical scales exhibit limited sensitivity in characterizing changes in pre-ataxic patients. Our research aims to identify appropriate postural characteristics for tracking motor changes in pre-ataxic patients with SCA3 over time. The posturographic platform assessed 102 participants (34 pre-ataxic SCA3 patients, 34 ataxic patients with SCA3, and 34 healthy controls) to measure their postural balance. Multivariate comparative analyses assessed the differential postural characteristics across the three groups. The Taiwanese formula was employed to estimate the age of onset for pre-ataxic patients. A Spearman's rho test was employed to assess correlations between postural characteristics and the time manifestation for pre-ataxic patients. Compared to the healthy control group, we observed significant abnormalities in the static posture of pre-ataxic patients (P < 0.01). Compared to the pre-ataxic group, ataxic patients have significant abnormalities in all variables (P < 0.05). The sway range standard deviation (SD), total sway area, and limits of stability were positively correlated with the estimated time to onset. The total sway area is more closely associated with time to manifestation, whereas the sway range SD in the medial-lateral direction of the center of foot pressure is the most sensitive indicator of postural instability in pre-ataxic patients. Static posture instability is a sensitive diagnostic parameter that may assist in capturing disease progression in the pre-ataxic stage of SCA3. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Influence of cervical muscle strength and pain severity on functional balance and limits of stability in elderly individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, particularly in the elderly, leading to reduced cervical muscle strength, impaired functional balance, and decreased postural stability. This study investigated the correlation between cervical muscle strength, functional balance, and limits of stability (LOS) in elderly individuals with CNSNP. Additionally, it assessed the moderating effect of pain severity on the relationship between cervical muscle strength and these balance outcomes.MethodsA prospective study included a total of 186 participants, including 93 with CNSNP and 93 asymptomatic individuals, were recruited. Cervical flexor and extensor muscle strength were assessed using an ergoFET hand-held dynamometer. Functional balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, while LOS were evaluated using the Iso-Free machine.ResultsIndividuals with CNSNP exhibited significantly lower cervical flexor strength (32.45 ± 5.67 N vs. 40.75 ± 5.20 N, p < 0.001) and extensor strength (28.30 ± 6.05 N vs. 36.90 ± 5.90 N, p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic individuals. Functional balance was also poorer in the CNSNP group, with lower BBS scores (47.85 ± 4.20 vs. 53.65 ± 3.85, p < 0.001) and slower TUG times (11.30 ± 2.05 s vs. 8.45 ± 1.80 s, p < 0.001). Cervical muscle strength showed moderate to strong positive correlations with LOS (r = 0.56 to 0.62, p < 0.001) and BBS (r = 0.48 to 0.53, p < 0.001). Pain severity significantly moderated the relationship between cervical muscle strength and functional balance (β = 0.20, p = 0.045) as well as LOS (β = 0.22, p = 0.038), suggesting that higher pain levels diminish the positive effects of muscle strength on balance.ConclusionCervical muscle strength plays a crucial role in maintaining functional balance and postural stability in elderly individuals with CNSNP. Pain severity moderates the relationship between cervical muscle strength and balance outcomes, emphasizing the importance of integrating muscle strengthening and pain management in rehabilitation programs for elderly individuals with CNSNP to optimize postural control and minimize fall risk.

Water Balance and Slope Stability in a Changing Climate: Combinatorial Influences of Rainfall and Snowmelt-Induced Himalayan Geohazards

Water Balance and Slope Stability in a Changing Climate: Combinatorial Influences of Rainfall and Snowmelt-Induced Himalayan Geohazards

Passivity‐based event‐triggered frequency control in power system using dynamic pricing

AbstractThe integration of renewable energy resources in modern power systems promotes flexible demand response but poses challenges to power balance and frequency stability due to their intermittent generation. To address this problem, this study deals with the frequency control of power system in the presence of demand responses. The dynamic electricity pricing scheme enabling both demand response participants and suppliers to contribute to the frequency regulation via their own decision‐making process is proposed. The main concern in the controller design is the integration of physical and human systems on the same timescale, encompassing controllers based on frequency dynamics and dynamic pricing. Therefore, event‐triggered conditions are proposed to decrease the communication frequency while ensuring system stability, leveraging the passivity property of the system. Under the proposed event‐triggered conditions, the authors clearly demonstrate the asymptotic stability around the equilibrium point of the entire system. Furthermore, a numerical simulation using a four areas power network system is performed, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and the stability of the system.

Development of novel broad-spectrum amphipathic antimicrobial peptides against multidrug-resistant bacteria through a rational combination strategy.

In recent years, cationic amphipathic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown great promise in combating antibiotic resistance on account of their distinctive membrane-disruptive mechanism. However, the clinical application of AMPs is restricted by their unsatisfactory stability and safety. Although attempts have been made to improve the stability and safety of AMPs, many of them are accompanied by a decline in their antimicrobial activity and bacterial selectivity. To develop AMPs with excellent and balanced antimicrobial activity, stability, and safety using a combination strategy. A series of sC184b-derived peptide analogues were designed by a combination strategy of subtly adjusting the charges, hydrophobic properties, and introducing specific unnatural amino acids in a well-balanced manner. The antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity, stability, anti-biofilm activity, mechanism of action, synergistic effects, in vivo efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of the analogues were evaluated. Among these analogues, P-α-02-B stood out for its broad-spectrum and potent antimicrobial activity, anti-biofilm activity, desirable bacterial selectivity, high plasma stability, and synergistic effect with antibiotic levofloxacin. P-α-02-B exhibited strong membrane disturbance effect, which could be explained by its rigid α-helical structure revealed by molecular dynamics simulations. More importantly, P-α-02-B showed favorable therapeutic efficacy in vivo, whether used alone or in combination with levofloxacin. P-α-02-B is a promising antimicrobial agent for MDR bacterial infections, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combination strategy for AMP development.

Multifaceted Responses to Heat Stress in Plants: A Review of the Morpho-physiological, Biochemical and Anatomical Changes

Heat stress, a significant abiotic factor, adversely affects plant growth and productivity by disrupting various physiological and biochemical processes. Plants, being immobile, respond to environmental changes through alterations in gene expression, metabolism, and growth dynamics. Elevated temperatures, exceeding the threshold for heat tolerance, negatively influence critical functions such as photosynthesis, respiration, water balance, and membrane stability. Root development is particularly sensitive to heat stress, resulting in reduced root mass and impaired water and nutrient uptake. Photosynthetic capacity diminishes due to decreased chlorophyll content and impaired photochemical reactions, leading to reduced biomass and yield. Heat stress impacts plant water status by disturbing hydraulic conductivity and increasing membrane permeability, leading to dehydration and a decline in water potential. This stress reduces membrane stability, resulting in electrolyte leakage and cellular damage. It also induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which requires the activation of antioxidant enzymes to minimize oxidative stress. Also, to maintain osmotic balance and enhance stress tolerance, plants accumulate osmolytes such as proline. Additionally, anatomical adaptations in leaves, stems, and roots, such as changes in stomatal density, xylem vessel size, and gas exchange patterns, highlight the plant's strategies to cope with heat stress. Understanding these varied responses is crucial for developing strategies to enhance crop resilience in the face of increasing global temperatures and climate change.

Effects of individually calibrated white and pink noise vestibular stimulation on standing balance of young healthy adults.

Imperceptible noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) improves standing balance due to the presence of stochastic resonance (SR). There is, however, a lack of consensus regarding the optimal levels and type of noise used to elicit SR like dynamics. We aimed to confirm the presence of SR behavior in the vestibular system of young healthy adults by examining postural responses to increasing amplitudes of white and pink noise stimulation scaled to individual cutaneous perceptual threshold. Forty (40) healthy young participants (19 males, 25.1 ± 5.6 years) were randomly divided into a group that received nGVS with white (WHITE group) or pink noise (PINK group). Participants performed a cutaneous perceptual threshold detection task followed by 8 trials of quiet standing and eyes closure (60s) with nGVS applied during the last 30s. Balance stabilization was quantified in the ratio of the stimulus versus pre-stimulus Centre of Pressure (CoP) 90% ellipse area, Root Mean Square (RMS) and mean velocity. Cutaneous perceptual threshold was similar across groups. Group analysis confirmed that the mean CoP velocity increased across nGVS intensities, particularly for the PINK group while the other two variables remained unchanged. Single subject analysis indicated that 55% of WHITE and 30% of PINK group participants showed an SR-like response judged by three experts. Results are puzzling with respect to the presence of SR-like response dynamics in young healthy adults and highlight the need for further research using individual calibrated stimulus intensities. White noise seems more effective than pink noise in revealing an SR-like response to nGVS.

Cueing Interventions for Gait and Balance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence

Background: Cueing interventions, which utilize external auditory, visual, or somatosensory stimuli, are increasingly used to improve motor performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This review explores the effectiveness of cueing on gait, balance, and quality of life outcomes in PD. Methods: A scoping review of six studies was conducted, focusing on the impact of cueing interventions on gait parameters, balance stability, and functional outcomes in PD patients. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the PEDro scale, and risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2. Results: Cueing interventions consistently improved gait parameters, with five studies showing significant increases in step length. The results for walking speed were more varied, with some studies reporting statistically significant gains while others found non-significant or mixed outcomes. Balance improvements were noted in dynamic balance measures, though static balance effects were less consistent. Two studies observed long-term benefits at follow-up, particularly when interventions were structured and supervised. The quality of life improvements were limited, with only one study measuring this outcome and showing no significant changes. Conclusions: Cueing interventions demonstrate potential for enhancing gait and dynamic balance in PD, though effects on quality of life remain uncertain. Early and structured implementation of cueing, especially with auditory stimuli, may support functional gains in PD management. Further research is required to establish optimal cueing protocols and long-term benefits.

A Comparison of the Electronic Properties of Selected Antioxidants Vitamin C, Uric Acid, NAC and Melatonin with Guanosine Derivatives: A Theoretical Study.

Each cell in the human body is continually exposed to harmful external and internal factors. During evolution, cells have developed various defence systems, divided into enzymatic and non-enzymatic types, to which low-weight molecule antioxidants belong. In this article, the ionisation potential and electron affinity, as well as global reactivity descriptors of Vitamin C, Melatonin, Uric Acids, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, were theoretically investigated at the MP-2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory in the condensed (aqueous) phase. The vertical ionisation potential and electron affinity are discussed in terms of non-equilibrated and equilibrated solvent-solute interactions. Additionally, at the same theoretical level, the electronic properties of canonical and oxidised derivatives of guanine were analysed. The presented results indicate that the selected antioxidants for this study (Vitamin C, Uric Acid, NAC, and Melatonin) exhibit the highest adiabatic electron affinity, while guanine derivatives (Gua, OXOGua, Guo, dGuo, OXOGuo, OXOdGuo) are more prone to adiabatic radical cation formation. A red-ox balance (redox homeostasis) is crucial for intracellular signalling pathways that are reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RO/NS)-dependent. Should this gentle balance be disrupted, either by an overload or deficit of species, physiological consequences may result, which in turn lead to pathological outcomes. On the other hand, maintaining the stability of the above balance of antioxidants/radicals may result in the improved effectiveness and safety of anticancer radiotherapy/chemotherapy or combined therapies with a subsequent increase in a patient's quality of life.

A Qualitative Study of Career Motivations and Career Expectations of Malaysian Dental Therapist: Post New Dental Regulations.

To explore the Malaysian dental therapists' perceptions regarding the provisions concerning them in the new dental act and potential market changes, considering their current career motivations and expectations. Dental therapists from two major public dental organisations in the East-Peninsular Malaysia (n = 26) were invited to participate in an audiotaped semi-structured interview using a pre-tested topic-guide informed by workforce policy and research literature. The qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using Framework Analysis. The research conducted with dental therapists (n = 26) identified four motivation domains namely 'altruism', 'personal and academic inspiration', 'profession characteristics' and 'career advising and social influences' as key factors motivating their choice of a professional career as dental therapists, influenced by work-life balance and financial stability. They were also aware of the new dental act and its potential implications, particularly regarding their future career expectations. The majority felt the necessity 'to improve their skills and knowledge' within the first 5 years as part of their short-term career plans. A few participants expressed a desire to 'pursue a higher level of education' and 'wished to join the private sector' in the long-term. They perceived the possibility of 'working in the private sector' to increase their income and believed that they did not require any additional training for such a transition. Malaysian dental therapists welcomed the changes in the new act, which allow them to work across sectors. Many perceived themselves as adequately motivated and equipped to transition to different work settings without requiring additional training.

Restoring and Rehabilitating Watercourses in the Ria Formosa Nature Park (Algarve): Intervention Principles, Processes and Techniques

The core objective of this article is to contribute towards defining a project methodology for rehabilitating fluvial ecosystems in strongly humanized Mediterranean landscapes. To achieve this objective, interrelated with the management and maintenance of these landscapes, we took into consideration the theory and the praxis that frame interventions in watercourses experiencing situations of risk. This article spans these two core, interwoven facets, approaching both the theoretical research and the applied research undertaken within the scope of proposals for rehabilitating five watercourses in Eastern Algarve. The project approach to the restoration of the ecological corridors associated with the downstream sections of the Cacela, Canada, Tronco, Bela-Mandil streams, and the Seco River thus accounted for the shortage and irregularity in the distribution of precipitation and the torrential regime characterizing the region in conjunction with the high level of artificialism displayed by these fluvial systems. Under the auspices of the project process, the aforementioned watercourses were perceived as dynamic, complex, open, and multi-functional socio-ecological systems with a role and importance in ensuring the biological balance and physical stability of the coastal plain and the Ria Formosa lagoon system. The project concept was rooted in a strategy based on intervention flexibility, taking into account a balance between the rehabilitation of natural values and resources and the presence of human activities. Hence, in the rehabilitation proposals developed, the materials applied were entirely natural (plants, wood, and stone), with recourse to technical-scientific concepts and procedures drawn from the fields of Landscape Architecture and Biophysical Engineering.

Applications of Sulfonyl Fluorides in Organic Transformations

AbstractSulfonyl fluorides, due to their balanced potential reactivity and stability as well as their compatibility with biological systems, have become important synthetic intermediates and building blocks in the fields of organic synthesis, drug discovery, and materials science. Especially after the report of sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry by Sharpless and others, research on sulfonyl fluoride compounds and related compounds has increased significantly. This review summarizes application of sulfonyl fluorides in organic synthesis in the period 2014–2024, discussing different types of organic reactions, including C–X bond formation (including C–C, C–N, and C–F bond formation etc.), S–C bond formation, S–N bond formation, S–O bond formation, multicomponent ‘one-pot’ synthesis, and cyclization.1 Introduction2 Sulfonyl Fluorides Applied in C–X (C, N, F) Bond Formation3 Sulfonyl Fluorides Applied in S–C Bond Formation4 Sulfonyl Fluorides Applied in S–N Bond Formation5 Sulfonyl Fluorides Applied in S–O Bond Formation6 Sulfonyl Fluorides Applied in Multicomponent Reactions7 Sulfonyl Fluorides Applied in Cyclizations8 Conclusion and Perspective

The Effects of Ankle and Foot Exercises on Ankle Strength, Balance, and Falls in Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ankle-foot control is essential to maintain balance and gait stability. However, there has been limited evidence on the effect of ankle-foot exercises on balance and falls in older people. This study aimed to summarize the effects of ankle-foot exercises on ankle flexibility and strength, balance, mobility, and falls in older people, and to identify determining factors for ankle-foot exercises to improve balance and mobility. CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and PEDro were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that studied the effects of ankle-foot exercises on ankle control, balance, and falls in older people. PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Meta-analyses were done for similar outcomes. The quality of evidence was rated by GRADE. Sixteen papers (n = 651) were included. Meta-analyses showed that ankle-foot exercises significantly improved ankle plantarflexion strength (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.65, low-quality evidence), ankle flexibility (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.96, low-quality evidence), and balance in an eyes-open condition (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.70, low-quality evidence). There was no significant change in ankle dorsiflexion strength (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.82, very low-quality evidence), balance under eyes-closed condition (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI = -0.1 to 0.92, very low-quality evidence), and gait speed (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.96, very low-quality evidence). Two studies reported insignificant findings on fear of falling, fall incidence, and risk of falls. Very low to low-quality evidence showed that ankle-foot exercises effectively improve ankle plantarflexion strength, flexibility, and balance with eyes open, whereas no effect on falls was found. Improvements in balance and gait tend to be associated with improvements in ankle strength and flexibility. Toe-strengthening exercise and training 3 times per week appear to be important for improving balance. This review suggested that ankle-foot exercises might improve balance in older people. Determining factors leading to improvement in balance and mobility were identified. It paves the ground for further research to study the effect of ankle-foot exercises on fall prevention.

Effects of different swimming styles on postural assessment in mid-level young swimmers.

It is well-known that swimming purposes to increase the tonic-postural control. Beyond its physiological advantages, swimming also offers an exclusive platform to explore the complex interplay between body biomechanics and posture. The specific aim of this study was to investigate the effects of main swimming styles on postural balance in young athletes. Forty-one participants, aged between 11 and 15 years old (M= 13, SD= 1.47), were recruited. The training schedule usually consisted of 2/3 h (2.4 ± 0.46) per day (five to six weekly workouts). Measures included a postural assessment to identify the presence of postural deficits and a baropodometric stabilometry to evaluate the center of pressure. Measurements were performed before T0 (baseline), after 6 months (T1), and at the end, after 12 months (T2). Beforehand, all participants undertook identification of the swimming style and pain intensity level. Results showed that Breaststroke and Butterfly athletes had clear improvements in postural balance compared to Backstroke and Freestyle athletes. In conclusion, our results suggest that a detailed knowledge of the different swimming styles plays a significant role in improving balance and postural stability in young athletes, highlighting the fundamental role of the kinesiology in sports traumatology.

A Study on the Spatial Information Compilation of Inland Wetlands in South Korea

Wetlands offer numerous benefits, including improving water quality, providing habitats for wildlife, and storing water. They are areas where water either covers the soil or is just below the surface for extended periods. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance and ecological stability. In South Korea, the Wetlands Conservation Act was established in 1999 to protect these vital ecosystems and their biodiversity. The law defines inland wetlands as lakes, ponds, swamps, rivers, and estuaries. However, the boundaries of these areas are often unclear, creating challenges for conservation and research. This ambiguity complicates effective management and the implementation of necessary protective measures. This study utilized topographic and aerial images to gather spatial information about inland wetlands and assess their areas. It identified the boundaries of inland wetlands in South Korea, revealing a total area of 3,833.452 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, which is 3.8% of the country’s total land area. The classified the spatial data, showing that vegetated areas cover 1,355.666 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, or 35.4% of the total area, with woody plants covering 102.987 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; and herbaceous plants 1,252.679 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;. Non-vegetated areas account for 2,477.786 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, or 64.6%, with open water 2,206.615 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, natural land 160.995 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, artificial land 72.343 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, and Agricultural land 37.833 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;. Clearly defining wetland boundaries is essential for effective conservation and protection. Accurate boundary definitions facilitate legal protection and help prevent damage to wetlands. The results provide quantitative data that can inform future wetland conservation planning and management. And enhance our understanding of the size and changes in South Korea’s inland wetlands, supporting their preservation and protection.

Physical performance tests for preliminary cognitive screening in older adults: A systematic review of strength, walking, and balance assessments.

The aim of this systematic review is to determine which physical tests, particularly those assessing strength, walking abilities and balance stability, can provide the most pertinent information for a preliminary screening of cognitive status, facilitating further cognitive evaluation. A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies that assessed both strength or balance stability and cognitive state in community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years old were selected for inclusion. The search strategy identified a total of 864 studies. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten studies comprising a total of 6868 subjects were included in the review. According to the GRADE system, the studies were classified as low quality. Cognitively healthy individuals exhibited better balance, higher strength levels, greater gait speed and higher instrumental activities of daily living scores compared to those with mild cognitive impairment or cognitive impairment. The assessment of physical function in older adults may serve as a useful tool in identifying impairments associated with physical frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive decline. Early screening based on physical performance could assist healthcare professionals in determining the need for further cognitive assessment, potentially aiding in the prevention or early detection of cognitive decline.