Search Results (2,914)

The dynamic development of distributed sources (mainly RES) contributes to the emergence of, among others, balance and overload problems. For this reason, many RES do not receive conditions for connection to the power grid in Poland. Operators sometimes extend permits based on the possibility of periodic power reduction in RES in the event of the problems mentioned above. Before making a decision, investors, for economic reasons, need information on the probability of annual power reduction in their potential installation. Analyses that allow one to determine such a probability require knowledge of the reliability indicators of transmission lines and transformers, as well as failure removal times. The article analyses the available literature on the annual risk of outages of these elements and methods to determine the appropriate reliability indicators. Example calculations were performed for two networks (test and real). The values of indicators and times that can be used in practice were indicated. The unique contribution of this article lies not only in the comprehensive comparison of current, relevant transmission line and transformer reliability analysis methods but also in developing the first reliability indices for the Polish power system in more than 30 years. It is based on the relationships presented in the article and their comparison with results reported in the international literature. Full article

Pain is a common condition among older adults and a key factor influencing daily functioning. This cross-sectional study examined how pain presence and distribution (no pain, localized pain [LP], and widespread pain [WP]) are related to limitations in Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (BADLs and IADLs). Data were drawn from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Wave 9, including 68,839 participants aged 50 or older. A clear gradient of functional limitation was observed: Individuals with WP reported the highest number of limitations, followed by those with LP, while those with no pain showed minimal impairment. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, cognitive status, physical health, and psychosocial factors, with adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for WP of 1.77 for BADLs and 1.22 for IADLs (p < 0.001). Notably, depression, perceived loneliness, long-term illness, physical inactivity, and mobility limitations were especially relevant among participants with WP. The findings suggest the clinical value of assessing and implementing interventions not only in the presence but also in the extent of pain to better identify individuals at greater risk of losing independence in daily life. Full article

Soil quality assessment plays a critical role in promoting sustainable land management, particularly in fragile steppe ecosystems. This study provides a comprehensive geoecological evaluation of heavy metal contamination (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn) in soils across five districts of the Akmola region, Kazakhstan. The assessment incorporates multiple integrated pollution indices, including the geochemical pollution index (Igeo), pollution coefficient (CF), ecological risk index (Er), pollution load index (PLI), and integrated pollution index (Zc). Spatial analysis combined with multivariate statistical techniques (PCA and clustering analysis) was used to identify pollutant distribution patterns and differentiate areas by risk levels. The findings reveal generally low to moderate contamination, with cadmium (Cd) posing the highest environmental risk due to its elevated toxic response coefficient, despite its low concentration. The study also explores the connection between current soil conditions and historical land-use changes, particularly those associated with the Virgin Lands Campaign of the mid-20th century. The highest PLI values were recorded in the Yesil and Atbasar districts (7.88 and 7.54, respectively), likely driven by intensive agricultural activity and lithological factors. PCA and cluster analysis revealed distinct spatial groupings, reflecting heterogeneity in both the sources and distribution of soil pollutants. Full article

Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent cardiovascular conditions that share numerous risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. While clinical scores commonly used in AF—such as CHA₂DS₂VA (which includes congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75, diabetes, stroke/TIA, vascular disease, and age 65–74), HAS-BLED (which incorporates hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history, labile INR, elderly age, and drug/alcohol use), and C₂HEST (incorporating coronary artery disease, COPD, hypertension, elderly age ≥ 75, systolic heart failure, and thyroid disease)—are traditionally applied to rhythm or bleeding risk prediction, their value in estimating the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains underexplored. We conducted a prospective, single-center study including 131 patients with suspected stable CAD referred for coronary angiography, stratified according to coronary angiographic findings into two groups: significant coronary stenosis (S-CCS) and non-significant coronary stenosis (N-CCS). At admission, AF-related scores (CHA₂DS₂, CHA₂DS₂VA, CHA₂DS₂VA-HSF, CHA₂DS₂VA-RAF, CHA₂DS₂VA-LAF, HAS-BLED, C₂HEST, and HATCH) were calculated. CAD severity was subsequently assessed using the SYNTAX and Gensini scores. Statistical comparisons and Pearson correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between clinical risk scores and angiographic findings. Patients in the S-CCS group had significantly higher scores in CHA₂DS₂VA (4.09 ± 1.656 vs. 3.20 ± 1.338, p = 0.002), HAS-BLED (1.98 ± 0.760 vs. 1.36 ± 0.835, p < 0.001), CHA₂DS₂VA-HSF (6.00 ± 1.854 vs. 5.26 ± 1.712, p = 0.021), and C₂HEST (3.49 ± 1.501 vs. 2.55 ± 1.279, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified HAS-BLED and C₂HEST as independent predictors of significant coronary lesions. A threshold value of HAS-BLED ≥ 1.5 and C₂HEST ≥ 3.5 demonstrated moderate discriminative ability (AUC = 0.694 and 0.682, respectively), with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. These scores also demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with both Gensini and SYNTAX scores. AF-related clinical scores, especially HAS-BLED and C₂HEST, may serve as practical and accessible tools for early CAD risk stratification in patients with suspected CCS. Their application in clinical practice may serve as supplementary triage tools to help prioritize patients for further diagnostic evaluation, but they are not intended to replace standard imaging or testing. Full article

This study evaluates the accuracy of ²²²Rn exhalation rates from building materials using two standard experimental protocols, thus addressing the increasing importance of rapid radon assessment due to health concerns and regulatory limits. In detail, six types of natural stones frequently employed for the construction of buildings of historical-artistic relevance were analyzed using the closed chamber method (CCM) combined with the Durridge Rad7 system, by using two experimental protocols that differed in the measurement duration: 10 days (Method 1) versus 24 h (Method 2). Obtained results revealed that the radon exhalation rates ranged from 0.004 to 0.072 Bq h⁻¹, which are moderate to low if compared to studies in other regions. Statistical comparison using the u-test confirmed equivalence between protocols (u-test ≤ 2), thus supporting the validity of the faster Method 2 for practical applications. Furthermore, to estimate the potential indoor radon levels and determine the associated radiological risks to human health, for the investigated natural stones, the Markkanen room model was employed. As a result, simulated indoor radon concentrations remained well below regulatory thresholds (maximum value: 37.3 Bq m⁻³), thus excluding any significant health concerns under typical indoor conditions. Full article

The utilization of iron tailings in road construction poses significant environmental risks due to the complex release mechanisms of pollutants and varying regional conditions. This study integrates an exponential decay model with an instantaneous pollutant transport model, employing Monte Carlo simulations to assess risks and regional characteristics. Results show high Potential Hazard Indices (PHIs) for arsenic, manganese, barium, nickel, and lead, with PHI values between 4.2 and 22.7. Simulations indicate that manganese and nickel concentrations may exceed groundwater standards, particularly in humid areas. The study recommends controlling the iron tailings mixing ratio based on climate, suggesting limits of 35% in humid, 60% in semi-humid, and more lenient ratios in arid and semi-arid regions. It also underscores the need for improved risk assessment methodologies and region-specific management strategies at the national level. Full article

Route planning under uncertain traffic conditions requires accounting for not only expected travel times but also the risk of late arrivals. This study proposes a mean-upper partial moment (MUPM) framework for pathfinding that explicitly considers travel time unreliability. The framework incorporates a benchmark travel time to measure the upper partial moment (UPM), capturing both the probability and severity of delays. By adjusting a risk parameter ($\theta$), the model reflects different traveler risk preferences and unifies several existing reliability measures, including on-time arrival probability, late arrival penalty, and semi-variance. A bi-objective model is formulated to simultaneously minimize mean travel time and UPM. Theoretical analysis shows that the MUPM framework is consistent with the expected utility theory (EUT) and stochastic dominance theory (SDT), providing a behavioral foundation for the model. To efficiently solve the model, an SDT-based label-correcting algorithm is adapted, with a pre-screening step to reduce unnecessary pairwise path comparisons. Numerical experiments using GPS probe vehicle data from Louisville, Kentucky, USA, demonstrate that varying $\theta$ values lead to different non-dominated paths. Lower $\theta$ values emphasize frequent small delays but may overlook excessive delays, while higher $\theta$ values effectively capture the tail risk, aligning with the behavior of risk-averse travelers. The MUPM framework provides a flexible, behaviorally grounded, and computationally scalable approach to pathfinding under uncertainty. It holds strong potential for applications in traveler information systems, transportation planning, and network resilience analysis. Full article

In high-voltage transmission lines, insulators subjected to prolonged electromechanical stress are prone to zero-value defects, leading to insulation failure and posing significant risks to power grid reliability. The conventional detection method of spark gap is vulnerable to environmental interference, while the emerging electric field distribution-based techniques require complex instrumentation, limiting its applications in scenes of complex structures and atop tower climbing. To address these challenges, this study proposes an electroluminescent sensing strategy for zero-value insulator identification based on the electroluminescence of ZnS:Cu. Based on the stimulation of electrical stress, real-time monitoring of the health status of insulators was achieved by applying the composite of epoxy and ZnS:Cu onto the connection area between the insulator steel cap and the shed. Experimental results demonstrate that healthy insulators exhibit characteristic luminescence, whereas zero-value insulators show no luminescence due to a reduced drop in electrical potential. Compared with conventional detection methods requiring access of electric signals, such non-contact optical detection method offers high fault-recognition accuracy and real-time response capability within milliseconds. This work establishes a novel intelligent sensing paradigm for visualized condition monitoring of electrical equipment, demonstrating significant potential for fault diagnosis in advanced power systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Weight loss and its subsequent regain pose significant challenges for those dealing with overweight and obesity. This study explores weight loss strategies among adults in Saudi Arabia and evaluates factors linked to weight regain. Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on adults residing in Jazan, located in southwest Saudi Arabia. Data collection was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire that assessed participants’ demographics, medical history, perceptions of body weight, weight loss methods, and the incidence of weight regain. Logistic regression was used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences related to the occurrence of weight regain. Results: A total of 368 participants reported efforts to lose weight over the past 3 years. The average age of these participants was 32.7 years (standard deviation: 11.3), and the gender distribution was almost equal. The majority of the sample (65%) voiced dissatisfaction with their body weight. Some participants employed a combination of weight loss methods, with exercise, reduced food intake, and intermittent fasting being the most frequently mentioned. The findings also indicate that a minority sought professional help, whether from a physician or a nutritionist. Over 90% claimed to have successfully lost weight at least once during their attempts, but more than half (139 individuals) experienced weight regain following their weight loss efforts. Within the univariate logistic regression, higher odds ratios of weight regain were detected among men, older participants, those living in rural areas, individuals with higher levels of education, employed persons or business owners, those with higher monthly incomes, smokers, khat chewers, and those diagnosed with a chronic condition (p values < 0.05). However, the multivariate logistic regression revealed that only residence, monthly income, smoking status, and being diagnosed with a chronic disease remained statistically significant as predictors of weight regain after adjusting for other variables (p values < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the significance of incorporating weight regain prevention into body weight management for individuals dealing with overweight and obesity. Further research is needed to evaluate specific dietary, physical activity, and psychological factors that may increase the risk of weight regain in certain participants. Full article

Background: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a preventable yet potentially fatal condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Several clinical scoring systems, including the Wells and modified Geneva scores, have been developed to assess the likelihood of PTE and guide further diagnostic evaluation. The Padua prediction score, primarily used to assess venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in hospitalized patients, has also been considered for its potential utility in suspected PTE cases. Methods: This retrospective study included 257 patients with suspected acute PTE. Diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in 140 patients (patient group), while 117 patients without radiologic evidence of PTE served as controls. All participants were evaluated using Wells, modified Geneva, and Padua scores. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and the effect of combining scores with age-adjusted D-dimer levels were analyzed. Results: The Wells score demonstrated a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 91%, with a positive predictive value of 88%. Modified Geneva and Padua scores showed lower diagnostic accuracy. Negative predictive values increased significantly when combined with age adjusted D-dimer levels. Conclusions: The Wells score was the most reliable tool among the three for predicting PTE. Combining clinical scoring with D-dimer testing enhances diagnostic accuracy and may reduce unnecessary imaging in patients with low to moderate risk. Full article

Aims: The global prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) among the elderly population aged 65 years and above is estimated to be 10%. While it is known to be associated with poor prognoses in patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, the significance of PHT as an incidental finding among individuals without these conditions remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between incidental PHT detected by echocardiography and long-term all-cause mortality in patients without known cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases. Methods and Results: This retrospective, single-center cohort study included 8283 patients who underwent two consecutive echocardiographic examinations evaluating pulmonary pressure by assessing the maximal velocity of the tricuspid regurgitation jet. In total, 1705 (20.6%) patients were found to have PHT during the first echocardiography. Using a Cox proportional hazard model for all-cause mortality, PHT was found to be a significant and independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, increasing the risk by 34% (Adj. HR—1.34, 95% CI 1.21–1.47, p < 0.001). There was a direct relationship between PHT severity and long-term all-cause mortality, with patients with severe PHT having a two-fold higher risk compared to those with normal pulmonary blood pressure (Adj. HR—2, 95% CI: 1.58–2.54, p < 0.001). A “cutoff point” of sPAP > 40 mmHg was established, where pulmonary pressure values remained high and even worsened over time (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The incidental diagnosis of PHT by echocardiography in patients without known cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases is an independent risk factor for long-term all-cause mortality. Patients with sPAP ≥ 40 mmHg warrant a comprehensive clinical assessment. Full article

Honey is prized for its nutritional and healing properties, but its quality can be affected by contamination with toxic elements. This study evaluates the nutritional value and health risks of fifteen honey samples from different agro-climatic regions of Pakistan. Physicochemical properties such as color, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, ash, and solids content were within acceptable ranges. ICP-OES analysis was used to assess six essential minerals and ten toxic metals. Except for slightly elevated boron levels (up to 0.18 mg/kg), all elements were within safe limits, with potassium reaching up to 1018 mg/kg. Human health risk assessments—including Average Daily Dose of Ingestion, Total Hazard Quotient, and Carcinogenic Risk—indicated no carcinogenic threats for adults or children, despite some elevated metal levels. Antioxidant activity, measured through total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging assays, showed that darker honeys had stronger antioxidant properties. While the overall quality of honey samples was satisfactory, significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) were observed across different regions. These differences are attributed to diverse agro-climatic conditions and production sources. The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring to ensure honey safety and nutritional quality. Full article

The early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in cognitively healthy individuals remains a major preclinical challenge. EEG is a promising tool that has shown effectiveness in detecting AD risk. Task-related EEG has been rarely used in Alzheimer’s disease research, as most studies have focused on resting-state EEG. An interpretable deep learning framework—Interpretable Convolutional Neural Network (InterpretableCNN)—was utilized to identify AD-related EEG features. EEG data were recorded during three cognitive task conditions, and samples were labeled based on APOE genotype and polygenic risk scores. A 100-fold leave-p%-subjects-out cross-validation (LPSO-CV) was used to evaluate model performance and generalizability. The model achieved an ROC AUC of 60.84% across the tasks and subjects, with a Kappa value of 0.22, indicating fair agreement. Interpretation revealed a consistent focus on theta and alpha activity in the parietal and temporal regions—areas commonly associated with AD pathology. Task-related EEG combined with interpretable deep learning can reveal early AD risk signatures in healthy individuals. InterpretableCNN enhances transparency in feature identification, offering a valuable tool for preclinical screening. Full article

Background: Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LIF) is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing a range of pathological conditions affecting the structure and function of the spine. Patient-Specific Interbody Cages (PSICs) are an emerging technology that are used in LIF; however, there is a lack of clinical outcome data, making it difficult to assess the potential risks, benefits, and value of PSICs. The purpose of this present study is to contribute data to the field on this new emerging technology. The aims were to investigate Quality of Life (QoL), pain, and the complications of PSICs in LIF. To provide a comparative cohort, we performed a systematic review of patient-reported outcomes of conventional fusion techniques. Methods: This study reports on a multi-surgeon, multi-centre clinical trial of patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease, necessitating discectomy and fusion. All patients underwent LIF procedures with 3D-printed PSICs. Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and QoL (EQ-5D) scores were collected pre-operatively and at 6m, 12m, and 24m post-operatively. For comparative purposes, we performed a systematic review of the VAS scores from traditional LIF cages and analysed the Australian Spine Registry QoL data. Results: The literature search yielded 4272 publications. The studies were subdivided into four groups based on the interbody device type. All the groups demonstrated improvements in the VAS (for back pain) scores post-operatively. In total, 78 patients (109 instrumented levels) underwent LIF procedures with 3DP PSICs. There were three reoperations (3.8%) and no revisions of any PSIC. The mean VAS scores improved significantly (p < 0.01) from 7.85 (1.50 SD) pre-operatively to 2.03 (2.13 SD) at 24 months post-operatively. The mean QoL index scores improved significantly (p < 0.01) from a pre-operative 0.257 (0.332 SD) to 0.815 (0.208 SD) at 24 months. Conclusions: The systematic review indicated that device fixation to the interbody space was associated with lower VAS scores. The results from the investigational cohort suggest that PSICs may represent a new progression in implant design for spinal fusion, with an associated clinical benefit for LIF. Full article

Despite notable advancements in smart home technologies, residential energy management continues to face critical challenges. These include the complex integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, issues related to data latency, interoperability, and standardization across diverse systems, the inflexibility of centralized control architectures in dynamic environments, and the difficulty of accurately modeling and influencing occupant behavior. To address these challenges, this study proposes an intelligent multi-agent system designed to accurately estimate and control energy consumption in residential buildings, with the overarching objective of optimizing energy usage while maintaining occupant comfort and satisfaction. The methodological approach employed is a hybrid framework, integrating multi-agent system architecture with system dynamics modeling and agent-based modeling. This integration enables decentralized and intelligent control while simultaneously simulating physical processes such as heat exchange, insulation performance, and energy consumption, alongside behavioral interactions and real-time adaptive responses. The system is tested under varying conditions, including changes in building insulation quality and external temperature profiles, to assess its capability for accurate control and estimation of energy use. The proposed tool offers significant added value by supporting real-time responsiveness, behavioral adaptability, and decentralized coordination. It serves as a risk-free simulation platform to test energy-saving strategies, evaluate cost-effective insulation configurations, and fine-tune thermostat settings without incurring additional cost or real-world disruption. The high fidelity and predictive accuracy of the system have important implications for policymakers, building designers, and homeowners, offering a practical foundation for informed decision making and the promotion of sustainable residential energy practices. Full article