Search Results (282)

Electric vehicles equipped with in-wheel motors provide packaging, controllability, and drivetrain-simplification advantages; however, the increase in wheel-side unsprung mass can intensify vibration transmission to the chassis, seat, and occupant. This paper presents a coordinated active seat and active suspension control strategy for an integrated 8-DOF quarter-car model that includes an in-wheel motor, an active seat suspension, and a 4-DOF seated driver body model. The proposed controller combines a Harmony Search (HS)-optimized proportional–integral–derivative (PID) feedback baseline with a repeatable-disturbance feedforward compensation term. The HS-PID loop provides baseline transient attenuation, while the feedforward term compensates the repeatable component of the bump-induced disturbance transmitted through the coupled seat–vehicle system. The controller is evaluated against passive suspension, active-seat-only control, active-vehicle-suspension-only control, and an HS-PID baseline under repeated bump/shock excitation. The results show that coordinated actuation reduces occupant displacement and acceleration responses relative to the benchmark cases. The discussion explains the active-seat-only peak-acceleration amplification, the different magnitudes of displacement and acceleration improvements, and the practical implications of suspension stroke and actuator-force limits. The reported conclusions are therefore confined to the repeated bump/shock condition considered in this numerical study; broader ride-comfort generalization requires standardized whole-body vibration metrics, random-road validation, speed variation, parametric uncertainty analysis, and drivetrain energy evaluation. Full article

Natural disasters can split distribution networks into isolated microgrids, and the remaining local storage is often not enough to keep critical loads supplied until repairs start. Mobile emergency power vehicles (MEPVs) are useful in bridging this gap, but their dispatch is easily distorted when travel time is treated as static and battery charging is treated as constant-rate. This paper studies MEPV routing and load restoration under scenario-based road degradation and non-linear constant-current/constant-voltage (CC-CV) charging. A limited-communication setting is also stated explicitly, since post-disaster information is usually intermittent rather than fully real-time. The resulting scheduling problem is solved by an Improved Adaptive Harmony Search (IAHS) algorithm. IAHS keeps the harmony–memory structure but moves binary load decisions through a continuous latent space before threshold decoding, so that the differential update can use population differences without repeatedly disturbing load variables that have already become stable. Tests on a six-area system show higher average recovery and lower dispersion than HS, AHS, GHS, and AHS with standard BDE. Additional road-degradation sensitivity tests and single-MEPV scale-up tests show that the method remains feasible under stronger road deterioration and that computation time grows in a manageable way as the number of load variables increases. Full article

Background: Transverse maxillary discrepancies during mixed dentition can negatively affect occlusal development and facial harmony. Clear aligners have been increasingly proposed as an interceptive alternative to traditional expansion approaches, but the extent and nature of the transverse dentoalveolar changes associated with their use in growing patients remain incompletely defined. While previous reviews have qualitatively explored this topic, no prior meta-analysis has been conducted to provide a quantitative synthesis of these changes in mixed dentition. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted for English-language studies published from January 2019 to April 2026 using the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The final database search was performed on 30 April 2026. Randomized controlled trials, prospective studies, and retrospective studies evaluating transverse maxillary changes in growing patients treated with clear aligners were included. Case reports, reviews, and studies involving syndromic patients or surgical interventions were excluded. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of quantitative outcomes with sufficient comparability across studies was performed. Effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs). Results: From 40 screened records, a total of 7 studies were included in this review. The meta-analysis revealed a reasonably consistent trend toward increased transverse dimensions. The pooled SMDs were 0.685 (distal intermolar), 1.141 (mesial intermolar), 0.828 (transpalatal), 2.052 (intercanine transpalatal), and 1.541 (intercanine width). However, the magnitude of the effect remains uncertain because of the small number of included studies, methodological variability, heterogeneous outcome definitions, limited long-term follow-up, and substantial statistical heterogeneity observed for selected outcomes. Conclusions: The current evidence base reveals a reasonably consistent direction toward favorable transverse dentoalveolar changes with clear aligner therapy. However, the exact magnitude of the benefit remains uncertain due to methodological heterogeneity and the lack of robust long-term data. Due to the qualitative limitations of the included studies, the meta-analysis was intended to provide exploratory insights rather than definitive conclusions. Further high-quality studies with 3D imaging, standardized 3D outcomes, and long-term follow-up are needed to corroborate these results and guide clinical protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: This narrative review aimed to critically assess the role of multi-unit abutments in implant dentistry, focusing on mechanical reliability and biological stability at the implant–abutment interface. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify clinical studies and experimental research from the past 20 years addressing implant–abutment connections, mechanical complications and biological integration of multi-unit abutments. Results: Dental implants demonstrate survival rates above 95%, yet complications, up to 35%, are primarily linked to the implant–abutment interface. Mechanical issues, especially screw loosening, may be mitigated with conical connections and adherence to evidence-based protocols. Biologically, multi-unit abutments with sufficient transmucosal height contribute to stable supracrestal tissue and preservation of marginal bone. Advances such as nanostructured surfaces and the concept of mucointegration represent a shift toward biologically active interfaces, enhancing peri-implant soft tissue health. Conclusions: Multi-unit abutments have evolved from simple angulation-correction tools to essential components across a wide range of clinical applications. Their success relies on strategic, protocol-driven use that integrates mechanical strength with biological harmony, enabling potentially favorable outcomes in modern implant dentistry, particularly in well-selected clinical scenarios. Full article

Computerized dietary meal planning can support the prevention or management of chronic diseases. We propose a simple and powerful framework based on hybrid evolutionary computation to generate 10-day meal plans observing various requirements. The method is based on ontologies for modeling expert concepts, a structural model, and a bonus/malus rule base with numerical, harmony, and occurrence rules, arranged in user-defined aspects. For the search, we use NSGA-II combined with a reinforcement-learning-based mutation operator. The strengths of the aspects and rules are assigned by users or may also be tuned automatically. We implemented the ontology and the rule base using a hospital food database of a realistic size (185 food items), some important common-sense culinary practices, and the official dietary guidelines for public catering in Hungary (31 rules using 73 ontology sets). For validation, we compared 10-day plans to three alternative methods and also manually created plans. Our framework significantly outperformed the alternatives and the human expert in fitness and scores. However, a subjective evaluation by another expert found human-made plans to be superior to generated plans, especially in taste harmony due to the common-sense knowledge missing from the rule base. The results demonstrate that the framework is an effective tool for multi-objective dietary planning and can successfully balance competing requirements. Full article

The development of renewable energy in rural areas presents significant potential. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind power and photovoltaics, into microgrids as distributed generation systems offers a viable approach for local energy utilization. In recent years, the rapid advancement of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries has led to an increasing demand for electricity in these regions. However, the existing power infrastructure remains underdeveloped, resulting in a pronounced imbalance between supply and demand. This paper investigates the optimization of rural microgrid configurations by incorporating demand response strategies and the synergistic interactions among wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, batteries, and loads. A multi-objective optimization model is developed to maximize annual profits and environmental externality (namely, the proposed microgrid achieves equivalent carbon dioxide emissions reductions by replacing thermal power generation through either selling green electricity to the main grid or meeting rural load demands), which is subsequently transformed into a single-objective formulation using the Shapley value method and solved via a global harmonic search algorithm. Simulation results validate the applicability of the proposed solution method and demonstrate the economic performance, development potential, and environmental benefits of the optimized microgrid configurations. Full article

Reservoir operation under climate change poses significant challenges for hydropower-dependent countries, particularly in cascade reservoir systems. This study aims to derive optimal future operating rule curves for the Nam Khan 2 and Nam Khan 3 cascade reservoirs in Lao PDR to maximize hydropower generation under climate change. Genetic Algorithm (GA), Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO), and Harmony Search (HS) were integrated with a reservoir simulation model to optimize monthly upper and lower rule curves. Future reservoir inflows were generated using climate projections from the INM-CM5-0 climate model’s SSP245 scenario for 2025–2050. The aim was to maximize average annual electricity generation for the entire cascade system while ensuring practicable reservoir operation. The optimized rule curves obtained from all three algorithms exhibited similar seasonal patterns, reflecting regional hydrological characteristics. The proposed rule curves significantly improved hydropower performance compared to the existing operating policies. For Nam Khan 2, average annual electricity generation increased from 324.089 GWh under current operations to 788.246, 787.100, and 786.561 GWh using GA, IWO, and HS. Similarly, Nam Khan 3 achieved substantial improvements, with average annual generation increasing from 156.029 GWh to 270.049, 266.840, and 266.547 GWh. The optimized rule curves also contributed to better storage regulation and reduced variability in energy production. The findings demonstrate that integrating metaheuristic optimization techniques with reservoir simulation models provides an effective framework for adaptive hydropower-oriented reservoir operation under future climate uncertainty. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced transformative possibilities in orthodontics by enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and aesthetic outcomes. In face-driven orthodontics, treatment objectives extend beyond achieving proper occlusion to optimizing facial balance and harmony. With the growing patient demand for aesthetic improvements, AI technologies enable clinicians to integrate facial analysis and dynamic soft-tissue evaluation into personalized treatment approaches. Research in this scoping review analyzed current applications of AI in face-driven orthodontics, focusing on diagnosis, soft-tissue assessment, and individualized treatment planning. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for studies published between 2021 and 2025. The review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Of 54 initially identified studies, 24 met the inclusion criteria after title, abstract, and full-text screening. Extracted data were organized according to the main application areas of AI in face-driven orthodontics. Most studies focused on AI-assisted facial analysis, 3D reconstruction, and treatment simulation. Deep learning models demonstrated high performance in soft-tissue prediction, aesthetic evaluation, and diagnostic accuracy. However, heterogeneity in datasets, a lack of standardized validation protocols, limited external validation across included studies and limited clinical applicability were identified as key limitations. AI-based facial analysis supports a shift toward individualized, aesthetics-oriented orthodontic planning. Although current evidence highlights its potential for improving diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes, further validation through large-scale clinical studies is essential for broader implementation in everyday practice. Full article

The optimization of seismic isolation parameters is essential for balancing displacement demand and acceleration control in base-isolated structures. While numerous studies have applied metaheuristic algorithms to isolator tuning, the influence of objective-function weighting on optimal design outcomes remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the effects of displacement and acceleration on control performance in a multi-objective optimization function. Thus, acceleration can be reduced economically by limiting the isolator displacement capacity. In the study, the effective values of the acceleration and displacement coefficients in the objective function of the problem are changed for the design optimization of seismic base isolators, and the determination of the most appropriate weights in the equation and their effects on the control are investigated. In the optimization process, the adaptive harmony search algorithm, which is obtained by adapting the parameters of the harmony search algorithm inspired by the search for the best harmony, is used. The results demonstrate that increased emphasis on acceleration minimization leads to longer effective isolation periods and higher damping ratios, whereas displacement-dominated weighting results in stiffer isolation systems with reduced mobility. Full article

Background: Psychological well-being is crucial for the development and performance of young athletes. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available scientific evidence on the relationship between passion (harmonious and obsessive), basic psychological needs (BPNs), motivation, affect (positive and negative), and life satisfaction in young football (soccer) players. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed, following the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and SportDiscus databases, using a comprehensive strategy that combined keywords related to football, youth, passion, motivation, and well-being. Two independent reviewers performed article screening, eligibility assessment, and data extraction. The methodological quality of the included studies was determined using two different tools. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in detail. The results consistently indicate that harmonious passion is associated with greater fulfillment of BPNs, positive affect, and overall life satisfaction. In contrast, obsessive passion was linked to negative outcomes such as burnout and emotional dysregulation. The available evidence suggests a positive association of harmonious passion with motivation and well-being, and an association of obsessive passion with psychological distress. Conclusions: Within the delimited scope, the evidence suggests that harmonious passion is an important construct positively associated with the well-being and motivation of young footballers, while obsessive passion is associated with adverse outcomes. Research in this area is scarce, showing methodological diversity and heterogeneous samples, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs and interventions to promote harmonious passion and the satisfaction of BPNs. Full article

This narrative review addresses the complexities of managing the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) in restorative dentistry, focusing on predictability in prosthetic reconstructions. Altering VDO impacts biological, biomechanical, esthetic, and functional aspects, making it a controversial topic. While VDO naturally evolves throughout life, interventions require careful consideration due to potential complications. Various techniques guide VDO determination, including facial proportions, physiological methods, phonetics, and cephalometric analysis. Clinicians must understand these principles and adapt them to individual patient needs. Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, searching keywords like “vertical dimension of occlusion”, “dental”, “diagnosis”, “management” and “complications”. In addition to the literature review, two case reports with extensive prosthodontic restorations were included to illustrate the diagnostic challenges and treatment considerations in a clinical setting. Results: Increasing VDO aids restorative treatments, re-establishing morphology, and facilitating additive procedures. Minimally invasive approaches, provisional restorations, and fixed restorations with functional contours are favored. Individualized, patient-centered care is critical, recognizing unique anatomical and functional needs. This approach optimizes stomatognathic system rehabilitation while preventing adverse effects on body posture and airway dimensions. Conclusions: To ensure predictable results and minimize risks, changes in VDO should be kept to a minimum to achieve dentofacial aesthetic harmony and secure adequate space for the planned restorations The two case reports presented, with different clinical approaches, underline the importance of understanding the potential risks and benefits of VDO alteration which is crucial for achieving predictable and successful outcomes in complex restorative cases. Full article

Metaheuristic algorithms are widely utilized as effective tools for solving complex optimization problems. Among them, the Harmony Search (HS) algorithm has garnered significant attention for its simple structure and excellent performance. The efficacy of the HS algorithm is heavily dependent on the configuration of its internal parameters, with the Harmony Memory Considering Rate (HMCR) and Pitch Adjusting Rate (PAR) playing pivotal roles. These parameters determine the probabilities of using the Random Generation (RG), Harmony Memory Consideration (HMC), and Pitch Adjustment (PA) operators, thereby controlling the balance between exploration and exploitation. However, a systematic empirical analysis of the interaction between these parameters and the characteristics of the problem at hand remains insufficient. Thus, this study conducts a comprehensive empirical analysis of the performance sensitivity of the HS algorithm to variations in HMCR and PAR values. The analysis is performed on a suite of 23 benchmark functions, encompassing diverse characteristics such as unimodality/multimodality and separability/non-separability, along with 5 real-world optimization problems. Through extensive experimentation, the performance for each parameter combination was evaluated on a rank-based system and visualized using heatmaps. The results experimentally demonstrate that the algorithm’s performance is most sensitive to the HMCR value across all function types, establishing that setting a high HMCR value (≥0.9) is a prerequisite for securing stable performance. Conversely, the optimal PAR value showed a direct correlation with the topographical features of the problem landscape. For unimodal problems, a low PAR value between 0.1 and 0.3 was more effective, whereas for complex multimodal problems with numerous local optima, a relatively higher PAR value between 0.3 and 0.5 proved more efficient in searching for the global optimum. This research provides a guideline into the parameter settings of the HS algorithm and contributes to enhancing its practical applicability by proposing a systematic parameter tuning strategy based on problem characteristics. Full article

This study focuses on the mathematical method developed by integrating the surrogate model as constraints for wall stability into the heuristic optimization algorithm to gain the optimum cost and ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ emission value of the gabion retaining wall (GRW). This study also includes the comparison of optimum GRW results with optimum cantilever retaining wall (CRW) designs for different design cases. The Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA), which efficiently explores the design space and robustly reaches the optimum result in solving optimization problems, was used as the heuristic optimization algorithm. The primary construction scenario was considered as an optimization problem, which involved excavating the slope, constructing the wall, and compacting the backfill soil to minimize the cost and CO${}_2$ emissions for separate objective functions of GRW and CRW designs. Comparative results show that GRWs outperform CRWs in terms of sustainability and cost-efficiency, achieving 55% lower cost and 78% lower CO${}_2$ emissions on average, while the HSA–surrogate model provides a fast and accurate solution for geotechnical design problems. The surrogate models for sliding, overturning, and slope stability safety factors of GRW exhibited exceptional accuracy, characterized by minimal error values (MSE, RMSE, MAE, MAPE) and robust determination coefficients ($R^2\approx 0.99$), hence affirming their dependability in safety factor assessment. By integrating the surrogate model based on the statistical method into the optimization algorithm, a quick examination of the wall’s stability was performed, reducing the required computational power. Full article

Background and Objectives: Music therapy has a long tradition in palliative care, and recent studies have investigated its Neuro-Psycho-Endocrine-Immunological (NPEI) effects in terminally ill patients. Despite numerous published articles, there is a lack of a compendium connecting the physiological basis of music therapy with the specific musical elements most effective in end-of-life settings. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the physiological mechanisms underlying responses to music, with a focus on terminal patients and implications for nursing practice. Materials and Methods: For quality and possible reproducibility, a narrative review was conducted in accordance with Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. The review targeted articles from the past five years indexed in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo, supplemented by additional relevant references identified through manual searching. The PICOS framework was performed to structure the search strategy and study selection, focusing on studies relevant to the biological effects of music therapy in end-of-life care and their practical implications for nursing care. Results: The neurophysiology of music perception in terminal patients is complex, involving a wide array of clinical and cultural factors. Key musical elements—such as rhythm, melody, harmony, tempo, and mode—can influence physiological and psycho-emotional responses. Music therapy interventions, when tailored to the individual’s preferences and cultural background, may modulate parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormone levels, and pain perception. Evidence supports the need for individualized approaches and highlights the NPEI rationale for integrating music therapy into end-of-life care. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of the scientific mechanisms discussed in this narrative review can enhance the effectiveness of music therapy interventions in end-of-life settings. Nursing practice can benefit by integrating evidence-based selection of musical pieces and personalizing interventions to the clinical and cultural profile of each patient. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to establish standardized criteria for music therapy in palliative care and to optimize outcomes for terminally ill patients. Full article

Dynamic effects such as wind, traffic, and earthquakes can cause loss of life and property. Since tall buildings are more sensitive to these vibrations, vibration control is an important issue in civil engineering. In this study, the Adaptive Harmony Search (AHS) was used to determine the optimum TMDI parameters. AHS shares similar steps with the classic Harmony Search (HS), which simulates the process of musicians creating new harmonies. However, unlike HS, it uses harmony memory consideration rate (HMCR) and pitch adjustment rate (PAR) values that are updated at each search step, rather than fixed HMCR and PAR values. The aim of the optimization is to minimize the maximum displacement of the upper floor in a 10-story shear building against different earthquake records. To evaluate the performance of the TMDI system, displacement and total acceleration under seismic loading were analyzed. As a result, the TMDI reduced displacement by 35% and 13.33% for non-pulse and pulse, respectively, for near-fault earthquake records. These reductions indicate that the structure’s resistance to dynamic loads can be enhanced using control systems. Full article