Search Results (215)

Dual-active bridge (DAB) converters have emerged as a preferred topology in electric vehicle charging and energy storage applications, owing to their structurally symmetric configuration and intrinsic galvanic isolation capabilities. However, conventional triple-phase shift (TPS) control strategies face significant challenges in maintaining high efficiency across ultra-wide output voltage and load ranges. To exploit the inherent structural symmetry of the DAB topology, a symmetric optimization strategy based on triple-phase shift (SOS-TPS) is proposed. The method specifically targets the forward buck operating mode, where an optimization framework is established to minimize the root mean square (RMS) current of the inductor, thereby addressing both switching and conduction losses. The formulation explicitly incorporates zero-voltage switching (ZVS) constraints and operating mode conditions. By employing the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions in conjunction with the Lagrange multiplier method (LMM), the refined control trajectories corresponding to various power levels are analytically derived, enabling efficient modulation across the entire operating range. In the medium-power region, full-switch ZVS is inherently satisfied. In the low-power operation, full-switch ZVS is achieved by introducing a modulation factor λ, and a selection principle for λ is established. For high-power operation, the strategy transitions to a conventional single-phase shift (SPS) modulation. Furthermore, by exploiting the inherent symmetry of the DAB topology, the proposed method reveals the symmetric property of modulation control. The modulation strategy for the forward boost mode can be efficiently derived through a duty cycle and voltage gain mapping, eliminating the need for re-derivation. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed SOS-TPS strategy, a 2.3 kW experimental prototype was developed. The measured results demonstrate that the method ensures ZVS for all switches under the full load range, supports ultra-wide voltage conversion capability, substantially suppresses RMS current, and achieves a maximum efficiency of 97.3%. Full article

The screening of poplar varieties that demonstrate tolerance to low nitrogen (N) represents a promising strategy for improving nitrogen-use efficiency in trees. Such an approach could reduce reliance on N fertilizers while mitigating environmental pollution associated with their cultivation. In this study, a total of 87 poplar varieties were evaluated in a controlled greenhouse pot experiment. Under both low-nitrogen (LN) and normal-nitrogen (NN) conditions, 18 traits spanning four categories—growth performance, leaf morphology, chlorophyll fluorescence, and N isotope parameters were measured. For 13 of these traits (growth, leaf morphology, chlorophyll fluorescence), genetic variation and parameters, including genotypic values, were analyzed using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) within a linear mixed model (LMM). LN tolerance of tested poplar varieties was comprehensively assessed with three MGIDI strategies by integrating means, BLUPs, and low-nitrogen tolerance coefficient (LNindex) to rank poplar varieties. The results exhibited highly significant differences across all traits between LN and NN experiments, as well as among varieties. LN stress markedly inhibited growth, altered leaf morphology, and reduced chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in young poplar plants. Among the selection strategies, the MGIDI_LNindex approach demonstrated the highest selection differential percent (SD% = 10.5–35.23%). Using a selection intensity (SI) of 20%, we systematically identified 17 superior genotypes across all three strategies. In a thorough, comprehensive MGIDI-based evaluation, these varieties exhibited exceptional adaptability and stability under LN stress. The selected genotypes represent valuable genetic resources for developing improved poplar cultivars with enhanced low-nitrogen tolerance. Full article

This study investigated the effects of Bothrops moojeni (B. moojeni) venom and its high- (HMM) and low-molecular mass (LMM) fractions on human osteoclast (OC) differentiation and function in vitro, aiming to identify novel therapeutics for bone disorders. Venom preparations were applied at 5 µg/mL (crude venom and HMM) or 1 µg/mL (LMM) from day 4 of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) differentiation through terminal OC formation, enabling evaluation across early differentiation, fusion, and maturation stages. RNA sequencing revealed 7793 genes common to all experimental groups, with unique gene expression signatures of 149 (control), 221 (HMM), 248 (crude venom), and 60 (LMM) genes, reflecting distinct molecular responses. The negative control PBMC group exhibited 1013 unique genes enriched in immune-related pathways, consistent with their undifferentiated state. Crude venom induced the broadest transcriptional modulation, upregulating key fusion (CD47) and resorption (CTSK) genes, and altering markers of OC differentiation. The HMM fraction predominantly influenced inflammatory and osteoclastogenic pathways, notably TNF and NF-κB signaling, while the LMM fraction selectively regulated fusion-related genes (e.g., CD44) and immune pathways, indicating targeted modulation of OC activity. Cytokine profiling showed that crude venom and HMM suppressed osteoclastogenic cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6, supporting their potential use in inflammatory bone diseases. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed these differential effects on immune response and bone resorption mechanisms. Together, these results demonstrate that B. moojeni venom and its fractions differentially impact OC biology, with crude venom exerting broad effects and HMM and LMM fractions offering more specific modulation. Future studies will isolate bioactive components and assess therapeutic efficacy in animal models of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Full article

Face-to-face interaction is one of the most natural forms of human communication. Unsurprisingly, Video Conferencing (VC) Applications have experienced a significant rise in demand over the past decade. With the widespread availability of cellular devices equipped with high-resolution cameras, Instant Messaging Video Call Applications (IMVCAs) now constitute a substantial portion of VC communications. Given the multitude of IMVCA options, maintaining a high Quality of Experience (QoE) is critical. While content providers can measure QoE directly through end-to-end connections, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must infer QoE indirectly from network traffic—a non-trivial task, especially when most traffic is encrypted. In this paper, we analyze a large dataset collected from WhatsApp IMVCA, comprising over 25,000 s of VC sessions. We apply four Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and a Large Multimodal Model (LMM)-based agent, achieving mean errors of 4.61%, 5.36%, and 13.24% for three popular QoE metrics: BRISQUE, PIQE, and FPS, respectively. Full article

This study aimed to investigate population genetic differences related to reproductive traits between Duroc and Yorkshire (Dutch Large White) pigs using two approaches: linear mixed models that dissect additive and dominant effects, and selective sweep analysis. (1) Methods: Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data of 3917 Duroc and 3217 Yorkshire pigs were analyzed. The first principal component (PC1) was used as a simulated phenotype to capture population-level variance. Additive and dominant genetic effects were partitioned and evaluated by using the combination of the linear mixed models (LMM) and ADDO’s algorithm (LMM + ADDO). In parallel, selective sweep signals were detected using fixation index (F_ST) and nucleotide diversity (θ_π) analyses. A comparative assessment was then conducted between the LMM + ADDO and the selective sweep analysis results. Significant loci were annotated using quantitative trait loci (QTL) databases and the Ensembl genome browser. (2) Results: There are 39040 SNPs retained after quality control. Using the LMM + ADDO framework with PC1 as a simulated phenotype, a total of 632 significant SNPs and 184 candidate genes were identified. Notably, 587 SNPs and 171 genes were uniquely detected by the LMM + ADDO method and not among loci detected by the top 5% of F_ST and θ_π values. Key candidate genes associated with litter size included HSPG2, KAT6B, SAMD8, and LRMDA, while DLGAP1, MYOM1, and VTI1A were associated with teat number traits. (3) Conclusions: This study demonstrates the power of integrating additive and dominant effect modeling with population genetics approaches for the detection of genomic regions under selection. The findings provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of reproductive traits in pigs and have practical implications for understanding the inheritance of complex traits. Full article

Finding a fair and efficient multi-resource allocation is a fundamental goal in cloud computing systems. In this paper, we consider the problem of multi-resource allocation with a bounded number of tasks. We propose a lexicographic max–min maximin share (LMM-MMS) fair allocation mechanism and design a non-trivial polynomial-time algorithm to find an LMM-MMS solution. In addition, we prove that LMM-MMS satisfies Pareto efficiency, sharing incentive, envy-freeness, and group strategy-proofness properties. The experimental results showed that LMM-MMS could produce a fair allocation with a higher resource utilization and completion ratio of user jobs than previous known fair mechanisms; LMM-MMS also performed well in resource sharing. Full article

Background: Silymarin, a flavonoid complex, and the main bioactive component of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), is known for its hepatoprotective properties but suffers from poor bioavailability due to its low solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism. Method: This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of a novel micellar milk thistle formulation designed to enhance silymarin absorption, compared to an unformulated/standard milk thistle product, in a small-scale human bioavailability trial. In a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study, 16 healthy participants received a single dose of either the micellar formulation (LipoMicel Milk Thistle; LMM) or the standard formulation (STD) at a total daily dose of 130 mg silymarin. Blood concentrations were measured over 24 h, and key pharmacokinetic parameters—maximum plasma concentration (C_max), time to reach maximum concentration (T_max), and area under the curve (AUC)—were calculated. Tolerability and safety were assessed through adverse event monitoring during the study period. Results: Results demonstrated a significant increase in bioavailability with the micellar formulation, with 18.9-fold higher C_max (95% CI: 1.9–30.7 ng/mL vs. 74.4–288.3 ng/mL; p = 0.007) and 11.4-fold higher AUC_0–24 (95% CI: 7.40–113.5 ng·h/mL vs. 178–612.5 ng·h/mL; p = 0.015). T_max was 0.5 (95% CI: 0.5–4.0) hours for the micellar formulation versus 2.5 (95% CI: 0.5–8.0) hours for the standard product (p = 0.015) indicating faster absorption of LMM. The standard formulation exhibited a significantly longer mean residence time compared to the LMM formulation (95% CI: 4.4–7.5 h vs. 2.8–4.2 h; p = 0.015). Conclusions: No adverse events or significant safety concerns were observed in either group. Compared to the standard, the micellar formulation showed superior pharmacokinetic outcomes, suggesting it may enhance silymarin’s clinical efficacy in liver health. Full article

Background and Objectives: Obturator reflex during transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) can cause serious complications, such as bladder perforation, hemorrhage, and incomplete resection. Although obturator nerve block (ONB) is routinely recommended under spinal anesthesia, it is often omitted under general anesthesia (GA) based on the assumption that neuromuscular blockade (NMB) alone prevents adductor muscle contractions. However, clinical observations suggest that the obturator reflex may still occur under deep NMB. This study aimed to determine whether adductor longus muscle (ALM) contraction persists under GA with deep NMB during TURBT. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients scheduled for TURBT under GA were prospectively enrolled. A selective ONB was performed under ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance. After establishing the baseline current intensity for ALM contraction, neuromuscular monitoring was initiated, and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) was administered. Stimulation thresholds required to induce ALM contraction were sequentially assessed at decreasing Train-of-Four ratio (TOFr) stages (90% to 10%) and Train-of-Four count (TOFc) stages (3 to 0). Final measurements were repeated 1 min after achieving TOFc 0. Changes in stimulation intensity were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model (LMM). Results: As NMB deepened, the current intensity required to provoke ALM contraction progressively increased: 0.51 ± 0.25 mA at TOFr 90%, 1.66 ± 0.53 mA at TOFr 10%, 2.04 ± 0.66 mA at TOFc 0, and 2.61 ± 0.29 mA at 1 min after TOFc 0. Notably, all patients demonstrated ALM contraction at TOFc 0 and thereafter, confirming the persistence of the obturator reflex despite complete NMB. LMM analysis revealed a significant trend of increasing stimulation thresholds with progressive NMB depth (β = 0.133, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adductor muscle contractions in response to obturator nerve stimulation persist even under deep NMB. These findings raise concerns that deep NMB alone may be insufficient to prevent obturator reflex and suggest that ONB should be considered as an adjunctive practice during TURBT under GA in patients at risk. Full article

Malolactic fermentation conducted by lactic acid bacteria is essential for enhancing wine’s sensory qualities. Although this process can occur spontaneously through the action of native lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the grapes and cellar, it carries risks such as increased volatile acidity, consumption of residual sugars, and the formation of undesirable metabolites like biogenic amines. This study evaluated the oenological potential of three innovative native malolactic fermentation starters (MLFS) on a pilot scale, aiming to offer local wineries cost-effective MLFS with native LAB strains. Alcoholic fermentation of Malbec grapes was carried out using a commercial yeast starter, followed by a sequential inoculation of native malolactic starters formulated with (i) mesophilic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UNQLp11 and Oenococcus oeni UNQOe73.2, both from the Province of Río Negro; (ii) psychrotrophic Lentilactibacillus hilgardii UNQLh1.1 and Oenococcus oeni UNQOe19, both from the Province of Río Negro; (iii) mesophilic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UNQLp1001, from the Province of Buenos Aires; and (iv) a commercial malolactic started, which served as a control. Malic acid was consumed by all starters. RAPD-PCR using M13 primer showed the native LAB’s capability for implantation in wine. A sensory analysis revealed distinct profiles for each formulation, despite having been inoculated at the end of the same alcoholic fermentation. These MLFS could replace imports, enhancing the region’s unique terroir. Full article

This paper proposes Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy (LIF) aggregation operators, LIF-energies, LIF-correlation, and LIF-correlation coefficients. Supporting theorems are also proven for the proposed functions, which are utilized in the Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy–Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (LIF-VIKOR) method within Decision Support Systems (DSS). Additionally, numerical examples are presented to validate the method. The sensitivity analysis of weighting vectors is conducted, and the consistency of final rankings affirms the robustness of the proposed approaches. Arithmetic operations, specifically subtraction and division, are applied to LIF numbers (LIFNs) within the LIF-VIKOR algorithm. Furthermore, a function called the Linguistic Median Membership (LMM) function is introduced to convert LIFN values into crisp numbers. In the LIF-VIKOR algorithm, the proposed correlation coefficient is used for ranking alternatives, while the entropy method is applied to compute weights. Sensitivity analysis is performed to ensure the consistency of the proposed method. Finally, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is integrated into the VIKOR algorithm to enhance computational efficiency, reducing the time and manpower required to solve the model. Full article

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a highly dynamic combat sport that requires precise motor coordination and technical execution. Video-based motion analysis, including two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) motion capture systems, plays a critical role in optimizing movement patterns, enhancing training efficiency, and reducing injury risk. However, the comparative validity of 2D and 3D systems for evaluating punching mechanics under external stressors remains unclear. This study aimed to first validate the measurement agreement between 2D and 3D motion analyses during sagittal-plane punches, and second, to examine the impact of fatigue and balance disruption on arm kinematics and punch dynamics in elite MMA athletes. Twenty-one male MMA fighters (mean age: 24.85 ± 7.24 years) performed standardized straight right punches (SRPs) and swing punches (SPs) under three experimental conditions: normal, balance-disrupted, and fatigued. Participants were instructed to deliver maximal-effort punches targeting a designated striking pad placed at a consistent height and distance. Each punch type was executed three times per condition. Kinematic data were collected using the my Dartfish Express(version 7.2.0) app (2D system) and MaxPRO infrared motion capture system (3D system). Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation coefficients, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear mixed models (LMMs). Strong correlations (r = 0.964–0.999) and high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values (0.81–0.99) confirmed the high reliability of 2D analysis for sagittal-plane techniques. Fatigue significantly decreased punch velocity and impact force (p < 0.01), while increasing joint angle variability (p < 0.01). These findings highlight the complementary use of 2D and 3D motion capture methods, supporting individualized monitoring, adaptive technique evaluation, and performance optimization in combat sports. Full article

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common cause of vision loss among diabetic patients. The first-line treatments for DME are anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-drugs, while intravitreal steroids are generally reserved for second-line treatment. Limited data exist on the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers as predictors of success in non-responders to anti-VEGF treatment undergoing simultaneous cataract surgery and dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX-I). Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective analysis of patients with DME who were refractory to anti-VEGF treatment but underwent cataract surgery and received a DEX-I at the time of surgery. All procedures were performed between May 2021 and February 2024. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfoveal thickness (CST) were recorded at baseline and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The following OCT-based biomarkers were also collected: ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity, disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL), CST, and hyperreflective foci (HRF). Correlations between the baseline biomarkers and the anatomical outcome were analyzed using linear mixed models (LMMs). Results: Eleven patients (eighteen eyes) met the inclusion criteria. The mean CST decreased significantly from 469.4 ± 53.8 µm at baseline, to 373.1 ± 34.7 µm at 1 week (p = 0.002) and 354.4 ± 24.1 µm at 1 month (p = 0.011). The mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.47 LogMAR to 0.33 LogMAR at 1 week (p = 0.001), 0.23 LogMAR at 1 month (p < 0.001), and 0.25 LogMAR at 3 months (p < 0.001). Baseline predictors significantly influencing CST included the presence of DRIL, a disrupted/absent EZ, and a higher CST. Conclusions: The administration of DEX-I for DME refractory to anti-VEGF treatment in patients undergoing cataract surgery promoted functional improvements persisting longer than the anatomical ones. Patients presenting with DRIL, disrupted EZ, and higher CST at baseline may be better candidates for the combination of DEX-I and cataract surgery. Full article

Leaf mass per area (LMA) represents the allocation of carbon resources per unit leaf area, which is closely related to the photosynthetic capacity of tree leaves. Clarifying the distribution features of LMA is very useful in understanding nutrient and energy transmission and photosynthetic capacity in the canopy. To this aim, the leaf samples of varied forest types were collected, and LMA and related spectral data were measured. The Partial Least Squares (PLS), Linear Mixed Models (LMM), Support Vector Machine Regression (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) methods were used to establish a new model of three-dimension LMA prediction by using vegetation index, DBH, and the vertical and horizontal position of leaves in this study. The results found that the LMA varies significantly with the change in the spatial position of the leaves and horizontal distance to the tree trunk. Statistically speaking, changes in LMA were not significantly related to the direction where the leaves were located. The best model of 3D LMA estimation was RF with a 10-fold R² value of 0.939. Compared to the RF model, the maximum and minimum of R² of 10-fold testing of other models increased by 23.75% and 55.87%. The results indicated that RF has a strong generalization ability and can predict the LMA distribution in 3D with a high accuracy. This study showed a reference for LMA 3D feature distribution and is helpful in clarifying the photosynthetic capacity of the canopy. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the worst-case scenario (WCS; i.e., 1-min) demands, in terms of distance covered and the number of times exceeding 85% of WCS demands, across soccer playing positions and match periods. Methods: A total of 67,518 records from 380 soccer matches during the 2023/24 season of the First Spanish Division were collected. Match events were tracked using the optical tracking system ChyronHego^® (TRACAB Gen5, NY, USA) and synchronized with Mediacoach software (LaLiga, Madrid, Spain). Total distance (TD), very high-speed running (VHSR), and sprint distance were considered, and all analyses were performed using linear mixed models (LMM). Results: Center-backs (CBs) exhibited significant differences (p < 0.001) in TD compared to all other positions. Regarding actions exceeding 85% of the 1-min WCS for TD, full-backs (FBs) showed significant differences compared to CBs (p < 0.001), midfielders (MDs; p < 0.001), and attacking midfielders (AMs; p < 0.001). In terms of VHSR, significant differences were observed between MDs and wingers (Ws; p < 0.05). In relation to match periods, during 15–30, CBs demonstrated significant differences compared to all other positions for actions exceeding 85% of the 1-min WCS in TD. Conclusions: These findings suggest that training protocols could be adjusted to account for specific positional demands, particularly focusing on high-speed running and sprint actions. Full article

This study proposes and numerically demonstrates a novel nonreciprocal electromagnetic metasurface by integrating a highly nonlinear liquid metamaterial (LMM) with a simple two-dimensional silicon dielectric grating. The transmission characteristics of the proposed structure were investigated using a full-vector finite-element method. We demonstrated that the proposed subwavelength-thickness metasurface achieves a transmission coefficient contrast of up to 0.96 between forward and backward propagation. Highly nonlinear LMMs, when employed as nonreciprocal media, significantly lower the radiation power needed to induce a nonlinear response compared to natural materials. Furthermore, we numerically analyzed the effects of the grating’s structural parameters, LMM thickness, and packing fraction on transmittance. The proposed design holds promise for applications in optical isolators. Full article