Search Results (28)

Climate change increasingly threatens the sustainability of regional water resources; therefore, robust station-scale precipitation projections are essential for basin-level planning. This study aims to develop and evaluate a hybrid, machine-learning-based statistical downscaling framework to generate monthly precipitation projections for the 21st century in the Büyük Menderes Basin, western Türkiye, using the HadGEM3-GC31-LL global climate model from the CMIP6. Monthly observations from 23 rainfall observation stations and ERA5 reanalysis predictors were employed to train station-specific Random Forest (RF) models, with optimal predictor sets identified through a multistage selection procedure (MPSP). Coarse-resolution general circulation model (GCM) fields were harmonized with ERA5 data using a three-stage inverse distance weighting (IDW), Delta, and Variance rescaling approach. The downscaled projections were bias-corrected using Quantile Delta Mapping (QDM) to maintain the climate-change signal. The RF models exhibited strong predictive skill across most stations, with test Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values ranging from 0.45 to 0.81, RSR values from 0.43 to 0.74, and PBIAS values from −21.99% to +5.29%. Future projections indicate a basin-wide drying trend under both scenarios. Relative to the baseline, mean annual precipitation is projected to decrease by approximately 12.2, 19.6, and 33.7 mm in the near (2025–2050), mid (2051–2075), and late (2076–2099) periods under SSP2-4.5 (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 2-4.5, a moderate greenhouse gas scenario). Under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario, projected decreases are 25.2, 53.2, and 86.9 mm, respectively. Late-century reductions reach approximately 15–22% in several sub-basins. These findings indicate a substantial decline in future water availability and underscore the value of RF-based hybrid downscaling and trend-preserving bias correction for water resources planning in semi-arid Mediterranean basins. Full article

The classification of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) includes the classical types (I; II; III with subtypes A, B, C, and D; IV with subtypes A and B; VI; VII; IX; X), associated with impaired lysosomal degradation of mucopolysaccharides, also known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), as a result of deficiency in the specific enzymes responsible for GAG degradation (MPS IIIE has so far been identified only in animal models) and MPS-plus syndrome (MPSPS), which is characterized by an accumulation of undegraded GAGs, arising from impaired endosomal trafficking and inefficient delivery of these compounds to lysosomes (due to the VPS33A protein deficiency with normal GAG-degrading enzyme activities assessed in vitro). The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide physicians with a clinical, biochemical, and molecular overview of MPS manifestation. A brief summary of available and emerging therapies is also presented. Full article

Background: A micropapillary pattern (MP) and solid pattern (SP) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a major subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), are associated with a poor prognosis and necessitate accurate preoperative identification. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model combining clinical and radiomics features for differentiating a high-risk MP/SP in LUAD. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 180 surgically confirmed NSCLC patients (Stages I–IIIA), randomly divided into training (70%, n = 126) and validation (30%, n = 54) cohorts. Three prediction models were constructed: (1) a clinical model based on independent clinical and CT morphological features (e.g., nodule size, lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, and vascular abnormalities), (2) a radiomics model utilizing LASSO-selected features extracted using 3D Slicer, and (3) a comprehensive model integrating both clinical and radiomics data. Results: The clinical model yielded AUCs of 0.7975 (training) and 0.8462 (validation). The radiomics model showed superior performance with AUCs of 0.8896 and 0.8901, respectively. The comprehensive model achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy, with training and validation AUCs of 0.9186 and 0.9396, respectively (DeLong test, p < 0.05). Decision curve analysis demonstrated the enhanced clinical utility of the combined approach. Conclusions: Integrating clinical and radiomics features significantly improves the preoperative identification of aggressive NSCLC patterns. The comprehensive model offers a promising tool for guiding surgical and adjuvant therapy decisions. Full article

This paper proposes a novel framework for the online fault-tolerant control of hypersonic flight vehicles (HFV). The framework contains two steps. Firstly, based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital twin (DT) technology, a hypersonic flight vehicle digital twin (HFVDT) model is constructed. This HFVDT model can represent the real model and the parameter changes in HFV in real-time, and can update itself by the designed updating law through the flight data acquired by IoT. Then, the model changes caused by a fault can be fed back in real-time. Based on the real-time model, a model predictive static programming (MPSP) based controller design method is proposed to solve the online fault-tolerant control problem of HFV. MPSP provides a feasible online solution to optimal control problems with constraints. By converting the nonlinear optimal control problem to a static optimization the problem, the quantity of computation is greatly reduced, and then the optimal can be solved online. By the HFVDT and MPSP framework, the model change can be monitored and then an optimal controller can be constructed in real time. In this case, the fault-tolerant control problem of HFV can solved and the tracking performance is guaranteed. Finally, the novel framework is carried out on a numeral simulation to show its effectiveness. Full article

Several years ago, dozens of cases were described in patients with symptoms very similar to mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). This new disease entity was described as mucopolysaccharidosis-plus syndrome (MPSPS). The name of the disease indicates that in addition to the typical symptoms of conventional MPS, patients develop other features such as congenital heart defects and kidney and hematopoietic system disorders. The symptoms are highly advanced, and patients usually do not survive past the second year of life. MPSPS is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is caused by a homozygous-specific mutation in the gene encoding the VPS33A protein. To date, it has been described in 41 patients. Patients with MPSPS exhibited excessive excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the urine and exceptionally high levels of heparan sulfate in the plasma, but the accumulation of substrates is not caused by a decrease in the activity of any lysosomal enzymes. Here, we discuss the pathomechanisms and symptoms of MPSPS, comparing them to those of MPS. Moreover, we asked the question whether MPSPS should be classified as a type of MPS or a separate disease, as contrary to ‘classical’ MPS types, despite GAG accumulation, no defects in lysosomal enzymes responsible for degradation of these compounds could be detected in MPSPS. The molecular mechanism of the appearance of GAG accumulation in MPSPS is suggested on the basis of results available in the literature. Full article

This paper addresses the guidance of various flight vehicles under multiple constraints in three-dimensional space. A cooperative guidance strategy that satisfies both time and angle constraints is designed to reach a moving target. The strategy is organized into two parts: modeling and programming calculations. First, a nonlinear motion model for guidance is established and normalized, including both the vehicle and the target. Later, the arrival method is automatically determined according to the strategy and depending on the type of target. The cooperative terminal time is determined based on an augmented proportional navigation method. An improved model predictive static programming (MPSP) algorithm was designed as a means of adjusting the adaptive terminal time. Then, the algorithm was used to update the control quantity iteratively until the off-target quantity and the angle of constraints were satisfied. The simulation results showed that the strategy could enable multiple flight vehicles at different initial positions to reach the target accurately at the same time and with the ideal impact angle. The strategy boasts a high computational efficiency and is capable of being implemented in real time. Full article

The increasing penetration of photovoltaic (PV) and hydroelectric power generation and their coupling uncertainties have brought great challenges to multi-energy’s coordinated dispatch. Traditional methods such as stochastic optimization (SO) and robust optimization (RO) are not feasible due to the unavailability of accurate probability density function (PDF) and over-conservative decisions. This limits the operational efficiency of the clean energies in cascaded hydropower and PV-enriched areas. Based on data-driven distributionally robust optimization (DRO) theory, this paper tailors a joint optimization dispatching method for a cascaded hydro-PV-pumped storage combined system. Firstly, a two-step model for a Distributed Renewable Optimization (DRO) dispatch is developed to create the daily dispatch plan, taking into account the system’s complementary economic dispatch cost. Furthermore, the inclusion of a complementary norm constraint is implemented to restrict the confidence set of the probability distribution. This aims to identify the optimal adjustment scheme for the day-ahead dispatch schedule, considering the adjustment cost associated with real-time operations under the most unfavorable distribution conditions. Utilizing the MPSP framework, the Column and Constraint Generation (CCG) algorithm is employed to resolve the two-stage dispatch model. The optimal dispatch schedule is then produced by integrating the daily dispatch plan with the adjustive dispatch scheme. Finally, the numerical dispatch results obtained from an actual demonstration area substantiate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methodology. Full article

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been becoming popular for the treatment of musculotendinous injuries among athletes. However, for individual and practical variations, clinical success is hardly predictable. To overcome this difficulty, we have been exploring possible criterion candidates for monitoring its clinical effectiveness. In this study, we focused on sex-based differences in young elite athletes and compared the biochemical compositions of their PRP. Leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) was manually prepared from blood samples collected from male professional soccer players (mPSPs) (n = 25) and female college athletes (fCAs) (n = 36). Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming-growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), platelet factor-4 (PF4), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of PDGF-BB, TGFβ1, and PF4 in L-PRP were significantly higher in mPSPs than in fCAs. Conversely, IL-1β and IL-1RA were detected at significantly and slightly higher levels, respectively, in fCAs than in mPSPs. Our findings suggest that, even though L-PRP from fCAs may have lower potential to induce cell growth and differentiation than that of mPSPs, due to the latter’s higher capacity to control inflammation, it does not necessarily imply that PRP treatment in fCAs is less effective. Thus, these cytokine levels should be checked before PRP therapy. Full article

Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype, a parasite causing a disease in cattle that leads to significant economic challenges in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, has been identified in seven U.S. States since 2017. Two previously validated PCR tests for Theileria followed by DNA sequencing were performed to test blood samples collected from 219 cattle in Alabama, USA, during the period of 2022–2023. Bidirectional Sanger sequencing revealed that the MPSP gene sequences (639–660 bp) from two cattle in Lee and Mobile Counties of Alabama exhibited a 100% match with those of recognized T. orientalis Ikeda strains, and showed similarities ranging from 76% to 88% with ten other T. orientalis genotypes. A high copy number of T. orientalis Ikeda was detected in the blood of infected cattle (ALP-1: 1.7 × 10⁵ and 1.3 × 10⁶/mL whole blood, six months apart; ALP-2: 7.1 × 10⁶/mL whole blood). Although the confirmed competent vector for T. orientalis Ikeda, Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, has not yet been identified in Alabama, the persistent nature of T. orientalis Ikeda infection and the detection of a high pathogen burden in seemingly healthy cattle in this study suggest that other tick species, as well as shared needles and dehorning procedures, could facilitate pathogen transmission within the herd. Continued investigations are necessary for the surveillance of T. orientalis Ikeda and Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks in Alabama and other U.S. states, along with assessing the pathogenicity of T. orientalis Ikeda infections in cattle. Full article

Mucopolysaccharidosis-plus syndrome (MPSPS) is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by c.1492C>T (p.R498W) in the VPS33A gene. MPSPS is a severe disorder that causes a short lifespan in patients. Currently, there is no specific treatment for patients. The Yakut population is more prone to this disease than others. Diagnosing MPSPS relies on clinical manifestations, and genetic testing (GT) is used to confirm the diagnosis. In this research, we examined two pregnancy cases, one of which involved a prenatal diagnosis for MPSPS. Notably, neither pregnant woman had a known family history of the disorder. During their pregnancies, both women underwent prenatal ultrasonography, which revealed increased prenasal thickness during the second trimester. In the first case, ultrasonography indicated increased prenasal thickness in the second trimester, but a definitive diagnosis was not made at that time. The patient was eventually diagnosed with MPSPS at 11 months of age. On the contrary, in the second case, GT uncovered that the parents were carriers of MPSPS. Consequently, a placental biopsy was performed, leading to an early diagnosis of MPSPS. This study emphasizes the importance of ultrasonography findings in prenatal MPSPS diagnosis. Combining ultrasonography with GT can be a valuable approach to confirming MPSPS at an early stage, allowing for the appropriate planning of delivery methods and medical care. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach can significantly enhance the quality of life of both affected patients and their parents. Full article

Nanocellulose (NC) is an emerging natural material that offers great potential for various applications due to its unique properties and renewable character. Nowadays, as NC production technologies are advancing, it is essential to evaluate their economic feasibility, technological maturity and commercialization potential using systematic techno-economic analysis (TEA). The present study considers both technical and economic aspects of NC production and analyzes them in two ways: first, by developing a new concept based on the production of different types of NC through the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass by chemical and mechanical technologies, and second, by a comparative review of existing TEA studies in the open literature. Three specific scenarios and two case studies are evaluated by comparing specific key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the production cost (PC) and minimum product selling price (MPSP) of NC. As a result, a short though comprehensive overview of the current state of NC production is provided, highlighting the main technical and economic challenges associated with it. Key areas for future research and innovation (R&I) are also identified to optimize the production processes and reduce relevant costs, in order to make NC competitive with existing materials and realize its full potential. Full article

This paper proposes a CKF-MPSP guidance method for hitting stationary targets with impact time and angle constraints for missiles in the presence of modeling errors. This innovative guidance scheme is composed of three parts: First, the model predictive static programming (MPSP) algorithm is used to design a nominal guidance method that simultaneously satisfies impact time and angle constraints. Second, the cubature Kalman filter (CKF) is introduced to estimate values of the influence of the inevitable modeling errors. Finally, a one-step compensation scheme is proposed to eliminate the modeling errors’ influence. The proposed method uses a real missile dynamics model, instead of a simplified one with a constant-velocity assumption, and eliminates the effects of modeling errors with the compensation scheme; thus, it is more practical. Simulations in the presence of modeling errors are conducted, and the results illustrate that the CKF-MPSP guidance method can reach the target with a high accuracy of impact time and angles, which demonstrates the high precision and strong robustness of the method. Full article

Piroplasmosis, caused by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., poses significant constraints for livestock production and upgradation in Bangladesh. Besides examining blood smears, few molecular reports are available from some selected areas in the country. Therefore, the actual scenario of piroplasmosis in Bangladesh is deficient. This study aimed to screen the piroplasms in different livestock species by molecular tools. A total of 276 blood samples were collected from cattle (Bos indicus), gayals (Bos frontalis) and goats (Capra hircus) in five geographies of Bangladesh. After that, screening was conducted through a polymerase chain reaction, and species were confirmed by sequencing. The prevalence of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis, Theileria annulata and T. orientalis was 49.28%, 0.72%, 1.09%, 32.26%, 6.52% and 46.01%, respectively. The highest prevalence (79/109; 72.48%) of co-infections was observed with B. bigemina and T. orientalis. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences of B. bigemina (BbigRAP-1a), B. bovis (BboSBP-4), B. naoakii (AMA-1), B. ovis (ssu rRNA) and T. annulata (Tams-1) were included in one clade in the respective phylograms. In contrast, T. orientalis (MPSP) sequences were separated into two clades, corresponding to Types 5 and 7. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular report on piroplasms in gayals and goats in Bangladesh. Full article

To deal with the uncertainty and disturbance that exist in the tracking system of an aerospace vehicle, an adaptive trajectory-tracking method based on a novel tracking model predictive static programming (T-MPSP) is proposed. Firstly, to make the proposed method more adaptive to uncertain parameter deviations, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) parameter correction strategy is designed. Then, the control constraints are considered to form a novel T-MPSP algorithm. By combining the parameter correction strategy with the improved T-MPSP algorithm, a novel adaptive tracking guidance scheme is presented. Finally, simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

In this article, a new two-parameter model called the truncated Cauchy power-inverted Topp–Leone (TCP-ITL) is constructed by merging the truncated Cauchy power -G (TCP-G) family with the inverted Topp–Leone (ITL) distribution. Some structural properties of the newly suggested model are obtained. Different types of entropies are proposed under the TCP-ITL distribution. Under the complete and hybrid censored data, the maximum likelihood (ML), maximum product of spacing (MPSP), and Bayesian estimate approaches are explored. A simulation study is developed to test the proposed distribution’s restricted sample attributes. In the majority of cases, the numerical data revealed that the Bayesian estimates provided more accurate outcomes than the equivalent alternative estimates. The adaptability of the proposed approach is proven using examples from dependability, medicine, and engineering. A real-world data set is utilized to demonstrate the potential of the TCP-ITL distribution in comparison to other well-known distributions. The results of the model selection revealed that the proposed distribution is the best choice for the data sets under consideration. Full article