Search Results (468)

The paper introduces a real-time digital-twin controller that manages evacuation routes while operating GEEM for emergency energy management during building fires. The system consists of three interconnected parts which include (i) a physics-based hazard surrogate for short-term smoke and temperature field prediction from sensor data (ii), a router system that manages path updates for individual users and controls exposure and network congestion (iii), and an energy management system that regulates the exchange between PV power and battery storage and diesel fuel and grid electricity to preserve vital life-safety operations while reducing both power usage and environmental carbon output. The system operates through independent modules that function autonomously to preserve operational stability when sensors face delays or communication failures, and it meets Industry 5.0 requirements through its implementation of auditable policy controls for hazard penalties, fairness weight, and battery reserve floor settings. We evaluate the controller in co-simulation across multiple building layouts and feeder constraints. The proposed method achieves superior performance to existing AI/RL baselines because it reduces near-worst-case egress time (\(T_{95}\) and worst-case exposure) and decreases both event energy \(E_{\mathrm{event}}\) and CO₂-equivalent \(CO_{\mathrm{2event}}\) while upholding all capacity, exposure cap, and grid import limit constraints. A high-VRE, tight-feeder stress test shows how reserve management, flexible-load shedding, and PV curtailment can achieve trade-offs between unserved critical load \(U_{\mathrm{energy}}\) and emissions. The team delivers implementation details together with reporting templates to assist researchers in reaching reproducibility goals. The research shows that emergency energy systems, which integrate evacuation systems, achieve better safety results and environmental advantages that enable smart-city integration through digital thread operations throughout design, commissioning, and operational stages. Full article

Thanks to both endogenous and exogenous antioxidants (AOs), the antioxidant defense system ensures redox homeostasis, which is crucial for protecting the body from oxidative stress and maintaining overall health. The food industry also exploits the antioxidant properties to prevent or delay the oxidation of other molecules during processing and storage. There are many classical methods for assessing antioxidant capacity/activity, which are based on mechanisms such as hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer (SET), electron transfer with proton conjugation (HAT/SET mixed mode assays) or the chelation of selected transition metal ions (e.g., Fe²⁺ or Cu¹⁺). The antioxidant capacity (AOxC) index value can be expressed in terms of standard AOs (e.g., Trolox or ascorbic acid) equivalents, enabling different products to be compared. However, there is currently no standardized method for measuring AOxC. Nanoparticle sensors offer a new approach to assessing antioxidant status and can be used to analyze environmental samples, plant extracts, foodstuffs, dietary supplements and clinical samples. This review summarizes the available information on nanoparticle sensors as tools for assessing antioxidant status. Particular attention has been paid to nanoparticles (with a size of less than 100 nm), including silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs), cerium oxide (CeONPs) and other metal oxide nanoparticles, as well as nanozymes. Nanozymes belong to an advanced class of nanomaterials that mimic natural enzymes due to their catalytic properties and constitute a novel signal transduction strategy in colorimetric and absorption sensors based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band. Other potential AOxC sensors include quantum dots (QDs, <10 nm), which are particularly useful for the sensitive detection of specific antioxidants (e.g., GSH, AA and baicalein) and can achieve very good limits of detection (LOD). QDs and metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) operate on different principles to evaluate AOxC. MNPs rely on optical changes resulting from LSPR, which are monitored as changes in color or absorbance during synthesis, growth or aggregation. QDs, on the other hand, primarily utilize changes in fluorescence. This review aims to demonstrate that, thanks to its simplicity, speed, small sample volumes and relatively inexpensive instrumentation, nanoparticle-based AOxC assessment is a useful alternative to classical approaches and can be tailored to the desired aim and analytes. Full article

Background: The intensification of aquaculture has led to increased use of chemical agents, such as trichlorfon, for controlling parasitic infections in farmed fish. While effective, this organophosphate compound may exert toxic effects even at sublethal concentrations, posing risks to economically important species such as tambaqui (C. macropomum). This study investigated the molecular effects of trichlorfon on the expression of genes involved in stress response, energy metabolism, and apoptosis in juvenile tambaqui. Methods: Fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of trichlorfon (30% and 50% LC_{50–96 h}, equivalent to 0.261 and 0.435 mg/L) for 48, 72, and 96 h. Expression levels of fkbp5, p53, pim-2, pir, me1, bbox1, and higd1a were quantified in liver tissue using qPCR. Results: fkbp5 and p53 were strongly upregulated at 48 h, indicating acute stress and genotoxic activation. me1 and pim-2 were also upregulated, reflecting activation of compensatory energy metabolism and anti-apoptotic survival pathways. bbox1 showed an early induction followed by collapse at 96 h, while higd1a and pir exhibited delayed overexpression at 96 h, suggesting mitochondrial hypoxia and inflammation. Conclusions: Trichlorfon triggers a multifaceted toxic response characterized by initial activation of compensatory pathways (stress response, antioxidant defense, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms) followed by late-phase metabolic collapse, mitochondrial hypoxia, and inflammation, with both time- and dose-dependent effects. These findings demonstrate that even sublethal concentrations disrupt hepatic homeostasis and support the use of these genes as molecular biomarkers for environmental monitoring in aquaculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) is a well-established therapy for patients with heart failure (HF) and intraventricular conduction delays, but a non-negligible risk of infection and of lead functionality loss overtime is related to intravascular hardware. The novel DX system enables atrial sensing through a floating dipole integrated into the ICD lead, reducing the intravascular burden. In this prospective non-randomized study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a two-lead DX-based CRT system compared to a conventional three-lead (3L) CRT-D system. Methods: A total of 210 patients meeting CRT indications and no signs of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) (baseline HR ≥ 45 bpm, or at least 85 bpm at 6 min walking test) were enrolled. Patients were assigned to either the CRT-DX or conventional 3L CRT-D group. The primary endpoint was a composite clinical response, defined as the freedom from cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization, or new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Results: After a mean follow-up of 46.5 ± 1.9 months, both groups had comparable clinical and instrumental outcomes. CRT-DX patients exhibited higher atrial sensing amplitudes and no significant differences in loss of lead function. Conclusions: In conclusion, the CRT-DX system provides equivalent clinical and echocardiographic benefits compared to conventional CRT-D in patients without an indication for atrial pacing. This supports the use of the DX system as a safe and effective alternative in the majority of CRT recipients. Full article

This paper focuses on the issues of tracking controller enhancement, input delay rectification, and disturbance elimination for dynamical systems characterized as fractional-order semi-Markovian jump processes. In particular, the design of the modified repetitive control technique integrated with the filtered Smith predictor scheme based on the Majhi–Atherton approach guarantees exact tracking performance and disturbance elimination. To be more specific, the active rectification of both external disturbances and delays is safeguarded by the construction of a modified proportional derivative-based active disturbance estimator along with the traditional Smith predictor framework. Also, the modified repetitive control in this framework is able to track the reference signals with multiple periodicities. In accordance with the Lyapunov stability criterion, a group of applicable principles is produced in the structure of matrix inequality constraints. Furthermore, the parameters of the controller block are designed concurrently by way of elucidating the stated matrix inequality constraints. Finally, the simulation results and the comparison analysis between the developed control technique and existing works such as equivalent input disturbance and the truncated predictor feedback control method validate the advantage of the recommended control framework. Full article

Individuals with mild nonspecific intellectual disability (NSID) often exhibit delayed literacy development. Unfortunately, how cognitive–linguistic processing profiles influence literacy in this population lacks clarity. This study investigated literacy development in this population, considering the cognitive–linguistic mechanisms. The Specialist Battery for the Diagnosis of Cognitive Abilities and School Skills was used to assess cognitive–linguistic abilities and literacy-related skills in 122 participants. Fuzzy C-means clustering was used to identify processing profiles. Developmental age equivalents in literacy were estimated using local regression models and matched comparisons with typically developing peers. Two cognitive–linguistic profiles emerged: globally weaker and moderately developed. Those with NSID performed significantly lower than their peers in all domains. Their literacy skills aligned with those of children 2–4 years younger, and plateaued after age 15. Cognitive–linguistic heterogeneity in students with NSID should guide targeted literacy interventions. The findings inform ICD-11 educational expectations for individuals with mild NSID. Full article

Ultra-high sampling rates in coherent optical front-ends increasingly exceed the processing capabilities of real-time baseband processors, creating a bottleneck in coherent free-space optical communication systems. We propose a unified state-space framework to systematically parallelize digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. This approach transforms an algorithm’s transfer function into a state-space representation from which a parallel architecture is derived through matrix operations, overcoming the complexity of traditional ad hoc methods. Crucially, our framework enables an analysis of parallelization-induced latency. We introduce the parallel equivalent delay (PED) metric and demonstrate that it introduces right-half-plane zeros into the loop’s transfer function, thereby fundamentally constraining stability. This analysis leads to the derivation of “Throughput–Bandwidth Product” (TBP), a constant that provides a design guideline linking maximum stable loop bandwidth to the parallelization factor. The framework’s efficacy is demonstrated by designing a parallel Costas carrier recovery loop. Simulations validate its performance, confirm the TBP limit, and show significant advantages over conventional feedforward estimators, especially in low-SNR conditions. Implementation results on a AMD XCVU13P FPGA demonstrate that the proposed 50-parallel architecture achieves a throughput of 15.625 Gsps at a clock frequency of 312.5 MHz with a logic utilization below 7%. The experimental results confirm the theoretical trade-off between throughput and loop bandwidth, verifying the proposed design methodology. Full article

Global increases in drought frequency and severity pose growing risks to forest resilience, particularly for long-lived endemic tree species such as kauri (Agathis australis). Building on prior leaf-level work, this study assessed the utility of multitemporal canopy-scale hyperspectral imaging to characterise water stress in both controlled nursery and field conditions. Two complementary experiments were undertaken: (i) a 10-week controlled-environment experiment comparing drought and control groups, and (ii) a field-based assessment of juvenile kauri trees across multiple time points with contrasting soil volumetric water content. In the controlled-environment experiment, drought-treated seedlings exhibited delayed physiological responses, with reductions in stomatal conductance and assimilation emerging only after three weeks. In contrast, time-series analysis of narrow band hyperspectral indices (NBHIs) revealed detectable stress signatures within one week after drought initiation, with early sensitivity driven by structural and pigment-related indices. As stress progressed, pigment-specific indices became the dominant predictors. These findings were consistent with the field-based experiment. Variation in leaf equivalent water thickness (EWT) was strongly explained by pigment-sensitive indices, including Pigment Specific Simple Ratio Carotenoid (PSSRc) and Carotenoid Reflectance indices (CRI700 and CRI550), which together accounted for ca. 87% of the variance. Structural indices such as the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) also ranked among the top 20 predictors, but had comparatively lower explanatory power (<75%). Overall, the two experiments show that canopy-based hyperspectral imaging provides early, sensitive, and consistent detection of water stress in kauri. The findings highlight a scalable approach for monitoring drought impacts on kauri and offer a foundation for developing operational forest health tools under increasing climate pressure. Full article

The increasing penetration of inverter-based renewable generation has reduced rotational inertia in power systems worldwide, causing steeper frequency drops after severe contingencies and increasing the risk of load shedding. In the Honduran context, this study evaluates the dynamic response of the National Interconnected System (NIS) operating in island mode through detailed DIgSILENT PowerFactory simulations, explicitly incorporating the national Under-Frequency Load Shedding (UFLS) scheme. Five disturbance scenarios were analyzed, including generation losses of 100 MW, 200 MW, and 262 MW, to assess the frequency support provided by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) and Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESSs). Results show that, in the base case, frequency decreased to 55.3 Hz during a 200 MW loss, confirming the system’s high vulnerability. The integration of a 75 MW BESS improved frequency stability to 58.74 Hz, preventing UFLS activation, while a 320 MW equivalent FESS provided only short-term inertial support with limited effectiveness. Quantitatively, the BESS reduced the minimum frequency, delayed UFLS activation by approximately 3.5 s, and provided sustained support, whereas the FESS contributed mainly during the first 5 s of the disturbance. In the most severe contingency (262 MW generation loss), the combined operation of BESS and FESS prevented total system collapse, improving the frequency nadir to 58.6 Hz. These results confirm that BESS provides more robust and sustained frequency support than FESS under the analyzed conditions, highlighting its effectiveness for improving system stability in low-inertia networks such as Honduras. The findings offer useful insights for future studies on storage integration and frequency regulation strategies. Full article

The high proportion of wind power access makes the system frequency regulation face serious challenges, and the time delay of wind turbine FM response exacerbates the frequency security problem. For this reason, this paper proposes a joint dispatch model for power grid and wind farms considering frequency modulation delay. First, the wind turbine response characteristics and frequency safety constraints are derived by equivalently modeling the wind turbine FM delay. Second, power grid-wind farm joint dispatch model is constructed on this basis, where the system level optimizes the operation cost under the premise of satisfying the frequency safety constraints, and the wind farm level tracks the wind power output target issued by the system to meet the FM demand. Finally, by the case study, Scenario 1 reduces average frequency nadir deviation from 0.205 Hz to 0.098 Hz and RoCoF from 0.216 Hz/s to 0.168 Hz/s in the IEEE-39 system. The stability of the system is enhanced, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

Background: In pediatric celiac disease (CD), intestinal malabsorption and the restrictive nature of a gluten-free diet (GFD) frequently result in persistent macro- and micronutrient imbalances, despite histological remission. The present review evaluates the evidence on nutritional adequacy of the GFD, identifies common deficiencies, and considers biomarker strategies and dietary recommendations to optimize growth and metabolic health. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies of nutrient intake, product composition of gluten-free foods, biomarker assessment, and clinical outcomes in children with CD. Both macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber) and micronutrient (iron, vitamin D, calcium, B-vitamins, zinc, magnesium) domains were included. Results: Children with CD on long-term GFD demonstrate higher intake of lipids (especially saturated fat) and simple carbohydrates, alongside consistently low intake of dietary fiber and key micronutrients. Gluten-free products often exhibit lower protein content, higher glycemic index, and reduced fortification compared to gluten-containing equivalents. Nutritional deficits contribute to impaired linear growth, delayed puberty and increased metabolic risk. Conclusions: Nutritional adequacy of the GFD cannot be assumed in children with CD. Routine monitoring using standardized biomarker panels, combined with personalized dietary counseling and improved formulation and fortification of gluten-free products, is essential to mitigate long-term adverse outcomes. Future work should advance precision nutrition approaches and public-health initiatives to optimize dietary quality in this vulnerable population. Full article

Because of their technical qualities, such as resistance to fading and to high temperatures, mineral pigments are still widely used. Among mineral pigments, iron oxide pigments represent a widely used class, because of their diversity of shades (from yellow to red to brown to black) and low toxicity compared to heavy metals-based pigments. However, low toxicity does not mean the absence of adverse effects. We thus investigated the biological effects of two different subtypes of Pigment Red 101, i.e., hematite, produced by two different processes, namely a wet precipitation process and a calcination process. Macrophages were chosen as a target cell type because they represent the main scavenger cell type that is in charge of handling particulate materials in the body. During this comparison, we realized that the calcined pigment was contaminated from the start by bacterial endotoxins, which induced intense inflammatory responses and biased the comparison. After depyrogenation, the calcined pigment proved to dissolve to a higher extent in macrophages, but to show less intense adverse effects (e.g., alteration of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses) than the precipitated pigment in a recovery exposure mode, allowing us to investigate delayed effects of the pigments. Thus, despite their identical pigment number, pigments differing in their structure and in their synthesis induce different responses from living cells, even if administrated in equivalent amounts. This should be taken into account for some applications, such as tattooing. Moreover, endotoxin contamination should also be checked to increase workers’ and users’ safety. Full article

Seed germination and early seedling development represent critical stages for turfgrass establishment under increasingly frequent drought and salinity constraints. This study evaluated the germination performance of three cultivars of Lolium perenne L. and three cultivars of Poa pratensis L. exposed to iso-osmotic drought stress simulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and salt stress induced by NaCl. Germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, seedling vigor index, and radicle and plumule elongation were quantified, and post-stress recovery tests assessed the reversibility of stress effects. Osmotic restriction imposed by PEG caused stronger inhibition of germination and seedling growth than NaCl at equivalent water potentials. L. perenne showed higher overall tolerance, maintaining faster emergence and greater seedling vigor across treatments, while P. pratensis was more sensitive but exhibited substantial germination recovery after stress removal. Cultivar-dependent variation was evident in both species, and multivariate analyses consistently differentiated tolerant and sensitive genotypes. The contrasting germination strategies, with rapid activation in L. perenne and delayed, recovery-oriented germination in P. pratensis, highlight species-specific adaptive responses to water and salt stress. These findings provide a physiological basis for selecting resilient turfgrass cultivars suited to drought- and salinity-prone environments, contributing to sustainable turfgrass establishment and management. Full article

This study utilizes approximation techniques to address a boundary value problem involving a differential equation with a delayed argument. The problem is approached through analytical techniques by transforming it firstly into an equivalent integral equation. Specifically, we derive a Fredholm–Volterra integral equation that encapsulates the delayed behavior inherent in the original differential equation. The Fredholm operator in this equation features a degenerate kernel, which enables simplification and facilitates the construction of successive approximations. To solve this integral equation, we employ the two-sided convergence method, a powerful iterative technique that generates two sequences of approximate solutions—lower and upper bounds—that converge monotonically toward the exact solution. This method is particularly well-suited for problems with delayed arguments, as it ensures both stability and convergence under appropriate conditions on the kernel functions. The main objective of the study is to demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the Simple Two-Sided Convergence Method for this class of boundary value problems. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the theoretical results, and the obtained approximations are compared with the exact analytical solution. All computations were carried out using Maple, ensuring precise numerical evaluation. Full article

This study examines how Israel’s legal and institutional arrangements, including migration policies, health-insurance eligibility rules, and safety enforcement mechanisms, shape health risks for Thai migrant agricultural workers, and identifies policy levers to mitigate preventable harm. Using a legal policy analysis informed by syndemics and labor frameworks, we mapped laws, regulatory oversight, and enforcement chains, and synthesized evidence from worker surveys, affidavits, and civil society reports to link institutional structures with barriers experienced in workplaces and healthcare settings. The findings reveal that health inequalities stem from structural design rather than isolated failures, including exclusion from public insurance, dependence on employer-based plans, employer-tied visas, opaque injury-claim procedures, fragmented oversight, absence of occupational-health surveillance, limited language access, poor housing conditions, and weak inspections. These interlocking features reinforce one another, resulting in under-reporting, delayed medical attention, and cumulative physical and psychological harm. The study concludes that structural legal and administrative reforms—rather than individual adaptation—are required to address these inequities. Policy priorities include integrating migrant workers into public insurance or ensuring equivalent coverage, decoupling residency from single employers, guaranteeing multilingual access, establishing independent health monitoring, and enforcing safety, housing standards and other social determinants of health through transparent inspections, positive incentives and meaningful sanctions. Full article