Search Results (1,620)

Traditional cloud pricing models are allocation-centric, where users are charged based on reserved resources rather than workload energy consumption. However, modern AI workloads exhibit substantial and heterogeneous power behavior, limiting the effectiveness of such allocation-centric pricing. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study of nine widely used workloads across 50 controlled configurations, including standalone and concurrent executions under varying resource partitions. Our results show that total system power is largely unaffected by how resources are divided among co-located workloads, except in cases of explicit resource under-provisioning or severe resource contention. Across 45 workload–core groups, 41 exhibit a coefficient of variation below 3% across different co-located workloads, demonstrating structural stability of workload-level power profiles under heterogeneous execution environments. In contrast, deployment choice (e.g., CPU versus GPU execution) can shift the same model into distinct power regimes. Based on measured power decomposition and scaling behavior, we derive an empirical categorization framework distinguishing GPU-dominant and CPU-dominant workloads, further characterized by utilization and memory dimensions. From an energy perspective, CPU utilization (for CPU-dominant workloads) and SM utilization (for GPU-dominant workloads) emerge as the primary determinants of power magnitude, while memory-related parameters contribute marginally to overall power. These findings provide empirical evidence that allocation-based pricing is a weak proxy for actual energy cost and motivate energy-aligned cloud management strategies grounded in workload power profiles. As our findings are derived from a controlled single-node experiment, evaluations under more realistic data center environments will be required for further generalization. Full article

High penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) introduces significant power fluctuations, threatening voltage and frequency stability in modern power systems. This paper presents an integrated framework for static voltage stability assessment and stability-constrained optimization of under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) in renewable-dominated grids. A low-conservativeness analytical criterion is first derived for static voltage stability margin assessment. Then, a hybrid Deep Belief Network–Long Short-Term Memory (DBN–LSTM) model is developed for accurate renewable power forecasting, capturing temporal variability and uncertainty. Finally, UFLS-based stability-constrained dispatch is formulated to prevent voltage collapse, enhance the system stability, and minimize RES curtailment. Simulations on a modified IEEE benchmark system demonstrate that the proposed approach improves voltage and frequency stability while maintaining high renewable energy utilization. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the setup accuracy and intrafractional geometric stability of surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) under frameless immobilization in lung cancer radiotherapy and to assess its clinical utility in a relatively large patient cohort. Materials and Methods: A total of 678 treatment fractions from 52 patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), treated between October 2024 and November 2025, were retrospectively analyzed. Patient setup was performed using SGRT with the Identify system, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) served as the reference for internal target localization Intrafractional setup displacements, center-of-mass (COM) shifts, residual setup errors, and intrafractional clinical target volume (CTV) variations were evaluated. Spatial agreement between planned and intrafractional tumor volumes was quantified using the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). Results: The mean CBCT-based intrafractional shifts were −0.01 mm (vertical), 0.03 mm (longitudinal), and 0.01 mm (lateral), indicating negligible systematic errors. The greatest variability was observed in the longitudinal direction (standard deviation, 1.32 mm), with a maximum displacement of 4.58 mm. COM-based analysis demonstrated near-zero mean displacements in all directions, with standard deviations ranging from 0.01 to 0.02 mm. DSC values ranged from 0.91 to 0.98, with a mean of 0.96, indicating excellent spatial agreement between planned and intrafractional tumor volumes. Residual setup errors were predominantly within ±1 mm, and the mean intrafractional CTV volume change was minimal (0.27 cm³). Conclusions: SGRT-based frameless lung cancer radiotherapy demonstrated high setup accuracy and robust intrafractional geometric stability. Although slightly greater variability was observed in the longitudinal direction, overall positional deviations and volumetric changes remained within clinically acceptable limits. These findings support the feasibility of integrating SGRT with CBCT-guided radiotherapy and suggest potential benefits for workflow efficiency and planning target volume margin optimization. Full article

The thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) of polypropylene has been investigated as a viable method for polymer waste recycling and the production of hydrogen-rich fuel. This study examined the effects of atmosphere, temperature, and catalytic systems based on iron oxide and strontium titanate, with a focus on gas-phase composition and reaction dynamics. A reactor geometry conducive to in-bed reforming was utilized, leading to a purer gas output compared to commonly reported results, making it suitable for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. The hydrogen concentration was enhanced with increasing temperature, primarily due to the intensified reforming of methane and higher hydrocarbons. However, only marginal improvements were observed between 700 °C and 800 °C, which limits the benefits of higher energy input. The introduction of small amounts of water vapor (approximately 3% relative humidity) resulted in a reduction in solid residue formation by approximately 50% and a slight increase in hydrogen yield. Conversely, CO₂ atmospheres suppressed hydrogen production and increased residual solids but allowed for better control over reaction dynamics. The combined strontium titanate iron oxide catalyst (S-STO@Fe_xO_γ) demonstrated high efficacy, reducing solid residues to nearly zero and producing gas mixtures containing up to 45% hydrogen. This indicates significant potential for application and further development. These findings underscore the feasibility of in-bed reforming in polypropylene pyrolysis as a waste-to-energy strategy for hydrogen-rich fuel production, warranting further optimization and investigation for SOFC integration. Full article

Transnational youth frequently navigate multiple languages and continually negotiate not only affiliation, but also the legitimacy of the languages they use within changing linguistic hierarchies. However, their educational experiences are often framed through fragmented classroom practices, deficit-based assessments, and nationally bounded curricular frameworks. In this paper, I respond by theorizing Fictional Linguistic Landscapes (FLL) as a transdisciplinary pedagogical approach that utilizes fiction and participatory cultural practices to position language learning as a form of semiotic design, critical inquiry, and identity (re)work. Grounded in linguistic landscape studies, multiliteracies pedagogy, and fan-based meaning-making, FLL positions learners as world-builders and allows them to experiment with visibility, hierarchy, and language(s) in safe fictional environments. This study outlines the four-phase FLL in Second Language Teaching and Learning (L2TL) cycle and provides five pedagogical design spaces to address issues of raciolinguistic valuation, deficit institutional representations, affective harm, peer-level marginalization, and translocal or return migrant identity negotiation. Rather than viewing imagination as an outcome of teaching, FLLinL2TL structures it as a necessary process for learning, linking creative production to explicit linguistic objectives and reflective justification. I conclude by discussing implications for classroom practice, teacher education, and future research on the potential of the FLLinL2TL approach in transnational education research. Full article

Hearing loss affects approximately 1.5 billion people globally, yet access to comprehensive audiometric datasets for research remains limited due to privacy constraints. Synthetic data generation offers a promising solution, enabling broader data sharing while preserving privacy. This study developed and validated two complementary approaches for synthesising audiometric data: Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Variational Autoencoders (VAE). Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset comprising 36,676 participants with comprehensive hearing assessments, we trained both generative models and evaluated synthetic data quality through a rigorous Train-on-Synthetic-Test-on-Real (TSTR) machine learning validation framework and blinded expert clinical assessment by two independent audiologists. The VAE approach achieved 86.3% utility for hearing loss prediction, as compared to the benchmark real data (Train-on-Real-Test-on-Real). Both methods demonstrated strong privacy preservation, with zero exact record matches and robust membership inference attack resistance. Statistical validation confirmed equivalence within clinically negligible margins (<1 dB HL) across all audiometric frequencies. Blinded assessment of 85 patient profiles by two independent expert audiologists revealed that VAE synthetic data achieved high clinical plausibility ratings, with 96.7% of VAE profiles rated as plausible, compared to 13.3% for KDE. Inter-rater reliability was moderate (Cohen’s weighted $\kappa =0.553$, ICC $=0.556$), with 84.7% of ratings within one point, and both raters independently ranking VAE above real data above KDE. These findings establish validated methodologies for generating privacy-preserving synthetic audiometric data suitable for machine learning applications and clinical education, addressing a critical gap in hearing health research infrastructure. Full article

To address the trade-off between macroscopic stroke and high stiffness in XY precision positioning, this study proposes a platform utilizing a Connecting Arm and Guide Rail Integration decoupling mechanism. Distinct from traditional suspended-mover or flexure-based schemes, this design integrates precision guiding directly into a rigid connecting arm to mechanically isolate parasitic motion. Finite Element Analysis confirms a safety margin with a maximum equivalent stress of 8.34 MPa. Notably, the platform achieves a first-order natural frequency of 864.82 Hz, which is significantly higher than the Voice Coil Motor’s actuation frequency, effectively mitigating low-frequency resonance. Transient dynamic analysis further suggests that the mechanism suppresses cross-axis interference to the sub-nanometer level (0.61 nm) during high-acceleration maneuvers. Experimental validation demonstrates favorable tracking capabilities: for a 5 mm step motion, the positioning deviation is controlled within 0.005 mm. These findings suggest that the proposed solution offers a feasible and competitive approach for high-stiffness precision positioning applications. Full article

This study evaluated a 181-day finishing system for horses entering the Korean meat chain by comparing retired thoroughbred geldings and Belgian-crossbred geldings under identical management and an ad libitum forage-based total mixed ration. Ten geldings (n = 5 per group) were individually housed, with body weight and feed intake recorded monthly. After slaughter, carcass traits and meat quality grade were assessed, and longissimus thoracis et lumborum samples were analyzed for proximate composition. Belgian-crossbreds consumed more dry matter (18.68 vs. 13.60 kg DM/day), corresponding to 2.3% vs. 2.4% of body weight, but showed markedly greater growth (average daily gain 1.063 vs. 0.290 kg/day) and higher gain-to-feed (0.059 vs. 0.024) than retired Thoroughbreds. Carcass weight and marbling-related traits favored Belgian-crossbreds, including higher intramuscular fat in longissimus thoracis et lumborum (9.15% vs. 3.22%). Despite higher total feed cost per head, the economic feed conversion ratio was substantially lower in Belgian-crossbreds (13,133 vs. 35,088 KRW/kg gain), resulting in a positive gross margin estimate, whereas retired Thoroughbreds showed a negative margin under the same system. These results suggest that meat-type horses may be better suited to short, intensive finishing, while alternative utilization or tailored finishing strategies may be needed for retired racehorses. Full article

Mitigating heat stress in high-density historical districts remains a critical challenge in urban renewal due to complex morphological heterogeneity. Existing research often relies on isolated intervention measures, lacking systematic, multi-strategy assessments driven by high-precision spatial data. This study addresses this gap by establishing a quantitative framework that couples thermal infrared remote sensing with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize microclimate responses in Beijing’s Liulichang Historic District. Remote sensing data were utilized to retrieve high-resolution Land Surface Temperature (LST), providing accurate thermal boundary conditions for micro-scale wind-thermal simulations. A baseline scenario (S0) and seven renewal strategies (S1–S7)—integrating varying configurations of greenery, water bodies, and permeable pavements—were evaluated using pedestrian-level comfort indices. Results reveal that single-factor interventions yield marginal improvements or thermodynamic trade-offs; specifically, adding greenery (S1) in narrow street canyons increased aerodynamic roughness, thereby obstructing ventilation and inducing localized warming. Conversely, composite strategies significantly enhanced microclimatic quality. The “greenery-water-permeable pavement” strategy (S4) achieved optimal synergistic effects, characterized by substantial cooling and spatial homogenization. Regression analysis identified water bodies as the dominant cooling driver, where a 10% increase in water coverage resulted in a temperature reduction of approximately 5.17 °C. Conversely, greenery alone showed no statistically significant cooling contribution (p > 0.05) without the synergistic presence of water or pavement modifications. This research suggests that urban renewal in high-temperature zones (>36 °C) should prioritize composite cooling networks. Furthermore, vegetation layouts near wind corridors must be precisely regulated to prevent ventilation degradation. These findings provide a scientific basis for the climate-adaptive sustainable regeneration of culturally significant, high-density urban blocks. Full article

Selenium (Se) is a trace element with a narrow margin between beneficial effects and stress from toxic effects. The determinants of the transition from selenium adequacy to toxicity remain unknown. Moreover, the roles of selenoproteins and other adaptive responses also remain unclear. The effects of dynamic and localized redox fluctuations on survival and neurodegeneration also require further investigation. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, several studies utilized the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model. This review systematically addresses pivotal mechanistic controversies. Thioredoxin reductase-1 (TRXR-1) is the only protein in a small amount of the selenoproteome, and it also has a fully conserved selenocysteine insertion mechanism. Moreover, this systematic review also incorporates the current understanding of the molecular factors that determine selenium homeostasis, ranging from neurotoxicological diseases to biosynthetic circumstances. TRXR-1 supports health benefits such as enhance lipid metabolism, longevity, and stress response. During acute selenium toxicity, TRXR-1 is not needed for survival. Instead, cells defend against adverse effects by using the HIF-1 pathway. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) inhibit the prolyl hydroxylase EGL-9 in high-selenium conditions, stabilizing HIF-1 and initiating a transcriptional detoxification process independent of the selenoprotein mechanism. Finally, this review also discuss selective neurotoxicity, a condition in which degeneration that occurs solely in cholinergic ventral cord motor neurons plays a distinctive and precarious role among trace elements. Full article

This study investigates the core optimization of a Prismatic Solid Molten-Salt Reactor (PSMSR) to meet key objectives of compactness, high power density, and extended operational life. With graphite irradiation resistance being a paramount concern in high-flux environments, the analysis focuses on the influence of core height-to-diameter ratio, active zone size, and reflector thickness on the graphite displacement per atom (DPA) distribution and burnup performance. The results indicate an optimal active core configuration characterized by a 1:1 height-to-diameter ratio, a 175 cm active zone radius, and a 55 cm reflector. Building on these findings, reactivity-control strategies were refined. An evaluation of burnable-poison addition against fuel-loading optimization revealed that the latter, by adjusting the TRISO (TRi-structural ISOtropic) packing factor and control-rod dimensions, can meet the safety shutdown margin requirements and substantially improve the fuel utilization efficiency, ultimately achieving a burnup depth of 50.3 MWd/kgU and a 10-year operation lifetime without refueling at a 500 MWt power level. This research provides an effective technical solution for the modular deployment of solid-state molten-salt reactors in remote areas and in special application scenarios. This research offers a viable technical pathway for implementing solid-fueled molten-salt reactors in remote and specialized scenarios, enabling their modular deployment. Full article

Background: Non-surgical procedures utilizing microcurrent radiofrequency (RF) represent a non-invasive option for patients experiencing skin laxity and loss of firmness due to aging, hormonal changes, or weight fluctuations. Such treatments benefit individuals seeking both preventive measures to delay visible aging and corrective approaches to improve existing skin laxity without invasive surgery. The Plasma IQ medical device generates microcurrent RF energy that produces controlled heating, leading to targeted tissue ablation and subsequent remodelling. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Plasma IQ in the treatment of skin laxity. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients presenting with facial skin laxity and photodamage underwent treatment with the Plasma IQ device. Clinical outcomes were assessed prior to the procedure and at 7, 21 and 90 days post-treatment. Results: RF treatment produced a measurable improvement in skin elasticity (+22.51%). The distance between the upper eyelid margin and the beginning of the eyelid fold increased by 2.01 mm (+46.94%) at day 21 and by 2.11 mm (+49.11%) at day 90. Conclusions: Microcurrent RF delivered by the Plasma IQ device is an effective non-invasive method for periocular skin rejuvenation. The treatment improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles around the eyes, and increases the visible distance between the upper eyelid margin and fold, thereby enhancing upper eyelid definition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and CAD/CAM technologies have revolutionized complex maxillofacial reconstruction. While high-resolution imaging is critical for these workflows, the specific clinical impact of photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) remains to be fully established. This prospective pilot study evaluates the feasibility and clinical utility of integrating PCCT into the preoperative planning and surgical workflow of complex maxillofacial reconstructive cases. Methods: This feasibility study included ten patients requiring complex maxillofacial reconstruction with microvascular free flaps. All underwent preoperative imaging with photon-counting CT. Primary endpoints included clinical assessment of osseous invasion, reliability of donor-site vascular mapping from a single acquisition, and compatibility of PCCT datasets with VSP/CAD-CAM platforms. Secondary endpoints included resection margin status, flap survival, and short-term oncologic outcomes. Results: PCCT provided high-resolution visualization of cortical and medullary bone, enabling detailed assessment of tumor-related osseous involvement. In selected cases, findings supported refinement of resection planning when prior imaging had been inconclusive. Spectral reconstructions reduced metal artifacts and facilitated precise segmentation for multi-segment osteotomies. Donor-site vascular anatomy was successfully evaluated within the same scan, supporting operative planning without additional imaging. PCCT datasets were fully compatible with the virtual surgical planning (VSP) software used in this study (CMX Portal, version 2.6.1158, Medartis AG, Basel, Switzerland; or ProPlan CMF, version 5.7.8.025, Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium) in all cases (100%). Reconstruction was completed successfully in all patients, with 100% flap survival and R0 margins in all malignant cases. No technical failures occurred during imaging transfer or CAD/CAM fabrication. Conclusions: The integration of PCCT into the surgical workflow proved technically feasible and clinically impactful. This pilot data supports its potential to enhance surgical precision and preoperative planning in complex jaw reconstruction. Full article

As a typical example of a high-density city, Macau’s medical resource allocation system, a key component of the city’s complex socio-technical system, suffers from significant spatial imbalances, which restricts the overall effectiveness of the medical service system. Based on the perspective of systems science theory, regards the allocation of medical resources as a dynamic system with multiple coupled factors. It comprehensively utilizes systems research methods such as POI data mining and space syntax analysis and employs techniques such as kernel density analysis and spatial structure coupling models to systematically evaluate the spatial structure, resource accessibility, and service balance of Macau’s medical service system. It found that (1) the Macau Peninsula has concentrated core medical resources, such as the Conde de São Januário Hospital (CHCSJ) and Kiang Wu Hospital, which form a core subsystem with high service saturation. Excessive concentration of resources has led to high concentration of a certain type of facility. (2) Taipa Island and the Cotai Reclamation Area have created an extended subsystem of medical resources along with urban development. However, the northern area does not have enough facilities, and its internal structure is not balanced. (3) Coloane Island has only basic health stations remaining, forming a marginal subsystem with scarce medical resources, which has a significant hierarchical gap with the core and extended subsystems. This spatial pattern of “saturated Macau peninsula, expanded Taipa Island, and sparse Coloane Island” is essentially a concrete manifestation of the imbalance between the medical resource allocation system and the urban spatial development system. Therefore, based on system optimization theory, it proposes constructing a multi-level, networked spatial system for medical facilities to promote the coordinated operation of various regional medical subsystems and achieve overall functional optimization and a balanced layout for Macau’s medical service system. This research analyzes the imbalance mechanism of high-density urban public service systems using systems science methods, providing not only a scientific basis for the precise optimization of Macau’s medical resource allocation system but also a practical reference for the planning and governance of similar high-density urban public service systems under a systems thinking framework. Full article

Spring phytoplankton bloom mechanisms in the Bohai Sea show clear spatial differences, but the physical–biological coupling in the ice-covered Liaodong Bay (LDB) remains poorly understood. Utilizing satellite observations and high-resolution reanalysis data from 2009 to 2023, this study explores the drivers of spring blooms through generalized additive models (GAMs) and the Equation of State of Seawater (EOS). The results reveal pronounced regional heterogeneity. In the southern Bohai Sea, bloom dynamics are co-regulated by a complex combination of nutrient availability and localized physical mixing. In contrast, blooms in LDB are predominantly driven by the shoaling of the mixed layer depth (MLD), a physical state intrinsically linked to winter sea-ice melt. Linear decomposition of water density via EOS quantitatively demonstrates that spring stratification in LDB is salinity-dominated (contributing ~60.7%), rather than thermally driven. The rapid influx of low-salinity meltwater forms a strong halocline that suppresses vertical mixing and physically compresses the MLD into the euphotic zone. Consistent with Sverdrup’s Critical Depth Theory, this inferred physical pathway effectively alleviates light limitation and acts as the primary trigger for the early bloom peak timing. This complete melting–freshening–stratification–light coupling chain provides a novel physical perspective on how mid-latitude marginal sea ecosystems respond to climate change, distinct from canonical polar light-limitation models. Full article