Search Results (11)

Ground Control Points (GCPs) are essential for accurate georeferencing of optical imagery; however, their selection is often heuristic and affected by temporal changes in image geometry. This challenge is particularly acute for Google Earth imagery, where acquisition conditions and mosaicking processes vary over time. This paper presents a multi-epoch robust framework for the automatic design of GCP networks to precisely georeference multi-temporal Google Earth images. GCP selection is formulated within an affine optimal experimental design setting, in which candidate configurations are evaluated against the most challenging acquisition epoch to promote consistency over time. A hybrid DI-optimality criterion balances transformation stability and interior prediction accuracy without requiring interior control points. The framework also includes an automated method for determining the optimal number of GCPs using marginal-gain stopping and cost-regularized μ-sweep analysis. Experiments on two urban case studies show that compact, well-conditioned GCP networks can match the accuracy of larger heuristic networks and achieve top 10% root-mean-square error (RMSE) performance on a random feasible subset benchmark. Results demonstrate that a carefully designed GCP network can greatly reduce the number of control points needed while maintaining stable geometric performance across acquisition sessions. Full article

The development of effective and user-friendly brain–computer interface (BCI) systems is essential for enhancing mobility and autonomy among individuals with physical disabilities. Recent studies have demonstrated significant advances in BCI technologies, particularly in the areas of motor imagery (MI), blink detection, and attention-level analysis. However, existing systems often face limitations, such as low classification accuracy, high latency, and poor robustness in dynamic, real-world environments. Furthermore, most traditional BCIs rely on single-modality approaches, which restrict their adaptability and real-time performance. This paper aims to address these challenges by presenting a multi-modal Electroencephalography (EEG)–fusion neurointerface wheelchair system integrating MI, intentional blink detection, and attention-level analysis. The proposed system improves on previous methods by employing a novel eight-channel needle-shaped dry electrode EEG headset, which significantly enhances signal quality through better electrode–skin contact without the need for conductive gels. Additionally, the system processes EEG signals in real-time using a Jetson Nano platform, incorporating a dual-threshold blink detection algorithm for emergency stops, an optimized random forest classifier for decoding directional MI, and a support vector machine (SVM) for attention-level assessment. Experimental evaluations involving classification accuracy, response latency, and trajectory-following precision confirmed robust system performance. MI classification accuracy averaged around 80%, with optimized attention-level analysis reaching up to 94.1%. Trajectory control tests demonstrated minimal deviation from predefined paths (typically less than 0.25 m). These results highlight the system’s advancements over existing single-modality BCIs, showcasing its potential to significantly improve the quality of life for mobility-impaired users. Future studies should focus on enhancing lateral MI detection accuracy, expanding datasets, and validating system robustness across diverse real-world scenarios. Full article

To address the problems of random noise interference, inadequate disturbance estimation and compensation, and the difficulty in controller parameter tuning in speed tracking control of high-speed trains, an improved Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) strategy combined with a Sobol-based Black Widow Optimization (SBWO) algorithm is proposed. An improved Tracking Differentiator (TD) is adopted by integrating a novel optimal control synthesis function with a phase compensator to suppress input noise and ensure a smooth transition process. A novel Extended State Observer (ESO) using a nonlinear saturation function is designed to improve the observation accuracy and decrease chattering. An enhanced Nonlinear State Error Feedback (NLSEF) law that incorporates an error integral and adaptive parameter update laws is developed to reduce steady-state error and achieve self-tuned proportional and derivative gains. A feedforward compensation term is added to provide real-time dynamic compensation for ESO estimation errors. Finally, an enhanced Black Widow Optimization (BWO) algorithm, which initializes its population with Sobol sequences to improve its global search capability, is employed for parameter optimization. The simulation results demonstrate that compared with the control methods based on Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) control and conventional ADRC, the proposed strategy achieves higher steady-state tracking accuracy, better adaptability to dynamic operating conditions, stronger anti-disturbance ability, and more precise stopping precision. Full article

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and limited intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined sugars, has been suggested to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. This narrative review aimed to summarize and synthesize the evidence regarding the role of the DASH diet in preeclampsia prevention. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Multiple observational and intervention studies examining DASH diet adherence and preeclampsia outcomes were included. Higher adherence to the DASH diet was associated with an approximately 35–45% reduced risk of preeclampsia in observational studies. Intervention trials in high-risk populations demonstrated improved blood pressure control and potential reductions in preeclampsia incidence. The DASH diet appears to exert protective effects through multiple mechanisms, including improved blood pressure regulation, enhanced antioxidant defense, reduced inflammation, and improved endothelial function. The heterogeneity in study designs, DASH diet assessment methods, and intervention protocols limited the strength of conclusions. Evidence for the effects of greater adherence to the DASH diet on preeclampsia prevention is promising but requires confirmation through larger randomized controlled trials. Future research should focus on standardized DASH diet assessment methods, optimal timing and duration of dietary intervention, and exploration of potential synergies with other preventive strategies. Full article

Background: The aim of the present narrative review is to synthesize the available scientific evidence on the minimally invasive surgical techniques for periodontal regeneration preserving the entire papilla without dissection. Surgical treatment of intrabony defects may result in compromising the integrity of the interdental tissues and subsequent papilla loss. Therefore, it is indicated to investigate the approaches avoiding papillary incision over the osseous defect, thus optimizing wound healing conditions. Methods: Authors performed a search of literature via electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus, and extended by manual searching with a stop date of February 2025. Based on inclusion criteria only randomized clinical trials (RCT), cohort studies, case–control studies, and case series were included, and 106 records were initially identified. Various aspects of described novel approaches preserving the entire papilla were finally discussed. Results: A total of 12 studies were evaluated. There is a significant lack of randomized controlled clinical trials on minimally invasive techniques without incision in the papilla. However, numerous modifications of existing techniques have emerged, mainly in the form of case series and case reports with short-term data. Among them, some authors stated that the entire papilla preservation approaches may facilitate early soft tissue healing, reduce papilla trauma and the risk of gingival recession, minimize procedure time, improve flap stability, and alleviate discomfort and side effects, while others reported similar outcomes to conventional approaches and emphasize the need for further comparative clinical trials. Conclusions: Preserving papilla integrity and the soft tissue profile is essential for minimizing complications, especially in the esthetic zone. Within the limitations of this narrative review, presented findings emphasize the effectiveness of entire papilla preservation techniques in preventing post-surgery tissue loss compared to conventional incisions and flaps. Randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes are necessary to validate the efficacy of these approaches in comparison to established papilla preservation techniques. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a public health concern, linked with immune-metabolic dysfunction. While lifestyle and dietary modifications remain the cornerstone of MASLD management, the optimal dietary approach remains uncertain. Objectives: This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of model dietary patterns on metabolic outcomes in patients with MASLD and evaluate their effects in individuals with coexisting metabolic conditions, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: To conduct the review, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on the adult population, published between January 2019 and September 2024, following PRISMA principles. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed qualitatively based on study characteristics. Results: The main findings of this review demonstrated that the use of interventions with dietary model based on Mediterranean diet (MED) and intermittent fasting (IF) approaches, such as alternative-day fasting (ADF) and time-restricted feeding regimens (TRF) may have potential in reducing body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, with additional benefits of improving glycemic control and reducing inflammation. The effects on hepatic functions, although limited, may be linked with reduced enzyme activity and liver stiffness. Additionally, the use of lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (LOV-D) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet may offer additional health benefits, including blood pressure management. Conclusions: This review suggests that MED and IF-based strategies may reduce BW, improve glycemic control, and lower inflammation, with potential benefits for hepatic function. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these effects and underlying mechanisms, which will allow for the optimization of protocols and ensure their safety in MASLD. Full article

This paper considers a pair $(\mathbb{F},\tau )$, where $\mathbb{F}$ is a filtration representing the “public” flow of information that is available to all agents over time, and $\tau$ is a random time that might not be an $\mathbb{F}$-stopping time. This setting covers the case of a credit risk framework, where $\tau$ models the default time of a firm or client, and the setting of life insurance, where $\tau$ is the death time of an agent. It is clear that random times cannot be observed before their occurrence. Thus, the larger filtration, $\mathbb{G}$, which incorporates $\mathbb{F}$ and makes $\tau$ observable, results from the progressive enlargement of $\mathbb{F}$ with $\tau$. For this informational setting, governed by $\mathbb{G}$, we analyze the optimal stopping problem in three main directions. The first direction consists of characterizing the existence of the solution to this problem in terms of $\mathbb{F}$-observable processes. The second direction lies in deriving the mathematical structures of the value process of this control problem, while the third direction singles out the associated optimal stopping problem under $\mathbb{F}$. These three aspects allow us to deeply quantify how $\tau$ impacts the optimal stopping problem and are also vital for studying reflected backward stochastic differential equations that arise naturally from pricing and hedging of vulnerable claims. Full article

Background: Despite extensive research on body weight and cardiovascular risk, the mechanistic relationship between weight loss and coronary plaque modification has not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to determine the association between body composition dynamics and low-attenuation coronary plaque (LAP) burden. Methods: Eighty-nine participants (40% women, 60 ± 7.7 years) of the Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis in Computed Tomography (DISCO-CT) study with non-obstructive atherosclerosis with nonobstructive atherosclerosis confirmed in computed tomography angiography (CCTA), a randomized (1:1), prospective, single-center study were included into the analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to either experimental arm (intensive diet and lifestyle intervention atop optimal medical therapy, n = 45) or control arm (optimal medical therapy alone, n = 44) over 66.8 ± 13.7 weeks. Changes (∆) in body mass (BM) and body composition parameters, including total body fat (TBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR), measured with bioimpedance analyzer were compared with CCTA-measured ∆LAP. Coronary plaque analysis was performed using the 2 × 192 dual-energy scanner (Somatom Force, Siemens, Germany), while quantitative coronary plaque measurements were performed using a semi-automated plaque analysis software system (QAngioCT v3.1.3.13, Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, The Netherlands). Results: Significant intergroup differences were found for ∆BM (−3.6 ± 4.9 kg in the experimental vs. −1.4 ± 2.9 kg in the control group, p = 0.015), ∆TBF (−3.4 ± 4.8% in the experimental vs. 1.1 ± 5.5% in the control arm, p < 0.001), ∆SMM (1.9 ± 2.8% in the experimental vs. −0.7 ± 3.2% in the control arm, p < 0.001), and FMR [−12.9 (−21.2; −4.3)% in the experimental vs. 3.1 (−5.3; 10.7)% in the control arm, p < 0.001]. ∆LAP did not differ significantly between the study arms; however, in the whole study population, ∆LAP was positively correlated with ∆BM, ∆TBF, and ∆FMR (r = 0.45, p < 0.001; r = 0.300, p = 0.004; r = 0.233, p = 0.028, respectively), and negatively with ∆SMM (r = −0.285, p = 0.007). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed the association of ∆LAP with ∆BM, ∆TBF, and ∆FMR. Conclusions: The study intervention resulted in BM reduction characterized by fat loss, skeletal muscle gain, and increased FMR. This weight loss pattern may lead to a reduction in high-risk coronary plaque. Compared to a simple weight control, tracking body composition changes over time can provide valuable information on adverse coronary plaque modification. Full article

Background and Aims: The worldwide aging population is expanding, with more individuals living into their 80s. Physiological functions decline gradually with age, compounded by sedentary lifestyles. Incorporating physical activity into daily routine is crucial for maintaining independence. This study aimed to assess a periodized high-intensity aerobic training program (PEZO-BT) in octogenarians, focusing on submaximal ergospirometry effects. Methods: A total of 48 non-frail octogenarian subjects (12 females, 36 males) were randomized into control and intervention groups. All subjects underwent submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing with gas analysis at baseline, stopping after the respiratory compensation point (RCP). Our intervention group completed a 14-week PEZO-BT aerobic training program. The outcomes were oxygen consumption at first ventilatory threshold (VO₂AT), ventilatory efficiency slope (VE/VCO₂), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP), oxygen pulse change (ΔVO₂/HR) from anaerobic threshold (AT) to respiratory compensation point (RCP), and power output at anaerobic threshold (POAT). Results: Mixed ANOVA examined time and treatment effects. If significance emerged, post hoc t-tests were used to compare significances between groups. The homogeneity of variance was assessed using Levene’s test. Chi-square tests compared ergospirometry criteria and ventilatory performance within groups. The mean differences at post intervention were significant in VO₂AT (p < 0.001), VE/VCO₂ (p < 0.001), ΔVO₂/HR (p < 0.05), and POAT (p < 0.001), while OUES and COP were not significant (p > 0.05). However, clinical effects were observed in the entire intervention group. Conclusions: Training improved exercise capacity and workload. Overall, this periodic aerobic and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program yielded significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in previously untrained octogenarians with and without comorbidities. The findings suggest implications for promoting long-term healthy aging. Full article

To achieve SDGs (sustainable development goals) and carbon neutrality goals, the Chinese government have been adopting the cap-and-trade regulation to curb carbon emissions. With this background, members in the supply chain should properly arrange their carbon reduction and marketing decisions to acquire optimal profits, especially when the favorable event may happen, which tends to elevate goodwill and the market demand. However, the event may not be of their benefit when the cap-and-trade regulation is conducted, since the increase in market demand is always associated with an increase in carbon emissions. Hence, questions arise about how the members adjust their carbon reduction and marketing decisions while envisioning the favorable event under the cap-and-trade regulation. Given the fact that the event occurs randomly during the planning period, we use the Markov random process to depict the event and use differential game methodology to dynamically study this issue. After solving and analyzing the model, we acquire the following conclusions: (1) the occurrence of the favorable event splits the whole planning period into two regimes and the supply chain members should make optimal decisions in each regime to maximize the overall profits. (2) The potential favorable event will elevate the marketing and carbon reduction efforts, as well as the goodwill level before the event. (3) If the unit emissions value is relatively low, the favorable event will help to decrease the emissions quantity. However, if the unit emissions value is relatively large, then the favorable event will help to increase the emissions quantity. Full article

Background: General pathophysiological mechanisms regarding associations between fluid administration and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) are evident, but specific effects of type, amount, and timing of fluids are less clear. Objectives: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on associations between fluid administration and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and fluid management in patients at risk of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Methods: We performed a structured literature search from 1950 until May 2021 to identify evidence of associations between fluid management and intra-abdominal pressure not limited to any specific study or patient population. Findings were summarized based on the following information: general concepts of fluid management, physiology of fluid movement in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension, and data on associations between fluid administration and IAH. Results: We identified three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 38 prospective observational studies, 29 retrospective studies, 18 case reports in adults, two observational studies and 10 case reports in children, and three animal studies that addressed associations between fluid administration and IAH. Associations between fluid resuscitation and IAH were confirmed in most studies. Fluid resuscitation contributes to the development of IAH. However, patients with IAH receive more fluids to manage the effect of IAH on other organ systems, thereby causing a vicious cycle. Timing and approach to de-resuscitation are of utmost importance, but clear indicators to guide this decision-making process are lacking. In selected cases, only surgical decompression of the abdomen can stop deterioration and prevent further morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: Current evidence confirms an association between fluid resuscitation and secondary IAH, but optimal fluid management strategies for patients with IAH remain controversial. Full article