Search Results (15)

Indonesia’s long-term climate strategy targets net-zero emissions by 2060. In this context, this paper develops a simulation for the Java–Madura–Bali (Jamali) grid to quantify the joint impact of electric vehicle (EV) uptake and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) integration on system performance from 2025 to 2060. Historical statistics and national planning projections were used to calibrate annual capacity, peak load, and energy trajectories, which were downscaled to hourly resolutions. EV charging demand, generated using state-of-charge-dependent Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) load profiles, and PV output were modeled across a 36-year span under a 5 × 5 policy matrix, producing a 900-scenario-year. These scenarios range from Business-as-usual (BAU) to aggressive interventions (including subsidies, regulation, and smart management). The scenarios were evaluated using a min–max composite index weighting supply–demand balance, production–consumption balance, and policy cost. Based on this simulation inputs, results indicate that the scenario combining regulated EV growth with BAU PV adoption achieves the highest average composite score. While charge-time management strategies provided the best adequacy, highly interventionist EV–PV packages were the most expensive without delivering proportional benefits. The study concludes that, with this current parameter input, moderate and regulation-driven strategies outperform aggressive interventions when adequacy, balance, and cost are jointly considered. Full article

Background: Neoprene knee sleeves are commonly used to enhance joint stability and mechanical performance during resistance training. However, the specific influence of sleeve density on the force–velocity–power (F–V–P) profile during multi-joint lower-body exercises such as the back squat remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the theoretical F–V–P parameters derived from back squat performance while wearing low-density (LD) versus high-density (HD) knee sleeves. Methods: Fifteen resistance-trained males completed an incremental back squat test under both LD and HD conditions. A linear position transducer recorded barbell displacement and velocity. Individual force–velocity relationships were modelled to determine maximal theoretical force (F₀), velocity (V₀), power (Pmax), and the F–V slope. Paired-sample t-tests, linear mixed models, and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. Clinical relevance was assessed using a threshold defined as 0.2 × the standard deviation of the HD condition. Bayesian analyses were conducted to estimate the probability and magnitude of the observed effects. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between sleeve conditions for F₀, V₀, Pmax, or F–V slope (p > 0.05, d ≤ 0.37). Nonetheless, HD sleeves yielded slightly higher mean values for F₀, V₀, and Pmax, exceeding the predefined threshold for practical relevance. Bayesian models showed moderate probabilities (~0.80) that HD sleeves outperformed LD, though with limited chances of crossing the clinical significance threshold. Conclusions: Although HD sleeves do not produce systematic changes in F–V–P parameters, their increased material stiffness may provide small yet practically meaningful mechanical advantages in high-force resistance training contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), or IgA vasculitis, is the most common small-vessel vasculitis in children, yet Indian cohort data remain limited. We aimed to describe the clinical profile, renal involvement, treatment patterns, relapse, and outcomes of pediatric HSP at a tertiary centre in South India. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of children <18 years diagnosed with HSP (January 2013–October 2018) using EULAR/PRINTO/PRES criteria. Demographics, clinical features, laboratory parameters, treatments, and outcomes were abstracted from records and analyzed in SPSS (descriptive statistics; Chi-square/Fisher’s exact and t/non-parametric tests as appropriate). Subgroup comparisons included renal vs. non-renal disease and age <6 vs. ≥6 years. An exploratory analysis examined predictors of nephritis. Results: Of 43 children identified, 2 were excluded (misclassified as systemic lupus erythematosus); 41 were analyzed. Mean age was 8.5 years (range 3–17), male: female 1.4:1. A preceding febrile illness or upper respiratory tract infection was noted in 41.4% and 17%, respectively. Palpable purpura was universal; joint involvement 73.1%, abdominal pain 61.0%, vomiting 41.5%. Renal involvement 17% occurred only in children ≥6 years; exploratory testing supported a strong age-linked signal for nephritis. Laboratory abnormalities included anemia (48.7%), thrombocytosis (19.5%), and elevated ESR (51.2%). Skin biopsy (n = 29) showed IgA and complement deposition; renal biopsy (n = 2) showed ISKDC grades II–III. Treatments included NSAIDs 71.6%, corticosteroids 31.7%, and dapsone 24.4% (used for severe systemic/persistent cutaneous disease). Rash relapse 7.3% clustered with joint plus abdominal symptoms and was not observed among children with nephritis. At a mean 18.9-month follow-up, one child required long-term antihypertensives; no child progressed to end-stage renal disease. Conclusions: Pediatric HSP in this South-Indian cohort followed a largely self-limited course with favourable renal outcomes. Age ≥6 years flagged higher renal risk, supporting age-targeted urine and blood-pressure surveillance, while relapse appeared to follow a non-renal trajectory (joint/abdominal clustering). Steroid and dapsone use reflected clinical severity rather than relapse risk. Findings align with Indian series and suggest lower renal morbidity than some East-Asian reports, adding region-specific evidence to guide monitoring and counselling. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lymphedema is one of the most important morbid complications of modified radical mastectomy (MRM) surgery. It can cause limb movement restriction and psychosocial deformities in some patients. This study aimed to determine and compare the physiological and pathological changes that develop in the axillary venous structures in patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent MRM and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) plus SLNB between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. The patients’ operation side and contralateral axillary vein diameter and the difference between them, axillary vein flow rate and the difference between them, axillary vein wall thickness and the difference between them, severity of lymphedema, extremity joint restriction examination, and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) data were recorded. The relationship of these parameters with the lymph node dissection width and radiotherapy was analyzed. Results: Fifty-eight patients in total were included in the study. In the distribution of lymphedema and lymphedema severity according to ALND groups, there is a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined in the distribution of the difference in the axillary vein blood flow rate and axillary vein diameter difference between the two arms according to the lymph node dissection groups. In the distribution of physical therapy and rehabilitation scales according to the lymph node dissection groups, a significant difference was found in the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), shoulder flexion restriction variables, and NHP sleep variables (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that ALND leads to more pronounced physiological and pathological changes in axillary venous structures—including increased vein wall thickness, altered flow rates, and diameter differences—compared to SLNB combined with breast-conserving surgery. These changes may be attributed to lymphovenous disruption and postoperative edema. Furthermore, radiotherapy appears to contribute to these changes, though to a lesser extent than ALND. Therefore, SLNB followed by radiotherapy may be preferable in eligible patients to reduce postoperative complications such as lymphedema, joint restriction, and sleep disturbances. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a representative systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) characterized by synovial inflammation. While antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) positivity in patients with RA varies widely, the relationship between ANA patterns and clinical features remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of ANA in patients with RA. Methods: This single-center RA registry study included 814 Japanese patients after excluding those with coexisting SARDs. ANA titers and staining patterns were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence assays on HEp-2 cells. Clinical and laboratory features were analyzed, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for pulmonary involvement. Hierarchical clustering and statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between ANA patterns and clinical features. Results: ANA positivity was observed in 41.5% of patients, with the speckled and homogeneous patterns being the most common. ANA-positive patients exhibited significantly higher rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) positivity rates and titers, along with elevated disease activity markers, including Evaluator’s Global Assessment and Swollen Joint Count. Nucleolar pattern positivity was independently associated with pulmonary complications, predominantly interstitial lung disease, and higher rates of JAK inhibitor use. Discrete-speckled pattern-positive patients exhibited high ANA titers but lower RF and ACPA levels, reflecting a distinct subset of RA. Conclusions: ANA staining patterns and titers are clinically relevant in RA, with nucleolar and discrete-speckled patterns indicating distinct clinical and pathophysiological profiles. ANA should be interpreted alongside other serological markers and clinical parameters rather than as a standalone tool. Further studies are needed to refine its clinical applicability and integration into RA management. Full article

In this study, a novel symbolic regression-based empirical equation has been developed to compute the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) value based on the statistical parameters of rock joints. The symbolic regression was adopted to map the nonlinear function, which represents the relation between the JRC and statistical parameters of the rock joint, based on the collected rock joint dataset. It is not necessary to presume the mathematical function form of the empirical equation, which is used to fit the rock joint data while using symbolic regression. The collected rock joint samples from the literature were used to investigate and illustrate the developed symbolic regression-based empirical equation. The performance of the developed empirical equation was compared to the traditional empirical equation. The results show that the generalization performance of the developed empirical equation is better than the traditional empirical equation. They proved that the symbolic regression-based empirical equation characterized the roughness property of rock joints well and that symbolic regression could be used to capture the complex and nonlinear relationship between JRC and the statistical parameters of rock joints. The developed symbolic regression-based empirical equation provides a scientific and excellent tool to estimate the JRC value of rock joints. Full article

Landslides cause significant economic losses and casualties worldwide. However, robust prediction remains challenging due to the complexity of geological factors contributing to slope stability. Advanced correlation analysis methods can improve prediction capabilities. This study aimed to develop a novel landslide prediction approach that combines numerical modeling and correlation analysis (Spearman rho and Kendall tau) to improve displacement-based failure prediction. Simulations generate multi-location displacement data sets on soil and rock slopes under incremental stability reductions. Targeted monitoring points profile local displacement responses. Statistical analyses, including mean/variance and Spearman/Kendall correlations, quantified displacement-stability relationships. For the homogeneous soil slope, monitoring point 2 of the middle section of the slope showed a mean horizontal displacement of 17.65 mm and a mean vertical displacement of 9.72 mm under stability reduction. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients ranged from 0.31 to 0.76, while Kendall’s tau values ranged from 0.29 to 0.64, indicating variable displacement–stability relationships. The joint rock slope model had strong positive total displacement correlations (Spearman’s and Kendall’s correlation ranges of +1.0 and −1.0) at most points. Horizontal and vertical displacements reached mean maxima of 44.13 mm and 22.17 mm, respectively, at the unstable point 2 of the center section of the slope. The advanced correlation analysis techniques provided superior identification of parameters affecting slope stability compared to standard methods. The generated predictive model dramatically improves landslide prediction capability, allowing preventive measures to be taken to mitigate future losses through this new approach. Full article

Accurate determination of the surface roughness is of significant importance in estimating the mechanical and hydraulic behaviors of rock joints. The correlation between joint roughness coefficient (JRC) and various statistical roughness parameters calculated from digitized Barton’s roughness profiles was explored with Pearson’s correlation coefficient method. The results show the strongest correlation between the standard deviation of the roughness angle and JRC following an excellent linear relationship. In addition, the correlation in the JRC with textural parameters is better than its correlation with amplitude parameters. Twenty-nine rock joint surfaces from fine sandstone, coarse sandstone and granite joint samples with a wide range of surface morphology were digitized using a high-resolution 3D scanner instrument. Further, the statistical roughness parameter values were calculated for each joint profile at eight different sampling intervals for sensitivity analysis of these statistical roughness parameters with regard to the sampling interval. The result indicated that textural parameters generally have a certain degree of dependency on sampling interval, following a power-law relationship. Specifically, when the sampling interval increases, the structure function value increases whereas it decreases for other textural parameters. In contrast, the dependence of the amplitude parameters on the sampling interval is not significant. Full article

People with locomotion difficulties encounter many barriers in a pedestrian environment. Pavement quality has been shown to substantially affect pedestrian satisfaction in general, and its optimal design may contribute to reducing the stigma put on people with impairments. Our research involved a survey assessing perception and attitudes towards pavement quality and characteristics for pedestrian comfort. The classic correlation of the variables based on contingency tables was used to analyse data and to test whether respondents’ perceptions depended on certain profile features. The completion of the statistical inference was the use of advanced algorithms of the correspondence analysis method. The relationships between the variables were assessed optionally using the chi² test. The study results revealed desirable parameters and features of paving surfaces. People who use manual wheelchairs and declare limb loss prefer medium- and large-format concrete pavers with smooth finishing and no bevelling. People with skeletal abnormalities or peripheral neuropathy prefer concrete slabs and surfaces made of small- or medium-sized panels arranged in a regular pattern, made of smooth non-slip concrete with narrow joints. Further laboratory tests are necessary to investigate whether increased water permeability of pavements constructed on eco-friendly base layers can curb damage to the pavement surface and provide long-term durability. Full article

The study of the behavior of smart distribution systems under increasingly dynamic operating conditions requires realistic and time-varying load profiles to run comprehensive and accurate simulations of power flow analysis, system state estimation and optimal control strategies. However, due to the limited availability of experimental data, synthetic load profiles with flexible duration and time resolution are often needed to this purpose. In this paper, a top-down stochastic model is proposed to generate an arbitrary amount of synthetic load profiles associated with different kinds of users exhibiting a common average daily pattern. The groups of users are identified through a preliminary Ward’s hierarchical clustering. For each cluster and each season of the year, a time-inhomogeneous Markov chain is built, and its parameters are estimated by using the available data. The states of the chain correspond to equiprobable intervals, which are then mapped to a time-varying power consumption range, depending on the statistical distribution of the load profiles at different times of the day. Such distributions are regarded as Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM). Compared with other top-down approaches reported in the scientific literature, the joint use of GMM models and time-inhomogeneous Markov chains is rather novel. Furthermore, it is flexible enough to be used in different contexts and with different temporal resolution, while keeping the number of states and the computational burden reasonable. The good agreement between synthetic and original load profiles in terms of both time series similarity and consistency of the respective probability density functions was validated by using three different data sets with different characteristics. In most cases, the median values of synthetic profiles’ mean and standard deviation differ from those of the original reference distributions by no more than $\pm 10\%$ both within a typical day of each season and within the population of a given cluster, although with some significant outliers. Full article

Diabetic foot syndrome refers to heterogeneous clinical and biomechanical profiles, which render predictive models unsatisfactory. A valuable contribution may derive from identification and descriptive analysis of well-defined subgroups of patients. Clinics, biology, function, gait analysis, and plantar pressure variables were assessed in 78 patients with diabetes. In 15 of them, the 3D architecture of the foot bones was characterized by using weight-bearing CT. Patients were grouped by diabetes type (T1, T2), presence (DN) or absence (DNN) of neuropathy, and obesity. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and plantar lesions were monitored during a 48-month follow-up. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups for at least one clinical (combined neuropathy score, disease duration, HbA1c), biological (age, BMI), functional (joint mobility, foot alignment), or biomechanical (regional peak pressure, pressure-time integral, cadence, velocity) variable. Twelve patients ulcerated during follow-up (22 lesions in total), distributed in all groups but not in the DNN T2 non-obese group. These showed biomechanical alterations, not always occurring at the site of lesion, and HbA1c and neuropathy scores higher than the expected range. Three of them, who also had weight-bearing CT analysis, showed >40% of architecture parameters outside the 95%CI. Appropriate grouping and profiling of patients based on multi-instrumental clinical and biomechanical analysis may help improve prediction modelling and management of diabetic foot syndrome. Full article

The morphology of the joint surface is multi-scale, and it can be divided into first-order asperity (waviness) and second-order asperity (unevenness). At present, the joint roughness characterization formula considers only the morphology contribution of waviness and unevenness components and does not fully consider their mechanical contribution. At same time, the relationship between the mechanical contribution and the morphology contribution is still unclear. Thus, the characterization formula considering the mechanical contribution of waviness and unevenness needs to be further studied. In this study, the standard joint roughness coefficient (JRC) profiles were first decomposed into waviness and unevenness. Then, three types of joint specimens with different asperity orders (flat, the standard JRC profile, and the profile containing only waviness) were prepared by the 3D engraving technique. Finally, direct shear tests were carried out on 39 sets of red sandstone joint specimens under three normal stresses. The mechanical contributions of waviness and unevenness were studied, the relationship between the mechanical contribution and the morphology contribution of waviness and unevenness was analyzed, and the characterization formula considering the mechanical contribution of waviness and unevenness was established. The results showed that the following: (1) the method combining the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and the critical decomposition level could be used to separate the waviness and unevenness from the joint surface; (2) the mechanical contribution of the waviness and unevenness decreased with the increase in normal stress; (3) the relationship between the mechanical contribution ratio and the statistical parameter ratio of the waviness and unevenness can be describe by power function; and (4) the roughness characterization formula considering the mechanical contribution and morphology contribution was established. This study will enhance the accurate evaluation of the roughness coefficient and shear strength of the joint specimen. Full article

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and systemic syndrome characterized by muscle, bone, and joint pain. It is a gender-specific condition with a 9:1 incidence ratio between women and men. Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with psychic disorders affecting the cognitive and emotional spheres. In the reported work, we compared 31 female fibromyalgia patients to 31 female healthy controls. They were analyzed for biochemical clinical parameters, for autoimmune markers, and were subjected to ¹H-NMR metabolomics analysis. To identify a correlation between the metabolomic profile and the psychic condition, a subset of 19 fibromyalgia patients was subjected to HAM-A and HAM-D Hamilton depression tests. Multivariate statistical analysis showed the dysmetabolism of several metabolites involved in energy balance that are associated with systemic inflammatory conditions. The severity of depression worsens dysmetabolic conditions; conversely, glycine and glutamate, known for their critical role as neuromodulators, appear to be potential biomarkers of fibromyalgia and are associated with different severity depression conditions. Full article

Friction stir welding (FSW) and friction stir spot welding (FSSW) techniques are becoming widely popular joining techniques because of their increasing potential applications in automotive, aerospace, and other structural industries. These techniques have not only successfully joined similar and dissimilar metal and polymer parts but have also successfully developed polymer-metallic hybrid joints. This study classifies the literature available on the FSW and FSSW of thermoplastic polymers and polymer composites on the basis of joining materials (similar or dissimilar), joint configurations, tooling conditions, medium conditions, and study types. It provides a state-of-the-art and detailed review of the experimental studies available on the FSW and FSSW between similar thermoplastics. The mechanical properties of FSW (butt- and lap-joint configurations) and FSSW weld joints depend on various factors. These factors include the welding process parameters (tool rotational speed, tool traverse speed, tool tilt angle, etc.), base material, tool geometry (pin and shoulder size, pin profile, etc.) and tool material, and medium conditions (submerged, non-submerged, heat-assisted tooling, cooling-assisted tooling). Because of the dependence on many factors, it is difficult to optimize the welding conditions to obtain a high-quality weld joint with superior mechanical properties. The general guidelines are established by reviewing the available literature. These guidelines, if followed, will help to achieve high-quality weld joints with least defects and superior mechanical properties. Apart from parametric-based studies, the statistical-based studies (e.g., analysis of variance (ANOVA)-based studies) are covered, which helps with the determination of the influential parameters that affect the FSW and FSSW weld joint strength. Also, the optimal ranges of the most influential process parameters for different thermoplastic materials are established. The current work on the development of general guidelines and determination of influential parameters and their operating ranges from published literature can help with designing smart future experimental studies for obtaining the global optimum welding conditions. The gaps in the available literature and recommendations for future studies are also discussed. Full article

Background: A kinetic change in the foot such as altered plantar pressure is the most common etiological risk factor for foot ulcers in people with diabetes mellitus. Kinematic alterations in joint angle and spatiotemporal parameters of gait have also been frequently observed in participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy leads to various microvascular and macrovascular complications of the foot in type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is a gap in the literature for biomechanical evaluation and assessment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with DPN in the Indian population. We sought to assess and determine the biomechanical changes, including kinetics and kinematics, of the foot in DPN. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a diabetic foot clinic in India. Using the purposive sampling method, 120 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and DPN were recruited. Participants with active ulceration or amputation were excluded. Results: The mean ± SD age, height, weight, body mass index, and diabetes duration were 57 ± 14 years, 164 ± 11 cm, 61 ± 18 kg, 24 ± 3 kg/m², and 12 ± 7 years, respectively. There were significant changes in the overall biomechanical profile and clinical manifestations of DPN. The regression analysis showed statistical significance for dynamic maximum plantar pressure at the forefoot with age, weight, height, diabetes duration, body mass index, knee and ankle joint angle at toe-off, pinprick sensation, and ankle reflex (R = 0.71, R² = 0.55, F_12,108 = 521.9 kPa; P = .002). Conclusions: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus and DPN have significant changes in their foot kinetic and kinematic parameters. Therefore, they could be at higher risk for foot ulceration, with underlying neuropathy and biomechanically associated problems. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 109(1): 36-49, 2019) Full article