Search Results (2,596)

This study focuses on investigating the adaptive sliding mode control (SMC) problem for connected vehicles with input delays and unknown time-varying control coefficients. As a result of wear and tear of mechanical components, throttle response lags, and the internal data processing time of the controller, input delays widely exist in vehicle actuators. Since input delays may lead to instability of the vehicle platoon, an improved integral compensation mechanism (ICM) with the adjustment factor for input delays is developed to improve the platoon’s robustness. As the actuator efficiency, drive mechanism, and load of the vehicle may change during operation, the control coefficients of vehicle dynamics are usually unknown and time-varying. A novel adaptive updating mechanism utilizing a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is designed to deal with the unknown time-varying control coefficients, thereby improving the vehicle platoon’s tracking performance. By integrating the improved ICM and the RBFNN-based adaptive updating mechanism (RBFNN−AUM), an innovative distributed adaptive control scheme using sliding mode techniques is proposed to guarantee that the convergence of state errors to a predefined region and accomplish the vehicle platoon’s control objectives. Comparative numerical results confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the developed control strategy over existing method. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the extent of intraoperative bacterial and tumour cell spillage during minimally invasive colorectal surgery and to assess the protective value of systematic specimen retrieval using a tear-proof extraction bag. Methods: This multicentre, prospective observational study included patients undergoing conventional or single-port laparoscopic colorectal surgery for adenocarcinoma, premalignant polyps, or chronic diverticulitis. Three intraoperative samples were obtained for microbiological and cytological analysis: after pneumoperitoneum induction (sample 1), after vascular ligation and bowel division (sample 2), and after specimen extraction using a retrieval bag (sample 3). Results: Eighty-eight patients were included. Bacterial contamination increased significantly throughout the procedure occurring in 11.4% of sample 1, 37.5% of sample 2, and 67% of sample 3 (p < 0.001). When sample 1 was positive, sample 2 was positive in 100% of cases; when sample 2 was positive, sample 3 was positive in 79% of cases. In 33 patients (37.5%), bacterial growth was detected exclusively in sample 3. Contamination in sample 2 was significantly associated with surgical approach (p = 0.013), anastomotic technique (p = 0.022), and malignant disease (p = 0.038). A longer hospital stay was significantly associated with contamination in samples 1 and 2 (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, respectively). No tumour cells were detected in any sample, except for one case showing atypical cells without clinical relevance in sample 3. Conclusions: Intraoperative bacterial contamination progressively increases during minimally invasive colorectal surgery, peaking after specimen extraction. Most clinical and surgical variables did not significantly influence contamination rates. The use of a specimen retrieval bag demonstrated a potential protective effect by containing bacterial spillage. However, no protective effect regarding tumour cell dissemination could be demonstrated based on cytology analysis. Full article

Background and Objectives: Tear film instability and corneal surface irregularity are important sources of variability in keratometric and corneal topographic measurements, particularly affecting astigmatic magnitude and axis. Accurate preoperative biometry is crucial for optimal refractive outcomes in cataract surgery. Dry eye disease (DED) may compromise the reproducibility of keratometric parameters, leading to errors in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of DED on the reproducibility of keratometric measurements and to assess the effect of a four-week treatment with lipid-containing artificial tears on these parameters in cataract patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 patients scheduled for cataract surgery, of whom 65 (56.0%) had DED and 51 (44.0%) served as controls. All patients underwent two preoperative keratometric measurements 10–20 min apart (IOL1 and IOL2). The control group proceeded to surgery the next day, while surgery in the DED group was postponed. Patients with DED received preoperative therapy with lipid-containing artificial tears. Follow-up assessments occurred one month after therapy (keratometric measurement named IOL3) and eight weeks postoperatively. Clinical evaluation included slit-lamp examination, dry eye testing according to Dry eye Workshop II (DEWS II) criteria: Ocular surface Disease Index (OSDI), Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Schirmer I, Oxford staining, and meibomian gland assessment), ocular biometry, and postoperative spherical equivalent measurement using an auto ref-keratometer. Nonparametric statistical analyses were applied to evaluate associations between parameters. Results: In the DED group, corneal astigmatism showed a significant difference between IOL1 and IOL2 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test {Z = 2.43; p = 0.015}). Significant changes in predicted IOL power were observed between pretreatment and posttreatment values (t = 2.57; p = 0.013) and between IOL2 and IOL3 (t = 2.23; p = 0.029), indicating improved keratometric stability following tear film therapy. No additional significant correlations were identified. Conclusions: DED adversely affects the reproducibility of keratometric measurements and may compromise IOL power selection. Preoperative identification and treatment of DED, followed by repeated biometry after tear film stabilization, are strongly recommended to enhance refractive accuracy and optimize surgical outcomes in cataract patients. Full article

Background and Objectives: Patients with Sjögren’s disease (SjD) do not experience any improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms after SjD treatment, and in some patients, reflux even worsens. It is important to note that GERD manifests itself through typical and atypical symptoms, the latter of which may include eye damage, as evidenced by a growing body of research. When SjD patients were prescribed medication to treat GERD, their condition improved at the same time. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether there is a link between ocular dryness and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with Sjögren’s disease (SjD). Materials and Methods: Our study included 27 patients with SjD according to the 2016 American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) Sjögren’s syndrome Classification Criteria, and 28 patients with non-autoimmune sicca syndrome due to GERD (nonautoimmSicca). Results: The study involved 55 participants, 48 (87.3%) women and 7 (12.7%) men. The median age was 54 years (IQR 49–64). A total of 41 subjects (74.5%) had GERD, and 20 subjects (36.4%) tested positive for Helicobacter pylori: 13 (48.1%) and 1 (3.7%) in the SjD group, and 28 (100.0%) and 19 (67.9%) in the nonautoimmSicca group, respectively. A significant difference in asymmetric tear secretion (p < 0.001) was found between the nonautoimmSicca and SjD patients, with values of 5 (3–10) mm/5 min and 1 (0–2) mm/5 min, respectively. A low correlation was detected between sialometry results and tear secretion asymmetry (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). An increase of 1 mm/5 min in the tear secretion asymmetry between the eyes was associated with a 2.04-fold increase in the odds ratio for having GERD (95% CI 1.25–3.32, p = 0.004), and was associated with a 1.9-fold increase in the odds ratio for having GERD (95% CI 1.04–3.49, p = 0.038) in patients with SjD. The presence of Helicobacter pylori is associated with asymmetric tear secretion [95% CI 1.22 (1.05–1.41, p = 0.010)]. Conclusions: Asymmetric tear secretion between the eyes is associated with the odds of having GERD. Patients with non-autoimmune sicca syndrome due to GERD have significantly greater asymmetry in tear secretion compared to those diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease. Full article

Background: Aloe vera gel in 0.3% hyaluronate (AV/HA) could mitigate glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease (GTOSD). Methods: Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with GTOSD and receiving AV/HA or HA underwent ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE), National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ)-25 questionnaires, and tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), Schirmer test I (STI), and bulbar conjunctival hyperemia (BCH) determination. Results: After one month, AV/HA increased BUT (5 (7–4.5) to 7 (8–5.5)) and STI (12 (19.5–8) to 13.5 (20–10)), while it decreased BCH (2.2 (2.3–1.3) to 2.1 (2.2–1.2)) and CFS (3 (4–2) to 2 (3.0–1.5)) (p < 0.001). SANDE and OSDI scores were reduced from 36.18 (38.5–20.5) to 22.91 (31.5–17.21), and 29.5 (32.5–19.5) to 20 (26.5–18) (p < 0.001). HA reduced BCH from 2.75 (3.20–2.15) to 2.25 (2.30–1.90) (p = 0.014) and CFS from 3.5 (5–2.75) to 2.5 (4–2) (p = 0.014), while it increased BUT (p = 0.036). The SANDE score decreased from 28.95 (47.6–20.9) to 26.86 (36.41–19.90) (p = 0.009), whereas the OSDI decreased from 40 (49–19.5) to 29 (42–19.75) (p = 0.005). Any significant change in NEI VFQ-25 was collected. A trend for an MMP-9 immunoassay positivity reduction was observed in AV/HA (0.073). Conclusions: These findings invite considering lubricants enriched with natural anti-inflammatory agents, such as Aloe vera, as a potential adjunctive option to improve the ocular surface in glaucoma. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lower extremity injuries represent a major health concern in elite snowsport disciplines, where high mechanical loads, complex movement patterns, and demanding environmental conditions substantially increase injury risk. Understanding injury incidence and burden in this population is essential for developing sport- and sex-specific prevention strategies. This retrospective study determined lower extremity injury incidence and burden among elite snowsport athletes. Methods: Ninety-nine Turkish National Snowsport Teams Training Camp athletes (34 females; 65 males) consented to a review of their medical records for injury incidence. Overall, sex- and sport-specific injury incidence (number/10,000 h) and burden (weeks missing/10,000 h) were calculated. Results: Overall, medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) was the highest burden (9.5 ± 38.7), and ankle sprain (1.7 ± 0.4) was the highest-incident injury. However, injury incidence and burden patterns differed by sex and sport. Notably, medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) showed comparable incidence in female and male athletes but resulted in a substantial injury burden in both sexes, reflecting prolonged time-loss from training and competition and indicating a meaningful negative impact on athletic performance. Specifically, the highest-burden injury for women was anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture (16.2 ± 64.5), and for men the most common injury was MTSS (9.7 ± 40.7). For cross-country skiers, MTSS had the highest burden and incidence. For all other sports, and across sexes, ankle sprain was the highest incidence injury—women (1.3 ± 3.0), men (2.0 ± 4.5), biathletes (2.3 ± 5.7), Alpine skiers (2.8 ± 4.5), ski jumpers (1.6 ± 3.1), and snowboarders (3.2 ± 4.7)—plus the highest-burden injury for biathletes (6.9 ± 14.3) and ski jumpers (6.0 ± 14.0). The highest burden injury for Alpine skiers was ACL damage (34.3 ± 87.2), and for snowboarders it was knee collateral ligament injury (27.8 ± 78.6). Moreover, patellar tendinitis, hamstring strains, calf strains, Achilles ruptures, anterior tibial pain, meniscus tears, and hip injuries were frequently observed in injury patterns. Conclusions: Ankle sprains were the most frequent lower extremity injury in elite snowsport athletes, whereas medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries accounted for the greatest injury burden. Injury incidence and burden differed by sex and snowsport discipline. Full article

Vulcanized NR-SBR is widely used in vehicle components; however, its irreversible crosslinking limits recyclability and contributes to the large number of tires discarded annually worldwide, and in this context, this work presents an experimental comparative assessment of the tribological behavior of conventional tire rubber and silicone VMQ, motivated by a wheel concept based on a detachable tread aimed at improving durability and sustainability rather than proposing an immediate material substitution. Wear and friction behavior were investigated under abrasive and self-friction conditions using pin-on-disk testing with an abrasive counterpart representative of asphalt, supported by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that NR-SBR undergoes severe abrasive and erosive wear, characterized by deep and irregular wear tracks, pronounced fluctuations in the dynamic friction coefficient, and strong sensitivity to load and sliding speed, particularly during the initial stages of track formation. In contrast, VMQ exhibits mild abrasive wear dominated by viscoelastic deformation, leading to shallow and stable wear tracks, lower friction coefficients, and significantly reduced material loss once the contact track is fully developed. These differences are attributed to the distinct mechanical responses of the elastomers, as the higher hardness and limited strain capacity of rubber promote micro-tearing and unstable material removal, while the high elasticity of silicone enables stress redistribution and stable contact conditions under abrasive loading. UV aging increases stiffness of rubber, resulting in reduced wear and friction, while silicone remains largely unaffected after 750 h due to the stability of its Si–O–Si backbone. Self-friction tests further indicate that smooth silicone sliding against rubber yields the lowest friction values, highlighting a favorable material pairing for detachable tread concepts. Factorial design analysis confirms material type as the dominant factor influencing both wear and friction. Overall, for the specific materials and operating conditions investigated, VMQ demonstrates higher durability, greater tribological stability, and improved aging resistance compared to NR-SBR, providing experimental evidence that supports its potential for long-life, more sustainable detachable tread applications. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an ANCA-associated vasculitis that often affects the respiratory tract and kidneys, while ocular involvement is less common and may delay diagnosis. Bilateral dacryoadenitis as an initial manifestation is particularly uncommon and can obscure early recognition. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old woman presented with recurrent epistaxis, headaches, and progressive bilateral eyelid swelling. MRI showed enlarged lacrimal glands consistent with granulomatous dacryoadenitis. Over the following weeks, she developed systemic symptoms and rapidly progressive renal impairment. Serology revealed positive c-ANCA and anti-PR3 antibodies, and HRCT demonstrated pulmonary nodules and ground-glass opacities. Renal biopsy confirmed necrotizing pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis. Despite treatment with glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, renal recovery was incomplete, necessitating hemodialysis. Conclusions: This case illustrates bilateral dacryoadenitis as an early sign of GPA and emphasizes the need for prompt ANCA testing and renal evaluation. Early recognition is crucial to prevent irreversible kidney damage. Full article

Growing concern over the environmental impact of conventional plastics has driven the development of biodegradable alternatives. In this context, natural polymers such as starch have emerged as sustainable options. Commercial montmorillonite, implemented as a reference nanomaterial, allows for the enhancement of the properties of biodegradable materials. In this study, commercial cassava starch powder plasticized with water and 35% glycerol, along with commercial nanoclay at concentrations of 0%, 2%, and 4%, was used as film reinforcement. The manufacturing process employed extrusion to evaluate the effectiveness of the nanomaterial in improving the mechanical and functional characteristics of the films. Films with varying concentrations of glycerol and nanoclay were produced to determine the optimal formulation by assessing their rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties. These films were subjected to comprehensive analysis using internationally standardised techniques, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and morphological characterisation via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Among the properties evaluated, water vapour permeability (WVTR) was of particular interest. Results showed that higher nanoclay content improved moisture retention, thus enhancing the films’ water barrier properties. Mechanical testing indicated that the film with the highest nanoclay concentration, F-g35-NC4, displayed tensile strength values of 0.23 ± 0.02 MPa and elongation of 66.90% ± 4.85, whereas F-g35-NC0 and F-g35-NC2 exhibited lower values. Conversely, the highest tear resistance was also recorded for F-g35-NC4, reaching 0.740 ± 0.009 kg. Contact angle measurements revealed a hydrophilic tendency, with values of 89.93° ± 8.78°. Finally, WVTR analysis confirmed that increased nanoclay content enhanced moisture retention and improved the water barrier performance, with a value of 0.030 ± 0.011 g/m²·day, supporting potential applications in the packaging sector. Full article

To improve the machinability of 2343ESR mold steel and promote environmentally sustainable machining, this study systematically investigates its cutting performance in high-speed milling assisted by cryogenic minimum quantity lubrication (CMQL). A series of comparative high-speed milling experiments were conducted under dry cutting and CMQL conditions to elucidate the synergistic cooling and friction-reducing mechanisms of CMQL in the cutting zone. The effects of cutting parameters on key indicators including cutting forces, surface roughness, and tool life were investigated. Tool wear mechanisms were further analyzed and compared based on microscopic observations of workpiece surface damage and tool wear morphologies. The results show that, compared with dry cutting, CMQL reduces resultant cutting force by approximately 15.7–25.2% and surface roughness by about 14.6–29.9%. With the assistance of CMQL, the machined surface defects such as tearing, spalling and microcracks were effectively suppressed. In addition, adhesive wear and flank wear of the tool were significantly retarded, thereby achieving a significant improvement in tool life. These findings demonstrate that CMQL-assisted high-speed milling is a high-efficiency, high-quality and environmentally friendly machining technology with broad application potential for 2343ESR mold steel. Full article

Melamine-faced particleboards are widely used in interior applications; however, their performance is often limited by the near-surface structure, film adhesion, and edge damage that can be generated during machining and service impacts. Here, model particleboards were produced with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 40% bark content in the face layers and laminated with two melamine films (light and dark décor). Density profiles, mechanical properties (MOR, MOE, internal bond, IB), and laminate adhesion (pull-off) were determined. Edge integrity was evaluated under edge milling, quantified by cumulative tear-out length (ΣL) and the normalized damage index L_i (mm/m) together with tear-out depth, and under edge impact using a 0.5 kg mass dropped from 0.20 m (damage length and indentation depth). All boards were characterized by a typical U-shaped density profile, while increasing bark share reduced surface-layer density differentiation. MOR and MOE decreased significantly only at 40% bark, whereas IB (0.54–0.74 N/mm²) remained unchanged. Bark content significantly affected adhesion (32.76% contribution), whereas film type was not a significant factor. Milling damage depended on laminate: for the dark laminate, bark-containing boards showed much higher L_i (54.82–60.13 mm/m) than the reference (12.26 mm/m); for the light laminate, the lowest L_i occurred at 10% bark (21.24 mm/m). Tear-out depth varied narrowly (≈0.69–1.02 mm), while impact damage length ranged from 6.96 to 8.58 mm. Full article

Understanding how strain is transferred across the interior of tectonic plates is fundamental to quantifying lithospheric deformation. The Central Anatolia Transition Zone (CATZ), situated between the North and East Anatolian fault systems, provides a unique natural laboratory for investigating how continental deformation evolves from localized faulting to distributed shear. In this study, we integrate InSAR analysis with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) velocity data, and stress tensor inversion with supporting gravity and seismic datasets to characterize the geometry, kinematics, and geodynamic significance of the CATZ. The combined geodetic and geophysical observations reveal that the CATZ is a persistent, left-lateral deformation corridor (i.e., elongated zone of Earth’s crust that accommodates movement where the landmass on the opposite side of a fault system moves to the left relative to an observer) accommodating ~4 mm/yr of shear between the oppositely moving eastern and western sectors of the Anatolian Plate. Spatial coherence among LiCSAR-derived shear patterns, GNSS velocity gradients, and regional stress-field rotations defines the CATZ as a crustal- to lithospheric-scale transition zone linking the strike-slip domains of central Anatolia with the subduction zones of the Hellenic and Cyprus arcs. Stress inversion analyses delineate four subzones with systematic kinematic transitions: compressional regimes in the north, extensional fields in the central domain, and complex compressional–transtensional deformation toward the south. The CATZ coincides with zones of variable Moho depth, crustal thickness, and inferred lithospheric tearing within the retreating African slab, indicating a deep-seated origin. Its S-shaped curvature and long-term evolution since the late Miocene reflect progressive coupling between upper-crustal faulting and deeper lithospheric reorganization. Recognition of the CATZ as a lithospheric-scale transition zone, rather than a discrete active fault, refines the current understanding of Anatolia’s kinematic framework. This study demonstrates the capability of integrated satellite geodesy and stress modeling to resolve diffuse intra-plate deformation, offering a transferable approach for delineating similar transition zones in other continental regions. Full article

The article presents an approach to synthesizing artificial intelligence agents (AI agents), in particular, control and decision support systems for process operators in various industries. Such a system contains an identifier in the feedback loop that generates digital predictive associative search models of the Just-in-Time Learning (JITL) type. It is demonstrated that the system can simultaneously solve (outside the control loop) two additional tasks: online operator pre-training and mutual adaptation of the operator and the system based on real-world production data. Solving the latter task is crucial for teaching the operator and the system collaborative handling of abnormal situations. AI agents improve control efficiency through self-learning, personalized operator support, and intelligent interface. Stabilization of process variables and minimization of deviations from optimal conditions make it possible to operate process plants close to constraints with sustainable product qualities. Along with higher yield of target product(s), this reduces equipment wear and tear, utilities consumption and associated harmful emissions. This is the key merit of Model Predictive Control (MPC) systems, which justify their application. JITL-type models proposed in the article are more precise than conventional ones used in MPC; therefore, they enable the operation even closer to process constraints. Altogether, this further improves the reliability of production systems and contributes to their sustainable development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hemodialysis (HD) is the commonest life sustaining form of kidney replacement therapy in the world; however, this method of treatment have many adverse effects, and even a single HD session affects many organs, including the eyes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a single HD session on the ophthalmologic findings in patients with End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The second aim of the study was to examine the correlation of these changes with each other and between changes in systemic stressors related to the HD session. Methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional observational study conducted on 32 patients undergoing HD. Selected parameters of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye as well as systemic parameters were assessed before and after a single HD session. Results: Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved, and lens thickness (LT), axial length (AXL), average macular thickness (MT), central MT and total vessel density (VD) of the deep capillary plexus DCP increased significantly after a single HD session. The Schirmer test results, tear break up time (TBUT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central and average choroidal thickness (CT) decreased significantly after HD. Body weight loss was the only significant systemic change. Decrease in TBUT correlated positively with Schirmer’s test results decrease. Increase in CCT correlated positively with AXL increase. Decrease in central and average CT correlated positively with IOP decrease. Increase in central MT correlated positively with increase in average MT. Decrease in central CT correlated positively with average CT decrease. Change in VD of the SCP correlated positively with change in VD of DCP. Apart from the positive correlation between SBP change and Schirmer’s test results change, there were no correlations between systemic and ophthalmic parameters changes. Conclusions: Our study showed that HD affected the parameters of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Numerous correlations between these changes suggest that they are interrelated and represent the complex response of the eye to the HD process. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most persistent occupational health challenges in the U.S. construction industry, where physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting, kneeling, and working in awkward postures contribute to elevated injury rates. This study aims to identify significant job-related determinants of MSDs in construction-sector occupations. By integrating publicly available datasets from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) datasets, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted on 344 occupation-condition observations representing 86 construction occupations, yielding a final model that explained 49% of the variance. Ten significant predictors of MSD events were identified and classified as either risk amplifiers or mitigators. Amplifiers included factors such as exposure to noise, disease, hazardous conditions, and time pressure, all of which heightened MSD risk, while mitigators—such as reduced cramped-space exposure and regulated work environments—were associated with lower risk. MSDs resulting from sprains, strains, or tears accounted for 62.8% of all cases, frequently leading to days away from work (36.3%) or job restrictions (26.5%). The findings underscore that ergonomic risk in construction extends beyond physical strain to include scheduling, equipment design, and work organization. These results provide actionable insights for employers and safety professionals to redesign tools, optimize task rotation, and implement realistic work pacing strategies, ultimately reducing MSD incidence and improving productivity in this high-risk sector. Full article