Search Results (1,094)

Driven by the rapid expansion of the new energy industry and the growing demand for photovoltaic (PV) power plant construction, optimizing site selection to ensure operational efficiency and stability has emerged as a critical imperative. Addressing the lack of precise zonation assessment systems for PV development in China’s arid and semi-arid regions, this study introduces a multi-dimensional, five-tier suitability evaluation framework. By integrating Boolean logic, the Bayesian Best–Worst Method (B-BWM), and Equal Interval classification, we developed a multi-resolution integrated assessment framework where spatial boundaries are mainly constrained by 30 m topographic and land-cover data. Results indicate that the candidate PV construction space (the upper two suitability classes, PDSI ≥ 3.40) spans 0.85 million km² concentrated in central-western Inner Mongolia and southeastern Xinjiang, and model validation achieves an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.79. The annual technical potential reaches 19,069 TWh, equivalent to approximately 207% of China’s total electricity consumption in 2023. If fully developed, this potential offers a theoretical annual CO₂ emission reduction ranging from 12.69 to 21.48 billion tons under different conversion efficiency scenarios, with a baseline estimate of 14.65 billion tons. These multi-resolution integrated findings provide a useful spatial reference for preliminary site screening in arid and semi-arid regions, support China’s “Dual Carbon” goals, and offer a practical methodological approach for renewable energy planning on marginal lands. Full article

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major concern among people living with HIV (PLWH), particularly in high-endemic settings such as Vietnam. The study evaluated the serological and molecular characteristics of HBV among PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in southern Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 HIV-infected patients receiving ART. Serological markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs IgG, and anti-HBc IgG) and HBV DNA were assessed using highly sensitive assays, and the Pre-S1/Pre-S2/S regions were sequenced for genotype and mutation analysis. Associations were evaluated using appropriate statistical methods. HBV DNA was detected in 32.6% of the patients, whereas HBsAg was present in only 16.1%. The most common serological profile was susceptibility (36.4%), followed by occult HBV infection (OBI) (17.4%), including 6.6% with completely seronegative OBI, and chronic HBV (CHB) (15.8%). Males and older individuals showed a significantly higher risk of CHB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.58 and aOR = 1.87, respectively). Genotype B predominated (78.4%) overall, but genotype C was significantly more frequent in OBI than in CHB patients (31.5% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.008). Moreover, the burden of surface S gene escape mutations was significantly higher in the OBI group (p = 0.023). The LASSO model showed a moderate discriminatory ability for predicting OBI status (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic [ROC] Curve [AUC] = 0.76). Lamivudine-associated resistance (rtM204I/V) was the most common RT mutation detected in the overlapping RT/S region. HIV-infected individuals in southern Vietnam face a burden of both CHB and OBI, including a high proportion of seronegative OBI. The presence of seronegative OBI further supports the risk of underdiagnosis when relying only on standard serological markers, and reflects the need for integrated strategies combining highly sensitive serological assays with molecular diagnostics to improve HBV detection among high-risk populations. Full article

In distribution networks with a high resistance-to-reactance (R/X) ratio, grid-forming (GFM) inverters can adopt reverse droop control (P-V, Q-f) to achieve the decoupling of active and reactive power. When grid voltage sags trigger the overcurrent protection of the inverter, the interaction between the circular current limiter and the embedded virtual impedance leads to highly complex nonlinear large-signal dynamics. Reverse droop control drives the system power angle via reactive power, which renders the conventional transient stability analysis method based on the P-δ curve invalid, making it difficult to analyze the transient stability of converters based on reverse droop control. To address these issues, this paper first establishes an equivalent circuit model of a GFM inverter considering the circular current limiter and virtual impedance. Second, a transient stability analysis method based on the Q-δ curve is proposed, and the conditions for the existence of the system’s transient equilibrium point (TEP) and the influence of virtual impedance parameters on it are analytically derived. Subsequently, a parameter tuning strategy based on Bayesian optimization (BO) is proposed. Finally, simulation results verify the accuracy of the proposed theory. Full article

Conventional soldered interconnects—necessarily requiring high-temperature processes to melt solder (tin)—are posing reliability challenges to crystalline silicon solar cell modules due to residual stress stemming from the mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials involved. On the other hand, electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) have been shown to exhibit sufficiently promising improvements in mechanical and electrical properties to be used as silicon solar cell interconnects. However, the current ECA technology is dominated by ECAs with dispersed silver particles, which makes them costly and could cause embrittlement of the ECA at higher concentrations. This study investigates the potential application of a novel ECA, with composite metal particles, made of a nickel and Sn95Ag4Cu1 solder mixture and dispersed in a high-density polyethylene matrix for the solar cell interconnection. The test PV modules show comparable electrical and mechanical performance to that of soldered cell modules, despite the fact that the ECA application is still rather early in its learning curve. The present study suggests that the novel ECA could lead to a promising alternative to the conventional soldering process and the more costly silver-filled ECAs. Full article

Breakthrough-curve prediction is central to fixed-bed biosorption column design, but data-driven modeling remains challenging with small, unevenly distributed datasets. This study compares a feedforward multilayer perceptron (MLP) with recurrent long short-term memory (LSTM) and bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) networks for simultaneous prediction of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and total chromium breakthrough curves in columns packed with Quercus crassipes acorn shell. A dataset of 14 experimental curves was used, covering variations in pH, influent concentration, flow rate, bed height, and biosorbent mass. Model performance was assessed using Mahalanobis distance (D_M)-based holdout selection, curve-shape evaluation, inter-model coefficient of variation (CoV), and SHAP attribution. All architectures achieved high internal cross-validation accuracy (R² = 0.9879–0.9979; RMSE = 0.0149–0.0309). However, complete-curve holdout performance depended on the excluded condition and chromium response. Under the central holdout condition (D_M = 0.317), R² remained high for both outputs (0.954–0.990). In non-central holdouts, errors also affected curve shape, including breakthrough timing and the approach to saturation. The largest deterioration occurred for Cr(VI) under the peripheral low-flow condition, where the MLP decreased to R² = 0.325, while LSTM and Bi-LSTM retained higher agreement. SHAP attribution confirmed process-consistent effects, with influent concentration and flow rate as dominant predictors and pH contributing more strongly to Cr(VI). These findings show that recurrent architectures can provide more robust representations of complex breakthrough profiles, while CoV–D_M analysis helps identify regions where additional experiments are needed. Full article

Optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) is a steady-state optimization problem used to determine reactive-power-related control settings in AC power systems while satisfying network operating constraints. In renewable-integrated transmission systems, explicitly representing the feasible reactive-power contribution of inverter-interfaced resources is essential, because wind, photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage system (BESS) units cannot operate as unlimited or overly flexible reactive-power sources. Their reactive capability depends on active-power output, apparent-power rating, voltage conditions, and equipment-level capability curves. This paper evaluates the impact of including these capability curves in the solution of the ORPF problem. A MATLAB-DIgSILENT PowerFactory co-simulation framework is implemented, in which MATLAB applies a hybrid particle swarm optimization-pattern search procedure and DIgSILENT PowerFactory performs repeated AC power-flow evaluations using detailed network models and predefined capability limits. The framework is tested on modified IEEE 39-bus and IEEE 118-bus systems with wind, PV, and BESS resources. The results show that neglecting capability curves can produce unrealistic reactive-power allocations for inverter-based units, whereas enforcing these limits shifts the ORPF solution toward operating points consistent with the modeled equipment capability. The study demonstrates the importance of capability-curve representation for obtaining physically meaningful steady-state ORPF results and supports clearer comparison of constrained and unconstrained dispatch cases. Full article

This study evaluates the rapid tooling feasibility and structural significance of utilizing digital light processing (DLP)-printed alumina as a near-net-shape ceramic mold-insert preform route for replication of curved polymer optics. While conventional production tooling for precision optics demands immediate optical-grade tolerances, the fundamental mechanisms governing polymer replication close to additively manufactured ceramic interfaces remain insufficiently understood. To isolate these multi-factor processing signatures, alumina specimens incorporating concave and convex parabolic surfaces were synthesized via lithography-based ceramic manufacturing. Our design acts as a geometric control lens, ensuring that thermal shrinkage trends, slicing kinematics, and interfacial replication behaviors are clearly exposed and quantified under uniform boundary conditions. Following debinding and sintering, exploratory hot-pressing cycles were executed to evaluate gross profile transfer and surface inheritance on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) replicas. Quantitative laser scanning confocal microscopy confirmed successful gross curvature generation and revealed geometry-dependent post-sintering shrinkage trends. The convex inserts exhibited an average peak-to-valley (PV) error of 123.48 ± 3.30 µm and an RMS error of 29.76 ± 1.23 µm, whereas the concave alumina inserts showed an average PV error of 137.98 ± 5.80 µm and an RMS error of 34.68 ± 1.20 µm. The PMMA replicas also showed substantial form deviation, with an average PV error of 163.72 ± 15.64 µm and RMS error of 27.37 ± 2.03 µm. Our work presents a route for producing near-net-shape ceramic mold-insert preforms that transforms complex processing variations into a predictable, mathematically addressable roadmap. A geometry-specific CAD pre-compensation can then be performed while the remaining precision gap can be selectively closed via targeted post-polishing depending on the desired optical application tier. Full article

Background/Objectives: Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a leading cause of vision loss, but current treatments are limited by poor ocular drug penetration and rapid tear clearance. Luteolin (LUT) is a poorly water-soluble natural anti-angiogenic agent. To address this limitation, we develop an ion- and pH-responsive in situ gel system (LUT-NLC-ISG) by incorporating LUT-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (LUT-NLC) into a gellan gum/Carbopol matrix, aiming to enhance ocular bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy against CNV. Methods: LUT-NLC-ISG was optimized using a central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) and characterized by physicochemical properties (particle size, viscosity, gelation behavior). Ocular pharmacokinetics and biodistribution were evaluated in rabbits after a single topical administration. Biocompatibility was assessed via Hen’s egg test–chorioallantoic membrane assay (HET-CAM), Draize tests, and cytotoxicity studies. Therapeutic efficacy and mechanism were investigated in a murine model of alkali burn-induced CNV. Results: The optimized LUT-NLC-ISG had a particle size of 25.27 ± 0.23 nm and exhibited a 45-fold viscosity increase upon simulated tear fluid (STF) exposure. In rabbits, LUT-NLC-ISG significantly increased the bioavailability of LUT in ocular tissues compared with LUT-NLC alone, with 2.57-, 1.83-, and 10.59-fold higher area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) in the cornea, conjunctiva, and tears, respectively and exhibited excellent ocular biocompatibility. In the CNV mouse model, 0.1% (w/v) LUT-NLC-ISG effectively inhibited corneal neovascularization, comparable to 0.025% dexamethasone, and downregulated VEGF-A and MMP-9 expression. Conclusions: LUT-NLC-ISG synergistically combines NLC technology and dual-sensitive in situ gelation to significantly improve LUT ocular bioavailability, offering a promising non-invasive candidate for CNV management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accurate visualization of peroneal perforator vessels prior to autologous transplantation of osteomyocutaneous fibular flap is essential for surgical success. Our aim was to improve and simplify pre-surgical diagnostics of peroneal perforators using a dedicated dual-energy Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) protocol and semiautomatic Vessel Unfolding Reconstruction algorithm (VUR). Methods: CTA of both lower legs was performed in 22 patients using dual-energy acquisitions from a third-generation dual-source CT scanner and a high iodine flux (7 mL/s, 350 mg/mL). Low-energy virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (40 keV) were automatically reconstructed from the scanner and used for centerline labeling of the peroneal arteries and their perforators on a post-processing console using a dedicated vascular workflow. Separate segmentation and curved multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) of each identified peroneal perforator vessel were regarded as the gold standard. Traditional visualization techniques of the entire volume like thin-slice maximum intensity projections (MIPs) or the volume rendering technique (VRT) were compared to a new VUR algorithm that aimed to adjust the visualization plane to the course of the vessels. The identified numbers and lengths of the perforator arteries were compared between curved MPRs, thin-slice MIPs in oblique coronal orientation, posterior-view VRT and coronal VUR of each lower leg. Results: The VUR algorithm was feasible in all patients and the same quantity of peroneal perforator vessels could be detected in comparison to the gold standard. The mean number of perforator vessels per lower leg was 2.6. Mean perforator length in VUR was slightly shorter by 1.6% and did not significantly differ from curved MPRs (p = 0.54), whereas length values from oblique coronal MIP and VRT reconstructions were significantly shorter (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions and the VUR algorithm enables comprehensive and precise depiction of small peroneal perforator vessels prior to autologous fibular flap transplantation, representing a diagnostic tool comparable to traditional visualization methods. Full article

Introduction: There are no data in the literature regarding changes in cardiac troponin levels following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients undergoing ablation for left ventricular summit-derived premature ventricular complexes (LVS-PVCs). In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels after RFA in patients with LVS-PVCs and to evaluate the clinical utility of hs-cTnI in this setting. Method: In this retrospective cohort study, 109 patients with LVS-PVCs who underwent RFA between 2017 and 2025 were included. In addition to routine evaluations, hs-cTnI levels were measured 24 h after the procedure in all patients. Long-term procedural success was assessed at 6 months using 24 h Holter electrocardiography. Patients were divided into two groups according to procedural outcome (successful vs. unsuccessful RFA). Results: In patients with LVS-PVCs, the long-term procedural success rate of RFA was 72.5% (n = 79). Compared with patients with unsuccessful long-term outcomes, those with successful RFA had significantly higher hs-cTnI levels, longer QRS-duration, a higher prevalence of RBBB morphology, more frequent ablation at the left coronary cusp (supravalvular/subvalvular), coronary sinus sites (GCV/AIV), and multiple ablation sites, as well as higher maximum RFA power. In contrast, the maximum deflection index and the presence of a pattern break in lead V2 were significantly lower in patients with long-term procedural success. In logistic regression analysis, hs-cTnI level, maximum RFA power, and ablation within the GCV/AIV were independently associated with RFA success (OR = 1.133, 95% CI: 1.043–1.231, p < 0.001; OR = 1.446, 95% CI: 1.176–1.773, p < 0.001; and OR = 3.281, 95% CI: 1.325–21.219, p = 0.002, respectively). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that hs-cTnI and maximum RFA power thresholds of 700 ng/L and 40 W, respectively, predicted RFA success with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: In patients with LVS-PVCs, hs-cTnI levels increase after RFA. Higher hs-cTnI levels are independently associated with procedural success. Measurement of hs-cTnI at 24 h after RFA may serve as an objective and noninvasive marker of procedural success in patients with LVS-PVCs. Full article

Introduction: The optimal surgical approach for elderly bladder cancer patients remains controversial. We compared perioperative morbidity and short-term outcomes in patients aged ≥ 75 years undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC) versus robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Methods: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was performed including 179 patients aged ≥ 75 years, of whom 101 underwent RARC between 2021 and 2025, and 78 underwent ORC between 2016 and 2020. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 138 patients were analyzed to assess perioperative complications and short-term postoperative outcomes. Pathological outcomes, including pathological stage, tumor grade, lymph node status, and positive surgical margins, were additionally compared between groups. Propensity score matching was performed based on age, body mass index (BMI), pathological stage, comorbidities, prior chemotherapy, and type of urinary diversion. Results: Following propensity score matching, RARC was associated with longer operative time (332 vs. 247 min; p < 0.001) but resulted in significantly lower blood loss (310 vs. 743 mL; p < 0.001), reduced transfusion rates, shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.001), and fewer overall intraoperative complications (8.7% vs. 18.8%; p = 0.04). Patients undergoing RARC also experienced lower rates of any complications (43.5% vs. 62.3%; p = 0.02) and major complications (Clavien–Dindo III–V: 11.6% vs. 27.5%; p = 0.03). Postoperative mortality was low in both groups and did not differ significantly between RARC and ORC (1.4% vs. 2.9%; p = 1.00). In multivariate analysis, surgical approach independently predicted major complications, with RARC conferring a significantly lower risk (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.51–0.88; p = 0.04). Analysis of the learning curve showed a significant reduction in major complications over time for RARC (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.53–0.93; p = 0.01) but not for ORC. Conclusions: RARC offers superior perioperative outcomes, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospitalization, and lower rates of major complications, without differences in short-term pathological outcomes. These data support RARC as a safe and effective option for elderly patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Full article

Fastening screw connections in aluminium alloy photovoltaic (PV) support structures are highly susceptible to premature failure under wind-induced uplift suctions. This paper presents a systematic experimental, numerical, and probabilistic investigation into the tensile pull-out performance and interactive parameters of these joints. Static pull-out tests were performed to classify two typical failure mechanisms: thread stripping combined with base metal tearing (Failure Mode I) and screw shank tensile fracture (Failure Mode II). High-fidelity 3D finite element models incorporating explicit thread geometries were established, matching experimental curves with an error within 5% and accurately replicating micro-stress peeling contours. Furthermore, a multi-stage simulation loop integrating Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was implemented within a large-scale Monte Carlo framework to efficiently quantify parameter sensitivities under the elastic limit state. The global stochastic assessment reveals that the aluminium elastic modulus and RHS wall thickness are the primary positive controlling parameters, exhibiting high sensitivity coefficients of 0.44 and 0.40, respectively. Conversely, the profile width renders a significant negative sensitivity due to local out-of-plane flexing. These quantified indicators provide crucial structural optimisation directives for ensuring the safety of solar tracking and racking systems. Full article

Autonomous Cyber–Physical Systems (CPS) must jointly satisfy energy efficiency, accuracy, and real-time constraints, which are typically treated separately in existing methods. This paper proposes a verifiable service-oriented CPS framework for energy-aware autonomous navigation using a high-fidelity cyber–physical twin. The approach integrates physics-based Model Predictive Control (MPC) with explicit power modeling ($P=F·v$) and Dubins curve-based trajectory generation under the 5C (connection, conversion, cyber, cognition, and configuration) architecture using CARLA for synchronized cyber–physical interaction. The proposed method achieves 30.7% reduction in mean power consumption and 12.5% reduction in total energy usage while maintaining sub-centimeter tracking error (<0.05 m). Mission duration increases by 26.3% with only 7% computational overhead, confirming real-time feasibility. The framework provides a verifiable CPS methodology that unifies physics-based control, digital twin synchronization, and service-oriented design for energy-aware autonomous navigation. Full article

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs), including pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF), and bullous pemphigoid (BP), are mediated by autoantibodies against desmogleins (DSG1, DSG3) or hemidesmosomal proteins (BP180, BP230). While enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is commonly applied for antibody detection, chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) offers advantages such as a broader dynamic range and higher automation. To compare the diagnostic performance of CLIA and ELISA for detecting autoantibodies in patients with AIBDs, we collected 255 serum samples (92 controls, 84 BP, 69 PV, 10 PF) and 85 blister fluid samples (42 controls, 43 BP). Serum was tested for anti-BP180, anti-BP230, anti-DSG1, and anti-DSG3 antibodies using both assays; blister fluid was tested for anti-BP180 and anti-BP230. Using established cut-offs, the assays demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for anti-BP180, anti-DSG1, and anti-DSG3 in serum, and excellent concordance (>90%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed acceptable to excellent diagnostic value for both sample types, with CLIA generally achieving a higher area under the curve. Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analyses confirmed moderate to strong agreement between the two methods. In conclusion, CLIA showed strong concordance with and comparable diagnostic accuracy to ELISA for AIBD serodiagnosis. Furthermore, this is the first study to evaluate CLIA for autoantibody detection in blister fluid from BP patients, demonstrating that blister fluid may serve as a less invasive sample type for diagnosis. Our cut-off analysis in a treated cohort also suggested that manufacturer-recommended thresholds may yield false-negative results, highlighting the need for population-specific reference intervals. Full article

Long-term energy system models often represent renewable energy technologies using aggregated potentials and average capacity factors, which may insufficiently reflect the spatial and technological heterogeneity of weather-dependent resources. This study develops and implements resource- and performance-based renewable energy supply curves for solar photovoltaics, onshore wind and offshore wind in the TIMES-PL energy system model for Poland. These supply curves are coupled with time-dependent techno-economic assumptions in TIMES-PL, allowing the modelled attractiveness of individual renewable resource classes to change across model years. The proposed approach combines spatial resource assessment, GIS-based data processing and differentiated hourly capacity factor profiles. The supply curves were constructed using data from the JRC ENSPRESO database, the PVGIS interface and the Copernicus Climate Data Store, with QGIS applied to classify renewable resource potential according to regional conditions, wind farm location and photovoltaic panel orientation. Two model scenarios were compared: a base scenario without supply curves and a scenario with implemented supply curves. The results show that incorporating spatial and technological constraints changes the modelled optimal capacity mix, although the overall system-level differences remain moderate. Accordingly, the results should be interpreted primarily in terms of installed capacity expansion rather than as a full comparison of system costs, electricity generation, unit dispatch or balancing effects. The total installed capacity in the supply-curve scenario is 1.91–3.44 GW higher than in the base scenario, corresponding to less than 3% of total system capacity. This increase results from the model being required to use renewable resource classes with lower capacity factors once the most favourable potentials are fully utilised. This study demonstrates that renewable energy supply curves can improve the representation of spatially differentiated renewable deployment options in long-term national energy system modelling. Full article