Search Results (5,772)

Accurate prediction of state-of-charge (SoC) is critical to ensure battery performance, extend lifetime and ensure safety. Data-driven methods for SoC prediction are highly adaptable and generalizable. However, the current method of estimating SoC using a single model suffers from the difficulty of accommodating both global variations in the long time domain and local variations in the short time domain, which in turn leads to limited accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a dual-model fusion of Transformer and long short-term memory (LSTM) network for SoC estimation. Transformer and LSTM are used to capture the global change features of the battery in the long time domain and the local change features in the short time domain, respectively. First, we employ a single model to obtain separate SoC estimations for the long-term and short-term domains. Then, we fuse these long-term and short-term estimations using a neural network. Finally, we apply Kalman filtering to process the fused data and obtain the final SoC estimation. The proposed method is finally validated under different operating conditions and different temperatures, respectively. The results show that the root mean square error of the fused model is as low as 1.69%. This method can fully combine the advantages of LSTM for short-time sequences and Transformer for long-time sequence capture. The fused model is able to achieve satisfactory estimation accuracy under different temperatures and different working conditions with high accuracy and adaptability. Full article

In lateral-joint-widening projects of multi-span continuous concrete box girder bridges, significant discrepancies in longitudinal shrinkage, creep deformation, and vertical displacement between the existing and newly added bridge sections can lead to stress concentration and subsequent concrete cracking. Notably, such incompatibility often results in pronounced overall lateral bending deformation, which compromises the structural safety and service reliability of the widened bridge. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel sliding-type transverse connection structure. This innovative connection enables the independent development of longitudinal shrinkage and creep deformation in the new bridge superstructure relative to the old one through a sliding mechanism, thereby effectively mitigating stress concentration and minimizing overall bending deformation caused by differential deformations. To validate the feasibility and elucidate the load transfer mechanism of the proposed structure, both scaled model tests and finite element simulations were conducted. The results indicate that the connection not only effectively coordinates longitudinal deformation differences and accommodates vertical deformation between the flange plates of the new and old bridges, but also ensures efficient transverse load transfer through shear force transmission. The structural behavior is primarily governed by shear stress distribution. These findings demonstrate that the sliding-type transverse connection significantly improves deformation compatibility in bridge widening applications, thereby enhancing the mechanical performance and safety reliability of the overall structure. Full article

This study provides new equivalent descriptions of the Bounded Lower Oscillation ($\mathrm{BLO}$) space through Luxemburg-type $L^{\phi }$ integrability conditions, where $\phi$ is a nonnegative function with either convexity or concavity. The framework accommodates various representative forms of $\phi$, such as the power function $\phi \left(t\right)=t^p$, exponential-type functions $\phi \left(t\right)=e^{pt}-1$, and logarithmic functions $\phi \left(t\right)={log}_{+}^{k}t$, with parameters $p\in (0,\infty )$ and $k\in \mathbb{N}$. These results unify and extend existing characterizations of $\mathrm{BLO}$ by encompassing a broad class of generating functions. Full article

This article introduces the innovative Quantum Dining Information Brokers Problem, presenting a novel entanglement-based quantum protocol to address it. The scenario involves n information brokers, all located in distinct geographical regions, engaging in a metaphorical virtual dinner. The objective is for each broker to share a unique piece of information with all the others simultaneously. Unlike previous approaches, this protocol enables a fully parallel, single-step communication exchange among all the brokers, regardless of their physical locations. A key feature of this protocol is its ability to ensure that both the anonymity and privacy of all the participants are preserved, meaning that no broker can discern the identity of the sender of any received information. At its core, the Quantum Dining Information Brokers Problem serves as a conceptual framework for achieving anonymous, untraceable, and massively parallel information exchange in a distributed system. The proposed protocol introduces three significant advancements. First, while quantum protocols for one-to-many simultaneous information transmission have been developed, this is, to the best of our knowledge, one of the first quantum protocols to facilitate many-to-many simultaneous information exchange. Second, it guarantees complete anonymity and untraceability for all senders, a critical improvement over sequential applications of one-to-many protocols, which fail to ensure such robust anonymity. Third, leveraging quantum entanglement, the protocol operates in a fully distributed manner, accommodating brokers in diverse spatial locations. This approach marks a substantial advancement in secure, scalable, and anonymous communication, with potential applications in distributed environments where privacy and parallelism are paramount. Full article

During pregnancy, physiological adaptations occur in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems to support the increased metabolic needs of both mother and fetus. Key respiratory changes include mechanical adjustments of the chest wall and diaphragm to accommodate the growing uterus; decreases in functional residual capacity and its components—expiratory reserve volume and residual volume—with minimal or no change in total lung capacity; and an increase in minute ventilation. Major cardiovascular adaptations involve elevated cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate, and decreased mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. During exercise in pregnancy, there is an increase in ventilation, alveolar diffusion, elevated oxygen consumption, greater carbon dioxide production and changes in respiratory volumes and capacities, as well as increases in cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate. Understanding these normal physiological changes during pregnancy and exercise in pregnancy is essential for healthcare providers to develop and adapt exercise programs according to the gestational age and physical fitness level of the pregnant woman. Full article

Amid expanding higher education and enhancing spatial quality, modern university campuses face challenges including inefficient space utilization and a disconnect from human-centered design. We developed a coupled model that integrates the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with space syntax theory to identify and address functional fragmentation, limited accessibility, and diminished spatial vitality. The Delphi method was employed to determine weights on visual and traffic influence factors. Through spatial quantitative analysis using Depthmap software, we estimated spatial-efficiency discrepancies across 11 component types, including school gates, teaching buildings, and libraries. A case study was conducted at a university located in the hilly terrain of Conghua District, Guangzhou, China which revealed significant contradictions between subjective evaluations and objective data at components, such as the administrative building and gymnasium. These contradictions led to poor visual permeability, excessive path redundancy, and imbalanced functional layouts. Based on the results of this study, targeted optimization strategies were proposed, including permeable interface designs, path network reconfiguration, and the implementation of dynamic functional modules. These interventions were tailored to accommodate the humid subtropical climate, balancing shading, ventilation, and visual transparency. In this study, methodological support for the renovation of existing campus infrastructure was provided as theoretical and technical references for space renewal in tropical and subtropical academic environments and the enhancement of the quality and resilience of campus spaces. The results also broadened the application of interdisciplinary methods in university planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Incretin-based therapies have demonstrated benefits in glycemic control and the prevention of long-term complications of diabetes. In addition to glucose-dependent insulin secretion stimulation, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) also inhibits gastric acid secretion, delays gastric emptying, inhibits gut motility and induces satiety. We aimed to understand the modulation of gastric fundus motility by GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). Methods: We have studied the relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and noradrenaline (NA) of gastric fundus isolated from Wistar rats and Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, an animal model of spontaneous non-obese type 2 diabetes, after Liraglutide treatment (200 μg/kg s.c., b.i.d., 14 days). Results: Decreased relaxation induced by SNP and NA (0.01–889 μM) was observed in treated groups, with no significant changes in SNP maximum relaxation or in nNOS/p-nNOS levels between treated and non-treated rats of both animal models. Accordingly, in rat gastric fundus pre-contracted with 5 µM of carbachol, GLP-1RA (0.05–111.1 nM) induced contractile responses that were GLP-1R-dependent and -independent. Exenatide showed more intrinsic activity, while Liraglutide showed more potency than GLP-1 in Wistar rats. Moreover, GLP-1 showed more intrinsic activity in diabetic rats compared to control ones. Conclusions: Liraglutide-induced increased gastric muscle tone may contribute to the significant decrease in caloric intake and body weight in all treated rats, causing a reduction in gastric accommodation during food intake. Thus, the increased gastric fundus tone induced by GLP-1RA may constitute a peripheral mechanism by which they can reduce food intake and induce satiety. Full article

Background and Objectives: Music therapy has been used as a non-pharmacological treatment for neurological conditions, supporting cognitive, psychosocial, behavioural and motor functions. Although it is evidence-based, safe, and cost-effective, music therapy remains uncommon in neurorehabilitation services, largely due to a lack of quality research. This review aims to understand the effect of music therapy on psychological outcomes for neurological conditions using randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Materials and Methods: A systematic review of literature published in four databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus which is inclusive of Medline and EMBASE) from 1 January 2015 to 31 January 2025 was performed. Results: Ten RCT’s comprising 469 participants were included in this review, with seven studies synthesised using a systematic review without meta-analysis approach. MT was found to improve cognitive function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), but not in those with stroke or Huntington’s disease (HD). In HD, improvements in cognitive function were noted in the comparator group. MT led to significant improvements in emotional well-being in stroke survivors, though not in mood. Behavioural outcomes did not significantly improve in HD, while quality of life improved following MT for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke. Conclusions: Overall, MT was perceived as a positive intervention with potential psychological benefits. However, findings were mixed, and the heterogeneity of population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design limited the ability to detect group differences and reduced confidence in the findings. Future research should focus on larger-scale RCTs that reduce bias, accommodate population diversity, and clearly define and distinguish MT from treatment-as-usual. Better standardisation of outcomes and improved reporting will be essential to evaluate the efficacy of music therapy in neurological conditions and strengthen the evidence base for its use in clinical practice. Full article

In response to the urgent need for performance predictions of damaged aerospace structures, this study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the flutter characteristics of damaged variable-stiffness composite laminate (VSCL) plates. The governing boundary value problem for the dynamics of damaged VSCL plates is formulated using first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Additionally, the first-order piston theory is utilized to model the aerodynamic pressure in supersonic airflow. A novel coupling methodology is developed through the integration of penalty function methods and irregular mapping techniques, which effectively establishes the interaction between damaged and undamaged plate elements. The vibration characteristics and aeroelastic responses are systematically analyzed using the Chebyshev differential quadrature method (CDQM). The validity of the proposed model is thoroughly demonstrated through comparative analyses with the existing literature and finite element simulations, confirming its computational accuracy and broad applicability. A notable characteristic of this research is its ability to accommodate arbitrary geometric configurations within damaged regions. The numerical results unequivocally demonstrate that accurately predicting the flutter characteristics of damaged VSCL plates constitutes an effective strategy for mitigating structural stability degradation. This approach provides valuable insights for aerospace structural design and maintenance. Full article

(1) Background: This study investigates the impact of digital device usage on the visual system, with a focus on binocular vision. It also highlights the importance of objective assessment in accurately diagnosing and guiding therapeutic approaches for Digital Eye Strain Syndrome (DESS). (2) Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to synthesize existing evidence. The methodological quality of observational and case–control studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale, while randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB 2) tool. (3) Results: Fifteen articles were included in this review, with a predominant focus on binocular vision anomalies, particularly accommodative and vergence dysfunctions, as well as ocular surface anomalies related to DESS. Clinical assessments relied primarily on symptom-based questionnaires, which represent a significant limitation. The included studies were largely observational, with a lack of longitudinal and RCTs. In contrast, research in dry eye disease has been more comprehensive, with multiple RCTs already conducted. (4) Therefore, it is essential to develop validated objective metrics that support accurate clinical diagnosis and guide evidence-based interventions. Conclusions: It remains unclear whether changes in binocular vision are a cause or consequence of DESS. However, prolonged screen time can exacerbate pre-existing binocular vision anomalies due to continuous strain on convergence and accommodation, leading to symptoms. Future research should prioritize prospective longitudinal studies and well-designed RCTs that integrate objective clinical measures to elucidate causal relationships and improve diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks. Full article

This study first situates the discourse on Proudhon’s federalism and nationalism within the framework of his comprehensive economic, social, and philosophical system. Proudhon attempts to construct a federalism based on an associational and decentralized political structure that could accommodate plural groups and avoid the exclusive interpretation of sovereignty that prevailed in nationalism at the time. Such federalism is not only a design of political institutions but also a reflection of his economic mutualism and the idea of commutative justice. Then, this study proposes a relatively concise and intuitive dual critique framework to focus on how his federalism directly refutes nationalism. Proudhon’s federalism aims to protect the culture, language, and identity of minority groups from the oppression of the unitary nation-state internally, and advocates the establishment of an external confederation beyond national borders to eliminate national conflicts and achieve universal peace. Full article

The development of adaptive and comfortable sports bras is essential for adolescents, who experience rapid changes in body morphology during growth. Traditional bras, often made with molded polyurethane bra pads, frequently fail to accommodate these variations, leading to discomfort and poor fit. This study investigates the design of a flexible-fit bra utilizing advanced knitting technology and bio-based materials, including organic cotton and renewable acetate, to enhance comfort and adaptability. The bra, crafted from bio-based yarns, offers stretchability, breathability, and fit, allowing it to adapt to various breast shapes and sizes. Such a bra design is particularly suitable for adolescents undergoing rapid growth. This study includes assessments of material properties and user feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and identify areas for improvement. Positive results were reported from both material tests and subjective evaluations, confirming the effectiveness of the design. The seamless knitting minimizes irritation, while the inlay spacer fabric absorbs impact, and the pointelle structure improves moisture management. Adjustable components enhance adaptability and ensure a flexible fit. This study highlights the potential of knitted biomaterials for creating adaptive intimate apparel, offering a scalable solution for size-inclusive fashion. Full article

A systematic fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework is proposed to prioritize near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) for a boulder capture mission, addressing the requirement for rigorous prioritization of asteroid candidates under conditions of data uncertainty. Twenty-eight NEA candidates were first selected through filtering based on physical and orbital properties. Then, objective fuzzy weighting MCDM methods (statistical variance, CRITIC, and MEREC) were applied to determine the importance of criteria such as capture cost, synodic period, rotation rate, orbit determination accuracy, and similarity to other candidates. Subsequent fuzzy ranking MCDM techniques (WASPAS, TOPSIS, MARCOS) generated nine prioritization schemes whose coherence was assessed via correlation analysis. An innovative sensitivity analysis employing Dirichlet-distributed random sampling around reference weights quantified ranking robustness. All methodologies combinations consistently identified the same top four asteroids, with 2013 NJ ranked first in every scenario, and stability metrics confirmed resilience to plausible weight variations. The modular MCDM methodology proposed provides mission planners with a reliable, adaptable decision support tool for asteroid selection, demonstrably narrowing broad candidate pools to robust targets while accommodating future data updates. Full article

The production of biobutanol from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising route toward sustainable biofuels, but current research is limited due to the use of commercial simulation tools, incomplete process modeling, and insufficient variation in available feedstock. The current work addresses these gaps by developing and evaluating a complete process simulation for biobutanol production using the open-source software DWSIM. A process flow diagram was established based on a comprehensive literature review, and relevant experimental data were collected to guide simulation inputs and validate results. Six process configurations were developed, using dilute acid and autohydrolysis as pretreatment methods, and assessed based on parameters such as feedstock composition, conversion efficiency, and enzymatic hydrolysis performance. Simulation results show that DWSIM effectively models key stages of biobutanol production and accommodates variations in pretreatment and hydrolysis conditions. Processing solid fractions of pretreated biomass yields higher biobutanol concentrations than using liquid prehydrolysate alone, and the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis strongly influences the final output. This work demonstrates that DWSIM is a viable platform for simulating biofuel processes and offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative for early-stage process development, followed by process design with implications for future biorefinery integration and technology scaling. Full article

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by recurring symptoms in response to low-level chemical exposures that are typically well-tolerated by the general population. Despite the debilitating health impact of MCS, public indifference and prevailing skepticism often result in stigma, misinformation, and systemic barriers that obstruct individuals’ access to essential environments. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of individuals with MCS, focusing on how their condition is misunderstood and the factors that contribute to misconceptions about MCS. Seven focus group transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis in NVivo. Participants (aged 50–60) were drawn from various regions in Canada. One main category emerged from the analysis, centred on misconceptions influenced by policy and community factors. This category was divided into four themes, each with subcategories: (1) Psychological misattribution of MCS, (2) Healthcare and Institutional Gaps, (3) Policy Barriers, Compliance, and Resistance, and (4) Commercial Influences and Misleading Practises. These themes suggest a need for improvements in policies and transparency related to chemicals used in household and personal-care products, institutional compliance with fragrance-free guidelines, and increased awareness of MCS to reduce stigma and misconceptions. Addressing these issues can lead to adequate accommodations and support systems, which significantly improve quality of life. Full article