Search Results (2,861)

Conventional shared energy storage (SES) allocation and coordinated operation mechanism are mismatched with the actual time-varying demand of the distribution system, resulting in low utilization of energy storage and renewable energy sources (RES), which restricts the system operational efficiency and RES integration. To solve this issue, this paper proposes a centralized shared energy storage (CSES) optimization framework for AC/DC distribution systems with dual-time-scale coordination to address this issue. Firstly, optimal scheduling models for AC/DC distribution systems are formulated. Secondly, a novel CSES optimization framework is established where a large-scale CSES directly connects to multiple subnetworks. This framework maximizes RES utilization by coordinating CSES operation, leveraging complementary RES potential. Thirdly, based on dual-time-scale coordination, intraday stage adjustments are made based on the day-ahead scheduling to accommodate and coordinate with source–load changes. Day-ahead SOC trajectory is processed using linear interpolation to obtain intraday SOC trajectory, ensuring that the state of charge (SOC) constraints are satisfied. An alternating direction multiplication method (ADMM) algorithm is used to coordinate the intraday optimization. Finally, case studies on an AC/DC distribution system comprising three IEEE 33-node AC subnetworks show that the proposed strategy can increase the RES utilization rate to 99.31%, 88.10%, and 99.91%, and reduce the operational cost by 16.51%. Full article

Abstract: Background: Accurately assessing eating disorder (ED) severity and treatment progress is essential for effective intervention. The Comprehensive and Continuous Tool to Assess Severity and Improvement of Eating Disorders (CONTASI-ED) was developed to address limitations in existing assessments by incorporating behavioral, cognitive, and physiological markers. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties and sensitivity to symptom changes of the CONTASI-ED in a community-based clinical sample of women with ED. Methods: Participants were 58 females diagnosed with EDs and 10 healthy controls. The CONTASI-ED assessments were conducted over multiple time points in outpatient and intensive treatment settings. We examined reliability, validity, and sensitivity to treatment-related change. The CONTASI-ED scores were compared with EAT-26, and multivariable analyses explored the effects of body mass index (BMI), age, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on symptom trajectories. Results: The CONTASI-ED demonstrated strong reliability, with test–retest correlations between 0.72 and 0.90 and inter-rater reliability of 0.68–0.95. The tool effectively distinguished ED patients from healthy controls (p < 0.001) and correlated strongly with EAT-26. Significant reductions in the CONTASI-ED scores over time (p < 0.001) reflected treatment-related improvements—although temporary score increases highlighted greater self-awareness and symptom disclosure. BMI, age, and PTSD significantly influenced symptom severity and treatment response. Conclusions: The CONTASI-ED demonstrated strong reliability and validity in distinguishing clinical and non-clinical cases and in tracking treatment-related changes. However, the findings are based on a relatively small, all-female sample, underscoring the need for further validation in more diverse populations. Full article

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC), the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, exhibits a persistently low five-year survival rate (13%). While the global burden of PC among individuals aged 15–59 years has declined, trends in China remain understudied. This study evaluates global and national trends in PC incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021 and projects trajectories to 2045. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we calculated age-standardized rates (ASRs) for 204 countries/territories. Joinpoint (version: 5.3.0.0) regression identified temporal trends via average annual percentage changes (AAPCs), and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) modeling forecasted future burdens. Results: Globally, PC burden declined among 15–59-year-olds (AAPC for incidence: −0.8%, 95% UI: −1.2 to −0.4). However, China experienced a significant reversal after 2009, with incidence rising by 1.5% annually (95% UI: 0.9–2.1), disproportionately affecting males. Smoking (contributing to 22.2% of DALYs in China) and high fasting plasma glucose (15%) emerged as key modifiable risk factors, while elevated BMI exacerbated burdens in high SDI regions (3.1% of DALYs). Projections indicate a continued surge in China’s PC burden by 2045, particularly among males (incidence projected to increase by 50% from 2010 to 2045). Conclusions: High SDI regions exhibit concentrated PC burdens linked to lifestyle factors, whereas China’s rising trends align with healthcare expansion and metabolic disease proliferation. Targeted interventions—smoking cessation, glycemic control, and weight management—are imperative to mitigate growing burdens in younger populations. This study highlights the urgent need for region-specific strategies to address evolving epidemiological challenges in PC prevention and control. Full article

Cancer progression is a complex, multi-stage development process characterized by dynamic changes at the molecular level. Understanding these changes may provide new insights into tumorigenesis and potential therapeutic targets. This study focuses on the evolutionary transcriptomics of cancer, specifically analyzing the Transcriptome Age Index (TAI) across different pathological stages. By examining various cancers at four distinct pathological stages, we identify a significant «hourglass» pattern in TAI indices of ductal carcinoma of the breast, bladder carcinoma, and liver carcinoma, suggesting a conserved evolutionary trajectory during tumor development. The results reveal that early and late stages of these cancers exhibit higher TAI values, indicative of more novel gene expression, while intermediate stages show a dip in TAI, reflecting a more ancient evolutionary origin of expressed genes. This «hourglass» pattern underscores the evolutionary constraints and innovations at play during tumor progression. Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that evolutionary principles are deeply embedded in cancer biology, offering new perspectives on the dynamics of gene expression in tumors. Full article

Background and Objectives: Maternal dyslipidaemia and low-grade inflammation are recognised drivers of in utero vascular remodelling, yet composite dynamic markers that integrate lipid–glycaemic, inflammatory and endothelial signals have not been evaluated. We investigated whether eight-week trajectories in the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) outperform single-timepoint lipids for predicting fetal aortic remodelling. Materials and Methods: In a prospective repeated-measures study, 90 singleton pregnancies were examined at 24–26 weeks (Visit-1) and 32–34 weeks (Visit-2). At each visit, we obtained fasting lipids, TyG index, hsCRP, IL-6, oxidative-stress markers (MDA, NOx), brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid IMT and uterine-artery Doppler, together with advanced fetal ultrasonography (abdominal-aorta IMT, ventricular strain, Tei-index, fetal pulse-wave velocity). Mothers were grouped by k-means clustering of the visit-to-visit change (Δ) in TG, TyG, hsCRP, IL-6 and FMD into three Metabolic-Inflammatory Response Phenotypes (MIRP-1/2/3). Linear mixed-effects models and extreme-gradient-boosting quantified associations and predictive performance. Results: Mean gestational TG rose from 138.6 ± 14.1 mg/dL to 166.9 ± 15.2 mg/dL, TyG by 0.21 ± 0.07 units and FMD fell by 1.86 ± 0.45%. MIRP-3 (“Metabolic + Inflammatory”; n = 31) showed the largest change (Δ) Δ-hsCRP (+0.69 mg/L) and Δ-FMD (–2.8%) and displayed a fetal IMT increase of +0.17 ± 0.05 mm versus +0.07 ± 0.03 mm in MIRP-1 (p < 0.001). Mixed-effects modelling identified Δ-TyG (β = +0.054 mm per unit), Δ-IL-6 (β = +0.009 mm) and Δ-FMD (β = –0.007 mm per %) as independent determinants of fetal IMT progression. An XGBoost model incorporating these Δ-variables predicted high fetal IMT (≥90th percentile) with AUROC 0.88, outperforming logistic regression (AUROC 0.74). Conclusions: A short-term surge in maternal TyG, IL-6 and endothelial dysfunction delineates a high-risk phenotype that doubles fetal aortic wall thickening and impairs myocardial performance. Composite dynamic indices demonstrated superior predictive value compared with individual lipid markers. Full article

Recently, an accelerometer-based device (Vienna Surface Tester (VST)) has been developed for testing the surface characteristics of floors, beddings and turf grounds. The accelerometers are placed in a sphere, which will be dropped in free fall on a test surface. By observing changes in acceleration during impact, researchers can deduce various material characteristics. A down-sized version of this device (Surface Tester of Food Resilience (STFR)) has been proposed for texture testing of foods. Whereas the movement of the VST can be described by the laws of free fall, the STFR follows a constrained circular path due to its attachment to a rod and swivel. We refined the mathematical representation of the different phases of the STFR spherical probe’s trajectory (fall, impact and rebound), and we modified the mathematical models for the STFR probe to extend the measurement range. Full article

The interspecies transmission of avian influenza viruses remains a significant public health concern. H6 viruses have gained attention following the first human infection by a chicken-origin H6N1 virus (A/Taiwan/02/2013, Hu/13), highlighting their zoonotic potential. To understand the evolutionary trajectory and mammalian adaptation of this Taiwan lineage, we compared two avian isolates (A/Chicken/Taiwan/CF19/2009, Ck/09; A/Chicken/Taiwan/2267/2012, Ck/12) and Hu/13 in vitro and in vivo. Hu/13 exhibited enhanced replication in MDCK cells, producing larger plaques and higher viral titers than Ck/09 and Ck/12. In BALB/c mice, Hu/13 demonstrated the highest pathogenicity and mortality, followed by Ck/12, while Ck/09 induced minimal morbidity. Hu/13 and Ck/12 replicated efficiently in respiratory tissues, eliciting robust cytokine responses and severe pulmonary lesions. In ferrets, Hu/13 showed relatively efficient transmission, infecting all direct physical-contact and two out of three airborne-contact ferrets, whereas Ck/09 failed to transmit. Histopathology confirmed escalating lung pathology from Ck/09 to Ck/12 and Hu/13. Whole-genome sequencing identified adaptive mutations in Hu/13 during ferret replication, though no canonical mammalian-adaptive changes (e.g., PB2-E627K or HA-Q226L) were detected. These findings demonstrate progressive mammalian adaptation, replication efficiency, and transmissibility within the Taiwan H6N1 lineage. Enhanced surveillance is crucial to monitor mammalian-adaptive mutations, informing pandemic preparedness and public health strategies. Full article

Longitudinal research provides critical insights into the evolving health trajectories of immigrants, capturing changes from initial arrival through to long-term settlement. However, longitudinal studies on immigrant health in Canada face persistent methodological challenges that limit their impact and policy relevance. This review critically examines 34 peer-reviewed articles, published between 1996 and 2024, that employed longitudinal data to investigate physical and mental health outcomes among Canadian immigrants. We identify key methodological limitations, including a heavy reliance on earlier datasets (71% of studies used data collected between 1994 and 2007), oversimplified outcome measures (e.g., collapsing continuous or Likert-scale variables into dichotomous categories without clear justification), the limited use of appropriate longitudinal methods, and the inadequate handling of missing data. Advancing immigrant health research in Canada will require enhanced data infrastructure, greater methodological rigor, and more transparent reporting practices to better inform evidence-based policy. This review offers researchers and policymakers a clear summary of existing methodological gaps and presents practical strategies to strengthen future longitudinal research on immigrant health in Canada. Full article

Objectives: This retrospective study evaluated the short-term effects of removable slow maxillary expansion (SME) on eruption patterns of labially ectopic canines in a Chinese pediatric population, comparing treated patients with untreated controls. Methods: Seventy-six patients (mean age 8.38 ± 0.88 years) underwent SME treatment for 11.04 ± 4.44 months. Canine positions were categorized as labial ectopic (TE: n = 40) or normally positioned (TN: n = 112). The TE group was stratified vertically: superior (TES; n = 15, canines above lateral incisors’ roots or adjacent to unerupted incisors) and inferior (TEI; n = 25, canines adjacent to erupted lateral incisors’ roots). Untreated controls (n = 58; mean age 8.46 ± 0.78 years) included labial ectopic (CE group; n = 32) and normal canines (CN group; n = 84), with CE further divided vertically into CES (n = 24) and CEI (n = 8). Panoramic radiographs at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1) evaluated sector distribution, midline proximity (3c-ML: canine cusp to midline distance), vertical position (3c-OP: cusp to occlusal plane distance), and angular (3^ML: canine-midline angle). Results: SME significantly improved midline proximity (3c-ML increased) while reducing vertical height (3c-OP decreased) and angulation (3^ML reduced) in the TE group. Notably, TE patients revealed a significantly greater increase in 3c-ML compared to CE. Subgroup analysis showed that TEI canines exhibited significant improvements in all three parameters (3c-OP, 3c-ML, and 3^ML), whereas TES canines displayed minimal changes. The shifts in sector distribution were similar between the treatment and control groups. Conclusions: SME demonstrated short-term efficacy in guiding labially ectopic canines toward more favorable eruption trajectories, particularly when erupted beyond the roots of the lateral incisor. The observed positional improvements underscore SME’s potential to optimize eruption outcomes during early orthodontic intervention. Full article

Conventional successive approximation recursive (SAR) control hybrid low-dropout regulators (LDOs) have problems such as significant reverse overshoot and discontinuous current switching. Based on trajectory optimization in the phase plane, this paper presented initial/last-state-correlated SAR control to address the aforementioned issues. Firstly, the operating principles of the conventional SAR controller are elucidated, which is depicted by a finite state machine (FSM). Secondly, large reverse overshoot and discontinuous current switching of the SAR control hybrid LDO are analyzed through the phase plane trajectory. Then, the initial/last-state SAR control is proposed by FSM to optimize the trajectory, thereby reducing the reverse overshoot and smoothing current switching. Finally, a series of design challenges of the initial/last-state-correlated SAR control are discussed. Implemented at 1.11 mm × 0.567 mm in a 180 nm bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process, under a 0.1 nF output capacitor, the 6-bit hybrid LDO in this paper achieved an output voltage overshoot of 76 mV and a transient time of 18.8 μs at a 152 mA load current change. The experimental result demonstrates the distinct dynamic response advantages of the initial/last-state SAR control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Identifying the factors influencing compliance is essential to improve the effectiveness of interventions. However, no study has examined factors that influence the longitudinal patterns of obesity intervention compliance. We aim to identify the longitudinal trajectories of parental and child compliance using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) and assess the influencing factors. Methods: The Diet, ExerCIse, and CarDiovascular hEalth Children (DECIDE-Children) was a 9-month app-assisted obesity prevention intervention targeted 8–10-year-old children. Altogether, 684 child–parent pairs from the intervention group were included. Parents were required to use the mobile app to learn health knowledge, monitor children’s diet and exercise behaviors, manage children’s weight, and received the assessment results. Parental compliance was assessed as the monthly usage times and duration of the mobile app. For child compliance, we used data recorded by parents in the “behavior monitoring” module. We employed group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) to identify distinct trajectories of parental and child compliance and examined their associations with childhood obesity outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify the influencing factors associated with the identified compliance groups. Results: Distinct trajectory groups of parental and child compliance were identified. The compliance trajectories of parents and children are related to the extent of changes in the child’s obesity-related outcomes (waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage. p < 0.05). A majority of parents were classified into the “relatively low compliance” group. Parents in this group was associated with having a daughter (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.31) and the father having a higher education level (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.60). For children, 20.2% were assigned to the “decreasing compliance” group. Children in this group were more likely to have a younger mother (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10) and parents with poorer compliance (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.16, 5.47). Conclusions: Both student and parental compliance were shown to influence the effectiveness of childhood obesity interventions, highlighting the need to prioritize the assessment and promotion of compliance in such interventions. Child sex, paternal educational level, and maternal age were identified as significant factors associated with compliance, while the level of family involvement was found to play a pivotal role in fostering healthy behaviors in children. These findings suggest that future intervention strategies should place greater emphasis on engaging families and providing targeted supervision and support for populations at risk of lower compliance in order to enhance intervention outcomes. Full article

Ageing is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with increasing evidence highlighting the exposome as a key determinant of healthspan. This review explores the impact of environmental exposures, focusing in particular on pollution, endocrine disruptors, and climate change on the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, and metabolic disorders. Additionally, it examines protective factors that contribute to healthy ageing. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2025. Findings indicate that chronic exposure to pollutants accelerates cellular ageing through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic dysregulation. In contrast, longevity hotspots—Blue Zones, Cilento and the mountain villages of Sicily (Sicani and Madonie Mountains)—illustrate how traditional dietary patterns, strong social structures, and reduced environmental toxicity contribute to exceptional health and longevity. Mechanistically, exposome-driven alterations in immune-inflammatory pathways and epigenetic regulation play a central role in modulating ageing trajectories. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted strategies to mitigate harmful exposures and enhance protective factors. This review underscores the urgent need for integrative public health policies that address the environmental determinants of ageing, ultimately promoting a longer and healthier lifespan. Full article

Understanding the evolution of societal values is crucial amidst globalization and migration. This study aimed to (1) map Portugal’s basic human values (BHVs) profile in 2020 through comparison with six European countries (Bulgaria, France, United Kingdom, Hungary, Italy, and Norway) and (2) analyze Portugal’s BHVs trajectory from 2002 to 2020. Drawing on Schwartz’s theory and European Social Survey (ESS) data, we applied descriptive statistics, similarity indices, post-stratification weighting, and trend analysis after extensive data cleaning. Results indicate that in 2020, Portugal displayed high self-transcendence and relatively high openness to change, aligning most closely with the United Kingdom and Hungary. Longitudinal analysis revealed a shift after 2012, marked by rising hedonism, stimulation, and self-direction, and declining conformity. These value dynamics offer insights into future societal demands and potential tensions. Moreover, Portugal’s emerging value configuration—balancing self-transcendence with growing openness—may foster economic opportunities by enhancing attractiveness for innovation ecosystems (linked to self-direction and stimulation), experience-driven tourism (hedonism), and investments aligned with sustainable and social goals (universalism and benevolence). Monitoring value changes remains essential to anticipate societal transformations and inform policy design. Full article

This work studies the water-exit problems of slender cylinders under various conditions through experimental investigation. An experimental platform was equipped with high-speed photography. A total of 13 experimental cases with varying head shapes (conical, spherical, and truncated cone designs), length-to-diameter ratios (5:1–7:1), ejection velocities (7.24–17.93 m/s), and elastic moduli (227.36–279.14 MPa) were conducted to capture water-exit characteristics. The investigation identified ejection velocity as the predominant parameter governing cavity morphology and stability, with higher velocities correlating to increased cavity dimensions and reduced drag coefficients by 54%. Conical head shape resulted in superior drag reduction characteristics, forming a typical cigar-shaped cavity with clear and regular boundaries. Additionally, an increased length-to-diameter ratio substantially improved drag reduction performance by 33%. Material elastic moduli proved crucial for water-exit stability, as cylinders with lower moduli experienced severe bending deformation and even trajectory changes, while higher moduli cylinders maintained their form with minimal deformation. This study illuminates the physical mechanisms of slender body water-exit under multi-factor coupling conditions, providing experimental evidence and theoretical guidance for cross-media vehicle design and underwater equipment optimization. Full article

Numerous research studies have documented the significant influence of key types of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) on adult health and wellbeing, even in the presence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Recent studies reveal that almost 87% of justice-impacted youth reported at least one ACE. Connecting youth to PCEs after trauma has occurred has been shown to disrupt the poor health trajectory associated with ACEs. Creating juvenile justice systems that prioritize equitable access to PCEs has the potential to change the life course of system-impacted youth. The HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework, a research-based, community-driven approach to improving access to the key types of PCEs youth need to thrive, presents a potentially powerful strategy for juvenile justice systems to transform care for system-impacted youth. This manuscript describes this proposed approach. Full article