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- Research Article
1
- 10.1109/ojap.2026.3652580
- Apr 1, 2026
- IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation
- Kitiphon Sukpreecha + 4 more
This paper proposes an adaptive sampling technique for spherical near-field (SNF) antenna measurements that leverages the predictive uncertainty of Gaussian process regression (GPR) to guide measurement point selection. This framework bridges Bayesian machine learning and antenna metrology, enabling real-time adaptive sampling. Unlike conventional uniform or clustering-based methods, the proposed approach iteratively refines the sampling grid by prioritizing regions with high uncertainty, particularly within the high-intensity near-field or other defined regions of interest. This uncertainty-driven GPR strategy enables high-fidelity far-field (FF) reconstruction with substantially fewer measurements. In conventional low-cost SNF systems, the probe must stop at every measurement point to reduce vibration, making the stop-and-go process time-consuming. In contrast, the proposed method minimizes unnecessary stops by targeting only high-uncertainty regions, offering significant advantages in research and development and production-line environments. In such cases, the optimized sampling points identified during the initial adaptive process can be reused, enabling rapid and efficient FF characterization without repeating the full measurement cycle. The method is validated through both full-wave simulations and experimental measurements involving various antenna types, including a large commercial base station antenna. Results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves up to a 77% reduction in sampling points compared to uniform sampling, while maintaining FF pattern correlation exceeding 99.35%. Overall, the technique offers a statistically grounded and time-efficient solution for high-fidelity antenna characterization with reduced measurement effort.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s44444-026-00104-3
- Apr 1, 2026
- Journal of King Saud University – Engineering Sciences
- Ismail Elkhrachy
Abstract Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are fundamental to engineering projects, influencing the accuracy of hydrologic modeling, earthwork calculations, and infrastructure design. The resolution and quality of a DEM are primarily determined by the density of survey points and the interpolation algorithm used. This study presents a comparative evaluation of four common interpolation techniques—Natural Neighbor (NN), Kriging, Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), and Spline—to generate a high-accuracy local DEM for a bare land area, typical of civil engineering project sites, on the Najran University campus, Saudi Arabia. A total of 7,026 high-precision GPS points were collected and divided into training (80%) and validation (20%) datasets. The vertical accuracy was assessed using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R 2 ). The results demonstrated that the Natural Neighbor interpolation method achieved superior performance with the lowest RMSE of 0.124 m and the highest R 2 of 0.969. Critically, the study evaluated the impact of data density by thinning the training dataset by 0% to 75%. It was found that a 75% reduction in data points—which equates to a significant saving in surveying time and cost—increased the RMSE by only ~ 2 cm when using the NN algorithm. This finding indicates that the Natural Neighbor method is not only the most accurate but also the most robust and cost-effective solution for generating reliable DEMs. The outcomes of this research provide a practical framework for engineers to optimize surveying efforts and produce high-fidelity terrain models essential for precise earthwork volume calculation, drainage design, and flood risk assessment in local-scale projects.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s10565-026-10178-z
- Mar 30, 2026
- Cell biology and toxicology
- Siyao Li + 11 more
Cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental toxic metal, is linked to central nervous system dysfunction and neuronal structural damage, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. This study combined network toxicology with experimental validation to explore how Cd impairs dendritic integrity through neuroinflammatory pathways. Network analysis suggested that Cd-induced dendritic injury was likely mediated by inflammatory signaling pathways, with nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2), a major redox regulator, highlighted as a candidate regulator. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in Cd-induced dendritic damage and assessed the role of Nfe2l2 in this process, using Nfe2l2 knockout mice and Nfe2l2 knockdown BV2 microglia. Furthermore, primary neurons were co-cultured with conditioned media (CM) from Cd-treated microglia to evaluate how Nfe2l2-regulated neuroinflammation contributes to dendritic damage. Nfe2l2 deficiency aggravated Cd-induced dendritic damage in the hippocampus, manifested as significant reductions in dendritic length, intersections, and branch points. In parallel, Nfe2l2 deficiency also intensified Cd-induced microglial activation and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Consistently, Nfe2l2 knockdown amplified Cd-induced BV2 microglial activation, characterized by increased migratory and phagocytic activity, and the subsequent cytokine release. Subsequently, CM derived from these activated microglia further exacerbated neuronal dendritic damage. Moreover, Nfe2l2 knockdown diminished minocycline's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. These results demonstrate that Cd-induced microglial activation and inflammation are central to dendritic injury, and that Nfe2l2 is essential in protecting neurons from Cd-driven neuroinflammation.
- Research Article
- 10.1038/s41598-026-38499-3
- Feb 11, 2026
- Scientific reports
- Hiroki Ozono + 1 more
The belief in supernatural punishment is suggested to play a role in sustaining group cooperation. We propose the concept of artificial supernatural punishment (ASP) to examine the stability of and changes in beliefs and cooperation within an experimental framework: each participant decides the extent to which they wish to cooperate in a public goods game, after which some participants experience a random reduction of points. A total of 179 participants registered with a crowdsourcing service were assigned to either a random instruction condition or an ASP instruction condition, wherein the reduction targets were explained as either random or proportional to participants’ cooperation levels. That is, in the latter case, less cooperative participants were more likely to be chosen as targets, leading participants to anticipate a link between low cooperation and reductions, even though the selection was random. As a baseline, 93 additional participants played only the public goods game. The ASP instruction facilitated cooperation in the first game round compared with the random instruction condition; however, this effect was not sustained and overall cooperation levels did not significantly differ from other conditions. Approaches to mitigate the instability of cooperation dependent on beliefs in supernatural punishment are discussed.
- Research Article
- 10.1123/ijspp.2025-0230
- Jan 1, 2026
- International journal of sports physiology and performance
- Elias Bucher + 4 more
This study examined the associations between laboratory-based performance indicators and competitive success in elite cross-country skiing, considering sex- and age-related differences over a 15-year period. A total of 106 Swiss National Team cross-country skiers (62 malesand 44 females) underwent standardized physiological testing including 24-minute double-poling treadmill time-trial performance (24-minute DP), maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), performance at the second lactate threshold, hemoglobin mass, 1-minute skating treadmill time-trial performance (Sprint1-min), squat jump peak power, and fat-free mass. Competitive performance was assessed using International Ski Federation (FIS) points in distance (FISDist) and sprint (FISSpr) events. Mixed-effects models analyzed the predictive strength of test variables, incorporating sex and age interactions. Twenty-four-minute DP and relative V˙O2max explained 42% of the variance in FISDist, while Sprint1-min (66%), squat jump, and absolute V˙O2max (both 50%) were the strongest predictors of FISSpr. Improvements in 24-minute DP, second lactate threshold, and Sprint1-min had a greater impact on reducing FIS points in females, whereas relative and absolute V˙O2max, hemoglobin mass, squat jump, and fat-free mass showed similar predictive relationships across sexes. Age moderated these associations, with younger athletes experiencing greater reductions in FIS points per unit increase in test performance. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive performance assessment in elite cross-country skiing that integrates ski-specific time trials, physiological capacity, strength, and body composition. The findings indicate that the relevance of laboratory-based performance indicators varies by sex and career stage, underscoring the need for longitudinal, age-aware interpretation when relating test outcomes to on-snow performance.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/su18010174
- Dec 23, 2025
- Sustainability
- Ye Huang + 4 more
Understanding the driving forces of land use and land cover change (LUCC) is crucial for revealing the coupled dynamics of human–land systems and supporting optimized spatial planning and resource allocation. To overcome the limitations of conventional Geodetector applications in mountainous regions with complex terrain, this study proposes a terrain–population dual-factor adaptive grid designed for use with the Geodetector model. This adaptive grid refines cells in steep and densely populated areas while merging cells in flatter and sparsely populated regions, thus capturing both natural and socioeconomic heterogeneity. Coupled with the Geodetector model, this framework improves the accuracy and computational efficiency of identifying LUCC drivers. Using the Chongqing Metropolitan Area (CMA) as a case study, LUCC dynamics and their driving mechanisms were systematically examined based on five annual land cover datasets (from 2000 to 2020 at five-year intervals.). The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, cropland, forest land, and built-up land were the dominant land use types. During this period, cropland and forest land declined, whereas built-up land expanded continuously, with the most pronounced changes occurring between 2000 and 2010. (2) The dominant drivers of LUCC shifted over time: socioeconomic factors such as population density and GDP were primary drivers from 2000 to 2010, while both natural and socioeconomic factors exerted strong influence between 2010 and 2020. (3) The proposed terrain–population dual-factor irregular grid performed better than traditional regular grids in detecting socioeconomic drivers while retaining comparable explanatory power for natural factors. Compared with traditional regular grids, with an average q-value improvement of 18.7% and a 55.52% reduction in sampling points, resulting in substantially improved computational efficiency. Overall, the proposed method enhances the applicability of Geodetector in complex mountainous cities and provides practical implications for urban land use regulation and refined spatial management.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/ijgi15010007
- Dec 21, 2025
- ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information
- Yiming Li + 7 more
To address the issue of decreased localization accuracy and robustness in existing visual SLAM systems caused by imprecise identification of dynamic regions in complex dynamic scenes—leading to dynamic interference or reduction in valid static feature points, this paper proposes a dynamic visual SLAM method integrating instance-level motion classification, temporally adaptive super-pixel segmentation, and optical flow propagation. The system first employs an instance-level motion classifier combining residual flow estimation and a YOLOv8-seg instance segmentation model to distinguish moving objects. Then, temporally adaptive super-pixel segmentation algorithm SLIC (TA-SLIC) is applied to achieve fine-grained dynamic region partitioning. Subsequently, a proposed dynamic region missed-detection correction mechanism based on optical flow propagation (OFP) is used to refine the missed-detection mask, enabling accurate identification and capture of motion regions containing non-rigid local object movements, undefined moving objects, and low-dynamic objects. Finally, dynamic feature points are removed, and valid static features are utilized for pose estimation. The localization accuracy of the visual SLAM system is validated using two widely adopted datasets, TUM and BONN. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively suppresses interference from dynamic objects (particularly non-rigid local motions) and significantly enhances both localization accuracy and system robustness in dynamic environments.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.placenta.2025.10.016
- Dec 1, 2025
- Placenta
- Jiancai Yin + 10 more
The role of ANGPT2 in pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127848
- Dec 1, 2025
- Journal of environmental management
- Rongchao Yang + 5 more
Molecular mechanisms underlying microplastics-induced inhibition of lateral root development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).
- Research Article
- 10.3390/su172210132
- Nov 12, 2025
- Sustainability
- Alaa R Sindi + 2 more
The three-leg 50-Years Roundabout at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is known for its vibrance and important location as it is located at the center of several major buildings and hospitals. In recent years, the roundabout is witnessing a huge demand that influences the university road networks’ level of service, “LOS”, which in return, has negative impacts on students and faculties in terms of delay and travel time. Several treatments can be implemented along the roundabout. One of those treatments is applying restrictions during morning peak hours such as blocking and restricting specific lanes. This treatment has the advantage of reducing conflict points that cause sudden and frequent stops at the roundabout; as a result, delay and congestion occur. By reducing conflict points, traffic flow can be improved, in addition to enhancing safety and promoting sustainability. This paper examines the base condition of the 50-Years Roundabout in terms of traffic flow, LOS, delay, capacity, and toxic emissions, and proposes traffic system management (TSM) strategies through applying restricted and designated lanes to improve traffic condition. The study employs PTV Vissim, SIDRA Intersection, and Surrogate Safety Assessment Model “SSAM” to examine the base and proposed conditions. The results show a significant improvement through the reduction in conflict points, so that reflects the positive impacts on sustainability, congestion, delay, travel time, LOS, and overall toxic emissions.
- Research Article
9
- 10.1016/j.ajo.2025.04.016
- Aug 1, 2025
- American journal of ophthalmology
- Charles C Wykoff + 15 more
To report 12-month results from the GALE open-label extension study (NCT04770545), evaluating up to 36 months of intravitreal pegcetacoplan treatment for geographic atrophy (GA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). GALE is a prospective open-label extension study following the 24-month, sham-controlled, phase 3 OAKS (NCT03525613) and DERBY (NCT03525600) studies of pegcetacoplan. Patients with nonsubfoveal or subfoveal GA who completed OAKS, DERBY, or phase 1b APL2-103 (NCT03777332) studies. Pegcetacoplan was administered monthly (PM) or every other month (PEOM) to all study eyes in GALE. Eyes receiving pegcetacoplan in OAKS and DERBY continued the same regimen (PM-PM and PEOM-PEOM), while eyes observed with sham in OAKS and DERBY crossed over to receive pegcetacoplan at the same dosing interval in GALE (SM-PM and SEOM-PEOM). Safety and efficacy through the first 12 months of GALE were assessed, reflecting up to 36 months of continuous pegcetacoplan treatment. Mean rate of change in GA area, total number of microperimetry scotomatous points, and adverse events. Through the first 12 months of GALE, 92.0% (727/790) patient retention was observed. Across all eyes, including eyes with nonsubfoveal and subfoveal GA, pegcetacoplan reduced the mean rate of change in GA area up to 32% versus projected sham. Year after year, the reductions in the mean rate of change in GA area increased, with up to a 42% reduction observed in eyes with nonsubfoveal GA in the PM-PM group compared with projected sham in the first year of GALE. An 18% reduction in new scotomatous points (P = .0156) was observed with PM-PM at 36 months, highlighting a significant impact in a prespecified microperimetry analysis. Adverse events included 33 (4.5%) eyes with exudative AMD, 15 (1.9%) intraocular inflammation (classified as mild or moderate in severity), 1 (0.1%) ischemic optic neuropathy, and 1 (0.1%) infectious endophthalmitis. No events of vasculitis were reported. Over 36 months, pegcetacoplan continued to reduce GA growth with increasing efficacy over time and reduced formation of new scotomatous points. The safety profile of pegcetacoplan in the first 12 months of GALE was consistent with the prior 24-month OAKS and DERBY studies.
- Research Article
- 10.26418/jtllb.v13i2.96160
- Aug 1, 2025
- Jurnal Teknologi Lingkungan Lahan Basah
- Fandi Nufinda Rachman + 3 more
Climate change is a global issue that affects various sectors, including the electricity sector, with one of the impacts of climate change being the increased risk of landslides influenced by rainfall, land use, slope gradient, and soil type. This research aims to assess the landslide risk in East Kalimantan on electricity infrastructure and formulate adaptation strategies for these landslides. The research method is a quantitative analysis and spatial approach by combining historical data and climate projections up to the year 2060 using the CMIP6 dataset scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. Data processed using Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce landslide risk maps for both current conditions and projections. The determination of adaptation strategies is carried out through a combination of SWOT Analysis and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. This research shows that the projection of landslide risk class areas in most parts of East Kalimantan is predominantly in the moderate risk class with an area of 58.16% and the high-risk class with an area of 26.43%. The priority strategies for landslide adaptation in the development of electrical infrastructure are chosen based on the analysis of three aspects: the optimization of DPT development and other supporting technologies in a planned and integrated manner, the preparation of a roadmap for prioritizing the reduction of extreme operational risk points as part of efforts to adapt to the projected increase in landslide risk, and the utilization of evaluation results from periodic monitoring and field inspections to support risk-based electrical infrastructure development planning.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1002/ceat.70089
- Aug 1, 2025
- Chemical Engineering & Technology
- Junhao Li + 7 more
Abstract In this paper, an integrated agent named TSE containing surfactants, such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), sodium aliphatic alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (AES), and dodecyl dimethyl betaine (BS‐12), was composed and employed as oil field additive with dual functions: foam drainage and hydrate anti‐agglomeration. The results show that the optimized formula achieved an initial foam volume of 565 mL with a long half‐life of 7–8 min. No settlement and stratification after 24 h further confirm the well stability of the formed foam. Good salt and methanol resistance of TSE can be found even the addition of methanol and sodium chloride. Moreover, it was demonstrated that TSE exhibited a comparable high liquid carrying rate of 77.5 wt% at 65 °C even in the presence of kinetic hydrate inhibitor. The reduction of hydrate phase transformation point indicates TSE well thermodynamic properties.
- Research Article
- 10.36772/arid.aijssh.2025.6155
- Jul 15, 2025
- ARID International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Dr Mai Mohammed Salameh Abedalfattah
This study examines the impact of the use of accounting information systems (procedures, equipment and software, specifications and characteristics of reports extracted from the system) in reducing the risk of auditing (the risks of lieutenant, the risks of control, the risks of discovery), to achieve this purpose a questionnaire has been designed and distributed to the study sample which is the point of view Jordanian CPAs. This sample consists of (180) individuals, the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data, and the results have shown a statistically significant effect, The results showed that there is a statistically significant effect of the use of accounting information systems in reducing the risk of scrutiny, and the researcher recommended the necessity of approving the auditor On the advanced computerized systems to reduce the risk of scrutiny in order to minimize the discovery risk of financial data, and the researcher recommends intensifying the procedures carried out by the auditor in all audit stages and also increase the volume of audit evidence in proportion to the cost and benefit until it reduces the risk of audit. Keywords: Accounting information systems, Risk of auditing, Risks of control, The risks of discovery, Jordanian Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).
- Research Article
- 10.31900/ijl.v24i1.503
- Jun 15, 2025
- Iraqi Journal of Laser
- Noor Qasim Mohammed + 2 more
Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a complex group of conditions impacting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles, leading to pain, reduced jaw mobility, and other debilitating symptoms. These conditions often result from multifactorial causes, including malocclusion, trauma, stress, and parafunctional habits. Effective treatment is challenging, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches.Aim: This study compares the efficacy of two low-level laser therapy (LLLT) modalities with wavelengths of 635 nm and 980 nm in managing TMD symptoms. The goal is to determine which wavelength provides superior short-term and long-term therapeutic outcomes in pain relief, improved mouth function, and reduction of tender points.Materials and methods: Fifty patients with diagnosed temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received 635 nm low-level laser therapy (LLLT) , while Group 2 was treated with 980 nm low-level laser therapy( LLLT). Pain levels, mouth opening range, and the number of tender points were measured before each treatment and at a one-month follow-up. The treatment was administered in continuous mode, with a power output of 0.3 Watts (W). Irradiation time was 30 seconds per tender point, with a total of four treatment sessions (two sessions per week). A follow-up assessment was conducted one month after the completion of the treatment protocol. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments.Result: The 635 nm laser group experienced significantly greater reductions in pain intensity (p = 0.025) and fewer tender points in the masseter muscle (p = 0.048) compared to the 980 nm laser group during the short-term evaluation. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups at the one-month follow-up.Conclusion: The 635 nm laser demonstrated superior short-term efficacy in reducing pain and masseter tender points, whereas both wavelengths were equally effective in the long term. These findings highlight the importance of wavelength selection in optimizing low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocols for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) management. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these differences and to identify the optimal parameters for sustained therapeutic outcomes.
- Research Article
11
- 10.3390/ma18081765
- Apr 11, 2025
- Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
- Ludwik Lorkowski + 4 more
This study investigates the effect of 3D printing speed on the mechanical strength of parts produced with high-speed PLA. Samples were tested according to the ISO 527-1 standard, focusing on tensile strength. The results reveal that increasing the print speed from 30 mm/s to 500 mm/s reduces the mechanical strength of the samples, although the difference is minimal and does not affect the surface quality when the material is appropriately selected. Additionally, the orientation of the samples on the build plate had a significant impact on their strength, with samples printed along the Y-axis exhibiting better tensile performance. Ironing, which smooths the surface at the end of the print, improved the fracture surface consistency and tensile strength, regardless of the print speed. The improvement in tensile strength observed in ironed specimens can be attributed to improved bonding of the layers, reduced porosity, and a reduction in stress concentration points, which ultimately contributed to more uniform stress distribution and less risk of premature failure. Thermal camera images indicated no significant deviations in heat distribution, excluding this factor as a cause for inconsistent fracture points. This study concludes that higher printing speeds offer time and energy savings with minimal impact on mechanical properties, making them suitable for prototyping and decorative elements, although the effects of print speed and orientation should be considered for applications requiring higher strength.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1177/09544070251328138
- Mar 29, 2025
- Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering
- Zhi Wu + 4 more
Path planning for autonomous vehicles is a key technology in the field of intelligent transportation. In this paper, an improved Artificial Potential Field (APF) with A* algorithm is proposed for dynamic path planning of autonomous vehicles under multi-road conditions. Firstly, for the defects of APF algorithm, distance impact factor to the target and minimum gravitational value are respectively added for the APF potential field. Moreover, vehicle obstacle avoidance and lane-changing are realized by combining APF with Safety Distance Model (SDM-APF). Secondly, the heuristic function of the A* algorithm is improved to reduce redundant path points and enhance planning efficiency. The improved A* algorithm is integrated with the SDM-APF algorithm to further improve path planning performance. Finally, a traffic map of a multi-road scenario is designed for simulation using graphical user interface. The simulation results demonstrate that the improved A* algorithm outperforms the traditional approach, achieving a 2.5% reduction in redundant points and a 9.2% decrease in average intersection angles, along with a 2.0% increase in planning efficiency. The improved SDM-APF algorithm also demonstrates exceptional lane-centering capability and target accessibility, exhibiting almost 0 path volatility. From the initial point to the destination, even if the road conditions are varied and complex, the hybrid A*-SDM-APF algorithm can still successfully reach the destination, and ensure safety, smoothness, and stability of the vehicle trajectories. The simulation results provide strong evidence for the effectiveness and superiority of the algorithmic improvements and combinations.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1093/gji/ggaf094
- Mar 7, 2025
- Geophysical Journal International
- Changjiang Fang + 2 more
SUMMARY The finite-difference method (FDM), limited by uniform grids, often encounters severe oversampling in high-velocity regions when applied to multiscale subsurface structures, leading to reduced computational efficiency. A feasible solution to this issue is the use of non-uniform grids. However, previous discontinuous grid approaches required careful consideration of interpolation operations in transition regions, while single-block continuous grids lacked flexibility. This paper proposes a novel approach using multiblock stretched grids with positive and negative singularities to achieve non-uniform grids, the numerical simulation of seismic waves is realized by combining it with the curvilinear grid FDM (CGFDM). Our method facilitates seamless information exchange between coarse and fine grids without additional interpolation or data processing and allows for flexible grid configurations by adjusting singularity pairs. The effectiveness of our approach is verified through comparisons with the generalized reflection/transmission method and the finite-element method. Numerical experiments demonstrate the method's reliable accuracy and significant reduction in grid points compared to uniform grids. Although the stability of our method has not been rigorously mathematically proven, we demonstrate that the algorithm remains applicable for sufficiently long simulations to address realistic scenarios.
- Research Article
12
- 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.6114
- Mar 6, 2025
- JAMA Ophthalmology
- Elisabeth J Cohen + 15 more
High-quality evidence regarding suppressive valacyclovir treatment in herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is necessary to guide care. To determine whether suppressive valacyclovir compared with placebo delays the occurrence of new or worsening stromal keratitis (SK), endothelial keratitis (EK), iritis, or dendriform epithelial keratitis (DEK) during 12 months of treatment and if treatment benefit persisted at 18 months (secondary end point). The Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) was a randomized clinical trial conducted in 95 sites from November 2017 to June 2024. Immunocompetent, nonpregnant adults with a history of an HZO rash, documented active keratitis or iritis within 1 year, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater were eligible. After determined to be eligible, participants were randomized in 4 strata: age at onset (<60 years vs ≥60 years) and disease duration (<6 months vs ≥6 months). A total of 12 months of double-masked daily valacyclovir, 1000 mg, or placebo. The primary outcome was time to first occurrence within 12 months of new or worsening SK, EK, iritis, or DEK. A total of 527 participants (median [IQR] age, 60 [50-68] years; 266 female [50.5%]; 266 in the valacyclovir group; 261 in the placebo group) were randomized in 4 strata; 481 completed 12 months, and 460 completed 18 months. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. At 12 months, primary end points occurred in 86 participants (33%) assigned to placebo and 74 (28%) assigned to valacyclovir, and at 18 months in 104 participants (40%) assigned to placebo and 86 (32%) assigned to valacyclovir. The hazard ratio (HR) of the primary end point at 12 months was 0.77 for participants taking valacyclovir vs placebo (HR, 0.77; adjusted 95% CI, 0.56-1.05; P = .09) and 0.73 at the secondary end point at 18 months (HR, 0.73; adjusted 95% CI, 0.55-0.97; P = .03). There was a reduction of multiple other secondary end points at 12 months (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52-0.95; P = .02) and 18 months (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.95; P = .02). Although the primary outcome did not show a benefit of suppressive valacyclovir treatment, secondary study outcomes showed treatment superiority at the 18-month end point and reduced number of multiple episodes of keratitis or iritis at both 12 and 18 months. These results support consideration of 1 year of suppressive valacyclovir treatment for HZO. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03134196.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1016/j.isatra.2024.12.037
- Mar 1, 2025
- ISA transactions
- Tanja Zwerger + 1 more
This paper addresses a non-interacting torque control strategy to decouple the d- and q-axis dynamics of a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). The maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) method is used to determine the reference currents for the desired torque. To realize the noninteracting control, knowledge concerning the inductances Ld and Lq of the electrical machine is necessary. These two inductances are estimated by two extended Kalman filters (EKFs), which use a univariate polynomial as a model to describe the saturation effects of the PMSM. The Kalman filters (KF) are realized within a noninteracting control system to improve the observability of the inductance. Despite the non-perfect decoupling, thanks to the structural stochastic nature of the KFs, noninteracting cancellation errors are represented with its process noise and the inductances are estimated sufficiently well. In this sense, we can speak about KFs for and within noninteracting control. Estimating inductances is fundamental for optimal torque control, which is a viable approach to reducing mechanical vibration and disturbance. Moreover, the control strategy of model-based techniques must be adaptively tuned to work properly. Starting from the existing literature, a viable control structure is proposed in which the stability of the control loop using a Proportional Integral (PI) controller is shown for the resulting time-varying system. In fact, the model is represented as a time-varying system because of the presence of the variable inductances Ld and Lq and because of the presence of the velocity of the rotor which is not considered as a state. In this paper, a forward Euler discretization is used to realize the observer in the discrete experimental setup. Measures realized with hardware in the loop (HIL) show interesting results in the context of inductance estimation, due to the advantage of the reduction of the dimensions of the two decoupled EKFs resulting from the noninteraction control. Using the HIL simulator, the proposed torque control strategy is investigated, showing promising results in terms of increasing observability due to decoupling. This and the usage of univariate polynomials in EKF calculations lead to significant reduction of measurement points, reduction of oscillations and ripples, deviation between desired and achieved torque and reduction of disturbances. Moreover, the proposed control strategy using a very limited calculation load, at the same time, maintains the ripples inside the technical limits of the obtained torque. Both effects are due to the decoupled EKFs with simplified and reduced order of the models using univariate polynomials, which require significantly fewer measuring points in the run-up to the creation of the model of the inductances Ld and Lq.