Vessel System Research Articles

Lymphangiogenesis: novel strategies to promote cutaneous wound healing.

The cutaneous lymphatic system regulates tissue inflammation, fluid balance and immunological responses. Lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic dysfunction may lead to lymphedema, immune deficiency, chronic inflammation etc. Tissue regeneration and healing depend on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during wound healing. Tissue oedema and chronic inflammation can slow wound healing due to impaired lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic dysfunction. For example, impaired lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic dysfunction has been detected in nonhealing wounds such as diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers and bedsores. This review summarizes the structure and function of the cutaneous lymphatic vessel system and lymphangiogenesis in wounds. Furthermore, we review wound lymphangiogenesis processes and remodelling, especially the influence of the inflammatory phase. Finally, we outline how to control lymphangiogenesis to promote wound healing, assess the possibility of targeting lymphangiogenesis as a novel treatment strategy for chronic wounds and provide an analysis of the possible problems that need to be addressed.

DETECTION DIABETIC RETINOPATHY WITH SUPERVISED LEARNING

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication that occurs in people with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy damage is characterized in the blood vessel system in the layer at the back of the eye, especially in tissues that respond to light. This research aims to detect diabetic retinopathy early by using SVM and Random forest. SVM is a classification technique that divides the input space into two classes. Random Forest is a supervised learning algorithm that utilizes a collection of decision trees trained using the bagging method. This research uses datasets from diaretdb1 and messidor to evaluate the performance of both methods. The diaretdb1 dataset consists of 178 data points with the diagnosis of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Non-Diabetic Retinopathy. In addition, the messidor dataset consists of 105 data points with the diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy and Non-Diabetic Retinopathy. Experimental results on the diaretdb1 dataset showed that SVM achieved 88% accuracy, while Random Forest achieved 91% accuracy. Similarly, on the messidor dataset, SVM achieved 80% accuracy, while Random Forest achieved 85% accuracy.

Condition of the autonomic nervous system during the 'sit-stand-sit' orthostatic test in university students in areas of military conflict in Ukraine

Background and Study Aim. Extended residence in a zone of military conflict presents health risks for students. Hence, this research focuses on evaluating the condition of the autonomic nervous system among university students residing in Ukraine's conflict-affected areas. Materials and Methods. The study involved 57 students (30 men and 27 women) from universities across Ukraine. Before the experiment, these students had experienced a prolonged period of inactivity, attributed to the global COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 and the ongoing war in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Their total time in this difficult environment was 3 years and 6 months. The 'Orthostatic test "seated-to-standing-to-seated" (by Nikolay Teslenko)' was applied in this study. To participate in the study, students were instructed to complete the test and record their findings in a designated Google form. The cardiovascular response (heart rate) was evaluated during the 'sit-stand-sit' sequence for 3 minutes. The experiment's data were statistically analyzed using the PyCharm CE platform and a range of Python coding libraries. Results. The research on the cardiovascular response to physical activity among male and female students revealed that first-category participants exhibit superior adaptation and consistent heart rate, both while stationary and when moving. The second category experienced more pronounced heart rate variations, signifying an average adaptation level. The third category had the most heart rate variability, potentially indicating inadequate stress adaptation and possible cardiovascular health risks. Conclusions. Analysis of the data reveals that physical preparedness markedly affects heart and blood vessel system reactions in both genders. The discerned disparities in heart rate reactions among the groups emphasize the necessity for customized physical training strategies, especially for those less adapted to physical demands.

Technological Developments as a New Challenge for Modern Legislation

Aim: The aim of the article is to present the legal aspects of the use of new technologies. Accelerating the progress of civilization through the rapid development of technology is a challenge for both the legislator and entities who, when applying the law, interpret imperfect regulations or have to deal with the lack of regulations on a daily basis. In this publication, the author discusses legal aspects related to the development and implementation of new technologies and answers the question whether the applicable regulations combine the intentions of the creators of the regulations with social and economic needs. Introduction: The essence of all development is the improvement and expansion of human and technological capabilities and potential. Civilizational development is a system of interconnected vessels based on mutual social, cultural and technological interdependencies, and all these spheres of public life are inextricably linked with legal regulations. Without elementary knowledge of regulations, it would be difficult to make rational decisions regarding everyday life, therefore legal standards should include solutions adequate to the needs of citizens and the economy. In case of new technologies, which are subject to continuous and dynamic changes, the traditional norm-setting model known as hard law does not fully achieve its goals, and what is more, the applicable law does not keep up with the development of new technologies. Methodology: he article describes the current state of knowledge in the field of selected aspects of new technology law. The work uses theoretical research methods, including the analysis of applicable regulations and the literature and views of the doctrine, as well as the results of the research work of the author of the publication. Conclusions: Current legal regulations do not keep up with new technologies. The legislative process itself is complicated and very long. The introduction of new regulations and legislative changes requires, among others, inter-ministerial and social arrangements, work in Sejm and Senate committees, voting in Parliament, and finally the signature of the President of the Republic of Poland. The above-mentioned legal activities take time, and new technologies mean variability and dynamism – a constant fight against time. The development of technology is certainly a new challenge for legislators, for whom cooperation with the scientific community and representatives of various technological industries is an opportunity to create regulations that support rather than limit the development of 21st century technologies. Keywords: law of new technologies, technological revolution, security, implementation of innovations

Assessing the impact of power dispatch optimization and energy storage systems in Diesel–electric PSVs: A case study based on real field data

This research paper presents an in-depth analysis of diesel–electric power systems in offshore Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs). The main contribution is the use of real data obtained from a PSV to produce and validate computational models subsequently used to accurately calculate fuel consumption and emissions, with representative load demands, considering different configurations of non-hybrid and hybrid power systems with the addition of lithium-ion batteries to provide a reliable analysis. Power dispatch optimization had a significant impact, achieving fuel and CO2 reductions of around 7%–12% in non-hybrid systems, depending on the generator loading limits. Hybridization and battery integration further enhanced reductions, with up to 10% improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Particulate matter (PM) emissions and running hours were substantially reduced, but NOx varied. Validity checks accounted for biases, and the study provided reliable assessments of trends. The differences between monthly averages and robust approaches were minimal. Overall, the strategies presented achieved reductions of up to 15% in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, 20% in NOx emissions, and 68% in PM emissions for the complete mission.

Increasing the energy efficiency of a fishing vessel by estimating the motion parameters of a towed object

The optimal mode of towing fishing gear has a direct impact on the energy efficiency of the fishing vessel. To build the combined traction characteristics of the vessel and trawl systems, data are needed on the nominal moments on the winch and engine drum, as well as the traction force in the warp. Estimation of the movement parameters of the towed object will make it possible to haul warps without overloading the trawl winch and the main engine. The paper proposes a block diagram of the algorithm for estimating the motion parameters of a trawl system. Processing of the current measurements of the warp tension in real time is carried out by digital signal processing methods based on the constructed optimal linear filter, which will be used to obtain the tension on the winch without taking into account the noise that occurs both as a result of the operation of the equipment and under the influence of the random nature of the warp tension process itself. and external hydrometeorological factors. Estimation and prediction of dynamic parameters is necessary for the development of an automated control system for a ship's winch, regardless of its purpose. Therefore, the results presented in this paper can be used in solving problems of automation of lifting equipment operating in non-stationary conditions.

A Back–Forward Approach-Based Efficiency Performance Analysis Model for Hybrid Electric Propulsion Ships Using the Holtrop–Mennen Method

Due to tightening regulations on exhaust emissions from ships, there is a growing need to develop electric or hybrid electric propulsion systems to replace conventional diesel-based ship power systems. The hybrid electric propulsion system is suitable for small and medium-sized vessels and its energy efficiency significantly depends on the arrangement of different power sources, power control strategies for energy sources, and energy storage system (ESS). Therefore, an analytical simulation to evaluate the energy efficiency of ships with their structure and control strategies is needed. In this study, a back–forward approach-based efficiency performance analysis model was developed using the Holtrop–Mennen resistance model to calculate ship resistance and power demand based on a given ship’s speed profiles. This model has the advantages of using easily obtainable ship speed profiles as the input and can be modularized for each power source and ESS, incorporating mechanical performance limitations, and allows for rapid analysis. The developed analytical model was applied to a hybrid electric propulsion system in a marine support vessel and its energy efficiency was evaluated by establishing rule-based power control strategies. As a result, the engine efficiency of the hybrid electric propulsion system increased from about 27% to 30% compared to the existing system, and the final effect of reducing fuel consumption by about 10% compared to the existing system was confirmed through the developed simulator. In the future, this analytical model could be utilized to derive the optimal layout of hybrid electric propulsion systems, and to formulate power control strategies.

Autonomous collision avoidance system for unmanned vessels: algorithms and software.

Ship collision is one of the most substantial concerns in the global maritime transportation industry. Hence, navigation safety is considerably cited topic in maritime literature. Recently, Unmanned Navigation (UN) technology is gradually becoming more widely used across in the field of marine robotics. The paper investigates the problem of navigation safety in the movement control of Unmanned Vessels (UVs). The object of the study is the process of avoiding collisions of UVs. The subject of the research is the algorithms of the autonomous decision-making system and software for preventing vessel collisions during UN. The intent of this article is to improve the safety of UN by developing new Decision-Making algorithms for autonomous collision prevention of UVs in real time, taking into account the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs-72) and the recommendations of the Federal agency for sea and inland water transport of the Russian Federation (Rosmorrechflot).In this article, the fundamental concept and the key functions set of the Autonomous Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) are carried out for UVs which are marine transport vehicles capable of sensing its environment and operating without human involvement. Along this line of research, this work focuses on the development of a software algorithm for determining the most dangerous obstacle located within a radius of 12 miles (recommendations of Rosmorrechflot) around an UV based on the principle of vessels collision avoidance geometry, collision risk assessment and the characteristics of obstacles. Moreover, the proposed algorithms can prevent the collision and address the issues of real-time collision avoidance for UVs. The simulation results also demonstrate the promising application of the proposed algorithms in studying the UN safety. Nonetheless, this study provides a way forward to conduct a new information decision-making system design for UVs collision avoidance. This is currently under development, and will be proposed later.

Formation Control for UAV-USVs Heterogeneous System with Collision Avoidance Performance

This paper investigates the cooperative formation trajectory tracking problem for heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and multiple unmanned surface vessel (USV) systems with collision avoidance performance. Firstly, a formation control protocol based on extended state observer (ESO) is proposed to ensure that the UAV and the USVs track the target trajectory simultaneously in the XY plane. Then, the collision avoidance control strategy of USV formation based on artificial potential field (APF) theory is designed. Specifically, the APF method is improved by reconstructing the repulsive potential field to make the collision avoidance action of USVs more in line with the requirements of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Following that, an altitude controller for the UAV is proposed to maintain the cooperative formation of the heterogeneous systems. Based on the input-to-state stability, the stability of the proposed control structure is proven, and all the signals in the closed-loop system are ultimately bounded. Finally, a simulation study is provided to show the efficacy of the proposed strategy.

Прогноз риска развития опухоли с учетом регуляторных механизмов организма человека и процесса ангиогенеза

Adverse environmental and lifestyle factors produce considerable effects on occurrence of cancerous tumors, both directly and indirectly through impaired functionality of the body protection mechanisms. Investigation of these effects has practical significance for risk assessment and development of effective cancer preventive strategies. Mathematical modeling is an eligible method for considering complex multicomponent interactions between elements of various systems involved in tumor growth. This article presents an approach to assessing risks of cancerous tumors by using a created predictive model that describes dynamics of abnormal cells considering regulatory mechanisms and angiogenesis. An evolution approach is applied to estimate accumulated functional disorders of the immune system due to natural ageing and chemical environmental exposures. The Monte Carlo simulation is employed to estimate a likely outcome of cancerous tumor evolution given different possible properties of abnormal cells. The article provides the results of accomplished computation experiments aimed at describing dynamics of changes in cell population properties in an analyzed organ tissue. Development of a vessel system is described considering different effects of the most significant factors. Computation results are analyzed within various scenarios that describe cancerous tumor growth in dynamics considering how angiogenesis develops under different parameters of the immune system dysfunction and different properties of abnormal cells. Risks of tumor development are assessed considering parameters that determine the overall state of the body (the immune system) and properties of abnormal cells. This approach makes it possible to develop a system of preventive and sanitary-hygienic activities in areas where envi-ronmental conditions are unfavorable in order to reduce cancer incidence.

Predicting a risk of tumor evolution considering regulatory mechanisms of the body and angiogenesis

Adverse environmental and lifestyle factors produce considerable effects on occurrence of cancerous tumors, both directly and indirectly through impaired functionality of the body protection mechanisms. Investigation of these effects has practical significance for risk assessment and development of effective cancer preventive strategies. Mathematical modeling is an eligible method for considering complex multicomponent interactions between elements of various systems involved in tumor growth. This article presents an approach to assessing risks of cancerous tumors by using a created predictive model that describes dynamics of abnormal cells considering regulatory mechanisms and angiogenesis. An evolution approach is applied to estimate accumulated functional disorders of the immune system due to natural ageing and chemical environmental exposures. The Monte Carlo simulation is employed to estimate a likely outcome of cancerous tumor evolution given different possible properties of abnormal cells. The article provides the results of accomplished computation experiments aimed at describing dynamics of changes in cell population properties in an analyzed organ tissue. Development of a vessel system is described considering different effects of the most significant factors. Computation results are analyzed within various scenarios that describe cancerous tumor growth in dynamics considering how angiogenesis develops under different parameters of the immune system dysfunction and different properties of abnormal cells. Risks of tumor development are assessed considering parameters that determine the overall state of the body (the immune system) and properties of abnormal cells. This approach makes it possible to develop a system of preventive and sanitary-hygienic activities in areas where envi-ronmental conditions are unfavorable in order to reduce cancer incidence.

A Reliability-Based Optimization Framework for Planning Operational Profiles for Unmanned Systems

Abstract Unmanned engineering systems that execute various operations are becoming increasingly complex relying on a large number of components and their interactions. The reliability, maintainability, and performance optimization of these systems are critical due to their intricate nature and inaccessibility during operations. This paper introduces a new reliability-based optimization framework for planning operational profiles for unmanned systems. The proposed method employs deep learning techniques for subsystem health monitoring, dynamic Bayesian networks for system reliability analysis, and multi-objective optimization schemes for optimizing system performance. The proposed framework systematically integrates these schemes to enable their application to a wide range of tasks, including offline reliability-based optimization of system operational profiles. This framework is the first in the literature that incorporates health monitoring of multi-component systems with causal relationships. Using this hybrid scheme on unmanned systems can improve their reliability, extend their lifespan, and enable them to execute more challenging missions. The proposed framework is implemented and executed using a simulation model for the engine cooling and control system of an unmanned surface vessel.

Inference processes in the automatic communication system for autonomous vessels

Inference processes in the automatic communication system for autonomous vessels

Age-induced aortic modifications are accompanied by alterations in the antioxidant defense system in female rats

IntroductionAging leads to significant structural and functional changes in blood vessels, which disrupt their normal function and impact cardiovascular health. Current research is actively exploring the NRF2 antioxidative pathway, recognizing its role in protecting cells by preserving their antioxidant defenses against damage. However, there has been limited exploration into the role of the NRF2 pathway in vascular aging. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether age-related changes in the aorta are associated with variations in the baseline levels of antioxidant enzymes, with a particular emphasis on how the NRF2 pathway operates in the aortic wall.MethodsA group of healthy aging female SD rats was compared with their younger counterparts. Various assessments were conducted, including measuring blood pressure, analyzing serum lipid profiles, examining aortic tissue, and assessing the expression of antioxidant enzymes.ResultsThe results revealed significant differences in both blood pressure and serum lipid levels between the aged and younger rats. The examination of the aorta in older rats showed structural alterations, increased apoptosis, and the accumulation of fatty deposits. In the older rats, levels of SOD-1 (superoxide dismutase) and GSS (glutathione synthetase) were lower, whereas NRF2, KEAP-1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), and HO-1 (Heme oxygenase 1) were higher.DiscussionThis study advances our understanding of how aging affects the antioxidant system in blood vessels, particularly in relation to the regulation of the NRF2/HO-1 pathway in the aorta. These findings suggest that targeting the NRF2/HO-1 pathway could present anovel therapeutic approach for addressing age-related vascular issues.

Meshfree Interpolation of Multidimensional Time-Varying Scattered Data

Interpolating and approximating scattered scalar and vector data is fundamental in resolving numerous engineering challenges. These methodologies predominantly rely on establishing a triangulated structure within the data domain, typically constrained to the dimensions of 2D or 3D. Subsequently, an interpolation or approximation technique is employed to yield a smooth and coherent outcome. This contribution introduces a meshless methodology founded upon radial basis functions (RBFs). This approach exhibits a nearly dimensionless character, facilitating the interpolation of data evolving over time. Specifically, it enables the interpolation of dispersed spatio-temporally varying data, allowing for interpolation within the space-time domain devoid of the conventional “time-frames”. Meshless methodologies tailored for scattered spatio-temporal data hold applicability across a spectrum of domains, encompassing the interpolation, approximation, and assessment of data originating from various sources, such as buoys, sensor networks, tsunami monitoring instruments, chemical and radiation detectors, vessel and submarine detection systems, weather forecasting models, as well as the compression and visualization of 3D vector fields, among others.

Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table for Thermal-Hydraulic Safety of China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor

The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is presently in the engineering design phase, and it is crucial to establish a thermal-hydraulic safety analysis method. First of all, the identification of phenomena in selected accident scenarios affecting reactor safety performance metrics should be focused on with the phenomenon identification and ranking table (PIRT), in which phenomena related to the thermal-hydraulic safety of the vacuum vessel and related systems are screened, including both design-basis accidents and beyond-design-basis accidents. The development of this PIRT exercise for CFETR thermal-hydraulic safety is addressed in this study; specifically, the importance ranking and stage of knowledge (SoK) of phenomena in the selected accidents are evaluated by the PIRT panel. The results of the PIRT analysis revealed that there exist certain safety-critical phenomena for which SoK is relatively low despite their perceived significance in safety performance metrics, which include the phase change of coolant, the migration of the multicomponent gas mixture, the migration of radionuclides within confinement, and the dispersion of gaseous radionuclides in the atmosphere. Ongoing research works and follow-up plans to improve the SoK of phenomena are presented.

Theoretical investigations on a variable-coefficient generalized forced–perturbed Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers model for a dilated artery, blood vessel or circulatory system with experimental support

Recent theoretical physics efforts have been focused on the probes for nonlinear pulse waves in, for example, variable-radius arteries. With respect to the nonlinear waves in an artery full of blood with certain aneurysm, pulses in a blood vessel, or features in a circulatory system, this paper symbolically computes out an auto-Bäcklund transformation via a noncharacteristic movable singular manifold, certain families of the solitonic solutions, as well as a family of the similarity reductions for a variable-coefficient generalized forced–perturbed Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equation. Aiming, e.g., at the dynamical radial displacement superimposed on the original static deformation from an arterial wall, our results rely on the axial stretch of the injured artery, blood as an incompressible Newtonian fluid, radius variation along the axial direction or aneurysmal geometry, viscosity of the fluid, thickness of the artery, mass density of the membrane material, mass density of the fluid, strain energy density of the artery, shear modulus, stretch ratio, etc. We also highlight that the shock-wave structures from our solutions agree well with those dusty-plasma-experimentally reported.

Unlocking the Potential of Carbon Quantum Dots for Cell Imaging, Intracellular Localization, and Gene Expression Control in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.

Utilizing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as biomaterials for delivering small substances has gained significant attention in recent research. However, the interactions and mechanisms of action of CQDs on plants have received relatively little focus. Herein, we investigated the transportation of CQDs into various organs of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. via the vessel system, leading to the epigenetic inheritance of Argonaute family genes. Our findings reveal that CQDs may interact with microRNAs (miRNAs), leading to the repression of post-transcriptional regulation of target genes in the cytoplasm. Transcriptome and quantitative PCR analyses demonstrated consistent gene expression levels in offspring. Moreover, microscopic observations illustrated rapid CQD localization on cell membranes and nuclei, with increased nuclear entry at higher concentrations. Notably, our study identified an alternative regulatory microRNA, microRNA172D, for the Argonaute family genes through methylation analysis, shedding light on the connection between CQDs and microRNAs.

Morphology, organo- and histometric features of the heart and lungs of a sexually mature domestic dog (Canis Lupus Familiaris L., 1758)

The cardiovascular system and respiratory organs in animals are interconnected, they perform extremely important functions for the vital activity of the organism, the main of which is gas exchange. Therefore, the study of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs is an urgent issue of the present. The aim of the study was to morphologically evaluate the macro- and histological structures of the heart and lungs of the domestic dog. Comprehensive morphological methods of research were used: histological, anatomical, organ, histo-, cytometric, and statistical, which provided new data on the peculiarities of macro-, histo-, and cytomorphometric characteristics of the morphological structures of the heart and lungs. The dog heart has a rounded shape, its absolute weight is 167.58±9.46 g (without epicardial fat – 154.22±8.04 g), relative weight – 0.72±0.005%. It was found that cardiomyocytes of the left ventricle had the largest volume, the right ventricle – the smallest, and atrial cardiomyocytes – the smallest. At the same time, the nuclearcytoplasmic ratio of cardiomyocytes of the left ventricle is 0.0224±0.0076, the cardiomyocytes of the right ventricle have a greater value – 0.0275±0.0081 and the atrial cardiomyocytes have the highest value – 0.0367±0.0105. Such ambiguous cytometric parameters of cardiomyocytes are associated with the morphological and functional activity of the myocardial ventricular muscle tissue and its functional features inherent in spontaneous and rhythmic contractions, which result in blood flow through a closed system of vessels. The absolute weight of the domestic dog’s lungs is 201.3±18.4 g, the relative weight is 1.21±0.14%, the ratio of the absolute weight of the left to the right lung is 1:1.33. According to the asymmetry coefficient (1.37:1), the lungs of dogs are of the narrowed-elongated type. The connective tissue stroma of the lungs occupies 59.62±3.4%, the respiratory part – 40.38±2.6%. The data on the morphology of the heart and lungs of the domestic dog, including the results of the study of the macro- and microscopic structure of the organs under investigation, which are presented in the publication, are of great importance for histology and comparative anatomy, and also make a significant contribution to clinical veterinary medicine

A digital twin approach for maritime carbon intensity evaluation accounting for operational and environmental uncertainty

Maritime industry has set ambitious goals to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through stipulating and enforcing a number of energy assessment measures. Unfortunately, measures like the EEDI, EEXI, SEEMP and CII do not account for the operational and environmental uncertainty of operations at sea, even though they do provide a first means of evaluating the carbon footprint of ships. The increasing availability of high-frequency operational data offers the opportunity to quantify and account for this uncertainty in energy performance predictions. Current methods to evaluate and predict energy performance at a whole energy system level do not sufficiently account for operational and environmental uncertainty. In this work, we propose a digital twin that accurately predicts the fuel consumption and carbon footprint of the hybrid propulsion system of an Ocean-going Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Royal Netherlands Navy under the aggregate effect of operational and environmental uncertainty. It combines first-principle steady-state models with machine learning algorithms to reach an accuracy of less than 5% MAPE on both mechanical and electrical propulsion, while bringing a 40% to 50% improvement over a model that does not utilise machine learning algorithms. Results over actual voyage intervals indicate a prediction accuracy of consumed fuel and carbon intensity within 2.5% accounting for a confidence interval of 95%. Finally, the direct comparison between mechanical and electrical propulsion showed no clear energy-saving benefits and a strong dependency of the results on each voyage’s specific operational and environmental conditions.