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The geometric similarity between two sets of coordinates should be assumed for frame alignment. When aligning Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positions with seasonal variations to the linear Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF), non-negligible aliasing errors of transformation parameters can appear and bias the station positions. The recent release of the seasonally augmented International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2020 (ITRF2020) necessitates an investigation into the impacts of seasonal terms on the alignment of regional networks. Using four-year of GPS data for Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) stations, we realize five sets of regional reference frames (RFs) aligned to the linear ITRF2020 (REF-LIN), the seasonal ITRF2020 (REF-FRQ), the linear ITRF2020 augmented either with seasonal signals or with full signals from loading models (REF-FIT and REF-NTL), and the combination of seasonal displacements from ITRF2020 and sub-seasonal signals from loading model (REF-CMB). Our analysis revealed that the augmented ITRF2020 had significant impact on the global stations used for frame alignment. Aligning daily solutions to the augmented ITRF2020 instead of the linear ITRF2020 resulted in a noticeable root mean square (RMS) decrease for over 70% of global stations. The REF-CMB method was the most preferred for frame alignment of global networks, with the largest decreased RMS of 0.3 and 1.0 mm in horizontal and vertical components. This indicates that most true signals are preserved in the aligned daily solutions. For regional network, we found only marginal impacts on regional stations in terms of linear velocity, residuals of time series stacking between the augmented solutions and REF-LIN. However, the larger discrepancies are noticed between annual estimates and loading model for the vertical component of REF-CMB and REF-FRQ, compared to RER-LIN solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsteady pressure field over an axisymmetric backward-facing step was investigated experimentally at transonic freestream Mach numbers of 1.05, 1.2, and 1.4. The study was aimed at examining the influence of transonic freestream Mach numbers on the spatio-temporal character of the unsteady pressure field and on the dominant modes/mechanisms driving it. Surface flow visualization, schlieren, and unsteady pressure measurements were carried out as part of the experimental investigation. From oil flow visualization and schlieren, the reattachment region was identified, and consequently, the mean reattachment length was estimated. The mean reattachment length shows an increase with the increase in freestream Mach number. The coefficient of mean pressure along the rearbody imitates a classical backward-facing step flow profile and can be divided into three distinct regions. The peak values of the coefficient of mean pressure and the coefficient of root mean square of the fluctuation are seen to decrease with an increase in the freestream Mach number. Conventional spectral analysis reveals that as the freestream Mach number increases, the dominant peak in the spectra shifts to lower frequencies. From the spectra, three dominant fluid dynamic mechanisms depending on the freestream Mach number have been identified. Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) analysis shows that 79–84 % of the total energy contribution comes from the first six modes. The temporal dynamics of the POD modes indicate three prominent mechanisms are responsible for the unsteady pressure field. Spectral analysis of POD modes indicates that the spectra are primarily driven by the first three POD modes for freestream Mach number of 1.05 and the first two modes for freestream Mach numbers of 1.2 and 1.4. Moreover, it reveals the presence of three dominant modes, and the freestream Mach number strongly dictates the dominant mode that is driving the pressure field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. We studied the changes in the heart rate variability of lame and nonlame dairy cows in response to transrectal examination (TRE) and parlor milking. We hypothesized that lame cows experience greater stress, manifested in heart rate variability parameters, that serves as an argument to promote more caution in the everyday handling of lame animals. In the study, we selected 55 lame (with lesions on at least one hoof, otherwise clinically healthy, with locomotion scores 4 and 5 of 5-point scores) and 55 nonlame (clinically healthy, with locomotion scores 1 and 2 of 5-point scores) cows. The heart rate, root mean square of successive beat-to-beat intervals (RMSSD), the normalized unit of the high-frequency (HF) component of the spectral analysis and Poincaré measures (SD2/SD1) were compared between lame and nonlame cows during 5 distinct stages of TRE and 7 stages of parlor milking. Heart rate, RMSSD, and SD2/SD1 showed similar patterns during TRE and milking, while HF remained fairly constant during the studied phases. No distinct RMSSD, HF, or SD2/SD1 changes were observed during the phases expected to elicit a stress response. Between-group differences were only observed in terms of HF. Baseline HF was higher in lame cows than in nonlame ones, and such a difference in direction was observed throughout the whole procedure. During milking and TRE, the heart rate, RMSSD, and SD2/SD1 values showed temporal changes in times of higher physical activity: moving to and waiting in the holding pen and moving into the milking stalls in the parlor for preparation in both lame and nonlame cows. The differences in baseline HF (normalized units) between lame and nonlame cows cannot be fully explained based on available information. The lack of a distinct, stress-related change in heart rate variability parameters in both groups can originate in methodological challenges inherent in animal heart rate variability measurements in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dose deposited outside of the treatment field during external photon beam radiation therapy treatment, also known as out-of-field dose, is the subject of extensive study as it may be associated with a higher risk of developing a second cancer and could have deleterious effects on the immune system that compromise the efficiency of combined radio-immunotherapy treatments. Out-of-field dose estimation tools developed today in research, including Monte Carlo simulations and analytical methods, are not suited to the requirements of clinical implementation because of their lack of versatility and their cumbersome application. We propose a proof of concept based on deep learning for out-of-field dose map estimation that addresses these limitations. For this purpose, a 3D U-Net, considering as inputs the in-field dose, as computed by the treatment planning system, and the patient's anatomy, was trained to predict out-of-field dose maps. The cohort used for learning and performance evaluation included 3151 pediatric patients from the FCCSS database, treated in 5 clinical centers, whose whole-body dose maps were previously estimated with an empirical analytical method. The test set, composed of 433 patients, was split into 5 subdata sets, each containing patients treated with devices unseen during the training phase. Root mean square deviation evaluated only on nonzero voxels located in the out-of-field areas was computed as performance metric. Root mean square deviations of 0.28 and 0.41 cGy/Gy were obtained for the training and validation data sets, respectively. Values of 0.27, 0.26, 0.28, 0.30, and 0.45 cGy/Gy were achieved for the 6 MV linear accelerator, 16 MV linear accelerator, Alcyon cobalt irradiator, Mobiletron cobalt irradiator, and betatron device test sets, respectively. This proof-of-concept approach using a convolutional neural network has demonstrated unprecedented generalizability for this task, although it remains limited, and brings us closer to an implementation compatible with clinical routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Auditory brainstem responses to paired-click stimuli were obtained from 57 adults. • Significant correlations were found between the second-click response and the participant's age or their word intelligibility. • The second-click response using the paired-click stimulation paradigm could be useful for detecting cochlear synaptopathy. This study aimed to evaluate whether auditory brainstem response (ABR) using a paired-click stimulation paradigm could serve as a tool for detecting cochlear synaptopathy (CS). The ABRs to single-clicks and paired-clicks with various inter-click intervals (ICIs) and scores for word intelligibility in degraded listening conditions were obtained from 57 adults with normal hearing. The wave I peak amplitude and root mean square values for the post-wave I response within a range delayed from the wave I peak (referred to as the RMS post-w1) were calculated for the single- and second-click responses. The wave I peak amplitudes did not correlate with age except for the second-click responses at an ICI of 7 ms, and the word intelligibility scores. However, we found that the RMS post-w1 values for the second-click responses significantly decreased with increasing age. Moreover, the RMS post-w1 values for the second-click responses at an ICI of 5 ms correlated significantly with the scores for word intelligibility in degraded listening conditions. The magnitude of the post-wave I response for the second-click response could serve as a tool for detecting CS in humans. Our findings shed new light on the analytical methods of ABR for quantifying CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated resting heart rate (RHR) and reduced heart rate variability (HRV) are signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction identified in schizophrenia (SCZ). This dysfunction has been found to manifest prior to the onset of the clinical diagnosis. Yet whether such autonomic dysfunction is associated with vulnerability to schizophrenia remains unknown. This case-control study included recent onset SCZ patients (n = 35) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 33). Patients were scored for self-disorders (SD's) using the EASE manual and all participants underwent a 5-minute resting state electrocardiogram (ECG) recording. Patients were included from outpatient clinics in Denmark. The main measures comprised EASE total scores (SDs), RHR (beats per minute) and three standard HRV measures usually included in testing autonomic nervous system dysfunction: root mean squared of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) and high-frequency/ low frequency ratio (HF/LF). Pearson correlations and linear regression models adjusted for age, sex and medication were used in the SCZ group. The main finding was a positive moderate association between SDs and RHR (r = 0.463; p = 0.005) and a negative association between SDs and HRV (RMSSD) (r = −0.440; p = 0.008) in the SCZ group. Linear regression models found SDs to explain 22 % of the variance of RHR and 19 % in RMSSD. SDs correlated with LF/HF (r = 0.434; p = 0.009), but non-significantly with SDNN. The study provides evidence of an intriguing link between SDs as a susceptibility trait for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and altered cardiac autonomic functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise Orbit Determination (POD) of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR)-tracked satellites is stepping towards millimeter-level precision, which requires further refinement of satellite perturbation models and consideration of more detailed perturbation force models that were not previously taken into accounted. Atmospheric drag is one of the main perturbative forces acting on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, however, the atmospheric wind speed associated with atmospheric drag has not been considered in International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) regular data processing. Therefore, in order to analyze the magnitude of atmospheric wind speed influence on POD of SLR satellites, this paper applies HWM14 (Horizontal Wind Model 14) atmospheric wind speed model to perform POD of LARES, Ajisai, Starlette, Stella, Larets satellites and analyses the results. The results show that after applying HWM14 atmospheric wind speed model, the SLR observation residual WRMS (Weighted Root Mean Square) value for LARES, Starlette, Stella, Larets satellites reach 1.04 cm, 2.13 cm, 1.73 cm, 3.36 cm, respectively, which are reduced by 0.10 cm, 0.30 cm, 0.00 cm, 0.05 cm, respectively. However, for Ajisai, one has an almost the same orbit residual WRMS value of 2.88 cm. The 3D (three-dimensional) orbit overlapping arcs error for LARES is 17.53 cm, which is reduced by 1.75 cm; for Starlette it is 19.12 cm, which is reduced by 0.96 cm; for Stella there is almost same orbit overlapping arcs error of 34.9 cm. The accuracy of orbit forecast for 1 day and 3 days for LARES reaches 147.57 cm and 163.96 cm, respectively, which is improved by 0.04 cm and 20.73 cm in the T (Tangential) direction, respectively. The accuracy of orbit forecast for 1 day and 3 days for Stella reaches 191.77 cm and 308.52 cm, respectively, which is improved by 1.95 cm and 6.74 cm in the T direction, respectively. The accuracy of orbit forecast for 1 day and 3 days for Larets reaches 6.18 m and 145.26 m, respectively, which is improved by 7.81 m and 473.61 m in the T direction, respectively. Above results display that considering HWM14 atmospheric wind speed model has a certain improvement for POD of LARES, Starlette, Stella and Larets. Therefore, the influence of atmospheric wind speed should be considered in the SLR POD and regular data processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network analysis benefits from precise point positioning with undifferenced (UD) or double differenced (DD) integer ambiguity resolution (IAR). Position time series with UD-IAR and a practical DD-IAR are compared for a mixture network consisting of 57 global and 82 regional stations with 4-year observations. The sparse global stations are more affected by different IAR methods than the regional stations of Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC). The most significant differences between UD-IAR and the practical DD-IAR are observed in velocity estimations, with averages of 0.15 and 0.30 mm/yr for the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. UD-IAR can achieve smaller root mean square at 70–83 % of the daily solutions than the practical DD-IAR for global stations. Nevertheless, moderate differences of frame parameters and annual variations are introduced by different IAR methods. The IAR is also proved to be one of the potential origins for Global Positioning System (GPS) draconitic signals and white noise at high frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides health monitoring, a regular check of dairy heifers' growth rate is desirable, but it is rarely done because procedures that require restraint and handling can be associated with substantial stress for both animals and farmers. Inexperienced heifers, especially if they are highly responsive to humans, may find restraint and handling potentially aversive. This study investigated whether training heifers of different age and responsiveness toward humans (RTH), through operant conditioning, could reduce stress in animals, ease close contact and handling, and be feasible in terms of farmers' effort. We assessed 60 Holstein heifers of 2 age classes (young, n = 29, 291 ± 39 d; old, n = 31, 346 ± 62 d) according to the avoidance distance test and classified them as confident (n = 20), neutral (n = 21), or nonconfident (n = 19). Half of the heifers of each age and RTH class were trained (n = 29), whereas the other half was not (n = 31). The trained heifers were subjected to target training for 8 sessions and positively reinforced with feed to allow being touched on the muzzle, rump, and perineum. If a heifer refused positive reinforcement, the trainer stepped back as negative reinforcement. In the last week of the experiment, the effect of training on the reaction to handling was assessed in all heifers. We measured heart rate, root mean square of successive interbeat interval differences (RMSSD), and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMet). The presence of behavioral distress signs was recorded as well. The avoidance distance test was performed a second time 24 h after the measuring session. All of the trained heifers, regardless of RTH class, successfully accomplished the target training task in 6 sessions, each spending on average 25.3 s per session. All of the trained heifers allowed touches on the rump and perineum at the end of the fourth session. Training nonconfident heifers required more time compared with the others. Trained heifers showed higher RMSSD than nontrained heifers (14.2 vs. 16.9 ms, respectively), indicating a lower vagal tone, and thus, a slightly lower stress level than nontrained heifers. Training did not lead to differences in HR, FCMet, or presence of stress behavioral signs. Nonconfident heifers had the highest mean baseline FCMet values compared with neutral and confident heifers (38.4 vs. 30.3 vs. 29.1 ng/g, respectively). Nonconfident heifers also showed the lowest value of FCMet 12 h after the measuring session (36.7 vs. 44.6 vs. 49.7 ng/g), likely due to a decreased responsiveness of the adrenal gland to a stressor. The average avoidance distance decreased between the beginning and the end of the experiment, especially for neutral and nonconfident heifers, regardless of whether they were trained or not. These results show how using operant conditioning on some heifers not only decreased their vagal tone, but also reduced the responsiveness to humans of all the animals, trained and not trained; in the latter case, this reduction was through nonassociative learning, such as habituation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breath-holding spells are a benign condition primarily seen in 3% to 5% of healthy children aged between six months and five years. Although no specific treatment is recommended due to its benign nature, iron and piracetam are used in severe or recurrent cases. We planned to compare the heart rate variability (HRV) before and after treatment with 24-hour Holter monitoring in patients receiving iron and piracetam treatment and investigate the treatment's effectiveness. Twenty-five patients who applied to the outpatient clinic between 2013 and 2015 due to breath-holding spells were included in the study. The patients who received piracetam and iron therapy and underwent 24-hour rhythm Holter monitoring were evaluated retrospectively. Fourteen (56%) of these patients were evaluated as having cyanotic-type and 11 (44%) patients were assessed as having pale-type breath-holding spells. A significant difference was found only between hourly peak heart rate and total power in the group receiving iron treatment. Significant differences were also found among the minimum heart rate, mean heart rate, the standard deviation of RR intervals, the mean square root of the sum of the squares of their difference between adjacent RR intervals, spectpow, and low frequency before and after the treatment in the patients who started piracetam treatment (P < 0.05). Our study is critical as it is the first to investigate the effects of treatment options on various HRV in patients with breath-holding spells. There were statistically significant changes in HRV parameters in patients receiving piracetam, and the number of attacks decreased significantly. Piracetam treatment contributes positively to the breath-holding spell with regard to efficacy and HRV, therefore it can be used to treat breath-holding spells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel superalkali NLi 4 decorated Boron doped graphene/magnesium hydride heterojunction NLi 4 -BGra/MgH 2 was designed using density functional theory (DFT). Molecular dynamics (MD) confirmed that this material can release H 2 adsorbed near NLi 4 and H stored within MgH 2 at a fixed hydrogen-desorption temperature (T d) of 298 K and 570 K, respectively. Subsequently, 132 magnesium alloy hydrides Mg 1-X Me X H 2 with various hydrogen-storage capacities and hydrogen-desorption temperatures were predicted by DFT combined with machine learning (ML). Among them, Mg 0.875 Li 0.125 H 2 (T d = 400K) and Mg 0.875 Be 0.125 H 2 (T d = 500K) were selected to form NLi 4 -BGra/Mg 0.875 Me 0.125 H 2 (Me = Li, Be). The successful validation of Root Mean Square Deviation, diffusion coefficient and hydrogen-desorption trajectories to qualify the hydrogen-desorption capability of NLi 4 -BGra/Mg 0.875 Me 0.125 H 2 (Me = Li, Be) (T d = 400, 500K) confirms that the strategy of using Mg 1-X Me X H 2 to substitute MgH 2 in NLi 4 -BGra/MgH 2 enables the effective modulation of the hydrogen-desorption temperature ranges of NLi 4 -BGra/MgH 2 -based heterojunctions. In particular, partial density of state, electron localization function, and charge density difference were comprehensively analyzed to understand the hydrogen-storage mechanism and the nature of the hydrogen-desorption temperature variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both low vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV) and depression have been shown to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We recently identified an HRV cutpoint below which persons have an increased risk for several cardiometabolic disorders. However, no cutpoint exists to identify those at risk for depression. The association between daytime HRV and diagnostically validated depression cutoffs using the five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5) was examined in adults from the Mannheim Industrial Cohort Study (n = 9973; M age = 41.9[10.9]; 20 % women [ n = 1934]). The aim was to identify HRV cutpoints for individuals who may have clinical depression. Regression adjusting for age, sex, and linear trend showed a significant quadratic association between depression, indexed by WHO-5 scores and HRV, indexed by the root mean square successive differences (RMSSD) in milliseconds (ms) (p < 0.001). Logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, and heart period (i.e., inter-beat intervals) compared the clinically depressed (WHO-5 ≤ 28) and those with a screening diagnosis of depression (WHO-5 ≤ 50) to the rest of the population. Significant odds ratios suggested two RMSSD values 25 ± 2 ms (OR = 1.39 [1.17, 1.64]) and 35 ± 2 ms (OR = 1.17 [1.02, 1.34]) that may be used to identify those with an elevated risk for depression. The sample was primarily German men. Fitness and anti-depressant use were not available. As HRV is a brief measure that can be used in clinical settings, our HRV cutpoints have implications for the early detection of those at risk for psychological and cardiometabolic disorders. • Major depressive disorder is among the most globally prevalent illnesses. • Early identification can reduce disease burden. • We found cutpoints for a physiological marker of depression using heart rate variability. • These clinical cutpoints can be used in primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a Titanium (Ti) doped α-Fe 2 O 3 (hematite) thin layer was synthesized onto a glass substrate, employing the simultaneous DC and RF magnetron sputtering method. The investigation focused on examining specific physical properties of the film. The optical, structural, morphological, and elemental features of the resulting Ti-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 thin film were characterized using different characterization techniques. The XRD studies indicated a rhombohedral crystal structure in the studied thin film. The calculation of the E g value for the thin film, based on absorption measurements, resulted in a value of 2.19 eV. Raman peaks were identified within the range of 218 cm−1 to 1300 cm−1. According to SEM images, the thin film exhibited a uniform surface morphology across the substrate. AFM images revealed a low root mean square (RMS) roughness value, indicating a smooth Ti:Fe 2 O 3 thin film surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed a diagnosis method for combustion instability and validated its performance using experimental data obtained from a hydrogen/natural gas co-firing gas turbine combustor. Four criteria, namely temporal kurtosis, permutation entropy, energy entropy, and zero-crossing rate, were considered. First, the performance of each criterion was compared with that of the conventional method for determining combustion instability using the root mean square (RMS) of dynamic pressure. Temporal kurtosis the best performance in terms of detection speed (instability onset detected 0.71 s earlier than the RMS method). Permutation entropy yielded the best performance in terms of accuracy and precision with accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score values of 96.6%, 100%, 92.6%, and 96.2%, respectively. The performances of combinations of these criteria were investigated using AND and OR gates. Twenty-two cases were considered and the combination of permutation entropy and zero-crossing rate (best case) achieved detection time, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score values of 8.49 s, 97.2%, 93.9%, 100%, and 96.8%, respectively. Other combinations exhibited competitive performance; however, the method combining two criteria was selected to simplify the computing process. The proposed method is expected to contribute to the safe and stable operation of hydrogen/natural gas co-firing gas turbines. • A Novel diagnostic method for detecting the onset of combustion instability is proposed. • The detection speeds and accuracies of TK, PE, EoE, and ZCR are assessed. • TK can detect instability onset 0.71 s earlier than the root mean square method. • PE achieved superior performance with 96.6% accuracy and 92.6% recall. • The PE∩STD ZCR combination improved accuracy (97%) and recall (100%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SCMR achieves better performance than CMEMS and ESA CCI in the northern SCS. • Variation reveals a non-linear feature of sea level trends from offshore oceans to coasts. • The impact of ENSO signals on the sea level trends along the Chinese coast is dampened. With improved altimeter data near the coast, it is possible to use them in analysis of coastal sea level trends. In this study, we assess the sea level trends over January 2002-April 2022 with the SCMR-reprocessed altimeter dataset in the coastal zone of the northern South China Sea (SCS). The reliability of this dataset is confirmed by the inter-comparison with the CMEMS (Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service) Level-3 along-track data product and the ESA CCI (European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative) v2.2 virtual station product, along with the validation against tide gauge records. Compared to two altimeter products, the SCMR has a higher number of data points for the analysis of sea level trends in the study region (28439 vs 1408 for CMEMS and 868 for ESA CCI). The monthly SLA time series from the SCMR dataset are more consistent with those from tide gauge records in terms of higher correlation coefficients (0.37–0.83) and lower root mean square of the differences (RMSD, 33.98–92.19 mm) between altimeter and tide gauge. The along-track sea level trends within the 0–20 km coastal strip range between 2–5 mm yr−1, and the degradation of sea level trends occurs when the along-track trends show significant fluctuations at the spatial scales of ∼ 300 m. Therefore, a further data editing strategy is recommended in this regard. We also find that the ENSO-related signals mainly impact on sea levels in the west of Luzon Strait and of the Philippine coast, but are dampened along the Chinese coast over 2002–2022. The regional mean sea level trend is reduced from 3.54 ± 0.85 mm yr−1 to 3.00 ± 0.84 mm yr−1 after removing the ENSO-related low-frequency variability. Finally, the variation of sea level trends from offshore oceans to coasts is found to be nonlinear, indicating the complexity of sea level changes in the study area. The blending of tide gauge records and the SCMR dataset has been successfully conducted in four tide gauges over a longer period of January 1993-April 2022, which would contribute to the analysis of long-term sea level trends at the local scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a safe model predictive control (MPC)-based disturbance rejection control for a broad range of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to complex state safety constraints. The system under study is composed of a nominal model and an uncertain term that encapsulates modeling uncertainty, control mismatch, and external disturbances. In order to estimate the system state and total uncertainty, an extended state observer (ESO) is first designed. Utilizing the output of the ESO, the control compensates for the total uncertainty in real time and concurrently implements a control barrier function (CBF)-based MPC for the compensated system. The proposed control framework guarantees both safety and disturbance rejection. Compared to the baseline algorithm CBF-MPC, the proposed method significantly enhances system stability with a smaller root mean square (RMS) error of the system state from the equilibrium point. Rigorous theoretical analysis and simulation experiments are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. • A safe control scheme for uncertain nonlinear systems subject to complex state safety constraints. • Extended state observer (ESO) for estimating the system state and disturbance. • Control barrier function (CBF)-based model predictive control (MPC) for guaranteeing the safety constraints. • Sufficient conditions are established for maintaining stability, feasibility and safety of the closed-loop system. • The scheme manifested high performance in the application of adaptive cruise control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cardiac autonomic markers (CAMs) are commonly used to assess cardiac reinnervation in heart-transplant patients, their relationship to the degree of sympathetic and vagal cardiac reinnervation is not well understood yet. To study this relationship, we applied a mathematical model of the cardiovascular system and its autonomic control. By simulating varying levels of sympathetic and vagal efferent sinoatrial reinnervation, we analyzed the induced changes in CAMs including resting heart rate (HR), bradycardic and tachycardic HR response to Valsalva maneuver, root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), and total spectral power (TSP). For assessment of vagal cardiac reinnervation levels >20%, resting HR (ρ = 0.99, p < 0.05), RMSSD (ρ = 0.97, p < 0.05), and TSP (ρ = 0.96, p < 0.05) may be equally suitable as HF-power (ρ = 0.97, p < 0.05). To assess sympathetic reinnervation, LF/HF ratio (ρ = 0.87, p < 0.05) and tachycardic response to Valsalva maneuver (ρ = 0.9, p < 0.05) may be more suitable than LF-power (ρ = 0.77, p < 0.05). Our model reports mechanistic relationships between CAMs and levels of efferent autonomic sinoatrial reinnervation. The results indicate differences in the suitability of these markers to assess vagal and sympathetic reinnervation. Although our analysis is purely conceptual, the developed model can help to gain important insights into the genesis of CAMs and their relationship to efferent sinoatrial reinnervation and, thus, provide indications for clinical study evaluation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ka-band inter-satellite link (ISL) is a key technology of BeiDou Global Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) that can improve the system performance. Based on 30 days of ISL observations, we analyze the BDS-3 ISL ranging performance and the related influencing factors, such as satellite manufacturer, satellite orbit type and link type. The fitting residuals of the ISL geometry-free observations are used to characterize the measurement noise, and the post-fit ISL residuals from precise orbit determination (POD) and precise clock estimation (PCE) are used to further validate the ranging performance. The fitting residuals follow a normal distribution, and the average root mean square (RMS) value for all 421 links is approximately 2.5 cm. The satellite manufacturers, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites (SECM), have an obvious impact on the ISL measurement noise. The RMS of the ISL fitting residuals for the links established by the two CAST satellites is only 1.45 cm, while it can reach 3.34 cm for the links established by the two SECM satellites. This correlation between ISL ranging performance and the satellite manufacturer is also found in the POD and PCE post-fit ISL residuals. The RMS of PCE residuals is about 3.1 cm, while the POD residuals are larger with the RMS of 5.5 cm due to the effect of orbital errors, especially for the Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites. Overall, the ranging accuracy of the BDS-3 ISL is better than 5 cm according to the above analyses. Furthermore, the BDS-3 satellite orbit and clock results are evaluated by internal consistency check and external comparison to analyze the application of ISL observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total electron content (TEC) is a critical parameter of ionosphere morphology. Precise modeling and prediction of the TEC time series can significantly aid the functioning of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), satellite as well as shortwave communications. An improved Transformer-based TEC prediction model (ITM) is proposed in this study, in response to the high noise characteristics of the temporal data for TEC in the global ionosphere. The ITM model forecasts the global ionospheric TEC data provided by the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) for the year 2018. Experimental results indicate that the model obtains an annual average root mean square error of 1.4 TECU, which represents a 6.67 % advancement over the daily forecast product C1PG published by the CODE center. The model also attains an annual average mean absolute error of 1 TECU, representing a 9.09 % improvement over the accuracy of C1PG. The annual average correlation coefficient is 0.98, which indicates a 0.62 % upgrade in C1PG's accuracy. Additionally, the model exhibits a maximum increase of 23.53 % in monthly average root mean square error over C1PG, a maximum increase of 25 % in monthly average mean absolute error, and a maximum increase of 1.55 % in monthly average correlation coefficient. During the more geomagnetically active phases of 2018, the ITM model's forecast accuracy exhibited an overall improvement of 5 % in RMSE, 7.14 % in MAE, and 0.83 % in correlation coefficient R compared to the C1PG product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing for next-generation thermal management is very important for electrical and electronics industries to meet sustainable development goals through electrification. In this study, thermal management manufacturing application and analysis of channel formation characteristics for copper and aluminum materials are investigated using different tool designs consisting of three probe thread pitches and four process pitches of the Friction Stir Channeling (FSC) process. Channel characteristics such as shape, area, perimeter, and closing angle are investigated. Analysis of microstructure around the channel using optical microscopy and electron beam scattered diffraction, Vickers hardness measurements at channel cross-section, surface features, and roughness inside channels are conducted. Eventually, the FSCed channels are evaluated for thermal efficiency performance. Complex materials flow with the combined effect of materials extraction and forging through stirring followed by shearing action is revealed as the channel formation mechanism in FSC. The higher thread pitch on the tool probe resulted in non-uniform material flow during channel formation and eventually formed non-rectangular channels. At the interface of the ceiling zone-unprocessed region in copper, intriguing features of piling up grain boundaries, low angle grain boundaries, and higher kernel average misorientation are observed. Unique surface roughness textures are noticed for four different walls of channels in copper and aluminum. The aluminum channel's root mean square roughness (R q) value is 63.4% rougher on the retreating side and 246% rougher on the ceiling side compared to the copper channel at the same location. The channel produced by the 1.5 mm thread pitch tool was found to be the most efficient in terms of cooling power for both copper and aluminum materials. For Channels fabricated by thread pitches of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm in copper were found to be 62.4%, 67.3%, and 82.9% more efficient than aluminum channels. [Display omitted] • First investigation on obtaining channels in copper using friction stir channeling (FSC). • In-depth investigation on channel formation characteristics for copper as well as aluminum materials. • Correlation on probe's thread pitch and channel formation characteristics is established. • Distinguishable microstructural variations at interface between channel ceiling zone and base material are revealed. • The cooling power capacity of copper channel is 62% to 83% higher as compared to aluminum for different thread pitches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the performance of Global Positioning System (GPS) Precise Point Positioning (PPP) Ambiguity Resolution (AR) under various ionospheric scintillation environments, we selected GPS data of ionospheric scintillation monitoring receivers (ISMR) and geodetic receivers from high-latitude and low-latitude regions during 2021–2023. We conducted GPS Kinematic PPP using Canadian Spatial Reference System (CSRS) PPP and used the maximum and average values of σ φ and S 4 as indicators to characterize the intensity of phase scintillation and amplitude scintillation for ISMRs, while the maximum and average values of Rate of Total Electron Content Index (ROTI) to characterize the intensity of ionospheric scintillation for geodetic receivers. We also used ambiguity resolved percentage (ARP) and the 3-Dimensional Root Mean Square (3D RMS) of positioning errors as performance metrics for PPP-AR and PPP. As the maximum and average values of ionospheric scintillation indices increase, the PPP-ARP for high-latitude ISMRs decreases to 90.0 %, and the 3D RMS can reach 0.204 m. During ionospheric quiet conditions, positioning accuracy of GPS PPP can reach the cm-mm level. As the geomagnetic latitude decreases, the scintillation effects on PPP-AR and PPP become more pronounced for high-latitude ISMRs. Compared with high-latitudes, ISMRs located at low-latitudes are more severely affected by scintillation, with PPP-ARP at the station HNLW in China and the station UFBA in Brazil dropping to 80.0 % and 60.0 %, respectively. The 3D RMS can reach 0.288 m and 0.341 m. The results of geodetic receives are consistent with those of ISMRs, with 3D RMS of positioning errors up to 0.240 m and 0.256 m for CYNE and MAL2, respectively, while PPP-ARP drops to 60.4 % and 79.6 %. Additionally, we observed a strong positive correlation between ionospheric scintillation duration and the maximum values of σ φ , S 4 and ROTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid progress of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), integer ambiguity resolution has gradually become one of the key factors that affecting Precise Point Positioning (PPP) to achieve high-precision positioning results and fast convergence. Fortunately, the proposal of observable-specific code/phase biases (OSB) has greatly alleviated this problem tremendously. Different from obtaining OSB by dual-frequency linear combinations, this research proposed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) OSB estimation method from raw observations. This method allows for more flexible estimation in a global network, without the need to compose the complex linear combinations when involving multi-frequency measurements processing. The BDS-3 observation data collected from 112 stations over one month (October 2022), containing B1C/B1I/B2a/B2b/B3I frequencies, were used for five-frequency phase OSBs estimation. Subsequently, static and kinematic PPP were executed utilizing two different ambiguity resolution strategies to corroborate the efficacy of this method. The results revealed that the BDS-3 five-frequency phase OSBs possessed good monthly stability, with standard deviation less than 0.3 cycle. High position accuracy was achieved in the static mode by fixing the ambiguity directly, with root mean square (RMS) of 3.0, 4.8 and 9.9 mm. Meanwhile, the ambiguity fixed rate was maintained at a high level around 96 % in multi-frequency tests. Simultaneously, the kinematic mode also presented the centimeter-level dynamic positioning results and the positioning accuracy improved by 55, 31 and 17 % in the East, North and Up components, respectively. Compared to the float solutions, the adoption of multi-frequency OSBs significantly accelerated the convergence speed by 55 % on average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative motion between the workpiece and the fixed abrasive pad (FAP) determines the abrasive trajectories and the distribution of abrasives' sliding distance (ASD), and further affects the surface accuracy of the lapping process. To improve the surface accuracy of the swinging fixed abrasive plane lapping (SFAPL), the influence of the workpiece's swinging modes on the lapping uniformity was studied in this paper. The kinematics model of SFAPL was established by the coordinate transformation method based on the kinematical principle of the crank-rocker mechanism. The numerical simulation method was adopted to investigate the abrasive trajectories and the ASD on the workpiece surface in different swinging modes. Furthermore, the regional meshing and statistical methods were applied to visualize the simulation results, and the non-uniformity coefficient (NUC) and root mean square (rms) were employed to quantitatively evaluate the lapping uniformity. Finally, the verification experiments were carried out. Results indicated that the additional swinging could avoid the periodic distribution of material removal on the workpiece surface. The swinging mode significantly affected the lapping efficiency and lapping uniformity. Compared with the traditional lapping method, the lapping uniformity was optimal when the workpiece swung out of the FAP from the bottom and inner sides, and the lapping uniformity could be improved by 44.3 %; The lapping efficiency was the highest when the workpiece swung out of the FAP from the bottom side, and the material removal rate could be increased by 45.23 %. The appropriate swinging mode should be selected based on different processing requirements in SFAPL. [Display omitted] • Swinging fixed abrasive plane lapping (SFAPL) was introduced to improve the lapping accuracy of BK7 glass. • The lapping uniformity of SFAPL was investigated through kinematics and trajectory analysis. • Simulation results were visualized based on regional meshing and statistical methods. • The influence of swinging modes on the lapping performance was revealed. • The optimal swinging mode to ameliorate the lapping uniformity was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation fractional cover (fCover) is an important canopy structural variable for understanding the climate-vegetation feedback. Trees and non-tree vegetation may respond differently to climate changes, yet traditional fCover estimation methods focus on quantifying fractional cover for general vegetation. Satellite-based spectral unmixing is more advantageous in this regard as it allows for trees, non-tree vegetation-specific fCover mapping. However, existing multispectral unmixing based fCover estimation studies rarely consider local endmember variability or spatial contextual information. This leads to a lack of spatial detail at locations dominated by similar land covers and a discontinuity among neighboring pixels in the fCover map. To address this, we proposed a Local endmember extraction, Global abundance inversion, and Global fCover mapping with consideration of Spatial contextual information (LGGS) framework to enhance current multispectral (Landsat-8) unmixing based fCover estimation. The proposed LGGS approach was first tested at a forested landscape (Site-A) in Livengood, Alaska then transferred to two study sites (Site-B, Site-C) with various site conditions for demonstrating its generalizability. Our results suggest that LGGS automatically locates high-quality endmembers from Site-A with spectra close to the reference data with median spectral angle mapper values = 0.067, 0.12, and 0.124 for trees, non-tree vegetation, and bare soils respectively. Moreover, incorporating local endmember variability and spatial contextual information improves the overall spatial details and continuity of the mapped fCover, resulting in smaller unmixing errors (mean root mean squared differences = 0.0117–0.0154) and higher structural similarity (mean structural similarity index measure ∼=0.99) to the observed spectra than previous efforts. Overall, our mapped tree fCover resembles the reference map much better (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.86, root mean squared error: 0.21) than existing satellite products including MODIS vegetation continuous fields, Landsat global forest cover change, and Copernicus global land service products in terms of both numerical range and spatial pattern. The proposed fCover estimation method relies on freely available multispectral imagery therefore can be applied to other vegetated regions for large-scale canopy cover monitoring and eco-related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative approach to the ProPro synthesis process, aiming to improve the modeling and parameter estimation by integrating and optimizing existing methodologies. It combines well-established models available in the literature with a hybrid solution approach, emphasizing computational efficiency. Additionally, it assesses and enhance the modeling results by calculating confidence regions and uncertainties in both kinetic and thermodynamic modeling. To this end, a batch reactor with Amberlyst 46 catalyst is modeled. The parameter estimation approach combines Particles Swarm Optimization and Gradient Method to estimate both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, sequentially and simultaneously. Confidence regions and uncertainties are determined for the sequential approach, guiding the search space for the simultaneous estimation. By utilizing PSO, the parameters are estimated, and their confidence regions are determined, providing a comprehensive understanding of their uncertainty. The uncertainty is propagated through the model predictions of the batch reactor, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the system's behavior. The results demonstrate a good agreement between the model predictions and experimental data, with the expanded uncertainty adequately reflecting the statistical variability of the experimental observations. Furthermore, the heterogeneous Langmuir-Hinshelwood model yields improved representation of the experimental data in both transient and steady states compared to the pseudo-homogeneous model. The Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) for parameter estimation shows significant improvement compared to literature values. The simultaneous parameter estimation approach exhibits the best fit performance for the model predictions, confirming its effectiveness in accurately representing the system. • Modeling the synthesis of n-Propyl Propionate with Langmuir–Hinshelwood heterogeneous model. • Estimation of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the n-Propyl Propionate synthesis. • Determination of the confidence regions of the estimated parameters using optimizer history. • Uncertainty analysis of the estimated kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. • Uncertainty propagation to the model prediction and comparison with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) remains critical in guiding epilepsy surgery. Robot-assisted techniques have shown promise in improving SEEG implantation outcomes but have not been directly compared. In this single-institution series, we compared ROSA and Stealth AutoGuide robots in pediatric SEEG implantation. We retrospectively reviewed 21 sequential pediatric SEEG implantations consisting of 6 ROSA and 15 AutoGuide procedures. We determined mean operative time, time per electrode, root mean square (RMS) registration error, and surgical complications. Three-dimensional radial distances were calculated between each electrode's measured entry and target points with respective errors from the planned trajectory line. Mean overall/per electrode operating time was 73.5/7.5 minutes for ROSA and 126.1/10.9 minutes for AutoGuide (P = 0.030 overall, P = 0.082 per electrode). Mean RMS registration error was 0.77 mm (0.55–0.93 mm) for ROSA and 0.6 mm (0.2–1.0 mm) for AutoGuide (P = 0.26). No procedures experienced complications. The mean radial (entry point error was 1.23 ± 0.11 mm for ROSA and 2.65 ± 0.12 mm for AutoGuide (P < 0.001), while the mean radial target point error was 1.86 ± 0.15 mm for ROSA and 3.25 ± 0.16 mm for AutoGuide (P < 0.001). Overall operative time was greater for AutoGuide procedures, although there was no statistically significant difference in time per electrode. Both systems are highly accurate with no significant RMS error difference. While the ROSA robot yielded significantly lower entry and target point errors, both robots are safe and reliable for deep electrode insertion in pediatric epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first reporting of the MRIdian A3iTM intracranial package (BrainTxTM) and benchmarks the end-to-end localization and dosimetric accuracy for commissioning an magnetic resonace (MR)-guided stereotactic radiosurgery program. We characterized the localization accuracy between MR and radiation (RT) isocenter through an end-to-end hidden target test, relative dose profile intercomparison, and absolute dose validation. BrainTx consists of a dedicated head coil, integrated mask immobilization system, and high-resolution MR sequences. Coil and baseplate attenuation was quantified. An in-house phantom (Cranial phantOm foR magNetic rEsonance Localization of a stereotactIc radiosUrgery doSimeter, CORNELIUS) was developed from a mannequin head filled with silicone gel, film, and MR BB with pinprick. A hidden target test evaluated MR-RT localization of the 1×1×1 mm3 TrueFISP MR and relative dose accuracy in film for a 1 cm diameter (International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)-X/IEC-Y) and 1.5 cm diameter (IEC-Y/IEC-Z) spherical target. Two clinical cases (irregular-shaped target and target abutting brainstem) were mapped to the CORNELIUS phantom for feasibility assessment. A 2-dimensional (2D)-gamma compared calculated and measured dose for spherical and clinical targets with 1 mm/1% and 2 mm/2% criteria, respectively. A small-field chamber (A26MR) measured end-to-end absolute dose for a 1 cm diameter target. Coil and baseplate attenuation were 0.7% and 2.7%, respectively. The displacement of MR to RT localization as defined through the pinprick was 0.49 mm (IEC-X), 0.27 mm (IEC-Y), and 0.51 mm (IEC-Z) (root mean square 0.76 mm). The reproducibility across IEC-Y demonstrated high fidelity (<0.02 mm). Gamma pass rates were 97.1% and 95.4% for 1 cm and 1.5 cm targets, respectively. Dose profiles for an irregular-shaped target and abutting organ-at-risk-target demonstrated pass rates of 99.0% and 92.9%, respectively. The absolute end-to-end dose difference was <1%. All localization and dosimetric evaluation demonstrated submillimeter accuracy, per the TG-142, TG-101, MPPG 9.a. criteria for SRS/SRT systems, indicating acceptable delivery capabilities with a 1 mm setup margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) broadcasts the BDS Klobuchar model (BDSK) for ionospheric delay correction in both BDS-2 regional service phase and BDS-3 global service phase. Unlike the GPS Klobuchar model, the BDSK model adopts a simple "symmetrical strategy" due to the limited ionospheric input data within China, which results in inaccurate total electron content (TEC) estimation in the southern hemisphere. Besides, the "high latitude anomaly" occurs in the BDSK model due to the lack of latitude limitation strategy, which deteriorates the accuracy of the BDSK model in the southern hemisphere further. To solve this problem, we propose a revised BDS Klobuchar model (RBDK), in which the "non-symmetrical strategy" is adopted in the southern hemisphere and an amplitude constraint is introduced at high latitudes. For comparison, the fitted BDS Klobuchar model (BDFK) that is estimated using the same ionospheric input data and constraint algorithm for the RBDK model but with the "symmetrical strategy" is also included. First, we conduct a comparative analysis of the time series of the eight parameters for the BDSK, BDFK and RBDK models in 2021. The parameters of the BDFK and RBDK models are more stable, and there will be no abnormal jumping phenomenon that occurs in the BDSK model. Then, the performance of the broadcast BDSK model, the fitted BDFK model and the proposed RBDK model during the whole year of 2021 are evaluated by comparing them with the high-precision global ionospheric map (GIM) of the International GNSS Service (IGS). In the southern hemisphere, the root mean square (RMS) values of the BDSK and BDFK are 6.5 and 5.8 TEC unit (TECU), respectively, while that of the RBDK is 4.6 TECU, showing improvements of 29% and 21%, respectively. At high latitudes in the northern hemisphere, the RMS value of the BDSK is 7.6 TECU, while they are only 3.7 TECU for the RBDK and BDFK when the amplitude constraint is introduced. Final, we select 16 IGS stations to validate the performance of the BDSK, BDFK and RBDK models in the standard point positioning (SPP) domain in 2021. The average SPP accuracy of the BDSK is 8.88 m at 6 high-latitude stations, while they are 5.48 m for the RBDK and BDFK, showing significant improvement of 38%. Excluding the high-latitude stations, the SPP accuracy of the RBDK outperforms the BDFK and BDSK by 14% and 18%, respectively, at stations in the southern hemisphere. As expected, the proposed RBDK model shows significantly better performance in the southern hemisphere and at high latitudes in contrast to the broadcast BDSK model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the BeiDou regional navigation satellite system (BDS-2) backward compatible B1I and B3I signals, the BeiDou global navigation satellite system (BDS-3) also broadcast the B1C and B2a signals for compatibility with other Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and providing satellite-based augmentation service for the International Civil Aviation Organization. Considering that the majority of the existing researches on the BDS-3 precise orbit determination (POD) and precise point positioning (PPP) are based on the B1I/B3I signals, the special attention that systematically comparing the data quality, POD accuracy and PPP performance through B1I/B3I and B1C/B2a signals is aroused in this paper. Signal characteristics of different receivers and antennas for the aforesaid four various signals were analyzed in terms of the carrier-to-noise density ratio (C/N0), pseudorange multipath and observation noise. The B1C signal exhibits the minimum C/N0 values, and the B3I and B2a signals have the smaller pseudorange multipath errors. The smallest pseudorange noise can be observed form the B2a signal, while the root mean squares (RMSs) for carrier phase noise show tiny differences among the four signals. The BDS-3 POD results indicate that the orbit overlapping arc error in three-dimensional (3D) direction is 0.069 and 0.076 m for the B1C/B2a and B1I/B3I, and the standard deviation of the satellite laser ranging validation is 0.041 m for both the two schemes. The clock offset products were evaluated with respect to the precise clock products from Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), and the standard deviations (STDs) are 0.166 and 0.176 ns for the B1C/B2a and B1I/B3I. Finally, there is no apparent difference in the RMSs for B1C/B2a and B1I/B3I static PPP, while the convergence time that shortened by 31.4 % can be achieved for B1C/B2a. For kinematic PPP, the 3D RMS is 0.043 m and the convergence time is 31.1 min for the B1C/B2a, which is reduced by 14.0 % and 35.2 %, respectively, compared to B1I/B3I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is the first attempt to investigate the accuracy and reliability of the Ina-CORS (Indonesian Continuously Operating Reference Stations) for meteorological applications. We used the standard procedures to determine and assess the precipitable water vapor (PWV) obtained from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. The GNSS-derived zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) was estimated using the GAMIT software, and it was then converted to PWV using surface pressure measurements and the water vapor weighted mean temperature. The results were compared against those derived from the fifth generation of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF ERA5) data. Comparisons against the ECMWF ERA5 data reveal the following findings. Values for the mean bias and root mean square deviation (RMSD) of the GNSS-derived ZTD over the period 2011–2020 are −6.6 mm and 14.1 mm, respectively, representing the total percentage error of about 0.4%. The total errors from the surface pressure measurements and the calculations of water vapor weighted mean temperature introduce errors to the PWV values with the magnitude less than 1 mm. The GNSS-derived PWV values over Indonesia are comparable with those derived from the ECMWF ERA5 data. The mean bias and RMSD of PWV values are −0.60 mm and 2.59 mm, respectively. In addition, spatio-temporal variations of the GNSS-derived PWV can capture the main atmospheric features that are consistent with the other results deduced from long-term rainfall data. One of the features is the annual and semiannual cycles of PWV that largely correspond to the annual migration of the Asian-Australian monsoon system. Based on these results, we can conclude that the Ina-CORS is capable enough for accurate monitoring of the Indonesian weather and climate variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the most studied metal oxide NPs (MONPs) owing to their unique physiochemical properties. The last few years have witnessed a growing interest among researchers in adopting the green chemistry approach to fabricate MONPs. We herein report the synthesis of ZnO NPs stabilized by carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) derived from noxious aquatic weed, i.e., Eichhornia crassipes biomass (EC-CMC). The UV–Vis spectra showed maximum absorbance at ∼380 nm, and the XRD crystallite size of EC-CMC capped ZnO NPs (c-ZnO NPs) (∼26 nm) was smaller as compared to virgin ZnO NPs (v-ZnO NPs) (∼29 nm). The value of apparent strain (εA x 10−3), root mean square strain (E RMS x 10−3), stress (MPa), and energy density (KJm−3) for c-ZnO NPs obtained from the SSP plot was ∼0.893, ∼0.173, ∼116 and ∼51.83 respectively. The study also examined the differential effects of c-ZnO NPs treatment on the growth of two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), i.e., Pseudomonas fluorescens (Gram -ve), and Bacillus subtilis (Gram +ve). The findings revealed that P. fluorescens (PFL) was more susceptible to c-ZnO NPs than B. subtilis (BST). Furthermore, R. sativus seeds treated with c-ZnO NPs (10–50 ppm) exhibited notable improvements in plumule length, radicle length, vigor index, and biomass content over other treatments and control. The biopriming of R. sativus seeds with PFL and BST showed synergistic effects with 10-ppm c-ZnO NPs treatment and promoted overall seedling growth. The bacterial kinetics and seed germination studies manifest that the c-ZnO NPs at lower doses have growth-promoting effects. The combination of PFL + BST+10-ppm c-ZnO NPs showed substantial improvements in the germination indices of R. sativus. The present work has demonstrated the potential of utilizing positive bipartite interaction of PGPRs and bio-stabilized ZnO NPs to develop nanoformulations promoting plant growth management. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primarily through indirect observational techniques, the existence of thousands of exoplanetary systems has been confirmed. However, we still do not have an image of an exoplanetary system in reflected visible light. This is important because planetary systems as old as the solar system (∼ 5 G yr) have cooled to near equilibrium and are thus no longer as bright as the systems being detected by current infrared coronagraphs. Furthermore, the visible bandpass contains valuable information about aerosols, hazes, and clouds that are unavailable to infrared investigations. Our research group has transitioned key technologies that are necessary for direct imaging of exoplanets and their environments from laboratory to near space using suborbital platforms. Two of our sounding rocket experiments, called Planetary Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Rocket Experiment (PICTURE) and Planet Imaging Coronagraphic Technology Using a Reconfigurable Experimental Base (PICTURE-B), matured a 0.5 m diameter Gregorian telescope, a (600 nm to 750 nm) visible nulling coronagraph (VNC), a 1024 channel deformable mirror (DM) and a fine pointing system. Following up on these rocket experiments, in 2019 we flew a high-altitude balloon called Planetary Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Recoverable Experiment - Coronagraph (PICTURE-C). It carried a telescope employing a 0.6 m diameter Off Axis Parabolic (OAP) primary mirror, a vector vortex coronagraph (VVC), a 97-channel low order and a 1024 element high order DM operating in the 540 nm to 660 nm wavelength range. Like the rocket experiments, the first balloon flight demonstrated a 5 milliarcseconds (mas) fine pointing capability and the space worthiness of the coronagraph. The latest flight of PICTURE-C occurred on September 28 2022. It was designed to obtain the first high contrast (∼ 1 0 − 6 ) image of a debris disk, a circumstellar ring produced by the sublimation of cometary material and collisions among asteroids, comets and Kuiper-belt analogs, in reflected visible light. The experiment achieved 1 mas root mean square (RMS) fine pointing stability. Even though unanticipated transient vibrations prevented PICTURE-C from attaining its science goals, the conronagraph demonstrated 4 × 1 0 − 6 contrast over 540 nm to 660 nm (20% bandwidth). • Visible light direct imaging payload is flight-proven aboard two sounding rockets and two high-altitude balloons. • First in-flight demonstration of a high contrast region (dark hole) around a star enhanced with a deformable mirror. • Image stabilization to 1 milli-arcsec level achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite antenna phase center offset (PCO) correction is essential not noly for L-band ground-tracking GNSS high-precision data processing, but also for Ka-band inter-satellite link (ISL) observations. The Ka-band ISL and L-band satellite-ground observations of 90 days from 25 November 2020 to 23 February 2021 are used for the Ka-band PCO estimation and precise orbit determination (POD) validation for BDS-3 satellites. The results show that the standard deviations of the estimated Ka-band PCOs for 29 BDS-3 satellites are 1.73, 2.63 and 3.58 cm in the X, Y and Z components, respectively. The accuracy of the Ka-band PCO estimates for medium Earth orbit satellites (MEO) is better than those of inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites due to a better observation geometry. The POD validation results indicate that using the estimated Ka-band PCOs can improve the ISL-based orbit determination performance. Using Ka-band ISL and L-band satellite-ground observations with 40 global stations for combined POD, the orbit overlap comparison shows that the average three-dimensional (3D) root mean square (RMS) error for 29 BDS-3 satellites is decreased from 12.6 to 6.6 cm with a reduction of 47.6%, and satellite laser ranging (SLR) validation for 4 BDS-3 satellites shows an accuracy improvement from 6 to 5 cm in RMS. When using ISL and only 7 regional ground stations are used, the average 3D RMS of orbit overlap errors is decreased from 15.9 to 10.9 cm with a reduction of 31.6%, and the RMS of SLR residuals for 4 BDS-3 satellites is decreased from 6.7 to 5.6 cm. For ISL-only POD, the average 3D RMS of orbit overlap errors is decreased from 18.0 to 12.4 cm with a reduction of 31.1%, and the RMS of SLR residuals for 4 BDS-3 satellites is decreased from 7.1 to 6.9 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this research is to identify, screen and optimize physio-chemical characteristics for the production of extracellular chitinase from a marine bacterial isolate RS7. The bacterium isolated from Pamban Island, Rameshwaram was characterized as Gram-positive, pleomorphic and was identified as Cellulosimicrobium cellulans RS7 based on 16S rRNA profiling. The growth profile analysis showed maximum chitinase activity at 48 h of inoculum age. The optimization of physio-chemical parameters was performed using OFAT and statistical approach via RSM which resulted in 3.23-fold increase in chitinase activity from 20.89 to 67.6 U/ml. This study investigates the anti-fungal activity of chitinase against pathogenic fungus Mucor sp. where 80 μl (5 U) of enzyme resulted in a 22 mm zone of inhibition. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were done to understand the active properties of chitinase against fungal pathogens. The Molecular Operating Environment module was utilized and the docking poses were visually examined for interaction. The results indicated that chitinase exhibited high affinity towards selected ligand/protein (N-acetylglucosamine, β-1, 3 glucanase and β-1, 3 glucan) which participate in synthesis of fungal cell wall. The docking scores and root mean square deviation values for the selected target molecules were determined and specific interactions and residues were identified. [Display omitted] • Chitinase produced from a marine isolate Cellulosimicrobium cellulans RS7. • Highest yield of enzyme (3.23 folds) obtained after process optimization. • Chitinase found to inhibit Mucor sp. growth (22 mm zone). • High affinity of chitinase to N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), Beta-1,3 glucanase. • Docking shows chitinase inactivates fungal cell wall synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charged short peptides and glucose oxidase (GOx) were studied in this paper to reveal how these peptides alter the activity and structure of GOx. Results showed that the synthesized negatively charged peptides T 8 − and positively charged peptides T 9 + could increase and decrease enzyme activity, respectively. The T 8 − treated GOx potential increased by 33.6%. Meanwhile, the α-helix content decreased by 5.5%, and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) value decreased significantly. The fluorescence and UV–visible spectra revealed varying degrees of changes in peak and peak intensity, respectively. Overall, in the absence of contact reactions between T 9 + and T 8 − with GOx, the CPs changed the microenvironment around GOx and the charge arrangement on its surface, causing conformational changes in GOx and altering its enzymatic activity. The effect of CPs on GOx was further investigated using the molecular docking technique. After T 8 - treatment, the number of hydrogen bonds increased from 3 without short peptide treatment to 8 [Display omitted] • Uncovering the mechanism by which tiny charged substances alter enzyme activity.Provide a new strategy to change enzyme activity. • Provide new ideas for revealing the nature of the reaction between enzyme and substrate. • Enhance the potential of glucose oxidase application in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare open and closed treatment for unilateral mandibular condyle neck and base fractures by final three-dimensional (3D) condylar position at 6 months follow-up. 3D position was associated with mandibular functioning and pain. A total of 21 patients received open (n = 11) or closed (n = 10) treatment. 3D positions were assessed on cone-beam computed tomography scans. Volume differences, root mean square, translations, and rotations were obtained related to the pursued anatomical position and compared between treatment groups by the Mann-Whitney U test. The 3D position parameters were associated with the maximum interincisal opening (MIO), mixing ability test (MAT), Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), and pain based on Spearman correlation coefficients (r s). Translation in the medial-lateral direction was smaller after open treatment (P = 0.014). 3D position was not associated with the MAT; however, worse position was associated with a smaller MIO. A larger pitch rotation was associated with a worse MFIQ (r s = 0.499, P = 0.025). Volume reduction of the affected condyle was associated with more pain (r s = −0.503, P = 0.020). In conclusion, after unilateral condylar fractures, worse 3D position is associated with a smaller mouth opening and worse patient-reported outcomes. This is independent of the chosen treatment, despite a better anatomical reduction after open treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key to retrieving soil moisture (SM) with spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) data is to correct the effects of soil surface temperature (SST), roughness, water, and vegetation. In this study, Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) data are used to calculate surface reflectivity and surface roughness is characterized based on the statistical moments of Delay-Doppler Maps (DDM). After removing open water, a multiple linear regression model is created to retrieve SM by combining the SST and vegetation optical depth (VOD) parameters provided by Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) data. With a correlation coefficient of 0.815 and a root-mean-square error of 0.066 cm3cm−3, an experimental analysis reveals decent consistency between the CYGNSS SM and the referenced SMAP SM. In addition, a time-series analysis between the CYGNSS SM and the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) referenced SM data shows a good correlation. Since surface reflectivity is significantly affected by water and because there is a coupling relationship between SST and SM, the differences of CYGNSS SM when the two factors are simultaneously considered or ignored are also analyzed. The experimental results show that after removing water and incorporating SST into the linear regression model, the accuracy of CYGNSS SM has been improved significantly, with the root mean square error, mean absolute error, and Bias increasing by 6%, 7%, and 11.3%, respectively. This study demonstrates the necessity of considering water and SST in SM retrieval and provides a novel approach for SM retrieval using high accuracy and high spatial and temporal resolution data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the influence of the number of fused segments in cervical paravertebral muscles by comparing the changes of the cervical flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) after single-level versus multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). A total of 115 patients who had undergone ACDF were retrospectively recruited and divided into a 1-level group (n = 44), a 2-level group (n = 40) and a 3- to 4-level group (n = 31). The flexion relaxation experiment was carried out 3 days preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively by surface electromyography (SEMG). Patients were examined using the neck visual analog scale, cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association score, Neck Disability Index, and C2–C7 range of motion (ROM). There was a significant difference in the time-related changes in flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) among the 3 study groups before and after surgery (F = 85.701; P <.001). Thirty-five patients (79.55%) with 1-level ACDF and 11 patients (27.5%) with 2-level ACDF had FRP were restored to normal at 12 months postoperatively; however, only 1 patient (3.33%) had normalized FRP after 3- to 4-level ACDF. There were significant differences in the time-related changes of the normalized SEMG root mean square values in each phase before and after surgery (P =.018, <.001, <.001, and <.001). A significant correlation was found between the changes in C2–C7 ROM and FRR in the 3 study groups (P =.007 for 1 level, P =.003 for 2 levels, and P =.036 for 3–4 levels). Single-level ACDF contributes to normalizing the FRP of cervical paravertebral muscles, which is not ideally recovered by 2-level ACDF. In contrast, 3- or 4-level ACDF could not normalize the cervical FRP. Our research supports the passive structure hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals from upper extremity muscles are recorded in 31 patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treated with pyridostigmine. • sEMG signal frequency and amplitude dynamics reveal enhanced low-threshold motor unit (LT MU) capacity during execution of endurance tasks in individual patients. • Ameliorating LT MU function is a potential therapeutic target to reduce fatigability in SMA. To investigate the electrophysiological basis of pyridostigmine enhancement of endurance performance documented earlier in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We recorded surface electromyography (sEMG) in four upper extremity muscles of 31 patients with SMA types 2 and 3 performing endurance shuttle tests (EST) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) measurements during a randomized, double blind, cross-over, phase II trial. Linear mixed effect models (LMM) were used to assess the effect of pyridostigmine on (i) time courses of median frequencies and of root mean square (RMS) amplitudes of sEMG signals and (ii) maximal RMS amplitudes during MVC measurements. These sEMG changes over time indicate levels of peripheral muscle fatigue and recruitment of new motor units, respectively. In comparison to a placebo, patients with SMA using pyridostigmine had fourfold smaller decreases in frequency and twofold smaller increases in amplitudes of sEMG signals in some muscles, recorded during ESTs (p < 0.05). We found no effect of pyridostigmine on MVC RMS amplitudes. sEMG parameters indicate enhanced low-threshold (LT) motor unit (MU) function in upper-extremity muscles of patients with SMA treated with pyridostigmine. This may underlie their improved endurance. Our results suggest that enhancing LT MU function may constitute a therapeutic strategy to reduce fatigability in patients with SMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomic dysfunction has been widely studied in individuals with autism spectral disorder (ASD); however, the autonomic response to probiotic and oxytocin (OT) combination intervention has not yet been explored. We conducted the present study that includes 35 individuals with ASD aged 3–20 years to explore autonomic responses to daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic supplementation and OT nasal spray treatment both alone and in combination. We identified significant improvements in autonomic indices from subjects receiving combination treatment relative to those receiving placebo. Parameters that were observed to improve following combination treatment are time domain metrics of heart rate variability (HRV), including the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal R–R intervals (SDNN), and proportion of the number of pairs of adjacent NN intervals that differ by more than 50ms (pNN50, p < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals that received either probiotics or OT alone demonstrated fewer changes in RMSSD, pNN50, and SDNN. Several parameters that demonstrated significant improvements in combination therapy were found to be correlated with baseline levels of OT (LF power: r = −0.86, p = 0.024; mean HR: r = 0.89, p = 0.012). Additionally, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) raw total scores (mean HR, r = 0.86, p = 0.024) and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) raw total scores (mean HR r = 0.94, p = 0.017) were correlated with mean heart rate (HR) and HRV-derived parameters. These results provide further evidence of synergy of probiotic and OT combination and help us gain a better understanding of the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD phenotypes and pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical methods for initial orbit determination (IOD) include Laplace method, Gauss method, and their variations. In addition to this, based on the characteristic of optical observation data nowadays, experts propose some other IOD methods, like Double- r method and admissible region method. One of the ways to determinate the orbit through double- r method is to guess distances of the target from the observer at two epochs—usually at the first and the last one. By doing so, we can solve the Lambert problem, and use its solution as the initial guess of the orbit. Furthermore, we can improve the initial guess by iterations to reduce the root mean square (RMS) of the observations. The admissible method is based on the concept of attributable (longitude, latitude, and their rates). With some conceptions, the admissible region described by the range and range rate from the observer is characterized. Using triangulation we can find the nodal point that makes the RMS minimal. In our work, we apply one intelligent optimization method—the particle swarm optimization method to the two methods, based on simulated and real data, and compare the results with that of modified Laplace method. At last, we briefly discuss the possibility of applying the double- r method to the orbit link problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to experimentally quantify the hydrogen diffusion characteristics by ship motion. Hydrogen leakage experiments were conducted under various ship motion conditions, and the corresponding hydrogen concentrations for each sensor were expressed by an equation. The experimental facility was a scale model of the hydrogen fuel storage room of a ship. An experiment was conducted by implementing the roll and pitch motions of the ship as well as motion direction using a ship simulator. In the equation describing the hydrogen concentration, the minimum and maximum root mean square deviations were 0.987 and 0.707, respectively, and the correlations were 0.000109 and 0.0012289. Although the results differed as per the sensor location, the hydrogen concentration was affected by the motion period of the ship. The experimental results and prediction equations can be useful for sensor and vent location selection by predicting the concentration when hydrogen leaks in ships in motion. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen leakage experiments were conducted under various ship motion conditions. • Hydrogen concentrations for each sensor were expressed by an equation. • Hydrogen concentration was affected by the motion period of the ship. • Results and prediction equations can be useful for sensor and vent location selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare anchored discrete choice experiment (DCE) utility values using own versus others' time trade-off (TTO) responses in the valuation of SF-6Dv2. A representative sample of the general population was recruited in China. Through face-to-face interviews, both DCE and TTO data were collected from a randomly selected half of the respondents (own TTO sample), whereas only TTO data were collected from the other half (others' TTO sample). Conditional logit model was used to estimate DCE latent utilities. Three anchoring methods, including using the observed and the modeled TTO values for the worst state, and mapping DCE values onto TTO, were used to scale the latent utilities to health utilities. Prediction accuracy was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient, mean absolute difference, and root mean squared difference compared with the mean observed TTO values between the anchoring results using the own versus others' TTO data. Demographic characteristics were comparable between the own TTO sample (n = 252) and the others' TTO sample (n = 251). The mean (SD) observed TTO value for the worst state was −0.259 (0.591) for the own TTO sample and −0.236 (0.616) for the others' TTO sample. Anchoring DCE using own TTOs consistently showed a better prediction accuracy than using others' TTOs across the 3 anchoring methods in terms of the intraclass correlation coefficient (0.835-0.873 vs 0.771-0.804), mean absolute difference (0.127-0.181 vs 0.146-0.203), and root mean squared difference (0.164-0.237 vs 0.192-0.270). When anchoring DCE-derived latent utilities onto the health utility scale, respondents' own TTO data would be preferred to TTO data obtained from a different sample. • In previous studies, discrete choice experiment (DCE) responses were usually collected through online surveys, whereas time trade-off (TTO) responses were elicited through face-to-face interviews on a different group of respondents. • Nevertheless, there is no evidence showing the impact of using TTOs from a different sample for anchoring. This study was, therefore, aimed to compare anchored DCE values using own or others' TTO responses. • When anchoring DCE-derived latent utilities onto the health utility scale, respondents' own TTO data would be preferred to TTO data obtained from a different sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A methodology for seafloor topography mapping is proposed. • Data used are satellite gravity anomaly, shipborne gravity anomarly, and shipborne depth. • The accuracy of the seafloor depth determination is better than the available depth models. Seafloor topography mapping has a vital role in territorial management, geological investigation, natural hazard research, and marine construction; therefore, improving the accuracy of seafloor topography mapping is essential. The main objective of this research is to assess the possibility of improving the accuracy of seafloor topographic mapping for the central sea area of Vietnam and its surroundings based on the combination of satellite-derived gravity anomaly data and shipborne data. Firstly, the best satellite-derived gravity anomaly model for the study area is determined by comparing its gravity with the shipborne gravity anomaly. Then, the systematic deviation in the satellite-derived gravity anomaly is eliminated and fitted. Then, the substance density contrast (SDC) between the seabed and the seawater is derived. Subsequently, the seafloor depth was computed using the Gravity Geological method. In the next step, the computed depth is fitted with the shipborne depth to improve the accuracy and reduce the systematic deviation. The result shows that the best satellite-derived gravity anomaly model for the study area is the DTU17GRAV, with an accuracy of ± 5.06 mGal. The most suitable SDC in the study area is 1.40 g/cm3. The final seafloor topographic map with 1′×1′ grid is obtained with the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of ± 83.96 m, which is lower than that of the global terrain model of GEBCO 2022 (RMSD = ±152.88 m). Therefore, it is concluded that the combination of satellite-derived gravity anomaly and shipborne data can significantly improve the accuracy of seafloor mapping for complex topographic areas. The results of this research are helpful for seabed applications and territorial management in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambiguity resolution (AR) is critical for enhancing the orbit accuracy in precise orbit determination (POD) for low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. While orbit estimation using single-difference (SD) AR has been widely researched, the investigation of orbit estimation using undifferenced (UD) AR for LEO satellites is limited due to time-varying hardware biases at the LEO receiver end. To address this deficiency, we propose an improved UD AR method for LEO satellite orbit determination. The method employs the optimal integer datum ambiguity for a 1-day observation arc, and the random-walk clock model is utilized to transfer the integer ambiguity datum to the other epochs, which enables the arc-wise ambiguities to regain the integer property within the time frame. To validate the effectiveness of our improved method, numerical experiments are conducted. Moreover, we assess the performance of the random-walk clock model for a spaceborne ultra-stable oscillator (USO). The high frequency stability of the USO establishes the satisfactory requirements for this study. Both in the kinematic and dynamic modes, the AR success rates of our improved method are ∼ 2% higher than that of the current SD AR method, and the orbit results indicate a slight improvement. The 3-Dimensional (3D) root-mean-squares (RMS) of the orbit differences between JPL precise science orbits (PSO) and our orbits are reduced by up to 4% and 5% for kinematic and dynamic orbits, respectively. The subtle benefit is also proven by K-band ranging (KBR) system validations. In the case of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on (GFO) satellites, the results indicate that the effect of our improved UD AR can be equivalent to that of SD AR. Our improved UD AR method can be a good alternative for its superior ability to generate hardware delay at the LEO receiver end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the black box dynamic model is presented for forecasting the performance of the PEM (Proton-exchange membrane) fuel cell (FC). An optimized deep artificial neural network has been used to build the experimental nonlinear model of the polymer membrane FC series that functions with hydrogen and oxygen. This research investigates predictability for a gate recurrent unit (GRU) optimized by a modified Prairie Dog Optimizer in PEMFCs. The results obtained have been validated by applying a case study and then a comparison is conducted among the outcomes of the offered technique and 2 other published methods: modified relevance vector machine and Lattice Gated Recurrent Unit (LGRU). The voltage clearly changes significantly, as demonstrated by simulations, even though the FC is handled with a low starting temperature and current. Also, the voltage point distribution has become more concentrated when the current and temperature are high. In both the training and prediction phases, the MAPE is reduced to approximately 0.0043 and 0.0047, respectively, showing that the proposed GRU technique produces superior prediction results when the operational settings approach the optimum operating conditions. According to simulations, the proposed IPDO/GRU with a 0.004 root mean square has the least error, followed by the mRVM and GRU with 0.009 and 0.010 root mean square values. The outcomes show that using the offered procedure does provide the finest verification of the empirical data. • A method for forecasting PEMFC performance. • Optimized CNN to design an experimental nonlinear model of the PEMFC. • Using an optimized gate recurrent unit (GRU) for this purpose. • Optimizing GRU by a modified Prairie Dog Optimizer in PEMFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual models of psychosocial influences on short-term changes (i.e., reactivity) in vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) emphasize self-regulatory effort and social threat versus comfort. However, these two general perspectives have been tested separately in nearly all cases, limiting conclusions about the relative importance or possible interactive effects of effortful self-regulation and social stress. The present study compared effects of effort to regulate emotional expression and social stress versus safety on vmHRV reactivity during an interpersonal interaction, in a 2 (self-regulate emotion vs. express emotion freely) × 3 (positive vs. neutral vs. negative interaction valence) × 2 (male vs. female) between-subjects randomized factorial design. A sample of 180 undergraduates (90 women; 69 % White) discussed a current events topic (i.e., human-caused climate change) with a prerecorded partner, presented as a live interaction over a computer. Self-reports of affective responses, self-regulation effort, and appraisals of the partner's behavior, as well as observer ratings of participants' behavior during the interaction, supported the effectiveness of self-regulation and interaction valence manipulations, although the former manipulation may have been somewhat weaker than the latter. Primary analyses of high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) in heart beat intervals recorded at baseline and during the interaction revealed larger decreases in vmHRV during negative than neutral or positive interactions, but no effects of self-regulation instructions. Overall, results indicated more robust effects of social stress on vmHRV reactivity, relative to effects of self-regulatory effort. • Social safety and emotion regulation can evoke changes in heart rate variability. • These two influences on HRV change are typically examined separately. • In a simultaneous test, only negative social interactions altered HRV. • Social stress may exert a greater influence on brief HRV change than self-regulation. • Interpersonal concepts and methods may be useful in research on HRV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rubber bellows has certain creep characteristics, and its role has often been ignored in previous air suspension research. To describe the motion state of a vehicle more accurately during driving, this paper uses amplitude correlation and frequency correlation to describe the mechanical characteristics of the rubber bellows in air spring mechanical characteristics research, establishes an air suspension simulation, and explores the role of the rubber bellows in the suspension. In addition, an adaptive neural network controller is designed to simulate and analyze the Body Acceleration (BA), Sprung Mass Displacement (SMD), Unsprung Mass Displacement (UMD) and Dynamic Wheel Load (DWL) of the suspension. Simulation results show that the rubber bellows has a certain impact on suspension SMD and has a great impact on the performance of the active suspension. The root mean square (RMS) can be increased by 4.55 % but little impact is found on other performance indicators. In addition, compared with the conventional PID control strategy, the adaptive neural network control strategy designed in this paper has better control performance, reducing the RMS of BA and SMD by 27.58 % and 16.67 %, respectively, and improving the control effect by about 4.48 % and 4.17 %, respectively compared with PID. Thus, it can better maintain the stability of the car during driving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionospheric effects degrade the quality of radar data, which are critical for the precision of the satellite ephemeris produced by space surveillance systems; this degradation is especially noticeable for radars such as GRAVES that operate in the very high frequency range. This article presents a simple and effective method to correct for ionospheric effects, with an evaluation on data obtained with GRAVES, the French space surveillance radar. This method relies on GPS data, and our evaluation relies on GRAVES and DORIS data. We found that the gain in terms of evaluated radial velocity can be as high as 1.76 κ , where κ is the typical root mean square of the noise on radial velocity measurements for GRAVES (excluding ionospheric effects): the error decreases from 2.60 κ to 0.83 κ for daytime satellite overhead passes. Our conclusion is that, while this method is very simple to implement, it has proven to be a good correction for ionospheric effects in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]