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Non-causal model predictive control for rigid-body wave energy converters based on physics-informed neural networks
Full text linkThe energy maximisation for Wave Energy Converters (WECs) is a non-causal problem where the current power
take-off (PTO) force incorporates knowledge of future wave prediction to significantly boost energy harnessing.
Since WECs are constrained by PTO limitation and other limitation regarding safe operations, model predictive
control (MPC), as a well-known non-causal control algorithm, is considered as a proper algorithm to optimise the
energy output subject to multiple constraints. However, MPC controller relies on an accurate model to generate
maximum energy. Obtaining and utilising such fully known models is challenging due to the highly nonlinear
dynamics and stochastic sea wave environment of WECs in various wave conditions. Traditional machine learning
method can be a solution since they are able to model complex dynamical systems. However, they suffer from
the requirement of a large amount of training data, which introduces significantly increased computational
burden. To tackle these challenges, this paper introduces a control framework that can utilise prior partial model
information and have better sampling efficiency by integrating Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) with
MPC to optimise the energy generation of WECs. As the benchmark of WECs control, the point absorber is chosen
to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed PINNs-MPC, in which 35 sea wave scenarios ranging fro
Nonword Repetition Assessment of Children Who Stutter: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Scoring Procedures
No full textPurpose:
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the scoring procedures and methods used for assessing the performance of children who stutter (CWS) in nonword repetition (NWR) tests. /
Method:
Five computerized databases and gray literature/unpublished data were searched for eligible studies involving reports that compared NWR performance between CWS and children who do not stutter. Effect sizes across studies and sensitivity values of the different scoring procedures were obtained. /
Results:
Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The findings showed that combined methods involving joint online and offline scoring and scoring procedures that calculated the percentage of number of words correct were as reliable as the more popular offline scoring procedure. /
Conclusions:
The clinical and social implications of using NWR tests to assess phonological processing in CWS are discussed. Recommendations are made concerning how future studies can improve the quality of procedures used in NWR testing
Encountering song: Indicative and Subjunctive Realism in the Chastelaine de Vergi and L'Istoire de la Chastelaine du Vergier et de Tristan le Chevalier
No full text
A systematic review of third-wave therapies to reduce distress and improve wellbeing and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease
No full textObjectives: This systematic review assessed use of third-wave psychotherapies in reducing psychological distress and improving psychological well-being and quality of life in people with
Parkinsonβs disease and critically evaluated intervention adaptations.
Methods: A literature search, conducted across five databases identified randomized controlled
trials (RCTs) evaluating third-wave psychotherapies for individuals with Parkinsonβs disease.
Results: Ten RCTs were identified of which nine evaluated mindfulness-based interventions, and
one acceptance and commitment therapy. Methodological quality ranged from moderate to high,
but sample sizes were small, and only one study was adequately powered. Five reported on
Parkinsonβs specific adaptations. The trial with the largest sample size reported a significant effect
of Mindfulness Yoga on depression and anxiety, psychological well-being and quality of life. Other
findings were mixed across all outcomes.
Conclusions: There was evidence of an effect of Mindfulness Yoga on our pre-defined outcomes.
Pilot and feasibility trials showed that mindfulness-based interventions were well received and
provided feedback on adaptations. There was a lack of data to draw conclusions regarding nonmindfulness-based therapies.
Clinical implications: Larger trials of mindfulness-based interventions are required to establish the
clinical meaningfulness of treatment effects. Further research is needed to adapt and explore on
non-mindfulness-based interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy
Properties investigation on 3D-printed polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) β a proper candidate for bone replacement
No full textPolyetherketoneketone (PEKK) has emerged as a highly promising material for bone substitutes due to its superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and patient-specific design capabilities. This study systematically investigated the mechanical properties of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D-printed PEKK in various printing orientations and found that PEKK specimens exhibited three times the tensile strength and flexural strength in the Z-axis compared to polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Surface assessments revealed that PEKK surfaces had greater roughness and wettability than those of PEEK under the same 3D printing conditions. In vitro biological evaluations of cell morphology and proliferation on PEKK surfaces demonstrated superior cell adhesion and cell proliferation compared to those of PEEK. Moreover, animal tests were conducted to assess their osseointegration performance followed by CT scanning, histological studies, and push-out tests. The CT scanning and histological results agree well with each other on the better bone quality and quantity surrounding the PEKK implants than those of the PEEK implants, which was consistent with the higher pushing-out force achieved in PEKK implant than those of the PEEK implant. In conclusion, the FFF 3D-printed PEKK is an ideal bone substitute material with outstanding mechanical and biological properties
Gender Norms and Female Labor Supply: Evidence from Export Shocks in Vietnam
No full textWe examine the relationship between economic development and female labor force
participation, with a focus on the impact of gender norms. Analyzing quasi-random
variation in provincial exports in reunified Vietnam from 2002 to 2018, we find that a
positive economic shock led to a significant decline in womenβs labor market
engagement, particularly among married women from wealthier households and those
with husbands in more skilled occupations. This trend is more pronounced in the South
(formerly capitalist) than in the North (always socialist), and among native Southerners
compared to Northerners relocated to the South after the war. Our findings highlight the
importance of gender role attitudes in shaping womenβs responses to rising incomes
Landmark-node based reliability assessment for critical infrastructure networks
No full textAssessing the reliability of critical infrastructure networks, such as urban systems essential for city functions like electricity and water, is key for robust operation and risk management. Traditional methods for reliability estimation, such as minimal cut-sets and path enumeration, often become computationally infeasible for large-scale, complex networks due to the need to evaluate all possible node-to-node paths. This paper introduces a novel approach based on landmark nodes β critical nodes essential for maintaining network connectivity β to estimate reliability more efficiently. Instead of analysing all paths between nodes, the method focuses on those connecting regular nodes to landmark nodes, significantly reducing the number of paths considered and improving computational efficiency. The network is first decomposed using a graph clustering algorithm, producing internally dense subgraphs. Reliability is then evaluated through intra-subgraph and inter-subgraph paths. A bipartite network model is also employed to represent inter-cluster structure, accounting for failures in both nodes and links. This supports a multi-scale reliability analysis across local areas and the full network. The methodology is validated using benchmark power distribution networks to ensure reproducibility. To demonstrate practical relevance, it is also applied to a real-world case study involving the water distribution system of Pavia, Italy. This application highlights how key urban areas and components can be efficiently identified to prioritise maintenance and guide resource allocation, contributing to more resilient and sustainable infrastructure management
Antiviral molecularly imprinted polymers: Engineered precision for multifunctional therapeutic strategies
No full textThe pressing need for innovative antiviral therapies has accelerated the exploration of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which exhibit selective and specific biomimetic recognition capabilities. Although originally developed for chemical sensing and diagnostic applications, MIPs have shown considerable potential in antiviral contexts due to their structural adaptability, chemical stability, tunable physicochemical properties, and capacity for tailored target recognition that can rival natural antibodies in certain applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of virological principles and the limitations of conventional antiviral strategies, followed by a rationale for employing MIPs in antiviral therapeutic applications. It briefly summarizes MIP fabrication methods and examines their antiviral potential across four strategic domains. These include inhibiting viral entry by recognizing intact virions or surface components, disrupting genome synthesis and replication by targeting structural and non-structural proteins as well as viral nucleic acids, enhancing immune responses by interfering with viral immune evasion and promoting immune-mediated clearance, and facilitating antiviral drug delivery through sustained-release carriers, stimuli-responsive platforms, and applications in pharmaceutical detection and purification. In addition to highlighting these applications, the review addresses critical translational challenges such as biocompatibility, off-target effects, large-scale manufacturing, and regulatory considerations, which remain key barriers to real-world deployment of antiviral MIP technologies. Future efforts should emphasize intelligent design tools, biosafety optimization, and standardization to support the safe and effective clinical translation of antiviral MIPs. Together, these insights position MIPs as a highly promising, multifunctional, and technologically adaptable platform that addresses key limitations of conventional therapies and paves the way for next-generation precision antiviral interventions