Reviewing Stability Criteria for Positive Homogeneous Systems and Adding One for Discrete-Time Cases with Degree Less Than One

The article synthesizes and presents the results regarding the stability of positive homogeneous systems that have been researched and published in recent years. Next, we provide a sufficient condition for global exponential stability in the case of discrete-time positive homogeneous systems with an order less than one with time-varying delays.

Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach to Design a Human Settlement to Better Serve Displaced People

The challenge of transitioning from temporary humanitarian settlements to more sustainable human settlements is due to a significant increase in the number of forcibly displaced people over recent decades, difficulties in providing social services that meet the required standards, and the prolongation of emergencies. Despite this challenging context, short-term considerations continue to guide their planning and management rather than more integrated, longer-term perspectives, thus preventing viable, sustainable development. Over the years, the design of humanitarian settlements has not been adapted to local contexts and perspectives, nor to the dynamics of urbanization and population growth and data. In addition, the current approach to temporary settlement harms the environment and can strain limited resources. Inefficient land use and ad hoc development models have compounded difficulties and generated new challenges. As a result, living conditions in settlements have deteriorated over the last few decades and continue to pose new challenges. The stakes are such that major shortcomings have emerged along the way, leading to disruption, budget overruns in a context marked by a steady decline in funding. However, some attempts have been made to shift towards more sustainable approaches, but these have mainly focused on vague, sector-oriented themes, failing to consider systematic and integration views. This study is a contribution in addressing these shortcomings by designing a model-driving solution, emphasizing an integrated system conceptualized as a system of systems. This paper proposes a new methodology for designing an integrated and sustainable human settlement model, based on Model-Based Systems Engineering and a Systems Modeling Language to provide valuable insights toward sustainable solutions for displaced populations aligning with the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Telematics as a Transformative Agent for the Zimbabwean Auto Insurance Ecosystem

Zimbabwe has witnessed the evolution of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The vehicle population soared to above 1.2 million hence rendering the Transport and Insurance domains complex. Therefore, there is a need to look at ways that can augment conventional Vehicular Management Information Systems (VMIS) in transforming business processes through Telematics. This paper aims to contextualise the role that telematics can play in transforming the Insurance Ecosystem in Zimbabwe. The main objective was to investigate the integration of Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) with vehicle tracking solutions provided by technology companies like Econet Wireless in Zimbabwe, aiming to align customer billing with individual risk profiles and enhance the synergy between technology and insurance service providers in the motor insurance ecosystem. A triangulation through structured interviews, questionnaires, and literature review, supported by Information Systems Analysis and Design techniques was conducted. The study adopted a case study approach, qualitatively analyzing the complexities of the Telematics insurance ecosystem in Zimbabwe, informed by the TOGAF framework. A case-study approach was applied to derive themes whilst applying within and cross-case analysis. Data was collected using questionnaires, and interviews. The findings of the research clearly show the importance of Telematics in modern-day insurance and the positive relationship between technology and insurance business performance. The study, therefore revealed how UBI can incentivize positive driver behavior, potentially reducing insurance premiums for safe drivers and lowering the incidence of claims against insurance companies. Future work can be done on studying the role of Telematics in combating highway crime and corruption.

A Systems Approach to Assessing Sustainability Capacity in Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement in Turkana County, Kenya

Refugee settlements face several challenges in transitioning from a temporary planning approach to more sustainable settlements. This is mainly due to an increase in the number of forcibly displaced people over the last few decades, and the difficulties of sustainably providing social services that meet the required standards. The development of refugee settlements assumed that forcibly displaced people would return to their places or countries of origin. Unfortunately, displacement situations are prolonged indefinitely, forcing these people to spend most of their lives in conditions that are often deplorable and substandard, and therefore unsustainable. In most cases, the establishment of refugee settlements is triggered by an emergency caused by an influx of forcibly displaced people, who need to be accommodated urgently and provided with some form of international assistance and protection. This leaves little or no time for proper planning for long-term development as required. In addition, the current approach to temporary settlement harms the environment and can strain limited resources with ad hoc development models that have exacerbated difficulties. As a result, living conditions in refugee settlements have deteriorated over the last few decades and continue to pose challenges as to how best to design, plan, and sustain settlements over time. To contribute to addressing these challenges, this study proposes a new methodology supported by Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and a Systems Modeling Language (SysML) to develop a typical sustainable human settlement system model, which has functionally and operationally executed using a Systems Engineering (SE) approach. To assess the sustainability capacity of the proposed system, this work applies a matrix of crossed impact multiplication through a case study by conducting a system capacity interdependence analysis (SCIA) using the MICMAC methodology (Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) to assess the interdependency that exist between the sub-systems categories to deliver services at the system level. The sustainability analysis results based on capacity variables influence and dependency models shows that development activities in the settlement are unstable and, therefore, unsustainable since there is no apparent difference between the influential and dependent data used for the assessment. These results illustrate that an integrated system could improve human settlements’ sustainability and that capacity building in service delivery is beneficial and necessary.

A PID Tuning Approach for Inertial Systems Performance Optimization

In the practice of control the industrial processes, proportional-integral-derivative controller remains pivotal due to its simple structure and system performance-oriented tuning process. In this paper are presented two approaches for synthesis the proportional-integral-derivative controller to the models of objects with inertia, that offer the procedure of system performance optimization based on maximum stability degree criterion. The proposed algorithms of system performance optimization were elaborated for model of objects with inertia second and third order and offer simple analytical expressions for tuning the PID controller. Validation and verification are conducted through computer simulations using MATLAB, demonstrating successful performance optimization and showcasing the effectiveness PID controllers’ tuning. The proposed approaches contribute insights to the field of control, offering a pathway for optimizing the performance of second and third-order inertial systems through robust controller synthesis.

Conventional Geothermal Systems and Unconventional Geothermal Developments: An Overview

This paper provides an overview of conventional geothermal systems and unconventional geothermal developments as a common reference is needed for discussions between energy professionals. Conventional geothermal systems have the heat, permeability and fluid, requiring only drilling down to °C, normal heat flow or decaying radiogenic granite as heat sources, and used in district heating. Medium-temperature (MT) 100°C - 190°C, and high-temperature (HT) 190°C - 374°C resources are mostly at plate boundaries, with volcanic intrusive heat source, used mostly for electricity generation. Single well capacities are °C - 500°C) and a range of depths (1 m to 20 Km), but lack permeability or fluid, thus requiring stimulations for heat extraction by conduction. HVAC is 1 - 2 m deep and shallow geothermal down to 500 m in wells, both capturing °C, with °C are either advanced by geothermal developers at <7 Km depth (Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), drilling below brittle-ductile transition zones and under geothermal fields), or by the Oil & Gas industry (Advanced Geothermal Systems, heat recovery from hydrocarbon wells or reservoirs, Superhot Rock Geothermal, and millimeter-wave drilling down to 20 Km). Their primary aim is electricity generation, relying on closed-loops, but EGS uses fractures for heat exchange with earthquake risks during fracking. Unconventional approaches could be everywhere, with shallow geothermal already functional. The deeper and hotter unconventional alternatives are still experimental, overcoming costs and technological challenges to become fully commercial. Meanwhile, the conventional geothermal resources remain the most proven opportunities for investments and development.

基于System Generator的卷积加速结构设计与实现

为解决卷积神经网络中卷积运算耗时长、运算复杂的问题,针对卷积运算的并行性特征,提出一种基于分块的流水线加速方法,并基于该方法在System Generator上进行了电路设计。通过在FPGA(Field-programmable Gate Array)上进行实验验证,该设计模型能正确输出卷积运算结果;在结构和输入数据相同的情况下,该设计模型在计算速度上相比于普通CPU最高可加速258倍,相比于服务器级CPU提高了近40倍,具有良好的加速效果。

基于自由曲面和L-system的红掌生长模型

针对红掌花卉生长可视化中参数难以确定的问题进行研究,提出推导控制点的方法,建立红掌器官模型:采用Bezier曲线结合扫描成型的方法来构造叶柄模型,采用双三次NURBS曲线对佛焰苞进行建模;运用红掌的相关表型数据拟合生长函数,提出基于红掌生长规律的微分L-system,可有效模拟红掌的拓扑结构和生长过程;通过虚拟器官表示红掌器官的几何属性,降低微分L-system的复杂度。试验验证提出的方法对红掌各项生长指标拟合度可达0.89以上,并可对每个生长阶段的红掌进行模拟,能有效地对红掌的生长过程进行建模。

Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis: About 9 Cases

Scleroderma is a rare disease with two primary forms: localized scleroderma (LS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Both are chronic conditions that can manifest in various patterns (subtypes) and are linked to extracutaneous involvement in pediatric patients. Juvenile SSc poses a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, with patients facing life-threatening complications such as lung, heart, and visceral organ fibrosis, and vasculopathy. In contrast, mortality is extremely rare in juvenile LS, but patients are susceptible to significant morbidity, leading to severe disfigurement and functional impairment. Treatment for scleroderma aims to control inflammation and address specific issues. An early diagnosis significantly enhances the overall outcome. This study conducts a retrospective descriptive analysis aiming to document the clinical manifestations, management approaches, and outcomes of systemic sclerosis in a cohort of nine children receiving treatment for juvenile systemic sclerosis at Pediatric B department of Mohammed VI University, Hospital Center in Marrakech, Morocco.

Does Smoking Weaken the Immune System: A Narrative Review

Smoking has a complex impact on the immune system, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. It can exacerbate pathogenic immune responses and attenuate defensive immunity, leading to a higher susceptibility to infections and certain diseases. The chemicals in cigarette smoke, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, can alter immune cell functions and inflammatory responses. Smoking can also have long-term effects on the immune system, with some changes persisting even after quitting [1]. According to a Penn Medicine Physician, the Medical Oncologist Dr. David Porter, “People who are smokers tend to get sicker from infections”, “It may be that smoking impacts the immune system’s ability to respond appropriately”. Thus, such individuals within smoking exposure history might be considered as immunocompromised due to the altered and weakened immune system. Cigarette smoking is a prevalent habit with far-reaching health implications. Among its many adverse effects, smoking significantly alters the immune system’s functionality [1].

Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Oscillations of the Generalized Liénard Systems

In this paper, we study the second-order nonlinear differential systems of Liénard-type x˙=1a(x)[ h(y)−F(x) ], y˙=−a(x)g(x). Necessary and sufficient conditions to ensure that all nontrivial solutions are oscillatory are established by using a new nonlinear integral inequality. Our results substantially extend and improve previous results known in the literature.

Grid System Analysis of Urban Flora of Bukhara City (Uzbekistan)

This article presents information on the study of the flora of Uzbekistan based on grid system mapping. The urban flora of the city of Bukhara was researched in it. As a result of research, the territory of Bukhara city was divided into 85 indexes based on 1 × 1 km2 grid mapping system. The diversity and density of species in the indexes are determined. The influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity of species in the indexes is determined.

类风湿关节炎患者外周血单个核细胞System Xc-/GSH/GPX4铁死亡通路的表达及其对炎症因子分泌的影响

目的探讨类风湿关节炎(RA)患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)胱氨酸/谷氨酸逆转运体(System Xc-)/谷胱甘肽(GSH)/谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶4(GPX4)铁死亡通路中相关基因与蛋白的表达及其对炎症因子分泌的影响。方法纳入RA患者及同期健康体检者各30例,采用Ficoll-hypaque密度梯度离心法分离PBMC,将细胞分为健康对照、RA、铁死亡抑制剂、铁死亡诱导剂组。采用细胞计数试剂盒8(CCK-8)检测细胞活力,流式细胞术FerroOrange荧光探针检测细胞内Fe 2+相对荧光强度、DHE荧光探针检测细胞内活性氧(ROS)阳性细胞比例,蛋白免疫印迹及实时荧光定量PCR(qPCR)检测核转录因子红系2相关因子(Nrf2)、溶质载体家族7成员11(SLC7A11)、GPX4蛋白与mRNA的表达,流式细胞术检测细胞上清液中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-1、IL-6的含量。结果与健康对照组比较,RA组PBMC内Fe 2+浓度和ROS水平升高,Nrf2、SLC7A11、GPX4蛋白和mRNA的表达降低,PBMC上清液中TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6的含量升高,差异均有统计学意义。与RA组比较,铁死亡抑制剂组PBMC内Fe 2+浓度和ROS水平降低,SLC7A11、GPX4蛋白和mRNA的表达升高,Nrf2蛋白的表达升高,PBMC上清液中IL-6的含量降低、TNF-α的含量升高,差异均有统计学意义。与RA组比较,铁死亡诱导剂组PBMC内ROS水平升高,SLC7A11蛋白和mRNA的表达降低,Nrf2蛋白的表达降低、GPX4蛋白的表达升高,PBMC上清液中TNF-α、IL-1的含量升高,差异有统计学意义。与铁死亡诱导剂组比较,RA患者PBMC细胞活力降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.0001)。结论RA患者PBMC中存在铁死亡,抑制或诱导RA患者PBMC铁死亡,将抑制或促进炎性因子分泌。抑制RA患者PBMC铁死亡可能有助于治疗RA。

Effects of Desalination Processes on the Water Circulation and Earth System

Desalination is emerging as a promising alternative among various technologies to resolve water shortage. However, desalination requires a sufficient energy and cooling device and therefore poses limitations for its installation and application. In particular, many countries suffering water deficits are economically underdeveloped and cannot afford the technology. As this technology, which changes seawater into freshwater, has little environmental impact, developed countries will need to assist less developed countries to introduce this technology as a humanitarian effort. This will help reduce the number of countries that have experienced difficulty with development.

The Support Systems and Coping Strategies of Infertile Women Attending the Out-Patient Consultation Unit of CHRACERH Yaoundé, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Infertility is a complex disorder with significant psycho-social and economic consequences. It globally affects 10% - 15% of couples. In Cameroon, little is known about what women do to overcome the psychosocial aspects of the disease. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the support systems and coping strategies of infertile women attending the outpatient consultation unit of the Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgery and Reproductive Teaching Hospital (CHRACERH), Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from the 14th of March to the 6th of April 2023 at CHRACERH Yaoundé. A total of 190 participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, support systems and coping strategies were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of participants was 39.52 ± 7.64 years. The majority 78.9% of participants were workers (public, private sector, or traders) and were Christians 95.8%. The most common source of psychological support was from family 76.8 and husbands 72.63%. Most of the participants 89.5% resorted to prayer and getting busy 48.4% as a coping strategy. There was no statistically significant relationship between coping strategies and psychological disorders p > 0.05. Conclusion: The main support system of participants was family, husband, and friends. Prayer, getting busy and adoption were the most common coping strategies. There is a need for the Ministry of Public Health and other stakeholders to put in place other support systems and coping strategies (FELICIA) used elsewhere and provide adequate health education and infection control to prevent infertility in Cameroon.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome as the Primary Presentation of Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), in its secondary form, often complicates rheumatic diseases but rarely constitutes a mode of revelation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects women in adulthood. MAS is a serious condition that may be the first presentation of SLE. Here, we report the case of a 4-year-old female with MAS as the primary manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In this case, we outline the characteristics of a complex case of SLE that was initially accompanied with MAS, and also review the literature to discuss the clinical, biological, and therapeutic aspects of this condition.

Isotope Tracking of Surface Water Groundwater Interaction in the Beninese Part of the Iullemeden Aquifer System

The Kandi basin is located in northeast Benin (West Africa). This study is focused on the estimation of water fluxes exchanged between the river Niger (and its tributaries) and the transboundary Iullemeden Aquifer System. In that framework, an innovative approach based on the application of the Bayesian Mixing Model (MixSIAR) analysis on water isotopes (oxygen-18, deuterium and tritium) was performed. Moreover, to assess the relevance of the model outputs, Pearson’s correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) have been done. A complex relationship between surface water and groundwater has been found. Sixty percent (60%) of groundwater samples are made of more than 70% river water and rainwater;while 31.25% of surface water samples are made of about 84% groundwater. To safeguard sustainable water resources for the well-being of the local communities, surface water and groundwater must be managed as a unique component in the Kandi basin.

A Quality Evaluation System for Dissertation Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

A dissertation is a research report or scientific paper written by an author to obtain a certain degree. It reflects postgraduates’ research achievements and the educational quality of an institute, even a country. To construct an optimized quality evaluation system for postgraduate dissertation (QESPD), we summarized the influencing factors and invited 10 experienced specialists to rate and prioritize them based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Four primary indicators (innovation, integrity, scientificity and normativity) and 16 sub-indicators were selected to form the evaluation system. The order of primary indicators by weight, was innovation (0.4269), scientificity (0.2807), integrity (0.1728) and normativity (0.1196). The top five sub-dimensions were theoretical originality, scientific value, data reliability, design rationality and evidence credibility. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system, a case study was performed. In the case study, it was demonstrated that the established two-index-hierarchy QESPD in this study was a more scientific and reasonable evaluation system worthy of promotion and application.

Nutritional Support under the Neuman Systems Model for Stroke Patients

Objective: To explore nutritional support under the Neuman systems model in treating dysphagia in stroke patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 97 patients with dysphagia after stroke admitted to our hospital, and randomly divided them into the Neuman group (n = 51) given nursing intervention based on Neuman systems model and a control group (n = 46) given routine nursing intervention. Both groups received nutritional support for 3 months. Nutritional indexes (serum total protein, plasma albumin, serum albumin, hemoglobin and transferrin levels) and immune indexes (immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM and total lymphocyte count (TLC) in both groups were recorded and compared. Pulmonary function recovery, video fluoroscopic swallowing study score, water swallowing test score, complication rate, and health knowledge mastery level were also compared between the two groups. Results: After the intervention, the Neuman group showed less decrease in the nutritional and immune index scores (serum total protein, plasma albumin, hemoglobin, serum albumin;IgA, IgG, IgM, and TLC;all P Conclusion: For patients with stroke and dysphagia, comprehensive nursing intervention (e.g., nutritional support) under theNeuman systems model can promote the recovery of immune, swallowing, and pulmonary function, reduce complication incidence and facilitate comprehensive rehabilitation, ensuring adequate nutritional intake.

Opportunities to Improve the Quality of Environmental Reports and the Effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment: A Case of Electric Power Transmission Systems in Brazil

A good quality Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is key for the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes and consequently to the acceptability of projects subject to EIA. The international literature has contributed to the understanding of the essential aspects to be verified regarding the quality of EIS, offering a wide spectrum of good practice examples related to the content of the studies. Even so, there is a need for empirical studies that allow the identification of specific aspects related to the context of application of the EIS, which could lead to the identification of opportunities to improve both the quality of the reports and also the effectiveness of EIA. Therefore, the present paper is focused on the quality review of a number of EIS submitted to the Brazilian Federal Environmental Agency (Ibama) to instruct the assessment of electric power transmission systems. Based on the application of the EIS quality review package as proposed by Lee and Colley (1992), the outcomes reveal opportunities for improving the scope of EIA, analysis of alternatives, prediction of magnitude and the assessment of impact significance. Finally, the development and/or adaptation of a similar tool for the systematic review of the quality of EIA reports is recommended.