Circuit Modeling, Simulation, and Experimental Validation of a 100-kW Polyphase Wireless Power Transfer System for EV Applications

Polyphase wireless power transfer (WPT) systems can achieve much higher surface power densities (kW/m2) and specific power levels (kW/kg) compared to the conventional circular single phase WPT systems. Therefore, polyphase WPT systems can reduce the size, weight, volume, and cost of the WPT systems and can simplify the electric vehicle integration with less demand for space. This study presents the high-performance and compact 100-kW WPT development using polyphase electromagnetic coupling coils with rotating magnetic fields.</p

Breaking the Cycle: Can Vitamin D Bridge the Gap Between Gut Microbiota and Immune Dynamics in Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with autoimmune and neurodegenerative features that affect the nervous system. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as vitamin D deficiency and dysbiosis activating a pro-inflammatory response, have a role in the etiology of the disease. In this context, the interactions of vitamin D with the gut microbiota and immune system have attracted attention in recent years. Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) modulates the immune response by binding to the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This pathway supports the functions of regulatory T cells by suppressing the activity of T helper cells 1 and 17 (Th1 and Th17). In MS patients, dysbiosis is characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity, and an increase in pro-inflammatory species is observed when compared to healthy individuals. Vitamin D has protective effects on eubiosis via VDR in intestinal epithelial cells, also reducing intestinal permeability by regulating tight junction proteins. In this way, vitamin D may contribute to the prevention of systemic inflammation. Although the relationship between vitamin D and the immune system is well documented, studies that address the triad of vitamin D level, gut microbiota, and immune response in MS are still limited

Effect of Auditory Input on Sensory Organization and Fall Risk in Young Adults With Hearing Aids

Objective: The aim of this study was to document postural control, sensory organization, and fall risk parameters of auditory input using computerized posturography in bilaterally hearing-aided young adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 individuals aged 18 to 40 years participated in the study, including 36 bilateral hearing aid (HA) users and 18 normal-hearing controls. HA users were divided into two groups based on the duration of device use: Group 1 included individuals using bilateral HAs for 12 months or less, and Group 2 included those using them for more than 12 months. The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and computerized Fall Risk Assessment were administered to all participants meeting the inclusion criteria. Group 1 and Group 2 were assessed under both HA-on and HA-off conditions, while the control group was evaluated only under auditory stimulation. Results: SOT Condition 1, 2, and 4 scores of Group 1 in the HA-on situation were statistically significantly higher than in the HA-off situation. No statistically significant difference was observed in Condition 3, 5, and 6 scores. All SOT condition scores in the HA-on situation of Group 2 were statistically significantly higher than those in the HA-off situation. It was observed that the risk of falling performance was riskier when the HAs were turned off in Group 1 and Group 2 compared to when the HAs were turned on. Conclusion: It was observed that auditory input had a positive contribution to postural control and fall risk in young adult HA users. Level of Evidence: 3

Fabrication and characterization of WS2/AlN/Si S-I-S heterojunction for emergent material photovoltaic applications

Here, the WS2/AlN/Si semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor (SIS) heterojunction based inorganic tungsten disulfide chalcogenide compound with the insertion of 10 nm thick Aluminium nitride (AlN) layer as insulator is investigated. Our study focuses on structural, surface morphology, optical and electrical properties of S-I-S heterojunction, fabricated by RF sputtering process, as a result of both WS2 (10, 50 and 100 nm) thickness and light conditons change at room temperature (RT). The grain size determined by X-ray is smaller around 42 nm which confirms the nanostructural aspect. This aspect is also revealed by AFM and SEM observations. The transmittance (T) of three samples declines from 90.8 to 59.3% when WS2 thickness rises. İt is observed that T-λ curves augment from UV range to Vis to highest point in IR band. The current versus voltage (I-V) characteristics of S-I-S are investigated in dark, solar simulator and filter 780 nm conditions. Related parameters are extracted from I-V curves showing an increase in both ideality factor and saturation current with WS2 layer thickness

Truncated-Exponential-Based General-Appell Polynomials

In this paper, a new and general form of truncated-exponential-based general-Appell polynomials is introduced using the two-variable general-Appell polynomials. For this new polynomial family, we present an explicit representation, recurrence relation, shift operators, differential equation, determinant representation, and some other properties. Finally, two special cases of this family, truncated-exponential-based Hermite-type and truncated-exponential-based Laguerre–Frobenius Euler polynomials, are introduced and their corresponding properties are obtained

Does femoral tunnel location have an effect on functional and clinical results in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction?

Background/aim: Multiple reconstruction techniques have been described to mimic the normal anatomy and physiology of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. The success of MPFL reconstruction depends on various factors such as graft selection, the location of the patellar tunnel and femoral tunnel (FT), and graft fixation methods. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between FT location and functional and clinical outcomes after MPFL reconstruction. Materials and methods: The midterm clinical results of patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability in a single institution between 2013 and 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. If the FT was within the 6-mm-diameter reference circle, the center of which is Schottle’s point, the tunnel was accepted as anatomical; otherwise, it was considered a nonanatomical tunnel. The functional outcomes of the patients in both groups were evaluated with Kujala, Tampa kinesiophobia, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scoring. Results: A total of 34 patients, 23 female (67.6%) and 11 male (32.4%), were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 48.92 ± 2.93 (months). Tunnel position was anatomical in 22 patients (64.7%) and nonanatomical in 12 (35.3%). The postoperative VAS pain scores of those in the anatomical tunnel group were significantly lower than those in the nonanatomical tunnel group (p = 0.015). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of Kujala or Tampa kinesiophobia scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although FT placement did not affect functional scores in MPFL reconstruction in this study, malpositioning of the FT is associated with a higher postoperative VAS pain score

Effect of yttrium addition on structural, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of tungsten-yttrium alloys

Based on the supercell structures of bcc-W, the effect of yttrium on the structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of tungsten-yttrium alloys is investigated using first-principles calculations. In this study, five new models of tungsten-yttrium alloys are constructed, namely W15Y1, W14Y2, W12Y4, W10Y6, and W8Y8. The obtained values of elastic constants and mechanical criteria show that these alloys are mechanically stable. The mechanical parameters, including elastic moduli (bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Young's modulus), Poisson's ratio, B/G ratio, Cauchy pressure, and Vickers hardness, indicate a decrease of the mechanical properties compared to pure tungsten, though significant improvements in plasticity and ductility are observed. According to the phonon spectrum, the calculated thermodynamic parameters, such as heat capacity, entropy, and enthalpy of the alloys increase with increasing yttrium content and temperature compared to those of pure tungsten. Despite a decrease in Debye temperature, thermal conductivity and melting point with rising yttrium content, the thermal expansion coefficient shows an increasing trend. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of tungsten-yttrium alloys for advanced applications, particularly in the context of fusion materials

Validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the multidimensional outcome expectations for exercise scale (MOEES) in patients with cardiovascular diseases

Outcome expectations are a multidimensional construct encompassing physical, social, and self-evaluative components, significantly influencing adults' exercise behaviors. The study aimed to develop and validate a Turkish version of the 'Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale' (MOEES) and assess its reliability in adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This cross-sectional validation included 150 participants. The MOEES was translated into Turkish, ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness, and reviewed by 15 healthcare professionals. Participants' demographic data were collected, and they completed the MOEES, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-Heart (TSK-H) twice, 15 days apart. The internal consistency of the MOEES was excellent, with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.919. Test-retest reliability showed high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the physical (0.924), self-evaluative (0.921), and social (0.929) subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated an excellent fit (X-2/df = 1.782, GFI = 0.908, AGFI = 0.856, CFI = 0.962, RMSEA = 0.072, NFI = 0.918, SRMR = 0.052). Strong correlations were found between MOEES sub-dimensions and IPAQ total and TSK-H scores (p < 0.01), confirming the scale's validity. The Turkish MOEES is a reliable tool for evaluating physical, social, and self-evaluative outcome expectations regarding exercise in CVD patients, making it suitable for clinical and research applications