This article presents a framework for finite and fixed-time control, using feedback-based optimization to drive a system toward its optimal operating point. Unlike traditional methods that rely on predefined set points, this approach employs endogenous control inputs derived through numerical optimization while adhering to system constraints. The controller's dynamics are modeled as a convergent gradient flow, allowing the system to autonomously achieve its optimum without external references. The proposed control architecture guarantees finite-and fixed-time stability, with a Lyapunov-based analysis determining permissible perturbation bounds to ensure robust performance. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated through simulations on a coupled-tank and a buck converter systems, successfully achieving the desired steady-state operation with the designed control approach. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
PurposeSexuality-related challenges represent one of the most persistent yet insufficiently addressed dimensions of patient well-being in cancer care services. Despite their significant impact on quality of life, sexual concerns are often marginalized within oncology service delivery. Anchored in Transformative Service Research, this study examines how body image shapes oncology patients' coping responses to sexual dysfunction and, in turn, influences sexual life satisfaction. This study aims to inform the design of health-care support services that more effectively address sexual well-being and strengthen patient-centered cancer care.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods research design was used. Study 1 involved semi-structured interviews with cancer patients (n = 16) to explore their experiences of sexuality-related challenges during treatment and the coping strategies they adopted. Building on these qualitative insights, Study 2 used a quantitative survey (n = 204) to test the proposed conceptual model, examining the relationships between body image, coping strategies and sexual life satisfaction, as well as the mediating role of partner relationship quality.FindingsThe findings show that sexual dysfunction in the context of cancer care is closely intertwined with body-related concerns and identity threat. Patients rely on two main coping strategies - engagement and disengagement - which mediate the relationship between body image and sexual life satisfaction. Moreover, partner relationship quality plays a mediating role in the link between coping strategies and sexual life satisfaction. These results underline the importance of targeted service interventions that address body image concerns and incorporate couple-based support within oncology care.Originality/valueThis study extends existing research on sexual dysfunction in chronic illness by shifting the focus from symptoms to patients' lived experiences and coping processes within health-care services. By elucidating how body image and coping interact to shape sexual well-being, the research offers actionable insights for the design of supportive oncology services. More broadly, it highlights the role of service marketing in fostering more intimate, holistic and transformative care for vulnerable patient populations.
We investigate the impact of power amplifier (PA) nonlinearities on the sensing performance of affine filter bank modulation (AFBM). While AFBM offers several advantageous properties for integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) - including reduced out-of-band emission (OOBE), low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), and natural robustness to doubly-dispersive (DD) channel effects - mitigating waveform distortion typically requires highly linear PAs. This creates a fundamental contradiction with ISAC applications, which demand high transmit power for reliable sensing. Our analytical results reveal that the structure of the effective AFBM modulation matrix dictates how distortion propagates within the ambiguity function (AF). Furthermore, simulations demonstrate that both the AF and the overall sensing performance of AFBM remain remarkably insensitive to such nonlinearities. These findings highlight the robustness of AFBM, making it a highly viable candidate for practical ISAC deployments constrained by hardware impairments.
Two binary systems containing CO2 and a branched alkane were newly studied in this work: CO2 + 2,3,4-trime-thylpentane and CO2 + 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane. Their fluid phase behavior was investigated using a highpressure variable-volume cell and a synthetic method. Saturation pressures were visually measured from (293.15 et 363.15) K and for 10 different CO2 mole fractions for both mixtures. Whatever the considered system, no liquid-liquid immiscibility was observed in this temperature range, suggesting a continuous vapor-liquid critical curve between the pure components critical points. A total of 160 points were acquired: 149 bubble points and 11 dew points. These new experimental data were satisfactory modeled by using the Peng-Robinson equation of state with a temperature-dependent interaction parameter, kij(T), fitted against the data.
Abstract DNA methylation quantification in age-prediction models relies on only a few techniques with inherent limitations and biases, reducing the accuracy and reproducibility. We developed a new droplet digital PCR assay format for accurate DNA methylation quantification, based on three LNA-containing hydrolysis probes to detect methylated and unmethylated alleles. Using a 12-plex assay we simultaneously quantified methylation at six CpGs (ASPA, C1orf132, CCDC102B, EDARADD, ELOVL2, FHL2) in 351 blood samples (age range: 0–95 years), showing strong correlations with age (|r|> 0.83). Several age-prediction models were developed, achieving high performance on testing sets (R 2: 0.933–0.973, MAE: 3.18–5.18, RMSE: 4.71–7.27).
