Journal Description
Applied Sciences
Applied Sciences
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of applied natural sciences published semimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Engineering)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our authors say about Applied Sciences.
- Companion journals for Applied Sciences include: Applied Nano, AppliedChem, Applied Biosciences, Virtual Worlds, Spectroscopy Journal and JETA.
Impact Factor:
2.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022)
Latest Articles
The Impact of Large Language Models on Programming Education and Student Learning Outcomes
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4115; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104115 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Recent advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Copilot have led to their integration into various educational domains, including software development education. Regular use of LLMs in the learning process is still not well-researched; thus, this paper intends to fill this
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Recent advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Copilot have led to their integration into various educational domains, including software development education. Regular use of LLMs in the learning process is still not well-researched; thus, this paper intends to fill this gap. The paper explores the nuanced impact of informal LLM usage on undergraduate students’ learning outcomes in software development education, focusing on React applications. We carefully designed an experiment involving thirty-two participants over ten weeks where we examined unrestricted but not specifically encouraged LLM use and their correlation with student performance. Our results reveal a significant negative correlation between increased LLM reliance for critical thinking-intensive tasks such as code generation and debugging and lower final grades. Furthermore, a downward trend in final grades is observed with increased average LLM use across all tasks. However, the correlation between the use of LLMs for seeking additional explanations and final grades was not as strong, indicating that LLMs may serve better as a supplementary learning tool. These findings highlight the importance of balancing LLM integration with the cultivation of independent problem-solving skills in programming education.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning and Technology-Assisted Education)
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Open AccessArticle
Management System According to ISO/IEC 17025: Method Validation
by
Omar-Alejandro Guirette-Barbosa, Héctor-Antonio Durán-Muñoz, Oscar Cruz-Domínguez, José-Luis Carrera-Escobedo, José-María Celaya-Padilla and Selene Castañeda-Burciaga
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4114; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104114 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
The current study presents a non-random, quantitative experimental investigation detailing the steps required to accredit a non-regulated test method (referred to as its own) under the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and the criteria set by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA). The focus is on
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The current study presents a non-random, quantitative experimental investigation detailing the steps required to accredit a non-regulated test method (referred to as its own) under the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and the criteria set by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA). The focus is on the methodology employed to validate the test method, particularly emphasizing the precision of the measurement system, along with the total variation in and tolerance of its components. For the measurement analysis, repeatability and reproducibility (r&R) studies were conducted using a variance analysis method variant (ANOVA). This variant is highlighted for its ability to estimate deviations more accurately. Furthermore, the chosen model incorporates random effect measurements for all factors or components of system variation (operators, parts, interaction, and instrument). This approach demonstrates the reliability, accuracy, and precision of the proposed measurement system within the test method, leading to its subsequent accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 as a conformity assessment body.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Slope Stability and Earth Retaining Structures)
Open AccessArticle
Design and Experiment of a Passive Vibration Isolator for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
by
Chan-Hwi Kang, Hun-Suh Park, Seong-Weon Seo and Dong-Gi Kwag
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4113; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104113 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
The advancement of sensor, actuator, and flight control technologies has increasingly expanded the possibilities for drone utilization. Among the technologies related to drone applications, the vibration isolator technology for payload has a significant impact on the precision of optical equipment in missions such
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The advancement of sensor, actuator, and flight control technologies has increasingly expanded the possibilities for drone utilization. Among the technologies related to drone applications, the vibration isolator technology for payload has a significant impact on the precision of optical equipment in missions such as detection, reconnaissance, and tracking. However, despite ongoing efforts to develop vibration isolators to mitigate the impact of vibrations transmitted to optical equipment, research on drone-specific natural frequencies and payloads has been lacking. Consequently, there is a need for research on vibration isolators tailored to specific drone types and optical equipment payloads. This study focuses on exploring the correlation between the natural frequencies of drones and the weight of the payload, and proposes methods for developing and testing vibration isolators that consider both factors. To achieve this, the study measured the stiffness of vibration isolator rubbers and conducted cross-validation between random vibration tests and finite element method (FEM) analyses to verify the vibration reduction effects resulting from changes in the dynamic characteristics of vibration isolator rubbers. The rubber with a shore hardness of 70 exhibited relatively high damping and damping performance during random vibration tests. Additionally, it showed relatively high stability with only one resonance point measured within the operational frequency band. Through the findings of this study, a methodology for selecting vibration isolators for drones is proposed, aiming to enhance the stability of optical equipment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Advances in Vibration Analysis: Modeling, Simulation and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Furniture Manufacturing with 3D Scanning
by
Adis J. Muminović, Łukasz Gierz, Hasan Rebihić, Jasmin Smajić, Nedim Pervan, Vahidin Hadžiabdić, Mirsad Trobradović, Łukasz Warguła, Bartosz Wieczorek, Wiktor Łykowski and Maciej Sydor
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4112; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104112 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Product design and manufacturing leverage 3D scanning for various applications. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of 3D scanning in furniture production by surveying the literature and showcasing four real-world case studies. The literature review reveals that 3D data acquired from real-world
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Product design and manufacturing leverage 3D scanning for various applications. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of 3D scanning in furniture production by surveying the literature and showcasing four real-world case studies. The literature review reveals that 3D data acquired from real-world objects have applications in research, rapid prototyping, restoration, and preservation of antique furniture, optimizing CNC machining processes, and measuring furniture components for quality control. The case study descriptions demonstrated the circumstances, rationale, and methodology for 3D scanning. All the case studies analyzed stem from the collaboration between the Laboratory for Product Development and Design at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sarajevo and various furniture production enterprises from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conclusions highlight that 3D scanning in the furniture sector is advantageous for developing computer-aided design models from early-stage design prototypes, validating the dimensional accuracy of manufactured components by comparing with CAD models, safeguarding and reconstructing vintage furniture, and remanufacturing formerly produced goods that lack complete technical records (reverse engineering).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Robotics and Automation)
Open AccessStudy Protocol
Application of Research on Risk Assessment of Roadway Roof Falls Based on Combined Weight Matter Element Extension Model
by
Shenggang Wang, Chao Yuan, Lianxin Li, Xiaowei Su and Chao Wang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4111; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104111 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Roof falls in coal mine roadways are the main causes of many casualties, shutdowns and production plan delays. To understand the relationship between the influencing factors of roadway roof fall accidents and the importance ranking of the accidents, we will reduce safety accidents
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Roof falls in coal mine roadways are the main causes of many casualties, shutdowns and production plan delays. To understand the relationship between the influencing factors of roadway roof fall accidents and the importance ranking of the accidents, we will reduce safety accidents in coal mines. To enable the timely prediction and control of roadway roof fall risks, based on the investigation of many roadway roof fall risk factors, 12 evaluation indexes such as the roadway roof rock thickness, geological conditions and roadway section shape were selected. An evaluation index system of roadway roof fall risks is constructed. A risk degree standard of roadway roof falls is proposed. The risk evaluation model of roadway roof falls was established by using the combination weight of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), entropy weight method (EW) and matter element extension theory. According to the principle of the maximum membership degree, the risk degree of roadway roof falls is determined. Based on Java Web, a risk assessment system for roadway roof falls was developed. We name the system Multiple Weight-Material Element Web (MW-MEW). The MW-MEW system was used to evaluate the risk degree of roof falls in the C9 return airway of the Xingu Coal Mine. Compared with the evaluation results of the AHP matter element extension model, it is found that the evaluation results of the MW-MEW system are more in line with the actual engineering conditions. The successful application of the MW-MEW system will provide new avenues for the quantitative evaluation of roof fall risks in coal mine roadways.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stability Control of Underground Openings under High Stress and Deep Mining Environment)
Open AccessArticle
Investigation of an LED Strip Controller Based on a PWM Driver and a PIC Series Microcontroller
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Žydrūnas Kavaliauskas, Igor Šajev, Giedrius Blažiūnas, Giedrius Gecevičius and Aleksandras Iljinas
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4110; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104110 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
This research paper investigates an LED strip lighting system, whose LED lighting controller was developed based on the PIC24FV32KA302 microcontroller and PCA9685 PWM driver. During the study, various parameters of the system were evaluated, including the response time from the length of commands,
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This research paper investigates an LED strip lighting system, whose LED lighting controller was developed based on the PIC24FV32KA302 microcontroller and PCA9685 PWM driver. During the study, various parameters of the system were evaluated, including the response time from the length of commands, the dependence of the PWM signal characteristics on the logic values generated by the microcontroller, and the dependence of the LED light flux and power on the percentage of the PWM signal and the power of the power supply channels. The results of the study revealed that the reaction time depended on the length of the sent command, where as the logic values of the microcontroller were changed from 1000 to 4000, the size of the PWM signal changed from 25 to 100%. The use of the I2C communication protocol, which is a master–slave architecture and uses data and synchronization lines, was also found to affect response times. When the percentage of the PWM signal was changed from 10 to 100%, the light flux of the LED strip changed from 100 to 1000 lm. These results reflect the advantages of applying microcontrollers and PWM drivers to LED control systems, emphasizing their flexibility, efficiency, and precise light control.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Electronics and Functional Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Lightweight, Trust-Managing, and Privacy-Preserving Collaborative Intrusion Detection for Internet of Things
by
Aulia Arif Wardana, Grzegorz Kołaczek and Parman Sukarno
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4109; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104109 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
This research introduces a comprehensive collaborative intrusion detection system (CIDS) framework aimed at bolstering the security of Internet of Things (IoT) environments by synergistically integrating lightweight architecture, trust management, and privacy-preserving mechanisms. The proposed hierarchical architecture spans edge, fog, and cloud layers, ensuring
[...] Read more.
This research introduces a comprehensive collaborative intrusion detection system (CIDS) framework aimed at bolstering the security of Internet of Things (IoT) environments by synergistically integrating lightweight architecture, trust management, and privacy-preserving mechanisms. The proposed hierarchical architecture spans edge, fog, and cloud layers, ensuring efficient and scalable collaborative intrusion detection. Trustworthiness is established through the incorporation of distributed ledger technology (DLT), leveraging blockchain frameworks to enhance the reliability and transparency of communication among IoT devices. Furthermore, the research adopts federated learning (FL) techniques to address privacy concerns, allowing devices to collaboratively learn from decentralized data sources while preserving individual data privacy. Validation of the proposed approach is conducted using the CICIoT2023 dataset, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing the security posture of IoT ecosystems. This research contributes to the advancement of secure and resilient IoT infrastructures, addressing the imperative need for lightweight, trust-managing, and privacy-preserving solutions in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges. According to our experiments, the proposed model achieved an average accuracy of 97.65%, precision of 97.65%, recall of 100%, and F1-score of 98.81% when detecting various attacks on IoT systems with heterogeneous devices and networks. The system is a lightweight system when compared with traditional intrusion detection that uses centralized learning in terms of network latency and memory consumption. The proposed system shows trust and can keep private data in an IoT environment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies in Cybersecurity: Challenges and Opportunities)
Open AccessArticle
Study on Microscopic Characteristics and Rock Mechanical Properties of Tight Sandstone after Acidification–Supercritical CO2 Composite Action: Case Study from Xujiahe Formation, China
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Yunfei Zhao, Gun Huang, Qinming Liang and Qiang Chen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4108; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104108 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Acidified CO2 fracturing is a viable method for increasing production in deep, tight sandstone reservoirs. However, the potential mechanism of changes in pore structure and mechanical properties of sandstone under acidified CO2 supercritical composite is not clear. Understanding this mechanism is
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Acidified CO2 fracturing is a viable method for increasing production in deep, tight sandstone reservoirs. However, the potential mechanism of changes in pore structure and mechanical properties of sandstone under acidified CO2 supercritical composite is not clear. Understanding this mechanism is important for the study of crack initiation and extension in tight sandstone reservoirs. This study utilizes sandstone samples from the Xujiahe Formation reservoir in Rongchang District as experimental specimens. The primary focus is to analyze the changes in pore structure and mechanical properties of these samples after acidification–supercritical CO2 composite action. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and uniaxial compression tests are employed as the main investigative techniques. The results show that there was a physicochemical synergy between the acidification–supercritical CO2 composite effect; the crack initial stress, damage stress, and peak stress of the sandstone after 16 MPa supercritical CO2 acidification treatment were reduced by 20%, 49.5%, and 49.8%, respectively; the crack volumetric strain accelerated and the sandstone evolved from brittle to ductile damage; and the larger pore space and microcracks of the sandstone increased significantly after the treatment, which can be attributed to the gradual dissolution of intergranular cement leading to the formation of new pores connected to the existing pore network. The change mechanism of sandstone after acidification–supercritical CO2 compound treatment is also proposed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geo-Energy Development and Enhanced Oil/Gas Recovery)
Open AccessArticle
Designing a Competency-Focused Course on Applied AI Based on Advanced System Research on Business Requirements
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Vasyl Martsenyuk, Georgi Dimitrov, Dejan Rancic, Iveta Dirgova Luptakova, Igor Jovancevic, Marcin Bernas, Aleksandra Klos-Witkowska, Tomasz Gancarczyk, Iva Kostadinova, Elizabet Mihaylova, Dragan Stojanovic, Marko Milojkovic, Jiri Pospichal and Aleksandar Plamenac
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4107; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104107 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
The consortium of “The Future is in Applied Artificial Intelligence” Project designed the first competency-based applied artificial intelligence curriculum at the higher-education institution level. The development was based on advanced system research on existing artificial intelligence-related resources and surveying target groups of teachers,
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The consortium of “The Future is in Applied Artificial Intelligence” Project designed the first competency-based applied artificial intelligence curriculum at the higher-education institution level. The development was based on advanced system research on existing artificial intelligence-related resources and surveying target groups of teachers, information technology students, and employers, which should enhance the performance of implementing artificial intelligence education. A review of applied artificial intelligence was prepared in the form of keyword clustering. The initial data were collected with the help of surveying by identifying job offers, existing artificial intelligence training courses, scientific projects, and real cases. A synthetic analysis of the textual information from the studies was conducted using the word clouds technique. A tensor-based approach was used for the presentation of the competency-based course. The specific numerical requirements for the course in the form of priorities followed from the solution to decision-making problems using the analytic hierarchy process technique. Based on a comprehensive study of surveys, educational experience, scientific projects, and business requirements, and a meta-analysis of the recent references, we specified the criteria for a training course in the form of a tensor-based representation of competencies in relation to content and educational modules.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Study on Shear Failure Process and Zonal Disintegration Mechanism of Roadway under High Ground Stress: A Numerical Simulation via a Strain-Softening Plastic Model and the Discrete Element Method
by
Peiju Yang, Shurong Zhang and Changyou Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4106; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104106 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Fracture expansion in rock masses can be observed by monitoring the break of contacts between the bounding particles via the discrete element method. The latter’s realization in this study via the PFC2D program tracked the evolution process of the zonal disintegration in
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Fracture expansion in rock masses can be observed by monitoring the break of contacts between the bounding particles via the discrete element method. The latter’s realization in this study via the PFC2D program tracked the evolution process of the zonal disintegration in an exemplary roadway-surrounding rock affected by mining. Besides, the damage evolution pattern in a high-stress soft rock roadway was simulated by the FLAC2D program using a strain-softening plastic model, revealing the effects of rock mass strength, stress state, and anchor support on the zonal disintegration of the roadway. Numerical simulation results show that in a roadway with high-level stress, the obvious fractures spread from the roadway surface to the depth of the surrounding rock along a series of geometric planes and cut the surrounding rock into rock mass blocks. Under high crustal stress, conjugate shear fractures occur near the roadway surfaces and form a closed-loop fractured zone after intersecting the conjugate fracture faces. The closed fractured zone becomes a free face, from which conjugate shear fractures develop, forming new closed fractured zones in the deep surrounding rock. By repeatedly generating the closed fracture zones, a fracture network appears in the roadway-surrounding rock. The development of zonal disintegration of roadway-surrounding rock mainly depends on the rock mass strength and its stress state. Zonal disintegration only occurs when the crustal stress of the roadway-surrounding rock exceeds its strength. When the horizontal stress is low and the vertical stress exceeds the rock mass strength, zonal disintegration only occurs on two sides of the roadway. When the vertical stress is low and the horizontal stress exceeds the rock’s mass strength, it only appears on the roof and floor. When the values of cohesion, internal friction angle, and tensile strength are reduced in the same proportion, cohesion has the greatest impact on the expansion of the zonal disintegration zone, followed by the internal friction angle, while the tensile strength effect is the least. In anchor-supported roadways undergoing zonal disintegration processes, the intact zone blocks slide relatively along the fracture surface during the process of loosening and deformation of the surrounding rock, making the anchor rods susceptible to tensile, shear, and bending actions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stability Control of Underground Openings under High Stress and Deep Mining Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
Clinical Neurophysiological Methods Verify Improvement in the Motor Neural Transmission in Patients with Surgically Treated Idiopathic Scoliosis in Long-Term Follow-up
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Przemysław Daroszewski, Juliusz Huber, Katarzyna Kaczmarek, Piotr Janusz, Paweł Główka, Marek Tomaszewski, Łukasz Kubaszewski, Mikołaj Dąbrowski and Tomasz Kotwicki
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104105 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
The evaluation of patients after the surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis in a long-term follow-up with clinical neurophysiological methods has not been presented in detail. This study aimed to compare the results of neurophysiological studies in 45 girls with scoliosis of Lenke types
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The evaluation of patients after the surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis in a long-term follow-up with clinical neurophysiological methods has not been presented in detail. This study aimed to compare the results of neurophysiological studies in 45 girls with scoliosis of Lenke types 1–3 performed pre- (T0) and postoperatively, 1 week after surgery (T1) and 6 months after surgery (T2). The parameter values of the surface electromyography while attempting maximal contraction (mcsEMG) and the transcranial motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) recorded in the anterior tibial muscles, as well as the electroneurography (ENG) of the peripheral transmission in the peroneal nerve motor fibers, were compared. The results indicate that efferent neural conduction functioned both centrally and peripherally, and TA muscle function slightly improved immediately after the surgical correction of scoliosis, and further normalization appeared after six months in the long-term follow-up (at p = 0.03). The sEMG recordings indicate that half a year after surgical treatment in IS patients, the TA muscle motor unit recruitment function, as well as the muscle strength evaluated with Lovett’s scale, was comparable to the normal condition. The ENG recording results indicate a gradual reduction in the motor fiber injury symptoms, mainly of the axonal type, in the peroneal nerves. The surgeries also improved the lumbar ventral roots’ neural transmission to a normal functional status. The MEP amplitude parameter values recorded after the surgical scoliosis corrections in T1 indicated a slight improvement in the efferent transmission of neural impulses within the fibers of the spinal tracts; in the long-term T2 observation period, they reached values comparable to those recorded in healthy volunteers, bilaterally. Preoperatively (T0), the results of all the neurophysiological study parameters in the IS patients were asymmetrical at p = 0.036–0.05 and recorded as worse on the concave side, suggesting the lateralization of neurological motor deficits. One week postoperatively (T1), this asymmetry was recorded as gradually reduced, showing almost no difference between the right and left sides six months later (T2). The presented algorithm for the neurophysiological assessments performed in the pre-, intra-, and long-term postoperative periods using the mcsEMG, MEP, and ENG neurophysiological examinations, together with the clinical studies, may help in the comprehensive functional evaluation of the spinal cord tracts and ventral root neural conduction, which allows the detection of the subclinical neurological changes related to scoliosis itself and the consequences of the corrective surgery. Such an evaluation can also be significant in making final decisions regarding IS surgeries and their personalization after attempting conservative treatments with bracing and kinesiotherapy. Neurophysiological studies, as a sensitive biomarker, allowed us to predict and ascertain the final result of IS treatment in the long-term follow-up, which showed the health status of patients as being comparable to that of healthy volunteers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
Open AccessArticle
Predicting Vessel Trajectories Using ASTGCN with StemGNN-Derived Correlation Matrix
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Ran Zhang, Xiaohui Chen, Lin Ye, Wentao Yu, Bing Zhang and Junnan Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4104; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104104 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
This study proposes a vessel position prediction method using attention spatiotemporal graph convolutional networks, which addresses the issue of low prediction accuracy due to less consideration of inter-feature dependencies in current vessel trajectory prediction methods. First, the method cleans the vessel trajectory data
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This study proposes a vessel position prediction method using attention spatiotemporal graph convolutional networks, which addresses the issue of low prediction accuracy due to less consideration of inter-feature dependencies in current vessel trajectory prediction methods. First, the method cleans the vessel trajectory data and uses the Time-ratio trajectory compression algorithm to compress the trajectory data, avoiding data redundancy and providing feature points for vessel trajectories. Second, the Spectral Temporal Graph Neural Network (StemGNN) extracts the correlation matrix that describes the relationship between multiple variables as a priori matrix input to the prediction model. Then the vessel trajectory prediction model is constructed, and the attention mechanism is added to the spatial and temporal dimensions of the trajectory data based on the spatio-temporal graph convolutional network at the same time as the above operations are performed on different time scales. Finally, the features extracted from different time scales are fused through the full connectivity layer to predict the future trajectories. Experimental results show that this method achieves higher accuracy and more stable prediction results in trajectory prediction. The attention-based spatio-temporal graph convolutional networks effectively capture the spatio-temporal correlations of the main features in vessel trajectories, and the spatio-temporal attention mechanism and graph convolution have certain interpretability for the prediction results.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Science and Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Experimental Evaluation of a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Controller for an EV3 Ballbot System
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Rodolfo Enemegio, Francisco Jurado and Jonathan Villanueva-Tavira
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4103; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104103 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, experimental results about the performance of a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Controller (TSFC) for an EV3 Ballbot Robotic System (EV3BRS) are reported. The physical configuration of the EV3BRS has the form of an inverted pendulum mounted on a ball. The EV3BRS is
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In this paper, experimental results about the performance of a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Controller (TSFC) for an EV3 Ballbot Robotic System (EV3BRS) are reported. The physical configuration of the EV3BRS has the form of an inverted pendulum mounted on a ball. The EV3BRS is an underactuated robotic system with four outputs and two control torques. In this work, following the Takagi–Sugeno (TS) fuzzy control design methodology, the Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) approach is used in the design of the TSFC. The EV3BRS’s TS Fuzzy Model (TSFM) design comes from linearization of the nonlinear model around two operation points near the upright position of EV3BRS’s body. The Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) approach was used to obtain the feedback gains for every local linear controller, guaranteeing, via a conservative stability condition, the global asymptotic stability of the overall fuzzy control system. The main goal of the control task consists of maintaining the EV3BRS’s body at its upright position. Measurement and control data from and to the EV3BRS are transferred via telecontrol and telemetry. The appropriate performance of the controller design is corroborated via experimentation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electronics and Digital Signal Processing)
Open AccessArticle
Study on the Fracture of a Shield Segment in a Fully Excavated Hard Rock Section under the Influence of Construction Loads
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Cheng Zhu, Bin Zheng, Guoping Ren, Tugen Feng, Xiaochun Zhong and Siyuan Huang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4102; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104102 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, the initiation of the fracture of a segment caused by the pressure of the jack and other factors during shield construction is discussed. Based on the Rots model in the finite element software Diana 10.4 , the fracture width is
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In this paper, the initiation of the fracture of a segment caused by the pressure of the jack and other factors during shield construction is discussed. Based on the Rots model in the finite element software Diana 10.4 , the fracture width is solved. Combined with in situ measurements, the mechanisms of concrete fracturing of a segment under external loads, such as the jack thrust deflection angle and uneven jack thrust caused by the changes in the segment due to the upward buoyancy and shield attitude, are studied; additionally, the occurrence conditions and engineering control measures for segment fracture are summarized. The results show that when the attitudes of the shield and segment are identical, the total thrust of the shield is recommended not to exceed 21,000 kN, and is strictly limited to 24,000 kN. When the attitude inclination angle between the shield machine and the segment is less than 1°, the impact on the segment quality is small. When the inclination angle reaches 2°, the total thrust of the shield is recommended not to exceed 16,000 kN, and is strictly limited to 18,000 kN. When the inclination reaches 3°, a fracture is easily produced. When the total thrust is 19,000 kN, it is recommended that the loading increase or decrease in the left and right four grippers should not exceed 20%, and they are prohibited to exceed 30%. The fracture width increases exponentially with the increase in misalignment between adjacent segment rings. These research results provide a theoretical basis for jack pressure control during shield construction.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of the Possibilities of Using Oat Malt in Wheat Breadmaking
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Agnieszka Salamon, Hanna Kowalska, Sylwia Stępniewska and Anna Szafrańska
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4101; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104101 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Malt is a natural additive to bread in amounts below 1%. However, there is a lack of research on supplementing bread with a larger dose of malt. The study aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of wheat flour with oat flour (10%) with/without
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Malt is a natural additive to bread in amounts below 1%. However, there is a lack of research on supplementing bread with a larger dose of malt. The study aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of wheat flour with oat flour (10%) with/without the addition of malted oat flour (0.6%) and scalded malt flour (10%) on the technological and health-promoting quality of bread. At the dough preparation stage, the malted flour was scalded. The dough was prepared using the single-phase method, and laboratory baked goods were prepared using a standard baking test for pan bread. It was found that the preparation of the dough by the preliminary scalding of malt flour resulted in an improvement in the bread volume and a lower increase in crumb hardness during 2-day storage, i.e., delayed staling, compared to the control bread. Replacing wheat flour with 10% oat flour contributed to an increase in the dietary fiber content of bread and a decrease in its energy value. The measurable effect of adding 10% scalded oat malt flour to bread was a 1.5-fold increase in the total polyphenols content and an almost 2.5-fold increase in antioxidant activity compared to bread supplemented with oat flour.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Processing Technology of Pulses and Cereals)
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Open AccessArticle
Trusted Data Access Control Based on Logistics Business Collaboration Semantics
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Xue Zhang, Changqiang Jing, Yeh-Cheng Chen, Li Wang, Lianzheng Xu and Deqian Fu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4099; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104099 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
In the context of the digital evolution of the logistics industry, the interconnection of logistics information systems and associated data have become an obstacle of business collaboration among various stakeholders. A critical challenge in this domain is ensuring controllable access to logistics business
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In the context of the digital evolution of the logistics industry, the interconnection of logistics information systems and associated data have become an obstacle of business collaboration among various stakeholders. A critical challenge in this domain is ensuring controllable access to logistics business data, given the industry’s current state characterized by independence, autonomy, disconnection, and heterogeneity, alongside the non-negotiable requirement for data privacy. We propose a novel model of trusted data access control based on of logistics business collaboration semantics. This approach incorporates semantic inference technologies into attribute-based access control mechanisms, thereby enabling the streamlined formulation of access control policies and facilitating unified authorization and control. Moreover, the method addresses the issue of access control policy management and maintenance at the semantic level. The proposed solution can pave the way for enhanced business collaboration between business entities, and further enable the building of a data exchange service platform within the logistics industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges of Security and Privacy in Big Data Environment)
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Open AccessPerspective
Analysis of Federated Learning Paradigm in Medical Domain: Taking COVID-19 as an Application Use Case
by
Seong Oun Hwang and Abdul Majeed
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4100; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104100 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Federated learning (FL) has emerged as one of the de-facto privacy-preserving paradigms that can effectively work with decentralized data sources (e.g., hospitals) without acquiring any private data. Recently, applications of FL have vastly expanded into multiple domains, particularly the medical domain, and FL
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Federated learning (FL) has emerged as one of the de-facto privacy-preserving paradigms that can effectively work with decentralized data sources (e.g., hospitals) without acquiring any private data. Recently, applications of FL have vastly expanded into multiple domains, particularly the medical domain, and FL is becoming one of the mainstream technologies of the near future. In this study, we provide insights into FL fundamental concepts (e.g., the difference from centralized learning, functions of clients and servers, workflows, and nature of data), architecture and applications in the general medical domain, synergies with emerging technologies, key challenges (medical domain), and potential research prospects. We discuss major taxonomies of the FL systems and enlist technical factors in the FL ecosystem that are the foundation of many adversarial attacks on these systems. We also highlight the promising applications of FL in the medical domain by taking the recent COVID-19 pandemic as an application use case. We highlight potential research and development trajectories to further enhance the persuasiveness of this emerging paradigm from the technical point of view. We aim to concisely present the progress of FL up to the present in the medical domain including COVID-19 and to suggest future research trajectories in this area.
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(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
Open AccessArticle
Optimisation of Synchronous Grouting Mix Ratio for Shield Tunnels
by
Hongmei Zhou, Yixiang Zhang, Wanxu Zhu, Qingyu Zhong and Xinyu Huang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4098; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104098 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
During shield construction in underground spaces, synchronous grouting slurry is poured between the surrounding rock and tunnel lining to ensure stability. For synchronous grouting slurries, few studies have investigated the relationship between the rheological parameters and physical properties, grout-segregation mechanism, and anti-segregation performance.
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During shield construction in underground spaces, synchronous grouting slurry is poured between the surrounding rock and tunnel lining to ensure stability. For synchronous grouting slurries, few studies have investigated the relationship between the rheological parameters and physical properties, grout-segregation mechanism, and anti-segregation performance. Therefore, we explored the relationships between the slurry rheological parameters, segregation rate, and bleeding rate. Cement, sand, fly ash, and bentonite were used to prepare the slurry, and the effects of different polycarboxylate water-reducing agents and dispersible latex powder dosages were studied. The rheological parameters of 16 groups of uniformly designed slurries were tested, and the data were fit using the Herschel–Bulkley model. The optimal mix ratio lowered the slurry segregation rate, and its rheological behaviour was consistent with the Herschel–Bulkley fluid characteristics. High-yield-shear-stress synchronous grouting slurries with high and low viscosity coefficients were less likely to bleed and segregate, respectively. The optimised slurry fluidity, 3 h bleeding rate, 24 h bleeding rate, segregation rate, coagulation time, and 28 days compressive strength were 257.5 mm, 0.71%, 0.36%, 3.1%, 6.7 h, and 2.61 MPa, respectively, which meet the requirements of a synchronous grouting slurry of shield tunnels for sufficiently preventing soil disturbance and deformation in areas surrounding underground construction sites.
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Open AccessReview
Assessing the Seasonal Water Requirement of Fully Mature Japanese Plum Orchards: A Systematic Review
by
Munashe Mashabatu, Nonofo Motsei, Nebojša Jovanović, Timothy Dube, Ubaidullah Mathews and Yolanda Nqumkana
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4097; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104097 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Japanese plums have relatively high water requirements, which depend on supplementing rainfall volumes with accurately quantified irrigation water. There is a lack of knowledge on the seasonal water requirements of plum orchards. This gap in the literature poses an imminent threat to the
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Japanese plums have relatively high water requirements, which depend on supplementing rainfall volumes with accurately quantified irrigation water. There is a lack of knowledge on the seasonal water requirements of plum orchards. This gap in the literature poses an imminent threat to the long-term sustainability of the South African plum industry, which is particularly plagued by climate change and diminishing water resources. The systematic literature review conducted in this study aimed to provide a foundation for supporting water management in irrigated Japanese plum [Prunus salicina Lindl.] orchards. Seventeen peer-reviewed articles obtained from the literature were analyzed. Approximately 66% of the cultivars were cultivated under different regulated deficit irrigation regimes for water-saving purposes and to increase fruit quality. This review of our knowledge provided benchmark figures on the annual water requirements of Japanese plums. The full-year plum crop water requirements obtained from the literature ranged between 921 and 1211 mm a−1. Canopy growth, pruning and growing season length were the most common causes of differences in the water requirement estimates. Further research is required to measure the water requirement of plums from planting to full-bearing age and the response of plum trees to water stress, especially in the South African context.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Science and Technology)
Open AccessArticle
A Charging and Discharging Data Privacy Protection Scheme for V2G Networks Based on Cloud–Fog-End
by
Baoyi Wang, Ziyan Shi and Shaomin Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4096; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104096 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
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Due to the openness of the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) network, the upload of charging and discharging data faces severe security challenges such as eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery. These challenges can lead to privacy breaches, transmission delays, and service quality degradation. To address these issues,
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Due to the openness of the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) network, the upload of charging and discharging data faces severe security challenges such as eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery. These challenges can lead to privacy breaches, transmission delays, and service quality degradation. To address these issues, a V2G network architecture based on cloud–fog-end is designed, and a charging and discharging data privacy protection scheme is proposed. We employ a pseudonym mechanism to achieve the conditional privacy protection of electric vehicle (EV) users. We design a certificateless aggregate signcryption (CLASC) algorithm to guarantee the security of uploading the charging and discharging privacy data. The algorithm solves certificate management and key escrow issues, utilizes aggregate signature operations to save network bandwidth, and avoids complex computations like bilinear pairings and exponents. Additionally, the scheme delegates the aggregate verification process to the fog layer, thereby alleviating the computational burden on the cloud layer, decreasing transmission delays, and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the V2G network. The analysis results indicate that the scheme not only meets the required security objectives, but also has lower computational and communication overheads, making it suitable for scenarios involving the charging and discharging of large-scale EVs in V2G networks.
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