Advancing Open Science

This paper introduces a novel Magnetorheological (MR) damper integrated with a ball-screw mechanism (SMRB damper) that is designed to unify translational and rotational motions for enhanced automotive suspension performance. While shear-mode rotary MR dampers offer excellent responsiveness and stability, prior designs face persistent issues such as high off-state torque, structural complexity, or limited damping force. The proposed damper aims to overcome these limitations. Its design and operating principle are presented, followed by the development of a mathematical model based on the Bingham-plastic formulation and finite element analysis. To maximize damping capability, the key structural parameters are optimized using an Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) algorithm. Finally, a prototype is fabricated based on the optimized results, and experimental tests validate its performance against simulation predictions, demonstrating its improved potential for vibration control applications.

In this article, the thermal and mechanical properties of mortars reinforced with polypropylene (PP) fibres have been studied. Particularly, the effect of polypropylene fibres’ addition on the thermal behaviour of fine-grained building mortars at high temperatures was studied using simultaneous thermal analysis. Two types of polypropylene fibres, differing in shape and size, were used as fillers. The thermal behaviour of cement mortar samples with and without fibres was described. Special attention was given to the thermal behaviour of fibre-reinforced cement mortars subjected to the high temperatures of 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C. Comparative studies using simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) were also performed for non-heated samples (20 °C). The TG, DTG, and DTA curves were analysed to investigate the effects related to the dehydration and the decomposition of hydration and carbonation products. Compared to mortar samples without fibres, the results showed that the presence of polypropylene fibres contributes to an increase in the thermal stability of the samples. It has been proven that the impact of the type and amount of PP fibres in the tested range (1.8 kg/m³ vs. 3.6 kg/m³) on the thermal stability of specimens of tested cement composites was found not to be significantly visible. Next, extensive research was performed on the impact of fire environmental exposure on the variability in the strength parameters of the mortars. Tensile strength tests were conducted based on the standards specified by the Polish Committee for Standardization. The research material consisted of high-strength, fine-grained building mortars, modified by an original method with polypropylene fibres at concentration of 1.8 kg/m³, 3.0 kg/m³, and 3.6 kg/m³. For reference, ordinary mortars without fibres were used, as well. Tensile strength was evaluated for mortar samples, which were exposed to temperatures of 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C, respectively. Special attention was paid to the thermal behaviour of cement mortars reinforced with polypropylene (PP) fibres, subjected to high temperatures. Based on the obtained test results, a detailed statistical analysis was developed, along with comprehensive temperature–parameter relationships, which could enable an approximate post-failure assessment of the mortar’s condition. The main outcomes of this paper include optimal fibre dosage, which is 3.6 kg/m³, identified optimal fibre type, namely F fibre, as well as plateau in tensile strength for temperatures between 200 °C and 400 °C for fibre-reinforced samples.

Phased electromagnetic (EM) surfaces offer a versatile platform for beamforming, yet their application to wide-beam radiation—essential for broadcasting and target tracking—has been hindered by the absence of a foundational analytical model. This article establishes an effective model, quantitatively linking the maximum achievable beamwidth to the surface’s core physical parameters. A direct scaling equation is first derived for an idealized continuous aperture, revealing a proportionality among beamwidth, the quadratic phase coefficient, and aperture size, which demonstrates the potential for quasi-omnidirectional coverage. The model is then extended to practical scenarios, showing that the main-lobe taper is directly controlled by the aperture amplitude taper, establishing a decoupling principle for independent control of beam shape and width. Finally, by modeling the array factor of a discrete aperture, the trade-off between element spacing and maximum beamwidth is quantified, providing clear design rules to prevent grating lobe distortion. This work provides an intuitive, physics-based foundation for the systematic design and performance prediction of wide-beam phased EM surfaces.

Rumen microbiota is pivotal for nutrient metabolism and physiological adaptation in ruminants. This study investigated the rumen microbial community, fermentation parameters, and serum biochemistry of three Cervid species—Sika deer (Cervus nippon), Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), and Milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus) (n = 5/group)—fed an identical diet. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical analyses, we found that while Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were dominant phyla across species. Sika deer and Milu deer exhibited significantly higher microbial diversity and abundance of carbohydrate-digesting genera (e.g., Butyrivibrio, Saccharofermentans), and pathways of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, starch and sucrose metabolism compared to Reindeer. Conversely, Reindeer showed increased abundances of Lachnospiraceae ND3007 and butyrate metabolism pathway, and significantly elevated rumen volatile fatty acid concentrations, particularly acetate and butyrate. Serum profiling revealed that Milu deer had significantly higher lipid levels (CHO, TG, LDL-C) but lower total protein and AST levels compared to other species. Notably, WGCNA linked these blood lipid traits to host genes enriched in PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and bile secretion pathways. These findings demonstrate distinct species-specific rumen fermentation patterns and host metabolic adaptations, suggesting a coordinated regulation between the rumen microbiome and host genetics in Cervid.

This study presents the design and optimization of a digital-imaging afocal telescope system that integrates an afocal telescope architecture with an imaging optical subsystem. The proposed system employs a combination of spherical and aspherical optical elements to enhance imaging flexibility, reduce aberrations, and ensure effective system coupling. Proper pupil matching is achieved by aligning the exit pupil of the afocal telescope with the entrance pupil of the imaging system, ensuring minimal vignetting and optimal energy transfer. Circular apertures and lens elements are used throughout the system to simplify alignment and minimize pupil-matching errors. The complete system comprises three imaging optical subsystems and a digital camera module, each independently optimized to ensure balanced optical performance. The design achieves an overall magnification of 16×, with near-diffraction-limited quality confirmed by an RMS wavefront error of 0.0474λ and a Strehl ratio of 0.915. The modulation transfer function (MTF) reaches 0.42 at 80 lp/mm, while the distortion remains below 4.87%. Chromatic performance is well controlled, with maximum lateral color deviations of 1.007 µm (short-to-long wavelength) and 1.52 µm (short-to-reference wavelength), evaluated at 656 nm, 587 nm, and 486 nm. The results demonstrate that the proposed digital-imaging afocal telescope system provides high-resolution, low-aberration imaging suitable for precision optical applications.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), originally developed as an antimalarial agent, has been associated with hepatotoxic effects in experimental and clinical settings. Our study was designed to evaluate the effects of this agent on liver toxicity and to understand the protective roles of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Liver-52 (Liv-52), and their combination. Male Wistar rats (250–280 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6): healthy control (C), HCQ only (H), ATP plus HCQ (AH), Liv-52 plus HCQ (LH), and ATP–Liv-52 plus HCQ (ALH). ATP (4 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once daily, whereas Liv-52 (20 mg/kg) was administered orally via gavage. One hour later, all groups except C received HCQ (120 mg/kg, orally, twice daily). All treatments were continued for seven consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured, and liver tissues were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, along with histopathological evaluation. HCQ administration significantly increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated MDA levels (p < 0.01) and reduced antioxidant parameters, including GSH, SOD, and CAT (p < 0.05), accompanied by prominent histopathological damage. Treatment with ATP or Liv-52 markedly ameliorated these alterations by decreasing MDA and restoring antioxidant markers. The combination treatment was observed to exhibit the most pronounced protective effect; it significantly reduced MDA levels, improved GSH, SOD, and CAT levels more effectively, and produced significant decreases in AST and ALT values (p < 0.05).

Smart seaport and maritime transport management constitute a prominent and continually evolving field [...]

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) caused by environmental organisms are uncommon, and polymicrobial cases are even rarer. Methods: We describe the first case of catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by two infrequent environmental organisms—Rhizobium radiobacter and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans—occurring as a co-infection. Results: The patient’s occupation involved frequent exposure to moist, soil-contaminated environments. Although these bacteria are often considered contaminants, they are capable of causing invasive infections such as bacteremia, which can be life-threatening. Conclusions: This case underscores the emerging pathogenic potential of R. radiobacter and P. oryzihabitans co-infection, particularly in patients with underlying malignancies or end-stage renal disease who have indwelling vascular devices, and highlights the importance of considering occupational and environmental exposures in the differential diagnosis of unusual pathogens.