Applied Sciences

21 pages, 974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual Production of Full-Fat Soy and Expanded Soybean Cake from Non-GMO Soybeans: Agronomic and Nutritional Insights Under Semi-Organic Cultivation

by Krystian Ambroziak and Anna Wenda-Piesik

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8154; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158154 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

The diversification of plant protein sources is a strategic priority for European food systems, particularly under the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies. In this study, dual production of full-fat soy (FFS) and expanded soybean cake (ESC) was evaluated using non-GMO [...] Read more.

The diversification of plant protein sources is a strategic priority for European food systems, particularly under the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies. In this study, dual production of full-fat soy (FFS) and expanded soybean cake (ESC) was evaluated using non-GMO soybeans cultivated under semi-organic conditions in Central Poland. Two agronomic systems—post-emergence mechanical weeding with rotary harrow weed control (P1) and conventional herbicide-based control (P2)—were compared over a four-year period. The P1 system produced consistently higher yields (e.g., 35.6 dt/ha in 2024 vs. 33.4 dt/ha in P2) and larger seed size (TSW: up to 223 g). Barothermal and press-assisted processing yielded FFS with protein content of 32.4–34.5% and oil content of 20.8–22.4%, while ESC exhibited enhanced characteristics: higher protein (37.4–39.0%), lower oil (11.6–13.3%), and elevated dietary fiber (15.8–16.3%). ESC also showed reduced anti-nutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid) and remained microbiologically and oxidatively stable over six months. The semi-organic P1 system offers a scalable, low-input approach to local soy production, while the dual-product model supports circular, zero-waste protein systems aligned with EU sustainability targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Engineering Technologies for the Agri-Food Sector)

5 pages, 156 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

AI-Based Biomedical Signal Processing

by Agnese Sbrollini and Aurora Saibene

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8153; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158153 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Motivated by the numerous studies working towards innovative processing of biomedical signals, especially exploiting Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based methodologies, this Special Issue was proposed in 2022 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Based Biomedical Signal Processing)

21 pages, 1394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parallelization of Rainbow Tables Generation Using Message Passing Interface: A Study on NTLMv2, MD5, SHA-256 and SHA-512 Cryptographic Hash Functions

by Mark Vainer, Arnas Kačeniauskas and Nikolaj Goranin

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8152; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158152 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Rainbow table attacks utilize a time-memory trade-off to efficiently crack passwords by employing precomputed tables containing chains of passwords and hash values. Generating these tables is computationally intensive, and several researchers have proposed utilizing parallel computing to speed up the generation process. This [...] Read more.

Rainbow table attacks utilize a time-memory trade-off to efficiently crack passwords by employing precomputed tables containing chains of passwords and hash values. Generating these tables is computationally intensive, and several researchers have proposed utilizing parallel computing to speed up the generation process. This paper introduces a modification to the traditional master-slave parallelization model using the MPI framework, where, unlike previous approaches, the generation of starting points is decentralized, allowing each process to generate its own tasks independently. This design is proposed to reduce communication overhead and improve the efficiency of rainbow table generation. We reduced the number of inter-process communications by letting each process generate chains independently. We conducted three experiments to evaluate the performance of the parallel rainbow tables generation algorithm for four cryptographic hash functions: NTLMv2, MD5, SHA-256 and SHA-512. The first experiment assessed parallel performance, showing near-linear speedup and 95–99% efficiency across varying numbers of nodes. The second experiment evaluated scalability by increasing the number of processed chains from 100 to 100,000, revealing that higher workloads significantly impacted execution time, with SHA-512 being the most computationally intensive. The third experiment evaluated the effect of chain length on execution time, confirming that longer chains increase computational cost, with SHA-512 consistently requiring the most resources. The proposed approach offers an efficient and practical solution to the computational challenges of rainbow tables generation. The findings of this research can benefit key stakeholders, including cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, digital forensics experts and researchers in cryptography, by providing an efficient method for generating rainbow tables to analyze password security. Full article

25 pages, 1984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intra-Domain Routing Protection Scheme Based on the Minimum Cross-Degree Between the Shortest Path and Backup Path

by Haijun Geng, Xuemiao Liu, Wei Hou, Lei Xu and Ling Wang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8151; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158151 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

With the continuous development of the Internet, people have put forward higher requirements for the stability and availability of the network. Although we constantly strive to take measures to avoid network failures, it is undeniable that network failures are unavoidable. Therefore, in this [...] Read more.

With the continuous development of the Internet, people have put forward higher requirements for the stability and availability of the network. Although we constantly strive to take measures to avoid network failures, it is undeniable that network failures are unavoidable. Therefore, in this situation, enhancing the stability and reliability of the network to cope with possible network failures has become particularly crucial. Therefore, researching and developing high fault protection rate intra-domain routing protection schemes has become an important topic and is the subject of this study. This study aims to enhance the resilience and service continuity of networks in the event of failures by proposing innovative routing protection strategies. The existing methods, such as Loop Free Alternative (LFA) and Equal Cost Multiple Paths (ECMP), have some shortcomings in terms of fast fault detection, fault response, and fault recovery processes, such as long fault recovery time, limitations of routing protection strategies, and requirements for network topology. In response to these issues, this article proposes a new routing protection scheme, which is an intra-domain routing protection scheme based on the minimum cross-degree backup path. The core idea of this plan is to find the backup path with the minimum degree of intersection with the optimal path, in order to avoid potential fault areas and minimize the impact of faults on other parts of the network. Through comparative analysis and performance evaluation, this scheme can provide a higher fault protection rate and more reliable routing protection in the network. Especially in complex networks, this scheme has more performance and protection advantages than traditional routing protection methods. The proposed scheme in this paper exhibits a high rate of fault protection across multiple topologies, demonstrating a fault protection rate of 1 in the context of real topology. It performs commendably in terms of path stretch, evidenced by a figure of 1.06 in the case of real topology Ans, suggesting robust path length control capabilities. The mean intersection value is 0 in the majority of the topologies, implying virtually no common edge between the backup and optimal paths. This effectively mitigates the risk of single-point failure. Full article

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31 pages, 5652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Dry Clutch Wear for a Wide Range of Operating Parameters

by Krunoslav Haramina, Branimir Škugor, Matija Hoić, Nenad Kranjčević, Joško Deur and Andreas Tissot

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8150; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158150 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

The paper presents an experimentally validated regression model for dry clutch friction lining wear, accounting for the influence of clutch temperature, initial slip speed, torque, and closing time. The experimental data have been collected by using a custom-designed disk-on-disk computer-controlled tribometer and conducting [...] Read more.

The paper presents an experimentally validated regression model for dry clutch friction lining wear, accounting for the influence of clutch temperature, initial slip speed, torque, and closing time. The experimental data have been collected by using a custom-designed disk-on-disk computer-controlled tribometer and conducting repetitive real operation-like clutch closing cycles for different levels of the above operating parameters. The model is designed to be cycle-wise, predicting cumulative worn volume expectation and standard deviation after each closing cycle. It is organized around three distinctive submodels, which provide predictions of: (i) wear rate expectation, (ii) wear rate variance, and (iii) elevated wear rate during run-in operation. Finally, the wear rate expectation and variance submodels and the overall, cumulative worn volume model are validated on independent experimental datasets. The main novelty of the presented research lies in the development of stochastic multi-input cycle-wise dry cutch wear model for clutch design and monitoring applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mechanical Engineering)

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20 pages, 3000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NRNH-AR: A Small Robotic Agent Using Tri-Fold Learning for Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

by Carlos Vasquez-Jalpa, Mariko Nakano, Martin Velasco-Villa and Osvaldo Lopez-Garcia

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8149; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158149 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

We propose a tri-fold learning algorithm, called Neuroevolution of Hybrid Neural Networks in a Robotic Agent (acronym in Spanish, NRNH-AR), based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL), with self-supervised learning (SSL) and unsupervised learning (USL) steps, specifically designed to be implemented in a small [...] Read more.

We propose a tri-fold learning algorithm, called Neuroevolution of Hybrid Neural Networks in a Robotic Agent (acronym in Spanish, NRNH-AR), based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL), with self-supervised learning (SSL) and unsupervised learning (USL) steps, specifically designed to be implemented in a small autonomous navigation robot capable of operating in constrained physical environments. The NRNH-AR algorithm is designed for a small physical robotic agent with limited resources. The proposed algorithm was evaluated in four critical aspects: computational cost, learning stability, required memory size, and operation speed. The results obtained show that the performance of NRNH-AR is within the ranges of the Deep Q Network (DQN), Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), and Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3). The proposed algorithm comprises three types of learning algorithms: SSL, USL, and DRL. Thanks to the series of learning algorithms, the proposed algorithm optimizes the use of resources and demonstrates adaptability in dynamic environments, a crucial aspect of navigation robotics. By integrating computer vision techniques based on a Convolutional Neuronal Network (CNN), the algorithm enhances its abilities to understand visual observations of the environment rapidly and detect a specific object, avoiding obstacles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Intelligent Software Methodologies, Tools, and Techniques)

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21 pages, 5040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency-Bounded Matching Strategy for Wideband LNA Design Utilising a Relaxed SSNM Approach

by Vanya Sharma, Patrick E. Longhi, Walter Ciccognani, Sergio Colangeli, Antonio Serino, Swati Sharma and Ernesto Limiti

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8148; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158148 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes relaxed Simultaneous Signal and Noise Matching (SSNM) conditions to address limitations in selecting source degeneration inductors for multistage LNA design, achieved by introducing controlled mismatches at the external ports. Additionally, a novel frequency-bounded mismatch envelope is introduced to guide load [...] Read more.

This paper proposes relaxed Simultaneous Signal and Noise Matching (SSNM) conditions to address limitations in selecting source degeneration inductors for multistage LNA design, achieved by introducing controlled mismatches at the external ports. Additionally, a novel frequency-bounded mismatch envelope is introduced to guide load termination selection based on desired IM-OM (input mismatch-output mismatch) characteristics across the operating band. Building on these concepts, a systematic, easy-to-follow strategy is presented for implementing wideband multistage low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), significantly reducing reliance on blind CAD-based optimisation. This approach is validated through a three-stage MMIC LNA prototype, fabricated using a 0.15 μm GaAs process and operating from 28 to 34 GHz. The measured results closely match the simulation, demonstrating a stable gain of 23 ± 1 dB and a noise figure of 2–2.5 dB, confirming the practical effectiveness of the proposed design approach for wideband amplifiers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)

21 pages, 634 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review on the Use of CCPM in Project Management: Empirical Applications and Trends

by Adriano de Oliveira Martins, Vanderlei Giovani Benetti, Fernando Elemar Vicente dos Anjos, Débora Oliveira da Silva and Charles Jefferson Rodrigues Alves

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8147; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158147 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study aims to critically analyze the theoretical and practical contributions of recent literature on the Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) method in multi-project environments. To this end, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted based on 62 studies indexed in the Scopus [...] Read more.

This study aims to critically analyze the theoretical and practical contributions of recent literature on the Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) method in multi-project environments. To this end, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted based on 62 studies indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases between 2014 and 2025. The articles were analyzed in terms of application domains, employed methods, obtained results, and proposed integrations with other approaches. Most studies used modeling and simulation, focusing on time reduction, risk mitigation, and cost optimization. A growing trend has been identified toward integrating CCPM with methodologies, such as Scrum, BIM, Lean Construction, Fuzzy FMEA, and predictive algorithms, thereby broadening its applicability in high-complexity scenarios. However, a significant gap remains in empirical studies applied to Engineer-to-Order (ETO) systems and service-based organizations, which are characterized by high customization, variability, and interdependence of resources. The research is justified by the need to consolidate accumulated knowledge on CCPM and to guide future investigations toward underexplored sectors. The findings strengthen the theoretical robustness of the method while indicating concrete opportunities for empirical validation in real-world organizational settings. Full article

16 pages, 3173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Floating Step-Down Converter with a Novel Lossless Snubber

by Kuo-Ing Hwu, Yen-Ting Lu and Jenn-Jong Shieh

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8146; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158146 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

In this research, a step-down converter with a lossless snubber is proposed, and its output is floating; therefore, it can be applied to LED driving applications. Such a structure is a modification of the conventional buck converter by adding a resonant capacitor, a [...] Read more.

In this research, a step-down converter with a lossless snubber is proposed, and its output is floating; therefore, it can be applied to LED driving applications. Such a structure is a modification of the conventional buck converter by adding a resonant capacitor, a resonant inductor, and two diodes to form this lossless snubber to reduce the switching loss during the switching period. Although the efficiency improvement in this circuit is not as good as the existing soft switching circuits, this circuit has the advantages of simple structure, easy control, and zero voltage switching (ZVS) cutoff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)

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16 pages, 9441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tectonic Characteristics and Geological Significance of the Yeba Volcanic Arc in the Southern Lhasa Terrane

by Zhengzhe Fan, Zhengren Yuan, Minghui Chen and Genhou Wang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8145; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158145 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

The Southern Lhasa Terrane, as the southernmost tectonic unit of the Eurasian continent, has long been a focal area in global geoscientific research due to its complex evolutionary history. The Yeba Formation exposed in this terrane comprises an Early–Middle Jurassic volcanic–sedimentary sequence that [...] Read more.

The Southern Lhasa Terrane, as the southernmost tectonic unit of the Eurasian continent, has long been a focal area in global geoscientific research due to its complex evolutionary history. The Yeba Formation exposed in this terrane comprises an Early–Middle Jurassic volcanic–sedimentary sequence that records multiphase tectonic deformation. This study applies structural analysis to identify three distinct phases of tectonic deformation in the Yeba Formation of the Southern Lhasa Terrane. The D₁ deformation is characterized by brittle–ductile shearing, as evidenced by the development of E-W-trending regional shear foliation (S₁). S₁ planes dip northward at angles of 27–87°, accompanied by steeply plunging stretching lineations (85–105°). Both south- and north-directed shear-rotated porphyroclasts are observed in the hanging wall. ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar dating results suggest that the D₁ deformation occurred at ~79 Ma and may represent an extrusion-related structure formed under a back-arc compressional regime induced by the low-angle subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean plate. The D₂ deformation is marked by the folding of the pre-existing shear foliation (S₁), generating an axial planar cleavage (S₂). S₂ planes dip north or south with angles of 40–70° and fold hinges plunge westward or NWW. Based on regional tectonic evolution, it is inferred that the deformation may have resulted from sustained north–south compressional stress during the Late Cretaceous (79–70 Ma), which caused the overall upward extrusion of the southern Gangdese back-arc basin, leading to upper crustal shortening and thickening and subsequently initiating folding. The D₃ deformation is dominated by E-W-striking ductile shear zones. The regional shear foliation (S₃) exhibits a preferred orientation of 347°∠75°. Outcrop-scale ductile deformation indicators reveal a top-to-the-NW shear sense. Combined with regional tectonic evolution, the third-phase (D3) deformation is interpreted as a combined product of the transition from compression to lateral extension within the Lhasa terrane, associated with the activation of the Gangdese Central Thrust (GCT) and the uplift of the Gangdese batholith since ~25 Ma. Full article

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22 pages, 4406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Colorectal Cancer Detection Tool Developed with Neural Networks

by Alex Ede Danku, Eva Henrietta Dulf, Alexandru George Berciu, Noemi Lorenzovici and Teodora Mocan

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8144; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158144 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

In the last two decades, there has been a considerable surge in the development of artificial intelligence. Imaging is most frequently employed for the diagnostic evaluation of patients, as it is regarded as one of the most precise methods for identifying the presence [...] Read more.

In the last two decades, there has been a considerable surge in the development of artificial intelligence. Imaging is most frequently employed for the diagnostic evaluation of patients, as it is regarded as one of the most precise methods for identifying the presence of a disease. However, a study indicates that approximately 800,000 individuals in the USA die or incur permanent disability because of misdiagnosis. The present study is based on the use of computer-aided diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The objective of this study is to develop a practical, low-cost, AI-based decision-support tool that integrates clinical test data (blood/stool) and, if needed, colonoscopy images to help reduce misdiagnosis and improve early detection of colorectal cancer for clinicians. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are utilized in conjunction with a graphical user interface (GUI), which caters to individuals lacking programming expertise. The performance of the artificial neural network (ANN) is measured using the mean squared error (MSE) metric, and the obtained performance is 7.38. For CNN, two distinct cases are under consideration: one with two outputs and one with three outputs. The precision of the models is 97.2% for RGB and 96.7% for grayscale, respectively, in the first instance, and 83% for RGB and 82% for grayscale in the second instance. However, using a pretrained network yielded superior performance with 99.5% for 2-output models and 93% for 3-output models. The GUI is composed of two panels, with the best ANN model and the best CNN model being utilized in each. The primary function of the tool is to assist medical personnel in reducing the time required to make decisions and the probability of misdiagnosis. Full article

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19 pages, 4851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Frequency of Monopile Supported Offshore Wind Turbine Structures Under Long-Term Cyclic Loading

by Rong Chen, Haitao Yang, Yilong Sun, Jinglong Zou, Boyan Sun and Jialin Xu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8143; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158143 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Offshore wind turbine structures (OWTs) commonly use monopile foundations for support, and long-term exposure to wind–wave cyclic loads may induce changes in foundation stiffness. Variations in foundation stiffness can significantly alter the inherent vibration characteristics of OWTs, potentially leading to amplified vibrations or [...] Read more.

Offshore wind turbine structures (OWTs) commonly use monopile foundations for support, and long-term exposure to wind–wave cyclic loads may induce changes in foundation stiffness. Variations in foundation stiffness can significantly alter the inherent vibration characteristics of OWTs, potentially leading to amplified vibrations or resonant conditions. In this study, a numerical model considering soil–pile interaction was developed on the FLAC3D platform to analyze the natural frequency of OWTs under long-term cyclic loading. The study first validated the numerical model’s effectiveness through comparison with measured data; a degradation stiffness model (DSM) was then embedded to assess how prolonged cyclic loading affects the degradation of foundation stiffness. A series of parametric studies were conducted in medium-dense and dense sand layers to investigate natural frequency alterations induced by prolonged cyclic loading. Finally, a simplified method for evaluating long-term natural frequency changes was established, and a 3.6 MW offshore wind turbine case was used to reveal the evolution characteristics of its natural frequency under long-term cyclic loads. The data reveal that the natural frequency of the structure undergoes a downward tendency as cyclic loading and frequency increase. To ensure long-term safe operation, the designed natural frequency should preferably shift toward 3P (where P is the blade rotation frequency). Full article

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17 pages, 6331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on 3D Modeling Method of Tunnel Surrounding Rock Structural Planes Based on B-Spline Interpolation

by Houxiang Liu, Yunxiang Liu, Ming Zhou, Longgang Liu, Jiang Liu, Zhiyong Liu, Hao Li and Pingtao Li

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8142; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158142 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

To address the limitations of traditional tunnel structural plane modeling—such as low automation, insufficient smoothness, and poor adaptability to real construction environments—this study proposes a novel three-dimensional (3D) modeling framework based on B-spline interpolation combined with deep learning. The method first employs YOLOv5 [...] Read more.

To address the limitations of traditional tunnel structural plane modeling—such as low automation, insufficient smoothness, and poor adaptability to real construction environments—this study proposes a novel three-dimensional (3D) modeling framework based on B-spline interpolation combined with deep learning. The method first employs YOLOv5 for rapid detection of structural regions and DeepLabV3+ for precise boundary segmentation, followed by skeleton extraction and coordinate transformation to obtain spatial structural traces. Finally, B-spline interpolation is applied across multiple tunnel sections to construct continuous 3D surfaces. In model training and testing, the segmentation network achieved an F1 score of 94.01%, and the final modeling accuracy demonstrated a mean relative error (MRE) below 2.5%, confirming the reliability of the geometric reconstruction. Additionally, the proposed method was applied to excavation face images from the Paiyashan Tunnel, where multiple structural surfaces were successfully reconstructed in 3D, validating the approach’s applicability and robustness in real geological conditions. Compared to traditional triangulated or linear surface methods, the proposed approach achieves higher smoothness, better geological continuity, and improved automation, making it suitable for real-world geotechnical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)

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26 pages, 4285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machinability and Geometric Evaluation of FFF-Printed PLA-Carbon Fiber Composites in CNC Turning Operations

by Sergio Martín-Béjar, Fermín Bañón-García, Carolina Bermudo Gamboa and Lorenzo Sevilla Hurtado

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8141; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158141 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) enables the manufacturing of complex polymer components. However, surface finish and dimensional accuracy remain key limitations for their integration into functional assemblies. This study explores the potential of conventional turning as a post-processing strategy to improve the geometric and [...] Read more.

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) enables the manufacturing of complex polymer components. However, surface finish and dimensional accuracy remain key limitations for their integration into functional assemblies. This study explores the potential of conventional turning as a post-processing strategy to improve the geometric and surface quality of PLA reinforced with carbon fiber (CF) parts produced by FFF. Machinability was evaluated through the analysis of cutting forces, thermal behavior, energy consumption, and surface integrity under varying cutting speeds, feed rates, and specimen slenderness. The results indicate that feed is the most influential parameter across all performance metrics, with lower values leading to improved dimensional accuracy and surface finish, achieving the most significant reductions of 63% in surface roughness (Sa) and 62% in cylindricity deviation. Nevertheless, the surface roughness is higher than that of metals, and deviations in geometry along the length of the specimen have been observed. A critical shear stress of 0.237 MPa has been identified as the limit for interlayer failure, defining the boundary conditions for viable cutting operation. The incorporation of CNC turning as a post-processing step reduced the total fabrication time by approximately 83% compared with high-resolution FFF, while maintaining dimensional accuracy and enhancing surface quality. These findings support the use of machining operations as a viable and efficient post-processing method for improving the functionality of polymer-based components produced by additive manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs))

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16 pages, 2088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Composite Scattering Characteristics of a Rough-Surfaced Vehicle over Stratified Media

by Chenzhao Yan, Xincheng Ren, Jianyu Huang, Yuqing Wang and Xiaomin Zhu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8140; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158140 (registering DOI) - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

To meet the requirements for radar echo acquisition and feature extraction from stratified media and rough-surfaced targets, a vehicle was geometrically modelled in CAD. Monte Carlo techniques were applied to generate the rough interfaces at air–snow and snow–soil boundaries and over the vehicle [...] Read more.

To meet the requirements for radar echo acquisition and feature extraction from stratified media and rough-surfaced targets, a vehicle was geometrically modelled in CAD. Monte Carlo techniques were applied to generate the rough interfaces at air–snow and snow–soil boundaries and over the vehicle surface. Soil complex permittivity was characterized with a four-component mixture model, while snow permittivity was described using a mixed-media dielectric model. The composite electromagnetic scattering from a rough-surfaced vehicle on snow-covered soil was then analyzed with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Parametric studies examined how incident angle and frequency, vehicle orientation, vehicle surface root mean square (RMS) height, snow liquid water content and depth, and soil moisture influence the composite scattering coefficient. Results indicate that the coefficient oscillates with scattering angle, producing specular reflection lobes; it increases monotonically with larger incident angles, higher frequencies, greater vehicle RMS roughness, and higher snow liquid water content. By contrast, its dependence on snow thickness, vehicle orientation, and soil moisture is complex and shows no clear trend. Full article

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20 pages, 10834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genesis of Basalts of the Raohe Subduction–Accretion Complex in the Wandashan Block, NE China, and Its Inspirations for Evolution of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean

by Qing Liu, Cui Liu, Jixu Liu, Jinfu Deng and Shipan Tian

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8139; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158139 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

The Raohe subduction–accretion complex (RSAC) in the Wandashan Block, NE China, comprises ultramafic rocks, gabbro, mafic volcanic rocks, deep-sea and hemipelagic sediments, and trench–slope turbidites. We investigate the basalts within the RSAC to resolve debates on its origin. Zircon U-Pb dating of pillow [...] Read more.

The Raohe subduction–accretion complex (RSAC) in the Wandashan Block, NE China, comprises ultramafic rocks, gabbro, mafic volcanic rocks, deep-sea and hemipelagic sediments, and trench–slope turbidites. We investigate the basalts within the RSAC to resolve debates on its origin. Zircon U-Pb dating of pillow basalt from Dadingzi Mountain yields a concordant age of 117.5 ± 2.1 Ma (MSWD = 3.6). Integrating previous studies, we identify three distinct basalt phases. The Late Triassic basalt (210 Ma–230 Ma) is characterized as komatites–melilitite, exhibiting features of island arc basalt, as well as some characteristics of E-MORB. It also contains high-magnesium lava, suggesting that it may be a product of a juvenile arc. The Middle Jurassic basalt (around 159 Ma–172 Ma) consists of a combination of basalt and magnesium andesite, displaying features of oceanic island basalt and mid-ocean ridge basalt. Considering the contemporaneous sedimentary rocks as hemipelagic continental slope deposits, it is inferred that these basalts were formed in an arc environment associated with oceanic subduction, likely as a result of subduction of the young oceanic crust. The Early Cretaceous basalt (around 117 Ma) occurs in pillow structures, exhibiting some characteristics of oceanic island basalt but also showing transitional features towards a continental arc. Considering the regional distribution of the rocks, it is inferred that this basalt likely formed in a back-arc basin. Integrating the formation ages, nature, and tectonic attributes of the various structural units within the RSAC, as well as previous research, it is inferred that subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean had already begun during the Late Triassic and continued into the Early Cretaceous without cessation. Full article

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26 pages, 795 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Space Engineering Design: Characterization of Key Drivers

by Daniele Ferrara, Paolo Cicconi, Angelo Minotti, Michele Trovato and Antonio Casimiro Caputo

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8138; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158138 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

The recent evolution of the space industry, commonly referred to as New Space, has changed the way space missions are conceived, developed, and executed. In contrast to traditional approaches, the current paradigm emphasizes accessibility, commercial competitiveness, and rapid and sustainable innovation. This study [...] Read more.

The recent evolution of the space industry, commonly referred to as New Space, has changed the way space missions are conceived, developed, and executed. In contrast to traditional approaches, the current paradigm emphasizes accessibility, commercial competitiveness, and rapid and sustainable innovation. This study proposes a research methodology for selecting relevant literature to identify the key design drivers and associated enablers that characterize the New Space context from an engineering design perspective. These elements are then organized into three categories: the evolution of traditional drivers, emerging manufacturing and integration practices, and sustainability and technology independence. This categorization highlights their role and relevance, providing a baseline for the development of systems for New Space missions. The results are further contextualized within three major application domains, namely Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellite constellations, operations and servicing in space, and space exploration, to illustrate their practical role in engineering space systems. By linking high-level industry trends to concrete design choices, this work aims to support the early design phases of New Space innovative systems and promote a more integrated approach between strategic objectives and technical development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 5th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences)

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11 pages, 21181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parallel Ghost Imaging with Extra Large Field of View and High Pixel Resolution

by Nixi Zhao, Changzhe Zhao, Jie Tang, Jianwen Wu, Danyang Liu, Han Guo, Haipeng Zhang and Tiqiao Xiao

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8137; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158137 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Ghost imaging (GI) facilitates image acquisition under low-light conditions through single pixel measurements, thus holding tremendous potential across various fields such as biomedical imaging, remote sensing, defense and military applications, and 3D imaging. However, in order to reconstruct high-resolution images, GI typically requires [...] Read more.

Ghost imaging (GI) facilitates image acquisition under low-light conditions through single pixel measurements, thus holding tremendous potential across various fields such as biomedical imaging, remote sensing, defense and military applications, and 3D imaging. However, in order to reconstruct high-resolution images, GI typically requires a large number of single-pixel measurements, which imposes practical limitations on its application. Parallel ghost imaging addresses this issue by utilizing each pixel of a position-sensitive detector as a bucket detector to simultaneously perform tens of thousands of ghost imaging measurements in parallel. In this work, we explore the non-local characteristics of ghost imaging in depth, and by constructing a large speckle space, we achieve a reconstruction result in parallel ghost imaging where the field of view surpasses the limitations of the reference arm detector. Using a computational ghost imaging framework, after pre-recording the speckle patterns, we are able to complete X-ray ghost imaging at a speed of 6 min per sample, with image dimensions of 14,000 × 10,000 pixels (4.55 mm × 3.25 mm, millimeter-scale field of view) and a pixel resolution of 0.325 µm (sub-micron pixel resolution). We present this framework to enhance efficiency, extend resolution, and dramatically expand the field of view, with the aim of providing a solution for the practical implementation of ghost imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Single-Pixel Imaging and Identification)

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17 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generative Language Models for Personality-Based Utterances in Novels: A Character Clustering Approach

by Eun-Jin Kim, Chung-Hwan Joe, Misun Yun and Young-Seob Jeong

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8136; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158136 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

In novels, readers encounter a variety of characters with distinct personalities, and their satisfaction tends to increase when each character’s utterances consistently reflect their unique traits. Recent advances in large language model (LLM) technology have made it possible to perform complex tasks such [...] Read more.

In novels, readers encounter a variety of characters with distinct personalities, and their satisfaction tends to increase when each character’s utterances consistently reflect their unique traits. Recent advances in large language model (LLM) technology have made it possible to perform complex tasks such as generating long-form narratives and adapting writing styles. However, research on generating character utterances that reflect individual personalities remains limited. In this paper, we identify a key challenge in this task, namely the unconscious influence of the author’s writing style, and propose a novel clustering-based method to mitigate this problem by tuning large language models. We manually annotated Big Five personality trait scores for characters appearing in selected novels and designed prompts to generate examples for instruction-tuning. Experimental results demonstrate that language models trained using our proposed method produce utterances that more consistently reflect character personalities compared to untuned models. Full article

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25 pages, 7677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Assessment and Strengthening of a Load-Bearing Masonry Structure Considering SSI Effects

by Kyriaki G. Amarantidou, Panagiota S. Katsimpini, George Papagiannopoulos and George Hatzigeorgiou

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8135; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158135 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

This article examines the seismic assessment and strengthening of a traditional load-bearing masonry structure subjected to strong motion data, with particular emphasis on the effects of soil–structure interaction (SSI). The case study is the Archaeological Museum of Lemnos (AML)—a three-storey building with a [...] Read more.

This article examines the seismic assessment and strengthening of a traditional load-bearing masonry structure subjected to strong motion data, with particular emphasis on the effects of soil–structure interaction (SSI). The case study is the Archaeological Museum of Lemnos (AML)—a three-storey building with a composite load-bearing system of timber-framed stone masonry. Over time, the structure has undergone irreversible modifications, primarily involving reinforced concrete (RC) interventions. The building’s seismic performance was evaluated using two finite element models developed in the SAP2000 software (v. 25.3.00). The first model simulates the original structure, strengthened by grout injections, while the second represents the current condition of the structural system following RC additions. Soil–structure interaction was also investigated, given that the local soil is classified as Category D according to Eurocode 8 (EC8). Each model was analyzed under two different support conditions: fixed-base and SSI-inclusive. A suite of appropriate accelerograms was applied to both models, in compliance with Eurocode 8 using the SeismoMatch software, and linear time-history analyses were conducted. The results underscore the significant impact of SSI on the increase of peak tensile stress and interstorey drift ratios (IDRs), and highlight the influence of different strengthening techniques on the seismic response of historic load-bearing masonry structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vibration Monitoring and Control of the Built Environment)

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25 pages, 1566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining QSAR and Molecular Docking for the Methodological Design of Novel Radiotracers Targeting Parkinson’s Disease

by Juan A. Castillo-Garit, Mar Soria-Merino, Karel Mena-Ulecia, Mónica Romero-Otero, Virginia Pérez-Doñate, Francisco Torrens and Facundo Pérez-Giménez

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8134; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158134 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. The dopamine active transporter (DAT), a key protein involved in dopamine reuptake, serves as a selective biomarker for dopaminergic terminals in the striatum. DAT [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. The dopamine active transporter (DAT), a key protein involved in dopamine reuptake, serves as a selective biomarker for dopaminergic terminals in the striatum. DAT binding has been extensively studied using in vivo imaging techniques such as Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). To support the design of new radiotracers targeting DAT, we employ Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) analysis on a structurally diverse dataset composed of 57 compounds with known affinity constants for DAT. The best-performing QSAR model includes four molecular descriptors and demonstrates robust statistical performance: R² = 0.7554, Q²_LOO = 0.6800, and external R² = 0.7090. These values indicate strong predictive capability and model stability. The predicted compounds are evaluated using a docking methodology to check the correct coupling and interactions with the DAT. The proposed approach—combining QSAR modeling and docking—offers a valuable strategy for screening and optimizing potential PET/SPECT radiotracers, ultimately aiding in the neuroimaging and early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Informatics)

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5 pages, 185 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III

by Luca Mazzoni, Franco Capocasa and Maria Teresa Ariza Fernández

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8133; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158133 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Over the past few decades, there has been a marked increase in public awareness about the connection between nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)

15 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of a Functional Palatability Enhancer on the Growth, Immune Response and Intestinal Microbiota of Penaeus vannamei Chronically Exposed to a Suboptimal Temperature (22 °C)

by Flávia Banderó Hoffling, Camilla Souza Miranda, Maria Helena de Araújo Mendes, Julia Heindrickson, Scheila Anelise Pereira, Thiago Raggi, Sofia Morais, Walter Quadros Seiffert, Delano Dias Schleder and Felipe Boéchat Vieira

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8132; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158132 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Shrimp farming is practiced worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, where shrimp often experience suboptimal temperatures during part of the production cycle, resulting in slower growth. A concentrated functional palatability enhancer (FPE) containing a mixture of chemoattractants was tested. A 12-week experiment at [...] Read more.

Shrimp farming is practiced worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, where shrimp often experience suboptimal temperatures during part of the production cycle, resulting in slower growth. A concentrated functional palatability enhancer (FPE) containing a mixture of chemoattractants was tested. A 12-week experiment at a suboptimal temperature (22 °C) was conducted with Penaeus vannamei (3.25 ± 0.02 g) in a clear water system (400 L with 40 shrimp per tank) with flow-through seawater. A standard diet was supplemented with 0, 1, and 2 g kg⁻¹ of FPE (STD, STD+1, and STD+2) with four replicates for each one. The inclusion of 1 g kg⁻¹ of FPE (STD+1) significantly increased the average final weight by 11.24% and weekly weight gain by 14,00% when compared to STD. The highest tested dose (2 g kg⁻¹) did not result in further improvement in growth performance compared to the control. In addition, the total hemocyte count (THC) remained at an optimal level for the species in the STD+1 treatment under suboptimal temperature conditions compared to the other treatments. We also observed a decrease in Vibrio spp. bacterial counts in STD+1 compared to STD+2. Therefore, the lowest tested dose was shown to positively influence the rearing of P. vannamei at suboptimal temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Aquaculture)

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22 pages, 5450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of a Heavy-Duty Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engine Injector for Optimum Performance and Emission Level

by Murat Ozkara and Mehmet Zafer Gul

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8131; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158131 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Hydrogen is a promising zero-carbon fuel for internal combustion engines; however, the geometric optimization of injectors for low-pressure direct-injection (LPDI) systems under lean-burn conditions remains underexplored. This study presents a high-fidelity optimization framework that couples a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combustion model [...] Read more.

Hydrogen is a promising zero-carbon fuel for internal combustion engines; however, the geometric optimization of injectors for low-pressure direct-injection (LPDI) systems under lean-burn conditions remains underexplored. This study presents a high-fidelity optimization framework that couples a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combustion model with a surrogate-assisted multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The CFD model was validated using particle image velocimetry (PIV) data from non-reacting flow experiments conducted in an optically accessible research engine developed by Sandia National Laboratories, ensuring accurate prediction of in-cylinder flow structures. The optimization focused on two critical geometric parameters: injector hole count and injection angle. Partial indicated mean effective pressure (pIMEP) and in-cylinder NO_x emissions were selected as conflicting objectives to balance performance and emissions. Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) was employed to resolve transient in-cylinder flow and combustion dynamics with high spatial accuracy. Among 22 evaluated configurations including both capped and uncapped designs, the injector featuring three holes at a 15.24° injection angle outperformed the baseline, delivering improved mixture uniformity, reduced knock tendency, and lower NO_x emissions. These results demonstrate the potential of geometry-based optimization for advancing hydrogen-fueled LPDI engines toward cleaner and more efficient combustion strategies. Full article

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21 pages, 2941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Proxemic Model for Human–Robot Interactions Using the Golden Ratio

by Tomáš Spurný, Ján Babjak, Zdenko Bobovský and Aleš Vysocký

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8130; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158130 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to determine dynamic safety and comfort zones in human–robot interactions (HRIs), with a focus on service robots operating in dynamic environments with people. The proposed proxemic model leverages the golden ratio-based comfort zone distribution and ISO safety [...] Read more.

This paper presents a novel approach to determine dynamic safety and comfort zones in human–robot interactions (HRIs), with a focus on service robots operating in dynamic environments with people. The proposed proxemic model leverages the golden ratio-based comfort zone distribution and ISO safety standards to define adaptive proxemic boundaries for robots around humans. Unlike traditional fixed-threshold approaches, this novel method proposes a gradual and context-sensitive modulation of robot behaviour based on human position, orientation, and relative velocity. The system was implemented on an NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX platform using a ZED 2i stereo depth camera Stereolabs, New York, USA and tested on two mobile robotic platforms: Go1 Unitree, Hangzhou, China (quadruped) and Scout Mini Agilex, Dongguan, China (wheeled). The initial verification of proposed proxemic model through experimental comfort validation was conducted using two simple interaction scenarios, and subjective feedback was collected from participants using a modified Godspeed Questionnaire Series. The results show that the participants felt comfortable during the experiments with robots. This acceptance of the proposed methodology plays an initial role in supporting further research of the methodology. The proposed solution also facilitates integration into existing navigation frameworks and opens pathways towards socially aware robotic systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Robotics: Design and Applications)

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12 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Sensory-Based Priming Using Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Motor Skill Performance in Individuals with Stroke

by Rehab Aljuhni, Christina Sawa, Srinivas Kumar and Sangeetha Madhavan

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8129; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158129 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the temporal effectiveness of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on lower-limb motor skill performance in individuals with chronic stroke. In this sham-controlled crossover study, we hypothesized that individuals with stroke who received rPMS would demonstrate [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the temporal effectiveness of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on lower-limb motor skill performance in individuals with chronic stroke. In this sham-controlled crossover study, we hypothesized that individuals with stroke who received rPMS would demonstrate improved motor skill performance after the stimulation and maintain this enhanced performance at 30 and 60 min after the stimulation. Sixteen participants performed a visuomotor ankle-tracking task at multiple time points following either rPMS or sham stimulation. rPMS, delivered to the tibialis anterior muscle, did not result in statistically significant changes in spatiotemporal (p = 0.725) or spatial error (p = 0.566) metrics at any post-stimulation time point. These findings suggest that a single session of rPMS does not lead to measurable improvements in lower-limb motor skill performance in individuals with stroke, underscoring the need to refine stimulation parameters and target populations in future protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Rehabilitation Technology)

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23 pages, 1285 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Exploratory Review of Microplastic Pollution, Associated Microbiomes and Pathogens in Water

by Paulina Cholewińska, Konrad Wojnarowski, Hanna Moniuszko, Przemysław Pokorny and Dušan Palić

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8128; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158128 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Microplastic particles (MPs) are an emerging global pollutant of increasing concern due to their widespread occurrence, persistence, and multifaceted impact on aquatic ecosystems. This study provides a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature from 2011 to 2025, analysing the presence, distribution, and microbiological associations [...] Read more.

Microplastic particles (MPs) are an emerging global pollutant of increasing concern due to their widespread occurrence, persistence, and multifaceted impact on aquatic ecosystems. This study provides a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature from 2011 to 2025, analysing the presence, distribution, and microbiological associations of MPs in surface waters across five continents. The findings confirm that MPs are present in both marine and freshwater systems, with concentrations varying by region, hydrology, and proximity to anthropogenic sources. Polyethylene and polypropylene were identified as the most common polymers, often enriched in river mouths, estuaries, and aquaculture zones. A key focus of this review is the plastisphere—microbial biofilms colonizing MPs—which includes both environmental and pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter. Notably, MPs serve as vectors for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), including sul1, tetA and ermF, and β-lactamase genes like blaCTX-M. This highlights their role in enhancing horizontal gene transfer and microbial dissemination. The results emphasize the need for standardized monitoring protocols and further interdisciplinary research. In light of the One Health approach, understanding the microbial dimension of MP pollution is essential for managing risks to environmental and public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano/Micro Plastic and Emerging Plastic in the Environment: Monitoring, Analysis, and Remediation)

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12 pages, 1879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical-Free Rapid Lysis of Blood Cells in a Microfluidic Device Utilizing Ion Concentration Polarization

by Suhyeon Kim, Seungbin Yoon, Hyoryung Nam, Hyeonsu Woo, Woonjae Choi, Geon Hwee Kim and Geunbae Lim

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8127; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158127 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Blood is a widely used sample for diagnosing diseases such as malaria and diabetes. While diagnostic techniques have advanced, sample preparation remains labor-intensive, requiring steps like mixing and centrifugation. Microfluidic technologies have automated parts of this process, including cell lysis, yet challenges persist. [...] Read more.

Blood is a widely used sample for diagnosing diseases such as malaria and diabetes. While diagnostic techniques have advanced, sample preparation remains labor-intensive, requiring steps like mixing and centrifugation. Microfluidic technologies have automated parts of this process, including cell lysis, yet challenges persist. Electrical lysis offers a chemical-free, continuous approach, but lysing small cells like red blood cells requires high electric fields, which can damage electrodes and cause system failures. Here, we present a microfluidic device utilizing ion concentration polarization (ICP) for rapid blood cell lysis at 75 V. Fluorescence imaging confirmed the formation of an ion depletion region near the Nafion^® nanochannel membrane, where the electric field was concentrated across the entire microchannel width. This phenomenon enabled the efficient trapping and lysis of blood cells under these conditions. Continuous blood injection achieved a lysis time of 0.3 s with an efficiency exceeding 99.4%. Moreover, lysed cell contents accumulated near the Nafion membrane, forming a concentrated lysate. This approach eliminates the need for high-voltage circuits or chemical reagents, offering a simple yet effective method for blood cell lysis. The proposed device is expected to advance lab-on-a-chip and point-of-care diagnostics by enabling rapid and continuous sample processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors: Design and Applications)

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18 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concurrent Adaptive Control for a Robotic Leg Prosthesis via a Neuromuscular-Force-Based Impedance Method and Human-in-the-Loop Optimization

by Ming Pi

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8126; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158126 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes an adaptive human–robot concurrent control scheme that achieves the appropriate gait trajectory for a robotic leg prosthesis to improve the wearer’s comfort in various tasks. To accommodate different wearers, a neuromuscular-force-based impedance method was developed using muscle activation to reshape [...] Read more.

This paper proposes an adaptive human–robot concurrent control scheme that achieves the appropriate gait trajectory for a robotic leg prosthesis to improve the wearer’s comfort in various tasks. To accommodate different wearers, a neuromuscular-force-based impedance method was developed using muscle activation to reshape gait trajectory. To eliminate the use of sensors for torque measurement, a disturbance observer was established to estimate the interaction force between the human residual limb and the prosthetic receptacle. The cost function was combined with the interaction force and tracking errors of the joints. We aim to reduce the cost function by minimally changing the control weight of the gait trajectory generated by the Central Pattern Generator (CPG). The control scheme was primarily based on human-in-the-loop optimization to search for a suitable control weight to regenerate the appropriate gait trajectory. To handle the uncertainties and unknown coupling of the motors, an adaptive law was designed to estimate the unknown parameters of the system. Through a stability analysis, the control framework was verified by semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded stability. Experimental results are discussed, and the effectiveness of the adaptive control framework is demonstrated. In Case 1, the mean error (MEAN) of the tracking performance was

3.6 °

and

3.3 °

, respectively. And the minimized mean square errors (MSEs) of the tracking performance were

2.3 °

and

2.8 °

, respectively. In Case 2, the mean error (MEAN) of the tracking performance is

2.7 °

and

3.1 °

, respectively. And the minimized mean square errors (MSEs) of the tracking performance are

1.8 °

and

2.4 °

, respectively. In Case 3, the mean errors (MEANs) of the tracking performance for subject1 and 2 are

2.4 °

,

2.9 °

,

3.4 °

, and

2.2 °

,

2.8 °

,

3.1 °

, respectively. The minimized mean square errors (MSEs) of the tracking performance for subject1 and 2 were

1.6 °

,

2.3 °

,

2.6 °

, and

1.3 °

,

1.7 °

,

2.2 °

, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Robotics and Automation)

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21 pages, 9288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Deformation Mechanisms and Control Technology for Floor Heave in Deep Dynamic Pressure Roadway

by Haojie Xue, Chong Zhang, Yubing Huang, Ancheng Wang, Jie Wang, Kuoxing Li and Jiantao Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8125; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158125 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Under deep, high-intensity mining conditions, a high mineral pressure develops at the working face, which can easily cause floor heave deformation of the roadway. In this paper, with the geological conditions of Buertai coal mine as the background, through on-site monitoring and numerical [...] Read more.

Under deep, high-intensity mining conditions, a high mineral pressure develops at the working face, which can easily cause floor heave deformation of the roadway. In this paper, with the geological conditions of Buertai coal mine as the background, through on-site monitoring and numerical simulation, the mechanism of strong dynamic pressure roadway floor heave is clarified and a cooperative control method for roadway floor heave deformation is proposed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The overall strength of the floor of this strong dynamic pressure roadway is low, which can easily cause roadway floor heave, and on-site multivariate monitoring of the mine pressure is carried out, which clarifies the evolution law of the mine pressure of the mining roadway and along-the-airway roadway. (2) Combined with FLAC3D numerical simulation software, we analyze the influence of coal seam depth and floor lithology on the stability of the roadway floor and find that both have a significant influence on the stability of the roadway. Under the condition of high-intensity mining, the floor will deteriorate gradually, forming a wide range of floor heave areas. (3) Based on the deformation and damage mechanism of the roadway floor, a synergistic control method of “roof cutting and pressure relief + floor anchor injection” is proposed and various technical parameters are designed. An optimized design scheme is designed for the control of floor heave in Buertai coal mine. Full article

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Appl. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 15 (August-1 2025) – 33 articles

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