Search Results (16,884)

Agricultural robots operating in greenhouse environments face substantial challenges in detecting tomato stems, including fluctuating lighting, cluttered backgrounds, and the stems’ inherently slender morphology. This study introduces EfficientV1-C2fDWR-IRMB-YOLO (EDI-YOLO), an enhanced model built on YOLOv8n-seg. First, the original backbone is replaced with EfficientNetV1, yielding a 2.3% increase in mAP50 and a 2.6 G reduction in FLOPs. Second, we design a C2f-DWR module that integrates multi-branch dilations with residual connections, enlarging the receptive field and strengthening long-range dependencies; this improves slender-object segmentation by 1.4%. Third, an Inverted Residual Mobile Block (iRMB) is inserted into the neck to apply spatial attention and dual residual paths, boosting key-feature extraction by 1.5% with only +0.7GFLOPs. On a custom tomato-stem dataset, EDI-YOLO achieves 79.3% mAP50 and 33.9% mAP50-95, outperforming the baseline YOLOv8n-seg (75.1%, 31.4%) by 4.2% and 2.6%, and YOLOv5s-seg (66.7%), YOLOv7tiny-seg (75.4%), and YOLOv12s-seg (75.4%) by 12.6%, 3.9%, and 3.9% in mAP50, respectively. Significant improvement is achieved in lateral branch segmentation (60.4% → 65.2%). Running at 86.2 FPS with only 10.4GFLOPs and 8.0 M parameters, EDI-YOLO demonstrates an optimal trade-off between accuracy and efficiency. Full article

The Southern Great Xing’an Range (SGXR), an important W–Sn polymetallic metallogenic belt in northern China, hosts multiphase magmatism and has witnessed recent discoveries of multiple tungsten–tin polymetallic deposits. The W–Sn mineralization in this area is intimately associated with Early Cretaceous highly fractionated granites. The Chamuhan deposit, a small-sized W–Mo polymetallic deposit in SGXR, is genetically linked to a concealed fine-grained porphyritic alkali feldspar granite intrusion. In this study, we present the LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemical, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) mineral chemistry to constrain the petrogenesis and metallogenic implications of this granite. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a crystallization age of 141.3 ± 1.2 Ma, consistent with molybdenite Re–Os ages. The granite is characterized by elevated SiO₂ (76.9–79.1 wt%) and total alkalis (7.3–8.5 wt%), and exhibits peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline affinity (A/CNK = 1.37–1.57). Geochemical signatures reveal enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g., Rb, Th, U) coupled with depletion in high-field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g., Ba, Sr, P, Eu, Ti, Nb, Ta), and are accompanied by right-sloping REE patterns with LREE enrichment and HREE depletion. EPMA data indicate that the mica in the intrusion is primarily zinnwaldite and Li-rich phengite, whereas the plagioclase occurs as albite. The feldspar thermobarometry yields crystallization temperatures of 689–778 °C and 313 MPa–454 MPa, while the melt H₂O content and oxygen fugacity are 8.61 wt–11.1 wt% and −22.58–−14.48, respectively. These geochemical signatures indicate that the granites are highly fractionated I-type granites with extensive fractional crystallization of various minerals like plagioclase, K-feldspar, and apatite, etc. From the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, the subduction and rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean plate resulted in extensional tectonic environments in eastern China. Asthenospheric upwelling and lower crustal melting generated parental magmas, wherein progressive fractional crystallization during ascent concentrated ore-forming elements and volatiles within residual melts. This process played a key role in the formation of the Chamuhan deposit, exemplifying the metallogenic potential of highly evolved granitic systems in the SGXR. Full article

Motivation. Analytic function theory on commutative complex extensions calls for an operator–theoretic calculus that simultaneously sees the algebra-induced coupling among components and supports boundary-to-interior mechanisms. Gap. While Dirac-type frameworks are classical in several complex variables and Clifford analysis, a coherent calculus aligning structural CR systems, a canonical first derivative, and a Cauchy-type boundary identity on the commutative model $\mathbb{C}\left(\mathbb{C}\right)\cong {\mathbb{C}}^4$ has not been systematically developed. Purpose and Aims. This paper develops such a calculus for $\mathcal{O}$-regular mappings on $\mathbb{C}\left(\mathbb{C}\right)$ and establishes three pillars of the theory. Main Results. (i) A fully coupled Cauchy–Riemann system characterizing $\mathcal{O}$-regularity; (ii) identification of a canonical first derivative $g^{\prime }\left(z\right)={\partial }_{x_0}g\left(z\right)$; and (iii) a Stokes-driven boundary annihilation law ${\int }_{\partial \mathrm{\Omega }}\tau g=0$ for a canonical 7-form $\tau$. On (pseudo)convex domains, $\overline{\partial }$-methods yield solvability under natural compatibility and regularity assumptions. Stability (under algebra-preserving maps), Liouville-type, and removability results are also obtained, and function spaces suited to this algebra are outlined. Significance. The results show that a large portion of the classical holomorphic toolkit survives, in algebra-aware form, on $\mathbb{C}\left(\mathbb{C}\right)$. Full article

Indium, widely used in indium–tin oxide (ITO) coatings for liquid crystal displays (LCDs), is a scarce and strategically important metal with increasing demand. Recycling waste LCD panels offers an efficient secondary source to address supply risks and environmental concerns. In this study, a hydrometallurgical flow sheet was developed under mild conditions for indium (In) recovery. Leaching trials with sulphuric acid at varying concentrations, pulp densities, temperatures, and times showed that 5% H₂SO₄ (v/v) with 100 g/L pulp density at 60 °C for 30 min achieved ~98% dissolution of In, while minimizing the co-leaching of Al and Sn. Kinetic analysis indicated a diffusion-controlled mechanism for In dissolution with an activation energy of 21.2 kJ mol⁻¹. The leached liquor was further purified through solvent extraction by 20% Cyanex 921 (v/v), achieving optimum In extraction at pH 2.5 with an organic-to-aqueous phase ratio of 1/3, reaching equilibrium within 15 min. The McCabe–Thiele plot shown indicates the complete In extraction in two stages. FT-IR studies confirmed the In-extractant bonding at optimized conditions. 10% H₂SO₄ (v/v) was used for the stripping of In from the loaded organic, ensuring nearly complete back-transfer of indium with excellent phase separation. The integrated process yielded ~97% In recovery in stripping. The pure salt of Indium could be obtained by evaporation/crystallization of pure indium solution. The developed process has the potential to be transferred for commercial exploitation after scale-up and pilot trial. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dark fermentation in biohydrogen production from agro-industrial wastes, including apple pomace, brewer’s grains, molasses, and potato powder, subjected to different pretreatment methods. The experiments were conducted at a laboratory scale, using 1000 cm³ anaerobic reactors at a temperature of 35 °C and anaerobic sludge as the inoculum. The highest yield of hydrogen was obtained from pre-treated apple pomace (101 cm³/g VS). Molasses, a less complex substrate compared to the other raw materials, produced 25% more hydrogen yield following pretreatment. Methanogens are sensitive to high temperatures and low-pH conditions. Nevertheless, methane constituted 1–6% of the total biogas under these conditions. The key factor was appropriate treatment of the inoculum, to limit competition from methanogens. Increasing the inoculum dose from 150 cm³/dm³ to 250 cm³/dm³ had no further effect on biogas production. The physicochemical parameters and VFA data confirmed the stability and usefulness of activated sludge as a source of microbial cultures for H₂ production via dark fermentation. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the growth behavior of boron nitride (BN) buffer layers on Silicon carbide (SiC) substrates and their influence on interfacial band alignment. BN layers were deposited on semi-insulating SiC by RF magnetron sputtering with deposition times of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 min (these deposition times are specific experimental parameters to adjust the thickness of the amorphous BN layer, not intrinsic material properties of BN). Atomic force microscopy revealed that the surface roughness of the BN layers initially decreased and then increased with thickness, indicating an evolution from nucleation to continuous film formation, followed by surface coarsening. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the BN thicknesses of approximately 3.25, 4.91, and 7.57 nm, showing that the layers gradually became uniform and compact, thereby improving the structural integrity of the BN/SiC interface. Band alignment was analyzed using the Kraut method, yielding a valence band offset of ~0.36 eV and a conduction band offset of ~2.34 eV for the BN/SiC heterojunction. This alignment indicates that the BN buffer layer introduces a pronounced electron barrier, effectively suppressing leakage, while the relatively small VBO facilitates hole transport across the interface. These findings demonstrate that the BN buffer layer enhances interfacial bonding, reduces defect states, and enables band structure engineering, offering a promising strategy for improving the performance of wide-bandgap semiconductor devices. Full article

Tomato pomace (TP) is a waste product from tomato processing. This study explored its use as a food ingredient by creating an encapsulated TP extract (ETPE). TP was extracted with ethanol using a microwave-assisted method prior to encapsulating with either gum arabic (GA) or maltodextrin (MD) via spray drying. MD was selected for further studies based on its lower moisture content with higher radical scavenging ability, assessed by DPPH assay. Spray drying at 160 °C was chosen due to highest radical scavenging ability (≈14.02%), although lycopene content was not the highest. Application of ETPE in reduced nitrite sausages did not negatively impact the cooking yield, expressible moisture, and textures of samples. The redness and yellowness of sausage were improved significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, a reduction in TBARS from approximately 0.46 to 0.31 mgMDA/kg was found during cold storage for two weeks. In conclusion, the encapsulation of tomato pomace extract can serve as a functional ingredient to produce healthier sausage. Full article

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a pure, crystalline biopolymer with broad applications, though large-scale production remains limited by the high cost of culture media. This study evaluated the use of artichoke bract waste as an alternative substrate for BC production by Komagataeibacter rhaeticus QK23, focusing on culture optimization and physicochemical characterization of the resulting biopolymer. Infrared spectroscopy revealed functional groups characteristic of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and inulin, along with structural sugars (glucose 24%, xylose 5.07%, arabinose 4.96%, galactose 8.81%, and mannose 1.75%). After hydrolysis with H₂SO₄, up to 11.81 g/L of reducing sugars were released and incorporated into Hestrin–Schramm medium lacking glucose. Using a central composite design, inoculum dose (10–20%) and incubation time (7–14 days) were optimized under static conditions at 30 °C. The highest yield (1.57 g/L) was obtained with 20% inoculum after 14 days. The product corresponded to type I cellulose with a crystallinity index of 81.87%, and AFM analysis revealed a surface roughness of 32.96 nm. The results demonstrate that artichoke hydrolysates are a viable and sustainable source for BC production, promoting agricultural waste valorization and cost reduction in industrial biotechnology. Full article

By imposing finite order constraints on Fibonacci anyon braid relations, we construct the finite quotient $G={\mathbb{Z}}_5⋊2I$, where $2I$ is the binary icosahedral group. The Gröbner basis decomposition of its $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ character variety yields elliptic curves whose L-function derivatives $L^{\prime }(E,1)$ remarkably match fundamental biological structural ratios. Specifically, we demonstrate that the Birch–Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture’s central quantity: the derivative $L^{\prime }(E,1)$ of the L-function at 1 encodes critical cellular geometries: the crystalline B-DNA pitch-to-diameter ratio ($L^{\prime }(E,1)=1.730$ matching $34\AA /20\AA =1.70$), the B-DNA pitch to major groove width ($L^{\prime }=1.58$) and, additionally, the fundamental cytoskeletal scaling relationship where $L^{\prime }(E,1)=3.570\approx 25/7$, precisely matching the microtubule-to-actin diameter ratio. This pattern extends across the hierarchy ${\mathbb{Z}}_5⋊2P$ with $2P\in \{2O,2T,2I\}$ (binary octahedral, tetrahedral, icosahedral groups), where character tables of $2O$ explain genetic code degeneracies while $2T$ yields microtubule ratios. The convergence of multiple independent mathematical pathways on identical biological values suggests that evolutionary optimization operates under deep arithmetic-geometric constraints encoded in elliptic curve L-functions. Our results position the BSD conjecture not merely as abstract number theory, but as encoding fundamental organizational principles governing cellular architecture. The correspondence reveals arithmetic geometry as the mathematical blueprint underlying major biological structural systems, with Gross–Zagier theory providing the theoretical framework connecting quantum topology to the helical geometries that are essential for life. Full article

Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys are widely used as heat-treatable ultra-high-strength materials in aerospace structural applications. While conventional single-stage aging enables high strength, advanced performance demands call for precise microstructural control via multi-stage aging. In this study, we employ a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate the microstructural evolution and its correlation with mechanical properties of AA7150 aluminum alloy subjected to two-step aging treatments, following a 6 h pre-aging at 120 °C. Through atomic-scale STEM imaging along the [110]_Al zone axis, we systematically characterize the precipitation behavior of GPII zones, η′ phases, and equilibrium η phases both within the grains and at grain boundaries under varying secondary aging (SA) conditions. Our results reveal that increasing the SA temperature from 140 °C to 180 °C leads to coarsening and reduced number density of intragranular precipitates, while promoting the continuous and coarse precipitation of η phases along grain boundaries, accompanied by a widening of the precipitation-free zone (PFZ). Notably, SA at 160 °C induces the formation of fine, uniformly dispersed nanoscale η′ precipitates in the alloy, as confirmed by XRD phase analysis. Aging at this temperature markedly enhances the mechanical properties, achieving an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 613 MPa and a yield strength (YS) of 598 MPa, while presenting an exceptionally broad peak-aging plateau. Owing to this feature, a moderate extension of the SA duration does not reduce strength and can further improve ductility, increasing the elongation (EL) to 14.26%. These results demonstrate a novel two-step heat-treatment strategy that simultaneously achieves ultra-high strength and excellent ductility, highlighting the critical role of advanced electron microscopy in elucidating phase-transformation pathways that inform microstructure-guided alloy design and processing. Full article

The specification of inlet boundary conditions plays a critical role in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of pollutant dispersion from nuclear facilities, particularly in regions characterized by uneven terrain. Previous studies have often simplified such terrain by approximating it as a flat surface to reduce computational complexity. However, this approach fails to adequately capture the realistic atmospheric boundary layer dynamics inherent to uneven topographies. To address this limitation, this study conducted atmospheric dispersion tracer experiments specifically designed for nuclear facilities situated on non-uniform terrain. A novel inlet boundary condition, termed the Atmospheric Boundary Layer of Uneven Terrain (ABLUT), was developed by modifying the existing atmBoundaryLayer model in OpenFOAM. Numerical simulations were performed using both the default and the proposed ABLUT boundary conditions, incorporating different turbulence models and examining the influence of turbulent Schmidt numbers across a range of 0.3 to 1.3. The results demonstrate that the ABLUT boundary condition, particularly when coupled with a turbulent Schmidt number of 0.7 and the $SSTk-\omega$ turbulence model, yields the closest agreement with experimental tracer dispersion data. Notably, comparative analyses between the default and improved models revealed significant discrepancies in near-surface wind speed profiles, with deviations becoming increasingly pronounced at higher elevations. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the ground-level distribution of Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) for four typical radionuclides (³$H$, ¹⁴$C$, ⁸⁵$Kr$ and ¹²⁹$I$) emitted from nuclear facilities under both higher and lower wind speed conditions. Results demonstrate that the TEDE maxima across all scenarios remain orders of magnitude below regulatory annual limits. These findings provide critical insights for enhancing the accuracy of wind field simulations in the vicinity of nuclear facilities located on uneven terrain, thereby contributing to improved risk assessment and environmental impact evaluations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) and flexible flatfoot (FFF) often coexist in children, yet their combined surgical management remains poorly explored. This study evaluates clinical and radiographic outcomes following a simultaneous approach using lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal (LHFM) and calcaneal-stop (C-Stop) procedures in skeletally immature patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 24 bilateral patients (48 feet) aged 10–12 underwent LHFM and C-Stop between 2017 and 2023. Radiographic evaluation included Hallux Valgus Angle (HVA), Intermetatarsal Angle (IMA), Meary’s angle (MA), and transverse TaloCalcaneal (Kite’s) Angle (tTCA). The Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) were administered at the most recent follow-up and complications were recorded. Results: The mean follow-up was 3.7 years. Postoperative radiographs showed significant improvements in all parameters, with correction inversely correlated to baseline deformity severity. Full normalization of flatfoot parameters was achieved in 68.8% of feet, with mild residual deformity in the remainder. Males showed greater radiographic correction than females. IMA and HVA improved in most cases, reaching full normalization in 53.1% and 50% of feet, respectively. Clinically, all patients showed corrected hindfoot alignment and medial arch restoration; 90% achieved the maximum FADI score and 88% resumed recreational sports. Two cases of screw migration occurred, with one revision; no further complications were reported. Conclusions: Simultaneous correction of FFF and JHV using C-Stop and LHFM proved effective, yielding significant radiographic improvements and excellent functional outcomes in most cases, with minimal complications. However, full hallux alignment was achieved in only half of the cases, suggesting that additional distal metatarsal procedures may be needed for more severe deformities. Full article

In this study, the blends of bio-based polybenzoxazine (V-fa type) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with PEG contents from 50 to 95 wt% and different molecular weights were developed to improve the flexibility of thermosetting polymers. Of these blends, PEG 8k at 80 wt%, which exhibited the best processability, was selected for further development via compositing with carbon black (CB) from 0 to 20 phr. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the melting temperature (T_m) increased from 70 to 83 °C and glass transition temperatures (T_g) increased from –53 to –48 °C at 20 phr. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) demonstrated high thermal stability, with T_dmax (for all CB contents) presented at ca. 416 °C. Moreover, char yield was increased from 10% (without CB) to 28% (20 phr), reflecting improved decomposition resistance. Mechanical properties demonstrated that CB significantly reinforced the composites. The flexural modulus and flexural strength were increased from 117.18 MPa (without CB) to 456 MPa (10 phr) and from 2.42 MPa (without CB) to 3.94 MPa (2.5 phr), respectively. The SEM images confirmed uniform morphology and good filler dispersion. Conclusively, the composites of 8k PEG 80 wt% filled with 2.5 phr of CB provided an optimal balance of mechanical and thermal stability and engineering polymer applications. Full article

The aim of this experiment was to determine whether reticulorumen temperature (ReT), rumination, activity or pH captured by a rumen sensor bolus system (smaXtec animal care GmbH, Graz, Austria) can be used as an early indicator of heat load (HL) and to assess how its daily patterns are influenced by diurnal effects. Physiological and behavioral data from 70 male feedlot cattle (Uckermärker, Hereford, Simmentaler) housed in a closed barn were investigated using the calculated temperature-humidity index (THI) from remote HOBO Onset climate sensors over a period of 210 days. Using time series analysis and seasonal ARIMA modeling, it was found that ReT followed the same patterns throughout days with a THI < 74 as well as days under heat load conditions. Time series and correlation analyses were also performed for the rumen pH, rumination index and activity index. The collective mean ReT over the winter days assessed (n = 14,971) was 39.48 °C, with a minimum mean of 38.31 °C and a maximum mean of 40.69 °C. In comparison, the collective mean ReT over the summer days assessed (n = 14,030) was 39.53 °C, with a minimum mean of 38.39 °C and a maximum mean of 42.02 °C. Pearson’s correlation did not reveal a relationship between THI and ReT (r = −0.06; p < 0.001) and only minimally for rumination (r = −0.11; p < 0.001). Rumination clearly decreased with increasing ambient temperature in comparison to days with a THI < 74. A long-term effect is also visible when the monthly mean rumination from all bulls tends to decrease slightly from February to May and then increases beginning in June. The mean pH values decreased throughout the summer months. Nevertheless, the comparison between daily fluctuations in pH values under HL failed to yield significant deviations from those captured on days of winter. The Pearson correlation for rumen pH showed a weak negative linear relationship with THI (r = −0.3; p < 0.001). The monthly means of the motion activity index could also not verify that HL led to increasing activity (Pearson correlation for motion activity and THI: r = 0.04; p < 0.001). The heat load had no visible short-term effects on the ReT or rumen pH, but rumination and peak motion activity were reduced on days with high ambient temperatures. Full article

Soybean, as a globally important economic crop, is severely threatened by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causative agent of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), a major disease in soybean production worldwide, leading to significant yield losses and quality deterioration. Traditional chemical control methods face challenges such as environmental pollution, pesticide resistance, and limited efficacy. Bacillus velezensis YJ0-1, identified through plate confrontation assays, demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on S. sclerotiorum via acid-precipitated crude extracts from its fermentation broth. A key antimicrobial substance, fengycin (C₇₂H₁₁₀N₁₂O₂₀, molecular weight 1463.8 Da), was isolated and characterized through acid precipitation, protein purification system separation, and mass spectrometry (MS). Further optimization of the PDB medium using single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken design yielded an optimal formulation: peptone 66.62 g/L, sucrose 32.68 g/L, and pH 6.5. Validation experiments showed an actual yield of 2.03 g/L, with a relative error of only 0.49% compared to the predicted yield of 2.04 g/L, significantly enhancing the synthesis efficiency of fengycin. This study provides novel microbial resources and a theoretical basis for the biological control of SSR in soybeans, while also laying a technical foundation for the industrial production of fengycin, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. Full article