Search Results (744)

This study presents the design, implementation, and experimental validation of an integrated fastening monitoring platform for vehicle ground equipment, aimed at supporting structural maintenance and operational safety. Rather than introducing a fundamentally new sensing principle, the work focuses on the system-level integration and verification of existing sensing, communication, and control technologies for reliable bolt loosening detection and torque-controlled pneumatic fastening. The proposed platform consists of a Smart Control Gateway (SCG), a Signal Transducer Socket (STS), and a Smart Washer Set (SWS), incorporating smart nuts and clamping-force sensing washers for M50 and M35 bolts. Sub-GHz wireless RF communication and wired RS-485 transmission are employed to provide scalable and robust connectivity among system components. The SCG hardware and firmware are fully implemented and verified, enabling continuous acquisition and transmission of fastening-state data. Experimental evaluations include functional verification, mechanical integration tests, and durability assessments. The smart washers demonstrate stable sensing performance over 100 assembly and disassembly cycles without observable degradation. The STS is validated through 200,000 impact cycles under intermittent loading conditions (3 s impact, 3 s pause), confirming its suitability for repeated industrial operation. Real-time data transmission tests verify the system’s capability to detect bolt loosening events induced by vibration or external interference. The results indicate that the proposed platform provides a practical and reliable solution for fastening-state monitoring in safety-relevant ground equipment. This work contributes validated engineering evidence for deploying integrated smart fastening systems in industrial maintenance applications and establishes a foundation for future studies on environmental robustness, false-alarm characterization, and real-time performance guarantees. Full article

With the growing global popularity of Android apps, ensuring their quality and reliability has become increasingly important, as low-quality apps can lead to poor user experiences and potential business losses. A common approach to testing Android apps involves automatically generating event sequences that interact with the app’s graphical user interface (GUI) to detect crashes. To support this, we developed ACE (Android Crawler), a tool that systematically generates events to test Android apps by automatically exploring their GUIs. However, ACE’s original heuristic-driven exploration can be inefficient in complex application states. To address this, we extend ACE with a deep reinforcement learning-based crawling strategy, called Reinforcement Learning Strategy (RLS), which tightly integrates with ACE’s GUI exploration process by learning to intelligently select GUI components and interaction actions. RLS leverages the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm for stable and efficient learning and incorporates an action mask to filter invalid actions, thereby reducing training time. We evaluate RLS on 15 real-world Android apps and compare its performance against the original ACE and three state-of-the-art Android testing tools. Results show that RLS improves code coverage by an average of 2.1% over ACE’s Nearest unvisited event First Search (NFS) strategy and outperforms all three baseline tools in terms of code coverage. Paired t-test analyses further confirm that these improvements are statistically significant, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing automated Android GUI testing. Full article

LoRa-based IoT systems are increasingly used in smart farming, greenhouse monitoring, and large-scale agricultural sensing, where long-range, energy-efficient communication is essential. However, estimating link quality metrics such as PRR, RSSI, and SNR typically requires continuous packet transmission and sequence logging, an impractical approach for power-constrained field nodes. This study proposes a deep learning-driven framework for real-time prediction of link- and network-level performance in multihop LoRa networks, targeting the LoRaDisC protocol commonly deployed in agricultural environments. By integrating Bayesian surrogate modeling with Random Forest-guided hyperparameter optimization, the system accurately predicts PRR, RSSI, and SNR using multivariate time series features. Experiments on a large-scale outdoor LoRa testbed (ChirpBox) show that aggregated link layer metrics strongly correlate with PRR, with performance influenced by environmental variables such as humidity, temperature, and field topology. The optimized model achieves a mean absolute error (MAE) of 8.83 and adapts effectively to dynamic environmental conditions. This work enables energy-efficient, autonomous communication in agricultural IoT deployments, supporting reliable field sensing, crop monitoring, livestock tracking, and other smart farming applications that depend on resilient low-power wireless connectivity. Full article

Balancing safety with computational speed is a persistent challenge in autonomous navigation. While optimal pathfinders like A* are efficient, they fail to define the navigable “buffer” zone required for safe motion. Existing corridor generation methods attempt to bridge this gap but often suffer from heavy computational overhead or geometric instability. This paper introduces the Manhattan d-corridor, a framework that constructs strictly bounded, collision-free regions around a reference path. By combining systematic expansion with topological pruning, the algorithm guarantees structural minimality without sacrificing coverage. Experiments confirmed that the method is over two orders of magnitude faster than standard baselines. Crucially, while traditional methods suffered geometric collapse at high resolutions and dropped to unsafe collision ratios, the d-corridor maintained invariant safety (1.0) across all tests. This establishes the framework as a highly robust, real-time solution for resource-constrained robotics. Full article

Recombinant baculovirus vectors are recognized as effective gene delivery systems for mammalian cells in vitro. However, their application in vivo has been limited due to inactivation by the host’s complement system. We developed a recombinant baculoviral vector derived from Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), incorporating both CMV-IE and polyhedron promoter-driven green fluorescence protein (EGFP) (vAcMBac-CMV-IE-EGFP). We then evaluated the transduction efficiency and safety of vAcMBac-CMV-IE-EGFP at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI) across five distinct cell lines and in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In vitro, Sf9, HepG2, and Vero E6 cells showed high transduction rates (95.52 ± 4.86%, 80.53 ± 3.31%, and 80.87 ± 2.50%, respectively), significantly outperforming the other cell types tested, and cell viability remained largely unaffected even at an MOI of 1000. In vivo, EGFP expression was observed in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of SD rats after tail vein injection. Direct injection of vAcMBac-CMV-IE-EGFP into the rat striatum also resulted in strong EGFP signals in neural tissues. These results demonstrate that a high-MOI baculovirus infection can serve as a remarkably efficient and versatile platform for gene delivery across diverse mammalian cell types as well as in various organs and neural tissues in animal models. This robust method might hold significant promise for future gene therapy applications. Full article

We developed an active vibration isolation system with a high-rigidity support design to reduce sensitivity to platform motion disturbances. By integrating absolute acceleration and velocity feedback control, the system eliminates structural resonance and lowers the natural frequency. The concept was validated through theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experiments. Results show that feedback control not only eliminates resonance amplification but also reduces the natural frequency by 55%. These findings confirm that the proposed system enhances resistance to platform disturbances while maintaining effective floor vibration isolation. Full article

English-Medium Instruction (EMI) has become a central component of globalized education, allowing institutions to deliver courses in English to improve international competitiveness and accessibility for teachers and students. This paper reports the perspectives of five faculty members from a northern Taiwan private university who participated in an overseas short-term teacher training program at a Southern California State University, the United States, in 2025, aimed at enhancing their professional knowledge and teaching strategies in EMI. A qualitative research approach was adopted, including using the five semi-structured written open-ended questions and a focus group interview. This study captures insights of teachers into the professional development, instructional challenges, subject knowledge, language awareness, pedagogical shifts experienced, and self-reflection by these faculty members. Findings highlight the perceived impact of the professional development training on teachers’ language proficiency, pedagogical teaching skills in EMI, language awareness, intercultural communication competence, and the broader implications for EMI in Taiwanese higher education. Full article

ANSYS-Fluent was applied to simulate diffusion combustion flame in a two-dimensional (2D) industrial burner to determine the contours of the mass fraction of gas emissions, velocity, and combustion temperature. The effects of the boundary conditions, including momentum, thermal, and species (inlet air, inlet fuel, and outlet pressure) on combustion temperature and mass fraction (gas emissions) were analyzed in the designed burner. The present study focused on using and analyzing the volumetric reaction and the turbulence-chemistry interaction of the eddy dissipation model for the diffusion flame model. The simulation used the discrete ordinate model and p1 for radiation and the k-ε model for turbulence with enhanced wall treatment. Based on the results, the magnitude velocities of air and fuel, inlet temperature, and mass fractions of oxygen and inert gas can influence the parameters of flame temperature and gas emissions in the industrial burner. The flame shape for all the cases of inlet velocity was predominantly symmetric about the x = 0 mm for all the axial distances towards the outlet. The radial velocity contour at 0.01 m/s (300 K) gave better results with an area of 1.31 m/s to 4.08 m/s, which was wider than that of the case at 0.01 m/s (700 K). By varying the inlet temperature and oxygen mass fraction, the flame configurations on temperature, CO₂, and H₂O formed a symmetric flame structure. The temperature distribution resulted in the centerline being hotter than other radial positions for all of the inlet temperatures. The emissions of CO₂ and H₂O generally increased with the addition of the oxygen mass fraction. Full article

We developed a three-degree-of-freedom touch trigger probe integrated with two optical sensors. The probe includes an XY-axis cantilever stylus and a Z-axis structure supported by four parallel leaf springs. A laser diode combined with 1D and 2D position-sensing detectors (PSDs) detects angular shifts and displacement when the probe tip touches the measured surface. The optical path change amplifies the PSD response, enhancing sensitivity. Finite-element analysis verifies structural performance, and experimental validation shows the probe achieves a unidirectional repeatability of 0.18 μm. Full article

Shrimp populations are threatened by overfishing and climate change. Despite this, there are limited studies on the variations in biomass, number, and size of Eastern Neptune rose shrimp, Parapenaeus fissuroides, in different fishing grounds across seasons in the Southern Yellow and East China Seas of China, as well as habitat area change under different climate scenarios. In this study, the data was obtained from the bottom trawling surveys conducted from November 2018 to September 2019 at 26.5–35° N 120–127° E. We found that the major cohorts were concentrated at depths of 70–110 m in spring and summer, 80–90 m in autumn, and 60–100 m in winter. The greatest abundance was observed at sea bottom temperatures of 18–20 °C in spring, 18–21 °C in summer, 19–22 °C in autumn, and 17–19 °C in winter; and sea bottom salinity levels of 34–35 across all four seasons, indicating the influence of high-salinity Taiwan Warm Current and Yellow Sea Warm Current. The annual mean catch per unit effort in weight and number were 16,623.65 g·h⁻¹ and 4304.525 ind·h⁻¹, respectively. Climate variations may negatively impact the habitat area range of P. fissuroides. For migration route, P. fissuroides concentrates in Yushan and Yuwai for the upcoming spawning season in spring, with offspring occurring in high-temperature and high-salinity waters of Zhouwai and Yuwai in summer. The newborn recruited cohorts remained in Yushan, Wentai, and Mindong for nursery grounds in autumn and winter. We suggested a seasonal closure from August to November in Yushan, Yuwai, Zhouwai, and Mindong to protect and conserve P. fissuroides populations. Full article

Microplastic distribution off the coast of Korea was investigated by collecting and analyzing surface seawater and sediment samples from the South Sea and East China Sea during the summer. Microplastic abundance was found to be highest in the YE area, followed by the EC area and the SS area in both seawater and sediment matrices. The dominant microplastic shapes and sizes were fragments and small particles (0.02–0.3 mm), respectively. This distribution pattern is explained by the transport of low-density, small-sized microplastics from other seas via the high salinity Taiwan Warm Current and Tsushima Warm Current flowing northward from the southern waters of the study area. In contrast, microplastics originating from the Korean landmass along the southern coast were less abundant, likely due to their dispersal by the strong currents of the Jeju Warm Current, Taiwan Warm Current, and Tsushima Warm Current, which carry microplastics toward the Korean Strait. This study highlights the critical role of prevailing ocean currents in shaping the spatial distribution of microplastics, providing insight into sources and transport mechanisms relevant for regional marine pollution management in the Korean coastal waters. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia may be influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors. Emerging evidence suggests that certain foods such as sea vegetables and fruits contain bioactive compounds may help protect against muscle loss. This study investigated the association between sea vegetable and fruit intake and the risk of sarcopenia and physical performance in older adults in Taiwan. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 588 individuals aged ≥65 years recruited from three hospitals (outpatient and home-care settings) in southern Taiwan (2018–2020). Questionnaire, medical chart, and laboratory data were used to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and nutritional status and sarcopenia, defined as low muscle mass plus reduced strength or poor physical performance. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The performance variables we measured were grip strength, gait speed, and chair stand time. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors, and linear regression was used to assess the contributions of these factors to performance measures. Results: Sarcopenia was identified in 159 (27.0%) of the 588 participants. Those with sarcopenia had lower education levels, poorer nutritional status, weaker grip strength, and slower mobility. Daily intakes of sea vegetables (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20–0.74) and fresh fruits (adjusted OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16–0.49) were independently associated with reduced risk of sarcopenia. Sea vegetable intake was positively associated with grip strength, while fruit intake was inversely associated with chair stand time. Conclusions: Dietary factors and nutritional status were significantly associated with sarcopenia risk and physical performance. Sarcopenia prevention strategies might want to include promoting the consumption of sea vegetables and fruits. Full article

Using the Ministry of Environment’s fixed-site air quality monitoring network, we analyzed multiple hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)—including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals—during 2021–2024 and compared their concentrations with internationally reported levels. Pronounced spatial heterogeneity was observed across stations, particularly for VOCs and heavy metals. Stations A, E, and F were dominated by alkanes, whereas stations B, C, and D exhibited higher proportions of oxygenated VOCs (mainly aldehydes and ketones). Across the network, formaldehyde (0.015 μg/m³), dichloromethane (2.60 μg/m³), toluene (2.53 μg/m³), and acetaldehyde (0.004 μg/m³) were identified as the most abundant species. Stations A and E served as VOC hotspots—formaldehyde peaked at station A and toluene at station E—likely due to nearby industrial and port activities. Concentrations of BTEX generally decreased throughout the study period, with a minor rebound at station C in 2022. Regarding heavy metals, elevated concentrations of lead (16.83 ng/m³), nickel (4.71 ng/m³), and arsenic (1.29 ng/m³) were observed at station A, again suggesting influences from industrial or port-related emissions. Overall, formaldehyde, benzene, and 1,2-dichloroethane were identified as key pollutants of concern, with station A representing the most critical hotspot in the monitoring network. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major public health concern in Taiwan, particularly in southern regions with high endemicity. While HCV elimination is a national priority, resources are often limited. Relying solely on broad, township-level prevalence rates is inefficient, as the true disease burden can vary dramatically at the village level. Therefore, identifying local hotspots through fine-scale mapping is critical for efficient resource allocation and targeted intervention. This study aimed to validate village-level prevalence estimates and evaluate the efficiency of a community-based, targeted screening approach utilizing this detailed prevalence data in Chiayi County. Methods: We integrated data from the Chiayi Health Bureau and Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (2000–2015) to generate village-level risk maps for five townships: Lioujiao (LJ), Yijhu (YH), Dongshih (DS), Taibao (TB), and Lucao (LC). Between 2018 and 2021, we conducted door-to-door community screening using anti-HCV testing with reflex HCV antigen (Ag) testing. Anti-HCV/HCV Ag prevalence, number needed to test (NNT), and linkage-to-care rates were calculated to validate prevalence estimates and assess screening efficiency. Results: Among 3910 participants, anti-HCV prevalence ranged from 5.4% (TB) to 8.7% (DS). Estimated and observed village-level prevalence showed moderate-to-strong correlation (r = 0.696–0.830, p < 0.001). Screening efficiency was highest in DS (NNT = 21) and lowest in TB (NNT = 42). Of 132 antigen-positive individuals, 131 (99.2%) initiated direct-acting antiviral therapy. Conclusions: The village-level risk maps accurately predicted local HCV burden, enabling targeted screening with high diagnostic yield and near-complete treatment uptake. This approach maximizes resource efficiency and may serve as a scalable model for advancing Taiwan and the WHO’s 2030 HCV elimination goals. Full article

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has attracted significant attention for its physiological and therapeutic potential, driving efforts to develop a green and direct production approach. In particular, if solar energy could be utilized to power the process and the power-generation and water-production modules could be integrated into a single device, it would greatly enhance portability and user convenience, making it an ideal solution for personalized healthcare and outdoor applications. We demonstrate solar-assisted proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis using symmetric IrO₂ electrodes at both cathode and anode to directly generate HRW. The symmetric design simplifies manufacturing, mitigates lifetime mismatch and metal-ion cross-contamination. IrO₂ films were electrodeposited on stainless steel substrates and annealed at 400–700 °C. When coupled with a 100 cm² Si solar cell, the electrode annealed at 550 °C—featuring ~6 nm IrO₂ nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous matrix—exhibited the highest hydrogen production rate. At an applied voltage of 4 V, this 550 °C-annealed IrO₂ electrode produced approximately 1800 μmol h⁻¹ of H₂, corresponding to about 44 mL h⁻¹ of H₂ at 25 °C and 1 atm. Corrosion tests show the HRW is less aggressive to iron than DI, RO, and tap water, suggesting better compatibility with metallic components. During water splitting, the oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) rapidly decreases to <−300 mV within 0–10 min and then stabilizes, with the 550 °C–annealed electrode exhibiting the lowest ORP. Upon air exposure, the ORP increases by ~200 mV over 45–70 min yet remains reductive for >120 min, indicating persistent dissolved H₂ and sustained performance. Overall, the symmetric IrO₂ architecture provides a green, stable, and direct route to HRW production. Full article