Search Results (876)

This study investigates the causes of traffic accidents involving Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS) and their interdependencies. Using a source dataset comprising 3015 ADAS accident records and 1085 ADS accident records from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the study categorizes accident severity into four levels and applies association rule mining (ARM) to identify high-frequency risk factor combinations. Key risk factors include environmental, road, vehicle, and accident characteristics. Findings show that ADAS accidents are concentrated in highway straight-driving scenarios, strongly correlated with rainy weather, and often involve rear-end collisions due to delayed driver reactions. ADS accidents predominantly occur in intersection stopping scenarios, favor clear weather, and exhibit better safety performance in non-damage cases with Level 5 (L5) systems, though they still face perception and decision-making challenges in complex scenarios like nighttime wet roads. The study further reveals that vehicle design purpose (ADAS for highways, L5 for urban areas) strongly influences accident severity, with L5 systems reducing fatality risks through advanced perception but still affected by high speeds, extreme lighting, and system aging. Make attributes and technological maturity also significantly impact outcomes. This study provides insights for technological advancement, regulatory improvements, and human–machine collaboration optimization. Full article

Background: Ice hockey is a high-intensity collision sport with one of the highest injury rates among youth team sports. Despite advanced protective equipment, youth athletes remain particularly vulnerable due to their unique physiological and psychological characteristics. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesise the current evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies for common sports injuries in youth ice hockey players. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for publications between August 2015 and August 2025 using an iterative process and manual reference screening to identify relevant studies. Result: The evidence indicates that injury rates are notably high, ranging from 11.7 to 34.4 per 1000 athlete-hours. Concussions and upper/lower limb injuries are most prevalent. Body checking is the most significant modifiable risk factor associated with a threefold increase in concussion incidence. Policy interventions prohibiting body checking have demonstrated substantial benefits, leading to a 50–70% reduction in injury rates and a 57–60% reduction in concussions. Furthermore, the use of full-face protection was associated with a fourfold reduction in the risk of facial and dental injuries. Specialised preparatory activities and neuromuscular training, as well as comprehensive safety and rules training for players and coaches, can reduce the risk of injury in youth hockey players. Conclusion: This review underscores that effective injury prevention in youth ice hockey requires multi-faceted strategies focused on policy changes and proper equipment. Future work should focus on developing personalised prevention models, establishing youth-specific equipment standards, and enhancing safety awareness. Full article

The sudden turn of tropical cyclones (TCs) can rapidly alter the affected disaster-prone regions and associated rainfall distributions, posing severe threats to coastal areas and creating major challenges for operational forecasting. However, most of these events occur over the open ocean, where the scarcity of in situ observations limits our understanding of how precipitation and cloud microphysical processes evolve during the sudden turning. In this study, we analyzed the precipitation evolution and associated microphysical characteristics during the sudden turn of Super Typhoon Vongfong (2014) using the latest GPM satellite observations. The main findings are as follows: (1) During the sudden-turning period, the precipitation coverage expanded significantly. Strong convective precipitation was distributed from the inner eyewall to the outer eyewall and spiral rainbands and weakened in intensity, whereas stratiform precipitation broadened in coverage and intensified. (2) The increase in stratiform precipitation was attributed primarily to increased cloud water content, which strengthened collision–coalescence processes, promoted the formation of larger and more numerous raindrops, and consequently increased precipitation efficiency and intensity. (3) The weakening of convective precipitation was related to the reduction in eyewall updrafts, which suppressed ice-phase processes and limited the development of deep convection. Full article

The first oil and gas well in the South Yellow Sea Basin was completed in 1961. In 1984, 2.45 tons of light oil were obtained from the Cenozoic strata. However, it remains the only large oil and gas basin in China’s offshore area without industrial oil and gas discoveries. Although the consensus is that the South Yellow Sea Basin is a foreland basin, and the oil and gas exploration prospects are promising, the research on the regional structure and the tectonic evolution of the foreland basin system is weak, which seriously hinders the process of industrial oil and gas discoveries. This paper reports the results of over 30 years of onshore and offshore investigations and well-seismic joint interpretation in the study area: for the first time, the mountains and basins formed by the collision of the North China and Yangtze plates were discovered in the geological survey of the northern islands of the South Yellow Sea Basin; the C-type eclogite chronology of Qianliyan Island, the characteristics of the foreland basins and intracontinental foreland basins around the South Yellow Sea, and the tectonic evolution characteristics and models of the basins were clarified. Through the zircon/phosphate fission track analysis of the deep black Jurassic strata in the Qianyuan S-2 well, it was revealed that the collision and subduction of the Pacific Plate against the Eurasian Plate since the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene led to large-scale uplift movements, and more than 3000 m of strata were eroded in the basin area. This is consistent with the multiple unconformities of E/N, K/N, and T₂/N identified by well-seismic joint interpretation, and is also the main reason why oil and gas have been difficult to preserve in the South Yellow Sea Basin since the Middle Triassic–Jurassic. Deep prototype oil and gas exploration in the basin may be the preferred option for current oil and gas exploration deployment, which is conducive to achieving industrial oil and gas discoveries. Full article

Stroke rehabilitation exoskeletons require joint mechanisms capable of replicating physiological stiffness modulation to adapt to varying gait phases. This paper presents a novel compact variable-stiffness mechanism (VSM) for knee exoskeletons, based on a simplified three-bar linkage topology. The proposed design achieves a pre-configurable quasi-stiffness range of 0.15–2.0 NM/deg. Static characterization under a 2 kg load demonstrated up to 23.0 N of collision force attenuation in softening regimes (λ < 2.3) through passive viscoelastic dissipation, whereas hardening behavior (λ ≥ 2.3) preserved precise torque-angle characteristics scalable to physiological loading. A parametric analysis showed an 89% correlation between the theoretical and scaled experimental stiffness profiles for values from 0.5 to 2.5. The proposed architecture enables decoupled optimization of impact safety and positional precision, offering a clinically adaptable solution for hemiparetic gait assistance. Full article

Ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) have been proposed as interfacial agents that modulate colloidal interactions, yet their role in early-stage flocculation remains insufficiently quantified. Using amidine latex (AL) as a cationic model colloid under controlled end-over-end mixing, we combined flocculation kinetics with electrokinetic and interfacial measurements to elucidate the mechanism by which UFBs promote aggregation. Electrophoretic measurements show adsorption-driven charge regulation by bubbles; increasing the UFB-to-AL ratio progressively neutralizes the surface and at sufficient dose reverses its charge. The neutrality point occurs at a characteristic ratio that is only weakly sensitive to background sodium chloride (NaCl). Interfacial measurements reveal a thicker hydrodynamic layer at higher ionic strength, consistent with closer packing of adsorbed UFBs under double layer compression, and micrographs of particle dimers confirm a larger inter-particle separation that directly visualizes this layer. Aggregation accelerates at 10 mM sodium chloride but remains slow at 0.1 mM, indicating that electrolyte screening is required for efficient adsorption and bridging; pH modulated the process secondarily. Together, the results support a coherent picture in which UFB adsorption creates patchy, charge-compensated surfaces and a soft hydrodynamic layer that enlarges the effective collision cross-section, thereby enhancing early-stage flocculation. Full article

In this paper, asymptotic analysis for the (2+1)-dimensional potential Kadomtsev Petviashvili B-type Kadomtsev Petviashvili (pKP-BKP) equation is conducted to establish this limiting. The study examines the stem structures resulting from resonance collisions of the two-soliton solution in the (2+1)-dimensional pKP-BKP equation. The trajectories, amplitudes and velocities of the soliton arms and the lengths of the stem structures are calculated through asymptotic analysis. By combining the characteristic line analysis and the velocity resonance mechanism, novel bound states consisting of transformed wave–soliton molecules and transformed wave molecules are systematically constructed. These results provide explicit insight into the formation and evolution of localized nonlinear waves in the pKP-BKP system, and they offer a concrete theoretical foundation for wave resonance and bound states in higher-dimensional dispersive media. Full article

The western Ordos Basin (OB) is situated at the junction of multiple tectonic units with distinct properties. The prolonged and complex tectonic interactions from adjacent tectonic units have resulted in diverse structural phenomena and intricate evolutionary history in this region. The late Paleozoic represents a critical period for the transition of the tectonic regime in this area. However, due to the effects of intense later-stage modification, the late Paleozoic provenance system and paleogeomorphology of this region remain poorly constrained. Against this background, systematic fieldwork and detrital zircon geochronological analyses of the Youjingshan and Quwushan Permian sections were conducted to determine sediment provenance, and spatial variations in detrital zircon geochronological characteristics across different parts of the OB are further discussed. The results indicate that the detrital zircon age spectra of the Permian Dahuangou and Yaogou formations in the Youjingshan and Quwushan sections are dominated by late Paleozoic (250–360 Ma), early Paleozoic (360–500 Ma), and Paleoproterozoic (1600–2500 Ma) age populations. However, significant differences in age composition are also observed among different samples. This study proposes that the detritus of the Dahuangou Formation in the Youjingshan area was mainly derived from the Alxa Block (AB), while that from the Yaogou Formation was sourced from the Yinshan-Daqingshan-Wulashan Orogenic Belt (YDWOB). In contrast, the West Qinling Orogenic Belt (WQOB) and North Qilian Orogenic Belt (NQOB) were identified as the source areas for the Dahuangou and Yaogou Formations in the Quwushan area. Based on a comprehensive comparison of detrital zircon geochronological data of the Permian strata in the OB, three major provenance systems can be identified: the southwestern source area (WQOB and NQOB); the northwestern source area (YDWOB and AB); and the interior source area (YDWOB). During the Permian, the tectonic-sedimentary evolution of the OB was primarily controlled by the combined effects of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) to the north and the Paleo-Tethys Ocean (PTO) to the south. Differences in the timing and intensity of subduction/collision between the PAO and the PTO resulted in a general paleogeographic pattern of “higher in the north and lower in the south” in the OB. Full article

Spices play a crucial role in shaping the characteristic flavor of marinated meat products. This study systematically compared the effects of physical crushing, vacuum nano-collision, and steam explosion on the physical and flavor characteristics of star anise and cinnamon. The vacuum nano-collision treatment effectively reduced particle size to below 15 nm, promoting faster flavor release and improving both moisture retention and solubility. Hydrocarbons, alcohols, and aldehydes were identified as the dominant volatile compounds. Among the non-volatile components, crushed cinnamon contained the highest shikimic acid concentration (1510.1 ± 25.45 μg/kg), while star anise treated with vacuum nano-collision reached the highest level of shikimic acid (893.10 ± 23.99 μg/kg). However, the main active components of these two spices did not show significant differences between the two treatment methods. Steam explosion treatment resulted in the lowest levels of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Flavor profiling and electronic tongue analyses further revealed that the flavor characteristics of the crushed and nano-collision groups were similar, but distinctly different from those obtained with steam explosion. Overall, these results provide new insights into the development of efficient spice processing technologies and offer practical guidance for optimizing flavor quality in marinated meat products. Full article

In open-pit mining, holes are drilled into the surface of the excavation site and are then detonated with explosives to facilitate digging. These blast holes need to be inspected internally for quality assurance, as well as for operational and geological reasons. Manual hole inspection is slow and expensive, limited in its ability to capture the geometric and geological characteristics of holes. This is the motivation behind the development of our autonomous mine site inspection robot—“DIPPeR”. In this paper, the automation aspect of the project is explained. We present a robust navigation and perception framework that provides streamlined blasthole detection, tracking, and precise down-hole sensor insertion during repetitive inspection tasks. To mitigate the effects of noisy GPS and odometry data typical of surface mining environments, we employ a proximity-based adaptive navigation system that enables the vehicle to dynamically adjust its operations according to target detectability and localisation accuracy. For perception, we process LiDAR data to extract the cone-shaped volume of drill waste above ground, and then project the 3D cone points into a virtual depth image to form accurate 2D segmentation of hole regions. To ensure continuous target tracking as the robot approaches the goal, our system automatically adjusts the projection parameters to ensure consistent appearance of the hole in the image. In the vicinity of the hole, we apply least squares circle fitting combined with non-maximum candidate suppression to achieve accurate hole localisation and collision-free down-hole sensor insertion. We demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our framework through dedicated perception and navigation feature tests, as well as streamlined mission trials conducted in high-fidelity simulations and real mine-site field experiments. Full article

The Dingri–Gangba fault, a major structure within the Himalayan Orogenic Belt, records significant geological events, including the tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the Indian plate and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. However, its geometry, kinematics, and tectonic characteristics remain debated. To constrain the tectonic evolution of the Dingri–Gangba fault, this study integrates detailed field investigations and structural analysis with Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) dating to characterize its three-dimensional architecture and quantify the timing of its deformation phases. The results show that the fault trends nearly E–W and exhibits multi-phase structural superimposition, including thrusting (60–40 Ma), normal faulting (35–11 Ma), and strike-slip shear (18–6.8 Ma). These phases reflect a multi-stage tectonic evolution following the India–Eurasia collision. Stratigraphic comparisons reveal that during the Mesozoic, the Dingri–Gangba fault played a significant basin-controlling role, marked by variations in sedimentary thickness, soft-sediment deformation, and volcanic activity. The sedimentary evolution alternated between periods of “differentiation” and “uniformity”. A comprehensive analysis suggests that the tectonic evolution of the Dingri–Gangba fault is closely linked to the dynamic transition of the Tethys Himalaya from a passive continental margin to a collision orogeny, also reflecting changes in the tectonic stress field following the India–Eurasia collision. These findings provide valuable insights into the tectono–sedimentary–magmatic coupling along the southern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Full article

As a critical component of marine renewable energy, wave energy has long remained a focal point in research on development and use. The Sharp Eagle wave energy converter (hereafter, Sharp Eagle WEC) exhibits wave energy capture efficiency-related advantages, which are attributed to the unique structural configuration of its Sharp Eagle wave-absorbing buoy (hereafter, buoy). Operational observations reveal that under severe sea conditions, buoy motion amplitude increases significantly. Consequently, the downstream hydraulic and power generation systems experience excessive power loads, and the converter exceeds displacement limits, causing collisions with end-stop structures, which compromises operational safety. Research findings indicate that the attitude of the buoy directly governs its motion characteristics. We proposed a ballast-and-load-based attitude control method for the buoy. This approach provides safe and efficient operation across all sea conditions. Via scaled model tests, converter operational data covering various ballast configurations were compared and analyzed, focusing on the effects of ballast on the capture width ratio (hereafter, CWR) and piston displacement range of energy conversion hydraulic cylinders. Herein, the feasibility of adjusting capture efficiency and motion displacement by controlling the buoy attitude is validated, providing a technical framework for efficient and safe operation of the WEC under all sea conditions. Full article

Collision risk assessment is essential for navigators or automatic navigation systems to identify potential risks in specific encounter scenarios and to make informed decisions regarding subsequent collision avoidance measures. This paper proposes a quantitative ship collision risk assessment algorithm based on the reachability of the vessels. The concept of a ship’s finite-time reachable set is introduced to characterize spatial area accessible to the vessel within the navigator’s “action time”. A novel risk assessment algorithm is proposed that takes into account not only the probability of collision but also the anticipated consequences. Compared to previous risk assessment methodologies, this new quantitative assessment algorithm can provide both upper and lower bounds of ongoing collision risk according to the real-time motion characteristics of ships. The effectiveness of the new risk assessment algorithm is examined by simulation studies that cover three typical encounter situations: head-on, crossing, and overtaking. The results show that our risk assessment algorithm can accurately predict the trend of risk variation. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of bicycling-related maxillofacial fractures in a defined population and to identify factors contributing to these injuries. Methods: An 8-year cohort study was carried out, including all patients presenting with bicycling-related maxillofacial fractures at a tertiary care center from 2017 through 2024. Data recorded for each patient included age, gender, date and cause of injury, contributing factors, type of facial fractures, other injuries, hospital stay, and helmet use. Statistical analysis was performed. Continuous variables were assessed for normality (Shapiro–Wilk test) and compared using the Mann–Whitney test. Categorical variables were analyzed with chi-square tests. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 899 cycling accident patients seeking medical treatment, 122 (13%) sustained facial fractures, accounting for 4% of all facial fracture cases in our department during the study period. In our cohort, the male–female ratio was 2.6:1, and the mean age was 29.5 years (SD 12.8, range 13–77). Collision with another object/vehicle was the most common cause (64%), followed by isolated falls (36%). A total of 135 facial fractures were recorded (some patients had multiple fractures). Mandibular fractures were most frequent (49% of patients), followed by zygomatic (32%), orbital (13%), nasal (7%), maxillary (2%) and frontal (2%) fractures. Among mandibular injuries, condylar fractures were the most common subtype (63%). Dental injuries were found in 27% of patients. The most common dental trauma was tooth fracture (43% of those with dental injuries), followed by tooth luxation (32%) and tooth avulsion (25%). In 80% of cases involving dental injuries, the upper anterior teeth were involved. Concomitant injuries were present in 20% of patients, most often orthopedic limb injuries. Only 27% of patients reported always wearing a helmet, whereas 43% reported never having worn one. Conclusions: Bicycling-related facial injuries are a noteworthy subset of facial trauma. Missed or delayed diagnosis can lead to lasting deformities and functional issues. Preventive strategies—especially promoting helmet use and improving helmet design—along with broader safety measures are important to reduce the incidence and severity of these injuries. Full article

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and computational technologies, collision risk assessment remains a key challenge for Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs). Traditional approaches typically based on five indicators including distance, Distance/Time to Closest Point of Approach (DCPA/TCPA), relative heading, and speed ratio often suffer from redundancy, weak indicator independence, and limited correspondence to the physical characteristics of dynamic encounters. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a physics-driven collision risk evaluation framework grounded in the Quaternion Ship Domain (QSD). The model simplifies the indicator system to three physically interpretable metrics: inter-ship distance, the coupled DCPA-TCPA index, and the coupled Bow Crossing Range-Bow Crossing Time (BCR-BCT) index. A logarithmic and sigmoid function is introduced as the factor collision risk normalization function, in contrast to a traditional Min–Max scaling function, thereby enhancing the smoothness and interpretability of risk evolution. Python-based simulations involving overtaking, head-on, and crossing scenarios were conducted to validate the proposed approach. The results demonstrate that the framework accurately captures both the magnitude and temporal evolution of collision risk, significantly improving interpretability, robustness, and practical applicability. The proposed QSD-based model provides a physics-consistent and computationally efficient solution for real-time collision risk assessment of ASVs. Full article