Search Results (417)

Underground utility tunnels face corrosion, cracks, and leakage after long-term use, endangering urban safety. Traditional methods have strong subjectivity, high miss rates, and poor real-time performance, failing refined management needs. This paper proposes an attention-enhanced YOLOv11 rather than YOLOv10 because its C3k2 backbone and dynamic anchor head already surpass YOLOv10 by 1.8% mAP for pipeline defect detection in utility tunnels. It uses homomorphic filtering to improve low-light image quality; replaces the last two C3k2 modules of the original YOLOv11 with a Multi-Scale Feature Aggregation Module to capture micro-cracks via expanded receptive fields; introduces a bidirectional weighted feature pyramid network in the neck (with C2PSA/BRA attention) for cross-scale feature fusion and background suppression, which yields both fine-grained micro-crack sensitivity and global false-target suppression; and adopts DIoU loss in the detection head to reduce slender defect localization errors. Experiments on 5000 utility tunnel defect images show the improved algorithm achieves 93.2% precision, 92.4% recall, and 92.6% mAP—outperforming the original YOLOv11, Faster R-CNN, and YOLOv5. Ablation experiments confirm module effectiveness, cutting relative error by 75% compared with the baseline. This algorithm can accurately identify multiple types of defects in complex utility tunnel environments, providing technical support for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of urban infrastructure. Full article

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a high-value species subject to strict catch quotas and seasonal closures in the Mediterranean Sea. However, detecting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing remains challenging, particularly for small-scale activities. The aim of this study is to investigate whether citizen-reported strandings of tuna remains along Italian coasts can provide potential indirect indications of illegal fishing activities. To address this question, we collected and verified photographic records of stranded tuna remains (e.g., skulls, vertebral elements, complete specimens) reported on social networks. A similar search was conducted for two other conspicuous fishes, the ‘dusky grouper’ (Epinephelus marginatus) and the ‘greater amberjack’ (Seriola dumerili), as controls. Thirty-two strandings of tuna remains were recorded, with no records of amberjacks and only one of dusky grouper. Most strandings involved tuna heads or neurocrania, some of which showed clear mechanical cuts indicating post-capture processing. Several remains were older and degraded, suggesting long-term persistence in the sea. Overall, our results indicate that citizen-reported strandings could provide low-cost, spatially broad potential indications of discards resulting from illegal fishing activities. Wider adoption of standardised public reporting could not only engage the public in marine conservation, but also provide valuable data for policymakers tackling illegal fishing and complement traditional fisheries monitoring. Full article

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) represents the second most common form of non-melanoma skin malignancy, and, when not amenable to curative surgery or radiotherapy, it is a life-threatening disease. The anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody cemiplimab has transformed the outcome of advanced or metastatic cSCC, with response rates approaching 50% and sustained benefit beyond three years in clinical trials. Cemiplimab is now the first-line standard of care treatment for advanced disease. Methods: This retrospective observational study included consecutive adult patients with locally advanced (lac) or metastatic (m) cSCC who received cemiplimab (350 mg every three weeks) at the Center for Immuno-Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Italy, either through an Expanded Access Program or routine clinical practice. Clinical outcome and treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) are reported. Results: Between December 2019 and December 2023, 27 patients (24 male; median age 82 years [range 41–90]) diagnosed with lacSCC (n = 20 [74.0%]) or mcSCC (n = 7 [25.9%]) were treated with cemiplimab as first line therapy and were followed until June 2024. Head and neck were the primary tumor location for 88.8% of patients, followed by trunk (7.4%) and lower extremities (3.7%). All patients had comorbidities, including six patients (22.2%) with hematologic malignancies. With a median follow-up of 31 months (data cut-off June 2024), the ORR was 66.6% (complete response 22.2%) and the disease control rate (DCR) 77.7%. Median progression-free survival (mPFS) and overall survival (mOS) were not reached, while 2-year PFS and OS rates were 65.2% and 71%, respectively. Treatment was well-tolerated, with three (11.1%) patients experiencing grade ≥3 TRAEs, and three patients discontinuing treatment due to TRAEs. Conclusions: Our real-world experience confirms the high rate of durable objective responses, good tolerability and long treatment duration of cemiplimab in elderly and frail cSCC patients as well. Full article

With the rapid development of Head-Up Display (HUD) technology for vehicles, optical freeform mirrors, as its core optical components, are crucial for achieving system compactness and high imaging quality. However, their complex surface shapes and large-aperture characteristics pose significant challenges to ultra-precision manufacturing. This study presents a systematic optimization framework for the ultra-precision machining of HUD optical freeform mold cores, integrating surface design, tool path planning, vibration analysis, and process parameter optimization. Firstly, based on the XY polynomial freeform surface model, an off-axis three-mirror HUD system was designed, and the surface parameters and machining dimensions of the mold core were determined. For the Single-Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) Slow Tool Servo (STS) process, a hybrid trajectory planning method combining equidistant projection and cubic spline interpolation was proposed to ensure the smoothness and accuracy of the tool path. Through theoretical analysis and experimental verification, the selection criteria for tool parameters such as tool nose radius and effective cutting angle were clarified, and the mechanistic impact of Z-axis vibration on surface roughness and waviness was quantitatively revealed. Finally, through ultra-precision turning experiments and on-machine measurement, a high-precision freeform surface mold core was successfully fabricated. This validates the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed process solution and provides technical support for the high-quality manufacturing of HUD optical elements. Full article

Background: Complications after proximal humerus osteosynthesis are not uncommon. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of osteosynthesis using PHILOS with fresh-frozen femoral head allograft augmentation and without it, and to assess the influence of risk factors and their impact on the occurrence of postoperative complications. Methods: This retrospective study evaluates the radiological outcomes and complications of treating proximal humerus fractures (Neer III–IV) in 116 patients over 50 years of age treated between 2017 and 2021. Results: Osteosynthesis without allograft was performed in 84 patients and with allograft in 32 patients. In total, 42 patients (36%) had a three-part fracture and 74 (64%) had a four-part fracture. The Deltoid Tuberosity Index was comparable between the groups (1.59 ± 0.25 vs. 1.50 ± 0.26; p = 0.802). The average duration of surgery was 101.3 ± 21.3 min with allograft and 86.0 ± 31.9 min without allograft (p = 0.004). AVN was verified in four patients (3.5%), head collapse in nine (8%), cut-out in six (5%), reoperation in eight (7%), infection in three (2.5%), and pseudoarthrosis in one (1%) case. Conclusions: An allograft augmentation improves construct stability, but cannot compensate for inadequate surgical technique. None of the risk factors significantly influenced the development of AVN and pseudoarthrosis. The greater tubercle comminution (p = 0.005), calcar loss (p = 0.020, p = 0.112), allograft augmentation (p < 0.001), and medial hinge restoration (p = 0.012, p = 0.002) were significant risk factors associated with HC and screw cut-out, respectively. The greater tubercle redislocation was influenced by its comminution, calcar loss, and the use of allograft augmentation. HFZ and DTI had no significant impact on surgery results or complications. Full article

Indoor bouldering is a popular and rapidly growing sport in which climbers fall repeatedly from walls up to 4–5 m high, making lower-limb injuries common. It is therefore essential to understand fall kinematics and impact conditions, yet fall kinematics remain poorly documented because laboratory motion capture is impractical in gyms. This study aimed to validate a markerless multi-camera pipeline (Pose2Sim) against a 2D video annotation tool (Kinovea) for displacement and velocity measurement, and against IMUs for peak acceleration. Ten teenage athletes (3 males, 7 females; 14–17 years) performed 40 falls recorded with five cameras (GoPro HERO12, USA, 2.7 K, 240 fps) and three IMUs (Blue Trident, Vicon, UK; ±200 g, 1600 Hz). Cut-off frequencies were set using Yu’s method (13 Hz for video, 39 Hz for IMUs). Pose2Sim’s results closely matched those of Kinovea for fall height and peak velocity with non-significant differences but underestimated peak acceleration. At the forehead, no significant difference was found, likely due to smaller accelerations at the head. Markerless video analysis is appropriate for studying fall kinematics and typology in indoor bouldering. IMUs remain necessary to quantify impact intensity, and future work should explore the combination of both IMUs and video to overcome this limitation. Full article

Background/Objectives: To construct and compare multivariable prediction models for the early prediction of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates, using ultrasound biometry and maternal characteristics. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from singleton pregnancies that underwent routine ultrasound examinations at 30⁺⁰–34⁺⁰ weeks of gestation. Ultrasound parameters included fetal abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC), femur length (FL), HC-to-AC ratio, mean uterine artery pulsatility index (mUtA-PI), and presence of polyhydramnios. LGA neonates were defined as those having a birthweight > 90th percentile. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between ultrasound markers and LGA after adjusting for the following maternal and pregnancy-related covariates: maternal age, body mass index, parity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre-existing diabetes, previous cesarean section (PCS), assisted reproductive technology (ART) use, smoking, hypothyroidism, and chronic hypertension. Associations were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Three prognostic models were developed utilizing the following predictors: (i) biometric ultrasound measurements including AC, HC-to-AC ratio, FL, UtA-PI, and polyhydramnios (Model 1), (ii) a combination of biometric ultrasound measurements and clinical–maternal data (Model 2), and (iii) only the estimated fetal weight (EFW) (Model 3). Results: In total, 3808 singleton pregnancies were included in the analyses. The multivariable analysis revealed that AC (aOR 1.07, 95% CI [1.06, 1.08]), HC to AC (aOR 1.01, 95% CI [1.006, 1.01]), FL (aOR 1.01, 95% CI [1.009, 1.01]), and the presence of polyhydramnios (aOR 4.97, 95% CI [0.7, 58.8]) were associated with an increased risk of LGA, while a higher mUtA-PI was associated with a reduced risk (aOR 0.98, 95% CI [0.98, 0.99]). Maternal parameters, such as GDM, pre-existing diabetes, elevated pre-pregnancy BMI, absence of uterine artery notching, mUtA-PI, and multiparity, were significantly higher in the LGA group. Both models 1 and 2 showed similar performance (AUCs: 84.7% and 85.3%, respectively) and outperformed model 3 (AUC: 77.5%). Bootstrap and temporal validation indicated minimal overfitting and stable model performance, while decision curve analysis supported potential clinical utility. Conclusions: Models using biometric and Doppler ultrasound at 30–34 weeks demonstrated good discriminative ability for predicting LGA neonates, with an AUC up to 84.7%. Adding maternal characteristics did not significantly improve performance, while the biometric model performed better than EFW alone. Sensitivity at conventional thresholds was low but increased substantially when lower probability cut-offs were applied, illustrating the model’s threshold-dependent flexibility for early risk stratification in different clinical screening needs. Although decision curve analysis was performed to explore potential clinical utility, external validation and prospective assessment in clinical settings are still needed to confirm generalizability and to determine optimal decision thresholds for clinical application. Full article

Crawler-type combine harvesters feature labor-intensive operation, tough steering and complex environments in paddy fields, necessitating reliable automatic operation to ensure efficient and complete harvesting. An error threshold-based autonomous navigation system for crawler-type combine harvesters was developed by using right-angle turning according to unilateral brake steering. Based on the chassis structure and working principles, a moving control system was designed to achieve automatic control of steering, speed and throttle. A global path planning method was proposed to generate a spiral path by giving reference points and operation directions. A path tracking method based on the error threshold was developed to calculate both lateral and heading errors in real-time, and we executed the adjustment strategy to ensure rapid alignment and high-precision tracking. A right-angle turning method was implemented to prevent missed cutting and crop damage by giving an adjustment distance. Field tests showed that the maximum lateral and heading errors for straight-line path tracking were 10.25 cm and 1.94°, respectively. The maximum lateral and heading errors for right-angle turning were 17.64 cm and −14.46°, respectively. It was concluded that the newly developed autonomous navigation system showed adequate path tracking accuracy and stability, meeting working requirements in crop harvesting. Full article

Machining nickel-based superalloys, such as Inconel 718, poses a significant technological challenge due to their high-temperature strength and low thermal conductivity, leading to rapid tool wear. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of two roughing strategies: high-feed milling and plunge milling, utilizing a unique custom-designed milling head. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of tool material reinforcement on the process by comparing SiC whisker-reinforced ceramic inserts (CW100) with non-reinforced inserts (CS300). The experiment involved measuring cutting force components, power consumption, and analyzing tool wear progression (VBB) and mechanisms. Results showed that the presence of the reinforcing phase is critical for reducing the axial force component (Fz), particularly in plunge milling, where CW100 inserts achieved a 30–35% force reduction and avoided the catastrophic failure observed in non-reinforced ceramics. Microscopic analysis confirmed that composite inserts undergo predictable abrasive wear, whereas CS300 inserts are prone to brittle fracture and spalling. Multi-criteria optimization using Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) identified high-feed milling with reinforced inserts as the most efficient strategy, while also positioning plunge milling with composites as a competitive, less energy-intensive alternative. Full article

Inter-basin water transfer projects are core infrastructure for achieving sustainable water resource allocation and addressing regional water scarcity, and pumping station units, as their critical energy-consuming and operation-controlling components, are vital to the projects’ sustainable performance. With the growing complexity and scale of these projects, pumping station units have become more intricate, leading to a gradual rise in failure rates. However, existing fault diagnosis methods are relatively backward, failing to promptly detect potential faults—this not only threatens operational safety but also undermines sustainable development goals: equipment failures cause excessive energy consumption (violating energy efficiency requirements for sustainability), unplanned downtime disrupts stable water supply (impairing reliable water resource access), and even leads to water waste or environmental risks. To address this sustainability-oriented challenge, this paper focuses on the fault characteristics of pumping station units and proposes a comprehensive and accurate fault diagnosis model, aiming to enhance the sustainability of water transfer projects through technical optimization. The model utilizes advanced algorithms and data processing technologies to accurately identify fault types, thereby laying a technical foundation for the low-energy, reliable, and sustainable operation of pumping stations. Firstly, continuous wavelet transform (CWT) converts one-dimensional time-domain signals into two-dimensional time-frequency graphs, visually displaying dynamic signal characteristics to capture early fault features that may cause energy waste. Next, the multi-head attention mechanism (MHA) segments the time-frequency graphs and correlates feature-location information via independent self-attention layers, accurately capturing the temporal correlation of fault evolution—this enables early fault warning to avoid prolonged inefficient operation and energy loss. Finally, the improved convolutional neural network (CNN) layer integrates feature information and temporal correlation, outputting predefined fault probabilities for accurate fault determination. Experimental results show the model effectively solves the difficulty of feature extraction in pumping station fault diagnosis, considers fault evolution timeliness, and significantly improves prediction accuracy and anti-noise performance. Comparative experiments with three existing methods verify its superiority. Critically, this model strengthens sustainability in three key ways: (1) early fault detection reduces unplanned downtime, ensuring stable water supply (a core sustainable water resource goal); (2) accurate fault localization cuts unnecessary maintenance energy consumption, aligning with energy-saving requirements; (3) reduced equipment failure risks minimize water waste and environmental impacts. Thus, it not only provides a new method for pumping station fault diagnosis but also offers technical support for the sustainable operation of water conservancy infrastructure, contributing to global sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to water and energy. Full article

The mining industry places high priority on occupational safety, process quality and operational efficiency. Roadheaders are widely deployed in coal mines to support fully automated excavation, reducing workers’ physical strain and improving overall safety. This article examines an automatic control system for a roadheader cutting head designed to increase mining efficiency, reduce energy consumption and maintain stable performance under varying coal and rock conditions. The system integrates advanced control algorithms with geological strength index (GSI) analysis and asynchronous motor control strategies. GSI-based adaptive speed control conserves energy and increases cutting efficiency compared to manual control. By reducing dynamic load fluctuations, transitions between different cutting zones become smoother, which decreases equipment wear. The proposed control system incorporates speed feedback loops that use a proportional–integral (PI) controller with field-oriented control (FOC), as well as super-twisted sliding mode control (STSMC) with FOC. FOC with STSMC improves roadheader productivity by applying advanced control strategies, adaptive speed regulation and precise geological strength analysis. It is also better able to handle disturbances and sudden loads thanks to STSMC’s nonlinear control robustness. The result is safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective mining that can be implemented across a wide range of underground mining scenarios. Full article

Along with the rapid advancement of Virtual Reality (VR) and the metaverse, interest in this technology has surged among game developers and in fields such as education and healthcare. VR has enabled the rise in immersive, gamified activities, whether for rehabilitation, therapy, or learning. Additionally, VR and Motion Capture (MoCap) have allowed developers to create further accessibility features for end-users with special needs. However, the excitement of using new technology often does not align with the end user’s use cases. The over-reliance on cutting-edge hardware can negatively impact most end users who lack access to such expensive tools. To this end, we conducted an inclusivity-focused study that enables learners to practice ASL in an immersive and engaging way using only head- and controller-based tracking. Our approach replaces full-body MoCap with Inverse Kinematics (IK) and simple controller mappings for upper-body pose and hand-gesture recognition, providing a low-cost, reproducible alternative to costly setups. Full article

Multi-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Multi-UAV) cooperative search represents a cutting-edge research direction in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle applications. The use of multi-UAV systems for low-altitude target search and area surveillance has become an effective means of enhancing security capabilities. In practical scenarios, UAVs rely on onboard sensors to acquire environmental information; however, due to the limited perceptual range of these sensors, their observation capabilities are inherently local and constrained. This paper investigates the problem of multi-UAV cooperative search in partially observable low-altitude environments, where each UAV possesses a circular sensing range with a finite radius. Target location information is only obtained when a target enters the field of view of any UAV. The objective is to achieve cooperative search and sustain continuous surveillance while ensuring safety among UAVs and with the environment. To address this challenge, we propose a novel multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) algorithm named Normalizing Graph Attention Soft Actor-Critic (NGASAC). This algorithm integrates a normalizing flow (NL) layer and a multi-head graph attention network (MHGAT). The normalizing flow technique maps traditional Gaussian sampling to a more complex action distribution, thereby enhancing the expressiveness and flexibility of the policy. Simultaneously, by constructing a multi-head graph attention network that captures “obstacle–target” relationships, the algorithm improves the UAVs’ ability to learn and reason about complex spatial topologies, leading to significantly better performance in cooperative search and stable surveillance of hidden targets. Simulation results demonstrate that the NGASAC algorithm markedly outperforms baseline methods such as Multi-Agent Soft Actor-Critic (MASAC), Multi-Agent Proximal Policy Optimization (MAPPO), and Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) across multiple evaluation metrics, including success rate, task time, and obstacle avoidance capability. Furthermore, it exhibits strong generalization performance and robustness. Full article

Pumped storage power stations provide essential benefits to power grids by cutting peak loads, filling valleys, and boosting renewable energy integration rates. They serve as the foundation for developing a new power system based on renewable energy. Pump turbines are currently evolving to provide higher heads, larger capacities, and higher rotating speeds. The performance and dependability of its basic components have a direct impact on the safety and stability of unit operation. Based on this, this research looks into the modal characteristics and structural aspects of essential stationary components, such as the pump-turbine head cover. By comparing the mechanical performance of two different structural designs (Design A and Design B), Design B features an overall thickness 1.5 times that of Design A and incorporates an upper flange structure. Its design aims to enhance the component’s resistance to bending and deformation, optimize stress distribution while reducing peak stress values, and improve modal characteristics. This approach elevates the overall structural performance of the fixed components to accommodate the complex operating conditions of ultra-high-head pumped storage units. It was discovered that Design B had greater bending and deformation resistance than Design A, as well as better stress distribution and lower maximum stress values. This study further indicates that variations in structural design lead to significant differences in modal characteristics and overall structural performance. In particular, the thicknesses of the head cover’s main body and stiffening ribs are critical parameters that govern the modal behavior and structural properties of stationary components. These insights provide critical technical guidance for optimizing the design of stationary parts, such as the head cover, in pumped storage power plant units. Full article

Background and Objectives: Intertrochanteric femur fractures are very common, especially in the elderly population, and cause serious morbidity and mortality. Today, the most commonly used implants in the treatment of these fractures are proximal femoral nails (PFNs). This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiological results of patients who underwent surgical treatment with a proximal femoral nail (PFN) for intertrochanteric femur fractures and later required revision surgery for various reasons. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent surgical treatment PFN due to intertrochanteric femur fractures between 2022 and 2025 were included in the study, and the patients were divided into revision and non-revision groups. Demographic information, postoperative radiological measurements, complications, and reasons for revision surgery were noted, and risk factors leading to revision were determined using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 207 patients, 97 revision (46.9%) and 110 non-revision (53.1%), were included in this study. Cut-out was identified as the most common revision cause (n = 52, 53.6%), followed by loss of reduction (n = 15, 15.5%), implant failure (n = 14, 14.4%), nonunion (n = 6, 6.2%), infection (n = 4, 4.1%), cut-through (n = 3, 3.1%), and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (n = 3, 3.1%). When bivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for revision, it was observed that female gender (p = 0.004), presence of posteromedial comminution (p < 0.001), operation under spinal anesthesia (p = 0.023), surgery in supine position (p < 0.001), using closed reduction techniques (p < 0.001), presence of infection (p = 0.004), and higher Charlson comorbidity index values (p < 0.001) increased the risk of revision. Additionally, positive and neutral medial cortex support (p < 0.001) decreased the risk of revision. Multivariate analysis was also applied to the parameters found to be significant in bivariate analysis. As a result of this analysis, surgery in the supine position (p < 0.001), using closed reduction techniques (p < 0.001), and higher Charlson comorbidity index values (p < 0.001) remained significant. Conclusions: Careful evaluation of the fracture morphology, ensuring optimal reduction, and considering the accompanying comorbidities of the patients in the surgical planning of unstable trochanteric fractures stand out as key elements in increasing surgical success. Full article