Search Results (1,145)

Time-sensitive networking (TSN), a cutting-edge technology enabling efficient real-time communication and control, provides strong support for traditional Ethernet in terms of real-time performance, reliability, and deterministic transmission. In TSN systems, although time-triggered (TT) flows enjoy deterministic delay guarantees, audio video bridging (AVB) and best effort (BE) traffic still share link bandwidth through statistical multiplexing, a process that remains nondeterministic. This competition in shared memory switches adversely affects data transmission performance. In this paper, a priority queue threshold control policy is proposed and analyzed for mixed-critical traffic in time-sensitive networks. The core of this policy is to set independent queues for different types of traffic in the shared memory queuing system. To prevent low-priority traffic from monopolizing the shared buffer, its entry into the queue is blocked when buffer usage exceeds a preset threshold. A two-dimensional Markov chain is introduced to accurately construct the system’s queuing model. Through detailed analysis of the queuing model, the truncated chain method is used to decompose the two-dimensional state space into solvable one-dimensional sub-problems, and the approximate solution of the system’s steady-state distribution is derived. Based on this, the blocking probability, average queue length, and average queuing delay of different priority queues are accurately calculated. Finally, according to the optimization goal of the overall blocking probability of the system, the optimal threshold value is determined to achieve better system performance. Numerical results show that this strategy can effectively allocate the shared buffer space in multi-priority traffic scenarios. Compared with the conventional schemes, the queue blocking probability is reduced by approximately 40% to 60%. Full article

Background/Objectives: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains one of the most devastating complications of arthroplasty, with early diagnosis crucial for successful management. The serum neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR) have been proposed as simple, inexpensive inflammatory biomarkers, but their diagnostic performance in PJI remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of serum NLR and MLR in detecting PJI. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up to April 2025. Twenty-nine eligible studies (n = 14,040 patients; 3418 with PJI, 10,622 without PJI) reporting diagnostic metrics for serum NLR or MLR were included. Extracted data comprised mean biomarker values, cut-off thresholds, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Non-parametric statistical tests and subgroup analyses were applied to examine performance across infection types and PJI definitions. Results: Both serum NLR and MLR were significantly elevated in PJI patients compared with aseptic cases (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Pooled diagnostic accuracy was moderate: mean AUC 0.719 for NLR and 0.700 for MLR. For NLR, mean sensitivity was 69.9% and specificity 69.8%, with an average cut-off of 2.88. For MLR, mean sensitivity was 68.2% and specificity 70.4%, with an average cut-off of 0.34. Subgroup analyses indicated superior diagnostic performance of NLR in acute infections and variability depending on the PJI definition employed (p = 0.037). Strong correlations were observed between standardized mean differences in biomarker levels and corresponding diagnostic accuracy, particularly for NLR (ρ = 0.802, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Serum NLR demonstrates slightly superior diagnostic accuracy over serum MLR in identifying PJI, especially in acute settings. Both markers are inexpensive and widely accessible but show only moderate discriminative capacity, supporting their role as adjunctive rather than standalone diagnostic tools. Further large-scale prospective studies with harmonized methodologies are needed to refine biomarker thresholds and integrate them into multimodal diagnostic algorithms. Full article

In the processes of deep hole drilling and boring, tool deflection and chatter are prevalent problems that significantly affect the quality and efficiency of deep hole part machining. This paper designs a Helical-Type Vibration-Damping and Deflection Correction Device for BTA (boring and trepanning association) deep hole drilling based on the principles of fluid dynamic pressure lubrication and squeeze film damping. By leveraging the flow field characteristics of cutting oil during machining, the device achieves vibration-damping, deflection correction, and enhanced support for the tool system throughout the drilling operation. Through theoretical analysis, this research examines the oil film pressure distribution and stability of the Designed Vibration-Damping and Deviation Correction Device. It also explores the influence patterns of factors such as cutting parameters, device structure, minimum film thickness, film thickness ratio, and length-to-diameter ratio on its vibration-damping, deviation correction, and stability performance. Taking a $\varphi 29.35$ deep hole as the research object, an experimental platform was designed and constructed to measure and verify the device’s vibration-damping and deviation correction effects under different operating conditions. Deep hole drilling tests were carried out on 10 conventional gun steel specimens ($\varphi 29.35$ × 3000 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}$). The results indicate that, when the minimum oil film gap of the Vibration-Damping and Deflection Correction Device is 0.08$\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}$, the axis deviation range is 0.27~0.45$\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}$, with a surface roughness of 0.589 to 0.677$\mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$. Compared to similar conditions without the device, these represent reductions of 55~73% and 47.07~53.95%, respectively. It allows for a reduction of over 10% in blank material allowance and an increase of 5–15% in tool feed rates. Full article

To address the limitation that single-index evaluation fails to fully reflect the development performance of reservoirs of different types and at various development stages, a multi-index comprehensive evaluation system featuring the workflow of “index screening–weight determination–model evaluation–strategy guidance” was established. Firstly, the grey correlation analysis method (with a correlation degree threshold set at 0.65) was employed to screen 12 key evaluation indicators, including reservoir physical properties (porosity, permeability) and development dynamics (recovery factor, water cut, well activation rate). Subsequently, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP, for subjective weighting, with the consistency ratio (CR) of expert judgments < 0.1) was coupled with the attribute measurement method (for objective weighting, with information entropy redundancy < 5%) to determine the indicator weights, thereby balancing the influences of subjective experience and objective data. Finally, two evaluation models, namely the fuzzy comprehensive decision-making method and the unascertained measurement method, were constructed to conduct evaluations on 308 reservoirs in the Liaohe Oilfield (covering five major categories: integral medium–high-permeability reservoirs, complex fault-block reservoirs, low-permeability reservoirs, special lithology reservoirs, and thermal recovery heavy oil reservoirs). The results indicate that there are 147 high-efficiency reservoirs categorized as Class I and Class II in total. Although these reservoirs account for 47.7% of the total number, they control 71% of the geological reserves (154,548 × 10⁴ t) and 78% of the annual oil production (738.2 × 10⁴ t) in the oilfield, with an average well activation rate of 65.4% and an average recovery factor of 28.9. Significant quantitative differences are observed in the development characteristics of different reservoir types: Integral medium–high-permeability reservoirs achieve an average recovery factor of 37.6% and an average well activation rate of 74.1% by virtue of their excellent physical properties (permeability mostly > 100 mD), with Block Jin 16 (recovery factor: 56.9%, well activation rate: 86.1%) serving as a typical example. Complex fault-block reservoirs exhibit optimal performance at the stage of “recovery degree > 70%, water cut ≥ 90%”, where 65.6% of the blocks are classified as Class I, and the recovery factor of blocks with a “good” rating (42.3%) is 1.8 times that of blocks with a “poor” rating (23.5%). For low-permeability reservoirs, blocks with a rating below medium grade account for 68% of the geological reserves (8403.2 × 10⁴ t), with an average well activation rate of 64.9%. Specifically, Block Le 208 (permeability < 10 mD) has an annual oil production of only 0.83 × 10⁴ t. Special lithology reservoirs show polarized development performance, as Block Shugu 1 (recovery factor: 32.0%) and Biantai Buried Hill (recovery factor: 20.4%) exhibit significantly different development effects due to variations in fracture–vug development. Among thermal recovery heavy oil reservoirs, ultra-heavy oil reservoirs (e.g., Block Du 84 Guantao, with a recovery factor of 63.1% and a well activation rate of 92%) are developed efficiently via steam flooding, while extra-heavy oil reservoirs (e.g., Block Leng 42, with a recovery factor of 19.6% and a well activation rate of 30%) are constrained by reservoir heterogeneity. This system refines the quantitative classification boundaries for four development levels of water-flooded reservoirs (e.g., for Class I reservoirs in the high water cut stage, the recovery factor is ≥35% and the water cut is ≥90%), as well as the evaluation criteria for different stages (steam huff and puff, steam flooding) of thermal recovery heavy oil reservoirs. It realizes the transition from traditional single-index qualitative evaluation to multi-index quantitative evaluation, and the consistency between the evaluation results and the on-site development adjustment plans reaches 88%, which provides a scientific basis for formulating development strategies for the Liaohe Oilfield and other similar oilfields. Full article

Meat juice leakage is a natural phenomenon, evident in culinary meat packaging, and is a key indicator of meat quality. This study aimed to evaluate the amount of meat juice leakage into the packaging during culinary pork, beef, and chicken storage in a refrigerated display case simulating retail conditions (2–4 °C, 12 days). The study included 1800 high-quality culinary meat samples, i.e., free of technological defects, packaged in vacuum (VAC) and modified atmosphere (MAP), with and without absorbent pads, obtained from meat processing plants. On the 12th day of storage, the leakage was determined in the meat portions using the gravimetric method, and pH and color (CIEL*a*b*) were measured using instrumental methods. It was found that the leakage level from culinary meat ranged from 2.10% for pork shoulder VAC to 10.70% for pork loin VAC, in slices, being influenced (p < 0.01) by each grouping factor: meat type, meat cut, and package type. Regardless of the packaging method, culinary chicken meat had a lower pH (p < 0.001) than pork and beef. The study also found significant negative correlations between pH and leakage in most culinary meat cuts, as shown by the results for ham VAC (r = −0.66), ham MAP (r = −0.59), and heel of round MAP (r = −0.50). Among meat color parameters, the most significant variability was observed for lightness (L*), whose mean value differed significantly depending on the type of meat (p < 0.001) and the meat cut (p < 0.001), and within the same culinary cut—except beef tenderloin and chicken breast fillet–also depending on the type of packaging (p < 0.05). Based on the results obtained in this study, covering a large number of culinary meat samples, it was suggested that recommended leakage levels, i.e., those that raise no concerns regarding meat quality, could range from 2% for shoulder and pork neck (both VAC) to just over 10% for tenderloin slices (packaged using the MAP and VAC methods). Our findings can be used by both meat producers and quality control authorities to monitor the quality of culinary meat, e.g., they may help determine maximum permissible leakage levels and design meat packaging methods to reduce leakage. Ultimately, these measures will enhance consumer confidence in meat production and quality. Additionally, the results systematize knowledge on meat leakage, providing valuable insights for scientists who support producers and retailers in their efforts to minimize this issue. Full article

Background/Objectives: Transferrin is a multi-task protein commonly known for binding iron; however, it is involved in multiple crucial processes, including antimicrobial activity, the growth of different cell types, differentiation, chemotaxis, the cell cycle, and cytoprotection. Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) is a cell surface glycoprotein which participates in inflammation and the trans-endothelial movement of leukocytes. Neither transferrin nor VCAM-1 has been studied in the context of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or corticobasal syndrome (CBS). This study aimed to evaluate the utility of transferrin and VCAM-1 assessment for the in vivo examination of tauopathic atypical Parkinsonian syndromes. Methods: This study included 10 patients with clinically probable PSP-RS, 10 with clinically probable PSP-P, and 8 with probable CBS. Patients’ blood and urine were collected and analyzed. Twenty-four serum samples (from twelve males and twelve females) were obtained from age-matched healthy volunteers. Peripheral blood inflammatory ratios, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, the neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio, the neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio, and the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio, were calculated. VCAM-1 and transferrin concentrations were measured in the serum and urine. The urinary biomarker results are not included in the main analysis due to the absence of a control group. Results: The highest concentrations of transferrin in the serum were observed in patients with PSP-P, followed by PSP-RS and CBS. Statistically significant differences were found between PSP-P and healthy controls (p < 0.0001) and PSP-RS and healthy controls (p < 0.0001). The highest levels of serum VCAM-1 were observed in the PSP-P group. Significant differences were found between PSP-P and healthy controls (p < 0.0001), PSP-P and CBS (p < 0.001), and PSP-RS and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum VCAM-1 levels were negatively correlated with the NLR in CBS patients (p < 0.03; r = −0.74). Serum transferrin levels were negatively correlated with the NHR in CBS patients (p < 0.04; r = −0.64). ROC curve analyses were conducted to evaluate the diagnostic utility of serum transferrin and VCAM-1 in distinguishing tauopathic APS patients from controls. Transferrin showed excellent diagnostic performance, with an AUC of 0.975 (95% CI: 0.888–0.999; p < 0.0001), a sensitivity of 96.4%, and a specificity of 95.8% at the optimal cut-off (>503.0). VCAM-1 demonstrated good accuracy, with an AUC of 0.839 (95% CI: 0.711–0.926; p < 0.0001), a sensitivity of 75.0%, and a specificity of 91.7% at the optimal cut-off (>463.9). Conclusions: The obtained results indicate the potential role of transferrin and VCAM-1 in the pathogenesis of tauopathic APSs and highlight the need for further exploration in this field. Full article

Background: Cephalomedullary nails are the standard treatment of trochanteric fractures, and some implants with a perforated blade allow augmentation with bone cement to increase mechanical stability. The study compares the results of PFNA and TFNA implants (DePuy Synthes) with or without cement augmentation of the blade. Methods: A retrospective study evaluated 219 trochanteric fractures. The study included 59 men (27%) and 160 women (73%), with a mean patient age of 82 years. The most common fractures were type 31A2 (56%), followed by type 31A1 (25%) and type 31A3 (19%). The monitored parameters were evaluated from anteroposterior and axial images of the proximal femur and pelvis. TAD, blade position, lateral blade prominence, fracture varus, and cut-out were evaluated. Results: Cement-augmented blade implants (CABs) in 68 patients (31%) and cement-free implants (NCABs) in 151 patients (69%) were used. The average age difference between the groups was 7 years (CAB 86.07 ± 5.85 and NCAB 79.13 ± 8.48). CABs were used more frequently in women (60 cases) than in men (8 cases). Blade position was optimal in 68% of cases and suboptimal in 32%. The risk of varus deformities was not statistically significantly affected by the blade position. The statistical significance of CABs for reducing the risk of varus deformities in stable fractures (p = 0.396) or unstable fractures (p = 0.101) was not confirmed. The average varus angulation during treatment was 2.57° (CAB 2.53° and NCAB 2.67°). A varus deformity greater than 10° was confirmed in 8 eight patients (3.7%) and cut-out in three patients (1.4%). All patients with cut-out were in the NCAB group. Cement leakage occurred in two cases and was asymptomatic. One case of deep infection, lateral blade prominence, and avascular necrosis (AVN) were recorded. Conclusions: Cement augmentation of the blade did not significantly reduce varus deformity in this cohort, regardless of blade position of fracture stability. CABs may prevent cut-out in specific subgroups, but this requires further investigation. Full article

Tourism is a strategic sector for the Peruvian economy, yet it also generates negative environmental impacts, highlighting the need to foster pro-environmental behaviors. In this context, travel and tourism agencies, as intermediaries between supply and demand, play a key role in promoting sustainable practices, particularly through social media platforms. This study aimed to analyze the extent to which travel and tourism agencies in Peru promote pro-environmental behaviors in their digital publications. A quantitative approach was used, employing an observation guide to analyze social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok from a random sample of 369 agencies registered with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism between March and May 2025. The results show that although most agencies maintain an active presence on social media, primarily on Facebook and Instagram, the frequency of pro-environmental publications is low. Inferential analysis revealed no statistically significant differences among agency types, although retail agencies showed a lower probability of reaching higher levels of commitment compared to tour operators. These findings underscore the need to integrate sustainability as a cross-cutting axis in the digital strategies of the tourism sector. Full article

The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been used as a marker of inflammation, endothelial damage, and a predictor of mortality. Expanded hemodialysis (HDx) using medium cut-off dialyzer (MCO) can effectively clear medium-sized uremic toxins. This study evaluated the effect of the Theranova dialyzer, a type of MCO dialyzer, on PLR and uremia-related inflammatory markers. A total of 44 patients with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) using high-flux dialyzer were randomly allocated to the Theranova or high-flux group. PLR and inflammatory markers including fibroblast growth factor 23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 were evaluated every 4 weeks. The changes in PLR and the reduction ratio of inflammatory markers were compared between two groups during the 12-week study period. The baseline characteristics and PLR were not different between groups. After 12 weeks, the levels of PLR, and TNF-α were significantly lower in the Theranova group compared to the high-flux group (all p < 0.05). The generalized estimating equation model also revealed a significant decrease in PLR over time in the Theranova group than in the high-flux group (p = 0.04). The fold change in 12-week PLR to baseline PLR was lower in the Theranova group than in the high-flux group (p = 0.03). In the multivariable linear regression analysis, the Theranova dialyzer showed a negative correlation with the PLR fold change (β = −0.32, p = 0.04). Our results showed that HDx using the Theranova dialyzer improves PLR over time compared to the high-flux HD. The superior removal of the inflammatory uremic toxins by the Theranova dialyzer may have reduced inflammation and inflammation-related complications in HD patients. Full article

Background: Latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are clinically relevant because they lower local pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), can perturb motor control, and may sustain shoulder symptoms even when overt pain is absent. However, even if previous studies assessed stiffness and mechanosensitivity differences between MTrPs and asymptomatic regions, objective patient-level cut-offs and diagnostic-accuracy metrics to distinguish latent MTrPs from adjacent asymptomatic tissue are lacking. Objective: To quantify the diagnostic accuracy of pressure algometry (PPT) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) for distinguishing latent MTrPs from adjacent asymptomatic tissue. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted including 76 volunteers with ≥1 latent infraspinatus MTrP (assessed by following the current Delphi consensus criteria). The most sensitive latent MTrP and a control site 2 cm cranial was measured on the dominant side infraspinatus muscle in each participant. PPT and SWE were acquired with a standardized protocol (long-axis imaging, anisotropy control, minimal probe pressure; three captures per site; 1 cm rectangular ROI; operator blinded to site type). ROC analyses estimated areas under the curve (AUCs), Youden-optimal cut-offs, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LR+/−). Results: Latent MTrPs showed lower PPTs than controls (p < 0.001) and higher stiffness (shear modulus: p = 0.009; shear-wave speed: p = 0.022). PPT yielded AUC = 0.704 with an optimal cut-off of 47.5 N (sensitivity 0.75; specificity 0.592; LR+ 1.84; LR− 0.42), outperforming SWE metrics (shear modulus AUC 0.611; cut-off 23.6 kPa; sensitivity 0.632; specificity 0.605; LR+ 1.60; LR− 0.61; shear-wave speed AUC 0.601; cut-off 2.55 m/s; sensitivity 0.592; specificity 0.632; LR+ 1.61; LR− 0.65). Conclusions: In the infraspinatus, PPT provides moderate discrimination between latent MTrPs and adjacent asymptomatic tissue, whereas resting SWE—despite small mean differences—exhibited lower accuracy. These findings support mechanosensitivity as a primary measurable signal and position SWE as an adjunct. External validation across devices and operators, and multivariable models integrating sensory, imaging, and clinical features, are warranted. Full article

This study systematically compares thermal power direct carbon emission data quality control systems in China, the EU, and the U.S., quantifying differences and proposing optimization strategies. Core results: (1) Regulatory frameworks: The EU’s “Directive-Regulation-Standard” system controls data uncertainty ≤ ±3%; the U.S. “Clean Air Act+40 CFR Parts 75/98” framework achieves Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) median accuracy ~2% but has regional gaps; China’s 2024 legalization of CEMS data leaves a 32% eastern–western installation gap (~90% vs.~58%). (2) Technical paths: The EU mandates CEMS for units > 20 MW (65% ultrasonic flowmeters); the U.S. uses CEMS for coal-fired (error ≤ 1%) and accounting for gas-fired units; China’s 70% S-type Pitot tubes have 17% error in complex flow fields, while pilot multi-channel ultrasonic flowmeters reach ±1.5%. (3) Mechanisms: The EU’s QAL1-QAL3+AST cuts uncertainty by 40–60%; the U.S. NIST calibration limits cross-plant deviation ≤ 1.5%; China’s big data boosts anomaly identification by 72% but lacks full-process control. (4) China-specific proposals: Mandate CEMS for units > 300 MW, build 3–5 national flue gas platforms by 2026, and offer 60% western equipment subsidies, supporting carbon data quality improvement and international mutual recognition. Full article

This study systematically investigates the influence of laser pulse duration on cutting efficiency, heat-affected-zone (HAZ) formation, and mechanical integrity during carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laser cutting. Three distinct pulse-width lasers—picosecond, nanosecond, and quasi-continuous-wave (QCW)—are compared. Results show that pulse duration governs material removal mechanisms and HAZ extent: the nanosecond laser achieves the smallest HAZ and minimal porosity; the picosecond laser exhibits limited thermal accumulation due to low average power; and the QCW laser induces the largest HAZ (11.6 times that of the nanosecond laser) and significant porosity. Cutting efficiency scales inversely with pulse width, with single-hole processing times of 480.4 s for picosecond-laser cutting, 76.8 s for nanosecond-laser cutting, and 4.028 s for QCW-laser cutting, reflecting a transition from thermal ablation to mechanical spallation. Mechanical testing reveals that while tensile and flexural strengths vary by less than 5% across laser types, damage morphology and failure modes differ significantly. In situ digital image correlation (DIC) and 3D CT imaging show that longitudinal plies fail via fiber pull-out, whereas transverse plies fail via interfacial debonding. QCW-laser-cut specimens exhibit more uniform strain distribution and higher damage tolerance. An optimized process parameter is proposed: nanosecond-laser cutting at 200 W and 20 kHz achieves a HAZ of less than 50 µm and a cutting time of less than 80 s, offering the best balance between efficiency and quality. Full article

The apparel industry is changing dynamically and quickly to manufacturing sustainable fashion products and the development of sustainable design strategies that minimize material consumption at the source. This study addresses a critical research gap by quantitatively evaluating the impact of fusing traditional South Asian garment construction (the kameez) with varied, Western-inspired sleeve geometries on key manufacturing metrics. Thirty-three distinct women’s garment styles, comprising three kameez types (simple, princess-cut, open-front) each paired with eleven different sleeve designs, were developed in the apparel industry to study the effect of fabric efficiency, wastage, and cost-effectiveness. The virtual patterns and markers were drafted and accomplished through Garment Gerber Technology (GGT) software to analyze fabric consumption, fabric efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The results revealed that paneled kameez styles, such as the princess-cut and open-front, are significantly more material-efficient, achieving average fabric efficiencies of up to 83.95%, compared to the monolithic simple kameez, which averaged only 75.68%. Among sleeve types, multi-constructions like the slit sleeve and cuff sleeve proved most efficient (achieving up to 86.91% efficiency), while voluminous, single-piece designs like the umbrella sleeve consumed the most fabric and were the least efficient. Open-front kameez slit sleeves (OFSL3), simple kameez slit sleeves (SSL3), and princess-cut kameez slit sleeves (PCSL3), were better and more sustainable selections since they were most efficient in fabric efficiency (i.e., 86.91%, 86.17%, and 86.09%). Furthermore, the simple kameez style has the highest fabric wastage (above 22%), while the princess kameez style has the least (below 19%). The simple kameez slit sleeves design (SSL3) has the minimum wastage, while the simple kameez umbrella sleeves design (SSL4) has the maximum wastage. From a cost perspective, the open-front kameez slit sleeve (OFSL1) was identified as the most economical design, whereas the simple kameez with an umbrella sleeve (SSL4) was the most expensive. Statistical analysis confirmed that the differences between kameez styles were significant (p < 0.05). Thus, adoption of specific, sustainable, deliberate design choices and incorporating paneling into the garment body and utilizing multi-piece sleeve constructions offer a quantifiable and strategic approach for manufacturers to reduce material waste, optimize fabric utilization, and improve production cost-effectiveness. Full article

With the increasing integration of mobile technologies into manufacturing automation environments, the effective visualisation of data on small-screen devices has emerged as an important consideration. This study investigates the usability and readability of common visualisation types (bar charts, line charts, and tables) on mobile devices, comparing different interface designs and interaction methods. Using a within-subject experimental design with 11 participants, we evaluated two primary approaches for handling large visualisations on mobile screens: segmented (cutting) displays versus continuous (dragging) displays. Results indicate that segmented displays generally improve task completion time and reduce mental workload for bar charts and tables. In contrast, line charts exhibit more complex patterns that depend on the size of the data. These findings provide practical guidelines for designing responsive data visualisations optimised for mobile interfaces. Full article

Making effective decisions about scaling up on-farm irrigation practices to the district level requires a comprehensive assessment of irrigation management at the farm level. In this context, a bucket-type water mass balance model was developed, calibrated, and validated over five irrigation seasons on a 121-hectare rice farm located in the lower Ter River valley (north-east Spain), to assess the water use efficiency and the impact of different irrigation practices on water savings. The model was implemented considering the spatial variability of the soils within the farm. It showed a satisfactory performance in both the calibration (2020, 2021, 2022) and validation (2023, 2024) cropping seasons, with NSE values greater than 0.50, PBIAS lower than ±20%, and RSR lower than 0.70. After model validation, the simulation of alternative water management practices revealed that the 10-day fixed-turn irrigation reduced irrigation water use by 30% compared to the traditional water management, although it may negatively impact rice yield. Simulations of an early irrigation cut-off at the end of the season and dry seeding with delayed flooding accounted for 17% and 15% irrigation water savings, respectively. The implementation of the no-runoff practice only accounted for a 6% reduction in water use. The water-saving potential of the simulated strategies was mainly driven by shortening the flooded period of rice paddies, thus demonstrating that managing the ponding water level is critical to diminishing water use in rice irrigation. Full article