Search Results (155)

We present a model that integrates the mapping of the phenology and climatic suitability for the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), to provide guidance on when and where to conduct surveillance and management of this highly invasive pest. The model was designed for use in the Degree-Day, Establishment Risk, and Phenological Event Maps (DDRP) platform, which is an open-source decision support tool to help to detect, monitor, and manage invasive threats. We validated the model using presence records and phenological observations derived from monitoring studies and the iNaturalist database. The model performed well, with more than >99.9% of the presence records included in the potential distribution for North America, a large proportion of the iNaturalist observations correctly predicted, and a low error rate for dates of the first appearance of adults. Cold and heat stresses were insufficient to exclude the SLF from most areas of the conterminous United States (CONUS), but an inability for the pest to complete its life cycle in cold areas may hinder establishment. The appearance of adults occurred several months earlier in warmer regions of North America and Europe, which suggests that host plants in these areas may experience stronger feeding pressure. The near-real-time forecasts produced by the model are available at USPest.org and the USA National Phenology Network to support decision making for the CONUS. Forecasts of egg hatch and the appearance of adults are particularly relevant for surveillance to prevent new establishments and for managing existing populations. Full article

This paper presents a symmetry-driven broadband circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna with bandpass filtering response, where the principle of symmetry is strategically employed to enhance both radiation and filtering performance. The antenna’s circular polarization is achieved through a symmetrical arrangement of two orthogonally placed metallic ME dipoles combined with a phase delay line, creating balanced current distributions for optimal CP characteristics. The design further incorporates symmetrical parasitic elements—a pair of identical inverted L-shaped metallic structures placed perpendicular to the ground plane at −45° relative to the ME dipoles—which introduce an additional CP resonance through their mirror-symmetric configuration, thereby significantly broadening the axial ratio bandwidth. The filtering functionality is realized through a combination of symmetrical modifications: grid slots etched in the metallic ground plane and an open-circuited stub loaded on the microstrip feed line work in tandem to create two radiation nulls in the upper stopband, while the inherent symmetrical properties of the ME dipoles naturally produce a radiation null in the lower stopband. This comprehensive symmetry-based approach results in a well-balanced bandpass filtering response across a wide operating bandwidth. Experimental validation through prototype measurement confirms the effectiveness of the symmetric design with compact dimensions of 0.96${\lambda }_0$ × 0.55${\lambda }_0$ × 0.17${\lambda }_0$ (${\lambda }_0$ is the wavelength at the lowest operating frequency), demonstrating an impedance bandwidth of 66.4% (2.87–5.05 GHz), an AR bandwidth of 31.9% (3.32–4.58 GHz), an average passband gain of 5.5 dBi, and out-of-band suppression levels of 11.5 dB and 26.8 dB at the lower and upper stopbands, respectively, along with good filtering performance characterized by a gain-suppression index (GSI) of 0.93 and radiation skirt index (RSI) of 0.58. The proposed antenna is suitable for satellite communication terminals requiring wide AR bandwidth and strong interference rejection in L/S-bands. Full article

It is projected that the world population will quadruple over the next century, and to meet future food demands, agricultural production will need to increase by 70%. Therefore, there has been a transition from traditional farming methods to autonomous modern agriculture. One such modern technique is aeroponic farming, in which plants are grown without soil under controlled and hygienic conditions. In aeroponic farming, plants are significantly less affected by climatic conditions, infectious diseases, and biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pest infestations. Additionally, this method can reduce water, nutrient, and pesticide usage by 98%, 60%, and 100%, respectively, while increasing the yield by 45–75% compared to traditional farming. In this study, a three-dimensional industrial design of an innovative aeroponic plant growth chamber was presented for use by individuals, researchers, and professional growers. The proposed chamber design is modular and open to further innovation. Unlike existing chambers, it includes load cells that enable real-time monitoring of the fresh weight of the plant. Furthermore, cameras were integrated into the chamber to track plant growth and changes over time and weight. Additionally, RGB power LEDs were placed on the inner ceiling of the chamber to provide an optimal lighting intensity and spectrum based on the cultivated plant species. A customizable chamber design was introduced, allowing users to determine the growing tray and nutrient nozzles according to the type and quantity of plants. Finally, system models were developed for temperature control of the chamber. Temperature control was implemented using a proportional-integral-derivative controller optimized with particle swarm optimization, radial movement optimization, differential evolution, and mayfly optimization algorithms for the gain parameters. The simulation results indicate that the temperatures of the growing and feeding chambers in the cabinet reached a steady state within 260 s, with an offset error of no more than 0.5 °C. This result demonstrates the accuracy of the derived model and the effectiveness of the optimized controllers. Full article

The automatic feeding device is crucial in grassland livestock farming, enhancing feeding efficiency, ensuring regular and accurate feed delivery, minimizing waste, and reducing costs. The shape and size of pellet feed render it particularly suitable for the delivery mechanism of automated feeding troughs. The uniformity of pellet flow is a critical factor in the study of automatic feeding troughs, and optimizing the movement characteristics of the pellets contributes to enhanced operational efficiency of the equipment. However, existing research often lacks a systematic analysis of the pellet size characteristics (such as diameter and length) and flow behavior differences in pellet feed, which limits the practical application of feed troughs. This study optimized the angle of repose and structural parameters of the feeding trough using Matlab simulations and discrete element modeling. It explored how the stock bin slope and baffle opening height influence pellet feed flow characteristics. A programmable logic controller (PLC) and human–machine interface (HMI) were used for precise timing and quantitative feeding, validating the design’s practicality. The results indicated that the Matlab method could calibrate the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) model’s surface energy. The optimal slope was found to be 63°, with optimal baffle heights of 28 mm for fine and medium pellets and 30 mm for coarse pellets. The experimental metrics showed relative errors of 3.5%, 2.8%, and 4.2% (for average feed rate) and 8.2%, 7.3%, and 1.2% (for flow time). The automatic feeding trough showed a feeding error of 0.3% with PLC-HMI. This study’s optimization of the automatic feeding trough offers a strong foundation and guidance for efficient, accurate pellet feed distribution. Full article

Background: Children with food allergies can present with paediatric feeding disorder (PFD). However, access to coordinated multidisciplinary services to support these children in Australia is inconsistent. To date, the availability of services or the perceived care needs of Australian health professionals working with this population have not been formally explored. Methods: A web-based survey was distributed to health professionals in Australia. Quantitative demographic data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis. Results: The final sample comprised 98 responses, with speech pathologists representing the largest professional group (n = 39; 40%). A majority (59%) worked in hospital-based services. Open-ended responses were coded utilising content analysis. Three categories were developed including (1) service delivery, (2) intervention, and (3) resources. Services were commonly impacted by long wait times, limited staff training, and inconsistencies between hospital and community care. Additionally, mental health support was frequently reported as insufficient. Conclusions: The findings from this study underscore the need for integrated services for children with food allergies and paediatric feeding disorder. Recommended areas for future research include exploring caregiver perspectives and the impact of food allergies and paediatric feeding disorder, and consideration of co-designed studies to inform service improvement initiatives. Full article

This paper presents a novel, four-port, rectangular microstrip, inset-feed multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array, enhanced with metamaterials for improved gain and isolation, specifically designed for multi-operator 5G open radio access network (ORAN)-based indoor software-defined radio (SDR) applications. ORAN is an open-source interoperable framework for radio access networks (RANs), while SDR refers to a radio communication system where functions are implemented via software on a programmable platform. A 3 × 3 metamaterial (MTM) superstrate is placed above the MIMO antenna array to improve gain and reduce the mutual coupling of MIMO. The proposed MIMO antenna operates over a 300 MHz bandwidth (3.5–3.8 GHz), enabling shared infrastructure for multiple operators. The antenna’s dimensions are 75 × 75 × 18.2 mm³. The antenna possesses a reduced mutual coupling less than −30 dB and a 3.5 dB enhancement in gain with the help of a novel 3 × 3 MTM superstrate 15 mm above the radiating MIMO elements. A performance evaluation based on simulated results and lab measurements demonstrates the promising value of key MIMO metrics such as a low envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) < 0.002, diversity gain (DG) ~10 dB, total active reflection coefficient (TARC) < −10 dB, and channel capacity loss (CCL) < 0.2 bits/sec/Hz. Real-world testing of the proposed antenna for ORAN-based sub-6 GHz indoor wireless systems demonstrates a downlink throughput of approximately 200 Mbps, uplink throughput of 80 Mbps, and transmission delays below 80 ms. Additionally, a walk test in an indoor environment with a corresponding floor plan and reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements indicates that most of the coverage area achieves RSRP values exceeding −75 dBm, confirming its suitability for indoor applications. Full article

Dairy farm profitability in the European Union has become increasingly volatile following market deregulation, complicating farm operations and undermining food security amid geopolitical tensions. To address the need for a streamlined analytical tool, this study develops a simulation model of milk production profitability tailored to small, open economies, using Poland as a case study. The model defines a profitability coefficient as the ratio of sector-level milk revenues to feed costs and decomposes it into three dynamic components: production efficiency (milk yield per feed unit), the price spread between milk and feed, and the net effect of policy interventions on revenues and costs. Exogenous variables (milk prices, feed prices, and policy support indices) are projected under baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios, while endogenous variables (profitability, herd size, and yield) evolve recursively based on estimated lags reflecting biological and economic responses. Simulation results for 2023–2027 indicate that profitability trajectories hinge primarily on price spreads, with policy measures playing a stabilizing but secondary role. Optimistic scenarios yield significant increases in profitability, whereas pessimistic assumptions lead to significant declines. These findings highlight the need to balance key market drivers—such as the relationship between milk prices and feed costs—with appropriately designed support instruments for milk producers. The model provides policymakers with a tool to adjust interventions so that support instruments are effective but do not lead to excessive reliance on public assistance. Full article

Homeopathy is widely used as a complementary therapy, but its effects on the behavior of production animals remain underexplored. This study evaluated the influence of a homeopathic complex on the behavior of castrated male and female piglets in the nursery phase. The experiment lasted 35 days and involved 105 animals. Piglets were allotted to five treatments in a completely randomized block design with seven replicates using three piglets per experimental unit. Tested treatments were: negative control—basal diet without additives; basal diets with 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 kg/ton of the homeopathic complex in the feed. Behavioral tests included open field (OF), novel object (NO), sociability, discriminative learning, judgment bias, and reactivity during weighing (RDW). Vocalizations were lower in females than males during the OF test (p = 0.016). In the RDW test, a trend was identified (p = 0.076): as the level of the homeopathic complex increased, escape attempts decreased in females and increased in males (sex × treatment interaction). Females also showed greater resistance to movement (p = 0.018). Our study suggests that the homeopathic complex does not impact the behavior of castrated male and female nursery piglets. The findings further illustrate that the sex of the animals affects their behavior, with females displaying higher levels of inactivity compared to castrated male piglets. Full article

We used an animal welfare-certified open-type layer farm and analyzed the egg production, egg quality, rectal temperature, and yolk corticosterone levels of laying hens supplied with cool water during the summer season (avg. 33 ± 3.89 °C). A total of 5750 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 53 weeks of age were used, and two treatment groups were established: a control group (2900 hens) and a cool water treatment group (2850 hens). The water temperature of the control group was 25.3 ± 0.8 °C and the cool water was 20.1 ± 0.3 °C; all other environment parameters (lighting, ventilation, temperature, feed, etc.) were the same. The experiment was conducted for a total of 9 weeks (between July and September 2024), and during this period, the temperature–humidity index (THI) inside the breeding facility averaged 85.21, which corresponds to the cool water supply range (80 < THI < 90). As a result, the cool water treatment group maintained high productivity and showed low mortality (p < 0.05). In addition, hens provided with cool water showed high eggshell strength and low yolk corticosterone levels (p < 0.05). The core finding of this study is that the supply of cool water in summer is effective in maintaining the productivity and egg quality of laying hens and reducing HS. This is significant in that it suggests it is possible to manage laying hens in summer in a simple way, and it can also be used as basic data for designing future studies, such as using a combination of natural products including vitamins and minerals. Full article

Italian pigs for slaughter weigh between 150 and 170 kg, and their breeding is strictly regulated by the Protected Designation of Origin. Intensive production raises environmental concerns, in particular, nitrogen (N) emissions. To address these issues, low-crude-protein diet strategies have been proposed. However, few experiments have tested the effects of very low crude protein levels on performance and nitrogen efficiency, above all, in heavy pigs. The aim of our study was to explore new feeding solutions, compared to traditional ones, in accordance with PDO regulations, from 50 kg live weight to slaughtering: (1) traditional diet based on soy and maize; (2) iso-protein diet protein that is pea-based; and (3) low-crude-protein (−24.5% vs. C and T1 diets) diet that is cereal-based. Our results show that the use of different protein sources and the very low crude protein levels did not influence the technical efficiency and quality parameters; instead, a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) was recorded in the nitrogen efficiency of the cereal-based diet both in terms of nitrogen excretion and efficiency, achieving −28% and +21%, respectively. These results open up very interesting scenarios regarding the future feeding of heavy pigs and the cropping systems on which this is based. Full article

The eccentric rotor extruder (ERE) is polymer processing equipment that exhibits excellent processing capabilities for materials with extremely high viscosity, which are difficult to plastically deform and transport efficiently. However, the mass transfer mechanism in the solid conveying section of this new device is fundamentally different from that of traditional extruders, and no related research has been reported. This study uses discrete element method (DEM) simulation technology to model the solid conveying process of the ERE. By visualizing the positive displacement conveying process, and with an analysis of the output parameters, the study clarifies the mass transfer principles and quantifies the conveying capacity, providing guidance for optimizing the extruder design. The simulation results show that the ERE exhibits positive displacement conveying characteristics, with the conveying process achieved by the forward movement of the cavities (closed cavities between the rotor and stator) in a helical manner. However, differences in the dual-cavity (two types of cavities) feeding process and low fill level can lead to significant fluctuations in extrusion output and reduced conveying capacity. To address these issues, an improvement scheme for the dual-cavity feed opening is proposed, with feed openings designed with different opening lengths. Then, by analyzing the particle coordinate data from the simulation output, the conveying capacities of different feed opening structures are quantified and optimized. Finally, experimental and simulation verification results indicate that the optimized structure significantly improves the issues of uneven filling and low fill level, with good correspondence between the simulation and experimental results. Simulation results show that, compared with the original structure, the optimized dual-feed opening structure increases the feed capacity from 3953 particles per cavity to 5132 particles per cavity, an improvement of 29.8%, and it achieves balanced filling between the two cavities. Experimental validation indicates that the UPE4040 output can be increased from 165.3 g/min with structure op-00 to 231.7 g/min with the optimized structure op-05. Full article

This work presents a new approach for the fabrication of 316L/Al₂O₃ composites, based on a combination of spray granulation, radio frequency (RF) plasma spheroidization and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Initially, a suspension containing 316L and alumina powders is formulated by precisely adjusting the pH and selecting an appropriate dispersant, thereby ensuring homogeneous dispersion of the constituents. The spray granulation process then produces granules with controlled size and morphology. RF plasma spheroidization, carried out using a TekSphero-40 system, is investigated by varying parameters such as the power, gas flow rates, injection position and feed rate, in order to optimize the formation of spherical and dense particles. The analysis reveals a marked sensitivity to heat transfer from the plasma to the particles, with a tendency for fine particles to segregate, which underscores the necessity for precise control of the processing conditions. Finally, SPS densification, performed under a constant pressure and a rigorously controlled thermal cycle, yields composites with excellent density and hardness characteristics. This study thus demonstrates that the proposed hybrid process offers an optimal synergy between a uniform distribution of alumina and a controlled microstructure, opening up promising avenues for the design of high-performance composite materials for demanding applications. Full article

Achieving precise seed distribution is essential for optimizing crop yields and agricultural productivity. This study examines the impact of divider head geometry on seed distribution accuracy in pneumatic air seeder systems using rapeseed, wheat, and rice. Three custom-designed divider heads—funnel distributor (A1), closed-funnel distributor (A2), and cone-shaped distributor (A3)—were developed for an eight-furrow opener seeding system, each featuring eight outlets per opener. Bench tests at air pressures of 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, and 5.5 kPa and speeds of 4 and 5 km/h revealed significant variations in seed distribution accuracy among the designs. The A2 distributor demonstrated the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) across all seed types: 4.3%, 2.6%, and 6.95% for A1, A2, and A3 in wheat, respectively; 4.5%, 3.4%, and 6.2% in rice, respectively; and 0.3%, 0.1%, and 1.0% in rapeseed, respectively. Seed types also significantly influenced feed rate uniformity, with average CVs of 2.91% for rapeseed, 3.85% for rice, and 4.90% for wheat. CFD-DEM simulations validated the superior performance of the A2 distributor by analyzing flow fields and velocity distributions, showing reductions in CVs by 19.09–54.55% compared to A1 and A3. Thus, the A2 distributor was identified as the optimal design, significantly improving seeding uniformity across all seed types. In conclusion, this study provides critical insights for redesigning seed drill distribution heads to minimize turbulence in the seed–air mixture transport, enhancing seeding uniformity and increasing crop yields and agricultural productivity. Full article

We developed a metal-compatible RFID dipole antenna. The antenna consists of three layers, including the top metal, dielectric substrate, and bottom metal, with the top metal and bottom metal of the dipole antenna shorted at the side edges of the antenna. In order to accurately measure the gain and reflection coefficient (|S11|) of the antenna in the desired frequency band, an impedance matching circuit was created using an open stub around the feeding section of the antenna. The simulation and measurement results of the |S11| and antenna’s realized gain are presented in this paper. The measured |S11| has similar characteristics to the design results at around 915–940 MHz. The size of the proposed antenna is 70 mm × 50 mm × 1.636 mm. In addition, the antenna can be bent at 0, 3, or 5 divisions to fit curved metal objects such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This antenna structure is a fundamental area of study for future application to flexible substrates. Conductive adhesive tape (copper tape) was used to connect each section. The surface of the copper tape was fixed with adhesive to prevent it from peeling off. In the simulation and measurement, it was confirmed that our proposed antenna could operate around the desired frequency band. In the future, we plan to install an IC chip in the antenna input section and work towards implementing it in society. Full article

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres emerged with the purpose of recovering individuals, as a tool for environmental education and monitoring the balance of ecosystems. The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is one of the many species that are admitted to rehabilitation centres all around the world, due to traumatic amputations. This work presents the development of 3D-printed orthopedic prostheses aimed at partially restoring biomechanical function and enabling the reintegration of amputated birds into their natural habitat. Conducted at the Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center in Bulgaria, three prosthetic prototypes were created using epoxy resin, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyamide, based on detailed anatomical measurements. The process involved 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD), biomechanical analysis, and performance evaluation, focusing on locomotion, feeding, and flight. Results showed improved prosthetic efficacy, with birds adapting within 1–5 days, resuming normal behaviours, and regaining flight. Of the 12 birds analyzed, 3 were released into the wild, with 1 tracked via GPS, marking the first documented case of an amputated bird with a prosthesis monitored post-release, covering over 470 km in 15 days. This study highlights the potential of 3D printing in conservation medicine, offering alternatives to euthanasia and open new perspectives in the global context of biodiversity preservation. Full article