Search Results (6,321)

Background: Pain remains one of the most debilitating and prevalent symptoms in cancer patients. However, assessment based solely on subjective self-report tools is limited by cognitive impairment and the heterogeneous nature of cancer pain. Since evidence on the ability of physiological biosignals to discriminate cancer pain intensity and pain phenotypes in real clinical settings remains limited, this study explored the potential of biosignals to discriminate between pain intensity and pain type. Methods: Electrodermal activity (EDA) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded in cancer patients using the BITalino (r)evolution board (sampling frequency 1000 Hz). EDA was processed to extract skin conductance responses (SCRs) using continuous decomposition analysis (CDA) and trough-to-peak (TTP) methods. Heart rate variability (HRV) features were extracted in both time and frequency domains, including low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and the LF/HF ratio. Non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to compare biosignal parameters across pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS: low 1–3; medium 4–6; and high 7–10) and pain types (nociceptive, neuropathic, mixed, and breakthrough cancer pain—BTCP). Results: Data from 61 patients were analyzed. For EDA, the maximum skin conductance response amplitude (MaxCDA) significantly differed across intensity groups (p = 0.037). Post hoc analysis showed a significant difference between the low- and high-intensity groups (p = 0.015), with the low-intensity group exhibiting a higher mean MaxCDA (0.063 µS) than the high-intensity group (0.024 µS). Several EDA parameters were significantly associated with pain type. The number of SCRs (TTP) (p = 0.015) and maximum SCR amplitude (TTP) (p = 0.040) were significantly lower in the mixed pain group compared with the nociceptive and neuropathic groups. No HRV parameters showed significant associations with pain intensity or pain type. BTCP did not significantly affect any biosignal parameters. Subgroup analyses showed that EDA features discriminating mixed pain were preserved in patients without bone metastases, BTCP, or high opioid burden, whereas no clinical variable modified the association between biosignals and pain intensity and type. Conclusions: In this investigation, selected EDA parameters were associated with cancer pain intensity and pain type, whereas heart rate variability measures did not show significant discrimination under the present methodological conditions. These findings suggest that EDA may provide complementary information on pain-related autonomic alterations in oncology patients. However, biosignals should not be considered standalone indicators of pain, and their interpretation requires integration with clinical variables and pharmacological context. Further studies adopting multimodal and longitudinal approaches are needed to clarify their role in automatic pain assessment in cancer care. Full article

Piezoelectric energy harvesting technology has received great research interest in recent years. To harvest energy from rotational motion, this work proposes a cantilevered piezoelectric energy harvester based on an adjustable rigid parallel connection. The baffle was designed as a carrier for the rigid connection of the piezoelectric beams A, B and C. The theoretical model of the device was established, and equations for voltage and power were derived. The calculated intrinsic frequencies of the piezoelectric beams are consistent with the experimental results. The baffle size, the distance from the baffle to the free end, and the number of rotor bumps were used as variables in the experiments. The experimental results show that the proposed piezoelectric energy harvester can harvest energy across multiple frequency bands. The maximum average power of the proposed piezoelectric energy harvester is 110.49 mW at a load resistance of 10 kΩ and a rotational speed of 240 r/min. The maximum average power of the harvester is 36.44 mW at a load resistance of 10 kΩ and a rotational speed of 60 r/min. The rigid parallel connection not only broadens the energy harvesting bandwidth but also enhances the output performance of the harvester. Full article

This study presents a comparative flood frequency analysis of annual maximum discharges for major Romanian river basins, assessing the performance of the Halphen-A distribution relative to the Pearson Type III distribution, the reference model in Romanian hydrological practice. Four long-term discharge series from the Siret, Ialomița, and Danube rivers are analyzed, covering diverse hydroclimatic conditions. Distribution parameters are estimated using the method of moments and maximum likelihood estimation. Model performance is evaluated using RMSE and MAE, complemented by an analysis of extreme quantile behavior. The results show that both distributions fit the observed data well, with only minor differences in global error metrics. However, for high return periods (T > 100 years), Halphen-A exhibits smoother extrapolation and yields more stable extreme quantile estimates, particularly when estimated by MLE. Although Pearson III often achieves slightly lower metrics values, its upper tail is more constrained and sensitive to skewness and record length. The study concludes that classical goodness-of-fit measures alone are insufficient for selecting models for design floods and that Halphen-A provides a robust complementary alternative for extreme flood estimation. Full article

To address the low application accuracy and poor spreading uniformity of conventional lime spreaders, an electromagnetic vibration-assisted variable-rate lime spreader integrating a shaftless screw metering mechanism was developed. The overall configuration and operating principle are presented. Considering the physicochemical characteristics of lime powder, including fine particle size, strong drift tendency, and poor flowability, a shaftless screw metering unit was designed to improve discharge stability and metering accuracy. To enhance dispersion uniformity, a vertical electromagnetic vibration device was developed, and its key parameters were determined through a theoretical analysis of vibration frequency and amplitude. In addition, the structure and kinematic parameters of the spreading disc were optimized by analyzing particle trajectories and outlet distribution patterns. A closed-loop feedback control strategy was implemented to enable precise variable-rate application. Static bench tests demonstrated a metering accuracy of 96.42%, and the dispersion uniformity was at least 84.14% at an electromagnetic vibration frequency of 10 to 18 Hz. Field evaluations further showed that the coefficient of variation for transverse uniformity was no more than 17.88%, while the maximum coefficient of variation for longitudinal stability was 18.09%. These results indicate that the proposed spreader satisfies the operational requirements for accurate and uniform variable-rate application of lime powder. Full article

The safety of vehicle operation is largely influenced by the performance of the brakes. The quality of automotive brake performance directly affects the lives of drivers and passengers. This paper conducts an in-depth study based on the structural characteristics of disk brakes for a specific model of sedan, analyzing the roles of key components in the brake system. Then, using simulation techniques such as finite element analysis and topology optimization, it provides strong support for optimizing the design process. First, the symmetrical structure of the disk brake is analyzed, and 3D modeling is performed in SolidWorks 2025. Next, static simulation analysis is conducted using ANSYS R1, with results showing that the maximum total deformation of the brake is 0.038 mm (not strain), and the maximum stress is 155.78 MPa, which meets the requirements for emergency braking. On this basis, modal analysis is further conducted to clarify the natural frequencies and vibration patterns of each mode, comparing the differences in vibration modes across different orders. Through computational verification, the brake does not experience resonance, effectively improving the stability of each mode and the comfort of driving and riding. Finally, the variable-density method enabled 10.49% weight reduction while maintaining resonance safety, validating the proposed ‘static–modal–topology’ workflow for brake lightweighting. Unlike previous FEA studies that merely verified static strength or performed isolated modal checks, this work establishes an integrated “static–modal–topology” sequential optimization workflow which explicitly couples the prestress-induced frequency shift with lightweighting constraints, thereby filling the gap in simultaneous resonance-risk-aware and mass-target-driven brake design. The proposed ‘static-modal-topological’ sequential framework achieves a 10.49% weight reduction rate, representing a 26.4% improvement over the 8.3% reduction rate of single-topological optimization methods in the literature. Notably, it controls the first-order frequency of prestressed coupling at 1885.7 Hz (exceeding the engine’s 200 Hz upper limit) for the first time, resolving the core contradiction of ’difficulty in balancing lightweighting and resonance risk’. Full article

To address the limited capability of conventional hydro-pneumatic suspensions in coordinated damping–stiffness regulation, this paper proposes a new semi-active hydro-pneumatic suspension (SAHPS) system based on a dual-valve shock absorber. A damping valve architecture composed of a spring check valve–solenoid proportional valve–spring check valve is arranged between the rod and rodless chambers of the hydraulic cylinder, enabling coordinated adjustment of suspension damping and equivalent stiffness. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm optimization with model predictive control (GA-MPC) is designed to enhance the overall dynamic performance of the suspension while effectively reducing the operating frequency of the solenoid proportional valve. Finally, AMESim–Simulink co-simulations and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments are conducted under bumpy road excitation and Class C random road conditions. Under Class C random road conditions, compared with passive hydro-pneumatic suspension and semi-active suspension with conventional MPC, the proposed method achieves maximum reductions of 11%, 25%, and 12.9% in the root mean square values of body acceleration, suspension working space, and dynamic tire load, respectively. The discrepancies between experimental and simulation results remain below 7%, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed system and control strategy. This study provides a new technical guidance for low-frequency vibration suppression in vehicle suspension systems. Full article

To mitigate the significant impact of system nonlinearities, time-varying parameters, and external load disturbances on the output force of hydraulic servo systems in active hydraulic suspensions for engineering vehicles, this study proposes a beetle swarm optimization (BSO)-optimized extended state observer (ESO)-based sliding mode control (SMC) strategy. A comprehensive mathematical model of the hydraulic servo system is established, and an ESO-based SMC controller is designed, taking into account the coupled effects of chamber pressure dynamics and external loads on the uncertain output force. The stability of the closed-loop system is rigorously analyzed and verified using Lyapunov stability theory. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified through both numerical simulations and experimental tests. For step inputs of 5000 N and 8000 N, overshoot is significantly reduced compared with the conventional proportional–integral–derivative control and the standard extended state observer-based sliding mode control, while the settling time is shortened by more than 65% in simulations and up to 75% in experiments. Under sinusoidal force excitations at frequencies of 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 2 Hz, the maximum tracking error, mean error, and standard deviation of the tracking error are substantially reduced, with the maximum error reduction exceeding 90%. These results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves high-precision force tracking under external disturbances and pronounced system uncertainties, providing an effective solution for force control of hydraulic servo systems in active suspension applications for engineering vehicles. Full article

In this work, we report a dual-mode ferroelectrically programmable on-chip antenna. The antenna is built on a silicon wafer using complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes and exhibits two programmable resonant modes: one in the super high frequency (SHF) range and one in the extremely high frequency (EHF) range. The SHF mode resonates at 8.5 GHz and exhibits ultrawideband (UWB) behavior, while the EHF mode resonates at 36.6 GHz. Both resonance frequencies can be tuned in a non-volatile fashion by controlling the ferroelectric polarization state of a Hafnium Zirconium Oxide (HZO) varactor monolithically integrated into the feed line. This programmability arises from the ferroelectric switching of the embedded HZO film, which results in a non-volatile variation of its permittivity upon application of a voltage pulse. Ferroelectric switching occurs at approximately ±3 V and induces maximum resonance frequency shifts of 381 MHz for the SHF mode and 3 GHz for the EHF mode, corresponding to fractional frequency changes of 4.5% and 8.3%, respectively. Unlike previously reported ferroelectrically tunable antennas, our reported antenna combines full integration, CMOS compatibility, higher operating frequency, compact footprint, and non-volatile programmability. Full article

This work systematically investigates the coupled effects of femtosecond laser parameters (wavelength: 515 nm, pulse width: 373 fs, laser fluence: 3.18–12.7 J/cm², repetition frequence: 100 kHz) and post-fabrication thermal treatment on the micro/nano-structure evolution and wettability of aluminum alloys. By varying the scanning spacing (20–80 μm) and laser fluence, diverse hierarchical surface morphologies were obtained. At a small scanning spacing of 20 μm, increasing laser fluence causes severe thermal accumulation and structural collapse, with the microstructure height decreasing from 42.68 μm to 20.30 μm and the water contact angle (WCA) dropping from 158.6° to 143.5°, indicating a degradation of the superhydrophobic state. In contrast, at larger spacings (60–80 μm), moderate fluence enhances microstructure depth and roughness, yielding peak WCAs of ~160°, while excessive fluence induces feature coarsening and partial loss of nanoscale textures, leading to reduced wettability. Nanoscale evolution shows that optimized laser conditions promote dense nanoparticle redeposition and stable ridge-like structures. These structures are accompanied by cotton-like features with pore diameters of 50–100 nm and coral-like porous features with pore diameters of 100–200 nm, whereas excessive laser etching damage these nano-structures. Among, a scanning spacing of 40 μm achieves this most robust hierarchical nano-structure, corresponding to a maximum WCA of 162.6°. These results clarify the role of femtosecond laser parameters in regulating micro/nano-structural formation and the subsequent modulation of wettability through thermal treatment, providing a reference for the fabrication of coating-free superhydrophobic aluminum alloy surfaces. Full article

This work presents a comprehensive quantum transport modeling and simulation framework to evaluate parasitic effects and radio frequency (RF) performance in stacked silicon (Si) nanosheet (NS) lateral gate-all-around (LGAA) nFETs targeting the sub-2 nm technology node. Leveraging the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method, the proposed framework integrates detailed modeling of parasitic resistances (R_para) and capacitances (C_para) to enable a holistic analysis of both intrinsic and extrinsic figures-of-merit, including transconductance (g_m), output conductance (g_d), cutoff frequency (f_T), and maximum oscillation frequency (f_max). The effects of nanosheet geometry, crystal orientations, and dual-k spacers on high-frequency performance are systematically investigated. The analysis reveals key design trade-offs, with optimized device configurations yielding f_T exceeding 400 GHz and f_max approaching 1.2 THz. These findings highlight the potential of stacked NS LGAA-nFETs for future millimeter-wave and terahertz applications, providing critical insights into parasitics management and quantum-transport-aware design strategies at advanced CMOS nodes. Full article

High-platform timber structures represent a typical structural form in ancient Chinese architecture, where the platform and the upper timber structure constitute a mechanically coupled system with interacting mechanical properties and response behaviors. However, a systematic understanding of their global coupling mechanism and its impact on structural response remains unclear. This study investigates a representative high-platform timber structure, i.e., Xi’an Bell Tower, to analyze the static and dynamic response characteristics of the platform–superstructure system using in situ dynamic testing and finite element simulation. The results indicate that the simulated first two natural frequencies align well with in situ measurements, validating the model’s rationality. The global coupling effect alters the system’s mass and stiffness distribution, leading to an overall lengthening of the structural natural periods. Structural self-weight is identified as the dominant factor inducing vertical deformation under serviceability conditions, with significant deformation observed at the platform’s edges and corners. Under lateral loads, deformations concentrate in the second story of the timber superstructure, with seismic actions exerting a more pronounced influence than wind loads. Under rare earthquake conditions, the maximum inter-story drift ratio reaches 1/70. Local tensile stresses at the joints, architrave ends, and the Dou-Gong layer exceed the timber’s tensile strength parallel to the grain, identifying these components as the weak links in the structure’s seismic performance. Full article

To address the waste of mechanical energy from suspension vibrations during vehicle operation, this study proposes a vehicle suspension vibration energy harvester based on the piezoelectric effect and nonlinear magnetic coupling. It aims to recover the mechanical energy generated by suspension vibrations in the course of vehicle operation. The device adopts a multi-cantilever beam array structure. Permanent magnets are symmetrically arranged on the free ends of cantilevers and suspension springs, which enables non-contact excitation and system frequency regulation. It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by virtue of the direct piezoelectric effect. A finite element simulation model was developed in the study. A dedicated vibration test platform was also constructed. Experimental results show the following performance: Under the operating conditions of 16.75 Hz excitation frequency and 10 kΩ load resistance, a single cantilever beam can generate a peak voltage of 9.59 V. Its maximum output power reaches 7.67 mW. Under simulated Class D road conditions and at a vehicle speed of 90 km/h, the array made up of eight cantilever beams delivers a total output power of 414.37 mW. This study provides a viable technical solution for vehicle suspension vibration energy recovery. It promotes the full utilization of wasted energy, and it is of great significance for advancing sustainable development in the transportation sector. Full article

Legged robots inspired by animal locomotion require actuators with high power density, fast response, and robust force control, yet traditional valve-controlled hydraulic systems suffer from substantial energy losses and weak regeneration performance. Motivated by role allocation across gait phases in animal legs, where in-air positioning requires far less actuation effort than ground contact support and force modulation, this work proposes a novel gas–oil hybrid servo actuator, denoted GOhsa, for quadruped knee joints. GOhsa utilizes pre-charged high-pressure gas to pressurize hydraulic oil, converting the conventional dual-chamber pressure servo control into a single-chamber configuration while preserving the original piston stroke. This architecture enables bidirectional position–force control, enhances energy regeneration applicability, and improves operational efficiency. Theoretical modeling is conducted to analyze hydraulic stiffness and frequency-response characteristics, and a linearization-based force controller with dynamic compensation is developed to handle system nonlinearities. Experimental validation on a single-leg platform demonstrates significant energy-saving performance: under no-load conditions (simulating the swing phase), GOhsa achieves a maximum power reduction of 79.1%, with average reductions of 15.2% and 11.5% at inflation pressures of 3 MPa and 4 MPa, respectively. Under loaded conditions (simulating the stance phase), the maximum reduction reaches 28.0%, with average savings of 10.0% and 9.8%. Tracking accuracy is comparable to traditional actuators, with reduced maximum errors (13.7 mm/16.5 mm at 3 MPa; 15.0 mm/17.8 mm at 4 MPa) relative to the 16.6 mm and 18.1 mm errors of the conventional system, confirming improved motion stability under load. These results verify that GOhsa provides high control performance with markedly enhanced energy efficiency. Full article

Cryogenic storage systems require precise management of boil-off gas (BOG) to prevent pressure buildup caused by external heat ingress. This study investigates sloshing-induced heat transfer and BOG generation in a double-shell vacuum-insulated cryogenic storage tank subjected to dynamic excitation. Experiments were conducted under dynamic operating conditions, during which BOG generation and boil-off rate (BOR) were measured over a range of vibration frequencies, acceleration levels, and fill ratios. The results reveal a strong frequency-dependent sloshing behavior that significantly influences BOG generation. Under dynamic conditions, the BOR exhibited a non-linear dependence on filling ratio, with a maximum response occurring at 50% filling, reflecting an optimal balance between sloshing-enhanced heat transfer and geometric confinement. Based on the experimental observations, an integrated numerical heat transfer model incorporating multilayer insulation (MLI) performance and vacuum level effects was developed and validated against experimental data. The validated numerical model successfully predicts pressure evolution and BOG generation under operational sloshing conditions, providing valuable insights for optimizing cryogenic tank design and minimizing boil-off losses. Full article

Vibration signals generated during hydraulic fracturing drilling in coal mining are critical dynamic indicators for revealing borehole conditions and evaluating drilling efficiency and safety. However, the power supply methods of existing vibration sensors limit the practical application of this technology. To address this, this study was inspired by the African drum and developed a vibration sensor based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), enabling simultaneous measurement of vibration frequency and acceleration in a self-powered mode. Tests demonstrate that the device measures vibration frequencies from 0 to 9 Hz with an error below 3%. It achieves vibration acceleration measurements at thresholds of 1 g and 2 g with an error less than 4%. The sensor operates effectively at temperatures range of 15 °C to 75 °C and relative humidity below 90%. Additionally, the device possesses energy-harvesting capabilities, delivering a maximum power output of 72 nW at a load resistance of 1000 MΩ and a vibration frequency of 9 Hz. Unlike existing underground vibration sensors, this sensor’s high redundancy design and self-power generation features make it particularly suitable for the practical working conditions of upward drilling in coal mines. Full article