Search Results (10,252)

Crankshafts are among the most important parts of modern internal combustion engines. Owing to the power transmission demand, sufficiently high strength is usually necessary for the application of the component. In this paper, a new crankshaft bending experimental method was proposed to shorten the corresponding test. A modified particle filtering algorithm approach was proposed for predicting the remaining fatigue life of a crankshaft during bending fatigue experiments. The predicted fatigue life was used to replace the actual experimental results for further analysis if the accuracy requirements were fulfilled; in this way, the experimental duration was obviously shortened. The main conclusion drawn from the research is that, compared with the traditional particle filtering algorithm approach, the modified particle algorithm approach proposed in this paper can more accurately predict the remaining fatigue life of a crankshaft using less experimental data, which makes it possible to circumvent actual bending fatigue experiments of crankshafts in providing theoretical guidance for the design process. Full article

Unmanned aerial vehicles open new possibilities for developing technologies that support more sustainable and efficient agriculture. This paper presents a non-invasive method for repelling rodents from crop fields using ultrasound. The proposed system is implemented as a spherical-cap ultrasound loudspeaker array consisting of eight transducers, mounted on a drone that overflies the field while emitting sound in the 20–70 kHz range. The hardware design includes both the loudspeaker array and a custom printed circuit board hosting power amplifiers and a signal generator tailored to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers. In parallel, a genetic algorithm is used to compute flight paths that maximize coverage and increase the probability of driving rodents away from the protected area. As part of the validation phase, artificial intelligence models for rodent detection using a thermal camera are developed to provide quantitative feedback on system performance. The complete prototype is evaluated through a series of experiments conducted both in controlled laboratory conditions and in the field. Field trials highlight which parts of the concept are already effective and identify open challenges that need to be addressed in future work to move from a research prototype toward a deployable product. Full article

Berries are an excellent source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, and have been widely used in folk medicine by the Mapuche people of southern Chile. In this study, a hydroalcoholic extract of Berberis congestiflora Gay (BE) was analyzed to determine its phytochemical composition and to evaluate its antioxidant capacity, vasorelaxant effects in rat aortas, and inhibitory activity on enzymes related to chronic non-communicable diseases, including exploration of a possible vasodilatory mechanism in isolated rat aortas. Antioxidant activity was assessed using Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and ABTS (2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging assays, as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Vascular responses to the Berberis extract were studied using isometric tension recordings in an ex vivo rat thoracic aortic ring model, and the chemical constituents of BE were identified for the first time by HPLC-DAD-MS. The extract itself produced a dose-dependent contraction at 100 and 1000 µg/mL and induced relaxation in phenylephrine-precontracted aortas at the same concentrations, with a maximum contraction of 71% and maximum relaxation of 70% at 1000 µg/mL. Mechanistically, the extract triggered calcium-mediated contraction primarily through calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and, to a lesser degree, via extracellular Ca²⁺ influx, while its relaxant effect depended on an intact endothelium and activation of the NO/cGMP pathway. In addition, the extract showed inhibitory activity against cholinesterase, glucosidase, and amylase, with IC₅₀ values of 7.33 ± 0.32, 243.23 ± 0.3, and 27.21 ± 0.03 µg/mL, respectively, and docking studies were carried out for selected berry compounds. Overall, these findings indicate that these berries are a rich source of bioactive constituents with antioxidant properties and endothelium-dependent vasodilator effects, supporting their traditional use and highlighting their potential as enzyme inhibitors and as promising candidates for the development of phytotherapeutic products, particularly as supplements for chronic disease management. Full article

Battery management systems (BMSs) are integral components of electric vehicles (EVs), as they ensure the safe and efficient operation of lithium-ion batteries. State of health (SoH) estimation is one of the core functions of BMSs, providing an assessment of the current condition of a battery, while prognostics aim to predict remaining useful life (RUL) as a function of the battery’s condition. An accurate SoH estimation allows proactive maintenance to prolong battery lifespan. Traditional SoH estimation methods can be broadly divided into experiment-based and model-based approaches. Experiment-based approaches rely on direct physical measurements, while model-driven approaches use physics-based or data-driven models. Although experiment-based methods can offer high accuracy, they are often impractical and costly for real-time applications. With recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning models have emerged as powerful alternatives for SoH prediction. This paper offers an in-depth examination of AI-driven SoH prediction technologies, including their historical development, recent advancements, and practical applications, with particular emphasis on the implementation of widely used AI algorithms for SoH prediction. Key technical challenges associated with SoH prediction, such as computational complexity, data availability constraints, interpretability issues, and real-world deployment constraints, are discussed, along with possible solution strategies. Full article

With the gradual rise of battery-powered ships, the high-power charging demand during berthing is poised to exacerbate the peak-to-valley difference in the port grid, possibly leading to grid congestion and logistical disruption. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a bi-level coordinated scheduling scheme across both logistical operations and energy flow dispatch. Initially, by developing a refined model for the dynamic power characteristics of quay crane (QC) clusters, the surplus power capacity that can be stably released through an orderly QC operational delay is quantified. Subsequently, a hybrid AC/DC ship–shore interconnection architecture based on a smart interlinking unit (SIU) is proposed to utilize the QC peak-shaving capacity and satisfy the increasing shore power demand. In light of these, at the logistics level a coordinated scheduling of berths, QCs, and ships charging is performed with the objective of minimizing port berthing operational costs. At the energy flow level, the coordinated delay in QC clusters’ operations and SIU-enabled power dispatching are implemented for charging power support. The case studies demonstrate that, compared with the conventional independent operational mode, the proposed coordinated scheduling scheme enhances the shore power supply capability by utilizing the QC peak-shaving capability effectively. Moreover, as well as satisfying the charging demands of electric ships, the proposed scheme significantly reduces the turnaround time of ships and achieves a 39.29% reduction in port berthing operational costs. Full article

Online pet adoption profiles, which present images of available pets, can create powerful first impressions. Research about factors influencing pet adoptability online is limited and has mainly focused on dogs, yet cats are also in need of homes. People may judge a cat’s behaviour based on physical factors, like coat colour, eye shape, and pupil size. This study aimed to determine whether those physical traits relate to cat adoptability and, if so, whether they might do this through influencing perceptions of cuteness and specific behaviours. Australian adults (N = 624) were surveyed online using a single cat image that was modified to have all possible combinations of four different coat colours, three eye shapes, and three pupil sizes. Adoptability scores varied significantly with the cat’s coat colour and eye shape, but not pupil size. Black cats with walnut-shaped eyes had the highest adoptability ratings. A stepwise multiple regression determined seven variables influencing adoptability scores, including the degree to which the image was rated as cute, friendly, shy, active, difficult, playful, and devoted. Cuteness had the strongest influence, explaining 34% of the model variance. Multiple two-way ANOVAs compared these seven variables across combinations of coat colour and eye shape, with black cats being perceived as significantly more friendly and playful. This information may help animal adoption agencies understand how cats’ physical features can be utilised in online profiles to enhance adoption outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the predictive accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation by ray tracing in eyes with previous radial keratotomy (RK). Methods: A consecutive series of eyes with previous RK was retrospectively analyzed. Preoperatively, all eyes underwent optical biometry to measure the axial length (AL) and anterior segment imaging by the MS-39 (CSO), which combines Placido disk corneal topography and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The built-in ray tracing software was used to calculate the IOL power. For comparative purposes, the results of the Barrett True-K, EVO, Haigis total keratometry, and PEARL-DGS formulas were also investigated. The refractive outcomes were evaluated with Eyetemis. Results: Twenty-four eyes (24 patients) were investigated. The mean AL and keratometry were, respectively, 27.34 ± 2.88 mm and 35.53 ± 3.66 diopters (D). The mean prediction error (PE) was −0.03 ± 0.65 D (range: from −1.30 to +1.64 D). The mean and median absolute errors were 0.52 and 0.48 D, respectively. The percentages of eyes with a PE within ±0.25 D, ±0.50 D, and ±1.00 D were 29.17%, 62.50%, and 87.50%, respectively. A comparison with the other formulas was possible in 20 eyes and did not reveal any statistically significant differences; the percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 D ranged from 50 to 65%. Conclusions: Ray tracing is a relatively accurate solution for calculating the IOL power in eyes with previous RK. Paraxial formulas provide similar outcomes and should be considered in these patients. The refractive outcomes of IOL power calculation in post-RK eyes are still below modern benchmarks for virgin eyes. Full article

Pumped-storage power stations (PSPSs) are vital for grid stability, yet pump-turbines (PTs) operating in the S-shaped region often induce severe hydraulic instability. To reveal the mechanism of these self-excited oscillations, this study establishes a nonlinear mathematical model based on rigid water column theory and a cubic polynomial approximation of the PT’s nonlinear characteristics. Both analytical derivations and numerical simulations were conducted. Analytical results indicate that, in the absence of surge tanks, self-excited oscillations occur when the PT’s negative hydraulic impedance modulus exceeds the pipeline impedance. With a single surge tank, the system behaves analogously to the Van der Pol oscillator, exhibiting oscillations that converge to a stable limit cycle governed by system parameters. Numerical simulations for a dual-surge-tank system further reveal that, due to initial negative damping, the PT transitions to alternative stable equilibria. Crucially, the transition direction is governed by the polarity of the initial disturbance: negative perturbations lead to the regular turbine region, while positive ones lead to the reverse pump region. Additionally, pipe friction causes the steady-state discharge to deviate slightly from the theoretical static value, with deviations remaining below 2.96%. This work provides a theoretical basis for stability prediction in PSPSs. Full article

Inspired by the well-known experimental connections between $X\left(3872\right)$, $Z_{cs}\left(4220\right)$, and $Y\left(4620\right)$, we systematically study the recently reported strange partner of $T_{cc}$, the $1^{+}$$cc\overline{q}\overline{s}$ system, and its orbital excitation state $1^{-}$$cc\overline{q}\overline{s}$. A chiral quark model incorporating SU(3) symmetry is considered to study these two systems. To better investigate their spatial structure, we introduce a precise few-body calculation method, the Gaussian Expansion Method (GEM). In our calculations, we include all possible physical channels, including molecular states and diquark structures, and consider channel coupling effects. To identify the stable structures in the system (bound states and resonance states) we employ a powerful resonance search method, the Real-Scaling Method (RSM). According to our results, in the $1^{+}$$cc\overline{q}\overline{s}$ system, we obtain two bound states with energies of 3890 MeV and 3940 MeV, as well as two resonance states with energies of 3975 MeV and 4090 MeV. The decay channels of these two resonance states are $D{D}_s^{\ast }$ and $D^{\ast }{D}_s$, respectively. In the $1^{-}$$cc\overline{q}\overline{s}$ system, we obtain only one resonance state, with an energy of 4570 MeV, and two main decay channels: $D{D}_{s1}^{\ast }$ and $D^{\ast }{D}_{s1}^{\prime }$. We strongly suggest that experimental groups use our predictions to search for these stable structures. Full article

Technological advances have influenced and changed cultural heritage in the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) sector by facilitating new forms of experimentation and knowledge exchange. In this context, this paper explores the evolving practice of archaeological facial depiction using AI-powered deepfake avatar creator software programs, such as Epic Games’ MetaHuman Creator (MHC), which offer new affordances in terms of agility, realism, and engagement, and build upon traditional workflows involving the physical sculpting or digital modelling of faces from the past. Through a case-based approach, we illustrate these affordances via real-world applications, including four-dimensional portraits, multi-platform presentations, Augmented Reality (AR), and enhanced audience interaction. We consider the limitations and challenges of these digital avatar systems, such as misrepresentation or cultural insensitivity, and we position this advanced technology within the broader context of digital heritage, considering both the technical possibilities and ethical concerns around synthetic representations of individuals from the past. Finally, we propose that the use of MHC is not a replacement for current practice, but rather an augmentation, expanding the potential for storytelling and public learning outcomes in the GLAM sector, as a result of increased efficiency and new forms of public engagement. Full article

We recently published that phycocyanin, a phycobiliprotein which accounts for up to 20% of Arthrospira platensis dry weight, has a powerful anti-aging effect, greatly extending the chronological life span (CLS) of yeast cells grown in synthetic-defined medium, both under caloric restriction (CR) conditions (0.2% glucose) or under non-CR conditions (2% glucose). In this study, to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of phycocyanin, we investigated its impact on key signaling pathways involved in aging. Specifically, we performed CLS experiments using ras2Δ and snf1Δ yeast mutants. The Snf1 pathway is known to promote longevity (anti-aging), whereas the Ras2/PKA pathway accelerates aging (pro-aging). We show that, while in the snf1Δ mutant the anti-aging effect of phycocyanin was still evident, in the ras2Δ mutant, phycocyanin did not appear to exert any anti-aging activity, leading us to hypothesize that the Ras2/PKA pathway may be essential to mediate the anti-aging effect of phycocyanin. To evaluate the activity of phycocyanin under different nutritional conditions, we performed the CLS experiment in a YPDA-rich medium. We show that in this medium, phycocyanin accelerated the chronological aging process of yeast cells, greatly decreasing the CLS, both when glucose was present at low (0.2%) or at high (2%) concentration. Our data suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae could serve as a model not only to investigate the anti-aging properties and targets of phycocyanin, but also its potential side effects, which are possibly present in higher eukaryotes under certain conditions. Full article

In flexible DC distribution systems, the three-phase four-leg (3P4L) converter demonstrates excellent performance in addressing three-phase load imbalance problems, but suffers from DC-side second harmonics and complex multi-parameter control coordination. In this paper, a flying capacitor zero-sequence leg-based 3P4L (FCZS-3P4L) converter is proposed, which introduces the three-level flying capacitor structure into the fourth zero-sequence leg, making it possible to suppress the DC-side second harmonics by using the flying capacitor for energy buffering. Meanwhile, a modulated model predictive control (MMPC) strategy for proposed FCZS-3P4L is presented. This strategy utilizes a dual-layer control strategy based on a phase-split power outer loop and a model predictive current inner loop to simultaneously achieve AC three-phase imbalance current compensation and the energy buffering of the flying capacitor, thereby eliminating the complex parameter coordination among multiple control loops in conventional control structures. A MATLAB-based simulation model and Star-Sim hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) semi-physical experimental platforms are built. The results show that the proposed FCZS-3P4L converter and corresponding MMPC control can effectively reduces three-phase current unbalance by 19.57%, and reduce the second harmonic amplitude by 57%, i.e., decreasing from 14.74 V to 6.31 V, simultaneously realizing DC-side second harmonic and AC-side three-phase unbalance suppression. Full article

Due to a number of advantages, such as the high power-to-weight ratio of the system, the possibility of easy control and the freedom of arrangement of the system components on the machine, hydrostatic drive is one of the most popular methods of machine drive. The actuators in such a system are hydraulic cylinders that convert fluid pressure energy into mechanical energy for reciprocating motion. One disadvantage of conventional actuators is their weight, so research is being conducted to make them as light as possible. Directions for this research include the use of modern engineering materials such as composites and plastics. This paper presents the possibility of using new lightweight yet strong materials for the design of a hydraulic cylinder. The base of the hydraulic cylinder were designed and subjected to FEM numerical analyses. The base was made of PET. In addition, a composite cylinder made of wound carbon fibre was subjected to numerical analyses and experimental validation. The numerical calculations were verified in experimental studies. To improve the reliability of the numerical calculations, the material parameters of the composite materials were determined experimentally instead of being taken from the manufacturer’s data sheets. The composite cylinder achieved a weight reduction of approximately 94.4% compared to a steel cylinder (95.5 g vs. 1704 g). Under an internal pressure of 20 MPa, the composite cylinder exhibited markedly higher circumferential strain (4329 μm/m) than the steel cylinder (339.6 μm/m), and axial strain was also greater (−1237 μm/m vs. −96.4 μm/m). Full article

The article presents issues related to fossil fuel energy consumption and CO₂ emissions from motor vehicles. It identifies the main areas of research in this field in the context of motor vehicles, namely driver behavior, fuel consumption, and OBD systems. The research sample consisted of experimental data containing records of a series of test drives conducted with a passenger vehicle equipped with a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine, collected via an OBD diagnostic interface. Three subsets related to engine operation and energy demand patterns were distinguished for the study: during vehicle start-up and low-speed driving (vehicle start-up mode), during urban driving, and during extra-urban driving. Multiple regression models were constructed for the analyzed subsets to predict CO₂ emissions based on engine energy output parameters (power, load) and vehicle kinematic parameters. The developed models were subjected to detailed evaluation and mutual comparison, taking into account their predictive performance and the interpretability of the results. The analysis made it possible to identify the variables with the most substantial impact on CO₂ emissions and fuel energy consumption. The models allow individual drivers to monitor and optimize vehicle energy efficiency in real-time. The extra-urban driving model achieved the highest predictive accuracy, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 19.62 g/km, which makes it suitable for real-time emission monitoring during highway driving. Full article

Microwave wireless power transfer (MWPT) technology has the advantages of long distance and high transmission efficiency; therefore, MWPT has many applications in aerospace, space solar power stations (SSPSs), and so on. The receiving and fixing subsystem is the core component for gathering and converting power and it is the main part of the system. If this step is both efficient and possible, the whole system will also be efficient and its success possible. This paper mainly introduces a systematic review of the key technologies, research status, and development trends of the receiving-end part in MWPT. High-performance rectifying devices are analyzed in detail, with the use of GaN Schottky barrier diodes (GaN SBDs), in addition to rectification circuits that have good rectification and impedance matching. Additionally, it compares the advantages and disadvantages of three power synthesis architectures, including RF synthesis, DC synthesis, and hybrid subarray synthesis, and proposes a strategy for optimizing power distribution through intelligent subarray partitioning. Finally, this paper looks at future development trends in receiving-end technology, including miniaturized monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) and efficient broadband reconfigurable rectification. The research presented herein offers a systematic technical reference and theoretical foundation for enhancing the performance of the receiving ends in microwave wireless power transfer systems. Full article