Search Results (1,467)

Deep high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) oil reservoirs have limited experimental MMP data, large differences between reservoir and saturation pressures, low gas–oil ratios, and pressure-sensitive CO₂–oil phase behavior, which make both minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) prediction and miscibility-mechanism identification challenging. To address these gaps, this study determines the MMP of a CO₂–oil system by integrating slim-tube experiments, empirical formula methods, the Multiple Mixed-Cell (MMC) method, the Method of Characteristics (MOC), compositional numerical simulation, and three intelligent algorithm models (GWO-RBF, GWO-LSSVM, and GWO-SVM). The slim-tube MMP of 44.13 MPa at 140 °C is used as the experimental reference for comparing prediction errors, whereas PVTsim and literature data are used for consistency checks and model benchmarking. The results show that when the injected CO₂ mole fraction exceeds 0.88, the formation oil under original reservoir conditions cannot achieve first-contact miscibility with CO₂, and the maximum dissolved CO₂–oil molar ratio is 7.3:1. Supercritical CO₂ forms dual displacement mechanisms, including front-end vaporizing miscible drive and rear-end condensing miscible drive, but the dominant mechanism for this CO₂–oil system is vaporizing miscible drive. During the vaporizing gas drive, the CO₂ + N₂ + C₁ content in the liquid phase increases from less than 60% to nearly 90%, indicating significant CO₂ dissolution into oil and associated density and viscosity reduction; meanwhile, the C₇₊ content in the gas phase increases to nearly 10%, indicating extraction of heavy components. Relative to the slim-tube reference at 140 °C, the deviations of MMC, GWO-SVM, GWO-LSSVM, compositional numerical simulation, GWO-RBF, MOC, and empirical formula methods are 2.97%, 3.08%, 3.40%, 4.24%, 4.26%, 11.62%, and 19.74%, respectively. The MMC method is the most suitable approach for this specific HTHP oil system, while intelligent algorithms should be regarded as supplementary predictors whose reliability depends on training-domain coverage and independent validation. Full article

The economic value of Bombyx mori is built on two complementary substrates: the productive traits and the molecular mechanism of fibroin synthesis. Despite their importance to European sericulture, neither phenotypic nor transcriptional characterizations of Romanian breeds have been reported. Herein, we combine ten phenotypic traits with qRT-PCR quantification of fibroin light-chain (Fib-l) and fibroin heavy-chain (FIBH) expression across four B. mori breeds: the Romanian breeds Băneasa 1 (B1) and Galben de Băneasa (GB), the Japanese breed JH3, and the Chinese breed Auriu Chinez (ACH). All breeds were reared on the same artificial diet under identical thermohydrometric conditions, highlighting the genetic background as the dominant source of variation. Phenotypically, univariate testing and multivariate analyses converged on a two-cluster solution, (B1 + JH3) and (GB + ACH), consistent with genetic background and silk-pigment. However, B1 is the only breed that combines high silk-gland mass with Fib-l overexpression relative to the other three breeds (FC = 2.7–3.6, all p < 1 × 10⁻⁴) and with a Fib-l/FIBH expression ratio of 9.27, above the 1.5–2.9 observed in the other three breeds. The molecular signature identifies B1 as transcriptionally distinct and provides a candidate mechanism for superior productive parameters under artificial-diet rearing. Full article

To mitigate driving risks from brake failure on long and steep downhill sections, this study designs three deployment schemes for radar–video fusion devices: a baseline scenario with no coverage, a scenario with partial coverage in high-risk areas, and a scenario with full coverage. Corresponding information service strategies are delivered via Human–Machine Interfaces (HMIs), forming an integrated active prevention and control framework from risk perception to preventive action. Driving simulation experiments focusing on the car-following process were conducted to collect vehicle operational data and extract characteristic indicators based on the Wiedemann model. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model was employed to comprehensively examine the effects of HMIs on car-following behavior to identify the optimal active prevention strategy. Results show that drivers exhibit greater caution under the partial coverage scheme, with time headway increasing by 47.63% compared to the scheme with no radar–video fusion devices to ensure safety. Under full coverage conditions, drivers can obtain real-time information about the leading vehicle’s status and the distance between the two vehicles in key risk sections. Drivers choose to follow the leading vehicle, balancing both safety in car-following and efficiency on long and steep downhill sections. As the level of accompanying services improves, drivers engage in self-regulation to avoid rear-end collisions. Particularly under the scheme with full coverage of radar–video fusion devices, the standing distance significantly increases by 219.37% compared to the partial coverage condition. Drivers demonstrate optimal vehicle control capabilities. Furthermore, there is an interaction effect between the accompanying service strategy and drivers’ attributes on car-following behaviors. Under different schemes, more experienced drivers exhibit a certain degree of aggressiveness, providing a basis for the targeted design of information services for different types of drivers. The findings support the deployment and application of risk perception and prevention devices on long and steep downhill sections, which can effectively enhance the comprehensive safety of such special roads in the connected vehicle environment. Full article

As augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) becomes increasingly integrated into intelligent vehicles, inappropriate interface designs may increase drivers’ cognitive workload and delay hazard responses. This study investigates how cognitive style, driving task type, and AR-HUD navigation design jointly influence drivers’ behavioral performance and visual attention. A total of 55 participants were recruited and screened using the Group Embedded Figures Test, with 38 drivers finally selected for a 2 × 4 × 2 driving-simulation experiment comparing world-fixed (WF) and screen-fixed (SF) interfaces across goal-directed and stimulus-driven tasks. Reaction times and eye-tracking indicators were analyzed using generalized linear models. Results show that stimulus-driven tasks significantly increased reaction times, with rear-vehicle scenarios producing the longest responses (mean = 1.420). During lane-change tasks, WF displays significantly reduced fixation duration (p < 0.001) and fixation counts (p < 0.001), whereas SF displays improved attentional efficiency during pedestrian-warning tasks. In addition, field-dependent drivers exhibited significantly larger pupil diameters, indicating higher cognitive workload. These findings provide sensor-based evidence for AR-HUD systems that dynamically optimize interface presentation according to task context and workload conditions. Full article

This study investigates the application of the Co-Flow Jet (CFJ) active flow-control methodology to an automotive rear wing through a combined CFD and experimental campaign conducted on a modified McLaren 765LT. The work evaluates the aerodynamic response, energy performance, and practical integration of embedded Co-Flow systems under representative on-track conditions. An extensive CFD design campaign assessed multiple Co-Flow architectures, from which three representative configurations incorporating embedded ducted axial fans were selected for experimental testing. The results indicate that aerodynamic performance is strongly influenced by the interaction between momentum injection, vehicle conditions, and duct architecture. The most effective configuration achieved drag reductions of up to 9% together with downforce increases of approximately 15% under highly loaded conditions, significantly exceeding the repeatability levels of the measurements. The efficiency analysis further showed that, under selected operating conditions, the aerodynamic benefits obtained from the Co-Flow system can exceed the electrical power required by the actuation system. However, increased mass-flow capability alone was not found to guarantee improved aerodynamic performance or efficiency. The results demonstrate the successful integration and operation of a fan-driven Co-Flow system on a production-based vehicle and highlight the importance of momentum injection level and duct design. The findings should be interpreted within the scope of the investigated vehicle and operating envelope. Due to confidentiality constraints, part of the absolute aerodynamic data could not be disclosed, and the results are therefore presented primarily as relative variations. Full article

To evaluate the effects of swimming training on growth, swimming performance, and osmoregulatory-related indices in juvenile coho salmon, freshwater-reared fish were subjected to current of 1 body length per second (BL·s⁻¹) from December 2024 to April 2025. Fork length, body weight, condition factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and gill and intestinal Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) protein abundance were measured monthly, and critical swimming speed (U_crit) was evaluated after one month of training. Trained fish showed greater fork length in March and higher body weight in March and April than controls. The condition factor was higher in trained fish in February and March, but declined during spring smolt development. Swimming capacity was enhanced by training, as indicated by significantly higher U_crit. Mean IGF-1 levels did not differ between groups, but IGF-1 correlated positively with body size only in trained fish. No significant training effect was detected for either gill or intestinal NKA protein abundance, although gill NKA increased significantly in April, likely reflecting seasonal smoltification. In addition, IGF-1 was significantly correlated with gill NKA in trained fish in March. Collectively, these results indicate that sustained swimming training improves growth and swimming performance and may enhance associations among measured physiological variables during smoltification in juvenile coho salmon. Full article

Edible insects are increasingly recognized as a viable alternative protein source, offering a potentially sustainable approach to addressing global food security challenges. This narrative review critically examines the nutritional composition, environmental advantages, techno-functional attributes, and potential applications of insect-based proteins within human food systems. Edible insects are characterized by high protein content, favourable essential amino acid profiles, and appreciable levels of key micronutrients, rendering them nutritionally comparable to conventional livestock-derived proteins. Moreover, insect production systems generally require substantially lower inputs of land, water, and feed, resulting in comparatively lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced overall environmental burden. Despite these advantages, broader adoption remains constrained by challenges related to regulatory heterogeneity, food safety concerns, and limited consumer acceptance. Overall, the available evidence suggests that edible insects can function as a nutritionally adequate and environmentally sustainable complementary protein source; however, significant variability in nutrient composition, limitations in standardized safety assessment, and socio-cultural barriers currently restrict their large-scale integration into mainstream food systems. In addition, inconsistencies in analytical methodologies and reliance on in vitro data further complicate cross-study comparisons and translational relevance. Future research should focus on standardization of rearing and processing conditions, harmonization of evaluation frameworks (e.g., protein quality indices), comprehensive safety assessments, and well-designed clinical studies to validate nutritional and functional benefits, alongside the development of effective strategies to improve consumer acceptance and support regulatory alignment across regions. Full article

Accurate plant-level photovoltaic (PV) power estimation is important for performance monitoring, model benchmarking, and grid-integration studies. In bifacial horizontal single-axis tracking (HSAT) systems, this task is complicated by the coupled effects of front-side irradiance, rear-side irradiance, tracker position, and module temperature. This study proposes an algorithmic framework for same-time-step AC power estimation in a bifacial HSAT PV plant using field measurements of irradiance, tracker angle, module temperature, and inverter active power. The framework is not intended as an operational forecasting model because future irradiance and weather conditions are not predicted; instead, it evaluates how compact physics-based structure, interpretable nonlinear learning, and ensemble learning estimate measured AC power under nominal operating conditions. An empirical rear-to-front irradiance relationship was derived using solar-elevation bins and incorporated into a compact physics-based benchmark. This benchmark was compared with an additive Explainable Boosting Machine (EBM) and a Random Forest (RF) on a common test subset of 3916 observations. The physics-based model achieved an RMSE of 19.6 kW, an R² of 0.72, and an NRMSE of 0.38. The EBM improved these values to 17.09 kW, 0.786, and 0.334, respectively, while the RF achieved 15.96 kW, 0.814, and 0.312. Chronological validation showed weaker and more variable performance than randomized validation, indicating that temporal generalization remains challenging. Overall, the results support the use of interpretable PV-domain-guided learning as a transparent intermediate approach between compact physics-based modeling and more flexible ensemble regression. Full article

To address the lack of systematic quantitative characterization of oil bank dynamic evolution and unclear dominant controlling factors in polymer flooding, this study combines reservoir numerical simulation with Python-based quantitative analysis and a machine learning framework (random forest + SHAP). We established 1D and 2D reservoir models: the 1D model develops a precise quantitative characterization method for oil bank width (defined by front/rear edge saturation offsets Pf < 1.0% and Pb < 1.0%, fitted with a cubic polynomial, R² > 0.95) and height (derived from optimal oil saturation difference time curves and integral calculation); the 2D model investigates the regulatory mechanism of reservoir heterogeneity. Based on 15,000 sets of physically consistent simulation data, the random forest model achieves high prediction accuracy (R² = 0.98). Sensitivity analysis reveals that main flow direction permeability, reservoir temperature, and water-phase exponent (nw) of the Corey model are the dominant controlling parameters, exhibiting substantially higher sensitivity than polymer adsorption capacity and residual resistance coefficient. The oil bank height shows a negative correlation with the first two parameters, while it displays a peak-type variation with the water-phase exponent. Under heterogeneous conditions, permeability anisotropy amplifies the regulatory effect of relative permeability exponents, leading to unbalanced oil bank migration (quantified by front ratio R). This study breaks through the limitations of traditional qualitative characterization, elucidates the spatiotemporal evolution laws and heterogeneous regulatory mechanisms of the oil bank, and provides reliable theoretical and dataset support for optimizing polymer flooding schemes. Full article

Off-odor volatiles limit the acceptability of Atlantic salmon. This study investigated the effects of spatial distribution within the fillet, storage conditions, and cooking methods on the volatile profile of salmon and evaluated how pre-harvest rearing conditions, sex, and the presence of skin influence volatile compound formation during storage and cooking. Volatiles were classified as lipid-derived, protein-derived, and environmental contaminants. Spatial distribution within the fillet influenced volatile formation, with the head region exhibiting higher concentrations than the center and tail, reflecting differences in lipid distribution and precursor availability. During storage, fillets stored on ice generally exhibited higher volatile concentrations than samples frozen immediately, particularly for lipid-derived and environmental compounds, consistent with continued biochemical and microbial activity during chilled holding, whereas frozen storage preserved the biochemical state of the fillet. The magnitude of these differences depended on pre-harvest rearing conditions, the presence of skin, and harvest age. Cooking significantly increased volatile concentrations compared to raw fillets, with dry-heat methods, particularly baking, producing the highest levels, while boiling resulted in lower concentrations due to leaching into the cooking medium. Lower volatile formation was generally associated with cool-reared fish, male fillets, and muscle-only samples, while warm-reared, female, and skin-on samples exhibited greater volatile formation or retention, reflecting differences in precursor availability and tissue structure. These findings demonstrate that volatile formation in salmon is governed by the interaction between precursor accumulation during growth, spatial variability within the fillet, and transformation during post-harvest storage and cooking. Full article

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is an aqueous solution containing dissolved molecular hydrogen. This study evaluated its effects on juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) under acute low-temperature stress. A total of 480 juveniles (2.4 ± 0.5 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group was reared in standard water; the treatment groups were exposed to different hydrogen concentrations, specifically H1 (0.3 mg/L), H2 (0.5 mg/L), and H3 (0.9 mg/L). The fry were reared at 26 ± 0.5 °C for 30 days, followed by acute low-temperature stress (11 ± 0.5 °C) for 48 h. Samples were collected at 0, 8, 24, and 48 h. Results showed that after 30 days of HRW rearing, the final body weight (FBW), specific growth rate (SGR), and condition factor (CF) of the H1 group were significantly increased, while the H3 group only increased CF. No significant differences were observed in hepatopancreas somatic index (HSI) and survival rate (SR) among groups. Acute low-temperature stress induced liver and intestinal damage, which were alleviated in the H1 group. The H1 group exhibited significantly increased SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities in the liver, as well as CAT and SOD in the intestine and gills, while reducing MDA levels, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity. The H1 group significantly upregulated the antioxidant genes expression (sod, cat, and gsh-px mRNA levels) in the liver and gills but downregulated them in the intestine. 16S rDNA analysis revealed that HRW increased intestinal microbiota and the relative abundance of Bacillota. In conclusion, the H1 group significantly improved growth performance, mitigated acute low-temperature damage, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and increased the relative abundance of Bacillota in the intestines. This provides an innovative, safe, and effective solution for aquaculture industries confronting low-temperature challenges. Full article

Cockroaches display a double symbiosis: an obligate intracellular one with Blattabacterium spp., and a complex extracellular non-vertically transmitted gut microbiota, that may be affected by horizontally transmitted factors. Four experiments using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were conducted to analyze the microbiota of the hindgut and feces of adult cockroaches. They aimed to understand the influence of the environment and feces on the acquisition and development of the hindgut microbiota. We observed that sample type (hindgut vs. feces), rearing conditions (environment, i.e., place and diet), coprophagy, and host influenced microbiota composition. Cockroaches initially germ-free, placed in non-sterile conditions and with blocked parental coprophagy, were unable to develop the normal microbiota of the control population, demonstrating that coprophagy is essential for acquiring a normal microbiota. This also showed that, in the absence of parental fecal input, the cockroach gut microbiota is strongly diminished. Moreover, when exploring fecal microbiota differences among three cockroach species, the greatest divergence was observed between Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica, with Blatta orientalis occupying an intermediate position. Therefore, P. americana was selected for fecal transplantation on B. germanica. This transplantation experiment indicates that different species select different gut microbes, and that even when they receive feces from other species, only some of those bacteria are retained. Overall, these results suggest that beyond other factors, the host species had the strongest influence on shaping the cockroach gut microbiota. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) systems integrated with green roofs have attracted increasing research interest due to their potential influence on rooftop microclimatic conditions and photovoltaic operating performance. This study experimentally investigated the thermal and electrical behavior of two identical PV modules installed above green and asphalt roof surfaces under real operating conditions in a Central European climate. Rear-side module temperatures and meteorological parameters were monitored, while electrical performance was evaluated using on-site I–V curve measurements. The observed rear-side temperature differences ranged from 0.01 °C to 0.86 °C during the monitored short-term summer periods. A representative I–V measurement indicated approximately 13% higher instantaneous maximum power output for the PV module installed above the green roof configuration under comparable operating conditions. However, the electrical results should be interpreted cautiously due to short-term environmental variability and irradiance-related uncertainty during consecutive field measurements. The presented results correspond to a short-term summer field-monitoring study and should not be generalized to annual photovoltaic performance without extended long-term multi-season experimental validation. The scientific contribution of this study lies in the synchronized side-by-side evaluation of identical PV modules using combined rear-side thermal monitoring and in-situ electrical characterization under real operating conditions. Full article

The fruit-piercing moth, Eudocima phalonia (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is a widespread pest in the Pacific region and has recently become economically important again in New Caledonia due to increasingly frequent outbreaks. Improving knowledge of its biology is essential for developing effective monitoring and management strategies. This study aimed to (i) establish a detailed laboratory rearing protocol, (ii) characterize its life cycle and reproductive traits under controlled conditions, and (iii) explore associations between larval coloration, developmental parameters, and seasonal population dynamics. Laboratory colonies were maintained over multiple generations, and field monitoring was conducted across several sites over three years. Larval colour polymorphism was documented, and statistical analyses (ANOVA and linear models) revealed significant associations between larval coloration and pupal morphological traits. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously due to unbalanced sample sizes and the observational nature of the dataset. Differences between sexes in several developmental traits were also observed. Field data showed marked seasonal variation in population abundance. This study provides a detailed rearing protocol and baseline biological data for Eudocima phalonia in New Caledonia, supporting future experimental and applied research. Full article

During actual vehicle operation, working conditions are highly complex, involving both body roll induced by steering centrifugal force and attitude fluctuations caused by random road irregularities or sudden lateral wind disturbances. By optimizing the control of the active stabilizer bar (ASB), its torque compensation capability can be more effectively utilized, thereby improving vehicle ride quality and handling stability under extreme conditions. This paper first establishes a vehicle roll model with a passive stabilizer bar. Then, an active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) controller, a linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) controller, and a fuzzy proportional–integral and proportional–derivative (PI-PD) controller are designed and verified through simulation. The results show that all three active control methods improve roll stability compared with the passive system, and the ADRC controller achieves better control performance than the fuzzy PI-PD and LADRC controllers. Furthermore, a control strategy for the active stabilizer bar model is developed based on the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm. The simulation results show that, using deep reinforcement learning for feedforward optimization, the fuzzy PI-PD, LADRC, and ADRC control methods reduce the body roll angle by 3.8%, 27.1%, and 25.0%, respectively. The front-axle anti-roll moments are reduced by 13.4%, 14.0%, and 16.5%, respectively, while the rear-axle anti-roll moments are reduced by 14.8%, 13.4%, and 14.5%, respectively. Full article