Search Results (46,410)

In relay-assisted Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems with ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) requirements, finite blocklength coding imposes stringent resource constraints. In this work, the packet error probability (PEP) and blocklength allocation across two-hop links are jointly optimized to minimize total blocklength (resource consumption) while satisfying reliability, latency, and throughput requirements. The original multi-variable problem is decomposed into two tractable subproblems. In the first subproblem, for a fixed total blocklength, the achievable rate is maximized. A near-optimal PEP is first derived via theoretical analysis. Subsequently, theoretical analysis proves that blocklength must be optimized to equalize the achievable rates between the two hops to maximize system performance. Consequently, the closed-form solution to optimal blocklength allocation is derived. In the second subproblem, the total blocklength is minimized via a bisection search method. Simulation results show that by adopting near-optimal PEPs, our approach reduces computation time by two orders of magnitude while limiting the achievable rate loss to within 1% compared to the exhaustive search method. At peak rates, the hop with superior channel conditions requires fewer resources. Compared with three baseline algorithms, the proposed algorithm achieves average resource savings of 21.40%, 14.03%, and 17.18%, respectively. Full article

The blended system of solid waste micro-powders is of great significance for the efficient utilization of recycled micro-powder. In this study, a ternary blended cementitious system composed of fly ash, slag, and recycled micro-powder was constructed, and its effects on the workability, mechanical properties, shrinkage performance, and microstructure of recycled mortar were systematically investigated. The experimental results show that with the increasing dosage of slag and recycled micro-powder (partially replacing cement and fly ash), the standard consistency water demand of the cementitious system decreases and the setting time is prolonged. When the replacement levels of recycled micro-powder and slag are both 10%, the 3-day, 7-day, and 28-day mechanical strengths of the mortar specimens are comparable to those of the reference group, with an increased flexural-to-compressive strength ratio and improved brittleness. SEM and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analyses revealed that systems incorporating low addition levels of recycled micro powder and slag powder exhibit calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, acicular ettringite crystals, and a denser pore structure. However, at higher dosages (>10%), the porosity increases significantly and the pore structure deteriorates, resulting in reduced shrinkage performance. Overall, when the replacement rate of cement–fly ash by recycled micro-powder and slag is 10%, the ternary blended system exhibits optimal macroscopic performance and microstructure, providing a scientific basis for the resource utilization of solid waste. Full article

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a multisystem disorder characterized by a paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts and cholestasis, often requiring liver transplantation before adulthood. Due to the lack of genotype–phenotype correlation, case series are essential to understand disease presentation and prognosis. Data on Mexican ALGS patients are limited. Therefore, we aimed to characterize a large series of Mexican patients by consolidating cases from major institutions and independent geneticists, with the goal of generating one of the most comprehensive cohorts in Latin America. We retrospectively analyzed clinical records of pediatric ALGS patients, focusing on demographics, clinical features, laboratory and imaging results, biopsy findings, and transplant status. Genetic testing was performed for all cases without prior molecular confirmation. We identified 52 ALGS cases over 13 years; 22 had available clinical records. Of these, only 6 had molecular confirmation at study onset, prompting genetic testing in the remaining 16. We identified six novel JAG1 variants and several previously unreported phenotypic features. A liver transplantation rate of 13% was observed in the cohort. This study represents the largest molecularly confirmed ALGS cohort in Mexico to date. Novel genetic and clinical findings expand the known spectrum of ALGS and emphasize the need for improved therapies, such as IBAT inhibitors, which may alleviate symptoms and reduce the need for transplantation. Full article

A novel efficient method to evaluate time-periodic flows is applied to turbomachinery configurations in this paper (PSpTM). The technique reduces the overall computational cost of unsteady CFD calculations relative to conventional implicit approaches. The method is based on a pseudo-spectral definition of the time derivative rearranged in a time-marching fashion. The key advantage of this novel formulation compared with classical harmonic methods is that it requires minor modifications in the CFD solver structure. The method was implemented into an existing unstructured edge-based, second-order, compressible RANS solver. To benchmark the method, a well-established implicit time scheme based on a second-order backward implicit approach (BDF2) is used. Sample unsteady turbomachinery configurations are used to determine the accuracy and efficiency of the method. The accuracy of the solution is highly linked to the number of harmonics prescribed for the solution. An adequate level of accuracy was obtained while retaining a reduced number of harmonics, with approximately twice the number of harmonics of the unsteady perturbation. Notable savings in computational cost were observed when the PSpTM method was used with speed-up factors of between 2 and 10 with respect to the BDF2, depending on the case. However, the PSpTM method exhibits a poor periodic convergence rate, leaving room for further improvements in efficiency. However, even in its current form and with the current understanding, the method has a remarkable performance. Full article

During large-scale pavement construction, the preparation of SBS-modified asphalt typically produces large amounts of harmful fumes. The emergence of deodorants can effectively alleviate the problem of smoke emissions during the asphalt manufacturing process. On the basis of ensuring the original road performance, exploring more suitable dosages and types of deodorant is urgently needed. Five commercial deodorants were evaluated using an asphalt smoke collection system, and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV) was employed to screen the deodorants based on smoke concentration. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to quantitatively analyze changes in harmful smoke components before and after adding two deodorants. Subsequently, the mechanisms of action of the two different types of deodorants were analyzed microscopically using fluorescence microscopy. Finally, the performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures after adding deodorants was evaluated. The results showed that deodorant A (reactive type) and D (adsorption type) exhibited the best smoke suppression effects, with optimal addition rates of 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Deodorant A reduced benzene homologues by nearly 50% and esters by approximately 40%, while deodorant D reduced benzene homologues by approximately 70% and esters by approximately 60%, without producing new toxic gases. Both deodorants had a minimal impact on the basic properties of bitumen and the road performance of asphalt mixtures, with all indicators meeting technical specifications. This research provides a theoretical basis for the effective application of deodorants in the future, truly enabling a transition from laboratory research to large-scale engineering applications in the construction of environmentally friendly roads. Full article

To address the central cracking problem in continuous casting slabs of 38CrMoAl steel, high-temperature tensile tests were performed using a Gleeble-3800 thermal simulator to characterize the hot ductility of the steel within the temperature range of 600–1200 °C. The phase transformation behavior was computationally analyzed via the Thermo-Calc software, while the microstructure, fracture morphology, and precipitate characteristics were systematically investigated using a metallographic microscope (MM), a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the effects of different holding times and cooling rates on the microstructure and precipitates of 38CrMoAl steel were also studied. The results show that the third brittle temperature region of 38CrMoAl steel is 645–1009 °C, and the fracture mechanisms can be classified into three types: (I) in the α single-phase region, the thickness of intergranular proeutectoid ferrite increases with rising temperature, leading to reduced hot ductility; (II) in the γ single-phase region, the average size of precipitates increases while the number density decreases with increasing temperature, thereby improving hot ductility; and (III) in the α + γ two-phase region, the precipitation of proeutectoid ferrite promotes crack propagation and the dense distribution of precipitates at grain boundaries causes stress concentration, further deteriorating hot ductility. Heat treatment experiments indicate that the microstructures of the specimen transformed under water cooling, air cooling, and furnace cooling conditions as follows: martensite + proeutectoid ferrite → bainite + ferrite → ferrite. The average size of precipitates first decreased, then increased, and finally decreased again with increasing holding time, while the number density exhibited the opposite trend. Therefore, when the holding time was the same, reducing the cooling rate could increase the average size of the precipitates and decrease their number density, thereby improving the hot ductility of 38CrMoAl steel. Full article

Objective: The accurate visualization of root canal systems on periapical radiographs is critical for successful endodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of several image enhancement algorithms—including a novel Total Variation–Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (TV-CLAHE) technique—in improving the detectability of root canal configurations in mandibular incisors, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as the gold standard. A null hypothesis was tested, assuming that enhancement methods would not significantly improve root canal detection compared to original radiographs. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 periapical radiographs of mandibular incisors, resulting in 420 images after applying seven enhancement techniques: Histogram Equalization (HE), Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE), CLAHE optimized with Pelican Optimization Algorithm (CLAHE-POA), Global CLAHE (G-CLAHE), k-Caputo Fractional Differential Operator (KCFDO), and the proposed TV-CLAHE. Four experienced observers (two radiologists and two dentists) independently assessed root canal visibility. Subjective evaluation was performed using an own scale inspired by a 5-point Likert scale, and the detection accuracy was compared to the CBCT findings. Quantitative metrics including Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), image entropy, and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) were calculated to objectively assess image quality. Results: Root canal detection accuracy improved across all enhancement methods, with the proposed TV-CLAHE algorithm achieving the highest performance (93–98% accuracy), closely approaching CBCT-level visualization. G-CLAHE also showed substantial improvement (up to 92%). Statistical analysis confirmed significant inter-method differences (p < 0.001). TV-CLAHE outperformed all other techniques in subjective quality ratings and yielded superior SNR and entropy values. Conclusions: Advanced image enhancement methods, particularly TV-CLAHE, significantly improve root canal visibility in 2D radiographs and offer a practical, low-cost alternative to CBCT in routine dental diagnostics. These findings support the integration of optimized contrast enhancement techniques into endodontic imaging workflows to reduce the risk of missed canals and improve treatment outcomes. Full article

Decarbonization of the Greek economy requires significant investments in clean technologies. This will boost demand for goods and services and will create multiplier effects on output value added and employment, though reliance on imported technologies might increase the trade deficit. This study employs input–output analysis to estimate the direct, indirect, and multiplier effects of green transition investments on Greek output, value added, employment, and imports across five-year intervals from 2025 to 2050. Two scenarios are considered: the former is based on the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), driven by a large-scale exploitation of RES and technologies promoting electrification of final demand, while the latter (developed in the context of the CLEVER project) prioritizes energy sufficiency and efficiency interventions to reduce final energy demand. In the NECP scenario, GDP increases by 3–10% (relative to 2023), and employment increases by 4–11%. The CLEVER scenario yields smaller direct effects—owing to lower investment levels—but larger induced impacts, since energy savings boost household disposable income. The consideration of three sub-scenarios adopting different levels of import-substitution rates in key manufacturing sectors exhibits pronounced divergence, indicating that targeted industrial policies can significantly amplify the domestic economic benefits of the green transition. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive computational analysis of flow rate efficiency during uranium extraction via the In Situ Recovery method. Using field data from a deposit located in Southern Kazakhstan, a series of mathematical models were developed to evaluate the distribution and balance of leaching solution. A reactive transport model incorporating uranium dissolution kinetics and acid–rock interactions were utilized to assess the accuracy of both traditional and proposed methods. The results reveal a significant spatial imbalance in sulfuric acid distribution, with up to 239.1 tons of acid migrating beyond the block boundaries. To reduce computational demands while maintaining predictive accuracy, two alternative methods, a streamline-based and a trajectory-based approach were proposed and verified. The streamline method showed close agreement with reactive transport modeling and was able to effectively identify the presence of intra-block reagent imbalance. The trajectory-based method provided detailed insight into flow dynamics but tended to overestimate acid overflow outside the block. Both alternative methods outperformed the conventional approach in terms of accuracy by accounting for geological heterogeneity and well spacing. The proposed methods have significantly lower computational costs, as they do not require solving complex systems of partial differential equations involved in reactive transport simulations. The proposed approaches can be used to analyze the efficiency of mineral In Situ Recovery at both the design and operational stages, as well as to determine optimal production regimes for reducing economic expenditures in a timely manner. Full article

In this study, we sought to improve the productivity of Far Eastern catfish (Silurus asotus) and tropical eel (Anguilla bicolor), which are high-value fish species in the Republic of Korea, as well as that of associated crops by applying biofloc technology (BFT)-based aquaponics systems. The following three systems were used: the flow-through system (FTS), BFT, and BFT aquaponics system (BAPs). Caipira lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was utilized and hydroponics (HP) was implemented to compare crop productivity. After 42 days of treatment, the BAPs and BFT systems improved fish productivity, with weight gain rates of 134.47 ± 1.80% in BAPs-cat, 130.38 ± 0.95% in BFT, and 114.21 ± 6.62% in FTS for S. asotus, and 70.61 ± 3.26% in BAPs-eel, 62.37 ± 7.04% in BFT, and 47.83 ± 1.09% in FTS for A. bicolor. During the experiment, the total ammonia nitrogen and NO₂⁻-N concentrations were stable in all plots. In the case of NO₃⁻-N, BFT showed an increasing tendency while both BAPs showed a decrease compared with that of the BFT. BAPs-cat (total weight: 224.1 ± 6.37 g) and HP (220.3 ± 7.17 g) resulted in similar growth. However, in BAPs-eel was 187.7 ± 3.46 g due to root degradation. Water content analysis showed that BAPs-cat and BAPs-eel contained sufficient K, Ca, P, and S, which are important for crop growth. Overall, the effect of BAPs on fish growth was higher than that of FTS. This study reveals that integrating BFT with aquaponics improves productivity for high-value fish and associated crops while maintaining stable water quality. This method offers sustainable, efficient production, reduces environmental impact, and provides insights for future research in sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

In the casting and rolling production process, surface longitudinal cracks are a typical casting defect. Tracing the causes of longitudinal cracks online and controlling the key parameters leading to their formation in a timely manner can enhance the stability of casting and rolling production. To this end, the influencing factors of longitudinal cracks were analyzed, a data integration storage platform was constructed, and a tracing model was established using empirical rule analysis, statistical analysis, and intelligent analysis methods. During the initial production phase of a casting machine, longitudinal cracks occurred frequently. The tracing results using the LightGBM-SHAP method showed that the relative influence of the narrow left wide inner heat flow ratio of the mold was significant, followed by the heat flow difference on the wide symmetrical face of the mold and the superheat of the molten steel, with weights of 0.135, 0.066, and 0.048, respectively. Based on the tracing results, we implemented online emergency measures. By controlling the cooling intensity of the mold, we effectively reduced the recurrence rate of longitudinal cracks. Root cause analysis revealed that the total hardness of the mold-cooling water exceeded the standard, reaching 24 mg/L, which caused scaling on the mold copper plates and uneven cooling, leading to the frequent occurrence of longitudinal cracks. After strictly controlling the water quality, the issue of longitudinal cracks was brought under control. The online application of the tracing method for the causes of longitudinal cracks has effectively improved efficiency in resolving longitudinal crack problems. Full article

Coal mining can cause the rupture of the overlying strata, and the energy released by large-scale fractures can therefore induce earthquake disasters, which in turn can cause more secondary disasters. In the past 50 years, countless earthquakes induced by coal mining have been reported. In this paper, the main factors relating to the mining-induced seismicity, including the mechanical properties, geometry of the space, excavation advance, and excavation rate, are investigated using both experimental and numerical methods. The sensitivity of these factors behaves differently with regard to the stress distribution and failure mode. Space geometry and excavation advances have the highest impact on the surface settlement and the failure, while the excavation rate in practical engineering projects has the least impact on the failure mode. The numerical study coincides well with the experimental observation. The result indicates that the mechanical properties given by the geological survey report can be effectively used to assess the risk of mining-induced seismicity, and the proper adjustment of the tunnel geometry can largely reduce the surface settlement and improve the safety of mining. Full article

Background: The implementation of advanced agronomical strategies, including the use of antitranspirant, in order to mitigate the negative effects of environmental stress, particularly heat stress on plants, has become a focal area of research in the Mediterranean basin. This region is characterized by hot and dry summer that affects plant physiology. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Sicily (South Italy) on 12-year-old avocado cv. Hass grafted onto Walter Hole rootstock. Two subplots each of forty homogenous trees were selected and treated (1) with calcium carbonate (DECCO Shield^®) and (2) with water (control) at the following phenological phases: 711, 712 and 715 BBCH. The climatic parameters were recorded throughout the year. Physiological measurements (leaf transpiration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential) were measured at 105, 131 and 168 days after full bloom. Fruit growth was monitored, and physico-chemical analyses were carried out at harvest. Results: The antitranspirant increased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and reduced leaf transpiration (−26.1%). Fruit growth rate increased during summer, although no morphological and qualitative difference was observed at harvest. PCA highlighted the positive effect of the calcium carbonate on overall plant physiology. Conclusions: Antitranspirant foliar application reduced heat stress effects by improving physiological responses of avocado trees. Full article

The construction industry is responsible for 39% of global CO₂ emissions related to energy use, with cement responsible for 5–8% of it. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC³), a ternary blended binder system, offers a low-carbon alternative by partially substituting clinker with calcined clay and limestone. This study investigated the use of waste clay brick powder (WBP), a waste material, as a source of calcined clay in LC³ formulations, addressing both environmental concerns and SCM scarcity. Two LC³ mixtures containing 15% limestone, 5% gypsum, and either 15% or 30% WBP, corresponding to clinker contents of 65% (LC³-65) or 50% (LC³-50), were evaluated against general purpose (GP) cement mortar. Tests included setting time, flowability, soundness, compressive and flexural strengths, drying shrinkage, isothermal calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Isothermal calorimetry showed peak heat flow reductions of 26% and 49% for LC³-65 and LC³-50, respectively, indicating a slower reactivity of LC³. The initial and final setting times of the LC³ mixtures were 10–30 min and 30–60 min longer, respectively, due to the slower hydration kinetics caused by the reduced clinker content. Flowability increased in LC³-50, which is attributed to the lower clinker content and higher water availability. At 7 days, LC³-65 retained 98% of the control’s compressive strength, while LC³-50 showed a 47% reduction. At 28 days, the compressive strengths of mixtures LC³-65 and LC³-50 were 7% and 46% lower than the control, with flexural strength reductions being 8% and 40%, respectively. The porosity calculated from the SEM images was found to be 7%, 11%, and 15% in the control, LC³-65, and LC³-50, respectively. Thus, the reduction in strength is attributed to the slower reaction rate and increased porosity associated with the reduced clinker content in LC³ mixtures. However, the results indicate that the performance of LC³-65 was close to that of the control mix, supporting the viability of WBP as a low-carbon partial replacement of clinker in LC³. Full article

Automated cherry harvesting presents a significant opportunity to overcome the high costs and inefficiencies of manual labor in modern agriculture. However, robotic harvesting in dense canopies requires sophisticated path planning to navigate cluttered branches and selectively pick target fruits. This paper introduces a complete robotic harvesting solution centered on a novel path-planning algorithm: the Multi-Strategy Integrated RRT for Continuous Harvesting Path (MSI-RRTCHP) algorithm. Our system first employs a machine vision system to identify and locate mature cherries, distinguishing them from unripe fruits, leaves, and branches, which are treated as obstacles. Based on this visual data, the MSI-RRTCHP algorithm generates an optimal picking trajectory. Its core innovation is a synergistic strategy that enables intelligent navigation by combining probability-guided exploration, goal-oriented sampling, and adaptive step size adjustments based on the obstacle’s density. To optimize the picking sequence for multiple targets, we introduce an enhanced traversal algorithm ($\sigma$-TSP) that accounts for obstacle interference. Field experiments demonstrate that our integrated system achieved a 90% picking success rate. Compared with established algorithms, the MSI-RRTCHP algorithm reduced the path length by up to 25.47% and the planning time by up to 39.06%. This work provides a practical and efficient framework for robotic cherry harvesting, showcasing a significant step toward intelligent agricultural automation. Full article