Search Results (2,814)

The interaction between a shock wave and a boundary layer promotes corner separation and prevents performance enhancement in a supersonic compressor cascade. Different vortex generator (VG) designs are presented to control corner separation in a supersonic compressor cascade, including endwall VGs (EVG), suction surface VGs (SVG), and combined endwall and suction surface VGs (E-SVGs). It is demonstrated that EVG and coupled E-SVGs reduce losses in the supersonic compressor cascade. For an optimal EVG, the total loss is reduced by 24.6% and the endwall loss is reduced by 33.6%. The coupled E-SVG better controls corner separation and reduces endwall losses by 56.9%. The suppression mechanism is that vortices alter the direction of the separated flow, allowing it to overcome the chordwise pressure gradient. Moreover, the VGs change the shock structure near the endwall. For the EVG, clockwise vortices are effective in controlling corner separation due to their minor effect on the shock structure near the endwall. However, anticlockwise vortices are not suitable for controlling corner separation in the supersonic compressor because they increase the shock strength induced by the VG. The control mechanism of the coupled E-SVG on corner separation is also discussed. Full article

This paper addresses the problem of loss of control during flight caused by failures of flight control surfaces. It presents a study of an emergency thrust control system based on linear-quadratic control with integral action. The research encompasses an analysis of thrust modulation control characteristics, a review of existing control systems, and a detailed description of the development process, including the research platform configuration, identification of the aircraft state-space model, control law design, integration of system components within the MATLAB and Simulink environment, and software-in-the-loop testing conducted in the X-Plane 11 flight simulator using a Boeing 757-200 model. The study also investigates the issue of control channel cross-coupling and its impact on simultaneous control of the aircraft’s longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed emergency system provides adequate controllability, with settling times of approximately 12 s for achieving a flight path angle setpoint of +5°, and 13 s for attaining a maximum (limited) roll angle of 20°, achieved in separate manoeuvres. Furthermore, simulated landing attempts suggest that the system could potentially enable successful landings at approach speeds significantly higher than standard recommendations. However, further investigation is required to address decoupling of control channels, ensure system stability, and evaluate control performance across a broader range of aircraft configurations. Full article

Semantic change detection technology based on remote sensing data holds significant importance for urban and rural planning decisions and the monitoring of ground objects. However, simple convolutional networks are limited by the receptive field, cannot fully capture detailed semantic information, and cannot effectively perceive subtle changes and constrain edge information. Therefore, a dynamic graph reasoning network with layer-by-layer semantic decomposition for semantic change detection in remote sensing data is developed in response to these limitations. This network aims to understand and perceive subtle changes in the semantic content of remote sensing data from the image pixel level. On the one hand, low-level semantic information and cross-scale spatial local feature details are obtained by dividing subspaces and decomposing convolutional layers with significant kernel expansion. Semantic selection aggregation is used to enhance the characterization of global and contextual semantics. Meanwhile, the initial multi-scale local spatial semantics are screened and re-aggregated to improve the characterization of significant features. On the other hand, at the encoding stage, the weight-sharing approach is employed to align the positions of ground objects in the change area and generate more comprehensive encoding information. Meanwhile, the dynamic graph reasoning module is used to decode the encoded semantics layer by layer to investigate the hidden associations between pixels in the neighborhood. In addition, the edge constraint module is used to constrain boundary pixels and reduce semantic ambiguity. The weighted loss function supervises and optimizes each module separately to enable the network to acquire the optimal feature representation. Finally, experimental results on three open-source datasets, such as SECOND, HIUSD, and Landsat-SCD, show that the proposed method achieves good performance, with an SCD score reaching 35.65%, 98.33%, and 67.29%, respectively. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parenteral nutrition (PN) supports patients unable to receive nutrients via the gastrointestinal tract, but it lacks the health-promoting natural bioactive compounds found in a typical oral diet. This study aimed to develop a human serum albumin-based intravenous delivery system for lutein (an antioxidant carotenoid with vision-supportive and hepatoprotective properties) as a PN additive. Methods: An albumin–lutein nanosuspension (AlbLuteN) was synthesized using a modified nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab^TM) technology and characterized physicochemically. The nanoformulation was added to four commercial PN admixtures to assess the supplementation safety throughout the maximum infusion period. Visual inspection and measurements of fat globules larger than 5 µm (PFAT5) and the mean hydrodynamic diameter (Z-average), zeta potential, pH, osmolality, and lutein content were performed to detect potential interactions and evaluate the physicochemical stability. Results: AlbLuteN consisted of uniform particles (Z-average of 133.5 ± 2.8 nm) with a zeta potential of −28.1 ± 1.8 mV, lutein content of 4.76 ± 0.39%, and entrapment efficiency of 84.4 ± 6.3%. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the amorphous state of lutein in the nanosuspension. AlbLuteN was successfully incorporated into PN admixtures, without visible phase separation or significant changes in physicochemical parameters. The PFAT5 and Z-average values remained within pharmacopeial limits over 24 h. No substantial shifts in zeta potential, pH, or osmolality were observed. The lutein content remained stable, with losses below 3%. Conclusions: AlbLuteN can be safely added to representative PN admixtures without compromising their stability. This approach offers a novel strategy for intravenous lutein delivery and may contribute to improving the nutritional profile of PN. Full article

This research targets prediction of power consumption change (PCC) in the branch of electrical distribution grid between a sum meter and consumer meter in response to consumer load change. The problem is relevant for power preservation law-based event-driven methods aiming for detection of anomalies like meter errors, electricity thefts, etc. The PCC in the branch is due to the change of technical (wiring) losses as well as change of power consumption of loads connected to the same distribution branch. Using synthesized dataset set a data-driven model is built to predict PCC in the branch. Model performance is assessed using root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute, and mean relative error, together with their standard deviations. The preliminary experimental verification using a test bed confirmed the potential of the method. The accuracy of the PCC in the branch prediction is influenced by the systematic error of the meters. Therefore, the error of the consumer meter and the PCC in the branch cannot be evaluated separately. It was observed that the absolute error of the estimate of power measurement gain error was observed to be within ±0.3% and the relative error of PCC in the branch prediction was within ±10%. Full article

Detecting small objects using remote sensing technology has consistently posed challenges. To address this issue, a novel detection framework named ACLC-Detection has been introduced. Building upon the Yolov11 architecture, this detector integrates an attention mechanism with lightweight convolution to enhance performance. Specifically, the deep and shallow convolutional layers of the backbone network are both introduced to depthwise separable convolution. Moreover, the designed lightweight convolutional excitation module (CEM) is used to obtain the contextual information of targets and reduce the loss of information for small targets. In addition, the C3k2 module in the neck fusion network part, where C3k = True, is replaced by the Convolutional Attention Module with Ghost Module (CAF-GM). This not only reduces the model complexity but also acquires more effective information. The Simple Attention module (SimAM) used in it not only suppresses redundant information but also has zero impact on the growth of model parameters. Finally, the Inner-Complete Intersection over Union (Inner-CIOU) loss function is employed, which enables better localization and detection of small targets. Extensive experiments conducted on the DOTA and VisDrone2019 datasets have demonstrated the advantages of the proposed enhanced model in dealing with small objects in aerial imagery. Full article

Electrostatic separation is a promising technology for the recovery of valuable metals from electronic waste, particularly from printed circuit boards (PCBs). This study explores the application of electrostatic separation for the selective recovery of metallic and non-metallic fractions from crushed PCBs (PCBs). The process exploits the differences in electrical properties between conductive metals and non-conductive polymers and ceramics, facilitating their separation through applied electric fields. The raw materials were pre-treated via mechanical comminution using shredders and hammer mills to achieve an optimal particle size distribution (<3 mm), which enhances separation efficiency. Ferrous materials were removed prior to electrostatic separation to improve process selectivity. Key operational parameters, including particle size, charge accumulation, environmental conditions, and separation efficiency, were systematically analysed. The results demonstrate that electrostatic separation effectively recovers high-value metals such as copper and gold while minimizing material losses. Additionally, the process contributes to the sustainability of e-waste recycling by enabling the recovery of non-metallic fractions for potential secondary applications. This work underscores the significance of electrostatic separation as a viable technique for e-waste management and highlights optimization strategies for enhancing its performance in large-scale recycling operations. Full article

This study investigates an innovative hybrid treatment for compost-derived wastewater, combining aluminum-based electrocoagulation (EC), zeolite addition, and magnet assistance. Key experimental variables—presence/absence of magnet, stirring speed (250 and 350 rpm), and contact time (10–30 min)—were systematically varied to analyze process efficiency, electrode dissolution and mass loss, solid–liquid separation dynamics, and quantify energy input and Faraday efficiency (FE). Magnet-assisted processes achieved higher COD reduction at longer treatment times of 30 min and lower mixing speeds of 250 rpm, with up to 89.87%. The highest turbidity reduction of 98.59% is achieved after 20 min at 350 rpm. The magnetic field does not significantly affect the dissolution of Al electrodes, but over time, it helps reduce localized electrode damage, thereby supporting both process efficiency and electrode longevity. Magnetic fields improved sludge settling in shorter treatments by promoting faster aggregation. However, the energy input was generally higher with magnetic assistance. FE in the range of 50.89–65.82% indicates that the actual electrode loss is lower than theoretical. For the experiments conducted according to the L8 Taguchi experimental design, given the significance and contribution of factors to the process, the optimal combination is the absence of a magnet, 350 rpm, and 20 min. Full article

Cavitation-induced degradation of metallic materials presents a significant challenge for engineers and users of equipment operating with high-velocity fluids. For any metallic material, the mechanical strength and ductility characteristics are controlled by the mobility of dislocations and their interaction with other defects in the crystal lattice (such as dissolved foreign atoms, grain boundaries, phase separation surfaces, etc.). The increase in mechanical properties, and consequently the resistance to cavitation erosion, is possible through the application of heat treatments and cold plastic deformation processes. These factors induce a series of hardening mechanisms that create structural barriers limiting the mobility of dislocations. Cavitation tests involve exposing a specimen to repeated short-duration erosion cycles, followed by mass loss measurements and surface morphology examinations using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained allow for a detailed study of the actual wear processes affecting the tested material and provide a solid foundation for understanding the degradation mechanism. The tested material is the Ni-based alloy INCONEL 625, subjected to stress-relief annealing heat treatment. Experiments were conducted using an ultrasonic vibratory device operating at a frequency of 20 kHz and an amplitude of 50 µm. Microstructural analyses showed that slip bands formed due to shock wave impacts serve as preferential sites for fatigue failure of the material. Material removal occurs along these slip bands, and microjets result in pits with sizes of several micrometers. Full article

A concentric double-flange butterfly valve (DN-500, PN-10) was analyzed to examine its dynamic behavior and internal fluid flow across multiple opening angles. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to determine natural frequencies, mode shapes, and effective mass participation factors (EMPFs) for valve positions at 30°, 60°, and 90°. The valve geometry was discretized using a curvature-based mesh with linear elastic isotropic properties for 1023 carbon steel. Lower-order vibration modes produced global deformations primarily along the valve disk, while higher-order modes showed localized displacement near the shaft–bearing interface, indicating coupled torsional and translational dynamics. The highest EMPF in the X-direction occurred at 1153.1 Hz with 0.2631 kg, while the Y-direction showed moderate contributions peaking at 0.1239 kg at 392.06 Hz. The Z-direction demonstrated lower influence, with a maximum EMPF of 0.1218 kg. Modes 3 and 4 were critical for potential resonance zones due to significant mass contributions and directional sensitivity. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation analyzed flow behavior, pressure drops, and turbulence under varying valve openings. At a lower opening angle, significant flow separation, recirculation zones, and high turbulence were observed. At 90°, the flow became more streamlined, resulting in a reduction in pressure losses and stabilizing velocity profiles. Full article

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a severe stroke subtype common in the elderly, often results in high morbidity and mortality, with limited treatment options for long-term recovery. While glial scar formation is increasingly recognized as key to central nervous system (CNS) repair, its role and characteristics in the aging brain post-ICH remain unclear. This study investigated glial scar formation after ICH (100 μL autologous blood injected into the right basal ganglia model) in aged Fischer 344 rats and assessed the effects of deferoxamine (DFX) treatment. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted on days 7, 28, and 60 post-ICH using cell-specific and iron-related markers, with DFX administered at 100 mg/kg daily for 14 days in separate groups. Over time, the lesion core showed increased hemosiderin accumulation and astrogliosis. By day 60, the area of astrogliosis corresponded to an area with persistent neuronal loss (DARPP-32-negative). Glial composition shifted from microglia dominance on day 28 to astrocyte predominance by day 60. DFX treatment reduced iron deposition, astrogliosis, and DARPP-32-negative regions while enhancing oligodendrocyte presence. Iron-related markers (HO-1, ferritin, Perls’ staining) and PDGFRβ-positive fibrotic cells were concentrated in the scar core. These findings provide novel insights into scar formation after ICH in aged rats and suggest DFX as a potential therapy to improve outcomes in elderly stroke patients. Full article

Strawberries have a short shelf-life leading to food loss and waste when production unexpectedly exceeds demand. PGRs may have potential to delay production and reduce food loss and waste, but no PGRs are available for delaying strawberry production. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate re-purposing a stomatal blocking film antitranspirant polymer as a PGR to temporarily delay production. Poly-1-p-menthene or water was applied during early fruit ripening in two glasshouse experiments, one on a June-bearer cultivar and one on an everbearer cultivar. Ripe strawberries were harvested during the next 23 days, the cumulative yield was recorded, and the production curves were fitted using polynomial regression in groups. The statistical analysis showed that cubic polynomial regression curves could be fitted separately to each treatment. Application of the blocker delayed the production of both cultivars by 1–2 days during the period of rapid berry production. The delay diminished and cumulative yield returned to the water-treated value by 13 and 18 days after application in the June-bearer and everbearer cultivars, respectively. At 23 days after application, the blocker gave 8% greater cumulative yield in the June-bearer, but not in the everbearer. It was concluded that, if a greater delay could be achieved, there may be potential to use stomatal blockers as PGRs in some cultivars of strawberry to delay production and reduce food loss and waste when unanticipated lower demand occurs. Full article

The production of spirits generates significant amounts of waste in the form of fusel oils-previously treated mainly as an environmental problem. This paper presents an innovative installation designed to recover valuable components from this difficult waste. The key achievement is the effective separation and recovery of pyrazine derivatives-natural aromatic compounds with high utility value in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The designed system allows for the recovery of as much as 98% of pyrazines and isoamyl alcohol and isobutanol fractions with a purity above 96%, which is a significant advance compared to previous disposal methods. The installation was designed to be consistent with the idea of a circular economy, maximizing the use of by-products and minimizing losses. The results of the work indicate that fusel oils, previously perceived as waste, can become a source of valuable secondary raw materials, and the presented solution opens up new possibilities for the sustainable development of the alcohol industry. Full article

Corner separation at the junction of blade surfaces and end walls remains a significant challenge in compressor cascade performance. This study proposes a passive flow control strategy inspired by the geometric arrangement of biological fish scales to address this issue. A fish scale-like surface structure was applied to the suction side of a cascade blade to reduce viscous drag and modulate secondary flow behavior. Wind tunnel experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate its aerodynamic effects. The results show that the fish scale-inspired configuration induced climbing vortices that energized low-momentum fluid near the end wall, effectively suppressing both passage and corner vortices. This led to a reduction in spanwise flow penetration and a decrease in total pressure loss of up to 5.69%. The enhanced control of secondary flows also contributed to improved flow uniformity in the end-wall region. These findings highlight the potential of biologically inspired surface designs for corner vortex suppression and aerodynamic efficiency improvement in turbomachinery systems. Full article

Background: Cochlear implantation is widely used to provide auditory rehabilitation to individuals with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, electrode insertion during cochlear implantation leads to inner ear trauma, damage to sensory structures, and consequently, loss of residual hearing. There is very limited information regarding the target proteins involved in electrode insertion trauma (EIT) following cochlear implantation. Methods: The aim of our study was to identify target proteins and host molecular pathways involved in cochlear damage following EIT utilizing the iTRAQ™ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) technique using our ex vivo model. The organ of Corti (OC) explants were dissected from postnatal day 3 rats and subjected to EIT or left untreated (control). The proteins were extracted, labelled, and subjected to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results: We identified distinct molecular pathways involved in EIT-induced cochlear damage. Confocal microscopy confirmed the expression of these identified proteins in OC explants subjected to EIT. By separating the apical, middle, and basal cochlear turns, we deciphered a topographic array of host molecular pathways that extend from the base to the apex of the cochlea, which are activated post-trauma following cochlear implantation. Conclusions: The identification of target proteins involved in cochlear damage will provide novel therapeutic targets for the development of effective treatment modalities for the preservation of residual hearing in implanted individuals. Full article