Search Results (546)

Edge computing is characterized by heterogeneous hardware, distributed deployment, and a need for on-site processing, which makes performance benchmarking challenging. This paper presents SHEAB (Scalable Heterogeneous Edge Automation Benchmarking), a novel framework designed to securely automate the benchmarking of Edge AI devices at scale. The proposed framework enables concurrent performance evaluation of multiple edge nodes, drastically reducing the time-to-deploy (TTD) for benchmarking tasks compared to traditional sequential methods. SHEAB’s architecture leverages containerized microservices for orchestration and result aggregation, integrated with multi-layer security (firewalls, VPN tunneling, and SSH) to ensure safe operation in untrusted network environments. We provide a detailed system design and workflow, including algorithmic pseudocode for the SHEAB process. A comprehensive comparative review of related work highlights how SHEAB advances the state-of-the-art in edge benchmarking through its combination of secure automation and scalability. We detail a real-world implementation on eleven heterogeneous edge devices, using a centralized 48-core server to coordinate benchmarks. Statistical analysis of the experimental results demonstrates a 43.74% reduction in total benchmarking time and a 1.78× speedup in benchmarking throughput using SHEAB, relative to conventional one-by-one benchmarking. We also present mathematical formulations for performance gain and discuss the implications of our results. The framework’s effectiveness is validated through the concurrent execution of standard benchmarking workloads on distributed edge nodes, with results stored in a central database for analysis. SHEAB thus represents a significant step toward efficient and reproducible Edge AI performance evaluation. Future work will extend the framework to broader workloads and further improve parallel efficiency. Full article

Aspergillus flavus is both an agricultural and clinical pathogen, notable for its ability to contaminate crops with aflatoxins and cause invasive aspergillosis. The increasing emergence of azole resistance in A. flavus poses a serious challenge to food safety and human health. Although mutations in ergosterol biosynthesis genes have been reported in resistant isolates, their functional contributions remain largely unvalidated. In this study, we investigated the role of the CYP51A Y119F mutation in azole resistance. Site-directed mutants were generated using PCR-based gene editing, and their susceptibility to antifungal agents was assessed through Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution and agar diffusion assays. The Y119F mutation reduced susceptibility specifically to voriconazole and isavuconazole, while susceptibility to itraconazole and posaconazole remained unchanged. To explore the structural basis of this phenotype, molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The mutant protein exhibited greater fluctuations and reduced conformational stability compared to the wild-type enzyme. Tunnel analysis further indicated that the Y119F substitution caused narrowing and shortening of the main access tunnels to the heme-binding pocket, likely impairing azole access and binding. The combined biochemical and structural analyses suggest that Y119F represents a primary resistance-conferring mutation that modifies the structural dynamics of CYP51A. Full article

Atomically precise control of metal adatoms on metal surfaces is critical for designing novel low-dimensional materials, and the Sn-Cu(111) system is of particular interest due to the potential of stanene in topological physics. However, conflicting reports on Sn-induced superstructures on Cu(111) highlight the need for clarifying their geometric and electronic properties at low temperatures. We employed scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and density functional theory (DFT) to investigate submonolayer (<0.25 ML) Sn adsorption on Cu(111) at 100 K. We confirmed a p(2 × 2) Sn/Cu(111) superstructure with one Sn atom per unit cell and found that Sn preferentially occupies three-fold hcp sites. ARPES measurements of the band structure—including a ~0.3 eV local gap between two specific bands at the ${\overline{\Gamma }}_2$ point in a metallic overall electronic structure—were in good agreement with the DFT results. Notably, the STM-observed p(2 × 2) morphology differs from the honeycomb-like or buckled stanene structures reported on Cu(111), which highlights the intricate interactions between adatoms and the substrate. Full article

This study investigates the dynamic response characteristics of the tunnel bottom structure, focusing on a heavy-haul railway tunnel. To assess the condition of the tunnel bottom, geological radar and drilling core techniques were employed, along with on-site dynamic testing. The dynamic stress and acceleration response characteristics of the tunnel bottom structure, situated in grade V surrounding rock, were analyzed under axle loads of 25 t, 27 t, and 30 t. Both time-domain and frequency-domain analyses were conducted to explore the impact of structural defects on the dynamic response of the tunnel bottom. The results indicate that the dynamic response of the tunnel bottom structure increases linearly with increasing train axle load. In the presence of void-related defects at the tunnel bottom, the dynamic response of the structure is amplified, with an observed growth rate of up to 26.3%. Furthermore, the load exerted by heavy-duty trains on the tunnel bottom structure is predominantly a low-frequency effect, concentrated within the range of 0–20 Hz. Analysis of the 1/3 octave band reveals that the maximum difference in acceleration levels occurs at a center frequency of 31.5 Hz. Additionally, as the distance between the measurement point and the vibration source increases, the dynamic response induced by the void defect on the tunnel bottom structure weakens. Full article

Based on a metro project in Hangzhou, combined with the investigation of on-site seepage and leakage problems and finite element numerical simulation, the influence of local seepage and leakage in shield tunnels in water-rich silty clay strata on stratum settlement and lining structure deformation was studied. During the simulation process, two working conditions, namely leakage at the joint of the segment and local damage leakage, were, respectively, set up to analyze the distribution of pore water pressure, the development characteristics of stratum settlement and the response of the lining structure. The results show that the pore water pressure near the leakage area is significantly reduced. The pore pressure at the joint of the segment and the local leakage position is reduced by 81.22% and 76.88%, respectively, compared with the hydrostatic pressure at the same burial depth, and the reduction at the bottom of the model is 11.45% and 6.46%, respectively. Under different working conditions, the settlement rates all increased first and then tended to stabilize. The maximum surface settlements were 91 mm and 32 mm, respectively, and the former exceeded the control value. The surface settlement of local leakage is distributed in a concave pattern, and the peak settlement is located directly above the leakage point. The lining structure deforms significantly in both the upper and lower directions, both shifting downward towards the stratum. The maximum displacement and deformation caused by the leakage at the joint of the segment reached 78.26 mm and 24.38 mm, respectively, with obvious over-limits. It is recommended to prioritize the sealing treatment of the leakage area at the joint. The research results can provide theoretical references for the control of water leakage and structural safety evaluation of shield tunnels in water-rich and weak strata. Full article

Maintaining stable tunnel face pressure in slurry shield tunneling is critically dependent on the formation of a low-permeability filter cake. However, the knowledge of the filter cake and mud spurt is not specifically understood. Using a modified fluid loss test, this study investigates the formation and hydraulic properties of filter cakes from various slurry mixtures under different pressures. The key findings reveal that CMC-Na (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) serves as the most effective additive for enhancing slurry performance. A comprehensive database of constitutive model parameters for 15 slurry compositions was established, enabling precise prediction of the filter cake’s hydraulic conductivity and void ratio under any pressure. Analysis of the cyclic formation process revealed that the dynamic filter cake averages two-thirds of the maximum thickness, offering a key parameter for stability control. Furthermore, a practical mud spurt model was proposed that predicts slurry penetration by avoiding the need for site-specific empirical constants or complex column tests, relying instead on standard geotechnical and slurry parameters. The results provide practical criteria for filter cake formation and directly applicable models to optimize slurry design, thereby enhancing the control and safety of shield tunneling. Full article

Background: Pronator teres syndrome is a rare proximal median neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve at various points. It is a rare condition, and many times it is mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: There are many authors who refer to the pronator syndrome as a compression of the median nerve at several potential sites of en-trapment in the region of the antecubital fossa, more proximal compression at the Liga-ment of Strutters, and more distally, including lacerus fibrosus within the pronator teres muscle and the anterior interosseous nerve. Results: The diagnostic difficulties in a patient with severe right forearm pain during elbow flexion and pronation are presented. Routine test results, including MRI of the right elbow joint, nerve conduction study of the brachial plexus and ulnar nerve, and electromyographic study of the muscles of the right upper ex-tremity, were normal. Ultrasonography showed an enlarged pronator teres muscle. Conclusions: The patient underwent surgical removal of the lacertus fibrosus. All symptoms resolved. Full article

Tunnel construction in western China is developing towards deeper burial, larger cross-sections, and longer distances. Dust and other pollutants generated during drill-and-blast construction endanger construction safety and workers’ health, making research on their migration and dust removal measures of great significance. This paper, based on the Zimuyan Tunnel, studies the dust migration characteristics and water mist dust removal schemes through three-dimensional numerical simulation (ICEM CFD modeling, Fluent analysis), 1:20 model tests, and on-site monitoring. The results show that eddies form at the working face in the later stage of ventilation, and dust exhibits vertical stratification due to differences in particle size; the nozzle angle and flow rate significantly affect the dust removal efficiency, and reasonable adjustment can improve the efficiency while reducing the impact on airflow; notably, both nozzle angle and flow rate affect in-tunnel airflow. The conclusion is that the distance of the air duct outlet should be adjusted to reduce the pressure difference to avoid eddies, and the nozzle angle and flow rate should be moderately adjusted to optimize the dust removal effect. Full article

To enhance the safety risk management and control capabilities for TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) construction in hydraulic tunnels, this study conducts a correlation analysis and dynamic evolution study of safety risks. Data were collected through multiple channels, including a literature review, on-site records, and expert interviews. Grounded theory was employed for three-level coding to initially identify risk factors, and gray relational analysis was used for indicator optimization, ultimately establishing a safety risk system comprising 5 categories and 21 indicators. A multi-level hierarchical structure of risk correlation was established using fuzzy DEMATEL and ISM, which was then mapped into a Bayesian network (BN). The degree of correlation was quantified based on probabilistic information, leading to the construction of a risk correlation analysis model based on fuzzy DEMATEL–ISM–BN. Furthermore, considering the risk correlations, a safety risk evolution model for TBM construction in hydraulic tunnels was developed based on system dynamics. The validity of the model was verified using the AY project as a case study. The results indicate that the safety risk correlation structure for TBM construction in hydraulic tunnels consists of 7 levels, with the closest correlation found between “inadequate management systems” and “failure to implement safety training and technical disclosure”. As the number of interacting risk factors increases, the trend of risk level evolution also rises, with the interrelations within the management subsystem being the key targets for prevention and control. The most sensitive factors within each subsystem were further identified as adverse geological conditions, improper construction parameter settings, inappropriate equipment selection and configuration, weak safety awareness, and inadequate management systems. The control measures proposed based on these findings can provide a basis for project risk prevention and control. The main limitations of this study are that some probability parameters rely on expert experience, which could be optimized in the future by incorporating more actual monitoring data. Additionally, the applicability of the established model under extreme geological conditions requires further verification. Full article

Tunnel lining voids, a common latent defect induced by the coupling effects of complex geological, environmental, and load factors, pose severe threats to operational and personnel safety. Traditional detection methods relying on Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) combined with manual interpretation suffer from high subjectivity, low efficiency, frequent missed or false detections, and an inability to achieve real-time monitoring. Thus, this paper proposes an intelligent identification methodology for tunnel lining voids based on an improved version of YOLOv8. Key enhancements include integrating the RepVGGBlock module, dynamic upsampling, and a spatial context-aware module to address challenges from diverse void geometries—resulting from interactions between the environment, geology, and load—and complex GPR signals caused by heterogeneous underground media and the varying electromagnetic properties of materials, which obscure void–background boundaries, as well as interference signals from detection processes. Additionally, the C2f-Faster module reduces the computational complexity (GFLOPs), parameter count, and model size, facilitating edge deployment at detection sites to achieve real-time GPR signal interpretation for tunnel linings. Experimental results on a heavy-haul railway tunnel’s lining defect dataset show 11.57% lower GFLOPs, 14.55% fewer parameters, and 13.85% smaller weight files, with average accuracies of 94.1% and 94.4% in defect recognition and segmentation, respectively, meeting requirements for the real-time online detection of tunnel linings. Notably, the proposed model is specifically tailored for void identification and cannot handle other prevalent tunnel lining defects, which restricts its application in comprehensive tunnel health monitoring scenarios where multiple defects often coexist to threaten structural safety. Full article

Tunnel drilling and blasting will cause large vibrations in the surrounding rock and structures. This vibration effect weakens the rock, greatly threatening the surrounding rock’s structural integrity and the safety of tunnel construction. Based on an analysis of the status quo of rock blasting, this study performs on-site monitoring of blasting vibration and examines the characteristics of the vibration velocity in the tunnel’s surrounding rock. A load-time history diagram is used to establish a three-dimensional numerical model of the tunnel to analyze the distribution characteristics of the vibration velocity. The applicability of the model is verified by field monitoring data. The simulation revealed a maximum vertical vibration velocity of 48.6 cm/s near the blast source. The response of the rock mass to the blasting load is analyzed at each key position, and the particle vibration velocity law is studied. On this basis, the corresponding Sadovsky formula is thus derived, which can be used to determine the site coefficient, K, and the attenuation exponent, α (with values ranging from 1.268 at the arch waist to 1.594 at the vault and invert), and to predict the vibration velocity in the far blasting area. The maximum charge dose and safety distance are derived under different control standards based on these data. For a control standard of 15 cm/s and a maximum charge of 20 kg, the required safety distance was determined to be 11.8 m. The findings can contribute to blasting scheme design and enhance the security management of construction sites. Full article

Background: Wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) carpal tunnel release (CTR), performed in the clinic setting, has emerged as a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional operating room (OR)-based decompression. With increasing adoption in clinic settings, WALANT CTR offers the potential to improve access, reduce costs, and maintain excellent patient outcomes. Purpose: This clinical practice update provides an evidence-based summary of clinic-based WALANT CTR, including patient selection, procedural setup, safety profile, cost implications, and system-level considerations for implementation. Recent Findings: Multiple prospective and retrospective studies confirm the safety of WALANT CTR in the clinic setting, with complication rates comparable to OR-based procedures and no increase in surgical-site infections when field sterility is used. Cost analyses report a 70–85% reduction in facility costs per operative case, and patient satisfaction remains consistently high, even among those with anxiety disorders or psychiatric conditions. Adjunctive interventions such as virtual reality technology devices and noise-canceling headphones further enhance the awake surgical experience. Institutional adoption remains variable, with barriers including sterility concerns, billing uncertainty, and credentialing logistics. This clinical update offers detailed, practical guidance on implementing WALANT CTR for surgeons and staff, covering scheduling, staff training, clinical integration, billing, and compliance considerations. Summary: Clinic-based WALANT CTR is a high-value, patient-centered approach supported by a growing body of literature. With appropriate patient selection, streamlined workflows, and institutional support, this model can optimize surgical care delivery in both resource-rich and limited environments. Full article

This work investigated the oxidation in an atmosphere of N₂O of different surface areas of single nickel nanoparticles deposited on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, it was shown that oxide formation begins at the top of the nanoparticle, while the periphery is resistant to oxidation. The active site of oxygen incorporation is a vibrationally excited group of nickel atoms, and the gap between them is the place where an oxygen adatom penetrates. The characteristic time of vibrational relaxation of the active site is 10⁻⁹–10⁻⁷ s. The reason for the oxidation resistance is the deformation of the nanoparticle atomic lattice near the Ni-HOPG interface. A relative compression of the nanoparticle atomic lattice ξ = 0.4–0.8% was shown to be enough for such an effect to manifest. Such compression increases the activation energy for oxygen incorporation by 6–12 kJ/mol, resulting in inhibition of oxide growth at the periphery of the nanoparticle. In fact, in this work, oxygen adatoms served as probes, and their incorporation between nickel atoms allowed the measurement of the nanoparticle’s lattice parameters at different distances from the Ni–HOPG interface. The developed theoretical framework not only accounts for the observed oxidation behavior but also offers a potential pathway to estimate charge transfer and local work functions for deposited nickel catalysts. Full article

Background and Objectives: Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is demanding and yields inferior outcomes compared with primary procedures. The quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft with bone block has biomechanical and biological advantages though clinical evidence in revision remains limited. This study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of revision ACLR using bone-block QT autograft in young, active patients. Materials and Methods: A case series with a level of evidence of 4. Thirty-four patients (28 men, 6 women; mean age, 27.2 ± 5.8 years) who underwent revision ACLR with a bone-block QT autograft between 2021 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up was 37.4 ± 3.2 months. Clinical assessments included the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, and Tegner activity scores, along with isokinetic strength testing. Objective stability was evaluated using pivot shift grading and Telos stress radiography. Radiological analyses included 3D computed tomography for tunnel positioning and magnetic resonance imaging for tunnel widening. Perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: All clinical outcomes improved significantly from baseline to 2-year follow-up: Lysholm (62.7 ± 9.6 to 87.1 ± 10.3), IKDC (59.0 ± 10.8 to 79.5 ± 11.1), and Tegner (3.5 ± 1.2 to 5.6 ± 1.3; all p < 0.001). However, the Tegner score remained lower than the pre-injury level (6.1 ± 1.4; p = 0.035). At the final follow-up, 91.2% of the patients had returned to sports, with 59% resuming sports at their pre-injury level or higher. Side-to-side anterior laxity decreased from 8.5 ± 1.7 mm to 1.4 ± 1.1 mm on Telos stress radiography (p < 0.001). Preoperatively, 82% of patients demonstrated high grade pivot shift (≥grade 2), which improved to 91% graded as negative or grade 1 at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Isokinetic evaluation showed improvements in quadriceps (28.7% ± 12.5% to 12.4% ± 8.1%) and hamstring (18.3% ± 9.7% to 8.9% ± 6.5%) deficit (both p < 0.001). MRI demonstrated minimal tunnel widening (tibia, +1.3 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.012; femur, +0.3 ± 0.6 mm, p = 0.148). Three complications (8.8%) were observed: one cyclops lesion, one transient extension deficit, and one graft rupture. No patellar fractures, septic arthritis, or revision procedures occurred during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Bone-block QT autografts provide a reliable option for revision ACLR, yielding functional improvement, restored stability, and minimal donor-site morbidity, with low complications. These findings support their consideration as the preferred graft choice for young active patients needing revision reconstruction. Full article

For tunnels constructed in a single direction, the pipe roof at the tunnel exit portal can be installed either as Outside-to-Inside advanced support arrangements (Out–In ASA) or Inside-to-Outside advanced support arrangements (In–Out ASA). To investigate the pipe roof’s mechanical behavior and deformation characteristics under two excavation methods, this study establishes Pasternak two-parameter elastic foundation beam models for the pipe roof. Corresponding boundary conditions are proposed for each support configuration, and the governing differential equation for pipe roof deflection is derived and solved. The Hanjiashan Tunnel is used as an engineering case study to validate the theoretical results by comparing them with field monitoring data. A comparative analysis and parametric sensitivity study are then conducted for the two construction methods. The results show that theoretical predictions align well with the field measurements, confirming the validity of the proposed model. This study proposed calculation parameters for the Hanjiashan Tunnel. Under this circumstance, the method of Out–In ASA has been proven to offer improved structural performance and safety when the tunnel face is close to the portal. Moreover, the timely installation of the initial support and the strong bearing capacity of the surrounding rock can further reduce pipe roof deformation near the tunnel exit. Therefore, the Out–In ASA method is recommended for single-direction tunnel excavation. If the method of Out–In ASA is not feasible due to site constraints, the method of In–Out ASA can be adopted, while early support and effective grouting should be guaranteed to ensure control of excessive deformation. The findings of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the construction of tunnel portals in single-direction excavation. Full article