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Reusing shopfloor data within Digital Twins offers the potential to optimize manufacturing-, production planning-, and engineering processes. Reusing data is only possible if the data is structured independently of the involved project teams. Current approaches focus on valuable, but complex standardization initiatives. This paper introduces device recognition assistants as a new, flexible data management method for Digital Twins. These assistants are based on time series classifiers to structure the communicated raw data. The assistants are experimentally evaluated. The results show the large potential for semantic annotations via time series classifications to assist the reuse of data within Digital Twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulating the various functions of the human body in electronic skin to give it a higher level of bionics is the basis for realizing intelligent interaction. Isothermal regulation is the key to realizing a healthy life of the body, yet only simple heating or cooling is achieved in electronic skin. Here, we propose a novel thermoregulating electronic skin (thermo-e-skin) with biomimetic structures, which mimics the human body thermoregulation mechanism by integrating a flexible thermoelectric device with a hydrogel composite material. Through the delicate balance of heat generation and dissipation, the thermo-e-skin maintained a stable surface temperature of 35 °C across a wide range of ambient temperatures from 10 °C to 45 °C for extended durations (e.g., 4.2 h at an ambient temperature of 40 °C). Additionally, the thermo-e-skin, equipped with water regeneration capabilities, exhibits exceptional cyclic performance, further demonstrating its practical potential for soft electronics, bionics, and prosthetics. [Display omitted] • Combining flexible thermoelectric devices with hydrogel composites enables bionic temperature regulation in electronic skin. • The thermo-e-skin can maintain a constant temperature of 35 °C for up to 2 h at extreme temperatures of 45 °C. • The thermo-e-skin has the ability to adapt to temperature faster than human skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New strategies in factory management focus on shopfloor data as a mean to achieve more flexible mass productions. In reality, the value adding usage of smart manufacturing approaches depends on the effort it takes to provide sensor and actuator data for further analysis. The concept of digital twins, that are based on a physical, a virtual and a communication component, promises a scalable solution to read and standardize shopfloor data. So far, there exists no generic method describing the implementation of the data acquisition as part of the communication component of digital twins. This contribution therefore focusses on necessary steps to consider when realizing a scalable data acquisition and examines how existing standards and open source solutions can support the implementation. The first part of the paper derives the necessary steps for acquiring shopfloor data. It starts by defining the architecture and aim of digital twins. Afterwards, a method to implement the generic data acquisition of digital twins is introduced. The approach is inspired by the Plug-and-Produce paradigm of the control engineering field and is adapted to the concepts of data acquisition and management. The second part examines the technical implementation of the proposed method. Identified approaches from a literature review are structured within the generic method. This describes the realization of the individual steps but also systematically differentiates existing approaches to build Digital Twins. With the aim of creating scalable architectures, a special focus is set on available open source solutions and standards when presenting the implementation part of the generic method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Prediction accuracy is a basic indicator for short-term load forecasting, which is particularly crucial for the microgrid of offshore oilfield groups. A method of support vector machine based on the dragonfly algorithm (DA-SVM) is proposed to predict the short-term load of the microgrid in an offshore oil field. This method combines the penalty factor and kernel function of support vector machine as the solution position of dragonfly. The prediction accuracy of the algorithm is employed as the current fitness value of dragonfly. The optimal location of the dragonfly is the optimal parameters of the support vector machine. The DA-SVM algorithm was used to predict the short-term load of an offshore oil field microgrid in the Bohai sea, China, and is compared with the prediction of PSO-SVM, GA-SVM and BPNN models. The results show that the DA-SVM algorithm has more straightforward steps, better global search ability, higher prediction accuracy and better computing speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Due to widespread drug resistance in parasitic nematodes, there is a need to develop new anthelmintics. Given the cost and time involved in developing a new drug, the repurposing of known chemicals can be a promising, alternative approach. In this context, we tested a library (n = 600) of natural product-inspired pesticide analogues against exsheathed third stage-larvae (xL3s) of Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm) using a whole-organism, phenotypic screening technique that measures the inhibition of motility and development in treated larvae. In the primary screen, we identified 32 active analogues derived from chemical scaffolds of arylpyrrole or fipronil. The seven most promising compounds, selected based on their anthelmintic activity and/or limited cytotoxicity, are arylpyrroles that reduced the motility of fourth-stage larvae (L4s) with significant potency (IC 50 values ranged from 0.04 ± 0.01 μM to 4.25 ± 0.82 μM, and selectivity indices ranged from 10.6 to 412.5). Since the parent structures of the active compounds are uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, we tested the effect of selected analogues on oxygen consumption in xL3s using the Seahorse XF24 flux analyser. Larvae treated with the test compounds showed a significant increase in oxygen consumption compared with the untreated control, demonstrating their uncoupling activity. Overall, the results of the present study have identified natural product-derived molecules that are worth considering for chemical optimisation as anthelmintic drug leads. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Pesticide analogues were assessed for anthelmintic activity. • Inhibition of motility and development of larval stages of Haemonchus contortus. • Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination of chloroplast and nuclear genome status is critical for plant cell function. Here, we report that Arabidopsis CHLOROPLAST AND NUCLEUS DUAL-LOCALIZED PROTEIN 1 (CND1) maintains genome stability in the chloroplast and the nucleus. CND1 localizes to both compartments, and complete loss of CND1 results in embryo lethality. Partial loss of CND1 disturbs nuclear cell-cycle progression and photosynthetic activity. CND1 binds to nuclear pre-replication complexes and DNA replication origins and regulates nuclear genome stability. In chloroplasts, CND1 interacts with and facilitates binding of the regulator of chloroplast genome stability WHY1 to chloroplast DNA. The defects in nuclear cell-cycle progression and photosynthesis of cnd1 mutants are respectively rescued by compartment-restricted CND1 localization. Light promotes the association of CND1 with HSP90 and its import into chloroplasts. This study provides a paradigm of the convergence of genome status across organelles to coordinately regulate cell cycle to control plant growth and development. [Display omitted] • CND1 mutations result in embryo lethality and abnormal development • CND1 is localized to both nucleus and chloroplast • CND1 regulates initiation of DNA replication in the nucleus and cell-cycle progression • CND1 is required for chloroplast genome stability and photosynthetic activity Jin et al. identify a nuclear and chloroplast dual-localized protein CND1 encoded by nuclear gene in higher land plants. CND1 coordinates the status of nuclear and chloroplast genome stability, which is required for plant development and photosynthetic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two series of 2-phenylpyrroles: 3-bromo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyanopyrrole-2-carboxamide (5a–5d) and 3-bromo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyanopyrrole-2-carboxylate (6a–6c) were synthesized by a novel trifluoromethyl transformation. The result of insecticidal bioassays indicated that 6a–6c had moderate larvicidal activity against oriental armyworm and 6b also had good acaricidal activity, so 3-bromo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyanopyrrole-2-carboxylate derivatives were expected to become lead compounds for new pesticides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Paper estimates a CMF for high friction surface treatment (HFST) applied to horizontal curves on undivided two-lane roads. • Propensity score matching is incorporated into EB before-after methodology to select more appropriate reference group. • Results indicate significant reductions in crash frequency (of all types considered) when applying HFST. Horizontal curves are locations that, as a result of the changing alignment, may be a contributing factor in roadway departure crashes. One low-cost countermeasure to mitigate crashes at these locations is the installation of the high friction surface treatment (HFST), which increases roadway friction and is intended to help keep drivers on the roadway when traversing a horizontal curve. This treatment has been implemented at numerous curves in Pennsylvania, but the overall safety effectiveness is not known. The purpose of this study is to estimate a suite of Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) for HFST applied to curve sections of undivided two-lane roadways. A novel combination of the empirical Bayes observational before-after study design and propensity score matching was used to estimate CMFs for multiple crash types, crash severities, and roadway settings (urban and rural). Propensity score matching was implemented to identify the most appropriate reference group to use within the empirical Bayes methodology. The results indicate that the installation of HFST is associated with a statistically significant decrease in all crash types and severities considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising way to address modern environmental and energy supply challenges is via rapid implementation of decarbonization and hydrogen production technologies. Development of gas separation membranes with high selectivity and permeability is essential for these processes but is still a bottleneck. Our research focuses on achieving precise control of gas diffusion pathways through on-demand regulation of material interactions in thin composite membranes. We combine 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and graphene oxide (GO) to create COF-GO composite membranes with desirable nanosheet stacking, controllable thicknesses and pathways for gases. By pH-assisted self-assembly, we fine-tune material interactions and achieve simultaneous enhancement of permeability and selectivity by increasing membrane thickness and regulating the interactions between COF and GO nanosheets by pH. At a thickness of 1.3 μm, the COF-GO membrane, assembled under pH 4, demonstrates good working characteristics for H 2 /CO 2 equimolar mixture (at room temperature and 1 bar), with a H 2 permeability of 366 Barrer, selectivity of 15.6, and long-term stability exceeding 200 h. This work paves the way for tailored, performing gas separation with long-term stability. It guides the unique 2D transport mechanism to be utilized under practical conditions. Our research offers a novel strategy for the design of composite membranes from two-dimensional (2D) materials for gas separation technologies. It contributes to sustainable decarbonization and hydrogen production solutions, bringing us closer to a greener, more environmentally friendly future. [Display omitted] • Sustainable, highly controllable, water-based self-assembly of COF-GO membranes. • Self-assembly regulated by COF/GO ratio and pH to form membranes with structure and gas diffusion pathway on demand. • Our strategy overcomes traditional permeability-selectivity trade-off commonly observed in gas separation membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber-SiC nanowire-hydroxyapatite-pyrolytic carbon composites (CHS) composed of carbon fiber, hydroxyapatite (HA), SiC nanowires (SiCnws) and pyrolytic carbon (PyC) were prepared by sol-gel, heat treating, electrochemical deposition (ECD) and isothermal chemical vapor infiltration (ICVI) for bone implant application. The morphology, microstructure and the composition of CHS were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties of CHS were tested and compared with the traditional bone implant materials. The in-vitro bioactivity was evaluated by testing the cell morphology, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. The results show that SiCnws and HA are distributed uniformly inside the CHS. SiCnws are attached on the carbon fibers. The diameter of the SiCnws is around 250 nm and the length is more than 100 μm. HA could grow on the surface of both SiCnws and carbon fibers, forming a brush shape. The flexural strength, shear strength, out-of-plane and in-of-plane compressive strength of CHS are 127 MPa, 90 MPa, 169 MPa and 213 MPa, respectively. The elastic modulus of CHS is 7.2 GPa. The mechanical properties of CHS are similar to those of cortical bone. In-vitro cell test shows that CHS has excellent cell proliferation and cell differentiation. CHS possessing good mechanical and biological performances may have potential to be applied for bone implant materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a puzzling issue found in the field of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to read automatically the indication of analog measuring instruments, which collects many states of power system equipment. To address this problem, a lot of approaches based on computer vision have been proposed for the automatic reading of the analog measuring instruments indication. However, most the proposed systems are sensitive to brightness. Moreover, since the camera angle must be vertical, the robustness of the approaches cannot meet application requirements. In this paper, the proposed recognition system uses a novel automatic reading approach, which can automatically read the indication of analog measuring instruments at various brightness levels and camera angles. It is an integrated application of Multi-Scale Retinex with color restoration at different brightness levels, Perspective Transform to get the front view of image taken from arbitrary camera angle, and Hough Transform to determine the pointer position. The test results verify the good robustness of the recognition system to the brightness and camera angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a newly discovered muscle factor secreted by skeletal muscle cells, irisin is a polypeptide fragment formed from hydrolysis of fibronectin type Ⅲ domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5). Irisin can promote beigeing of white adipose tissue (WAT) and regulate glucose and lipid metabolisms. However, the functions of irisin in skeletal muscle development remain largely unknown. In order to characterize the expression of irisin, this study investigated the expression of irisin precursor FNDC5 in myoblasts and skeletal muscles during different developmental stages of SPF mice. The Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence assay results showed that FNDC5 was expressed in all the developmental stages of myoblasts and gastrocnemius, but its expression differed at different stages. FNDC5 protein exhibited the highest expression in gastrocnemius of sexually mature mice, followed by elderly mice and adolescent mice, and it displayed the lowest expression in pups. Additionally, FNDC5 protein was mainly expressed in cytoplasm, and it had the highest expression in primary myoblasts, followed by the myotubes with the lowest expression in C2C12 myogenic cells. Overall, FNDC5 was mainly expressed in cytoplasm and extracellular matrix with different expression levels at different developmental stages of skeletal muscle cells and tissues in mice. This study will provide new strategies for promoting skeletal muscle development and treating muscle- and metabolism-related disease by using irisin. • High expression of FNDC5 in skeletal muscle of sexually mature mice. • FNDC5 is differentially expressed at different stages of myoblast differentiation. • FNDC5 is localized in the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix of skeletal muscle cells and not in the nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The failure mechanism of centrifugal pump diffuser weld joint was analyzed by means of SEM, EDS and EBSD. • The strength and toughness of weld joint, HAZ and matrix were quantitatively compared by geometrically necessary dislocation density. • Welding defects such as slag inclusion and residual austenite reduce the corrosion resistance of diffuser weld joint. • Some suggestions for improving the performance of diffuser and prolonging its service life are put forward. The failure mechanism of weld joint in centrifugal pump diffuser was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron back-scattering diffraction (EBSD). Meanwhile, the strength and toughness of weld joint, heat-affected zone (HAZ), and matrix are quantitatively compared by geometrically necessary dislocation density (ρ GND ). The result indicated that the strength and toughness of HAZ are the highest, followed by matrix, and weld joint is the lowest. Defects such as slag inclusion and residual austenite create initial conditions for the corrosion of weld joint. Severe chloride ion corrosion resulted in micro-cracks on the weld surface. Meanwhile, corrosion reduces the surface energy of the micro-cracks. Therefore, the concentrated driving force makes the micro-cracks with reduced surface energy spread rapidly, eventually causing the rapid failure of diffuser weld joint. This study may provide a reference for petroleum engineers and centrifugal pump manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate ((1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (x=0.20,0.33,0.50), PMN–PT) thin films have been successfully deposited on SrTiO3(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The result of X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the PMN–PT thin films were c-orientated. The effects of deposition conditions, such as deposition temperature, deposition oxygen pressure, pulsed laser repeated frequency, cooling rate, pulsed laser energy and post annealing, were studied first on thin-film quality. It was found that the deposition temperature was very different for the different mole fractions of the thin films. The range of the deposition temperature of high-qualitied thin films is very narrow, about ±2°C. Such harsh conditions are rare in other thin films, which is also the main reason why PMN–PT thin films are very difficult to prepare. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High quality ZnO epilayers (χ min ∼10%) were prepared on Al2O3 (0001) substrates at a temperature of 750°C by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with oxygen pressure of 0.015, 0.15, 1.5, and 15Pa. The best crystalline quality and strongest intensity of UV photoluminescence were observed on ZnO layer with oxygen pressure of 15Pa. It is probable due to the higher oxygen pressure lessens oxygen deficiency in the film. The tetragonal distortion e T, which is caused by elastic strain in the epilayer, was determined by Rutherford backscattering/channeling. It reduces as a whole (from 0.93 to 0.65%) with the increase of oxygen pressure from 0.015 to 15Pa and the excitonic transition energy simultaneously shows a weak blue shift. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this research, a facile method to produce the core-shell MnO 2 @NH 4 MnF 3 nanorods of 50–80 nm in diameter from the manganese silicate particles was introduced. The α-MnO 2 and NH 4 MnF 3 samples were synthesized and their electrochemical performances were also measured for comparison. TEM and EDS results show the ∼6 nm NH 4 MnF 3 shell is well coated on the α-MnO 2 core. This novel nanocomposite has less Mn(II) and more Mn(IV) content, better conductivity, as well as moderate capacitive contribution. Besides, the specific capacitance of MnO 2 @NH 4 MnF 3 nanorods reaches 240 F g−1 and could retain 98.0% of initial after 1000 cycles galvanostatic charge/discharge. The asymmetric supercapacitor AC//MnO 2 @NH 4 MnF 3 with 1.7 V working potential range has been fabricated. It performs an energy density of 11.2 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 10 kW kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]