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Soft pneumatic actuators/robotics have received significant interest in the medical and health fields, due to their intrinsic elasticity and simple control strategies for enabling desired interactions. However, current soft hand pneumatic exoskeletons often exhibit uniform deformation, mismatch the profile of the interacting objects, and seldom quantify the assistive effects during activities of daily life (ADL), such as extension angle and predicted joint stiffness. The lack of quantification poses challenges to the effective and sustainable advancement of rehabilitation technology. This paper introduces the design, modeling, and testing of pneumatic bioinspired segmented composite proprioceptive bending actuators (SCPBAs) for hand rehabilitation in ADL tasks. Inspired by human finger anatomy, the actuator's soft-joint–rigid-bone segmented structure provides a superior fit compared to continuous structures in traditional fiber-reinforced actuators (FRAs). A quasi-static model is established to predict the bending angles based on geometric parameters. Quantitative evaluations of predicted joint stiffness and extension angle utilizing proprioceptive bending are performed. Additionally, a soft under-actuated hand exoskeleton equipped with SCPBAs demonstrates their potential in ADL rehabilitation scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and timely monitoring of pests is an effective way to minimize the negative effects of pests in agriculture. Since deep learning-based methods have achieved good performance in object detection, they have been successfully applied for pest detection and monitoring. However, the current pest detection methods fail to balance the relationship between computational cost and model accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a lightweight, locality-aware faster R-CNN (LLA-RCNN) method for effective pest detection and real-time monitoring. The proposed model uses MobileNetV3 to replace the original backbone, reduce the computational complexity, and compress the size of the model to speed up pest detection. The coordinate attention (CA) blocks are utilized to enhance the locality information for highlighting the objects under complex backgrounds. Furthermore, the generalized intersection over union (GIoU) loss function and region of interest align (RoI Align) technology are used to improve pest detection accuracy. The experimental results on different types of datasets validate that the proposed model not only significantly reduces the number of parameters and floating-point operations (FLOPs), but also achieves better performance than some popular pest detection methods. This demonstrates strong generalization capabilities and provides a feasible method for pest detection on resource-constrained devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on augmentation and supplement systems for navigation systems has become a significant aspect in comprehensive positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) studies. The BeiDou-3 navigation satellite system (BDS-3) has constructed a dynamic inter-satellite network to gain more observation data than ground monitoring stations. Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have advantages in their kinematic velocity and information carrying rate and can be used as satellite-based monitoring stations for navigation satellites to make up for the distribution limitation of ground monitoring stations. This study constructs multi-source observation links with satellite-to-ground, inter-satellite and satellite-based observation data, proposes an orbit synchronization method for navigation satellites and LEO satellites and verifies the influence thereof on orbit accuracy with different observation data. The experimental results under conditions of real and simulated observation data showed the following: (1) With the support of satellite-based observation links, the orbit accuracy of the BDS-3 MEO satellites could be improved significantly, with a 78% improvement with the simulation data and a 76% improvement with the real data. When the navigation satellites leave the monitoring area of the ground monitoring stations, the accuracy reduction tendency of the orbit prediction could also be slowed down with the support of the LEO satellites and the accuracy could be maintained within centimeters. (2) Comparing the orbit accuracy with the support of the satellite-to-ground observation links, the orbit accuracy of the MEO satellites could be improved by 65.5%, 73.7% and 79.4% with the support of the 6, 12 and 60 LEO satellites, respectively. When the observation geometry and the covering multiplicity meet the basic requirement of orbit determination, the improvements to the orbit accuracy decrease with the growth of LEO satellite numbers. (3) The accuracy of orbit determination with the support of the LEO satellites or the inter-satellite links was at the centimeter level for both, verifying that inter-satellite links and satellite-based links can be used as each other's backups for navigation satellites. (4) The accuracy of orbit determination with the multi-source observation links was also at the centimeter level, which was not better than the results with the support of the satellite-to-ground and inter-satellite links or the satellite-to-ground and satellite-based links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used epigenomic methylation differential expression analysis to identify primary biomarkers in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We combined electronic medical record datasets from MIMIC-IV (United States) and NHIRD (Taiwan) to explore ALS comorbidities in depth and discover any comorbidity-related biomarkers. We also applied word2vec to these two clinical diagnostic medical databases to measure similarities between ALS and other similar diseases and evaluated the statistical assessment of the odds ratio to discover significant comorbidities for ALS subjects. Important and representative DNA methylation biomarker candidates could be effectively selected by cross-comparing similar diseases to ALS, comorbidity-related genes, and differentially expressed methylation loci for ALS subjects. The screened epigenomic and comorbidity-related biomarkers were clustered based on their genetic functions. The candidate DNA methylation biomarkers associated with ALS were comprehensively discovered. Gene ontology annotations were then applied to analyze and cluster the candidate biomarkers into three different groups based on gene function annotations. The results showed that a potential testing kit for ALS detection can be composed of SOD3, CACNA1H, and ERBB4 for effective early screening of ALS using blood samples. By developing an effective DNA methylation biomarker screening mechanism, early detection and prophylactic treatment of high-risk ALS patients can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems and their services to society have exhibited dramatic degradation all over the world, and landscape planning based on ecosystem service (ES) science is a promising way to mitigate ES loss and improve human well-being. However, ecosystem health, which is crucial for intrinsic ecosystem values, may be overlooked in ES-based landscape planning. Therefore, we proposed a landscape functional zoning method by combining the ES and EH using the Jinan Southern Mountainous Area as a case study. Specifically, we first quantified and mapped six ESs (including regulating, cultural, and provisioning services) and three EH properties (ecosystem vigor, organization, and resilience). Then, we used coupling coordination analysis to determine the coordination of the ES and EH, and adopted bundle analysis to reveal ES-EH compositions. Finally, landscape functional zones were delineated by spatially overlapping the maps of ES-EH bundle types and coupling coordination degrees. The results show that the different ESs and EH properties exhibited uneven spatial distributions. In terms of the ES-EH coupling coordination degree, high values were located along the mountains and aggregated in the eastern part of the study area, and the Caishi town had the highest coupling coordination degree on the town scale. Furthermore, five ES-EH bundle types were identified, i.e., bundles of multifunctionality, subordinate multifunctionality, the highest crop production, ESs and EH properties of medium levels, and ESs and EH properties of low levels. Finally, nine landscape functional zones based on the ES-EH bundle and coupling coordination were identified, and the grids within one zone were homogeneous in terms of their ES-EH compositions and coupling coordination. This study can contribute to the integration of ES and EH into landscape planning and provides a zoning method as a spatial instrument to achieve synergic ES-EH management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical investigation of the South China Sea soft coral Sinularia densa has resulted in the isolation of seven new terpenoids, including two new meroterpenoids, namely sinudenoids F–G (1–2), and five new cembranes, namely sinudenoids H–L (3–7). Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on extensive analyses of spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, comparison with the literature data, and quantum chemical calculations. Among them, sinudenoid F (1) and sinudenoid G (2) are rare meroterpenoids featuring a methyl benzoate core. Sinudenoid H (3) possesses a rare carbon skeleton of 8, 19-bisnorfuranocembrenolide, which is the second reported compound with this skeleton. In a bioassay, sinudenoid H (3) exhibited better anti-inflammatory activity compared to the positive control indomethacin at 20 µM in CuSO4-treated transgenic fluorescent zebrafish. Moreover, sinudenoid J (5) and sinudenoid L (7) exhibited moderate anti-thrombotic activity in arachidonic acid (AA)-induced thrombotic zebrafish at 20 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a numerical simulation approach used to investigate seismic-wave propagation in specific geological structures. Using the LS-DYNA software, the simulation incorporated a TNT explosion model to simulate seismic energy released during earthquakes. It provides a new method to investigate the propagation characteristics of seismic-waves within geological structures. Firstly, the measurement conditions and geological settings of the seismic event on 18 February 2012 in Northeast China are presented. Subsequently, a numerical simulation model of seismic-wave propagation is developed. The simulation result validates it by comparing it with recorded data from seismic stations, demonstrating a promising correspondence between the simulated and observed data. Additionally, the simulation simulates the seismic-wave propagation within water and layered geological structures, validating the numerical simulation model. The numerical model is an effective tool for simulating the propagation of seismic waves in geological structures. This study is important for evaluating seismic-wave propagation using the simulation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) involved in host location by Oides leucomelaena (O. leucomelaena Weise, 1922, Coleoptera, Galerucinae) is significant for its biological control. Tools in the NCBI database were used to compare and analyze the transcriptome sequences of O. leucomelaena with OBP and other chemosensory-related proteins of other Coleoptera insects. Subsequently, MEGA7 was utilized for OBP sequence alignment and the construction of a phylogenetic tree, combined with expression profiling to screen for candidate antennae-specific OBPs. In addition, fumigation experiments with star anise volatiles were conducted to assess the antennae specificity of the candidate OBPs. Finally, molecular docking was employed to speculate on the binding potential of antennae-specific OBPs with star anise volatiles. The study identified 42 candidate OBPs, 8 chemosensory proteins and 27 receptors. OleuOBP3, OleuOBP5, and OleuOBP6 were identified as classic OBP family members specific to the antennae, which was confirmed by volatile fumigation experiments. Molecular docking ultimately clarified that OleuOBP3, OleuOBP5, and OleuOBP6 all exhibit a high affinity for β-caryophyllene among the star anise volatiles. We successfully obtained three antennae-specific OBPs from O. leucomelaena and determined their high-affinity volatiles, providing a theoretical basis for the development of attractants in subsequent stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is crucial for indoor localization systems due to its high accuracy and robustness in multipath environments. However, Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) conditions can cause UWB signal distortion, significantly reducing positioning accuracy. Thus, distinguishing between NLoS and LoS scenarios and mitigating positioning errors is crucial for enhancing UWB system performance. This research proposes a novel 1D-ConvLSTM-Attention network (1D-CLANet) for extracting UWB temporal channel impulse response (CIR) features and identifying NLoS scenarios. The model combines the convolutional neural network (CNN) and Long Short-Term memory (LSTM) architectures to extract temporal CIR features and introduces the Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention mechanism to enhance critical features. Integrating SE attention with LSTM outputs boosts the model's ability to differentiate between various NLoS categories. Experimental results show that the proposed 1D-CLANet with SE attention achieves superior performance in differentiating multiple NLoS scenarios with limited computational resources, attaining an accuracy of 95.58%. It outperforms other attention mechanisms and the version of 1D-CLANet without attention. Compared to advanced methods, the SE-enhanced 1D-CLANet significantly improves the ability to distinguish between LoS and similar NLoS scenarios, such as human obstructions, enhancing overall recognition accuracy in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the issue of header loss in millet combine harvesters, a double-chain millet harvester header was designed based on the principles of contact mechanics and tribology. Key component parameters of the header were determined, with the divider length and width measuring 0.56 m and 0.30 m, respectively. The divider angle was 40°, and the spiral angle was also 40°. A prototype was manufactured, and field performance tests were conducted. The results showed that the total header loss rate of the double-chain header was lower than that of the single-chain header under various combinations of header height and harvesting speed. The lowest total header loss rate, 3.12%, occurred when the header height was 0.2 m and the harvesting speed was 1.667 m/s, with a grain loss rate of 0.55% and a spike loss rate of 2.57%. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the development of low-loss, high-efficiency millet combine harvesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restricted by the existing construction technology, there are a lot of disconnections in the angle steel components of transmission towers. At present, there are more studies on single angle steel or cross bracing, but less on the main member containing disconnection joints. According to the disconnection position in the main member, an upper end disconnection, middle end disconnection, and lower end disconnection were designed in this paper. At the same time, a tower section model of a connected main member and a tower section model of a disconnected main member were established and analyzed by finite element analysis. Considering the loadings acting on transmission towers, the two load conditions of axial loading and tension–compression coupling are set. Considering the loadings acting on transmission towers, the influences of the combination form of the inner and outer steel cladding and the steel cladding area ratio on the ultimate bearing capacity of the main member were studied under 72 groups of different tower sections applied with axial loadings. The influence of the disconnection joints on the stability of the tower section was studied under 24 groups of different tower sections applied with tension and compression coupled loading conditions. Referring to the specifications, the slenderness ratio correction factor formula of the disconnect main member can be derived. The results indicate that when designing the disconnection joint in the main member, it is recommended to choose a middle end disconnection with a steel cladding area ratio of 1.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In underground spaces, corrugated steel plate (CSP) pipe-arches may experience local buckling instability, which can subsequently lead to the failure of the entire structure. Recently, sandwich CSP pipe-arches have been used to enhance the stability of embedded engineering outcomes, and their buckling behaviors require in-depth research. In this paper, we establish a theoretical model by simplifying soil support and using Hoff sandwich plate theory to focus on the local buckling stability of the straight segment in embedded sandwich CSP pipe-arches using the Rayleigh–Ritz method. Through stability analysis, the instability criteria for embedded sandwich CSP pipe-arches are analytically determined. Numerical calculations reveal that the critical buckling load of a sandwich CSP pipe-arch is affected by several factors, including the elastic modulus, thickness, Poisson's ratio, rotational constraint stiffness, and the length of the straight segment. Specifically, increasing the thickness of the sandwich CSP pipe-arch can substantially enhance the critical buckling load. Meanwhile, the wavenumber is affected by the elastic modulus and the length of the straight segment. The analytical results are in agreement with those obtained from finite element analysis. These findings provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the application of sandwich CSP pipe-arches in fields such as subway stations, tunnel construction, underground passages, and underground parking facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) has been reported in major poultry-producing countries and poses a significant threat to the poultry industry worldwide. In this study, two Marek's disease virus (MDV) recombinants, rMDV-CIAV-1 and rMDV-CIAV-2, were generated by inserting the CIAV VP1 and VP2 genes into the MDV vaccine strain 814 at the US2 site using the fosmid-based rescue system. For rMDV-CIAV-1, an internal ribosome entry site was inserted between VP1 and VP2, so that both proteins were produced from a single open reading frame. In rMDV-CIAV-2, VP1 and VP2 were cloned into different open reading frames and inserted into the MDV genome. The recombinant viruses simultaneously expressed VP1 and VP2 in infected chicken embryo fibroblasts and exhibited growth kinetics similar to those of the parent MDV. The two recombinant viruses induced antibodies against CIAV in chickens. A single dose of the recombinant viruses provided strong protection against CIAV-induced anemia in chickens. These recombinant VP1- and VP2-expressing MDVs are potential vaccines against CIAV in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deterioration of physical spaces and changes in the social environment have led to significant challenges and low life satisfaction among residents in post-industrial neighborhoods. While resident satisfaction is closely linked to the built environment, physical attributes alone do not directly influence human feelings. The perception and processing of urban environments, or city images, play a critical mediating role. Previous studies have often explored the impact of either city image perception or physical space attributes on resident satisfaction separately, lacking an integrated approach. This study addresses this gap by examining the interplay between subjective perceptions and objective environmental attributes. Unlike previous studies that use the whole neighborhood area for human perception, our study uses the actual activity ranges of residents to represent the living environment. Utilizing data from Shenyang, China, and employing image semantic segmentation technology and multiple regression methods, we analyze how subjective city image factors influence resident satisfaction and how objective urban spatial indicators affect these perceptions. We integrate these aspects to rank objective spatial indicators by their impact on resident satisfaction. The results demonstrate that all city image factors significantly and positively influence resident satisfaction, with the overall impression of the area's appearance having the greatest impact (β = 0.362). Certain objective spatial indicators also significantly affect subjective city image perceptions. For instance, traffic lights are negatively correlated with the perception of greenery (β = −0.079), while grass is positively correlated (β = 0.626). Key factors affecting resident satisfaction include pedestrian flow, traffic flow, open spaces, sky openness, and green space levels. This study provides essential insights for urban planners and policymakers, helping prioritize sustainable updates in post-industrial neighborhoods. By guiding targeted revitalization strategies, this research contributes to improving the quality of life and advancing sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an innovative light-powered LCE-slider system that enables continuous self-circling on an elliptical track and is comprised of a light-powered LCE string, slider, and rigid elliptical track. By formulating and solving dimensionless dynamic equations, we explain static and self-circling states, emphasizing self-circling dynamics and energy balance. Quantitative analysis reveals that the self-circling frequency of LCE-slider systems is independent of the initial tangential velocity but sensitive to light intensity, contraction coefficients, elastic coefficients, the elliptical axis ratio, and damping coefficients. Notably, elliptical motion outperforms circular motion in angular velocity and frequency, indicating greater efficiency. Reliable self-circling under constant light suggests applications in periodic motion fields, especially celestial mechanics. Additionally, the system's remarkable adaptability to a wide range of curved trajectories exemplifies its flexibility and versatility, while its energy absorption and conversion capabilities position it as a highly potential candidate for applications in robotics, construction, and transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-excited oscillation system, owing to its capability of harvesting environmental energy, exhibits immense potential in diverse fields, such as micromachines, biomedicine, communications, and construction, with its adaptability, efficiency, and sustainability being highly regarded. Despite the current interest in track sliders in self-vibrating systems, LCE fiber-propelled track sliders face significant limitations in two-dime nsional movement, especially self-rotation, necessitating the development of more flexible and mobile designs. In this paper, we design a spatial slider system which ensures the self-rotation of the slider propelled by a light-fueled LCE fiber on a rigid circular track. A nonlinear dynamic model is introduced to analyze the system's dynamic behaviors. The numerical simulations reveal a smooth transition from the static to self-rotating states, supported by ambient illumination. Quantitative analysis shows that increased light intensity, the contraction coefficient, and the elastic coefficient enhance the self-rotating frequency, while more damping decreases it. The track radius exhibits a non-monotonic effect. The initial tangential velocity has no impact. The reliable self-rotating performance under steady light suggests potential applications in periodic motion-demanding fields, especially in the construction industry where energy dissipation and utilization are of utmost urgency. Furthermore, this spatial slider system possesses the ability to rotate and self-vibrate, and it is capable of being adapted to other non-circular curved tracks, thereby highlighting its flexibility and multi-use capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudorange bias refers to the receiver-dependent and satellite-dependent constant bias in the pseudorange resulting from the nonideal characteristics of a signal. The impact of pseudorange bias on high-precision satellite navigation services has long been ignored. This paper proposes a pseudorange bias calibration method for two collocated receivers. Then, we calibrate pseudorange biases for two types of collocated receivers at a monitoring station within China and evaluate their impact on two high-precision services: BeiDou Navigation Satellite System 3 (BDS-3) dual-frequency pseudorange augmentation and precise point precision (PPP). Theoretical analysis reveals that the calibrated pseudorange biases contribute 17.2% and 7.7% to the user equivalent ranging error (UERE) of BDS-3 and Global Positioning System (GPS) dual-frequency pseudorange augmentation, respectively, and that the convergence time of the GPS static and kinematic PPP increases from 6 min and 26 min to 19 min and 58 min, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the calibrated pseudorange biases are consistent as the receiver location and time vary. The spatial distribution consistency is generally better than 0.1 m, and the temporal consistency is better than 0.15 m. The pseudorange biases for BDS-3 B1C and B2a are approximately 0.7 m and 0.1 m, respectively, whereas those for GPS L1C/A and L2P are both approximately 0.25 m. Furthermore, The results show that after correction of the pseudorange biases, the average convergence time for BDS-3/GPS static PPP decreases from 48.83/24.03 min to 38.54/21.12 min, respectively, a decrease of approximately 21%/12%. For BDS-3/GPS/BDS-3 + GPS kinematic PPP, the average convergence time decreases from 109.53/45.10/39.15 min to 62.99/40.83/22.94 min, respectively, a decrease of approximately 42%/41%/9%. Similarly, the three-dimensional positioning accuracy for BDS-3/GPS/BDS-3 + GPS dual-frequency pseudorange augmentation improves from 3.25/3.94/2.49 m to 2.65/3.69/2.16 m, respectively, increasing by approximately 6.3%, 18.5%, and 13.3%, respectively. The above analysis and experiments demonstrate that pseudorange bias is an important error source affecting both dual-frequency pseudorange augmentation and PPP services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pansharpening, a pivotal task in remote sensing, involves integrating low-resolution multispectral images with high-resolution panchromatic images to synthesize an image that is both high-resolution and retains multispectral information. These pansharpened images enhance precision in land cover classification, change detection, and environmental monitoring within remote sensing data analysis. While deep learning techniques have shown significant success in pansharpening, existing methods often face limitations in their evaluation, focusing on restricted satellite data sources, single scene types, and low-resolution images. This paper addresses this gap by introducing PanBench, a high-resolution multi-scene dataset containing all mainstream satellites and comprising 5898 pairs of samples. Each pair includes a four-channel (RGB + near-infrared) multispectral image of 256 × 256 pixels and a mono-channel panchromatic image of 1024 × 1024 pixels. To avoid irreversible loss of spectral information and achieve a high-fidelity synthesis, we propose a Cascaded Multiscale Fusion Network (CMFNet) for pansharpening. Multispectral images are progressively upsampled while panchromatic images are downsampled. Corresponding multispectral features and panchromatic features at the same scale are then fused in a cascaded manner to obtain more robust features. Extensive experiments validate the effectiveness of CMFNet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual object tracking, pivotal for applications like earth observation and environmental monitoring, encounters challenges under adverse conditions such as low light and complex backgrounds. Traditional tracking technologies often falter, especially when tracking dynamic objects like aircraft amidst rapid movements and environmental disturbances. This study introduces an innovative adaptive multimodal image object-tracking model that harnesses the capabilities of multispectral image sensors, combining infrared and visible light imagery to significantly enhance tracking accuracy and robustness. By employing the advanced vision transformer architecture and integrating token spatial filtering (TSF) and crossmodal compensation (CMC), our model dynamically adjusts to diverse tracking scenarios. Comprehensive experiments conducted on a private dataset and various public datasets demonstrate the model's superior performance under extreme conditions, affirming its adaptability to rapid environmental changes and sensor limitations. This research not only advances visual tracking technology but also offers extensive insights into multisource image fusion and adaptive tracking strategies, establishing a robust foundation for future enhancements in sensor-based tracking systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on recommendation methods using multimodal graph information presents a significant challenge within the realm of information services. Prior studies in this area have lacked precision in the purification and denoising of multimodal information and have insufficiently explored fusion methods. We introduce a multimodal graph recommendation approach leveraging cross-attention fusion. This model enhances and purifies multimodal information by embedding the IDs of items and their corresponding interactive users, thereby optimizing the utilization of such information. To facilitate better integration, we propose a cross-attention mechanism-based multimodal information fusion method, which effectively processes and merges related and differential information across modalities. Experimental results on three public datasets indicated that our model performed exceptionally well, demonstrating its efficacy in leveraging multimodal information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of understory spaces and plants on human well-being, but most spatial research has focused on a horizontal perspective. Additionally, there is a lack of research on the effects of plant color on human recovery, especially with respect to color proportions. This study classifies the leaf colors of trees in autumn, which are observed from a looking-up perspective, into green, red, and yellow. On this basis, we created monochromatic, two-color, and three-color groups with varying color proportions to assess their recovery effects and preferences. A total of 30 participants participated in this experiment, and their physiological, psychological, and preference-related indicators were evaluated. The results revealed that the following. (1) The two-color groups had the greatest reduction effect on systolic blood pressure. Monochromatic groups were most effective at reducing diastolic blood pressure. The three-color groups had the greatest effect on lowering the pulse rate. (2) EEG responses varied by color type. (3) The three-color groups had the best recovery effects on the psychological measures. (4) The three-color groups were most favored by participants, with a red–yellow–green ratio of 0.2/0.4/0.4 being the most preferred. These findings demonstrate the differing recovery potentials of various leaf color proportions from a looking-up perspective. This study can provide valuable references for the planning and design of urban forest parks, supplementing the theoretical foundation and research framework for evaluating and creating environments that meet people's restorative needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the diversified utilization of the sugarcane industry, and sugarcane syrup, as a by-product of the sugarcane industry, is a good raw material for fermentation. Bringing sugarcane syrup into beer is conducive to the enrichment of the sugar industry, and it can improve the flavor of beer and make it more aromatic. This study determined the optimal fermentation process for beer. By analyzing the consumption rate of the carbon and nitrogen sources of raw materials, the nutrient utilization of yeast, and the causes of differences in flavor substances, the flavor composition and flavor stability of beer were determined by SPME-HS-GC-MS technology. The results showed that beer brewed with sugarcane syrup as an auxiliary raw material met the basic specifications of beer. The addition of sugarcane syrup to the wort base increased the utilization of amino acids by the yeast, and LS (lager with added cane syrup) increased the nine flavor compounds of the beer, which constituted the basic flavor of the beer, bringing new flavor compounds compared with the normal all-barley beer. Forced aging experiments showed that LS produced fewer aging compounds than OWBL. Various experiments have shown that it is feasible to ferment beer with sugarcane syrup instead of partial wort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphogypsum (PG) occupies a large amount of land due to its large annual production and low utilization rate, and at the same time causes serious environmental problems due to toxic impurities. PG is used for mine backfill, and industrial solid waste is a curing agent for PG, which can save the filling cost and reduce environmental pollution. In this paper, PG was used as a raw material, combined with steel slag (SS) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) under the action of an alkali-activated agent (NaOH) to prepare all-solid waste phosphogypsum-based backfill material (PBM). The effect of the GGBS to SS ratio on the compressive strength and toxic leaching of PBM was investigated. The chemical composition of the raw materials was obtained by XRF analysis, and the mineral composition and morphology of PBM and its stabilization/curing mechanism against heavy metals were analyzed using XRD and SEM-EDS. The results showed that the best performance of PBM was achieved when the contents of PG, GGBS, and SS were 80%, 13%, and 7%, the liquid-to-solid ratio was 0.4, and the mass concentration of NaOH was 4%, with a strength of 2.8 MPa at 28 days. The leaching concentration of fluorine at 7 days met the standard of groundwater class IV (2 mg/L), and the leaching concentration of phosphorus was detected to be less than 0.001 mg/L, and the leaching concentration of heavy metals met the environmental standard at 14 d. The hydration concentration in PBM met the environmental standard. The hydration products in PBM are mainly ettringite and C-(A)-S-H gel, which can effectively stabilize the heavy metals in PG through chemical precipitation, physical adsorption, and encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst rapid societal changes and increasing urbanization, human connectivity with nature has declined, exacerbating public health concerns. This study assesses the efficacy of Shinrin-yoku, or 'forest bathing', in Wuyishan National Park as a simple and effective method to counteract the adverse health effects of contemporary lifestyles. Employing repeated-measures analysis of variance, forty-one participants were observed over three days across eight distinct forest settings. Techniques included eye-tracking for visual attention and soundscape perception assessments via questionnaires. Physiological responses were gauged through heart rate variability and skin conductance, while psychological evaluations utilized the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Findings revealed that (1) natural soundscapes—especially birdsong, flowing water, wind, and bamboo raft sounds—and visual elements, such as distant mountains, streams, trees, Danxia landforms, tea gardens, and bamboo views, play pivotal roles in regulating heart rate variability, reducing arousal, and enhancing stress adaptation. Additionally, cultural landscapes, such as classical music and ancient structures, bolster parasympathetic activity. (2) Natural and cultural auditory stimuli, including flowing water and classical music, coupled with visual features, such as Danxia landforms, streams, distant mountains, lawns, and guide signs, effectively induce positive mood states, regulate mood disturbances, and enhance psychological well-being across diverse forest settings. These findings underscore the significant health benefits of immersive natural experiences and advocate for integrating forest-based wellness programs into public health strategies, offering compelling evidence for enriching life quality through nature engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural decentralized domestic wastewater treatment (DDWT) facilities, as an alternative to centralized sewage treatment plants, have been rapidly developed in rural areas worldwide. However, the lack of performance evaluations and operational status assessments of these facilities poses a significant obstacle to advancements in rural domestic wastewater treatment strategies. In the present study, 30 rural DDWT facilities with AO (anoxic/oxic) and AAO (anaerobic/anoxic/oxic) processes were investigated. The results revealed that only two facilities reached the first A-grade discharge standards of China, and twelve facilities met the first B-grade discharge standards for all ten wastewater quality indicators. Low standard-achieving ratios for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) (63.3%), total nitrogen (TN) (60.0%), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) (63.3%), total phosphorus (TP) (30.0%), suspended solids (SS) (46.7%), and fecal coliforms (FC) (26.7%) were calculated. Thus, it is essential to improve the treatment efficiency for BOD5, TN, NH3-N, TP, SS, and FC for rural wastewater treatment facilities. In addition, the AAO process had a median weighted average removal efficiency of 82.02%, which was better than that of the AO process (72.48%). Minor equipment failure rates, i.e., less than 20%, did not affect the operation of the rural DDWT facilities, since most equipment in the DDWT facilities was backed up. Notably, problems in several areas, e.g., process design, equipment selection, construction, and especially operations, influencing treatment performance should be investigated and proactively addressed. These findings provide specific suggestions for improvements that could benefit the long-term operation and management of rural DDWT facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspectral technology is widely recognized as an effective method for monitoring soil salinity. However, the traditional sieved samples often cannot reflect the true condition of the soil surface. In particular, there is a lack of research on the spectral response of cracked salt-affected soils despite the common occurrence of cohesive saline soil shrinkage and cracking during water evaporation. To address this research, a laboratory was designed to simulate the desiccation cracking progress of 57 soda saline–alkali soil samples with different salinity levels in the Songnen Plain of China. After completion of the drying process, spectroscopic analysis was conducted on the surface of all the cracked soil samples. Moreover, this study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of multiple linear regression models (MLR) for four main salt parameters. The hyperspectral reflectance data was analyzed using three different band screening methods, namely random forest (RF), principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation analysis (R). The findings revealed a significant correlation between desiccation cracking and soil salinity, suggesting that salinity is the primary factor influencing surface cracking of saline–alkali soil in the Songnen Plain. The results of the modeling analysis also indicated that, regardless of the spectral dimensionality reduction method employed, salinity exhibited the highest prediction accuracy for soil salinity, followed by electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium (Na+), while the pH model exhibited the weakest predictive performance. In addition, the usage of RF for band selection has the best effect compared with PCA and Pearson methods, which allows salt information of soda saline–alkali soils in Songnen Plain to be predicted precisely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Haiyang-2D (HY2D) satellite is the fourth ocean dynamics environment monitoring satellite launched by China. The satellite operates on a re-entry frozen orbit, which necessitates orbital maneuvers to maintain its designated path once the satellite's sub-satellite point deviates beyond a certain threshold. However, the execution of orbit maneuvers presents a significant challenge to the field of Precise Orbit Determination (POD). The thesis selects the on-board GPS data of HY2D satellite in December 2023 and five maneuvering days of that year. Employing a multifaceted approach that includes the assessment of observational data quality, orbit overlap, external orbit validation, and SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging) verification, the research delves into precise orbit determination during both maneuver and non-maneuver periods. The results indicate that: (1) The average number of satellites tracked by the receiver is 6.4; (2) During the non-maneuver periods, the average RMS (Root Mean Square) value of the radial difference in the 6-h overlapping arc segment is 0.66 cm, and the three-dimensional position difference is about 1.16 cm; (3) When compared with the precision science orbits (PSO) provided by CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales), the average values of the RMS values of the differences in the radial (R), transverse (T), and normal (N) directions during the non-maneuver and maneuver periods are respectively 1.32 cm, 2.31 cm, 1.92 cm and 3.04 cm, 8.78 cm, 2.72 cm. (4) The SLR verification of the orbit revealed a residual RMS of 2.24 cm. This suggests that by incorporating the modeling of maneuver forces during the maneuver periods, the impact of orbital maneuvers on orbit determination can be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the market share of electric vehicles continues to expand, fire accidents due to impacts from the power battery located at the bottom of the electric vehicles are receiving increasing attention. Lithium-ion batteries, as the mainstream choice of power battery for electric vehicles solving the problem that they are prone to thermal runaway due to damage when impacted, are the key to preventing and controlling fire accidents in electric vehicles. To address the protective problem of the bottom power battery of electric vehicles when it is impacted by road debris, two new types of sandwich structures with an enhanced regular hexagonal structure and semicircular arch structure as the core layer, respectively, are innovatively proposed in this article. They are used to protect the bottom power battery of electric vehicles and are compared with the traditional homogeneous protective structure in terms of protective performance. A local finite element simulation (FEM) of an electric vehicle containing the necessary components was established for simulation. Stress distribution, deformation, and energy absorption data for each component of an electric vehicle assembled with a protective structure when subjected to a bottom impact were obtained safely and cost-effectively. Three evaluation coefficients, namely, the cell shape variable (Bcmax), the protective effect parameter (ƒPE), and the total energy absorption of the structure (Ea), are proposed to compare and analyze the simulation results of different protective structures under equal mass conditions. The maximum values of the battery deformation of arched sandwich construction and reinforced honeycomb sandwich construction were 0.35 mm and 0.40 mm, respectively, which are much smaller than that of the maximum deformation of the battery under the protection of a homogeneous protective structure, which is 0.62 mm. Their protective effect parameters are 43.55 and 35.48, respectively, which proves that the optimization degree of the protective structure of the bottom of the electric vehicle after the application of the new structure is 35% or more. The total energy absorptions of the two structures are 91.77 J and 87.19 J, respectively, accounting for more than 70% of the kinetic energy in the system, which proves that the deformation of the sandwich structure can effectively absorb the kinetic energy of the collision between the road obstacle and the bottom of the car. The final results show that the arched sandwich structure showed the best impact resistance in the simulation, which can be used for the power battery's protective structure on the electric vehicle's bottom. This study fills a gap in local finite element modeling in electric vehicle crash simulations and provides ideas for fire prevention designs of electric vehicle structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-vibrating systems obtaining energy from their surroundings to sustain motion can offer great potential in micro-robots, biomedicine, radar systems, and amusement equipment owing to their adaptability, efficiency, and sustainability. However, there is a growing need for simpler, faster-responding, and easier-to-control systems. In the study, we theoretically present an advanced light-actuated liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber–mass system which can initiate self-sliding motion along a rigid circular track under constant light exposure. Based on an LCE dynamic model and the theorem of angular momentum, the equations for dynamic control of the system are deduced to investigate the dynamic behavior of self-sliding. Numerical analyses show that the theoretical LCE fiber–mass system operates in two distinct states: a static state and a self-sliding state. The impact of various dimensionless variables on the self-sliding amplitude and frequency is further investigated, specifically considering variables like light intensity, initial tangential velocity, the angle of the non-illuminated zone, and the inherent properties of the LCE material. For every increment of π/180 in the amplitude, the elastic coefficient increases by 0.25% and the angle of the non-illuminated zone by 1.63%, while the light intensity contributes to a 20.88% increase. Our findings reveal that, under constant light exposure, the mass element exhibits a robust self-sliding response, indicating its potential for use in energy harvesting and other applications that require sustained periodic motion. Additionally, this system can be extended to other non-circular curved tracks, highlighting its adaptability and versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate three-dimensional (3D) localization within indoor environments is crucial for enhancing item-based application services, yet current systems often struggle with localization accuracy and height estimation. This study introduces an advanced 3D localization system that integrates updated ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors and dual barometric pressure (BMP) sensors. Utilizing three fixed UWB anchors, the system employs geometric modeling and Kalman filtering for precise tag 3D spatial localization. Building on our previous research on indoor height measurement with dual BMP sensors, the proposed system demonstrates significant improvements in data processing speed and stability. Our enhancements include a new geometric localization model and an optimized Kalman filtering algorithm, which are validated by a high-precision motion capture system. The results show that the localization error is significantly reduced, with height accuracy of approximately ±0.05 m, and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the 3D localization system reaches 0.0740 m. The system offers expanded locatable space and faster data output rates, delivering reliable performance that supports advanced applications requiring detailed 3D indoor localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transboundary region along the Heilongjiang River, encompassing the Russian Far East and Northeast China, possesses abundant agricultural natural resources crucial for global food security. In the face of the challenge of disruptions in the global food supply chain, the precise monitoring and exploitation of agricultural resources in the Heilongjiang Basin becomes imperative. This study employed deep learning to classify crop status in 2023 in the Heilongjiang Basin using Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing images at a 10 m resolution. Various vegetation indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), and others, were computed and analyzed for different crops. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was utilized for validation point sampling based on plot objects. The random forest (RF) classification method was successfully employed to classify and identify major crops in the study area (wheat, maize, rice, and soybean), as well as wetlands, tree cover, grassland, water, and constructed land, with an overall classification accuracy of 86%. Tree cover dominated the land cover, constituting 62%, while wheat, maize, rice, and soybeans accounted for 7% of the total area. Of these, soybeans occupied the largest area (57,646.60 hectares), followed by rice (53,209.53 hectares), maize (39,998.37 hectares), and wheat (8782.31 hectares). This study demonstrated that sample selection based on plot objects facilitates efficient sample labeling, providing insights into crop classification in other, potentially larger, areas. This method simultaneously distinguishes wetland, cultivated land, and forest features, supporting further integrated investigations for more natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achievement and control of desired motions in active machines often involves precise manipulation of artificial muscles in a distributed and sequential manner, which poses significant challenges. A novel motion control strategy based on self-oscillation in active machines offers distinctive benefits, such as direct energy harvesting from the ambient environment and the elimination of complex controllers. Drawing inspiration from automobiles, a self-moving automobile designed for operation under steady illumination is developed, comprising two wheels and a liquid crystal elastomer fiber. To explore the dynamic behavior of this self-moving automobile under steady illumination, a nonlinear theoretical model is proposed, integrating with the established dynamic liquid crystal elastomer model. Numerical simulations are conducted using the Runge-Kutta method based on MATLAB software, and it is observed that the automobile undergoes a supercritical Hopf bifurcation, transitioning from a static state to a self-moving state. The sustained periodic self-moving is facilitated by the interplay between light energy and damping dissipation. Furthermore, the conditions under which the Hopf bifurcation occurs are analyzed in detail. It is worth noting that increasing the light intensity or decreasing rolling resistance coefficient can improve the self-moving average velocity. The innovative design of the self-moving automobile offers advantages such as not requiring an independent power source, possessing a simple structure, and being sustainable. These characteristics make it highly promising for a range of applications including actuators, soft robotics, energy harvesting, and more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To verify the feasibility of applying dry flue gas desulfurization ash (DFGDA) to asphalt pavement materials, the asphalt mastic (filler and asphalt composition) prepared by adding different proportions of DFGDA and LSP (limestone powder) into 70# matrix asphalt was studied experimentally. The asphalt mastics were subjected to the penetration test, the softening point test, and the ductility test. Moreover, the rheological properties of asphalt mastic were evaluated with dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. An interaction ability index C-value based on the Palierne model was proposed to evaluate the interaction ability between DFGDA and asphalt. The influence of DFGDA asphalt on the interaction ability of matrix asphalt was observed and evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that with the increasing proportion of DFGDA, the penetration of asphalt mastic gradually decreased, the softening point increased, and the ductility slightly decreased. At the same temperature, the dynamic shear modulus G* of the asphalt mortar significantly increased with increasing DFGDA content. The incorporation of DFGDA negatively affected the low-temperature plastic deformation resistance of asphalt, but the impact was weakened with the growing DFGDA amount and the powder mastic ratio. The combination mode of DFGDA and matrix asphalt depends on the physical blending, and their interaction ability mainly depends on the miscibility between DFGDA and matrix asphalt. In conclusion, DFGDA can be utilized as a novel filler in asphalt pavement materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrational environments can cause drift or changes in Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) gyroscope rotor parameters, potentially impacting their performance. To improve the effective use of MEMS gyroscopes, this study introduced a method for evaluating the reliability of parameter degradation under vibration. We analyzed the working principle of MEMS gyroscope rotors and investigated how vibration affects their parameters. Focusing on zero bias and scale factor as key performance indicators, we developed an accelerated degradation model using the distributional assumption method. We then collected degradation data for these parameters under various vibration conditions. Using the Copula function, we established a reliability assessment approach to evaluate the degradation of the MEMS gyroscope rotor's zero bias and scale factor under vibration, enabling the determination of reliability for these parameters. Experimental findings confirmed that increasing stress levels lead to reduced failure times and increased failure rates for MEMS gyroscope rotors, with significant changes observed in the zero bias parameter. Our evaluation method effectively characterizes changes in the reliability of the MEMS gyroscope rotor's scale factor and zero bias over time, providing valuable information for practical applications of MEMS gyroscopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ancient building complex in Wudang Mountain, China, is known as the "Museum of Ancient Chinese Architectural Accomplishments". However, the valuable stone components are preserved in open or semi-open environments and environmental factors such as rain seriously threaten its sustainable conservation. In this context, a femtosecond laser processing method has been demonstrated to be able to prepare hierarchical micro-nano structures on the stone surface to regulate its wettability, achieving the purpose of sustainable conservation. In this paper, the processing mechanism and performance of the femtosecond laser on green schist, a local stone material in the Wudang Mountain, are systematically investigated. It is found that green schist, as a typical non-homogeneous material, exhibits significant differences in its absorption of femtosecond laser with different compositions. Among them, quartz, chlorite, and muscovite are the three main compositions, and they are mainly characterized by cold ablation, thermal melting, and expansion under the irradiation of the femtosecond laser (238 fs, 100 kHz, 40 μJ, 33 μm, 500–40,000 pulses), respectively, and it is difficult to achieve a uniform and stable surface structure. Based on this, we prepared grooves with a spacing of 100–400 μm by scanning the femtosecond laser. Through the characterization of surface morphology, elemental composition, and three-dimensional structure, the processing mechanism of the hierarchical micro-nano structures of green schist under the irradiation of the femtosecond laser is comprehensively revealed. Finally, the wettability modulation result of water contact angle up to 147° is achieved by processing the grooves with an optimal spacing of 400 μm. The results of this research are of guiding significance for the sustainable conservation of ancient buildings and cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-rotor aircraft have the advantages of a simple structure, low cost, and flexible operation in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) family, and have developed rapidly in recent years. Radar surveillance and classification of the growing number of multi-rotor aircraft has become a challenging problem due to their low-slow-small (LSS) characteristics. Estimation of the blade number is an important step in distinguishing LSS targets. However, most of the current research on micro-motion parameters estimation has focused on the analysis of rotational frequency, length, and the initial phase of blades with a prior of blade number, affecting its ability to identify LSS targets. In this article, a micro-motion parameters estimation method for multi-rotor targets without a prior is proposed. On the basis of estimating the flashing frequency of the blades, a validation function is constructed through spectral analysis to judge the number of blades, and then the rotational frequency is estimated. The blade length is calculated by estimating the maximum Doppler shift. Moreover, the variational mode decomposition (VMD)-based atomic scaling orthogonal matching pursuit (AS-OMP) method is jointly applied to estimate the blade length when suffering from the low PRF and insufficient SNR conditions. Extensive experiments on the simulated and measured data demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms robust micro-motion parameter estimation capability in low PRF and insufficient SNR conditions compared to the traditional time-frequency analysis methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of separating multicomponent micro-Doppler (m-D) signals is common in the field of radar signal processing. In some implementations, it is necessary to separate the multicomponent m-D signal that contains missing samples. To address this issue, an optimization model has been developed to recover and decompose multicomponent m-D signals with missing samples. To solve the underlying optimization problem, a two-algorithm-based alternate iteration framework is proposed. This method uses three techniques—the null space property, ridge regression method, and matching pursuit principle—to estimate the individual component, complex-valued differential operator, and regularization parameter. Finally, as shown by both simulation and measured data processing results, the proposed method can accurately separate the multicomponent m-D signal from incomplete data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant proportion of maritime incidents occurring in coastal waters are attributed to small fishing vessels. To analyze the root causes of such maritime accidents, it is imperative to conduct simulations to assess the potential pure loss of stability. This paper proposes a method of using a self-developed program to assess the vulnerability, which could be used in practice for seafarers to maintain shipping safety. To assess the vulnerability of three fishing vessels, the proposed method considers different wave conditions, where the parametric behaviors of the waves relative to the ship's position ( ξ G / λ ) and wave steepness ( H / λ ) are explored. Additionally, vulnerability is computed systematically under diverse loading conditions, resulting in visual representations such as 2D and 3D plots. We conduct comparative simulations between the proposed method and the ICS-Hydro STAB. The simulation results reveal that the proposed method has superior accuracy in executing failure probability calculations. The prediction error is consistently below 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis is vital for bone fracture healing and plays a significant role in the fate of orthopedic implants. The growth and maintenance of new blood vessels at the fracture site of patients is essential, which promotes the clinical outcome of plasma sprayed Ti (PST) coated orthopedic implants. In order to endow the PST coating with pro-angiogenic effects, deferoxamine-loaded chitosan-based hydrogel was fabricated on the coating surface. Polydopamine-modified chitosan (CS/PDA) hydrogel exhibited enhanced bonding strength to PST coatings as evidenced by scratch test. The deferoxamine-loaded CS/PDA (CS/PDA-DFO) exhibited a sustained drug-release property, and the cumulative concentration of released DFO reached 20.21 μg/mL on day 7. PST-CS/PDA with higher wettability and active group quantity enhanced the viability and adhesion characteristics of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and upregulated the secretion level of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor. Moreover, the introduction of DFO in PST-CS/PDA further enhanced the pro-angiogenic effects. Above all, this study offers a novel approach for developing hydrogel coating on orthopedic implants showing enhanced bonding strength and pro-angiogenic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As important linear public spaces, urban greenways are highly important for improving public health. Many studies have proven the benefits of urban greenways for human well-being, but fewer studies have focused on the impact of their specific environmental types and characteristics on physical and mental health. In this study, 100 subjects participated in a comparative experiment on three types of urban greenways (urban roads, urban parks, and urban rivers), and corresponding physiological indicator (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], and pulse) and psychological indicator (perceived restorativeness scale [PRS] and positive and negative affect schedule [PANAS]) data were collected. The results indicated that (1) different greenway environment types lead to different physiological and psychological states; (2) urban park-type greenways (SBP [t = 2.37, p = 0.020], DBP [t = 2.06, p = 0.042], PANAS = 2.80, PRS = 5.39) have the greatest physical and mental recovery benefits, followed by urban river-type greenways (SBP [t = 2.84, p = 0.006], DBP [t = 1.29, p = 0.200], PANAS = 2.30, PRS= 5.02) and urban road-type greenways (SBP [t = 0.78, p = 0.440], DBP [t = 0.37, p = 0.716], PANAS = 2.00, PRS = 4.15); (3) plant color and layer diversity have a significant positive impact on the mental health benefits of the three greenway types; (4) the aesthetics of waterscapes and ornaments can significantly improve the perceived restoration ability of urban river-type greenways; and (5) the comfort of pathways and facilities can effectively promote the psychological recovery potential of urban road-type greenways. These findings systematically demonstrate for the first time the differences in restoration potential among urban greenways of different environmental types and summarize the key landscape characteristic predictors influencing the restoration potential of various types of urban greenways. Our research provides new ideas for proactive greenway interventions for physical and mental health and for enriching the restorative environmental science system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microscopic pore structure of sandstone determines its macroscopic permeability. Based on computer tomography (CT) technology, CT scans were performed on three different types of sandstone pore structures, namely coarse sandstone, medium sandstone, and fine sandstone. And the three-dimensional microscopic structure of sandstone pores was reconstructed. Furthermore, based on the Navier–Stokes equations, the fluid flow process in the pore structure of sandstone was simulated, and the effective permeability of sandstone was obtained. By extracting the pore structure from sandstone CT images, the average porosity of coarse sandstone, medium sandstone, and fine sandstone was 16.43%, 12.03%, and 11.64%, respectively. And the porosity of unconnected pores is less than 0.5%. The porosity and permeability of coarse sandstone are higher than those of medium sandstone and fine sandstone with an average value of 1.7 D. The porosity of medium sandstone and fine sandstone is relatively similar. However, the average pore radius and pore throat radius of medium sandstone are larger than those of fine sandstone. More importantly, although the permeability and porosity of sandstone are generally linearly related, when the porosity is low, the data show a large dispersion, and auxiliary indicators such as pore structure characteristic parameters such as pore throat radius should be adopted to evaluate the permeability of sandstone. The flow trajectory of fluid in the pore structure of sandstone is revealed through the streamline of fluid in the pore structure, revealing the mechanism of fluid flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-oscillatory systems have great utility in energy harvesting, engines, and actuators due to their ability to convert ambient energy directly into mechanical work. This characteristic makes their design and implementation highly valuable. Due to the complexity of the motion process and the simultaneous influence of multiple parameters, computing self-oscillatory systems proves to be challenging, especially when conducting inverse parameter design. To simplify the computational process, a combined approach o0f Random Forest (RF) and Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) algorithms is employed. The example used is a self-rotating skipping rope made of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber and a mass block under illumination. Numerically solving the governing equations yields precise solutions for the rotation frequency of the LCE skipping rope under various system parameters. A database containing 138,240 sets of parameter conditions and their corresponding rotation frequencies is constructed to train the RF and BPNN models. The training outcomes indicate that RF and BPNN can accurately predict the self-rotating skipping rope frequency under various parameters, demonstrating high stability and computational efficiency. This approach allows us to discover the influences of distinct parameters on the rotation frequency as well. Moreover, it is capable of inverse design, meaning it can derive the corresponding desired parameter combination from a given rotation frequency. Through this study, a deeper understanding of the dynamic behavior of self-oscillatory systems is achieved, offering a new approach and theoretical foundation for their implementation and construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the recent mining and production status of ruby in Longido, Tanzania. Faceted-grade rubies and their matrix from Longido Area, Tanzania, were investigated by standard gemological testing, including FTIR, UV-VIS, Raman spectra, and LA-ICP-MS. Microscopic observations revealed dense needle-like and triangular inclusions, distinct growth lines, and color banding as typical inclusions. In agreement with the Raman results, the transmission FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of aluminum hydroxide. The Raman spectra identified associated minerals and inclusions, including zoisite, parasites, feldspar within the matrix, rutile, and diaspore in the ruby host. The chemistry analysis revealed a high amount of Cr and relatively low iron as a good indicator of geographic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major strategy to combat implant-associated infections is to develop implant coatings with intrinsic antibacterial activity. Since hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings and antibiotic administration are commonly used in clinical settings, developing HAp-coated implants with localized antibiotic-releasing properties has attracted popularity. Considering the antibacterial metal species (Ag, Zn, Cu, etc.) in metal–organic frameworks and their drug delivery capacity, in this study, a gentamicin-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanolayer was deposited on a plasma-sprayed HAp coating (HAp/ZIF-8@Gent), which served as a Gent and Zn2+ reservoir. The investigation on the binding interaction between ZIF-8 and HAp indicated that the growth of ZIF-8 was through a Zn2+ seed layer on the HAp coating via an adsorption–replacement mechanism, instead of simple physical adsorption. The HAp/ZIF-8@Gent coating exhibited a sustained drug-release property, and the cumulative concentration of released Gent reached 239.8 ± 7.1 μg/mL on day 8. Compared to the HAp-Zn and HAp/ZIF-8 coatings, the HAp/ZIF-8@Gent coating exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity against E. coli. This was ascribed to the combined antibacterial effects of Zn2+ and Gent. The cytocompatibility of the HAp/ZIF-8@Gent coating was confirmed via cell proliferation. Above all, the ZIF-8-modified HAp coating with localized delivery of Gent and Zn2+ possessed excellent antibacterial activity and acceptable cytocompatibility, showing potential in mitigating implant-associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA is an important information and functional molecule. It can respond to the regulation of life processes and is also a key molecule in gene expression and regulation. Therefore, RNA detection technology has been widely used in many fields, especially in disease diagnosis, medical research, genetic engineering and other fields. However, the current RT-qPCR for RNA detection is complex, costly and requires the support of professional technicians, resulting in it not having great potential for rapid application in the field. PCR-free techniques are the most attractive alternative. They are a low-cost, simple operation method and do not require the support of large instruments, providing a new concept for the development of new RNA detection methods. This article reviews current PCR-free methods, overviews reported RNA biosensors based on electrochemistry, SPR, microfluidics, nanomaterials and CRISPR, and discusses their challenges and future research prospects in RNA detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was used to simulate Typhoon Rumbia in this paper. The sensitivity experiments were conducted with 16 different parameterization combination schemes, including four microphysics (WSM6, WSM5, Lin, and Thompson), two boundary layers (YSU and MYJ), and two cumulus convection (Kain–Fritsch and Grell–Freitas) schemes. The impacts of 16 parameterization combination schemes and the data assimilation (DA) of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) water vapor were evaluated by the simulation accuracy of typhoon track and intensity. The results show that the typhoon track and intensity are significantly influenced by parameterization schemes of cumulus and boundary layers rather than microphysics. The averaged track error of Lin_KF_Y is 104.73 km in the entire 72-h simulation period. The track errors of all the other combination schemes are higher than Lin_KF_Y. During the entire 72-h, the averaged intensity error of Thompson_GF_M is 1.36 hPa. It is the lowest among all the combination schemes. As for data assimilation, the simulation accuracy of typhoon tracks can be significantly improved by adding the GNSS water vapor. Thompson_GF_M-DA combination scheme has the lowest average track error of 45.05 km in the initial 24 h. The Lin_KF_Y-DA combination scheme exhibits an average track error of 32.17 km on the second day, 28.03 km on the third day, and 35.33 km during 72-h. The study shows that the combination of parameterization schemes and the GNSS water vapor data assimilation significantly improve the initial conditions and the accuracy of typhoon predictions. The study results contribute to the selection of appropriate combinations of physical parameterization schemes for the WRF-ARW model in the mid-latitude region of the western Pacific coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]