Journal Description
Applied Sciences
Applied Sciences
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of applied natural sciences published semimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Engineering)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our authors say about Applied Sciences.
- Companion journals for Applied Sciences include: Applied Nano, AppliedChem, Applied Biosciences, Virtual Worlds, Spectroscopy Journal and JETA.
Impact Factor:
2.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022)
Latest Articles
Alleviating Effect of a Flower Extract of Styphnolobium japonicum L. on Symptoms of Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4301; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104301 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
In the present study, we prepared an ethanol extract from the flowers of Styphnolobium japonicum L. (SJFE) and found that it contains rutin as a major constituent as well as quercetin kaempferol and isorhamnetin as minor components. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, we
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In the present study, we prepared an ethanol extract from the flowers of Styphnolobium japonicum L. (SJFE) and found that it contains rutin as a major constituent as well as quercetin kaempferol and isorhamnetin as minor components. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, we observed that SJFE significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide and the expression of major inflammatory biomarkers such as inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β significantly. Based on these in vitro results, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of SJFE on osteoarthritis (OA) of the left hind knee joints induced by monosodium iodoacetate in rats. SJFE was orally administered to the rats with arthritis for 4 weeks, and the following results were obtained. The rats treated with SJFE exhibited a 24% improvement in the weight-bearing index of their affected legs, as well as reductions of 31.5% and 23.2% in serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and C-terminal telopeptide 2, respectively. Additionally, Mankin’s score, an indicator used to assess the severity of joint cartilage damage, decreased by 2.75 points compared to the control with no treatment. These findings suggest that SJFE possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate symptoms of OA, indicating its potential to offer relief to individuals suffering from arthritis.
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(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)
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Open AccessEditorial
Advances in Cybersecurity: Challenges and Solutions
by
Peter R. J. Trim and Yang-Im Lee
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4300; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104300 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Cyberattacks have increased in intensity and sophistication in recent years, resulting in defensive actions to safeguard company assets and vulnerable people [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cybersecurity: Challenges and Solutions)
Open AccessArticle
Advanced 2D Computational Fluid Dynamics Model of an External Gear Pump Considering Relief Grooves
by
Nikolay Nikolov, Alexander Mitov and Ivan Kralov
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4299; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104299 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The article presents an advanced two-dimensional (2D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of an external gear pump which considers relief grooves. Relief grooves are limiting design features for the flow process of this type of pump, and their influence in existing studies is
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The article presents an advanced two-dimensional (2D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of an external gear pump which considers relief grooves. Relief grooves are limiting design features for the flow process of this type of pump, and their influence in existing studies is considered by a three-dimensional (3D) model only. The structural modification proposed by the authors is beyond the possibilities of real implementation, but it gives the possibility to precisely model the pump’s design features. In contrast to the existing studies (using 3D CFD), the proposed advanced 2D model requires significantly fewer computing resources. Numerical experiments were carried out using the 2D model at different pump operating modes depending on the rotation frequency (950–1450 min−1) and pressure load (5–150 bar). The numerical results were validated by a real-world experiment for the same pump operating modes using an existing laboratory experimental setup. An analysis of the CFD model and real experiment results was carried out by determining a quantitative index of match (FIT), which varies in the range of 97.93–99.82%. This proves the performance of the proposed CFD model, which can be further used as a part of more complex hydraulic systems models.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fluid Science and Technology)
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Selected Heavy Metal Contaminants as Well as Nitrates and Nitrites in the Microgreens of Nigella (Nigella sativa L.), Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), and Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) at Different Stages of Vegetation
by
Joanna Kapusta-Duch, Sylwester Smoleń, Elżbieta Jędrszczyk, Teresa Leszczyńska, Barbara Borczak and Barbara Kusznierewicz
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4298; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104298 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Microgreens are a new, rapidly growing group of foodstuffs. The decorative function of these is often accompanied by their use in traditional dishes. As microgreens are eaten at very early stages, when the development of the epidermis is at its minimum, the bioavailability
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Microgreens are a new, rapidly growing group of foodstuffs. The decorative function of these is often accompanied by their use in traditional dishes. As microgreens are eaten at very early stages, when the development of the epidermis is at its minimum, the bioavailability of minerals will be found to be higher in microgreens then in mature vegetables. So, microgreens can be an excellent functional food, especially for mineral-deficient populations, although they can also be a source of contaminants such as heavy metals or nitrates and nitrites. The purpose of this study was to measure the levels of selected heavy metals (i.e., cadmium, arsenic, lead, chromium, aluminium, zinc, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, manganese, vanadium, boron, antimony, thallium, titanium and strontium), as well as nitrates and nitrites, in microgreens at various stage of vegetation, using uncommon oilseed plants like nigella—Nigella sativa L., safflower—Carthamus tinctorius L., and camelina—Camelina sativa L. The examined microgreens of rare oilseed plants may be a source of contaminants and nitrates. The mineral profile of these plants is mainly determined by their genotype. Microgreens’ cultivation involves compliance with safety standards and replicable conditions to guarantee that the highest nutritional value is reached at the lowest possible contaminant level.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Analytical Methods Applied to Food and Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
Energy Bus-Based Matrix Modeling and Optimal Scheduling for Integrated Energy Systems
by
Lizhi Zhang and Fan Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4297; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104297 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
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Integrated energy systems (IESs) can easily accommodate renewable energy resources (RESs) and improve the utilization efficiency of fossil energy by integrating various energy production, conversion, and storage technologies. However, the coupled multi-energy flows and the uncertainty of RESs bring challenges regarding optimal scheduling.
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Integrated energy systems (IESs) can easily accommodate renewable energy resources (RESs) and improve the utilization efficiency of fossil energy by integrating various energy production, conversion, and storage technologies. However, the coupled multi-energy flows and the uncertainty of RESs bring challenges regarding optimal scheduling. Therefore, this study proposes an energy bus-based matrix-modeling method and a coordinated scheduling strategy for the IES. The matrix-modeling method can be used to formulate the steady- and transient-state balances of the multi-energy flows, and the transient model can clearly express the multi-time-scale characteristics of the different energy flows. The model parameters are fitted with data from experiments and the literature. To address the inherent randomness of the RESs and loads, a coordinated scheduling strategy is designed that contains two components: day-ahead optimization and rolling optimization. Day-ahead optimization uses the system steady-state model and multiple scenarios from the RES and load forecast data to minimize the operation cost while rolling optimization is based on the system’s transient-state model and aims to achieve the optimal real-time scheduling of the energy flows. Finally, a case study is conducted to verify the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed model and optimization method. The results show that stochastic optimization reduces the total daily cost by 1.48% compared to deterministic optimization when considering the prediction errors associated with the RESs and loads, highlighting the stronger adaptability of stochastic optimization to prediction errors. Moreover, rolling optimization based on the system’s transient-state model can reduce the errors between day-ahead scheduling and rolling correction.
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Open AccessArticle
Enhanced High-Definition Video Transmission for Unmanned Driving in Mining Environments
by
Liya Zhang, Wei Yang and Chenxin Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4296; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104296 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
In the development of intelligent mines, unmanned driving transportation has emerged as a key technology to reduce human involvement and enable unmanned operations. The operation of unmanned vehicles in mining environments relies on remote operation, which necessitates the low-latency transmission of high-definition video
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In the development of intelligent mines, unmanned driving transportation has emerged as a key technology to reduce human involvement and enable unmanned operations. The operation of unmanned vehicles in mining environments relies on remote operation, which necessitates the low-latency transmission of high-definition video data across multiple channels for comprehensive monitoring and precise remote control. To address the challenges associated with unmanned driving in mines, we propose a comprehensive scheme that leverages the capabilities of 5G super uplink, edge collaborative computing, and advanced video transmission strategies. This approach utilizes dual-frequency bands, specifically 3.5 GHz and 2.1 GHz, within the 5G super uplink framework to establish an infrastructure designed for high-bandwidth and low-latency information transmission, crucial for real-time autonomous operations. To overcome limitations due to computational resources at terminal devices, our scheme incorporates task offloading and edge computing methodologies to effectively reduce latency and enhance decision-making speed for real-time autonomous activities. Additionally, to consolidate the benefits of low latency, we implement several video transmission strategies, such as optimized network usage, service-specific wireless channel identification, and dynamic frame allocation. An experimental evaluation demonstrates that our approach achieves an uplink peak rate of 418.5 Mbps with an average latency of 18.3 ms during the parallel transmission of seven channels of 4K video, meeting the stringent requirements for remote control of unmanned mining vehicles.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Intelligent Communication System)
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Open AccessArticle
Public Attitudes and Sentiments toward Common Prosperity in China: A Text Mining Analysis Based on Social Media
by
Yang Li, Tianyu Duan and Lijing Zhu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4295; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104295 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
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Since 2021, China’s promotion of common prosperity has captured global attention and sparked considerable debate. Yet, scholarly examination of the Chinese public’s attitudes toward this policy, which is crucial for guiding China’s strategic directions, remains limited. To address this gap, this paper collects
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Since 2021, China’s promotion of common prosperity has captured global attention and sparked considerable debate. Yet, scholarly examination of the Chinese public’s attitudes toward this policy, which is crucial for guiding China’s strategic directions, remains limited. To address this gap, this paper collects 256,233 Sina Weibo posts from 2021 to 2023 and utilizes text mining methods such as temporal and trend analysis, keyword analysis, topic analysis, and sentiment analysis to investigate the attitudes and emotions of the Chinese people towards common prosperity. The posts holding negative sentiments are also analyzed, so as to uncover the underlying reasons for the dissatisfaction among Chinese citizens regarding common prosperity. Our analysis reveals that China’s strategy for promoting common prosperity is primarily focused on economic development rather than wealth redistribution. Emphasis is placed on enhancing education, achieving regional balance, implementing market-oriented reforms, and improving livelihoods. Notably, there is increasing public dissatisfaction, particularly with issues such as irregularities in financial and real estate markets, growing wealth inequality, exploitation by capital, generation of illicit income, and regional development imbalances. These challenges necessitate urgent and effective policy interventions.
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Open AccessArticle
Intelligent Diagnosis of Compound Faults of Gearboxes Based on Periodical Group Sparse Model
by
Lan Chen, Xiangfeng Zhang, Lizhong Wang, Kaihua Li and Yang Feng
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4294; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104294 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
A gearbox compound fault intelligent diagnosis method based on the period group sparse model is proposed for the problem that the fault features are coupled with each other and the fault components are superimposed on each other and difficult to be separated in
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A gearbox compound fault intelligent diagnosis method based on the period group sparse model is proposed for the problem that the fault features are coupled with each other and the fault components are superimposed on each other and difficult to be separated in the gearbox compound fault signal. Firstly, a binary sequence is constructed to embed the fault pulse period as a priori knowledge into the group sparse model to decouple and separate the composite fault signal while maintaining the amplitude and sparsity of the extracted features. Secondly, the wavelet packet energy features of the decoupled signals are extracted to improve the data quality while enhancing the characterization ability of the dictionary in the classification model. Finally, the wavelet packet energy features are imported into the sparse dictionary classification model, and the fault diagnosis is completed by outputting the fault categories using the self-driven characteristics of the data. The results show that the fault identification accuracy using the proposed method is 97%. In addition, the experimental validation under different states and working conditions with different rotational speeds allows the superiority and effectiveness of the algorithm in this paper to be tested and has the feasibility of a practical application in engineering.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Acoustics and Vibrations)
Open AccessArticle
Capillary-Driven Microdevice Mixer Using Additive Manufacturing (SLA Technology)
by
Victor H. Cabrera-Moreta and Jasmina Casals-Terré
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4293; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104293 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
This study presents a novel microfluidic mixer designed, fabricated, and characterized using additive manufacturing technology — stereolithography (SLA) — and harnessing capillarity principles achieved through microstructure patterning. Micromixers are integral components in optimizing mixing and reaction processes within microfluidic systems. The proposed microdevice
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This study presents a novel microfluidic mixer designed, fabricated, and characterized using additive manufacturing technology — stereolithography (SLA) — and harnessing capillarity principles achieved through microstructure patterning. Micromixers are integral components in optimizing mixing and reaction processes within microfluidic systems. The proposed microdevice employs a tank mixing method capable of blending two fluids. With a channel length of up to 6 mm, the process time is remarkably swift at 3 s, and the compact device measures 35 × 40 × 5 mm. The capillarity-driven working flow rates range from 1 / to 37 / , facilitated by channel dimensions varying between 400 and 850 . The total liquid volume within the device channels is 1652 (6176 including the supply tanks). The mix index, representing the homogeneity of the two fluids, is approximately 0.55 along the main channel. The manufacturing process, encompassing printing, isopropyl cleaning, and UV (ultraviolet) curing, is completed within 90 min. This microfluidic mixer showcases efficient mixing capabilities, rapid processing, and a compact design, marking it as a promising advancement in microfluidic technology. The new microfluidic mixer is a major step forward in microfluidic technology, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for various uses. Its compatibility with SLA additive manufacturing allows for quick prototyping and design improvements, making it valuable for research and practical applications in chemistry, biology, and diagnostics. This study highlights the importance of combining advanced manufacturing techniques with basic fluid dynamics to create effective and easy-to-use microfluidic solutions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing: Recent Advances, Applications and Challenges)
Open AccessArticle
Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Hydrodynamic Forces and Moments Acting on Stern Rudder Plane Configurations of a Submarine
by
Thanh Long Phan, Thi Loan Mai and Tien Thua Nguyen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4292; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104292 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
This study presents the predicted hydrodynamic characteristics of different rudder plane configurations on the stern of a full-scale submarine in deep water, which are obtained using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes method in Ansys Fluent Solver. First, the results obtained for the X-rudder plane configuration
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This study presents the predicted hydrodynamic characteristics of different rudder plane configurations on the stern of a full-scale submarine in deep water, which are obtained using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes method in Ansys Fluent Solver. First, the results obtained for the X-rudder plane configuration are verified according to previous numerical and experimental results in order to assess the accuracy of the simulation procedure. The X-rudder plane, Y-rudder plane, and Cross-rudder plane configurations in deep water with deflection angles ranging from −21 degrees to +21 degrees are then simulated. Next, the hydrodynamic forces and moments of the Cross-plane, X-plane, and Y-plane rudder configurations obtained through simulation are analyzed using Taylor’s expansion to estimate the hydrodynamic coefficients. The obtained results demonstrate that the X-force of the X-plane rudder configuration is larger than the corresponding forces acting on the Cross-plane rudder and Y-plane rudder configurations. Meanwhile, the Y-force and Z-force of the X-plane rudder configuration are significantly greater than the corresponding forces of the left configurations. The same tendency can be seen in the moment of the X-plane rudder about the y- and z-axes. However, the roll moment induced by the Y-plane and Cross-plane rudder configurations is significantly larger than that under the X-plane rudder configuration.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Science and Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Molecular Characterization of Isolates of the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) from the District of Chókwè, Mozambique
by
Sandra Carvalho I. Mussa Barros, Antonia dos Reis Figueira and Antonia Thalyta Lopes Silveira
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4291; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104291 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) was recently detected in Mozambique and appears to be limited to the provinces of Gaza, Maputo and Zambezia, but it has great potential to spread to other provinces. Despite its importance, nothing is known about the BBTV isolates
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Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) was recently detected in Mozambique and appears to be limited to the provinces of Gaza, Maputo and Zambezia, but it has great potential to spread to other provinces. Despite its importance, nothing is known about the BBTV isolates that occur in Mozambique. In this study, the sequences of the S and R genes of forty isolates chosen as representatives of samples collected previously from eleven farms of the four administrative posts of the district of Chóckwè, province of Gaza, were sequenced and analyzed. The S-DNA nucleotide sequences of the analyzed isolates were highly conserved, with identity ranging from 97% to 100%. The same was observed for the R-DNA sequences, with most identities ranging between 98% and 100% among the isolates from Chókwè and above 90% when compared to the isolates from GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Mozambican BBTV isolates belong to the Pacific–Indian Oceans (PIO) group, showing greater proximity to the isolate JQ820453 from Malawi than to the isolates from sub-Saharan countries, which were grouped in a distinct subclade. This is the first study conducted to determine the molecular characteristics of BBTV isolates present in Mozambique.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Microbiology)
Open AccessArticle
Dual-Modality Cross-Interaction-Based Hybrid Full-frame Video Stabilization
by
Jaeyoung Jang, Yuseok Ban and Kyungjae Lee
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4290; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104290 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
This study aims to generate visually useful imagery by preventing cropping while maintaining resolution and minimizing the degradation of stability and distortion to enhance the stability of a video for Augmented Reality applications. The focus is placed on conducting research that balances maintaining
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This study aims to generate visually useful imagery by preventing cropping while maintaining resolution and minimizing the degradation of stability and distortion to enhance the stability of a video for Augmented Reality applications. The focus is placed on conducting research that balances maintaining execution speed with performance improvements. By processing Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor data using the Versatile Quaternion-based Filter algorithm and optical flow, our research first applies motion compensation to frames of input video. To address cropping, PCA-flow-based video stabilization is then performed. Furthermore, to mitigate distortion occurring during the full-frame video creation process, neural rendering is applied, resulting in the output of stabilized frames. The anticipated effect of using an IMU sensor is the production of full-frame videos that maintain visual quality while increasing the stability of a video. Our technique contributes to correcting video shakes and has the advantage of generating visually useful imagery at low cost. Thus, we propose a novel hybrid full-frame video stabilization algorithm that produces full-frame videos after motion compensation with an IMU sensor. Evaluating our method against three metrics, the Stability score, Distortion value, and Cropping ratio, results indicated that stabilization was more effectively achieved with robustness to flow inaccuracy when effectively using an IMU sensor. In particular, among the evaluation outcomes, within the “Turn” category, our method exhibited an 18% enhancement in the Stability score and a 3% improvement in the Distortion value compared to the average results of previously proposed full-frame video stabilization-based methods, including PCA flow, neural rendering, and DIFRINT.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cross Applications of Interactive Smart System and Virtual Reality)
Open AccessArticle
Revealing Spatial–Temporal Patterns of Sea Surface Temperature in the South China Sea Based on Spatial–Temporal Co-Clustering
by
Qi He, Zhuangzhuang Xu, Wei Song, Lijia Geng, Dongmei Huang and Yanling Du
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4289; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104289 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
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To discover the spatial–temporal patterns of sea surface temperature (SST) in the South China Sea (SCS), this paper proposes a spatial–temporal co-clustering algorithm optimized by information divergence. This method allows for the clustering of SST data simultaneously across temporal and spatial dimensions and
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To discover the spatial–temporal patterns of sea surface temperature (SST) in the South China Sea (SCS), this paper proposes a spatial–temporal co-clustering algorithm optimized by information divergence. This method allows for the clustering of SST data simultaneously across temporal and spatial dimensions and is adaptable to large volumes of data and anomalous data situations. First, the SST data are initially clustered using the co-clustering algorithm. Second, we use information divergence as the loss function to refine the clustering results iteratively. During the iterative optimization of spatial clustering results, we treat the temporal dimension as a constraint; similarly, during the iterative optimization of temporal clustering, we treat the spatial dimension as a constraint. This is to ensure better robustness of the algorithm. Finally, this paper conducts experiments in the SCS to verify our algorithm. According to the analysis of the experimental results, we have drawn the following conclusions. First, the use of the spatial–temporal co-clustering algorithm reveals that the SST in the SCS exhibits strong seasonal patterns in the temporal clustering results. The spatial distribution of SST varies significantly in different seasons. There is a slight difference in SST between the northern and southern regions of the SCS in winter, but the largest difference is in summer. Second, during ocean anomalies, our proposed algorithm can identify the corresponding abnormal patterns. When ENSO occurs, the seasonal distribution pattern of SST in the SCS is destroyed and replaced by an abnormal temporal pattern. The results indicate that during ENSO events, the SST in specific months in the SCS exhibits a correlation with the SST observed 4–5 months afterward.
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Open AccessArticle
Tribological Properties of Aluminium Matrix Syntactic Foams Manufactured with Aluminium Smelter Waste
by
Bhavik Mehta and Yuyuan Zhao
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4288; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104288 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Aluminium smelter waste (ASW) is a big contributor to landfills, and its recycling has been of great interest. This study investigates the tribological properties of aluminium matrix syntactic foams manufactured using an Al 6082 alloy and ASW. Ball-on-disc tests were conducted under both
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Aluminium smelter waste (ASW) is a big contributor to landfills, and its recycling has been of great interest. This study investigates the tribological properties of aluminium matrix syntactic foams manufactured using an Al 6082 alloy and ASW. Ball-on-disc tests were conducted under both dry and lubricated conditions. Under dry sliding conditions, the coefficient of friction (COF) had an initial sharp increase, followed by a gradual decrease and finally a steady state as the sliding distance increased. The wear surfaces showed the presence of adhesive, abrasive and oxidative wear, with some presence of delamination. Syntactic foams containing small ASW particles led to a decrease in surface roughness, decrease in the average COF and decrease in specific wear. Heating large ASW particles before manufacturing the syntactic foams enhanced overall wear properties because the particles are hardened due to a compositional change. The T6 treatment of the syntactic foams enhanced the wear properties due to the hardening of the Al matrix. The average COF of the ASW syntactic foams was higher than that of the E-sphere syntactic foam, which was predominantly abrasive wear. The specific wear of the ASW syntactic foams can be higher or lower than the E-sphere syntactic foam, depending on the ASW particle size. Under lubricated sliding test conditions, the wear was reduced significantly, and the type changed from predominantly adhesive to predominantly abrasive. The porous ASW particles acted as lubricant reservoirs and provided a constant supply of lubricant, further improving the lubrication effect.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Matrix Composites and Syntactic Foams: Manufacturing, Properties and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Potential Role of Bioactive Compounds: In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Fermented Milk Thistle
by
Edyta Kucharska, Bartłomiej Grygorcewicz, Monika Spietelun, Patrycja Olszewska, Anna Bobkowska, Joanna Ryglewicz, Anna Nowak, Anna Muzykiewicz-Szymańska, Łukasz Kucharski and Robert Pełech
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4287; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104287 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
The group of innovative ingredients in cosmetic preparations includes bio-ferments (Bs), which are characterized by high bioactivity and biocompatibility, and one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that has a beneficial effect on the skin and the body is Silybum marianum.
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The group of innovative ingredients in cosmetic preparations includes bio-ferments (Bs), which are characterized by high bioactivity and biocompatibility, and one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that has a beneficial effect on the skin and the body is Silybum marianum. Bio-ferments obtained from this plant are becoming increasingly useful as active ingredients in cosmetics. In the present study, four different bio-ferments were obtained by fermentation of pomace (B-P), extract (B-E), oil (B-O), and seeds (B-S) of milk thistle. Their biodegradability (%B), total polyphenols content (Folin–Ciocalteu method), and antimicrobial, antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods), chelating (Fe2+ ions), and reduction (Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions) properties, as well as the acidity, were evaluated. The contact angle using the sessile drop method was assessed to investigate bio-ferments’ impact on skin wettability. Finally, the content of selected phenolic acids in the Bs was evaluated using the HPLC method, while the lactic acid (LA) content was assessed using the GC-MS method. All bio-ferments were characterized by high polyphenols content (13.56 ± 0.10–15.28 ± 0.12 mmol GA/L B), chelating (0.08 ± 0.01–0.17 ± 0.01 mmol Fe2+/L B) and antioxidant activity (DPPH method, 2.41 ± 0.01–3.53 ± 0.01 mmol Tx/L B), and reducing Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, and LA were identified in Bs. The most increased antibacterial activity for B-P was observed for a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 250 μL/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 250 μL/mL). Simultaneously, B-S demonstrated the highest inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli (MIC = 125 μL/mL), emphasizing the varied antimicrobial profiles of these bio-ferments against different bacterial strains. Research on aerobic biodegradation demonstrated a high level of degradation (%B= 60 ± 1–65 ± 3), and all Bs were categorized as readily degradable according to the OECD classification.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Natural Products in Health and Disease)
Open AccessArticle
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Free Phenolic Compounds and In Vitro Biological Activity from Peach Fruit Using Response Surface Methodology
by
Dasha Mihaylova, Margarita Terziyska, Ivelina Desseva, Aneta Popova and Anna Lante
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4286; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104286 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, the ultrasonic extraction (UAE) of free phenolic compounds and relative biological activities of the Bulgarian peach variety “Filina” was optimized using chemometric techniques (response surface methodology). A Box–Behnken design was used to reveal the variation in the hydro module, temperature,
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In this study, the ultrasonic extraction (UAE) of free phenolic compounds and relative biological activities of the Bulgarian peach variety “Filina” was optimized using chemometric techniques (response surface methodology). A Box–Behnken design was used to reveal the variation in the hydro module, temperature, duration, and extractant on the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant potential, and inhibitory activity on each yield. The results revealed that the optimal conditions included a hydro module of 20, a duration of 39.33 min, a temperature of 70 °C, and an extractant of 96.64% to retrieve the highest level of bioactive compounds. The calculated parameters were discovered to be following the projected values.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food-Related Bioactive Compounds: Extraction, Bioavailability, and Applications Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Study on the Bouncing Process Induced by Ice Shedding on Overhead Conductors under Strong Wind Conditions
by
Xinsheng Dong, Mingguan Zhao, Meng Li and Yongcan Zhu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4285; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104285 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Strong winds can lead to more complex ice shedding oscillation processes for overhead conductors, inducing flashovers, strand breakages and other accidents. This study analyzes the aerodynamic parameters of several typical icing features and establishes a numerical model for ice shedding on overhead conductors
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Strong winds can lead to more complex ice shedding oscillation processes for overhead conductors, inducing flashovers, strand breakages and other accidents. This study analyzes the aerodynamic parameters of several typical icing features and establishes a numerical model for ice shedding on overhead conductors under strong wind conditions. The results show that for the same amount of icing, the resistance and lift force on the conductor changes with ice shape, wind attack angle and wind speed, which has a significant effect on the ice shedding jumping process. When the wind attack angle approaches 180°, the airflow resistance of the fan-shaped and D-shaped icing conductors significantly increases. And in the process of ice shedding response of transmission lines, the lateral amplitude may exceed 20 m, which increase the discharge risk of horizontally arranged conductors. Moreover, for the significant lateral oscillation of conductors by ice shedding under strong wind, the maximum horizontal displacement is approximately 1.6 times the difference in lateral position before and after ice shedding.
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Power System Signal-Detection Method Based on the Accelerated Unsaturated Stochastic Resonance Principle
by
Shuqin Sun, Xin Qi, Zhenghai Yuan, Xiaojun Tang and Zaihua Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4284; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104284 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
The classical bistable stochastic resonance algorithm has an inherent output saturation defect that restricts the amplitude of the output signal. This paper examines the causes of this phenomenon and its negative impact on the detection of weak signals. Proposing the Unsaturated Bistable Stochastic
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The classical bistable stochastic resonance algorithm has an inherent output saturation defect that restricts the amplitude of the output signal. This paper examines the causes of this phenomenon and its negative impact on the detection of weak signals. Proposing the Unsaturated Bistable Stochastic Resonance (UBSR) detection algorithm involves constructing a segmented potential function using a linear function to eliminate the effect of higher-order terms in the classical stochastic resonance algorithm. A new type of segmented potential function has been created by combining exponential and linear functions. This new function helps to eliminate the impact of higher-order terms in classical algorithms while also improving the noise immunity of the stochastic resonance system. This results in the development of the accelerated stochastic resonance (ASR) detection algorithm. In this paper, the Kramers escape rate and output signal-to-noise ratio of two improved stochastic resonance algorithms are theoretically derived and compared with the classical bistable stochastic resonance algorithms, and the proposed algorithms are able to effectively avoid the output saturation phenomenon and have more excellent detection performance under strong background noise.
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(This article belongs to the Section Applied Physics General)
Open AccessArticle
The Effects of Feedstock, Pyrolysis Temperature, and Residence Time on the Properties and Uses of Biochar from Broom and Gorse Wastes
by
Eliana Cárdenas-Aguiar, Ana Méndez, Gabriel Gascó, Marcos Lado and Antonio Paz-González
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4283; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104283 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Biochar (BC), which can be produced from several feedstocks, has been widely studied. However, the BC derived from highly pyrolytic shrubs, such as broom and gorse, has been less frequently used and only partially characterized. These wastes, when used for the preparation of
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Biochar (BC), which can be produced from several feedstocks, has been widely studied. However, the BC derived from highly pyrolytic shrubs, such as broom and gorse, has been less frequently used and only partially characterized. These wastes, when used for the preparation of biochar, can fix carbon and contribute to environmental conservation, helping to achieve sustainable development objectives. Eight biochars from broom and gorse were produced and fully analyzed, providing a more complete and novel description, with new insights for assessing their utilization. The aims of this study were to elucidate the effects of feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, and residence time on biochar properties and to assess the adequacy of these biochars as fuel. Elemental and proximate analyses and estimations of the lower and higher heating values were performed, and physical and chemical properties, as well as several other related energy indices, were determined. The experimental results showed that the temperature was a key factor in the properties of the biochars, while residence time was less important. The BCs obtained from the two feedstocks did not show important effects on the properties, which is consistent with the fact that they are woody legumes. These biochars had a high carbon content and were thermally stable. The BCs also had a high calorific value and suitable energetic properties. Additionally, their PAH contents were low, indicating that the use of these biochars would be safe. In conclusion, broom- and gorse-derived biochars can be considered as renewable fuels for green energy production.
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(This article belongs to the Section Energy Science and Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Rotating Target Detection Using Commercial 5G Signal
by
Penghui Chen, Liuyang Tian, Yujing Bai and Jun Wang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4282; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104282 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Passive radar detection emerges as a pivotal method for environmental perception and target detection within radar applications. Through leveraging its advantages, including minimal electromagnetic pollution and efficient spectrum utilization, passive radar methodologies have garnered increasing interest. In recent years, there has been an
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Passive radar detection emerges as a pivotal method for environmental perception and target detection within radar applications. Through leveraging its advantages, including minimal electromagnetic pollution and efficient spectrum utilization, passive radar methodologies have garnered increasing interest. In recent years, there has been an increasing selection of passive radar signal sources, and the emerging 5G has the characteristics of a high-frequency band, high bandwidth, and a large number of base stations, which give it significant advantages for use in passive radar. Therefore, in this paper, we introduce a passive radar target detection method based on 5G signals and design a rotating target speed measurement experiment. In the experiment, this paper validated the method of detecting rotating targets using 5G signals and evaluated the measurement accuracy, providing a research foundation for passive radar target detection using 5G signals and detecting rotating targets such as drone rotors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wireless Sensor Networks Applications: From Theory to Practice)
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