Advancing Open Science

To address challenges in holistic real-time condition monitoring of conventional wind tunnels—caused by large structural dimensions and complex parameter monitoring—this study proposes a wind tunnel condition monitoring surrogate model (POD-BPNN) integrating Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) for data dimensionality reduction with Back Propagation Neural Networks (BPNNs). By implementing POD-based order reduction, the computational load for neural network training is significantly reduced while maintaining predictive accuracy through reduced-order data utilization. When applied to reconstruct stress/displacement fields in a wind tunnel test section and the flow field in its fan section, the POD-BPNN model demonstrated prediction errors below 5% when validated against finite element and computational fluid dynamics simulations, with three orders of magnitude improvement in computational efficiency. This methodology satisfies precision and real-time requirements for structural/fluid field monitoring in wind tunnels. When deployed with an existing health management system, online monitoring and predictive maintenance of the digital twin for the wind tunnel will be achievable.

Excessive nitrogen addition in farmland on the Loess Plateau reduces soil quality and endangers the atmospheric environment. We designed an experiment to investigate the effects of different nitrogen application rates on the soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity of spring wheat fields on the Loess Plateau, aiming to identify the optimal nitrogen application rate and avoid the detrimental effects of excessive nitrogen addition. A field experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2023 with four nitrogen (N) application rates (0, 55, 110, and 220 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹). This study aimed to assess the changes in soil properties, nutrient contents, enzyme activities, and bacterial community structure. The results showed that increasing N application generally enhanced soil bulk density, nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) (p < 0.05). In contrast, soil water content initially increased and then decreased. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen rose markedly with higher N inputs, particularly in the 0–20 cm layer, whereas total phosphorus was less affected. Nitrogen addition stimulated soil enzyme activities (protease, urease, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase), though excessive input (220 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹) produced inhibitory effects. Actinobacteria (relative abundance: 29–35%) and Proteobacteria (relative abundance: 14–22%) were the dominant phyla in all treatments. Alpha diversity peaked at low nitrogen input (55 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹), while high N level reduced evenness and species richness (p < 0.05). Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed that both N application and soil depth shaped microbial community assembly, with deeper layers (20–40 cm) being more sensitive to N input. Correlation analysis indicated that soil moisture, bulk density, and C:N:P stoichiometry were key drivers of bacterial community variation. Overall, moderate nitrogen input (110 kg·N·ha⁻¹·y⁻¹) improved soil fertility and supported microbial functionality, whereas excessive application degraded soil structure and reduced biodiversity. These findings highlight the need for balanced N management strategies in rain-fed agriculture of the Loess Plateau to sustain both productivity and ecological stability.

Ceramic dental implants, particularly one-piece zirconia, offer a biocompatible and aesthetic alternative to titanium, with high strength and improved oral hygiene. By eliminating the implant–abutment micro-gap, they reduce bacterial accumulation because of their low plaque affinity and enhance stability. However, challenges remain, including alignment precision, limited retrievability, and sensitivity to mechanical stress. Misalignment can affect occlusal and functional outcomes, and zirconia’s rigidity complicates crown removal and modification. This case report explores the use of PEEK (polyether ether ketone) primary telescopic crowns to overcome these limitations, improving force distribution, enabling minor adjustments, and enhancing prosthetic retrievability in full-mouth zirconia restorations. A 62-year-old male patient seeking a fixed solution to replace removable dentures received 16 one-piece zirconia implants (eight per jaw). PEEK telescopic crowns were used over implant abutment copings, finalized with aesthetic zirconia bridges. The report details surgical and prosthetic procedures, along with a brief literature review on zirconia implants and PEEK applications. PEEK integration in telescopic prosthetic designs marks a notable advancement in prosthodontics. Its shock-absorbing, biocompatible, and stress-modulating properties make it valuable for implant-supported and hybrid restorations. As digital workflows advance, PEEK-based telescopic restorations may increasingly replace traditional metal-based solutions, improving long-term clinical outcomes. Further clinical research on a larger sample is needed.

Floating and offshore photovoltaic (FPV) installations present a promising solution for addressing land-use conflicts while enhancing renewable energy production. With an estimated global offshore PV potential of 4000 GW, FPV systems offer unique advantages, such as increased efficiency due to water cooling effects and synergy with other offshore technologies. However, challenges related to installation costs, durability, environmental impacts, and regulatory gaps remain. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of FPV advancements, focusing on inland, nearshore, and offshore applications. A systematic evaluation of recent studies is conducted to assess technological innovations, including material improvements, mooring strategies, and integration with hybrid energy systems. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of FPVs is analysed, highlighting cost–benefit trade-offs, financing strategies, and policy frameworks necessary for large-scale deployment. Environmental concerns, such as biofouling, wave-induced stress, and impacts on aquatic ecosystems, are also examined. The findings indicate that while FPV technology has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing solar energy yield and water conservation, its scalability is hindered by high capital costs and the absence of standardised regulations. Future research should focus on developing robust offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) designs, optimising material durability, and establishing regulatory guidelines to facilitate widespread adoption. By addressing these challenges, FPVs can play a critical role in achieving global climate goals and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems.

The Danjiangkou Reservoir (DJKR) serves as the water source for the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MR-SNWDP), yet comprehensive understanding of its ecosystem structure and function remains limited. This study addressed this knowledge limitation by developing an Ecopath model with 22 functional groups, parameterized using field survey data from 2022 to 2023. Our findings revealed a trophic structure spanning levels 1 to 3.59, with the highest level occupied by piscivorous mandarin fish (Siniperca spp.). Energy flowed through two dominant pathways, with the grazing food chain demonstrating higher transfer efficiency compared to the detrital pathway. Mixed trophic impact analysis identified the introduced icefish (Neosalanx taihuensis) as exerting substantial negative impacts on most functional groups. Key ecosystem indices, including the total primary production to total respiration ratio (TPP/TR, 1.99), connectance index (CI, 0.248), and system omnivory index (SOI, 0.113), collectively indicated an ecosystem of moderate maturity and stability. Persistent challenges include the proliferation of N. taihuensis, suboptimal energy transfer between trophic levels III and IV, and inefficient utilization of primary productivity. To enhance ecosystem resilience and maintain water quality, we recommend the targeted removal of icefish and strategic management of zooplanktivorous fish populations.

Thinopyrum intermedium (c.n. intermediate wheatgrass), marketed under the trade name Kernza, is a promising species for perennial grain production based on seed size, ease of threshing, resistance to shattering, and grain quality. Although numerous generations of breeding for seed yield have been completed, the impact of selection on non-target traits is unknown. Here, we evaluated structural and functional changes brought about by selection for seed yield over a sequence of nine selection cycles (C0 to C9). In two experiments under semi-controlled environmental conditions, we compared gas exchange (A, E, gs, and A/Ci curves), leaf and root morphology, and the structure of seedlings from 10 generations. We found that the selection for yield throughout cycles indirectly changed the leaf structure (leaf size, leaf thickness, and leaf anatomy) and physiology (carbon acquisition and transpiration per unit area), with later cycles showing larger leaves with higher rates of CO₂ assimilation and transpiration. Changes in root structure followed similar trends: selection resulted in longer, more branched, and finer roots. These changes in non-target traits are linked to resource-use strategies and to ecosystem services provided by Kernza. Understanding how the domestication of perennial grains impacts non-target traits will aid in the design of integrated breeding programs for Kernza and other perennial grain crops.

This study develops and validates a weft knitted Mini-Jacquard in Peruvian Pima cotton as a print-free coloration strategy by integrating CAD-based pattern simulation with prototype manufacturing. A three-color design (red, blue, white) was programmed on a flat knitting machine using a 10 × 14 rapport. Color-wise yarn consumption was computed directly from the digital pattern, and the physical sample was characterized through combustion testing and optical micrographs. The prototype exhibited a yarn count of ~20/1 Ne, S-twist (~11.18 TPI), and 100% cellulosic composition. The blue yarn showed the highest consumption (≈73.81%), followed by white (≈19.65%) and red (≈6.55%), consistent with the digital rapport’s color distribution. The CAD stage ensured pattern fidelity and supported raw-material planning; the knitted sample showed a soft hand, dimensional stability, and sharp motif definition upon visual assessment. A sustainability and comparative analysis with chemical printing was conducted, revealing that the Mini-Jacquard achieved the highest design accuracy and tactile comfort, outperforming screen printing and heat transfer in geometric fidelity, chromatic homogeneity, and texture. The Mini-Jacquard optimized operational times (320 min/m²) compared to transfer printing (332 min/m²) and screen printing (740 min/m²), reducing process stages and complexity. Although Jacquard production involves higher energy costs ($34.8) and material expenses ($11.6), it provides greater structural value and durability, positioning it for high-end applications. Moreover, the Mini-Jacquard could reduce water consumption by approximately 90% and thermal energy use by 70%, eliminating chemical residues and extending fabric lifespan, thus offering high sustainability and circular potential. A transparent scenario-based analysis indicates substantial reductions in water and thermal-energy use when omitting printing/fixation/washing stages, along with the elimination of printing-stage effluents. Overall, design-integrated coloration via Mini-Jacquard is technically feasible and potentially eco-efficient for Pima-cotton value chains, with applications in apparel, accessories, and functional textiles.

Emissions reduction and energy saving at thermal power plants are crucial for energy development. This paper presents the results of thermodynamic analysis and optimization of thermal circuits of combined-cycle power plants incorporating an organic Rankine cycle and supplementary burners. It is established that at a power unit with GTE-170, the transition from a binary cycle with a double-circuit waste heat boiler to a trinary one leads to an increase in net efficiency by 0.79%. It is established that in the trinary cycle, fuel afterburning in the exhaust-gas environment leads to an increase in the net capacity of the power plant: the increase is up to 4.1% with an increase in the degree of afterburning by 0.1 at a steam temperature of 515 °C. It was revealed that the introduction of intermediate superheat provides an increase in the efficiency of the binary cycle by an average of 0.2–3%, and of the trinary cycle by 2–4%, with a change in the degree of afterburning from 0 to 0.5 at an initial steam temperature of 515 °C. The use of supplementary combustion and the organic Rankine cycle make it possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in combined-cycle power plants. Compared to a single-pressure combined cycle, the ORC-integrated configuration reduces specific CO₂ emissions by more than 7.5%, while supplementary fuel combustion with an increased steam inlet temperature results in a reduction of up to 10%.