Search Results (103)

This study addresses autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) recovery onto dynamic docking stations by proposing a fork-column recovery control system with a segmented docking strategy (long-distance approach + guided descent). To enhance model fidelity, transmission lag of actuators is captured by a specified transfer function, and nonlinear dynamics are characterized as an improved quasi-linear parameter-varying (QLPV) model. An adaptive variable–prediction–step mechanism was designed to accommodate different phases of acoustic–optical guided recovery. A model predictive controller (MPC) was developed based on an improved dynamic model to effectively handle complex constraints during the recovery process. Simulation and physical experiments demonstrated that the proposed system significantly reduces errors, among which the control accuracy (tracking error under disturbance < 0.3 m) and docking success rate (>95%) are notably superior to traditional methods, providing a reliable solution for the dynamic recovery of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Full article

The population dynamics and exploitation ratios of the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson, Lacépède, 1800) were investigated from August 2020 to February 2023, with data collected from three landing sites (Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar) of Iran waters. During the study period, only length was measured for 6504 specimens and both the length and weight were measured for 504 specimens. The mean fork length of the samples was 86 ± 20 cm, and the mean weight was 6230 ± 3742 g. The relationship between length and weight for the total samples was described by the equation W = 0.022 × CL^2.76 (n = 504, R² = 0.90, 95% C.I. for b = 2.52–2.91). The population dynamics indices for S. commerson were as follows: infinite length (Linf) = 173 cm, natural mortality (M) = 0.47 per year, growth coefficient (K) = 0.52 per year, total mortality (Z) = 1.42 ± 0.06 (95% C.I. = 1.36–1.48), fishing mortality (F) = 0.95 per year, and exploitation coefficient (E) = 0.67. The exploitation rate (U) and total stock at the beginning of the year (B₀) were 0.6 and 48,333 tons, respectively. The annual average standing stock (B_t) was estimated at 30,526 tons. The exploitation ratio for maximum sustainable yield (E_MSY) was 0.50, and fishing mortality at maximum sustainable yield (F_MSY) was 1.5. The estimated range for maximum sustainable yield (MSY, in 1000 tons), the B/B_MSY ratio, F/F_MSY ratio, and saturation (S) ratio of S. commerson in the Iranian part of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman was 20 (17–25), 1.55 (1.25–1.73), 0.90 (0.8–1.12), and 0.45, respectively. The stock of S. commerson is approaching overfishing in Iran waters, imposing immediate management actions to reduce catch and fishing effort. Full article

Background: Obesity is a major public health issue in developed countries, primarily managed through dietary interventions and physical activity. Food portion sizes influence the estimation of energy intake, particularly through bites, of which characteristics remain insufficiently defined. This study investigates the variability in bite energy content. Methods: This observational study was conducted over 14 months. Thirteen types of packaged food were provided to 30 Italian healthy volunteers (mean age 26.8 ± 8.5 years) in a semi-naturalistic dietary feeding setting. Participants’ anthropometric measurements were recorded. A total of 1850 bites were weighed and 420 bites were assessed for volume and energy content. Results: Bite volume and mass explained bite energy content at different rates. The most influential anthropometric feature was waist circumference. Gender modified the association between waist circumference and bite characteristics; males showed increased bite volume, mass, and energy content as waist circumference increased, whereas females showed little or no association. Age was inversely associated with bite volume and mass, with younger participants having larger bites. Gender significantly influenced average bite size, with females showing lower values than males. The use of a fork was associated with higher bite volume, mass, and energy compared to a spoon. Food eaten with bare hands had lower mass but higher energy content compared to food eaten with a spoon. The variability in bite energy was considerably greater per bite than per gram, reflecting the combined influence of food texture, bite size, and cutlery used. Conclusions: Bite energy variability, influenced by intrinsic factors (gender, age, waist circumference) and extrinsic factors (cutlery, food texture), significantly impacts portion size effect. Future bite counters should consider these elements for accurate dietary assessment. Full article

State-of-the-art radar systems for the contactless monitoring of vital signs and respiratory diseases are typically based on single-channel continuous wave (CW) technology. This technique allows precise measurements of respiration patterns, periods of movement, and heart rate. Major practical problems arise as CW systems suffer from signal cancellation due to destructive interference, limited overall functionality, and a possibility of low signal quality over longer periods. This work introduces a sophisticated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) solution that captures a radar image to estimate the sleep pose and position of a person (first step) and determine key vital parameters (second step). The first step is enabled by processing radar data with a forked convolutional neural network, which is trained with reference data captured by a time-of-flight depth camera. Key vital parameters that can be measured in the second step are respiration rate, asynchronous respiratory movement of chest and abdomen and limb movements. The developed algorithms were tested through experiments. The achieved mean absolute error (MAE) for the locations of the xiphoid and navel was less than 5 cm and the categorical accuracy of pose classification and limb movement detection was better than 90% and 98.6%, respectively. The MAE of the breathing rate was measured between 0.06 and 0.8 cycles per minute. Full article

This study investigates the relationships between farmers’ perceptions, their agriculture practices, and objective soil health indicators in a viticultural subzone of the Madrid region, aligning with the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy. A dual-methodology approach was employed, combining detailed soil chemical and physical analyses with a structured survey of thirty-four local farmers. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and heavy metals (nickel, lead, and cadmium), while the survey captured farmers’ perceptions regarding soil contamination and sustainable practices. Results showed significantly higher levels of nitrogen (0.09% vs. 0.04%), phosphorus (125 vs. 65 mg/kg), and potassium (3100 vs. 1550 mg/kg) in fertilized plots (p < 0.05), while heavy metals remained within safe limits, compared to those not using fertilizers, as confirmed by Mann–Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). However, the impact on heavy metal accumulation was minimal, with only a slight decrease in nickel levels in fertilized plots. Additionally, the survey revealed low adoption rates of conservation agriculture techniques and limited training on sustainable practices, despite strong environmental commitment among farmers. These findings underscore the need for regular soil testing, targeted educational initiatives, and the increased promotion of conservation practices to better align subjective assessments with scientific evidence, ultimately enhancing both productivity and ecological resilience in sustainable viticulture. Full article

To address the challenges of manually excavating deep-rooted medicinal herbs in the cold and arid regions of northwest China, such as low efficiency, high costs, and difficulties with mechanized methods, a self-propelled fork-tooth digger was developed for use in hilly and mountainous terrains. Key components, including the fork-tooth excavation device, hydraulic control system, and reverse trapezoidal crawler chassis, were designed and analyzed. A multi-body dynamics model (MBD) and discrete element model (DEM) for Astragalus and soil were developed, employing a DEM-MBD coupling method to simulate the harvesting process. Field trials demonstrated an excavation efficiency of 98.2%, a stem damage rate of 1.8%, a loss rate of 3.0%, and a maximum digging depth of 600 mm, all meeting existing industry standards. The results confirmed the design’s effectiveness in meeting the mechanization needs for harvesting rhizome medicinal herbs. Full article

Background: Aging is associated with a decline in both motor and sensory functions that destabilizes posture, increasing the risk of falls. Dynamic standing balance is strongly linked to fall risk in older adults. Sensory information from the soles and trunk is essential for balance control. Few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of targeted sensory training on balance improvement. Objectives: To assess vibratory sensation function in the trunk and sole using a vibration device and evaluate the effects of trunk and sole tactile sensation training on dynamic standing balance performance in older adults. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, eighteen older adults were randomly assigned to three groups: control (n = 8, mean age 66.6 ± 3.4), trunk training (n = 5, mean age 71.0 ± 1.9), and sole training (n = 5, mean age 66.4 ± 3.6). The training lasted for 10 weeks, utilizing vibratory stimulation at 128 Hz through tuning forks for 15 min during each session, conducted three times a week. The primary outcomes were vibratory sensitivity, assessed with a belt-fitted device on the trunk and a plate equipped with vibrators on the soles, and dynamic balance, evaluated through force plate testing that measured limits of stability (LoS) in multiple directions. Results: Correct response rates for trunk vibratory stimulation significantly improved in the trunk training group (p < 0.05). The rate of two-stimuli discrimination improved in both training groups. Significant advancements in balance metrics were observed in the trunk and sole training groups when compared to the control group, especially regarding anterior–posterior tilts (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was identified between two-point vibratory discrimination and LoS test performance. Conclusions: Sensory training of the trunk and sole enhances balance performance in older adults, suggesting potential benefits for fall prevention. Future studies should assess long-term effects and explore optimal training duration with larger sample sizes. Full article

Sustainable agriculture is central to addressing the difficulties farmers face, such as a lack of manpower, high input prices, and environmental effects from the widespread use of chemical herbicides. In farming, eliminating unwanted plants from crops is a laborious task crucial for enhancing sustainable crop yield. Traditionally, this process is carried out manually globally, utilizing tools such as wheel hoes, sickles, chris, powers, shovels, and hand forks. However, this manual approach is time-consuming, demanding in terms of labor, and imposes significant physiological strain, leading to premature operator fatigue. In response to this challenge, blade and tine-type push weeders were developed to enhance weeding efficiency for smallholder farmers. When blade and tine push weeders are pushed between the rows of crops, the front tine blade of the trolley efficiently uproots the weeds, while the straight blade at the back pushes the uprooted weeds. This dual-action mechanism ensures effective weed elimination by both uprooting and clearing the weeds without disturbing the crops. The blade and tine-type push weeders demonstrated actual and theoretical field capacities of 0.020 ha/h and 0.026 ha/h, achieving a commendable field efficiency of 85%. The weeders exhibited a cutting width ranging from 30 to 50 mm, a cutting depth between 250 and 270 mm, a draft of 1.8 kg, a weeding efficiency of 78%, and a plant damage rate of 2.7%. The cost of weeding was 2108 INR/ha for the green pea crop. Full article

The present study was conducted in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients to evaluate the metabolic and glycemic control as well as the manifestations of neuropathy. The impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on the measured parameters was also analyzed. A total of 61 T1DM patients (age: 42.5 ± 1.8 years, DM duration: 22.8 ± 1.6 years, mean ± SE) participated in the study. In total, 24 patients had CGM sensors and 37 did not. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was assessed using cardiovascular reflex tests. Peripheral sensory function was evaluated by a Neurometer and calibrated tuning fork on the upper and lower limbs. Metabolic status was characterized by the determination of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c). A positive correlation was found between HbA_1c and triglyceride levels (r = 0.28, p < 0.05). CGM users and non-users differed in triglyceride (0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.24 ± 0.12 mmol/L, p < 0.05), HDL cholesterol (1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1 p < 0.05 mmol/L), and HbA_1c (7.5 ± 0.2 vs. 8.3 ± 0.3%, p < 0.05) levels as well. Significant differences were found for the Valsalva ratio, Neurometer, and calibrated tuning fork results between CGM users and non-users. This study found a significant correlation between HbA_1c and triglyceride levels in T1DM. CGM use resulted in improved metabolic parameters and less autonomic and sensory nerve damage. As a novel finding, CGM is presumed to prevent both micro-, and macrovascular complications and, by this way, potentially reducing mortality rates. Full article

There is a need for information transactions between nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology can guarantee the anonymity and security of such transactions. However, current blockchain systems require networks to be connected in real time, but IoT networks cannot fulfill this requirement. Therefore, we put forward a blockchain parallel activity architecture using carriers (CBPA), which is capable of deploying blockchain systems on IoT networks. Firstly, the blockchain operation architecture, and its components are demonstrated. Secondly, the generation methods of the carrier, the carrier block and the transaction block are designed, respectively. Additionally, a feature-to-transaction correspondence algorithm is proposed, with the objective of accommodating the previous work of nodes when they are in a disconnected state within the network. Thirdly, a parallel generation method for transaction blocks is designed to permit multiple nodes to collaborate in generating blocks, thereby reducing the difficulty of block generation while accelerating the generation speed. Finally, intra-block and cross-block conflict resolution algorithms, as well as a block consensus and fork processing algorithm, are designed to ensure that nodes can participate in blockchain activities without being at a disadvantage and obtain legal benefits even when operating on a network with high communication latency. Theoretical analysis indicates that CBPA has both security and liveness. The experimental results show that when the block size is 1MB, CBPA improves the average throughput by about 10% and reduces the average latency by about 14% compared to existing schemes. When the percentage of failed nodes reaches about 18%, the blocking time increases significantly, and the valid block rate decreases by 0.2%. The proposed CBPA architecture expands the applicable blockchain network and provides practical solutions for disconnected operations. Full article

Background: The pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer SJG-136 reached Phase II clinical trials in ovarian cancer and leukaemia in the UK and USA in the 2000s. Several structural analogues of SJG-136 are currently in clinical development as payloads for Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). There is growing evidence that PBDs exert their pharmacological effects through inhibition of transcription factors (TFs) in addition to arrest at the replication fork, DNA strand breakage, and inhibition of enzymes including endonucleases and RNA polymerases. Hence, PBDs can be used to target specific DNA sequences to inhibit TFs as a novel anticancer therapy. Objective: To explore the ability of SJG-136 to bind to the cognate sequences of transcription factors using a previously described HPLC/MS method, to obtain preliminary mechanistic evidence of its ability to inhibit transcription factors (TF), and to determine its effect on TF-dependent gene expression. Methods: An HPLC/MS method was used to assess the kinetics and thermodynamics of adduct formation between the PBD dimer SJG-136 and the cognate recognition sequence of the TFs NF-κB, EGR-1, AP-1, and STAT3. CD spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and gene expression analyses were used to rationalize the findings of the HPLC/MS study. Results: Notable differences in the rate and extent of adduct formation were observed with different DNA sequences, which might explain the variations in cytotoxicity of SJG-136 observed across different tumour cell lines. The differences in adduct formation result in variable downregulation of several STAT3-dependent genes in the human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 and the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Conclusions: SJG-136 can disrupt transcription factor-mediated gene expression, which contributes to its exceptional cytotoxicity in addition to the DNA-strand cleavage initiated by its ability to crosslink DNA. Full article

According to the Sustainable Blue Economy Communication, the Farm to Fork Strategy, and the European Green Deal, novel business models supporting the use of resources from oceans and seas are of primary importance. Interestingly, several infesting seaweeds are consumed as foods in Asia and are fundamental ingredients in several traditional dishes. Herein, according to the circular economy approach, we investigate the use of Chaetomorpha linum (CL) as a Tenebrio molitor larvae feed in different percentages: 20%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. We analyzed the effects of CL on the survival and biometric parameters of larvae. The survival rate remained comparable to the control, while the mean weight was inversely proportional to the CL%. The nutrient composition was substantially different from the control, showing increased protein and reduced fat content. Analysis of the secondary metabolites revealed a better fatty acid composition, rich in PUFA, with lipid nutritional indexes comparable to seaweeds and crabs. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion highlights the increased content of essential amino acids, and a two times higher antioxidant activity with respect to the control. Taken together, our results confirm that CL can be used as a TML supplement, with beneficial effects in protein content and fat quality. Full article

Open source software (OSS) projects rely on voluntary contributions, but their long-term survivability depends on sustained community engagement and effective problem-solving. Survivability, critical for maintaining project quality and trustworthiness, is closely linked to issue activity, as unresolved issues reflect a decline in maintenance capacity and problem-solving ability. Thus, analyzing issue retention rates provides valuable insights into a project’s health. This study evaluates OSS survivability by identifying the features that influence issue activity and analyzing their relationships with survivability. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis is employed to quantify issue activity and visualize trends in unresolved issue rates, providing a measure of project maintenance dynamics. A random forest model is used to examine the relationships between project features—such as popularity metrics, community engagement, code complexity, and project age—and issue retention rates. The results show that stars significantly reduce issue retention rates, with rates dropping from 0.62 to 0.52 as stars increase to 4000, while larger codebases, higher cyclomatic complexity, and older project age are associated with unresolved issue rates, rising by up to 15%. Forks also have a nonlinear impact, initially stabilizing retention rates but increasing unresolved issues as contributions became unmanageable. By identifying these critical factors and quantifying their impacts, this research offers actionable insights for OSS project managers to enhance project survivability and address key maintenance challenges, ensuring sustainable long-term success. Full article

The use of synthetic fertilizers, including nitrogen [N] fertilizers, is an indispensable element in today’s agriculture. Through adequate fertilization, farmers have the opportunity to increase crop yields, which is essential in view of the growing population and demand for food. The European Union’s “Farm to Fork” [F2F] strategy, as part of the broader European Green Deal, aims to promote more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing chemical fertilizer use by 20% by 2030. This initiative is designed to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of excessive N application, such as soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. In addition to addressing ecosystem concerns, this strategy also aims to reduce health risks associated with N overuse, such as the accumulation of nitrates [NO₃⁻] in crops, which can lead to the formation of carcinogenic compounds. By integrating alternative fertilization methods, the agricultural sector can work toward more resilient and environmentally friendly systems while maintaining productivity. This paper focuses on a summary of the current knowledge about the consequences of N fertilization reduction and its connection to the soil environment, crops, yields, and human health. Full article

R-loops can act as replication fork barriers, creating transcription–replication collisions and inducing replication stress by arresting DNA synthesis, thereby possibly causing aberrant processing and the formation of DNA strand breaks. RNase H1 (RH1) is one of the enzymes that participates in R-loop degradation by cleaving the RNA strand within a hybrid RNA–DNA duplex. In this study, the kinetic features of the interaction of RH1 from Escherichia coli with R-loops of various structures were investigated. It was found that the values of the dissociation constants K_d were minimal for complexes of RH1 with model R-loops containing a 10–11-nt RNA–DNA hybrid part, indicating effective binding. Analysis of the kinetics of RNA degradation in the R-loops by RH1 revealed that the rate-limiting step of the process was catalytic-complex formation. In the presence of RNA polymerase, the R-loops containing a ≤16-nt RNA–DNA hybrid part were efficiently protected from cleavage by RH1. In contrast, R-loops containing longer RNA–DNA hybrid parts, as a model of an abnormal transcription process, were not protected by RNA polymerase and were effectively digested by RH1. Full article