Search Results (1,651)

In this study, we report the fabrication and multi-technique characterization of pure and rare-earth (RE)-doped ZnO thin films using nanostructured microclusters synthesized via electrospinning followed by calcination. Lanthanum (La), erbium (Er), and samarium (Sm) were each incorporated at five concentrations (0.1–5 at.%) into ZnO, and the resulting powders were drop-cast as thin films on glass substrates. This approach enables the transfer of pre-engineered nanoscale morphologies into the final thin-film architecture. The morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a predominance of spherical nanoparticles and nanorods, with distinct variations in size and aspect ratio depending on dopant type and concentration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld analysis confirmed the wurtzite ZnO structure with increasing evidence of secondary phase formation at high dopant levels (e.g., Er₂O₃, Sm₂O₃, and La(OH)₃). Raman spectroscopy showed peak shifts, broadening, and defect-related vibrational modes induced by RE incorporation, in agreement with the lattice strain and crystallinity variations observed in XRD. Elemental mapping (EDX) confirmed uniform dopant distribution. Optical transmittance exceeded 70% for all films, with Tauc analysis revealing slight bandgap narrowing (Eg = 2.93–2.97 eV) compared to pure ZnO. This study demonstrates that rare-earth doping via electrospun nanocluster precursors is a viable route to engineer ZnO thin films with tunable structural and optical properties. Despite current limitations in film-substrate adhesion, the method offers a promising pathway for future transparent optoelectronic, sensing, or UV detection applications, where further interface engineering could unlock their full potential. Full article

The growing number of connected devices has strained traditional radio frequency wireless networks, driving interest in alternative technologies such as optical wireless communications (OWC). Among OWC solutions, optical camera communication (OCC) stands out as a cost-effective option because it leverages existing devices equipped with cameras, such as smartphones and security systems, without requiring specialized hardware. This paper proposes a novel deep learning-based detection and classification model designed to optimize the receiver’s performance in an OCC system utilizing color-shift keying (CSK) modulation. The receiver was experimentally validated using an $8\times 8$ LED matrix transmitter and a CMOS camera receiver, achieving reliable communication over distances ranging from 30 cm to 3 m under varying ambient conditions. The system employed CSK modulation to encode data into eight distinct color-based symbols transmitted at fixed frequencies. Captured image sequences of these transmissions were processed through a YOLOv8-based detection and classification framework, which achieved $98.4$% accuracy in symbol recognition. This high precision minimizes transmission errors, validating the robustness of the approach in real-world environments. The results highlight OCC’s potential for low-cost applications, where high-speed data transfer and long-range are unnecessary, such as Internet of Things connectivity and vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Future work will explore adaptive modulation and coding schemes as well as the integration of more advanced deep learning architectures to improve data rates and system scalability. Full article

This study investigates the influence of time (ageing) on the uplift capacity of bored piles in cohesionless silty sand through a full-scale field testing programme. Four reinforced concrete piles, two shorter (16 m) and two longer (21 m), were installed and tested under axial tension at two different ageing intervals: 35 days and 165 days post-construction. The load-displacement behaviour, load transfer characteristics, and shaft friction mobilisation were monitored using load cells and embedded strain gauges. Results showed that while all piles exhibited similar ultimate capacities, the aged piles consistently demonstrated stiffer responses and earlier mobilisation of shaft resistance. Extrapolated estimates showed modest increases in estimated ultimate uplift capacity, ranging from 2% to 7%, with ageing. Strain gauge data also indicated more uniform load transfer in the aged piles, suggesting time-dependent improvements in pile-soil interface behaviour. The findings confirm that even in cohesionless silty sand, moderate ageing effects can enhance uplift performance, but the extent of improvement is small and variable. These findings provide a valuable reference for evaluating uplift design assumptions and interpreting field test behaviour in similar soil environments. Full article

The design of cycloidal reducers requires a detailed knowledge of the intensity and character of load, as well as the maximum von Mises stresses on critical components. In the available literature, the load distribution and the stress–strain state of the cycloidal reducer elements are typically determined based on factors such as cycloidal disc tooth profile modifications, contact deformations, and internal clearances, whereas the influence of thermal stresses is most often neglected. To address this research gap, an innovative numerical–analytical methodology has been developed, which, for the first time, enables the prediction of the distribution of temperature fields and the quantification of the influence of temperature on the contact forces and the stress–strain state of key elements of the cycloidal reducer. Furthermore, the proposed methodology can be adapted for application within a broader context of mechanical engineering. From a practical perspective, it is expected to be beneficial to companies engaged in the design of power transmission gearboxes, as valuable practical guidelines for engineering applications are provided. This study also provides new insights into the dominant sources of heat generation and offers a clearer understanding of how thermal energy is transferred from internal heat sources to the outer surface of the housing. Full article

The proliferation of fake news, particularly in sensitive domains like religious texts, necessitates robust authenticity verification methods. This study addresses the growing challenge of authenticating Hadith, where traditional methods relying on the analysis of the chain of narrators (Isnad) and the content (Matn) are increasingly strained by the sheer volume in circulation. To combat this issue, machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques, specifically through transfer learning, are explored to automate Hadith classification into Genuine and Fake categories. This study utilizes an imbalanced dataset of 8544 Hadiths, with 7008 authentic and 1536 fake Hadiths, to systematically investigate the collective impact of both linguistic and contextual features, particularly the chain of narrators (Isnad), on Hadith authentication. For the first time in this specialized domain, state-of-the-art pre-trained language models (PLMs) such as Multilingual BERT (mBERT), CamelBERT, and AraBERT are evaluated alongside classical algorithms like logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) for Hadith authentication. Our best-performing model, AraBERT, achieved a 99.94% F1score when including the chain of narrators, demonstrating the profound effectiveness of contextual elements (Isnad) in significantly improving accuracy, providing novel insights into the indispensable role of computational methods in Hadith authentication and reinforcing traditional scholarly emphasis. This research represents a significant advancement in combating misinformation in this important field. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to study the shear performance of reinforced concrete corbels under a synergistic change in the main stirrup inclination angle to explore the synergistic mechanism of the main reinforcement and the stirrup inclination angle, and to evaluate the applicability of existing design specifications. The shear performance test was carried out by designing RC corbel specimens with an inclination angle of the main reinforcement and stirrup. The test results show that a 15° inclination scheme significantly improves the shear performance: the yield load is increased by 28.3%, the ultimate load is increased by 23.6%, the strain of the main reinforcement of the 15° specimen is reduced by 51.3%, the stirrup shows a delayed yield (the yield load is increased by 11.6%) and lower strain level (250 kN is reduced by 23.7%), and the oblique reinforcement optimizes the internal force transfer path and delays the reinforcement yield. A CDP finite element model was established for verification, and the failure mode and crack propagation process of the corbel were accurately reproduced. The prediction error of ultimate load was less than 2.27%. Based on the test data, the existing standard method is tested and a modified formula of the triangular truss model based on the horizontal inclination angle of the tie rod is proposed. The prediction ratio of the bearing capacity is highly consistent with the test value. A function correlation model between the inclination angle of the steel bar and the bearing capacity is constructed, which provides a quantitative theoretical tool for the optimal design of RC corbel inclination parameters. Full article

Background/Objectives: When solving the problems of installing zygomatic implants after partial or full maxillectomy with subsequent attachment of a removable overdenture (ROD), computer simulation based on the finite element method (FEM) is an effective tool for treatment planning. In this study, stress-strain states of the ‘zygomatic bones–implants–splinting bar–ROD’ dental structure were evaluated under various loading conditions. Methods: A 3D FEM computer simulation was carried out to estimate stress-strain states of the elements of the dental structure and to study the effect of redistribution of the loads transferred from the ROD to the zygomatic bones through four implants. Results: That successive insertion and removal of the ROD caused identical stresses in the elements of the dental structure. Given the accepted level of critical stress of about 13 MPa, their values may be exceeded in the zygomatic bones during both processes. In the ROD, the equivalent stresses did not exceed the critical levels upon alternate loading of 50 N on the posterior teeth (both molars and premolars) under all biting and mastication. Taking into account the linear dependence of the applied load and the stresses in the ROD, it can be stated that its integrity is maintained until 118 N (or the generally accepted typical value of 100 N). Under the 90° biting angle, the equivalent stresses are below the critical level in all the studied cases; thus, the acceptable value increases to 213 N, but it is only 63 N at a biting angle of 45°. Conclusions: It has been established that the equivalent stresses in the zygomatic bones can exceed the critical stress level of 13 MPa. In addition, some practical recommendations and prospects of the study have been formulated. Full article

Clonorchis sinensis, a parasitic liver fluke, is the primary aetiological agent of clonorchiasis, a disease predominantly characterized by liver-related clinical manifestations. Currently, research on the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of local C. sinensis populations remains inadequate. Thus, in this study, we sequenced and annotated the mt genome of fish-borne C. sinensis (Cs-c2) from Changchun, Jilin Province, China, a strain not previously described. This mt genome is 14,136 bp in length and harbours 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a single control region (CR). We constructed a maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree using concatenated ND5, ND6, and ND1 from protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the C. sinensis mitochondrial genome (mt genome). This tree more clearly differentiated C. sinensis strains from three geographical regions (China, Russia, and South Korea) and distinguished Opisthorchiidae from two closely related families (Fasciolidae and Dicrocoeliidae). Additionally, we constructed an ML phylogenetic tree using concatenated ND4, ND5, ND1, ND2, and COX1 from the PCGs of digenean (Digenea) mt genomes. This approach—utilizing multiple high-resolution PCGs with evolutionary rates distinct from those of the mt genome—yielded robust clustering for multiple suborders and 13 families within Digenea and provided new molecular evidence for intergeneric relationships within the suborder Plagiorchiata of Digenea. These findings serve as important references for future research on the differentiation of closely related geographical strains of digeneans, as well as for studies on molecular taxonomy and population genetics. Full article

The increasing demand for poultry meat calls for sustainable production methods that address animal welfare and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Commensal Escherichia coli serve as reservoirs of resistance genes that may transfer to pathogens, facilitating AMR spread in agriculture. This study evaluated the efficacy of a bacteriophage cocktail, UPWr_E, applied as a litter spray to reduce total and antibiotic-resistant E. coli in broiler chicken rearing. The cocktail, containing four lytically active phages, was administered for four weeks. Microbiological analyses of litter, feces, and cecal contents showed a significant reduction in total E. coli by 3.2 log₁₀ CFU/g in litter and a decrease in resistant strains to gentamicin, enrofloxacin, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, compared to controls. No significant changes occurred in E. coli loads in feces or cecal contents, indicating limited impact on the number of commensal E. coli in cecal contents. Phages remained detectable and stable in litter and feces throughout the study. These findings demonstrate the potential of phage therapy as a targeted, environmentally friendly approach to control AMR reservoirs in poultry farming. Incorporating phage-based treatments into AMR management strategies could improve food safety and promote sustainable animal production. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae, due to its capacity to produce numerous virulence factors and form biofilms, is one of the most significant etiological agents of nosocomial infections. The extensive and often unwarranted use of antibiotic therapy has driven the emergence of various mutations, adaptive mechanisms, and horizontal gene transfer among K. pneumoniae strains, resulting in resistance to most beta-lactam antibiotics, carbapenems, and the last-resort drug—colistin. A promising alternative or adjunctive treatment is the application of rotating magnetic fields (RMFs). The present study aimed to evaluate changes in colistin susceptibility among 20 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and 20 K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-positive K. pneumoniae strains isolated from hospital infections following exposure to RMF at frequencies of 5 and 50 Hz. Exposure to RMF at 5 Hz resulted in decreased colistin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in over half of the tested (ESBLs) and (KPC)-positive strains. Additionally, RMF at 50 Hz reduced colistin MIC values in 30% of (ESBL)-positive and 40% of (KPC)-positive strains. Therefore, in the future, RMF may be developed as a supportive therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae. Full article

Feed is an important source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in animals and products, posing significant potential risks to human health and the environment. Ensiling may present a feasible method for reducing ARGs in animal feed. This study involved the addition of four types of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP), Pediococcus acidilactici (P), Enterococcus faecium (E), and Ligilactobacillus salivarius (LS), to whole-crop corn silage to investigate changes in ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and their transmission risks during ensiling. The results indicated that the addition of LAB significantly reduced the ammonia nitrogen content and pH value of whole-crop corn silage, inhibited the growth of harmful microorganisms, and increased the lactic acid content (p < 0.05). The improvement effect was particularly pronounced in the P treatment group. Natural fermentation plays a significant role in reducing ARG abundance, and the addition of different types of lactic acid bacteria helps reduce the abundance of both ARGs and MGEs. Specifically, the LS treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in MGE abundance, potentially reducing the horizontal transmission risk of ARGs. Furthermore, variations in ARG abundance within different LAB strains were detected, showing a consistent trend with that in silage. ARGs and MGEs were correlated with the fermentation parameters and microbial communities (p < 0.05). This suggests that adding LAB with low levels of ARGs to silage can effectively reduce ARG contamination. Bacterial community structure, MGEs, and fermentation quality may act as driving forces for the transfer and dissemination of ARGs in the silage ecosystem. Full article

An outbreak characterized by clinical signs of diarrhea and paralysis, occasionally progressing to fatal outcomes, occurred at an ostrich breeding facility. Conventional antibiotic treatments proved ineffective. To investigate the etiology of the disease, brain and liver specimens were collected for diagnostic analysis. An Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolate, designated strain HZDC01, was obtained from cerebral tissues, and whole-genome sequencing was performed for genomic characterization. Genomic analysis revealed that the chromosomal DNA harbors numerous resistance genes, conferring multidrug resistance through complex mechanisms. Furthermore, a p0111-type plasmid carrying the bla_CTX-M-55 gene and an IncX1-type plasmid harboring rmtB, sul1, APH(6)-Id, tet(A), AAC(3)-IIc, aadA2, bla_TEM-1B, and floR genes were identified. These plasmids carry numerous mobile genetic elements that can disseminate via horizontal gene transfer, thereby amplifying the risk of resistance-gene spread within bacterial populations. Additionally, the ibeB and ibeC genes, which encode proteins involved in the invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells, were identified. These genes may facilitate E. coli penetration of the blood–brain barrier, potentially leading to meningitis and posing a life-threatening risk to the host. This is the first report of the isolation and characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase E. coli from the brain of an ostrich with paralysis. The findings provide valuable genomic insights into the antimicrobial resistance profiles and pathogenic mechanisms of ostrich-derived E. coli isolates. Full article

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen that poses an increasing threat due to the emergence of mcr-1-mediated colistin resistance. However, data on mcr-1-positive Salmonella in pork products are limited. In this study, 457 samples collected in 2023 from pig slaughterhouses in Guangdong province were investigated to determine the prevalence and genomic characteristics of mcr-1-positive Salmonella isolates. We found that 92 Salmonella isolates (20.1%, 92/457) were recovered, representing six serotypes, including Salmonella Typhimurium (n = 29) and Salmonella Rissen (n = 29). High resistance to tetracycline (90.2%, 83/92) and multidrug resistance (58.7%, 54/92) were observed. Critically, two colistin-resistant Salmonella Kentucky ST198 isolates (2.2%) harboring mcr-1 on transferable IncI2 plasmids were identified. Genomic analysis revealed a novel multidrug resistance region (MRR, ~57 kb) inserted into the bcfH locus (containing floR, qnrS1, bla_CTX-M-55, and aph (3’)-Ia) and a variant Salmonella Genomic Island 1 (SGI1-KI, containing tet (A), sul1, qacEΔ1 and aadA7) in these isolates. The MRR and SGI1-KI may enhance bacterial survival under antibiotic selection pressure. Phylogenetic analysis showed close relatedness to human clinical strains, suggesting food chain transmission. The findings highlight a high antimicrobial resistance burden, the emergence of transferable last-resort colistin resistance (mcr-1), and acquisition of complex resistance determinants (MRR, SGI1-KI), underscoring an urgent need for enhanced “One Health” surveillance. Full article

Staggered floor frame structures with good spatial adaptability are widely used in large-space civil buildings such as conference halls and terminal buildings. However, the short columns formed by staggered floor slabs significantly affect load transfer, which is unfavorable to the seismic performance of the structure. To address this issue, based on a practical project, this paper establishes a finite element analysis model, sets up steel-tube-reinforced concrete (ST-RC) columns at staggered floors to improve the insufficient ductility of short columns, and adopts the dynamic time–history analysis method combined with performance-based evaluation methods to study the effects of different seismic input angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°) on the seismic performance of local staggered floor frame structures at both the overall and member levels. The research results show that at the overall level, the fourth floor of the staggered floor frame structure is the weak floor, and the most unfavorable seismic input angle is 60°; additionally, at the member level, the damage of each member meets the performance objectives. Frame beams are more severely damaged under 0° and 90° seismic input, frame columns are more severely damaged under 30° and 60° seismic input, and the damage degree of ST-RC columns is similar in the four directions. As energy-dissipating members, frame beams have a significantly higher proportion of nonlinear strain energy than frame columns and ST-RC columns, which can effectively consume a large amount of seismic energy and enable the structure to retain more safety reserves. Therefore, for irregular buildings such as staggered floor frame structures that are prone to damage due to insufficient ductility of short columns, setting ST-RC columns at staggered floors can effectively reduce structural damage. The adoption of evaluation methods at both the overall structural and member levels enables a comprehensive understanding of the damage status of staggered floor structures. Full article

The destabilizing damage of rock structures in coal beds engineering is greatly influenced by the bearing rupture features and energy evolution laws of rock–coal assemblages with varying height ratios. In this study, we used PFC3D to create rock–coal assemblages with rock–coal height ratios of 2:8, 4:6, 6:4, and 8:2. Uniaxial compression simulation was then performed, revealing the expansion properties and damage crack dispersion pattern at various bearing phases. The dispersion and migration law of cemented strain energy zoning; the size and location of the destructive energy level and its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics; and the impact of height ratio on the load-bearing characteristics, crack extension, and evolution of multiple energies (strain, destructive, and kinetic energies) were all clarified with the aid of a self-developed destructive energy and strain energy capture and tracking Fish program. The findings indicate that the assemblage’s elasticity modulus and compressive strength slightly increase as the height ratio increases, that the assemblage’s cracks begin in the coal body, and that the number of crack bands inside the coal body increases as the height ratio increases. Also, the phenomenon of crack bands penetrating the rock through the interface between the coal and rock becomes increasingly apparent. The total number of cracks, including both tensile and shear cracks, decreases as the height ratio increases. Among these, tensile cracks are consistently more abundant than shear cracks, and the proportion between the two types remains relatively stable regardless of changes in the height ratio. The acoustic emission ringing counts of the assemblage were not synchronized with the development of bearing stress, and the ringing counts started to increase from the yield stage and reached a peak at the damage stage (0.8${\sigma }_{\mathrm{c}}$) after the peak of bearing stress. The larger the rock–coal height ratio, the smaller the peak and the earlier the timing of its appearance. The main body of strain energy accumulation was transferred from the coal body to the rock body when the height ratio exceeded 1.5. The peak values of the assemblage’s strain energy, destructive energy, and kinetic energy curves decreased as the height ratio increased, particularly the energy amplitude of the largest destructive energy event. In order to prevent and mitigate engineering disasters during deep mining of coal resources, the research findings could serve as a helpful reference for the destabilizing properties of rock–coal assemblages. Full article