Browse Articles

Investment feasibility and optimization strategies of RFID technology in logistics field

Small target detection of bearing surface defects based on improved YOLOv5s

In the context of industrial automation, the accurate detection of small defects on bearing surfaces (dents, bruise, scratch) is crucial for the safe operation of equipment. However, traditional detection methods have problems such as insufficient feature extraction for small targets and sensitivity to background interference. Based on this, an improved YOLOv5s small target detection method ECN-YOLOv5s for bearing surface defects is proposed. First, an efficient channel attention mechanism (ECA) is inserted in the layer before the SPPF in the backbone network, which realizes efficient computation of channel attention and reduces redundant computation while decreasing the model complication. Second, using the Content-Aware ReAssembly of Features (CARAFE) module instead of the original nearest-neighbor up-sampling module achieves light weighting while allowing for better aggregation of contextual information within a larger sensory field, which effectively improves the diversity and effectiveness of the model. Finally, an original loss function is replaced with Normalized Wasserstein Distance (NWD) to decrease the susceptibility to small object positional deviations. Experimental results in our homemade dataset indicate that the mean average precision (mAP) of ECN-YOLOv5s for bearing defect identification is 92.7%. This is an improvement of 2.4% versus the former YOLOv5s model. Compared with some mainstream detection models, the modified model in this study also provides better effects. Thus, the model is able to meet the requirements for the detection of small defects in bearings in industry.

A novel approach of branch-line coupler via parallel transmission line and DGS

Identifying key physiological and clinical factors for traumatic brain injury patient management using network analysis and machine learning

In the intensive care unit (ICU), managing traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients presents significant challenges due to the dynamic interaction between physiological and clinical markers. This study aims to uncover these subtle interconnections and identify the key ICU markers for the timely care of TBI patients using advanced machine-learning techniques. We combined correlation-based network analysis and graph neural network (GNN) techniques to explore relationships among electrocardiography (ECG) features, vital signs, pathology test results, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and demographics from 29 TBI patients admitted to the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH). Our findings highlighted that the final GCS index strongly correlated with arterial and diastolic blood pressure variations, patient demographics such as gender and age, and certain heart rate variability (HRV) features. Variability in diastolic blood pressure, GCS, and pNN50 (an HRV measure) demonstrated strong associations with several other physiological and clinical markers during the first 12 hours post-ICU admission. HRV features and variability in physiological signals during the first 12 hours in the ICU are important factors in assessing the severity of TBI patients.

Utilizing metakaolin and siliceous waste from the alum industry to create geopolymer adsorbent for the removal of certain heavy metals

Abstract A geopolymer (GP) from Partially Dealuminated Kaolin (PDK) was synthesized. PDK is a solid waste of alum industry, it was produced in a big quantity, which need careful management to be recycled for protection of the environment against pollution. Utilization of PDK is very lacking, and there were no studies for using in the preparation of geopolymer as an adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater. GP was used for the removal of Cr, Cd, and Pb from synthetic industrial wastewater by the adsorption technique. FTIR spectrum indicates a peak at 977 cm−1 due to Si–O–Si and Si–O–Al bonds confirming the formation of geopolymer. The effects of various parameters such as temperature, pH, contact time, and metal ion concentration were tested to stand over the most favorable conditions for adsorption. A total of 100% removal was achieved at a pH = 6.0, temperature = 25 °C, and initial concentration = 40 mg/L for a contact time of 60 min using a dosage of 0.2 g/L. The adsorption data validated Freundlich adsorption model. The values of Freundlich constant value, R2 were greater than 0.99 indicating the adsorption of metal ions onto the geopolymer to be highly favorable. High adsorption capacity has been achieved for Pb, Cd, and Cr (105.6 mg/g for Pb, 150 mg/g for Cd, 125 mg/g for Cr). The adsorption process followed pseudo-1st-order kinetics yielding high correlation coefficient and the adsorbed amount at equilibrium. More than 95% of adsorption was achieved at room temperature supports the effectiveness of metal ions adsorption on the geopolymer. This work helps for the reuse of the industrial waste of alum industry through the synthesis of a geopolymeric adsorbent, which can be applied successfully for removal of the Pb, Cd, and Cr ions from the polluted water.

Effect of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators and dedicated cystic fibrosis gastrointestinal clinic visits on the incidence of distal intestinal obstructive syndrome in persons with cystic fibrosis

Background Gastrointestinal (GI) complications are the second most common disorders in persons with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). There is limited data on how having a dedicated CF-GI clinic and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators may affect rates of GI complications. Our aim was to assess the effect of the CF-GI clinic and CFTR modulators on GI complications with incidence of distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS). Methods This was a retrospective study of adult PwCF who were seen in a CF-GI clinic from 2000–2023. Comparisons were made between the numbers of admissions and emergency department (ED) visits for DIOS at three years before and after CFTR modulator use and the first CF-GI clinic visit. Results Of the 1,076 PwCF identified, 242 were seen in CF-GI clinic. Of this, 126 (52.1%) were female, with a median age of 40 (IQR: 30–47) years. There were 146 (60.3%) with regular use of laxatives. Of the 59 PwCF with CF-GI clinic visits for constipation, hospital admissions decreased in 16, were unchanged in 32, and increased in 11 (p = 0.402) while ED visits decreased in 9, remained the same in 40, and increased in 10 (p = 0.862). Of the 125 PwCF with CFTR modulator use, DIOS-related hospital admissions decreased in 15 patients, remained unchanged in 89, and increased in 21 (p = 0.021) while ED visits were fewer in 8, unchanged in 97, and increased in 20 (p = 0.587). Conclusion PwCF had high burden of constipation with a majority of patients regularly using laxatives, and almost half had a history of DIOS. CFTR modulator use and CF-GI clinic were not associated with a decrease of DIOS incidence.

Agent-based simulation of cortical microtubule band movement in arabidopsis zygotes

Risk factors for delayed wound healing after anal fistula surgery: Protocol of a meta-analytic study

Introduction Delayed wound healing (DWH) following anal fistula surgery is a common complication that prolongs recovery, increases patient morbidity, and imposes significant healthcare costs. Potential risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, fistula complexity, and surgical techniques have been suggested in individual studies, yet no comprehensive synthesis exists to guide clinical practice. This study aims to identify and evaluate risk factors associated with DWH after anal fistula surgery by combining existing evidence and grading the evidence. Methods and analysis This study will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. We will search PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and grey literature databases from inception to March 2025, with no language restrictions. Observational studies (cohort and case-control) reporting risk factors for DWH, defined as incomplete healing beyond 6–12 weeks post-surgery, will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen titles/abstracts, perform full-text reviews, extract data regarding study design, sample size, risk factors and outcomes, and assess risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Primary outcomes will include odds ratios (OR) or relative risks (RR) for factors such as comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and operative approaches. A random-effects meta-analysis will pool effect estimates if heterogeneity (I² < 50%) permits; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be conducted. Subgroup analyses will explore differences by study design and patient characteristics, with publication bias assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. The certainty of evidence will be evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Discussion This study’s strengths include its comprehensive search strategy and rigorous methodology, providing a robust synthesis of risk factors. Clinically, identifying modifiable risk factors could enhance preoperative optimization and postoperative care, reducing delayed healing rates. Future studies should standardize definitions of delayed healing and explore under-investigated factors like wound care techniques or microbiome influences to refine risk prediction models. Registration PROSPERO CRD420251013602

Evaluating the planning efficiency for repetitive construction projects using Monte Carlo simulation technique

Abstract Efficient planning and scheduling are critical for the success of repetitive construction projects, particularly highway infrastructure, which underpins economic growth in developing regions. Traditional scheduling methods often rely heavily on planner experience, limiting their ability to manage uncertainties and resource fluctuations in large-scale projects. This study proposes a Monte Carlo simulation-based framework to enhance planning efficiency by systematically modeling activity prioritization, resource allocation, and schedule optimization. Eighteen hypothetical project cases were analyzed under varying conditions to capture a wide range of uncertainties. The results demonstrated substantial improvements in project duration and resource utilization efficiency compared to conventional methods. Validation using three real-world highway projects in Egypt confirmed the framework’s practical applicability, achieving efficiency improvements of up to 80%. This research offers a data-driven, adaptable approach to repetitive project planning, providing planners with a robust tool to mitigate uncertainties and optimize project outcomes.

Dynamic complexity of Stackelberg-Bertrand game with one-way R&D spillovers, effective information and government subsidies

The phenomena of bounded rationality, asymmetric information, research and development (R&D) spillovers represent ubiquitous characteristics in economic systems, yet research simultaneously investigating R&D spillovers and information asymmetry within a bounded rationality framework remains scarce. This study innovatively incorporates one-way R&D spillovers, effective information, and government R&D subsidies into a dynamical two-stage Stackelberg-Bertrand model. Through application of Jury criterion, we systematically analyze the stability characteristics of all equilibrium points, derive stability conditions and stable regions, and investigate the complex dynamics of this discrete system. The principal findings reveal that: (1) Enhanced effective information for the R&D leader and increased government R&D subsidies exhibit stabilizing effects on equilibrium prices; (2) Excessive product homogeneity may induce substantial price volatility or chaotic dynamics, whereas greater product differentiation enhances profitability for the leader; (3) Moderate levels of R&D spillovers contribute to price stabilization, and while partially reducing leading firms’ profits, they generate positive externalities for enterprise cluster development. This research provides significant theoretical insights and practical implications for innovation strategies and differentiated product development in oligopolistic markets.

Clinical value of D-dimer combined with transvaginal ultrasonography in the postmenopausal population with endometrial carcinoma

Optimal multi-objective energy management of decentralized demand response incorporating uncertainties

This paper presents a decentralized demand response (DR) framework that, incorporating optimal multi-objective energy management strategies, addresses uncertainties in power networks. The power industry faces challenges in operational optimization due to uncertainties in generation and consumption while evaluating environmental impacts and long-term economic implications. This research introduces an innovative approach by combining advanced DR techniques with a robust energy management strategy designed for uncertain conditions, enhanced by sensitivity analysis to key system parameters. The article considers a network with distributed generating resources, including wind turbines, microturbines, photovoltaics, energy storage systems (ESS), and diesel generators, where generation is controlled hourly based on load fluctuations. Energy consumption optimization requires not only distributed energy generation but also DR to variations in demand, ensuring system reliability under diverse scenarios. Consumers play a crucial role in optimizing energy usage through incentive-based participation. To achieve the research goal of reducing generation and purchasing costs in power grids through optimal energy management and DR to fluctuations, a stochastic approach is employed to obtain the best outcomes. This paper proposes a novel method for optimizing energy consumption in power networks by integrating stochastic techniques to manage uncertainties and variable conditions. The findings show improved network efficiency and cost reduction, achieving a 15.62% decrease in voltage deviation, 37.08% reduction in load demand, 62.05% decrease in active losses, 81.25% reduction in reactive losses, and 33–45% reduction in Expected Energy Not Supplied (EENS).

An adaptive switched capacitor strategy for efficiency optimization in LLC converters

Does tinnitus and emotional distress influence central auditory processing? A comparison of acute and chronic tinnitus in normal-hearing individuals

Objective Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of sound without an external source and can cause auditory difficulties even in individuals with normal hearing. Design This study compared the auditory afferent and efferent functions of normal-hearing patients with acute tinnitus, chronic tinnitus, and control group using gap detection test, the Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test (MHINT), and contralateral suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). Results It reveals the neural and emotional dynamics as tinnitus progresses from acute to chronic stages. Patients with acute and chronic tinnitus exhibited reduced contralateral suppression of TEOAEs, elevated gap detection thresholds, and higher speech recognition thresholds in noisy environments, indicating that tinnitus interferes with both afferent and efferent auditory pathways. The lack of significant differences between acute tinnitus and chronic tinnitus patients suggests that auditory functions do not necessarily deteriorate over time, suggesting that tinnitus may not worsen due to neuroplasticity as the condition progresses. The speech recognition ability in noise of patients with acute tinnitus is influenced by emotional scores, implying that emotional distress plays a crucial role in amplifying tinnitus-related interference. When emotional burden is reduced, the negative feedback loop between emotional distress and neuroplasticity can be broken, preventing further decline in central auditory function. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of psychological support and emotional management in clinical practice to improve auditory performance and potentially halt the intensification of tinnitus.

Impact of excessive hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy on the placentas of the male and female offspring

Enhancing functional motor outcomes in chronic stroke: A systematic review of the growing role of non-invasive brain stimulation

Introduction Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) promotes functional recovery by enhancing neuroplasticity and reorganizing brain networks. It is hypothesized that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or intermittent θ-burst stimulation (i-TBS) as well as trans direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate synaptic connectivity, through magnetic or electric stimuli, directly on the brain area. This systematic review aims to address the lack of comprehensive syntheses focusing on the comparative effectiveness of NIBS techniques, including tDCS, rTMS, and iTBS, on distinct motor domains (upper limb, lower limb, and vocal/swallowing functions) in chronic stroke patients. Evidence acquisition A systematic search was conducted for all peer-reviewed articles published from January 2010 through September 2023, using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PEDro, RehabData, and Web of Science. This systematic review was performed following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with a registration number in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO 2023) CRD42023458370. A total of 58 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis: 27 focused on upper limb rehabilitation, 13 on lower limb function, 13 on the combination of NIBS and robotic therapy, and 6 on vocal or swallowing functions. Most studies (78%) were randomized controlled trials. Among the NIBS techniques, tDCS showed stronger evidence for gait and balance recovery, while rTMS appeared more effective for upper limb function. Overall, the majority of studies presented a low risk of bias, although methodological issues such as inadequate randomization or blinding affected the reliability of some findings. Conclusion We have systematically reviewed the literature on the use of NIBS to enhance motor outcomes (upper limb, lower limb, and vocal/swallowing functions) in individuals with chronic stroke. Findings indicate that rTMS demonstrates greater efficacy in improving upper limb motor function, whereas tDCS appears to be more effective in enhancing gait and balance recover.

Adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant control of UAV systems based on radial basis function neural networks

On-treatment blood pressure and dose-dependent effects of ARNI in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Insights from a multicenter registry

Background Achieving target doses of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is often challenging due to concerns related to hypotension. This study evaluated dose-dependent effects of ARNI considering on-treatment blood pressure (BP). Methods From a multicenter HF registry, 1,097 HFrEF patients receiving ARNI for ≥6 months were stratified into low-dose (<100 mg/day, n = 249) and intermediate-to-high-dose (≥100 mg/day, n = 848) groups. Echocardiographic changes and clinical outcomes were compared across groups, considering on-treatment BP profiles (high-BP ≥ 110 mmHg vs. low-BP < 110 mmHg). Results Low on-treatment BP was independently associated with low-dose ARNI use. Both dose groups showed echocardiographic improvement, but the intermediate-to-high-dose group had more pronounced changes. Over 3.1 years (median follow-up), low-dose ARNI use was associated with a higher risk of mortality compared to intermediate-to-high-dose. These trends were consistently observed in both high-BP and low-BP profiles. Conclusions Low-dose ARNI use was associated with less improvement in myocardial function and worse clinical outcomes, even in patients with low-BP profiles. This highlights the importance of optimal ARNI dose titration despite low BP concerns.

Effect of ferrite content and temperature on the magnetic properties of Fe@SiO2@Mn-Zn-ferrite SMC materials

Surgical preferences in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A cross-sectional study in a low-middle income country

Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common surgical procedures in sports orthopedics; however, there is a lack of literature related to this topic in Peru. This study aimed to describe the current surgical preferences in ACLR among Peruvian orthopedic surgeons. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study based on an online survey sent to 500 Peruvian orthopedic surgeons, supplemented with physical surveys distributed during the “IX OrthoTrauma Update” congress held in October 2022 in Lima, Peru. The survey collected demographic characteristics (e.g., residence area, health care sector), employment characteristics (e.g., experience as orthopedic surgeon, experience in ACLR), and surgical preferences for ACLR (choice of femoral tunnel drilling technique, choice of graft, tourniquet use). A total of 162 surgeons responded (32.4%). Results A total of 134 responses were analyzed. 50% (n = 67; 95% CI: 41.5–58.5) of orthopedic surgeons had more than 10 years of experience, and 53.7% (n = 72; 95% CI: 45.2–62.1) had less than 5 years of experience in ACLR. Anteromedial portal was the most popular choice for femoral tunnel drilling (62.7%; n = 84; 95% CI: 54.1–70.5). Additionally, 85.1% preferred using autograft and 83.6% (n = 114; 95% CI: 77.9–90.2) of surgeons reported a preference to obtain the graft from hamstrings. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the surgical preferences for ACLR among Peruvian orthopedic surgeons, revealing a predominant preference for autografts and hamstring tendon grafts, as well as a high frequency of the anteromedial (AM) portal technique and variability in tourniquet use.