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Biomechanical Analysis of an Elite Para Standing Cross-Country Skier Using Lower Limb Prostheses: A Case Study
Full text linkPara cross-country (XC) skiing has become a prominent sport since its debut at the Örnsköldsvik Winter Olympic Games in 1976. Nevertheless, the lack of studies focusing on standing para XC skiing highlights the need to provide a comprehensive description of this sport, investigating how different prosthetic devices may influence the athletic outcome. In this exploratory case study, the biomechanics of an elite standing para-athlete, with a right-sided transfemoral amputation, was investigated. Tests were performed during diagonal XC skiing on a treadmill, at different speeds and inclinations. Specifically, two different prosthetic feet were compared: the athlete used an Ottobock Genium X3 prosthetic knee with either the Ottobock Taleo or the Ottobock Evanto prosthetic foot. Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) were employed to estimate joint angles and detect pole hits and lifts. Additionally, data were collected using embedded sensors in the knee prosthesis. Diagonal stride spatiotemporal parameters were further calculated. Results revealed that the Evanto foot significantly increased swing phase duration and hip range of motion, while generating higher knee torque, ankle torque, and axial loading compared to the Taleo foot. This research represents the first application of the employed testing methodology to para standing XC skiing, and it therefore provides a framework for future studies on this discipline
QoS-Aware Resource Management with Network Slicing and Beam Management
Full text linkBeyond-5G and 6G networks must support diverse QoS, from ultra-reliable low latency communications to en- hanced mobile broadband. This requires joint, efficient resource management that combines network slicing and dynamic beam management. This paper addresses the complexity of optimizing resource allocation across users and slices served by a set of beams. We propose SBQF, a high-performance technique that optimizes resource allocation at both the MAC and the physical layers. SBQF is designed to maximize the overall user utility and is in particular efficient in improving the performance of users requiring latency-critical services. Validated using real- world vehicular traces, SBQF significantly improves latency, user utility, and data rates over existing solutions
Use of Raman spectroscopy and PLS for the quantification of critical quality attributes in biopharmaceutical products
No full textThe pharmaceutical industry continually seeks innovative ways to streamline process development and ensure that the products meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. In this context, a cutting-edge approach that is increasingly being used is Process Analytical Technology (PAT), a systematic methodology which provides real-time insights into the production process by timely in-line, online or at-line measurements of critical quality and performance attributes of raw and in-process materials and processes.
In this framework, this paper deals with the application of Raman spectroscopy, a rapid and non-destructive analytical tool, and chemometric techniques, namely Partial Least Squares (PLS), for the quantification of multiple Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) of biopharmaceutical products.
Specifically, the protein/excipient quantification, protein oxidation, protein aggregation, and protein fragmentation were evaluated. In fact, the monitoring of these product quality attributes at different process development stages and process steps allows a better understanding of the impact of the process parameters on the product quality. As an example, the quantification of protein/excipients composition is fundamental during the compounding and filtration step. Instead, the HMW (High Molecular Weight) and LMW (Low Molecular Weight) species and the oxidation level can be affected during manual or automated visual inspection step as the product is exposed to the light source as well as to the ambient temperature for some time. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) was used as model protein, with different excipients such as Methionine and Polysorbate 20. Dilutions were performed to get samples with different concentrations. Thermal stress was applied to investigate changes in protein aggregation (HMW) and protein fragmentation (LMW), while an oxidative stress was performed to obtain samples characterized by different oxidation levels.
The present study shows that the combination of Raman spectroscopy and PLS turned out in excellent performances as far as it concerns the quantification of HMW, LMW and the product composition, when compared to the conventional analytical techniques. However, Raman spectroscopy was not able to discern the oxidation levels in the samples, probably due to the low sensitivity of the tool or due to the intrinsic difficulty of sample preparations for model calibration
MorphGUI: Real-time GUIs customization with large language models
Full text linkGraphical user interface (GUI) customization relies on predefined configuration options and settings, constraining diverse individual needs and preferences within predetermined boundaries and often requiring technical expertise. To address these limitations, this work introduces MorphGUI, a framework leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to enable interface customization through natural language. By allowing users to express desired changes using their own words and harnessing the generative capabilities of LLMs, MorphGUI mitigates the limitations of predefined options and reduces the need for technical expertise. The framework translates functional and stylistic requests into either modifications of existing application components or generation of new ones. Through a use case implementation with a calendar application and a user study (n=18), where participants were tasked with modifying interfaces towards a target goal, we investigate if MorphGUI can enable effective natural language-driven interface customization for non-expert users through both functional and visual modifications. Results show that participants successfully customized interfaces using natural language. Users found the system intuitive and achieved good performance regardless of technical background, we report analysis of optimal prompt length, challenges in separating functional and visual instructions in structured templates, correlation between LLM experience and success, and learning effects. The study revealed opportunities for enhanced guidance, examples, and scaffolding to help users structure their customization requests more effectively
Wall Modeling Effects in Transitional Airfoil Flows Using the Lattice-Boltzmann Method
No full textThe present study aims to assess wall modeling effects on transitional airfoil flows with laminar separation bubbles. Here, the lattice-Boltzmann method (LBM) is employed to investigate the flow over two NACA airfoil profiles. The first, a NACA0012 airfoil at an angle of attack of 3 deg, Mach number M = 0.3, and Reynolds number Re = 5 X 10^4, and the second, a NACA4412, with Re = 9.4 X 10^4}, M = 0.17 and 7 deg. AoA. The moderate Reynolds number configurations at hand are relevant in the context of small scale eVTOL vehicles. For both cases, a laminar separation bubble forms on the airfoil suction side, being responsible for complex dynamics including the shedding of coherent structures that scatter on the trailing edge, being important sources of airfoil tonal noise. The LBM in Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) mode has shown to properly capture the unsteady flow physics in a NACA0012 simulation compared to a wall-resolved large eddy simulation (LES) of the Navier-Stokes equations. In this paper, we will quantify the performance of wall models within the LBM approach in the software PowerFLOW. The main goal is to assess the capability of wall-modeled LES in resolving near-wall features of transitional boundary layers. The results show that the different wall model strategies implemented in PowerFLOW provide similar metrics for the NACA0012 airfoil, but different statistics are observed for the NACA4412, which could be justified by the higher adverse pressure gradients on the suction side
Critical current density in advanced superconductors
Full text linkThis review paper delves into the concept of critical current density (Jc) in high-temperature superconductors (HTS) across macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic perspectives. Through this exploration, a comprehensive range of connections is unveiled aiming to foster advancements in the physics, materials science, and the engineering of applied superconductors. Beginning with the macroscopic interpretation of Jc as a central material law, the review traces its development from C.P. Bean's foundational work to modern extensions. Mesoscopic challenges in understanding vortex dynamics and their coherence with thermodynamic anisotropy regimes are addressed, underscoring the importance of understanding the limitations and corrections implicit in the macroscopic measurement of Jc, linked with mesoscopic phenomena such as irradiation effects, defect manipulation, and vortex interactions. The transition to supercritical current densities is also discussed, detailing the superconductor behavior beyond critical thresholds with a focus on flux-flow instability regimes relevant to fault current limiters and fusion energy magnets. Enhancing Jc through tailored material microstructures, engineered pinning centers, grain boundary manipulation, and controlled doping is explored, along with radiation techniques and their impact on large-scale energy systems. Emphasizing the critical role of Jc, this review focuses on its physical optimization and engineering manipulation, highlighting its significance across diverse sectors
Lissajous-trajectory scanning optical coherence photoacoustic microscopy for zebrafish larva imaging
Full text linkAs an important vertebrate animal model for development and human disease, research on zebrafish has been using many different imaging methods. Among them, optical coherence microscopy and photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) are gradually gaining popularity due to their complementary contrast mechanisms and non-invasive nature. This work demonstrates a combined optical coherence PAM system using Lissajous scanning trajectories for zebrafish imaging. The system configuration enables a large field of view (up to 11.8 mm × 25.2 mm) with uniform high resolution (1.8 μm lateral) and uniform sensitivity across the entire scanning area. The voice-coil-enabled Lissajous trajectories yield high scanning speed, while maintaining precise coregistration between modalities. A specially designed deep learning-based upsampling model has been trained to leverage unique characteristics of the Lissajous scanning pattern, reducing acquisition time by up to 70% while preserving image quality. The system’s capabilities are demonstrated through high-resolution imaging of zebrafish larvae, revealing detailed vascular networks and tissue structures. This novel approach provides a powerful tool for non-invasive, multimodal imaging of zebrafish development and disease models beyond typical size boundaries
Structural vulnerability of power transmission line supports: development of fragility curves for snow avalanche loads
Full text linkSnow avalanches pose a significant threat to power transmission lines in mountainous regions, where support structures are exposed to extreme dynamic forces. This study investigates the structural vulnerability of transmission line supports subjected to avalanche impacts, focussing on the development of fragility curves for wooden and steel poles as well as transmission towers. The analysis specifically considers both the dense snow avalanches and saltation and powder components as hazards, which exerts substantial dynamic loads on these structures. A simplified analytical approach is used for poles, while pushover FEM simulations assess the performance of transmission towers. The study evaluates the probability of failure under different avalanche flow conditions, considering a range of structural configurations with varying geometries and element sizes. The findings provide quantitative insights into the vulnerability of transmission line supports, offering a valuable tool for risk assessment, structural design, and land-use planning in avalanche-prone areas. The results emphasise the importance of incorporating avalanche-induced loads into the design of this type of infrastructure
Geometric properties of the Bismut and the Obata connections
Full text linkL'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen
A computational efficient, multi-domain numerical framework for modelling fuel cell - battery powered powertrains
Full text linkThe global drive to decarbonize the transportation sector has intensified the adoption of emission-free powertrains, increasing the demand for high-fidelity yet computationally efficient modelling tools to support propulsion design, control development, and virtual testing. In this context, this paper presents a physics-based, system-level model of a fully electric propulsion system integrating a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a lithium-ion battery pack. The proposed framework adopts a multi-domain 0D formulation, in which the fuel cell system, battery, power electronics and electric motor are consistently coupled through mechanistic governing equations, capturing the dominant electrochemical, gas, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and control interactions. Numerical comparison against a commercially available MATLAB-Simscape benchmark under real-world maritime load cycles demonstrates an overall accuracy of 98.87 % across key variables, while reducing the average simulation time to about one-fortieth of the benchmark computation time. The proposed model provides a reliable platform to support Digital Twin development, control design, and powertrain optimization. To advance sustainable transportation research, the model has been made open source and is accessible via a dedicated GitHub repository