Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (Switzerland)
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing InstituteNot a member yet
1861300 research outputs found
Sort by
An Uncertainty-Aware Bayesian Deep Learning Method for Automatic Identification and Capacitance Estimation of Compensation Capacitors
No full textThis paper addresses the challenges of misclassification and reliability assessment in compensation capacitor detection under strong noise in high-speed railway track circuits. A hierarchical Bayesian deep learning framework is proposed, integrating multi-domain signal enhancement in the time, frequency, and time–frequency (TF) domains with bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) sequence modeling for robust feature extraction. Bayesian classification and regression based on Monte Carlo (MC) Dropout and stochastic weight averaging Gaussian (SWAG) enable posterior inference, confidence interval estimation, and uncertainty-aware prediction, while a rejection mechanism filters low-confidence outputs. Experiments on 8782 real-world segments from five railway lines show that the proposed method achieves 97.8% state-recognition accuracy, a mean absolute error of 0.084 μF, and an R2 of 0.96. It further outperforms threshold-based, convolutional neural network (CNN), and standard BiLSTM models in negative log-likelihood (NLL), expected calibration error (ECE), and overall calibration quality, approaching the theoretical 95% interval coverage. The framework substantially improves robustness, accuracy, and reliability, providing a viable solution for intelligent monitoring and safety assurance of compensation capacitors in track circuits
One-Pot Direct Synthesis of b-Axis-Oriented and Al-Rich ZSM-5 Catalyst via NH4NO3-Mediated Crystallization for CO2 Hydrogenation
No full textAl-rich NH4-ZSM-5 with highly oriented crystals was directly synthesized through a one-pot hydrothermal technique, using ammonium nitrate as a metal-free mineralizer. The samples were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM, FTIR, Py-FTIR, 27Al MAS NMR, 29Si MAS NMR, 1H MAS NMR, and TGA techniques. The impact of aluminum source, ammonium source, and H2O/SiO2 molar ratio was studied. XRD results showed that the ZSM-5 catalyst with a low Si/Al ratio (13) was successfully synthesized without any amorphous phase, including a microporous/mesoporous structure. A low H2O/SiO2 molar ratio (75) resulted in coffin-shape surface morphology, large b-axis-oriented particles (ca. 19 µm), and high specific surface area (>300 m2 g−1), providing a large portion of straight channels (90.5%). The catalytic activity of the catalysts was evaluated in the CO2 hydrogenation reaction in tandem configuration with a Na/Fe2O3 catalyst. The results confirmed that highly b-oriented crystals improved the product shape selectivity to p-xylene by affecting the diffusion resistance. Therefore, the developed catalyst provided high CO2 conversion (45%) and high aromatic selectivity (77%), with p-xylene accounting for 82% of the produced xylene compounds, over a long-term time on stream (17 h). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the direct synthesis strategy in producing Al-rich ZSM-5 catalysts with tailored textural and acidic properties for tandem and shape-selective catalysis
The Effect of Cutting Technique on the Degree of Damage to Fruit Tree Shoots
No full textThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of various fruit tree shoot cutting techniques and variable wood moisture content on the formation of damage on the cut surface, using fractal dimension analysis. The experiments were conducted on shoots of two cultivars of apple and pear trees, at four levels of moisture content and using three cutting units: a chainsaw, a circular saw, and bypass loppers. The obtained cross-sectional images were digitally processed, and the degree of damage was evaluated using the fractal dimension. Analysis of variance demonstrated a significant effect of shoot moisture content, plant species, and cutting tool type on the fractal dimension value, which represents the complexity of the cut edge. The best cutting quality was observed for shoots with the highest moisture content and those cut with a pair of loppers and a circular saw, whereas the greatest damage was caused by the chainsaw. Apple cultivars exhibited the lowest susceptibility to damage, while pear cultivars showed the highest. These findings confirm the crucial role of both cutting technique selection and material moisture in determining cutting quality, and the applied fractal analysis proved to be a useful tool for the objective assessment of damage. The obtained results contribute to the optimisation of tool selection and to the design of orchard machinery, especially in relation to the development of mechanical pruning systems
Morphological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Liver Inflammation in Patients with a History of COVID-19
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic caused more than seven million deaths, mostly via acute respiratory distress syndrome with microvascular thrombosis. Compared to the amount of information about pulmonary pathology, information about COVID-19-induced liver lesions is scarce, especially with regard to the long-term consequences. The aim of our study was to evaluate inflammatory, vascular and fibrotic changes in hepatobiliary tissues of patients with a history of COVID-19 (post-COVID-19 patients). Based on the Knodell score, moderate portal inflammation was observed in 41.2% of post-COVID-19 patients, contrasting with 14.3% of control cases (p = 0.06). Moderate periportal inflammation was present in 26.5% and 7.1% of patients, respectively (p = 0.08). Post-COVID-19 patients showed higher counts of CD3+ lymphocytes (p = 0.02) and lower counts of CD68+ macrophages (p = 0.04), as well as more frequent and extensive regenerative changes in hepatocytes and the biliary epithelium (p = 0.0007). We did not find significant fibrosis or pathological changes in blood vessels, and only mild steatosis was observed in both groups
Effects of Palm Oil Nanoparticles in Diverse Physical States on the Properties of Starch Films
No full textMost previous research focuses on single-state palm oil (PO) modification of starch films, while the interaction between different physical states PO and starch matrix has not been deeply discussed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PO nanoparticles in three physical states (liquid, semi-solid, solid) on starch-based films, where the physical state of PO nanoparticles was regulated by manipulating the melting point of PO. PO nanoparticles with five different melting points (8, 24, 33, 42, and 53 °C) were prepared at 30 °C using emulsification with sodium caseinate as the emulsifier and were integrated within a starch matrix to fabricate films. The findings revealed that the starch film with 33 °C PO nanoparticles had the smoothest and most homogeneous surface, the best dispersion state of the oils, the optimal compatibility, and the highest film crystallinity. These films exhibited enhanced tensile strength (TS), stiffness, and barrier properties. Furthermore, starch films containing solid nanoparticles exhibited superior thermal stability. This study innovatively prepared nano-scale palm oil-starch composite films and revealed the pivotal role of the viscoelastic attributes of semi-solid PO nanoparticles in enhancing the qualities of starch-based films
Influence of the Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion Project on the Spatiotemporal Distribution and Ecological Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments from Lake Caizi, China
No full textThe Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion (YHWD) project has raised concerns about balancing economic benefits and ecological impacts in Lake Caizi, a nationally protected wetland recognized by the World Wildlife Fund. To assess post-diversion contamination and ecological risks, seasonal variation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in surface sediments from Lake Caizi. Total PAH concentrations were 103–565 ng/g dw in the wet season, marginally exceeding the 97.1–526 ng/g dw observed in the dry season. The lowest levels occurred in the western sub-lake (Lake Xizi), showing marked declines relative to a decade ago, attributable to enhanced wastewater treatment, farmland-to-lake restoration, and a 10-year fishing ban. Conversely, PAH concentrations in the main lake, particularly the southeastern and northern sectors of the Caizi route, have increased, reflecting pollutant inflows from Zongyang County via the Yangtze River and accumulation driven by the diversion flows. The diagnostic ratio and positive matrix factorization model indicated biomass burning as the dominant PAH source in Lake Xizi across seasons. In contrast, PAH in the main lake were primarily derived from petroleum combustion and leakage, with coal combustion during the wet season shifting to coal combustion dominance in the dry season due to the seasonal halt of shipping activity. Although overall ecological risk remains low in Lake Caizi, localized hotspots near the Caizi routes and industrial zones pose moderate-to-high risks, necessitating continuous monitoring in the future
Nanosurface Energy Transfer: Principles, Biosensing Applications, and Future Prospects
No full textNanosurface energy transfer (NSET) has emerged as a pivotal mechanism in nanobiophotonics, facilitating the development of highly sensitive biosensors with extended dynamic ranges. Unlike conventional Förster resonance energy transfer, NSET exhibits an inverse fourth-power dependence on distance, enabling quantitative measurements over distances up to 40 nm. This review comprehensively explores the fundamental principles governing NSET, with particular emphasis on non-radiative coupling between fluorescent donors and metallic nanostructures such as gold nanoparticles. Additionally, the applications of these probes are surveyed across various bioanalytical domains, including nucleic acid assays, immunoassays, real-time intracellular monitoring, and various biomolecule detection. Additionally, the evolving integration of NSET, plasmonics, and nanophotonic architectures is discussed, focusing on emerging trends and the trajectory for developing next-generation, multiplexed, and point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Current challenges and prospective pathways for translating these advanced sensing systems into clinical and field-deployable solutions are also considered
Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Influencing Factors of Small-Town Shrinkage in Contiguous Mountainous Areas from a Multidimensional Perspective—A Case Study of 461 Small Towns in the 26 Mountainous Counties of Zhejiang Province
No full textUnder the dual driving forces of negative population growth and the cross-regional agglomeration of factors, the trend of urban shrinkage in China continues to intensify. This study examines 461 small towns in 26 mountainous counties of Zhejiang Province, constructing a multi-dimensional shrinkage identification model based on “population–economy–land use.” The spatiotemporal patterns of shrinkage were visualized using ArcGIS 10.8, while the driving factors were analyzed using the MGWR method. ① From 2010 to 2020, the shrinkage phenomenon in small towns across the 26 mountainous counties rapidly spread, with medium- and severe-shrinking towns increasing markedly, showing an irreversible trend. ② The spatial evolution pattern shows a phased characteristic, transitioning from “disordered scattered points” to “striped aggregation.” A “V”-shaped shrinkage belt formed along the “Kaihua–Jingning–Yongjia” axis, demonstrating strong spatial aggregation. ③ The shrinkage of small towns is driven by multiple factors. Rugged mountainous terrain constrains development, while urbanization and industrial restructuring, coupled with outmigration of young and middle-aged workers, accelerate aging and limit local specialty industries. Transportation, social services, and policy frameworks further influence shrinkage patterns. In response to the continuous shrinkage trend of small towns in mountainous areas, future efforts should adopt coordinated strategies such as smart shrinkage, industrial restructuring, and institutional innovation to achieve structural and systemic reshaping
Cross-Property Relations for Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites
No full textContinuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CFRCMCs) are extensively applied in high-temperature fields such as aerospace, energy, and transportation due to their superior mechanical and thermal properties. The explicit and numerical cross-property relations of CFRCMCs are established by integrating a generalized self-consistent scheme, effective-medium conduction models, and finite element analysis. The results reveal that CFRCMCs with a fixed fiber–interphase volume ratio exhibit nearly linear cross-property relations. While the random distribution and diameter of fibers have minimal effects on these relations, a decrease in interphase properties causes the cross-property curves to shift downward. The cross-property relation surfaces for CFRCMCs with varying fiber–interphase volume ratios are validated through finite element analysis. In summary, cross-property relations in CFRCMCs facilitate the prediction of challenging-to-measure physical properties from more readily accessible parameters, substantially simplifying material characterization. This methodology not only optimizes experimental workflows but also delivers a rigorous theoretical framework for multiphysics applications, particularly in extreme thermo-mechanical environments where coupled properties are critical to performance
Conservative Treatment in Stress Urinary Incontinence—Narrative Literature Review
No full textBackground: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common subtype of urinary incontinence in women and significantly their affects quality of life. Aim: The aim of this study was to summarize the current evidence about conservative (non-surgical) treatments for female SUI and outline their clinical applicability. Material and methods: A narrative review was performed using structured research involving medical databases over the last 15 years, including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and key guidelines regarding pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), electrical and tibial nerve stimulation, acupuncture, pharmacological therapies, local estrogen, pessaries and bulking agents. Results: PFMT represents the primary first-line therapy, with strongest evidence for reducing leakage episodes and improving quality of life when performed correctly and consistently. Other conservative options (electrical and tibial nerve stimulation, acupuncture, duloxetine, local vaginal estrogen, pessaries and bulking agents) may be efficient for selected patients, but generally they have a weaker or more heterogeneous evidence base. They are considered adjuncts or tailored alternatives when PFMT alone is insufficient, not feasible or not accepted. Conclusions: Conservative management, centered on PFMT, should be offered as initial treatment to most women with mild to moderate SUI, with additional modalities being used selectively according to symptom profile, comorbidities and patient preference. A stepwise, individualized approach can control symptoms in many women and may delay or avoid surgical therapy