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Performance of a two-body wave energy converter with an annular heave plate
No full textWe theoretically examine the performance of a two-body wave energy converter (WEC) featuring a floating sphere and a submerged annular heave plate, connected by a power take-off (PTO) system. Utilising linear wave theory, we derive the system\u27s frequency-domain response to regular plane waves and analyse the impact of varying disk porosity on power generation. Our results suggest that annular disks can enhance power extraction efficiency in various cases compared with solid heave plates. Additionally, permeable plates can broaden operational conditions by reducing oscillation amplitudes and decreasing the mechanical strain on the PTO system without substantially compromising the power conversion efficiency. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights for optimising WEC designs to improve energy capture, emphasising the potential hydrodynamic advantages of using porous reaction bodies
The Democratic Administration of Government
No full textIt appears that the public mood currently favors limiting Big Government, in some cases to the point of eliminating the government role altogether in economic and social life. This devaluation of government and its role in guiding social reform, in academia and in media, 1 has been spurred on by Ronald Reagan, who has strangulated regulatory programs, centralized power in a small White House clique of elite decision-makers, and disenfranchised well trained civil service workers. Anti-government ideology looms large and is, indeed, a serious mistake
Keynote: The Real Power of Networking
No full textRegistration here: https://mtu.libcal.com/event/1543227
Real-Time Drone-Based Snow Detection for PV Systems Using Robust Lightweight Deep Learning Models
No full textThe widespread deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology across diverse geographical regions, including cold and snowy climates, introduces distinct operational challenges. One of the most critical among these challenges is snow accumulation on PV panels, significantly hindering energy production efficiency [1]. Snow acts as a physical barrier, obstructing sunlight and preventing photons from reaching the active surface of the solar cells, thereby curtailing or completely halting electricity production. Therefore, timely snow shedding is crucial to restoring optimal energy generation and minimizing energy losses. Studies have shown that delayed snow removal can lead to energy losses of up to 34% [2]. Conventional approaches, such as manual visual inspections and fixed-camera systems [ 3 - 5 ], are often impractical, particularly for large-scale solar farms spanning vast areas. Manual inspections are inefficient and risky, often delaying snow-related energy loss detection, emphasizing the need for automated, data-driven monitoring systems. In our previous work [6] , we introduced a lightweight snow detection algorithm based on YOLOv11n, which analyzed drone imagery and achieved a precision of 0.93 and a recall of 0.75. This algorithm enabled the estimation of Snow Coverage Percentage (SCP), a critical metric for optimizing snow shedding strategies, reducing operational downtime, and enhancing overall energy yield. However, a key limitation of this real-time method lies in its reliance on a static pixel intensity threshold, making it vulnerable to inaccuracies under low-light or uneven lighting conditions. As a result, SCP predictions may be unreliable during dawn, dusk, or overcast weather, leading to potential misclassifications
“Our Silence Will Be More Powerful Than Words Could Be”: The Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument, Archaeology, and Commemorative Authority
No full textIn 2016, the Illinois Labor History Society invited archaeologists to help locate an 1892 time capsule at the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in Forest Home Cemetery near Chicago. The monument marks the burial site of seven men convicted after the 1886 Haymarket bombing. Historic and contemporary cemetery visitation and the deposit of meaningful artifacts produce a lively and dynamic landscape of commemoration and memory. Although the excavation uncovered many of these commemorative artifacts, popular focus remained on recovering the capsule for its symbolic link to labor history. Tensions between best archaeological practices and desires of labor activists for the material relics of Haymarket became paramount and led us to rethink the ways these highly emotional and significant collaborations might be understood. We examine the sustained interest in Haymarket’s foundational moment in labor history and its commemorative landscape, with attention to the stories activists tell, the silences archaeology reveals, and the forms of solidarity forged through community-led archaeological practice
Biodegradable Synthetic Graft with Sustained Hydrogen Sulfide Release Promotes Endothelial Cell Growth
No full textHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that possesses multiple pathological and physiological functions, including anti-inflammation, anti-thrombosis, anti-calcification, inhibition of intimal hyperplasia, and promotion of angiogenesis. Therefore, we aim to design an H2S-releasing resorbable synthetic graft that utilizes the therapeutic benefits of the H2S to modulate the graft regeneration. To ease fabrication of the H2S-releasing graft, we have designed a pair of functional polyesters that are electrospinnable and photocurable to form an elastic fibrous conduit. The conduit bears free thiol groups that are conjugated with a methacrylated H2S donor through thiol-ene click chemistry to form an H2S-releasing graft. The graft can sustainably release H2S over ∼12 days in vitro. Differing from prior designs, the H2S-releasing graft simultaneously possesses key features of a robust elasticity, and suitable mechanical properties, degradation rate and porosity. At the proof-of-concept stage, we examined the H2S stimulation on endothelial cell growth using the graft with a low H2S releasing rate. The results demonstrated that the graft with sustained H2S release could significantly promote endothelial cell growth in vitro. This work paved the way for in vivo evaluation of the H2S-releasing graft
Tracing priming effects in palsa peat carbon dynamics using a stable isotope-assisted metabolomics approach
Get PDFIntroduction: Peatlands store up to a third of global soil carbon, and in high latitudes their litter inputs are increasing and changing in composition under climate change. Although litter significantly influences peatland carbon and nutrient dynamics by changing the overall lability of peatland organic matter, the physicochemical mechanisms of this impact—and thus its full scope—remain poorly understood. Methods: We applied multimodal metabolomics (UPLC-HRMS, 1H NMR) paired with 13C Stable Isotope-Assisted Metabolomics (SIAM) to track litter carbon and its potential priming effects on both existing soil organic matter and carbon gas emissions. Through this approach, we achieved molecule-specific tracking of carbon transformations at unprecedented detail. Results: Our analysis revealed several key findings about carbon dynamics in palsa peat. Microbes responded rapidly to litter addition, producing a short-term increase in CO2 emissions, fueled nearly exclusively by transformations of litter carbon. Litter inputs significantly contributed to the organic nitrogen pool through amino acids and peptide derivatives, which served as readily accessible nutrient sources for microbial communities. We traced the fate of plant-derived polyphenols including flavonoids like rutin, finding evidence of their degradation through heterocyclic C-ring fission, while accumulation of some polyphenols suggested their role in limiting overall decomposition. The SIAM approach detected subtle molecular changes indicating minimal and transient priming activity that was undetectable through conventional gas measurements alone. This transient response was characterized by brief microbial stimulation followed by rapid return to baseline metabolism. Pre-existing peat organic matter remained relatively stable; significant priming of its consumption was not observed, nor was its structural alteration. Discussion: This suggests that while litter inputs temporarily increase CO2 emissions, they don’t sustain long-term acceleration of stored carbon decomposition or substantially decrease peat’s carbon store capacity. Our findings demonstrate how technological advancements in analytical tools can provide a more detailed view of carbon cycling processes in complex soil systems
Communicating wastewater-based surveillance data to drive action
Get PDFAs exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) can deliver near real-time, population-level pathogen data to guide public health action. Its impact, however, hinges on timely, transparent, and context-specific communication to stakeholders, including health authorities, policymakers, scientists, clinicians, and the public. This review examines current WBS communication practices, identifies persistent challenges, and proposes strategies to enhance relevance. Key challenges include data complexity, lack of standardised communication frameworks, ethical and privacy concerns, and variable stakeholder capabilities. The strategic use of digital platforms, such as dashboards, reports, press releases, and social media, alongside traditional media, can broaden reach and aid interpretation. Rapid, accurate, and empathetic communication is essential during health crises to maintain trust and counter misinformation. Standardised messaging, simplified data visualisations, and integration with clinical surveillance systems enhance credibility and usability. Strengthening cross-sector collaboration, improving data interpretation, and translating findings into actionable insights are essential to maximising the public health benefits of WBS. Immediate efforts should prioritise building globally coordinated, adaptive communication networks that can evolve alongside surveillance technologies and emerging health threats. Overall, the review underscores the key role of strategic communication in advancing WBS for global health preparedness and optimising public health actions
RISK OF OAK WILT EXPANDING NORTHWARD: EXAMINING NITIDULIDAE VECTOR COMMUNITIES AND HOST PHENOLOGY BEYOND THE CURRENT DISEASE RANGE
No full textOak wilt is a fatal fungal pathogen to oak trees, caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum. This fungus targets oak species (Quercus spp.), where members of the red oak group (sect. Lobatae) are at greatest risk of mortality. Oak wilt is widespread throughout the eastern United States, currently present in 24 states. Recently in 2023, oak wilt was detected in trees for the first time in Canada. Although removed from the locations of the first Canadian detections, there is continual concern that the range of oak wilt is at risk for expansion northward. This is further evident due to the detections in Ontario, Canada, and by recent detections in 2024 in Upper Michigan, USA, in Marquette County. Pruning and harvest restrictions are currently in place from April 15th to July 15th in Michigan to reduce the risk of overland disease spread by the nitidulid vector beetles (Nitidulidae: Coleoptera), which are attracted to fresh wounds on susceptible oak trees. These current recommendations are based on growing degree days, which influence nitidulid flight activity and host tree conditions, with similar recommendations imposed in surrounding states (MN and WI) with oak wilt. To better understand the risk of oak wilt moving north, potential vector species behaviors with hosts and traps as well as forest stand environmental factors were assessed. We established a large collaborative sampling effort in the spring of 2023 and 2024 across 11 sites in Upper Michigan, Ontario, and New Brunswick, Canada. To assess the potential relationship between nitidulid activity in fresh wounds and variables such as spring bud phenology, nitidulids were collected in artificial oak wounds and baited flight traps to determine the timing of flight vs. wound entry, in addition to assess the communities of nitidulids found in fresh oak wounds (the most likely to be potential vectors) in areas north of the current disease range. In total, we collected almost 40,000 nitidulid beetles in wounds or traps between the two years across the wide geographic range of our study. Only two Nitidulidae species in neighboring states are confirmed as vectors that can carry the fungal spores and spread B. fagacearum to healthy trees. However, our research suggests that multiple species in different genera may be important vectors of the disease if it moves into northern regions. Additionally, a stronger relationship was observed between the timing of nitidulids entering wounds and spring bud phenology than with nitidulids entering baited flight traps. This suggests that bud break and spring host phenology may be a more precise time indicator when considering springtime transmission risk via overland spread. Models incorporating bud phenology in addition to growing degree days and site variables may provide the most accurate estimations for the timing of risk, allowing recommendations to be made for potential refinement of the high-risk period. These studies combined help us to be better prepared and understand the risks and factors associated with potential oak wilt transmission in areas north of the current disease range
Competency and Confidence in Qualitative Biomechanical Assessment of Exercise Technique Among Exercise Professionals
No full textPetushek, E, Breen, S, Myer, GD, Dupuis, BP, Dorgo, S, Ebben, W, and Krosshaug, T. Competency and confidence in qualitative biomechanical assessment of exercise technique among exercise professionals. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-Understanding resistance exercise technique is critical for exercise professionals, but research on this as a specific competency is lacking. This study evaluated resistance exercise technique analysis competency, confidence, and perceived importance in a diverse set of exercise professionals. A 30-question true/false and multiple-choice instrument was developed that focused on application of biomechanical principles to resistance exercises. Subsequently, instrument data were collected from 310 exercise professionals (e.g., personal trainers, strength coaches, physical therapists), and overall percentage of correct answers was calculated across the 30 questions. Perceived importance and confidence in abilities were also assessed. Overall scores were compared across occupation and years of experience using 1-way ANOVA and follow-up t-tests correcting for multiple comparisons. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare confidence and importance data. Overall percentage of correct answers was 50%. There were no significant differences in scores among exercise professionals or years of experience (p \u3e 0.05). Subjects were most confident in choosing appropriate exercises to target specific muscles (72%) and identifying poor technique (70%) and least confident about optimizing exercises to maximize activation (45%). About 97% of professionals expressed a desire to learn more about assessing resistance exercises. Exercise professionals in this cohort lacked knowledge in biomechanics related to resistance exercise, exercise prescription, assessment, and modification. Most exercise professionals believed these skills were very important and desired to learn more