High summer temperatures pose numerous challenges to the oil and gas recovery process in oil depots, including reduced adsorption tank recovery rates and decreased absorption tower desorption efficiency. This paper introduces a coupling design approach that integrates chemical process design with computational fluid dynamics simulation. The proposed approach is then utilized to investigate the optimal design and performance of the heat exchanger within the oil depot’s oil and gas recovery system. First, according to the given process design parameters, the heat exchanger is preliminary designed to determine the required heat exchange area and heat load. Based on the preliminary design results, a detailed design is carried out, resulting in the following calculations: the hot fluid has inlet and outlet temperatures of 40 °C and 29.52 °C, respectively, with an outlet flow velocity of 9.89 m/s. The cold fluid exhibits inlet and outlet temperatures of 25 °C and 26.98 °C, respectively, with an outlet flow velocity of 0.06 m/s. The specific structure and dimensions of the heat exchanger are determined, including the shell type, pipe specifications, and pipe length. Finally, CFD numerical simulation is utilized to analyze the flow field, velocity field, and pressure field within the designed heat exchanger. The calculations reveal the following findings: the hot fluid exhibited inlet and outlet temperatures of 40 °C and 29.54 °C, respectively, along with an outlet flow velocity of 9.94 m/s. On the other hand, the cold fluid shows inlet and outlet temperatures of 25 °C and 26.39 °C, respectively, with an outlet flow velocity of 0.061 m/s. The results show that the chemical process design and CFD numerical simulation results are consistent and can be mutually verified. The designed heat exchanger can efficiently cool oil and gas from 40 °C to 30 °C, and the oil and gas processing capacity can reach 870 m³/h, which is conducive to realizing the goals of energy saving, environmental protection, and safety. Full article

In the contemporary university environment, there is a growing trend towards the use of innovative pedagogical methods aimed at increasing student engagement and learner-centeredness. Despite this shift, traditional lecture formats continue to be used, particularly in large classes or language courses. This is largely due to the perceived efficiency and convenience of the traditional lecture format for both teachers and students. However, the limited interaction and communication inherent in traditional lectures can hinder student satisfaction and participation. To address this, the integration of an instant response system (IRS) into the classroom environment offers a promising solution. These systems, which leverage technology and anonymity, facilitate real-time feedback and active student participation without placing a significant burden on the instructor. This study examines the implementation of IRSs in Hindi language learning courses at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, focusing on their impact on student satisfaction, engagement, and self-efficacy at different levels of academic achievement. The findings reveal nuanced differences in perceptions and outcomes between high, average, and low achievers, highlighting the potential of IRSs to foster engagement and communication in diverse learner cohorts. Contrary to expectations, satisfaction levels did not consistently correlate with academic performance. In fact, middle achievers showed significant benefits. Qualitative findings further elucidate students’ experiences and highlight the importance of tailored approaches to maximize the effectiveness of IRSs. Overall, this research highlights the adaptability and effectiveness of IRSs in promoting active learning environments, and offers valuable implications for instructional design and pedagogical practice. Full article

Inchworm piezoelectric actuators have attracted much attention in the field of precision positioning due to the advantages of a large stroke, high output force, and high resolution. However, traditional inchworm piezoelectric actuators use two sets of clamps and a set of drive structures to achieve stepping motion, which generally requires at least three piezoelectric stacks, resulting in a complex structure and the control system. Several methodologies have been advanced to minimize the utilization of piezoelectric stacks. However, there still exists the issue of excessive volume. Therefore, an inchworm piezoelectric actuator with a single-clamp and single drive structure is proposed in the study, which provides a compact size and smaller volume. The clamping mechanism comprises two sets of clamping feet with opposite displacement, which alternate contact with the guide frame and adjustable plate to ensure that the clamping mechanism always has frictional force and accomplishes the stepping motion. The testing of the actuator’s step distance, output force, and other parameters was conducted utilizing a displacement sensor. Experimental results indicate that the actuator achieved a maximum speed of 174.3 μm/s and an output force of 8.6 N when the frequency and voltage were 19 Hz and 150 V. Full article

Interactions between urban and wildfire pollution emissions are active areas of research, with numerous aircraft field campaigns and satellite analyses of wildfire pollution being conducted in recent years. Several studies have found that elevated ozone and particulate pollution levels are both generally associated with wildfire smoke in urban areas. We measured pollutant concentrations at two Utah Division of Air Quality regulatory air quality observation sites and a local hot spot (a COVID-19 testing site) within a 48 h period of increasing wildfire smoke impacts that occurred in Salt Lake City, UT (USA) between 20 and 22 August 2020. The wildfire plume, which passed through the study area during an elevated ozone period during the summer, resulted in increased criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas concentrations. Methane (CH₄) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) increased at comparable rates, and increased NO_x led to more ozone. The nitrogen oxide/ozone (NO_x/O₃) cycle was clearly demonstrated throughout the study period, with NO_x titration reducing nighttime ozone. These findings help to illustrate how the compounding effects of urban emissions and exceptional pollution events, such as wildfires, may pose substantial health risks. This preliminary case study supports conducting an expanded, longer-term study on the interactions of variable intensity wildfire smoke plumes on urban air pollution exposure, in addition to the subsequent need to inform health and risk policy in these complex systems. Full article

Humping is a common defect in direct energy deposition processes that reduces the geometric integrity of printed products. The available literature on humping detection is deemed reactive, as they focus on detecting late-stage melt pool spatial abnormalities. Therefore, this work introduces a novel, proactive indicator designed to detect early-stage spatiotemporal abnormalities. Specifically, the proposed indicator monitors the variability of instantaneous melt pool solidification-front speed (VIMPS). The solidification front dynamics quantify the intensity of cyclic melt pool elongation induced by early-stage humping. VIMPS tracks the solidification front dynamics based on the variance in the melt pool infrared radiations. Qualitative and quantitive analysis of the collected infrared data confirms VIMPS’s utility in reflecting the intricate humping-induced dynamics and defects. Experimental results proved VIMPS’ proactivity. By capturing early spatiotemporal abnormalities, VIMPS predicted humping by up to 10 s before any significant geometric defects. In contrast, current spatial abnormality-based methods failed to detect humping until 20 s after significant geometric defects had occurred. VIMPS’ proactive detection capabilities enable effective direct energy deposition control, boosting the process’s productivity and quality. Full article

Lakes are threatened by contemporary climate change and human activities. Paleohydrological records provide important evidence for developing scenarios for future changes in the availability of freshwater resources. This study presents a synthesis of a sedimentological, archeological, and chronological dataset collected from Lake Annecy (eastern France) to reconstruct a lake-level record documenting the whole Holocene. This dataset shows a pronounced minimum in the lake level during the Holocene thermal maximum (HTM) (ca. 9000–7000 cal BP), preceded by a general lowering trend (early Holocene), and followed by a general rising trend (Neoglacial). On both the millennial and centennial scales, the Lake Annecy record appears to match the regional pattern of Holocene lake-level fluctuations established for West-Central Europe. In agreement with other extra-regional paleoclimatic records, it shows the dominant influence of orbital forcing. The high magnitude of the lake-level lowering (more than 5 m) during the HTM, with a 2–2.5 °C difference between the HTM and the pre-industrial mean summer temperatures, suggests possible drastic lake-level lowering phases in the near future depending on the IPCC scenarios following climate change. This would mean dramatic impacts on human activities and the preservation of exceptional archeological remains in regional lake basins. Full article

This paper introduces and explores the dynamics of a novel three-dimensional (3D) fractional map with hidden dynamics. The map is constructed through the integration of a discrete sinusoidal memristive into a discrete Duffing map. Moreover, a mathematical operator, namely, a fractional variable-order Caputo-like difference operator, is employed to establish the fractional form of the map with short memory. The numerical simulation results highlight its excellent dynamical behavior, revealing that the addition of the piecewise fractional order makes the memristive-based Duffing map even more chaotic. It is characterized by distinct features, including the absence of an equilibrium point and the presence of multiple hidden chaotic attractors. Full article

The observation of the phytoplankton distribution with a high spatiotemporal resolution is necessary to track the nutrient sources that cause algal blooms and to understand their behavior in response to hydraulic phenomena. Photography from UAVs, which has an excellent temporal and spatial resolution, is an effective method to obtain water quality information comprehensively. In this study, we attempted to develop a method for estimating the chlorophyll concentration from aerial images using machine learning that considers brightness correction based on insolation and the spatial distribution of turbidity evaluated by satellite image analysis. The reflectance of harmful algae bloom (HAB) was different from that of phytoplankton seen under normal conditions; so, the images containing HAB were the causes of error in the estimation of the chlorophyll concentration. First, the images when the bloom occurred were extracted by the discrimination with machine learning. Then, the other images were used for the regression of the concentration. Finally, the coefficient of determination between the estimated chlorophyll concentration when no bloom occurred by the image analysis and the observed value reached 0.84. The proposed method enables the detailed depiction of the spatial distribution of the chlorophyll concentration, which contributes to the improvement in water quality management in reservoirs. Full article

Since the publication of the seminal work People and Pixels: Linking Remote Sensing and the Social Sciences, the call to “socialize the pixel” and “pixelize the social” has gone largely unheeded from a truly participatory research context. Instead, participatory remote sensing has primarily involved ground truthing to verify remote sensing observations and/or participatory mapping methods to complement remotely sensed data products. However, the recent proliferation of relatively low-cost, ready-to-fly small unoccupied aerial systems (sUAS), colloquially known as drones, may be changing this trajectory. sUAS may provide a means for community participation in all aspects of the photogrammetric/remote sensing process, from mission planning and data acquisition to data processing and analysis. We present an overview of the present state of so-called participatory sUAS through a comprehensive literature review of recent English-language journal articles. This is followed by an overview of our own experiences with the use of sUAS in a multi-year participatory research project in an agroecological system encompassing a tri-county/tri-state region in the Southern Great Plains, USA. We conclude with a discussion of opportunities and challenges associated with our experience. Full article

This manuscript explores the interdisciplinary integration of quantum dot–hydrogel composites and smart materials and their applications across a spectrum of fields, including biomedical engineering, environmental sensing, and energy harvesting. It covers the synthesis of novel materials like fluorescent hydrogel nanocomposites that display enhanced chemical stability, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance, highlighting their utility in environmental monitoring and catalysis. In the biomedical sector, innovations include hydrogel composites for targeted drug delivery and advanced therapies such as photothermal DNA hydrogels for tumor treatment. This review also discusses the application of these materials in imaging, diagnostics, and the development of smart sensors capable of detecting various biological and environmental changes. Its scope further extends to optoelectronics and the design of energy-efficient systems, underscoring the versatile functionalities of hydrogels in modern technological applications. Challenges remain in scaling up these technologies for commercial use and ensuring their long-term stability and safety, necessitating future research focused on sustainable, scalable solutions that can be integrated into existing systems. Full article

Diverse larval habitats significantly influence female mosquito oviposition. Utilizing traps that simulate these habitats is helpful in the study of the bioecology and characteristics of pathogen-transmitting species during oviposition. This study evaluated the feasibility of different traps in natural environments by comparing sampling methods and detecting the oviposition of epidemiologically important mosquitoes, with emphasis on Haemagogus species, in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Monthly collections were conducted from March 2021 to October 2023 using four types of traps: plastic containers, tires, bamboo, and sapucaia. Immatures were collected from these traps using a pipette, placed in plastic bags, and transported to the laboratory. Tire was the most efficient trap, showing the highest mosquito abundance (n = 1239) and number of species (S = 11). Conversely, the plastic container trap exhibited the lowest diversity (H = 0.43), with only two species and a low mosquito abundance (n = 26). The bamboo trap captured six species and recorded the second-highest diversity index (H = 1.04), while the sapucaia trap captured five species and had the third-highest diversity index (H = 0.91). Of the total immatures collected, 1817 reached adulthood, comprising 13 species, two of which are vectors of the sylvatic yellow fever virus: Haemagogus leucocelaenus and Haemagogus janthinomys. In conclusion, detecting key vectors of the sylvatic yellow fever virus in Brazil highlights the need for ongoing entomological and epidemiological surveillance in the study area and its vicinity. These efforts are crucial for monitoring vector presence and activity, identifying potential transmission hotspots, and devising effective control and prevention strategies. Full article

The complex structure, chemical composition, and biomechanical properties of craniofacial cartilaginous structures make them challenging to reconstruct. Autologous grafts have limited tissue availability and can cause significant donor-site morbidity, homologous grafts often require immunosuppression, and alloplastic grafts may have high rates of infection or displacement. Furthermore, all these grafting techniques require a high level of surgical skill to ensure that the reconstruction matches the original structure. Current research indicates that additive manufacturing shows promise in overcoming these limitations. Autologous stem cells have been developed into cartilage when exposed to the appropriate growth factors and culture conditions, such as mechanical stress and oxygen deprivation. Additive manufacturing allows for increased precision when engineering scaffolds for stem cell cultures. Fine control over the porosity and structure of a material ensures adequate cell adhesion and fit between the graft and the defect. Several recent tissue engineering studies have focused on the trachea, nose, and ear, as these structures are often damaged by congenital conditions, trauma, and malignancy. This article reviews the limitations of current reconstructive techniques and the new developments in additive manufacturing for tracheal, nasal, and auricular cartilages. Full article

In this article, we examine variational inequalities of the form $\left\{\begin{array}{c}⟨\mathcal{A}\left(u\right),v-u⟩+⟨\mathcal{F}\left(u\right),v-u⟩\ge 0,\forall v\in K\hfill \\ u\in K,\hfill \end{array}\right.$, where $\mathcal{A}$ is a generalized fractional Φ-Laplace operator, K is a closed convex set in a fractional Musielak–Orlicz–Sobolev space, and $\mathcal{F}$ is a multivalued integral operator. We consider a functional analytic framework for the above problem, including conditions on the multivalued lower order term $\mathcal{F}$ such that the problem can be properly formulated in a fractional Musielak–Orlicz–Sobolev space, and the involved mappings have certain useful monotonicity–continuity properties. Furthermore, we investigate the existence of solutions contingent upon certain coercivity conditions. Full article

This work introduces a neuromorphic sensor (NS) based on force-sensing resistors (FSR) and spiking neurons for robotic systems. The proposed sensor integrates the FSR in the schematic of the spiking neuron in order to make the sensor generate spikes with a frequency that depends on the applied force. The performance of the proposed sensor is evaluated in the control of a SMA-actuated robotic finger by monitoring the force during a steady state when the finger pushes on a tweezer. For comparison purposes, we performed a similar evaluation when the SNN received input from a widely used compression load cell (CLC). The results show that the proposed FSR-based neuromorphic sensor has very good sensitivity to low forces and the function between the spiking rate and the applied force is continuous, with good variation range. However, when compared to the CLC, the response of the NS follows a logarithmic-like function with improved sensitivity for small forces. In addition, the power consumption of NS is 128 µW that is 270 times lower than that of the CLC which needs 3.5 mW to operate. These characteristics make the neuromorphic sensor with FSR suitable for bioinspired control of humanoid robotics, representing a low-power and low-cost alternative to the widely used sensors. Full article

Woodpeckers exhibit selectivity when choosing tree cavities for nest development in forest ecosystems, and fungi play a significant and important role in this ecological process. Therefore, there is a complex and intricate relationship between the various behaviors of woodpeckers and the occurrence of fungal species. Research into the complex bond between fungi and woodpeckers was undertaken to provide more information about this remarkable ecological relationship. Through the process of line transect sampling, woodpecker traces were searched for, and mist nets were set up to capture them. A total of 21 woodpeckers belonging to four species were captured. High-throughput sequencing of the ITS region was performed on fungal-conserved samples to enable an in-depth analysis of the fungal communities linked to the woodpeckers’ nests. Members of Ascomycota were the most abundant in the samples, accounting for 91.96% of the total, demonstrating the importance of this group in the forest ecosystem of this station. The statistical results indicate significant differences in the fungal diversity carried by woodpeckers among the different groups. Species of Cladosporium were found to be the most prevalent of all the detected fungal genera, accounting for 49.3%. The top 15 most abundant genera were Cladosporium, Trichoderma, Beauveria, Epicococcum, Hypoxylon, Penicillium, Nigrospora, Aspergillus, Oidiodendron, Cercospora, Talaromyces, Phialemo-nium, Petriella, Cordyceps, and Sistotrema. The standard Bray–Curtis statistical technique was used in a hierarchical clustering analysis to compute inter-sample distances, allowing for the identification of patterns and correlations within the dataset. We discovered that in the grouped samples from woodpeckers, there were differences in the diversity of fungal communities carried by four woodpecker species, but the less dominant fungal species were still similar. The findings highlight the need to consider these diverse ecological linkages in woodpecker research and conservation efforts. Full article

This study explores how financial development and openness influence the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies. An analysis of data from about 100 countries between 1980 and 2018 reveals that both financial openness and development weaken the impact of monetary and fiscal policies. Our results further show that financial development in a country diminishes policy effectiveness depending on the country’s level of financial development; specifically, the more developed a country, the less effective the policies would be. Additionally, through a detailed examination employing a dynamic panel GMM approach, the study investigates the global repercussions of economic downturns in the US and how financial maturity shapes policy effectiveness during these times. We also discuss some policy implications that show that the positive impacts of monetary policy on output growth are lessened during crisis periods, and policymakers should act accordingly. Full article

This article explores the significance of Bitcoin halving events within the cryptocurrency ecosystem and their impact on market dynamics. While the existing literature addresses the periods before and after Bitcoin halving, as well as financial bubbles, there is an absence of forecasting regarding Bitcoin price in the time after halving. To address this gap and provide predictions of Bitcoin price development, we conducted a rigorous analysis of past halving events in 2012, 2016, and 2020, focusing on Bitcoin price behaviour before and after each occurrence. What interests us is not only the change in the price level of Bitcoins (top and bottom), but also when this turn occurs. Through synthesizing data and trends from previous events, this article aims to uncover patterns and insights that illuminate the impact of Bitcoin halving on market dynamics and sustainability, movement of the price level, the peaks reached, and price troughs. Our approach involved employing methods such as RSI, MACD, and regression analysis. We looked for the relationship between the price of Bitcoin (top and bottom) and the number of days after the halving. We have uncovered a mathematical model, according to which the next peak will be reached 19 months (in November 2025) and the trough 31 months after Bitcoin halving 2024 (in November 2026). Looking towards the future, this study estimates predictions and expectations for the upcoming Bitcoin halving. These discoveries significantly enhance our understanding of Bitcoin’s trajectory and its implications for the finance cryptocurrency market. By offering novel insights into cryptocurrency market dynamics, this study contributes to advancing knowledge in the field and provides valuable information for cryptocurrency markets, investors, and stakeholders. Full article

This scoping review synthesizes the evidence from eleven key studies to assess the impact of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) on regional development across the European Union (EU), focusing on fund efficiency, regional disparities and convergence, governance quality, economic freedom, and fund management. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases to identify the relevant literature published up to 2023. Eleven studies were selected based on the date published and their focus on ESIFs’ role in regional development, employing a range of methodological approaches including Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), spatial econometrics, and multivariate analyses. The thematic analysis identified four main categories: Methodological Approaches in Evaluating Fund Efficiency, Regional Disparities and Convergence, The Interconnection between Governance Quality, Economic Freedom, and the Efficiency of Structural Fund Management, and The Absorption Capacity and Fund Management. The review highlights the importance of sophisticated analytical tools in evaluating fund efficiency, with DEA and spatial econometrics providing critical insights into fund management efficiency. Studies underscored the nuanced efficacy of ESIFs in reducing regional disparities, albeit pointing to the need for more targeted fund allocation. Governance quality and economic freedom emerged as pivotal factors enhancing fund management efficiency, suggesting the potential of governance reforms in optimizing ESIF allocation and utilization. Challenges related to fund absorption and management were illuminated, advocating for enhanced institutional management capabilities and the development of innovative performance indicators. The findings of this scoping review contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding ESIFs’ impact on regional development within the EU. They underscore the critical importance of governance quality, economic freedom, methodological rigor, and strategic fund allocation in enhancing the effectiveness of ESIFs. The review calls for tailored policy interventions and the integration of national and European funding strategies to maximize the impact of these programs on regional development and SME support. Future research should continue to refine these methodological approaches and explore the causal effects of funding, to enhance our understanding of ESIFs’ efficiency in promoting regional development and convergence within the European Union. Full article

Fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) is an emerging and rapidly advancing group of interventions designed to improve outcomes for fetuses with cardiovascular disease. Currently, FCI is comprised of pharmacologic therapies (e.g., trans-placental antiarrhythmics for fetal arrhythmia), open surgical procedures (e.g., surgical resection of pericardial teratoma), and catheter-based procedures (e.g., fetal aortic valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis). This review focuses on the rationale, criteria for inclusion, technical details, and current outcomes of the three most frequently performed catheter-based FCI procedures: (1) aortic valvuloplasty for critical aortic stenosis (AS) associated with evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), (2) atrial septal intervention for HLHS with severely restrictive or intact atrial septum (R/IAS), and (3) pulmonary valvuloplasty for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). Full article

Management of breeding stallions is crucial to equine reproduction. The longevity of the breeding career is the ultimate objective, whether the stallion is used for natural cover or for semen collection and artificial insemination. Stud farm veterinarians should be aware of the techniques used to evaluate testicular function and the diagnostic approach to testicular disorders in cases of emergency. This paper presents the clinical methods used to evaluate testicular health, including palpation, ultrasonography, biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration. The discussion of testicular disorders is broken down into four categories: congenital disorders (cryptorchidism, monorchidism, and testicular hypoplasia), differential diagnosis of scrotal enlargement, differential diagnosis of causes of progressive testicular enlargement, and differential diagnosis of testicular asymmetry or reduction in size with an emphasis on testicular degeneration. The sudden increase in testicular size is often accompanied by severe clinical signs and is a major cause for referral of stallion for surgery. Testicular disorders are illustrated with clinical cases seen by the authors. Full article

Smoking is a pathogenic factor for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our previous study showed that serum miR-21 levels are elevated in smokers. miR-21 is considered as engaged in the PH process; however, its mechanisms remain unclear. In this investigation, we found that in the lung tissue of smoking-induced PH patients, the levels of miR-21 and aging markers (p21 and p16) were upregulated, and the function of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells was also impaired. Exposure of mice to cigarette smoke (CS) for four months caused similar changes in lung tissues and increased pulmonary arterial pressure, which were attenuated by knockout of miR-21. Further, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) revealed upregulation of miR-21 levels, depression of PTEN, activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, an increase in senescence indexes, and enhanced dysfunction. Inhibiting miR-21 overexpression reversed the PTEN-mTOR signaling pathway and prevented senescence and dysfunction of HUVECs. In sum, our data indicate that miR-21-mediated endothelial senescence and dysfunction are involved in CS-induced PH through the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, which suggests that selective miR-21 inhibition offers the potential to attenuate PH. Full article

During the fermentation process of Oolong tea, significant changes occur in both its external characteristics and its internal components. This study aims to determine the fermentation degree of Oolong tea using visible–near–infrared spectroscopy (vis-VIS-NIR) and image processing. The preprocessed vis-VIS-NIR spectral data are fused with image features after sequential projection algorithm (SPA) feature selection. Subsequently, traditional machine learning and deep learning classification models are compared, with the support vector machine (SVM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) models yielding the highest prediction rates among traditional machine learning models and deep learning models with 97.14% and 95.15% in the prediction set, respectively. The results indicate that VIS-NIR combined with image processing possesses the capability for rapid non-destructive online determination of the fermentation degree of Oolong tea. Additionally, the predictive rate of traditional machine learning models exceeds that of deep learning models in this study. This study provides a theoretical basis for the fermentation of Oolong tea. Full article