In this paper, we present a novel approach referred to as the audio-based virtual landmark-based HoloSLAM. This innovative method leverages a single sound source and microphone arrays to estimate the voice-printed speaker’s direction. The system allows an autonomous robot equipped with a single microphone array to navigate within indoor environments, interact with specific sound sources, and simultaneously determine its own location while mapping the environment. The proposed method does not require multiple audio sources in the environment nor sensor fusion to extract pertinent information and make accurate sound source estimations. Furthermore, the approach incorporates Robotic Mixed Reality using Microsoft HoloLens to superimpose landmarks, effectively mitigating the audio landmark-related issues of conventional audio-based landmark SLAM, particularly in situations where audio landmarks cannot be discerned, are limited in number, or are completely missing. The paper also evaluates an active speaker detection method, demonstrating its ability to achieve high accuracy in scenarios where audio data are the sole input. Real-time experiments validate the effectiveness of this method, emphasizing its precision and comprehensive mapping capabilities. The results of these experiments showcase the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed system, surpassing the constraints associated with traditional audio-based SLAM techniques, ultimately leading to a more detailed and precise mapping of the robot’s surroundings. Full article

High-pressure pipelines are critical for transporting hazardous materials over long distances, but they face threats from third-party interference activities. Preventive measures are implemented, but interference accidents can still occur, making the need for high-quality detection strategies vital. This paper proposes an end-to-end Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) solution to detect potential interference threats in real time. The solution involves developing a smart visual sensor capable of processing images using state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms and transmitting alerts to pipeline operators in real time. The system’s core is based on the object-detection model (e.g., You Only Look Once version 4 (YOLOv4) and DETR with Improved deNoising anchOr boxes (DINO)), trained on a custom Pipeline Visual Threat Assessment (Pipe-VisTA) dataset. Among the trained models, DINO was able to achieve the best Mean Average Precision (mAP) of 71.2% for the unseen test dataset. However, for the deployment on a limited computational-ability edge computer (i.e., the NVIDIA Jetson Nano), the simpler and TensorRT-optimized YOLOv4 model was used, which achieved a mAP of 61.8% for the test dataset. The developed AIoT device captures the image using a camera, processes on the edge using the trained YOLOv4 model to detect the potential threat, transmits the threat alert to a Fleet Portal via LoRaWAN, and hosts the alert on a dashboard via a satellite network. The device has been fully tested in the field to ensure its functionality prior to deployment for the SEA Gas use-case. The AIoT smart solution has been deployed across the 10km stretch of the SEA Gas pipeline across the Murray Bridge section. In total, 48 AIoT devices and three Fleet Portals are installed to ensure the line-of-sight communication between the devices and portals. Full article

This paper presents the methodology of measuring chip temperature in the cutting zone in the rough milling of magnesium alloys. Infrared measurements are taken to determine the effect of variable cutting speed, feed per tooth, and depth of cut on the maximum temperature of chips. Thermal images of chip temperature for a generated collective frame and corresponding histograms are presented. Chip temperatures are presented in numerical terms as median and average values; maximum and minimum values; range; and standard deviation. Box plots are also shown for selected machining conditions. The problems arising during signal recording with a mean emissivity coefficient ε = 0.13, a value which is dedicated during machining magnesium alloys, are discussed in detail. Chip temperatures obtained in the tests do not exceed approx. 420 °C. Therefore, the dry rough milling process carried out with carbide tools with different blade geometries can be considered safe for a wide range of machining parameters. The proposed methodology of chip temperature measurement and result processing is a new and effective approach to safety assessment in the dry milling of magnesium alloys. Full article

We are investigating the existence of solutions to a system of two fractional $\mathfrak{q}$-difference equations containing fractional $\mathfrak{q}$-integral terms, subject to multi-point boundary conditions that encompass $\mathfrak{q}$-derivatives and fractional $\mathfrak{q}$-derivatives of different orders. In our main results, we rely on various fixed point theorems, such as the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative, the Schaefer fixed point theorem, the Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem for the sum of two operators, and the Banach contraction mapping principle. Finally, several examples are provided to illustrate our findings. Full article

Iron supplements are widely consumed. However, excess iron may accelerate intestinal tumorigenesis. To determine the effect of excess iron on intestinal tumor burden and protein expression changes between tumor and normal tissues, Apc^Min/+ mice were fed control (adequate) and excess iron (45 and 450 mg iron/kg diet, respectively; n = 9/group) for 10 wk. Tumor burden was measured, and two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in tumor and normal intestinal tissues. There was a significant increase (78.3%; p ≤ 0.05) in intestinal tumor burden (mm²/cm) with excess iron at wk 10. Of 980 analyzed protein spots, 69 differentially expressed (p ≤ 0.05) protein isoforms were identified, representing 55 genes. Of the isoforms, 56 differed (p ≤ 0.05) between tumor vs. normal tissues from the adequate iron group and 23 differed (p ≤ 0.05) between tumors from the adequate vs. excess iron. Differentially expressed proteins include those involved in cell integrity and adaptive response to reactive oxygen species (including, by gene ID: ANPEP, DPP7, ITGB1, PSMA1 HSPA5). Biochemical pathway analysis found that iron supplementation modulated four highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) functional networks. These findings enhance our understanding of interplay between dietary iron and intestinal tumorigenesis and may help develop more specific dietary guidelines regarding trace element intake. Full article

The role of rice genomics in breeding progress is becoming increasingly important. Deeper research into the rice genome will contribute to the identification and utilization of outstanding functional genes, enriching the diversity and genetic basis of breeding materials and meeting the diverse demands for various improvements. Here, we review the significant contributions of rice genomics research to breeding progress over the last 25 years, discussing the profound impact of genomics on rice-genome sequencing, functional-gene exploration, and novel breeding methods, and we provide valuable insights for future research and breeding practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: this systematic review aims to explore the efficacy and safety of the laparoscopic ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) as an emerging trend for addressing a type II endoleak following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases including Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. The search focused on articles reporting on the laparoscopic ligation of the IMA for the treatment of a type II endoleak post-EVAR. Data were extracted regarding study characteristics, patient demographics, technical success rates, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up results. Results: Our analysis included ten case studies and two retrospective cohort studies, comprising a total of 26 patients who underwent a laparoscopic ligation of the IMA between 2000 and 2023. The mean age of the cohort was 72.3 years, with a male predominance (92.3%). The mean AAA diameter at the time of intervention was 69.7 mm. The technique demonstrated a high technical success rate of 92.3%, with a mean procedure time of 118.4 min and minimal blood loss. The average follow-up duration was 19.9 months, with 73% of patients experiencing regression of the aneurysmal sac, and no reports of an IMA-related type II endoleak during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The laparoscopic ligation of the IMA for a type II endoleak following EVAR presents a promising, minimally invasive alternative with high technical success rates and favorable postoperative outcomes. Despite its potential advantages, including reduced contrast agent use and radiation exposure, its application remains limited to specialized centers. The findings suggest the need for further research in larger prospective studies to validate the effectiveness of this procedure and potentially broaden its clinical adoption. Full article

In order to enhance the matting performance in multi-person dynamic scenarios, we introduce a robust, real-time, high-resolution, and controllable human video matting method that achieves state of the art on all metrics. Unlike most existing methods that perform video matting frame by frame as independent images, we design a unified architecture using a controllable generation model to solve the problem of the lack of overall semantic information in multi-person video. Our method, called ControlMatting, uses an independent recurrent architecture to exploit temporal information in videos and achieves significant improvements in temporal coherence and detailed matting quality. ControlMatting adopts a mixed training strategy comprised of matting and a semantic segmentation dataset, which effectively improves the semantic understanding ability of the model. Furthermore, we propose a novel deep learning-based image filter algorithm that enforces our detailed augmentation ability on both matting and segmentation objectives. Our experiments have proved that prior information about the human body from the image itself can effectively combat the defect masking problem caused by complex dynamic scenarios with multiple people. Full article

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review aims to provide the first synthesis of observational and interventional studies on the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health in CCSs. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted for studies published between 1990 and July 2023 in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included observational and interventional studies examining the associations or effects of dietary factors on CVD incidence, cardiac dysfunction, or CVD risk factors in CCSs diagnosed before age 25 years. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria (nine observational and one interventional). Collectively, they comprised 3485 CCSs (male, 1734; female, 1751). The outcomes examined across observational studies included characteristics of obesity, diabetes biomarkers, hypertension indicators, dyslipidaemia biomarkers, and metabolic syndrome. The evidence suggested that greater adherence to healthy diets was associated with lower body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The 12-week lifestyle intervention study in childhood leukaemia survivors found no impact on obesity indicators. Conclusion: The review results indicate the potentially protective effects of healthy diets. However, the available research remains preliminary and limited, underscoring the need for more rigorous, adequately powered studies. Full article

In order to stop and reverse land degradation and curb the loss of biodiversity, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development proposes to combat desertification. In this paper, a fractional vegetation–water model in an arid flat environment is studied. The pattern behavior of the fractional model is much more complex than that of the integer order. We study the stability and Turing instability of the system, as well as the Hopf bifurcation of fractional order $\alpha$, and obtain the Turing region in the parameter space. According to the amplitude equation, different types of stationary mode discoveries can be obtained, including point patterns and strip patterns. Finally, the results of the numerical simulation and theoretical analysis are consistent. We find some novel fractal patterns of the fractional vegetation–water model in an arid flat environment. When the diffusion coefficient, d, changes and other parameters remain unchanged, the pattern structure changes from stripes to spots. When the fractional order parameter, $\beta$, changes, and other parameters remain unchanged, the pattern structure becomes more stable and is not easy to destroy. The research results can provide new ideas for the prevention and control of desertification vegetation patterns. Full article

New and valuable packaging materials, with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, have garnered attention in recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical characterization and biological activities of chitosan (CH)-based composite films with the incorporation of chestnut flower essential oil (CFEO). The composite films were prepared by the casting method and characterized in terms of structural, morphological, and mechanical properties via FT-IR, XRD, UV, SEM, AFM, and TGA. Antibacterial properties were investigated using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Calletotrichum musae. Antioxidant capabilities were measured by DPPH assay. The results proved the significantly increased water vapor permeability (WVP), heat resistance, and antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities of CH-CFEO films. The incorporation of CH and CFEO enhanced UV blocking, which made the film shield almost all UV light. Films with a tensile strength of 6.37 ± 0.41 MPa and an elongation at break of 22.57 ± 0.35% were obtained with 6 mg mL⁻¹ of CFEO. Subsequently, banana preservation experiments also confirmed that the composite films could effectively extend shelf life through reducing weight loss. These desirable performances enable our newly developed composite films to be a remarkable packaging material to become alternatives to traditional petroleum-based food-packaging materials and solve the fresh fruit preservation dilemma. Full article

Interactions between wave energy converters (WECs) can significantly affect the overall energy-harnessing performance of a wave park. Although large-size wave parks with many WEC units are commonly considered in practical applications, it is challenging to simulate such parks due to huge computational costs. This paper presents a numerical model that uses the boundary element method (BEM) to simulate wave parks. Each wave energy converter (WEC) was modelled as a comprehensive system, including WEC buoys, power take-off, and mooring systems, with hydrodynamic interactions included. Two classical layouts for arranging 16 units were simulated using this numerical model. The energy-harnessing performance of these array layouts was analyzed for both regular waves and a selection of irregular sea state conditions with different wave directions, wave heights, wave periods and water depths. For each layout, three WEC separation distances were studied. An increase of up to 16% in the power performance of the WEC under regular waves was observed, which highlights the importance of interaction effects. Full article

Increasing attention is being given to reduce the specific energy consumption in desalination processes, which translates into greater use of exergy analysis. An exergetic analysis provides relevant information related to the influence of the efficiency of a single component in the global plant performance and in the exergy cost of the product. Therefore, an exergy analysis identifies the main improvement potentials in a productive thermodynamic process. Related to desalination technologies, many previous papers deal with the calculation of the parameters involved in the exergy analysis, the exergetic efficiency of different processes, plants, and technologies among them. However, different approaches for formulating the exergetic efficiency have been suggested in the literature, often without sufficient understanding and consistency. In this work, these formulations, applied to the main desalination components and processes, are compared and critically reviewed. Two definitions of exergy efficiency are applied to the desalination components of the three main thermal desalination processes (multieffect distillation–thermal vapour compression, multistage flash distillation, and direct-contact membrane distillation). The results obtained for the exergy efficiency of the MED-TVC, MSF, and DCMD processes for the input–output approach are 21.35%, 17.08%, and 1.28%, respectively, compared to the consumed–produced approach that presented 3.1%, 1.58%, and 0.37%, respectively. The consumed–produced approach seems to better fit the thermodynamic behaviour of thermal desalination systems. Full article

This study introduces a fault diagnosis algorithm based on particle filtering for open-cycle liquid-propellant rocket engines (LPREs). The algorithm serves as a model-based method for the startup process, accounting for more than 30% of engine failures. Similar to the previous fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) algorithm for the startup process, the algorithm in this study is composed of a nonlinear filter to generate residuals, a residual analysis, and a multiple-model (MM) approach to detect and diagnose faults from the residuals. In contrast to the previous study, this study makes use of the modified cumulative sum (CUSUM) algorithm, widely used in change-detection monitoring, and a particle filter (PF), which is theoretically the most accurate nonlinear filter. The algorithm is confirmed numerically using the CUSUM and MM methods. Subsequently, the FDD algorithm is compared with an algorithm from a previous study using a Monte Carlo simulation. Through a comparative analysis of algorithmic performance, this study demonstrates that the current PF-based FDD algorithm outperforms the algorithm based on other nonlinear filters. Full article

The maritime airborne corner reflector (ACR) is a radar reflector that can measure wind speed in an unknown sea area in real time over a long distance. To improve our understanding of how the ACR works, we investigated the Doppler characteristics of the ACR for the first time from a dynamic perspective. First, we constructed a radar echo signal model of the ACR. Then, we obtained the dynamic Doppler characteristics through pulse Doppler processing and discussed the special phenomenon of Doppler broadening. Finally, we proposed a rectangular window decomposition method to analyze the inner principle of the Doppler broadening phenomenon in more detail. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the Doppler characterization of an ACR from a dynamic viewpoint, which contributes to enriching the basic theory of this equipment. Full article

High-aspect-ratio microholes, the fundamental building blocks for microfluidics, optical waveguides, and other devices, find wide applications in aerospace, biomedical, and photonics fields. Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) crystals are commonly used in optical devices due to their low stress, hardness, and excellent chemical stability. Therefore, finding efficient fabrication methods to produce high-quality microholes within YAG crystals is crucial. The Bessel beam, characterized by a uniform energy distribution along its axis and an ultra-long depth of focus, is highly suitable for creating high-aspect-ratio structures. In this study, an axicon lens was used to shape the spatial profile of a femtosecond laser into a Bessel beam. Experimental verification showed a significant improvement in the high aspect ratio of the microholes produced in YAG crystals using the femtosecond Bessel beam. This study investigated the effects of the power and defocus parameters of single-pulse Bessel beams on microhole morphology and size, and microhole units with a maximum aspect ratio of more than 384:1 were obtained. Based on these findings, single-pulse femtosecond Bessel processing parameters were optimized, and an array of 181 × 181 microholes in a 400 μm thick YAG crystal was created in approximately 13.5 min. The microhole array had a periodicity of 5 μm and a unit aspect ratio of 315:1, with near-circular top and subface apertures and high repeatability. Full article

Enterococcus spp. are normal intestinal tract microflorae found in poultry. However, the last decades have shown that several species, e.g., Enterococcus cecorum, have become emerging pathogens in broilers and may cause numerous losses in flocks. In this study, two combinations (H1 and H2) of menthol, 1,8-cineol, linalool, methyl salicylate, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, trans-anethole, terpinen-4-ol and thymol were used in an in vitro model, analyzing its effectiveness against the strains E. cecorum, E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae and E. gallinarum isolated from broiler chickens from industrial farms. To identify the isolated strains classical microbiological methods and VITEK 2 GP cards were used. Moreover for E. cecorum a PCR test was used.. Antibiotic sensitivity (MIC) tests were performed for all the strains. For the composition H1, the effective dilution for E. cecorum and E. hirae strains was 1:512, and for E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. gallinarum, 1:1024. The second mixture (H2) showed very similar results with an effectiveness at 1:512 for E. cecorum and E. hirae and 1:1024 for E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. gallinarum. The presented results suggest that the proposed composition is effective against selected strains of Enterococcus in an in vitro model, and its effect is comparable to classical antibiotics used to treat this pathogen in poultry. This may suggest that this product may also be effective in vivo and provide effective support in the management of enterococcosis in broiler chickens. Full article

A sub-eutectic high-entropy alloy composed of CoCrFeNiNb_0.25 was prepared using a combination of mechanical powder mixing and selective laser melting (SLM). The mechanical properties of the alloy were enhanced by employing an interlayer laser remelting process. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using mechanical mixing and SLM to form an CoCrFeNiNb_0.25 alloy. The interlayer laser remelting process can effectively promote the melting of Nb particles introduced by mechanical mixing, release the stresses near the unfused Nb particles, and reduce their degradation of the specimen properties. The results indicate that the CoCrFeNiNb_0.25 alloy, prepared using the interlayer laser remelting process, had an average microhardness of 376 HV, a tensile strength of 974 MPa, and an elongation at break of 10.51%. This process offers a viable approach for rapidly adjusting the composition of high-entropy alloys for SLM forming. Full article

In this paper, we ponder a kind of discrete-time fractional-order complex-valued fuzzy BAM neural network. Firstly, in order to guarantee the quasi-projective synchronization of the considered networks, an original quantitative control strategy is designed. Next, by virtue of the relevant definitions and properties of the Mittag-Leffler function, we propose a novel discrete-time fractional-order Halanay inequality, which is more efficient for disposing of the discrete-time fractional-order models with time delays. Then, based on the new lemma, fractional-order h-difference theory, and comparison principle, we obtain some easy-to-verify synchronization criteria in terms of algebraic inequalities. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to check the accuracy of the proposed theoretical results. Full article

This paper showcases the integration of the Interfacing Toolbox for Robotic Arms (ITRA) with our newly developed hybrid Visual Servoing (VS) methods to automate the disassembly of electric vehicle batteries, thereby advancing sustainability and fostering a circular economy. ITRA enhances collaboration between industrial robotic arms, server computers, sensors, and actuators, meeting the intricate demands of robotic disassembly, including the essential real-time tracking of components and robotic arms. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our hybrid VS approach, combined with ITRA, in the context of Electric Vehicle (EV) battery disassembly across two robotic testbeds. The first employs a KUKA KR10 robot for precision tasks, while the second utilizes a KUKA KR500 for operations needing higher payload capacity. Conducted in T1 (Manual Reduced Velocity) mode, our experiments underscore a swift communication protocol that links low-level and high-level control systems, thus enabling rapid object detection and tracking. This allows for the efficient completion of disassembly tasks, such as removing the EV battery’s top case in 27 s and disassembling a stack of modules in 32 s. The demonstrated success of our framework highlights its extensive applicability in robotic manufacturing sectors that demand precision and adaptability, including medical robotics, extreme environments, aerospace, and construction. Full article

Staphylococcus argenteus is a recently described staphylococcal species that is related to Staphylococcus aureus but lacks the staphyloxanthin operon. It is able to acquire both resistance markers such as the SCCmec elements and mobile genetic elements carrying virulence-associated genes from S. aureus. This includes those encoding the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL), which is associated mainly with severe and/or recurrent staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections. Here, we describe the genome sequences of two PVL-positive, mecA-negative S. argenteus sequence type (ST) 2250 isolates from the United Arab Emirates in detail. The isolates were found in a dental clinic in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). This demonstrated the presence of temperate bacteriophages in the staphylococcal genomes, including a PVL prophage. It was essentially identical to the published sequence of phiSa2wa_st78 (GenBank NC_055048), a PVL phage from an Australian S. aureus clonal complex (CC) 88 isolate. Besides the PVL prophage, one isolate carried another prophage and the second isolate carried two additional prophages, whereby the region between these two prophages was inverted. This “flipped” region comprised about 1,083,000 bp, or more than a third of the strain’s genome, and it included the PVL prophage. Prophages were induced by Mitomycin C treatment and subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This yielded, in accordance to the sequencing results, one or, respectively, two distinct populations of icosahedral phages. It also showed prolate phages which presumptively might be identified as the PVL phage. This observation highlights the significance bacteriophages have as agents of horizontal gene transfer as well as the need for monitoring emerging staphylococcal strains, especially in cosmopolitan settings such as the UAE. Full article

Green roofs have become a popular sustainable solution in urban areas, and in recent years, shipping containers have gained popularity as a sustainable alternative for housing. A promising proposal is to combine these two solutions. This research aims to analyze the thermal behavior of experimental modules of scale constructions. Four modules were constructed with different substrate thicknesses (4, 6, 8, and 12 cm) to verify the impact on thermal behavior and provide guidance for this technology. Additionally, another module was built without a green roof for control purposes. The indoor and outdoor air temperatures and humidities, soil moistures, and temperatures between green roof layers were recorded in a tropical climate in summer. The behavior was similar between the different thicknesses for the whole period but with significant differences in the indoor temperature amplitudes (13.8 °C for the thinner substrate, 9.7 °C for the thicker one, and 38.7 °C for the bare roof). This study also revealed considerable heat conduction between the side walls and the slab, which resulted in an upward heat flow to the substrate during a day with a clear sky, which is the opposite of what is observed in conventional roofs. During the night and rainy periods, temperatures tend to become closer between the roof’s layers when the substrate dissipates the energy absorbed throughout the day. Full article