Traditionally, tenderness has been assessed through shear force testing, which is inherently destructive, the accuracy is easily affected, and it results in considerable sample wastage. Although this technology has some drawbacks, it is still the most effective detection method currently available. In light of these drawbacks, non-destructive testing techniques have emerged as a preferred alternative, promising greater accuracy, efficiency, and convenience without compromising the integrity of the samples. This paper delves into applying five advanced non-destructive testing technologies in the realm of meat tenderness assessment. These include near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, Raman spectroscopy, airflow optical fusion detection, and nuclear magnetic resonance detection. Each technology is scrutinized for its respective strengths and limitations, providing a comprehensive overview of their current utility and potential for future development. Moreover, the integration of these techniques with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology is explored. The fusion of AI with non-destructive testing offers a promising avenue for the development of more sophisticated, rapid, and intelligent systems for meat tenderness evaluation. This integration is anticipated to significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the quality assessment in the meat industry, ensuring a higher standard of safety and nutritional value for consumers. The paper concludes with a set of technical recommendations to guide the future direction of non-destructive, AI-enhanced meat tenderness detection. Full article

Previous studies have documented that FOLFOX and XELOX therapies negatively impact the metabolism of skeletal muscle and extra-muscle districts. This pilot study tested whether three-month FOLFOX or XELOX therapy produced changes in plasma amino acid levels (PAAL) (an estimation of whole-body amino acid metabolism) and in plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid hyper oxidation. Fourteen ambulatory, resected patients with colorectal cancer scheduled to receive FOLFOX (n = 9) or XELOX (n = 5) therapy, after overnight fasting, underwent peripheral venous blood sampling, to determine PAAL and MDA before, during, and at the end of three-month therapy. Fifteen healthy matched subjects (controls) only underwent measures of PAAL at baseline. The results showed changes in 87.5% of plasma essential amino acids (EAAs) and 38.4% of non-EAAs in patients treated with FOLFOX or XELOX. These changes in EAAs occurred in two opposite directions: EAAs decreased with FOLFOX and increased or did not decrease with XELOX (interactions: from p = 0.034 to p = 0.003). Baseline plasma MDA levels in both FOLFOX and XELOX patients were above the normal range of values, and increased, albeit not significantly, during therapy. In conclusion, three-month FOLFOX or XELOX therapy affected plasma EAAs differently but not the baseline MDA levels, which were already high. Full article

Kazakhstan’s government has launched many policy reforms to enhance the well-being of its underrepresented citizens and develop human capital by providing education to all. Therefore, the government has adopted a policy on inclusive education and recognised the rights to education of all learners, including those with disabilities, based on equal opportunity, without any discrimination. This aims to facilitate equal access to lifelong education opportunities, including in Technical Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVETIs). Thus, inclusive education in TVET settings and lifelong learning, especially for adults with special needs, has become an educational priority in Kazakhstan. Therefore, this collaborative action research study intended to explore classroom practices promoting the inclusion of adult students with disabilities at Kazakhstani Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETIs). Qualitative data were collected through reflective journals, student focus-group interviews, documentary analysis, and reflective meetings of the professional learning group of selected teachers and students during the four stages of collaborative action research (CAR). Data were analysed through group interpretative meetings by the research team and inductive thematic content analysis by the researcher. Among the findings is that the educative process in TVETIs does not sufficiently provide reasonable inclusive support for adult students with disabilities. As a result, a comprehensive review of inclusive practices in these institutions was critical. This paper discusses some practices that could promote inclusion in TVET classrooms. Full article

The La’erma and Qiongmo Au–Se deposits are characterized by a paragenetic Au–Se association hosted in the siliceous formation of the Cambrian Taiyangding Group in the western Qinling Orogen, central China. The La’erma and Qiongmo Au–Se deposits, which are considered to be the Carlin gold deposits, comprise a variety of selenides, native gold, and stibnite coexisting with baryte. Four stages have been recognized: sage I comprises pyrite and quartz with minor stibnite; stage II is composed mainly of sulfides; stage III is composed mainly of selenides; and stage IV is dominated by quartz–baryte–dickite. Stages II and III are the main metallogenic stages. Based on changes in mineral assemblages, combined with fluid inclusions and thermodynamic data, we evaluated the physicochemical conditions of the main metallogenic stages. The logfS₂ values of ore-forming fluids at stage II ranged between −10.44 and −14.60 with logfSe₂ being less than −10.70. Comparably, during stage III, which is characterized by numerous selenides, the logfS₂ and logfSe₂ ranged from −7.13 to −12.20 and −13.98 to −8.82, respectively. The occurrence of baryte during the mineralization suggests a consistently oxidizing condition, which can effectively remove Au from fluids. More importantly, this study emphasizes that the oxidizing condition was only a fundamental prerequisite for the deposition of selenides, and a high ∑Se/S ratio of the fluid ultimately controlled the precipitation of selenides. In the La’erma and Qiongmo deposits, intense water–rock reactions occurred as ore-forming fluids flowed into the Se-rich siliceous formations, resulting in an increase in the ∑Se/S ratio of the fluid and in the precipitation of selenides. Full article

Fodder scarcity, inadequate nutritional quality, and lack of degradation kinetics research are among the serious concerns hindering sustainable development of livestock globally. Rumen degradation kinetics data on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in buffaloes are lacking for most tropical forage species. This study evaluated the effect of forage species, family, and growing location on NDF concentration and in situ degradability of six tropical cereal and four legume fodder crops. The fodder crops were grown following uniform recommended agronomic practices at three different agroecological locations and harvested at the appropriate growth stage: cereals at booting and legumes at 50% flowering. Later, the dried ground forage samples were incubated in the four rumen-cannulated Nili-Ravi buffalo cows in a four × two × three split-plot design for 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 96, and 168 h. The degradation fractions and degradability, expressed either on an NDF or dry matter basis, were considerably affected by forage family (cereal vs. legume) and growing locations and their interaction. Legume fodders degraded more rapidly but to a lesser extent than cereal fodders. The chemical components, notably the NDF, showed a significant but moderate negative relationship with the effective NDF degradability. Among studied fodders, the legumes had a significantly lower NDF concentration and subsequent degradability than the cereals. Although the cereals showed a slower rate of NDF degradation, their overall degradability was higher. The agro-climatic variability among three locations strongly impacted the NDF concentrations and fractions in the tropical forages. Effective NDF degradability was also correlated with the fodders’ NDF concentration, especially in cereals where the nature of the correlation was negative. In conclusion, the nutritional composition and NDF degradation parameters of the fodders were significantly affected by the species, family, and location of growth and their interactions. These results will help to improve agronomy and usage of these important fodder crops. Full article

Accurate and continuous estimation of surface albedo is vital for assessing and understanding land–surface–atmosphere interactions. We developed a method for estimating instantaneous all-sky at-surface shortwave upwelling radiance and albedo over the Tibetan Plateau. The method accounts for the complex interplay of topography and atmospheric interactions and aims to mitigate the occurrence of data gaps. Employing an RTLSR-kernel-driven model, we retrieved surface shortwave albedo with a 1 km resolution, incorporating direct, isotropic diffuse; circumsolar diffuse; and surrounding terrain irradiance into the all-sky solar surface irradiance. The at-surface upwelling radiance and surface shortwave albedo estimates were in satisfactory agreement with ground observations at four stations in the Tibetan Plateau, with RMSE values of 56.5 W/m² and 0.0422, 67.6 W/m² and 0.0545, 98.6 W/m² and 0.0992, and 78.0 98.6 W/m² and 0.639. This comparison indicated an improved accuracy of at-surface upwelling radiance and surface albedo and significantly reduced data gaps. Valid observations increased substantially in comparison to the MCD43A2 data product, with the new method achieving an increase ranging from 40% to 200% at the four stations. Our study demonstrates that by integrating terrain, cloud properties, and radiative transfer modeling, the accuracy and completeness of retrieved surface albedo and radiance in complex terrains can be effectively improved. Full article

A recent study the detection of coseismic ionospheric disturbances or ionoquakes less than 400 s from the earthquake’s onset. The study also associates these rapid ionoquakes with the seismo-atmosphere–ionosphere (SAI) coupling mechanism energized by acoustic-gravity waves (AGWs) and the subsequent formation of coseismic thermospheric disturbances (CSTDs). The present study outlines a new analytical simulation code for AGWs that resolves the governing equations in the time–altitude and wavenumber domain and confirms the rapid arrival of AGWs in the thermosphere (earlier than the estimated arrival time from the ray-tracing simulation). The rapid arrivals of AGWs are associated with long wavelengths that connect to thermospheric altitudes and propagate with thermospheric sound speeds, avoiding averaging effects from the lower atmosphere. The fast simulation traces the rapid arrival of AGWs in the thermosphere and produces rapid CSTDs within 250–300 s from the earthquake’s onset. The simulation time is much shorter than the formation time of near-field CSTDs, a scenario favorable for the forecasting of CSTDs before observations of ionoquakes. In essence, the fast simulation offers an alternative tool for tracking the evolution of CSTDs. Full article

Background: Evidence suggests the plantar fascia and its interphase with the flexor digitorum brevis muscle can play a relevant role in plantar heel pain. Needling interventions could offer an appropriate treatment strategy to addressing this interface. Objective: We compared the accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided versus palpation-guided procedures for the proper targeting of the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis with a solid needle. Methods: A crossover cadaveric study was conducted. Five experienced therapists performed a series of 20 needle insertions each (n = 100 in total, 10 landmark-guided and 10 ultrasound-guided) on 10 anatomical samples. The therapists were instructed to accurately place the needle on the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. The distance of the tip of the needle to the identified target (accuracy), the surrounding sensitive structures targeted (safety), the time needed for the procedure, the number of needle passes, and the needle length outside the skin were assessed. Results: The ultrasound-guided technique was associated with a significantly higher accuracy (p < 0.001) but without differences in safety (p = 0.249) as compared to the palpation-guided procedure. Conclusion: Our results suggest that ultrasound-guided insertion exhibits greater accuracy but not greater safety than palpation-guided insertion when targeting the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis. Full article

Locoregional anaesthetic techniques are invaluable for providing multimodal analgesia for painful surgical procedures. This prospective, randomised study describes a nerve stimulator-guided brachial plexus blockade (BPB) in rabbits undergoing orthopaedic surgery in comparison to systemic lidocaine. Premedication was provided with intramuscular (IM) medetomidine, fentanyl, and midazolam. Anaesthesia was induced (propofol IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Nine rabbits received a lidocaine BPB (2%; 0.3 mL kg⁻¹), and eight received a lidocaine constant rate infusion (CRI) (2 mg kg⁻¹ IV, followed by 100 µg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹). Rescue analgesia was provided with fentanyl IV. Carprofen was administered at the end of the surgery. Postoperative pain was determined using the Rabbit Grimace Scale (RGS) and a composite pain scale. Buprenorphine was administered according to the pain score for two hours after extubation. Rabbits were filmed during the first two hours to measure distance travelled and behaviours. Food intake and faeces output were compared. Every rabbit in CRI required intraoperative rescue analgesia compared to none in BPB. However, rabbits in both groups had similar pain scores, and there was no difference in the administration of postoperative analgesia. There were no significant differences in food intake or faeces production over 18 h, and no significant differences in distance travelled or behaviours examined during the first two hours. BPB seems superior for intraoperative analgesia. Postoperatively, both groups were comparable. Full article

The response of plants to abiotic stress is intricately mediated by PYR/PYL/RCARs, key components within the ABA signal transduction pathway. Despite the widespread identification of PYL genes across diverse plant species, the evolutionary history and structural characteristics of these genes within the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) remained unexplored. In this study, we uncovered, for the first time, 12 PgPYLs from the whole genome dataset of ‘Tunisia’, mapping them onto five chromosomes and categorizing them into three distinct subgroups (Group I, Group II, and Group III) through phylogenetic analysis. Detailed examination of the composition of these genes revealed similar conserved motifs and exon–intron structures among genes within the same subgroup. Fragment duplication emerged as the primary mechanism driving the amplification of the PYL gene family, as evidenced by intra-species collinearity analysis. Furthermore, inter-species collinearity analysis provided insights into potential evolutionary relationships among the identified PgPYL genes. Cis-acting element analysis revealed a rich repertoire of stress and hormone response elements within the promoter region of PgPYLs, emphasizing their putative roles in diverse signaling pathways. Upon treatment with 100 μmol/L ABA, we investigated the expression patterns of the PgPYL gene family, and the qRT-PCR data indicated a significant up-regulation in the majority of PYL genes. This suggested an active involvement of PgPYL genes in the plant’s response to exogenous ABA. Among them, PgPYL1 was chosen as a candidate gene to explore the function of the gene family, and the CDS sequence of PgPYL1 was cloned from pomegranate leaves with a full length of 657 bp, encoding 218 amino acids. Tobacco transient expression analysis demonstrated a consistent trend in the expression levels of pBI121-PgPYL1 and the related genes of the ABA signaling pathway, both of which increased initially before declining. This study not only contributes to the elucidation of the genomic and structural attributes of PgPYL genes but also provides a foundation for understanding their potential functions in stress responses. The identified conserved motifs, evolutionary relationships, and expression patterns under ABA treatment pave the way for further research into the PgPYL gene family’s role in pomegranate biology, offering valuable insights for future studies on genetic improvement and stress resilience in pomegranate cultivation. Full article

TAFRO syndrome is a rare and aggressive inflammatory entity characterized by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, renal failure, reticulin fibrosis, and organomegaly. This entity supposes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its significant overlap with Castleman’s disease. However, distinct clinical and histological features warrant its classification as a separate subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman’s disease (iMCD). While recent modifications have been made to the diagnostic criteria for iMCD, these criteria lack specificity for this particular condition, further complicating diagnosis. Due to its inflammatory nature, several complex molecular signaling pathways are involved, including the JAK-STAT pathway, NF-kB, and signal amplifiers such as IL-6 and VEGF. Understanding the involvement of immune dysfunction, some infectious agents, genetic mutations, and specific molecular and signaling pathways could improve the knowledge and management of the condition, leading to effective treatment strategies. The current therapeutic approaches include corticosteroids, anti-IL6 drugs, rituximab, and chemotherapy, among others, but response rates vary, highlighting the need for personalized strategies. The prognosis is uncertain due to diagnostic difficulties, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and appropriate targeted treatment. This comprehensive review examines the evolving landscape of TAFRO syndrome, including the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment strategies, prognosis, and future perspectives. Full article

Solar-based home PV systems are the most amazing eco-friendly energy innovations in the world, which are not only climate-friendly but also cost-effective solutions. The tropical environment of Malaysia makes it difficult to adopt photovoltaic (PV) systems because of the protracted rainy monsoon season, which makes PV systems useless without backup batteries. Large quantities of lithium-ion battery (LIB) trash are being produced by the electric vehicle (EV) sector. A total of 75% of the highest capacity levels have been discarded. By 2035, it is predicted that the wasted LIBs held as a result of expensive recycling and difficult material separation would carry up to 1200 GWh. An economical and sustainable option is offered by our study, which prototypes a replicated LIB pack that is incorporated into a PV home system. This study investigates the transformational power of second-life electric vehicle batteries (SLEVBs) when incorporated into home photovoltaic (PV) systems. The concept entails reusing existing electric vehicle batteries for stationary applications, offering a unique approach to extending the life of these batteries while meeting the growing need for sustainable domestic energy storage. The study looks at the technological feasibility, economic viability, and environmental effect of introducing SLEVBs into household PV systems, giving vital insight into their role in revolutionizing energy storage techniques and promoting sustainability. In comparison to the Lead–Acid Battery (LAB) system, the SLEVB system has a cheaper total cost of ownership, with savings of 12.62% compared with new LABs. A CO₂ emission reduction of at least 20% is achieved by using the SLEVB system compared with LABs. Electricity can be provided in houses in rural areas where there is no electricity. As a result, the security and superiority of the life of rural residents will improve. It is anticipated that the suggested strategy will lower EV pricing, enabling EV adoption for M40 and B40 groups. Consequently, the Malaysian and worldwide EV business will remain viable. Full article

Variations in environments, including climate, diet, and agricultural practices, significantly impact the composition and microbial activity. A profound understanding of these adaptations allows for the improvement of nutrition and ruminant production. Therefore, this review aims to compile data from the literature on the rumen microbiota and molecular techniques for identifying the different types of microorganisms from the rumen fluid of ruminants. Analyzing the literature on rumen microbiology in different ruminants is complex due to microbial interactions, influenced by the environment and nutrition of these animals. In addition, it is worth noting that the genera of protozoa and fungi most evident in the studies used in this review on the microbiology of rumen fluid were Entodinium spp. and Aspergillus spp., respectively, and Fibrobacter spp. for bacteria. About the techniques used, it can be seen that DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing were the most cited in the studies evaluated. Therefore, this review describes what is present in the literature and provides an overview of the main microbial agents in the rumen and the molecular techniques used. Full article

Iptacopan, the first orally available small-molecule complement factor B inhibitor, was developed by Novartis AG of Switzerland. Iptacopan for the treatment of PNH was just approved by the FDA in December 2023. Other indications for treatment are still in phase III clinical trials. Iptacopan is a small-molecule inhibitor targeting complement factor B, showing positive therapeutic effects in the treatment of PNH, C3 glomerulonephritis, and other diseases. Although Iptacopan is already on the market, there has been no detailed synthesis process or specific parameter report on the intermediates during the synthesis of its compounds except for the original research patent. In this study, a practical synthesis route for Iptacopan was obtained through incremental improvement while a biosynthesis method for ketoreductase was used for the synthesis of the pivotal intermediate 12. Moreover, by screening the existing enzyme library of our research group on the basis of random as well as site-directed mutagenesis methods, an enzyme (M8) proven to be of high optical purity with a high yield for biocatalectic reduction was obtained. This enzyme was used to prepare the compound benzyl (2S,4S)-4-hydroxy-2-(4-(methoxycarbonyl)-phenyl)-piperidine-1-carboxylate) white powder (36.8 g HPLC purity: 98%, ee value: 99%). In the synthesis of intermediate 15, the reaction was improved from two-step to one-step, which indicated that the risk of chiral allosterism was reduced while the scale was expanded. Finally, Iptacopan was synthesized in a seven-step reaction with a total yield of 29%. Since three chiral intermediate impurities were synthesized directionally, this paper lays a solid foundation for the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Full article

Innovating higher education teaching and learning is challenging due to structural, cultural, and resource-related reasons, and research indicates that university innovation benefits from a bottom-up approach as well as strategic alignment with university objectives. In this paper, we investigate such bottom-up innovation processes within higher education as supported by a specific tool: the University Innovation Canvas (UIC). Adapted from the Business Model Canvas and Lean Canvas, the UIC is designed to promote educational technology innovation and foster alignment of the innovation process with strategic objectives of the university: namely, sustainability and user orientation. An evaluation of the UIC based on interview and questionnaire data shows that its usage differs between innovation teams (on paper vs. digital, individual vs. collaborative, co-located vs. remotely, and synchronous vs. asynchronous). UIC usability is linked with these differences and with teams’ experience in realizing innovations. Overall, the UIC is perceived to be useful by (particularly, less-experienced) innovation teams and is successful at supporting sustainable and user-oriented innovations, as 14/15 innovations are still in use after up to four years since completion. To maximize its potential, more effort needs to be devoted to improving understanding of the UIC and supporting different workflows of innovation teams in the future. Full article

The aim of this work is to investigate the bonding properties of the ceramic dispersion-strengthened 316L (CDS-316L) composites with the reference 316L stainless steel (REF-316L) using a Gleeble 3800 physical simulator. In previous works, two different composites, REF-316L and 316L, with 1 wt% Al₂O₃ composite (CDS-316L) have been prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). In the present work, these specimens were diffusion-bonded using the following parameters: a temperature range of 950–1000 °C and a uniaxial pressure of 20–30 MPa. It was observed that the deformation of the CDS-316L during the uniaxial bonding process was higher compared to the 316L steel rods. The addition of alumina particles increased the micro-hardness of the 316L steel. The samples were broken in the CDS-316L zones, not at the diffusion-bonded interfaces. No diffusion zones have been observed within the investigated magnification for all composites, where the interfaces between the different specimens were well defined. Full article

Sand boil formation at the toe of river embankments is the typical manifestation of the initiation and progression of an internal erosion process known as backward erosion piping, which is recognized to be a major concern in many river systems worldwide. In Italy, more than 130 sand boils have been detected along the Po River, many of them experiencing recurrent reactivations during high-water events. In recent years, as part of the activities of the European project LIFE SandBoil, the Italian authority responsible for flood protection and flood damage reduction along the Po River has implemented a GIS-based web application to catalogue the sand boils observed in its operating area. The resulting database allows keeping records of a comprehensive and varied set of information, in terms of predisposing factors, initiation conditions and surface effects. Taking as a reference a well-documented cross-section of the Po River prone to piping, this paper describes the main features of this versatile and flexible tool, whose long-term aim is to support vulnerability studies and the development of risk maps against piping. The database, which might also accommodate data from different river basins, is thus meant to help in flood risk management, by suggesting priorities for the implementation of mitigation measures and allowing the monitoring of intervention effectiveness. Full article

Honeybee diseases are one of the most significant and most common causes of honeybee colonies’ weakness and death. An early diagnosis of subclinical infections is necessary to implement precautionary and control measures. Sampling debris from hive bottom boards is simple, non-invasive, and cheap. In this study, we collected winter debris samples in apiaries located in the continental part of Croatia. We used molecular methods, PCR and qPCR, for the first time to analyze those samples. Laboratory results were compared with the health condition and strength of honeybee colonies at an apiary in spring. Our study successfully identified the presence and quantity of various pathogens, including the presence of Vairimorpha spp. (Nosema spp.), quintefied Paenibacillus larvae, Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), and Sacbrood Virus (SBV). However, our analysis did not detect Melissococcus plutonius, Crithidia mellificae, Lotmaria passim, and Aethina tumida. Samples of winter debris were also examined for the presence and quantification of the V. destructor mites, and their natural mite fall was observed in spring. Honeybee colonies were simultaneously infected by an average of four to six pathogens. Some observed honeybee colonies developed characteristic symptoms, while others did not survive the winter. Full article

Groundwater resources are crucial to socio-economic development and the ecosystem, and over-extraction can cause the groundwater level to drop, deplete reserves, and trigger geological hazards like land subsidence. The North China Plain (NCP) has experienced both subsidence and groundwater depletion due to over-extraction in the past 70 years. In this study, we used MT-InSAR technology and ascending C-band Sentinel-1 SAR data from 2017 to 2023 to study land deformation in the junction area of Shijiazhuang–Baoding–Cangzhou–Hengshui. We identified multiple subsidence funnels with a maximum rate exceeding −150 mm/year and a total deformation surpassing 600 mm. Seasonal decomposition methods accurately separated seasonal signals in the time-series deformation and groundwater level data. An exponential function model applied to long-term deformation showed no significant decrease in subsidence in severely affected areas. By modeling seasonal deformation and seasonal groundwater levels, we determined the elastic skeletal storage coefficients (S_ke) to be in the range of 1.02 × 10⁻³~6.53 × 10⁻³ in subsidence areas. We obtained the spatiotemporal evolution of the total groundwater storage (TGWS), irreversible ground storage (IGWS), and recoverable ground storage (RGWS). The TGWS and IGWS decreased annually while the RGWS increased, which is attributable to the implementation of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) and the issuance of groundwater withdrawal policies in the NCP. Full article

The humanistic-geographical associations of popular music foster the potential to articulate the production and reproduction of an activity-centered politicized ontology of space in the everyday social life of any creative communitarian framework where an alternative set of lifestyles, choices, and tastes engage in a constant play. A cursory glimpse at the (counter-)cultural artistic productions of the American 1970s shows that the lyrical construction of real and imaginary geographical locales has remained a distinguishing motif in the song-writing techniques of the celebrated rock poets. In the case of Bruce Springsteen, whether it is the ‘badlands,’ constituting the rebellious and notorious young adults, or the ‘promised land,’ which is the desired destination of all his characters, his lyrical oeuvre has numerously provided an alternative sense of place. Springsteen’s lyrical and musical characterization of fleeting urban images like alleys, hotels, engines, streets, neon, pavements, locomotives, cars, etc., have not only captured the American cities under the changing regime of capital accumulation but also contributed to the inseparability of everyday social lives and modern urban experiences. Against the backdrop of this argument, this article seeks to explore how the socio-political and cultural aesthetics of Springsteen’s song stories unfurl distinct spatial poetics through their musical language. Also, the article attempts to delineate how Springsteen’s unabashed celebration of the working-class geography of the American 1970s unveils a site of cultural struggle, wherein existing social values are reconstructed amidst imaginary landscapes and discursive strategies of resistance are weaved. Full article

In this study, we introduced modifications to a prior existing enthalpic lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) tailored for simulating the conjugate heat transfer phenomena in non-homogeneous media with time-dependent thermal properties. Our approach is based upon the incorporation of the remaining terms of a conservative energy equation, excluding only the terms regarding flow compressibility and viscous dissipation, thereby accounting for the local and transient variations in the thermophysical properties. The solutions of verification tests, comprising assessments of both transient and steady-state solutions, validated the accuracy of the proposed model, further bolstering its reliability for analyzing heat transfer processes. The modified model was then used to perform an analysis on structured cavities under free convection, revealing compelling insights, particularly regarding transient regimes, demonstrating that the structured cavities exhibit a beneficial impact on enhancing the heat transfer processes, hence providing insights for potential design enhancements in heat exchangers. These results demonstrate the potential of our modified enthalpic LBM approach for simulating complex heat transfer phenomena in non-homogeneous media and structured geometries, offering valuable results for heat exchanger engineering and optimization. Full article

In the feature identification of maritime VHF radio communication signals, shipborne VHF communication technology follows the same international technical standards formulated by IMO, uses analog communication technology and uses the same communication channel in the same area, and cannot effectively achieve signal feature identification by adding feature elements in the process of signal modulation. How to effectively identify the ship using VHF radio has always been a technical difficulty in the field of ship perception. In this paper, based on the convolutional neural network, combined with the feasibility of CAM feature extraction and BiLSTM feature extraction in non-cooperative signal recognition, a deep learning recognition model of shipborne VHF radio communication signals is established, and the deep learning approach is employed to discern the features of VHF signals, thereby accomplishing the identification and classification of transmitting VHF radio stations. Several experiments are designed according to the characteristics of ship communication scenes at sea. The experimental data show that the method proposed in this paper can provide a new feasible path for ship target perception in terms of radio signal characteristics and identification. Full article