Found 314 results
Open Access
Article
20 January 2025Visible Monuments above and below Ground Level, a Time-Honored Site from the Late Bronze Age to Modern Times
Due to the complex geometry of the monuments, it is often necessary to adapt the image collection process for their mapping. For the optimal mapping of the stronghold of Lazaritsa Chorygi (Greece) and its slopes, vertical, inclined, and horizontal images from different heights were collected using an Unmanned Aircraft System. Thus, for a monument of special archaeological/historical interest and natural beauty, a large set of high-spatial resolution data and final products (digital surface model and orthophotomosaic with spatial resolution 5.6 cm and 2.8 cm, respectively) is available. In addition, in the wider area of the fortified site, military structures (fire trenches, communication trenches, shelters, front and support trenches, and strong points) of the Great War length of 9 km were identified and mapped, which were identified in the 2003 or 2004 Google Earth Pro images, but worryingly are almost absent from the contemporary Google Earth Pro images.
Open Access
Review
14 January 2025Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Sustainable Manufacturing: Current Trends and Future Prospects
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming manufacturing processes, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship. This comprehensive review analyzes the transformative impact of AI technologies on sustainable manufacturing, focusing on critical applications, including energy optimization, predictive maintenance, waste reduction, and circular economy implementation. Through systematic analysis of current research and industry practices, the study examines both the opportunities and challenges in deploying AI-driven solutions for sustainable manufacturing. The findings provide strategic insights for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers working towards intelligent and sustainable manufacturing systems while elucidating emerging trends and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
Open Access
Review
14 January 2025A Review of Phosphorous in Fluvial Floodplains: Source or Sink?
Fluvial floodplains are water-land transitional zones, playing an important role in hydrological and ecological systems. To date, the phosphorus migration and transformation in floodplain sediments remain elusive, which poses a large effect on river nutrient levels and primary productivity. This review summarized the sedimentary characteristics of floodplains and analyzed the spatial differences and temporal variations in phosphorus distribution. We further analyzed their potential change in floodplains under various conditions, determining the sedimentation and mineralization process of phosphorus. Meanwhile, phosphorus in the sediment will experience dynamic fluctuation as a source or sink of fluvial floodplains based on varying factors, including hydrological conditions, climate variations, biological activity, and pedological characteristics. In particular, the productivity and community population in floodplains, like vegetation and fishes, will be primarily associated with the periodic changes in phosphorus through food chain. Lastly, this review provided corresponding perspectives on improving the phosphorus administration in river floodplains based on existing problems. In total, it is anticipated that it will enhance the understanding of phosphorus resources or sink in the fluvial floodplains, contributing to the stability of aquatic ecosystems.
Open Access
Review
13 January 2025Comparative Analysis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrosing interstitial disease of unknown origin, characterized by radiological and histological features consistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). It is marked by a progressive worsening of dyspnea and a decline in lung function. Both IPF and PPF are comparable because they have poor prognoses with a median survival time from diagnosis of around 2–4 years without antifibrotic therapy. This review shows the main specific characteristics and differences of epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical and radiological features, treatment, and prognosis of IPF and PPF.
Open Access
Article
10 January 2025Investigation of the Performance Characteristics of Unequal Co-Axial Rotors
The behaviour of co-axial rotors is well understood, and they are especially practical for large UAVs due to their increased thrust without changing the vehicle footprint. However, for co-axial systems with varying propeller diameters between the two disks, research is more limited. The goal of this paper was to determine an optimal configuration for several different unequal co-axial setups using numerous different propeller combinations and separation ratios. Propellers with diameters of 26 and 29 inches are tested at separation ratios of 0.05 to 0.35. Thrust and power were collected using an off-the-shelf FS15-TYTO thrust stand, with the upstream and downstream propellers running at equal throttles. From this, performance was assessed through efficiency, thrust, and power consumption, and comparisons were made to an ideal combination without losses. The results show that for unequal combinations, the user should place the smaller propeller upstream for greater efficiency, but for maximum thrust capacity, two equal propellers are preferred. When compared to two independent rotors of the same size, a 26″ upstream rotor and a 29″ downstream rotor minimised thrust loss to 16%, compared to 23% for the opposite arrangement. It was also found that the optimal separation ratio is always approximately 0.2.
Open Access
Article
09 January 2025Advanced Materials: Nature of Strongly Correlated Quantum Spin Liquid in Sr3CuNb2O9
Quantum spin liquids of frustrated magnets are among the most attractive and basic systems in physics. Frustrated magnets exhibit exceptional properties as insulators and metals, making them advanced materials that represent materials for future technologies. Therefore, a reliable theory describing these materials is of great importance. The fermion condensation theory provides an analytical description of various frustrated quantum spin liquids capable of describing the thermodynamic and transport properties of magnets based on the idea of spinons, represented by chargeless fermions filling the Fermi sphere up to the Fermi momentum pF . We show that the low temperature thermodynamic of Sr3CuNb2O9 in magnetic fields is defined by strongly correlated quantum spin liquid. Our calculations of its thermodynamic properties agree well with recent experimental facts and allow us to reveal their scaling behavior, which is very similar to that observed both in heavy-fermion metals and in frustrated magnets or insulators. We demonstrate for the first time that Sr3CuNb2O9 belongs to the family of strongly correlated Fermi systems that form a new state of matter.
Open Access
Review
09 January 2025Recent Advancements in Alumina-Based High-Temperature Insulating Materials: Properties, Applications, and Future Perspectives
As a high-temperature thermal insulation material with excellent mechanical properties, alumina (Al2O3)-based materials hold significant potential for applications in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, automobiles, industrial furnaces, and other fields. However, the inherent brittleness of alumina poses a limitation to its wider application. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop alumina-based materials that offer high toughness while retaining superior mechanical properties. This paper begins by exploring the structure of alumina, highlighting its thermal conductivity, insulation, and mechanical properties in high-temperature environments. It then reviews the classification and synthesis methods of alumina-based materials, along with the latest advances in design strategies. Notably, the rational design of alumina composition, structure, and morphology is emphasized as crucial for optimizing material performance, thereby supporting the industrial development and application of these materials in high-tech sectors. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and evolution of alumina-based materials in real-world industrial applications and suggests potential directions for future development.
Open Access
Article
09 January 2025Sustainability Practices and Financial Performance: Evidence from BIST Electricity Index
Amidst the backdrop of heightened market risks associated with transitioning to a lower-carbon economy, this study pioneers an examination of the correlation between sustainability and financial performance within Turkish energy market generator and retailer companies. In this study, the sustainability performance, exposure to market risks and effects on the financial performance of sub-sectors of companies listed in the BIST Electricity index were analyzed using panel data regression. The findings reveal a nuanced relationship between sustainability factors and financial performance, underscoring the imperative for electricity sector companies to prioritize sustainability initiatives not only for ethical reasons but also as a strategic imperative for long-term financial success and stakeholder value creation. Finally, the possibility of impending regulatory changes underscores the importance of early adoption of sustainability practices to mitigate potential financial liabilities and navigate future market risks effectively.
Open Access
Communication
08 January 2025Development of Eco-Friendly Composites Using Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and Diss Fibers (Ampelodesmos Mauritanicus)
In response to the growing environmental threats and pollution linked to synthetic plastics, current scientific inquiry is prioritizing the advancement of biodegradable materials. In this context, this study investigates the possibility of developing fully biodegradable materials using plant fibers extracted from the Diss plant (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus) as reinforcement in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)-based biocomposites. The biocomposites were prepared by melt blending in the following weight ratio: PHBV/Diss fibers 80/20. The chemical structure of Diss fibers was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The impact of Diss fibers on the mechanical properties of biocomposites has also been investigated in comparison to neat PHBV. FTIR and XRF analyses identified cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin as the main components of Diss fibers. On the other hand, the results showed a significant enhancement of Young’s modulus (⁓21%) of PHBV/DF biocomposites in comparison to neat PHBV due to a better dispersion of the fibers in the matrix, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) images.
Open Access
Article
07 January 2025Trace DNA Recovery: Insights from Dubai Police Casework
Trace DNA represents a critical form of forensic evidence, frequently recovered from a wide variety of touched or used items. Despite its evidentiary value, trace DNA analysis poses significant challenges due to the minute quantities of DNA involved, as well as the influence of factors such as surface type, collection methods, and environmental exposure. This study systematically examines the success rates and characteristics of trace DNA profiles recovered from six-item categories—tools, stolen items, wearable items, packaging materials, vehicles, and touched items—processed between 2021 and 2023 by the Biology and DNA Section of the Dubai Police Force. A total of 6277 cases were analyzed, encompassing a range of crimes, including homicide, suicide, missing persons, paternity disputes, and burglary. The results demonstrated an overall trace DNA success rate of 64%, with wearable items yielding the highest success rate at 76% and packaging materials yielding the lowest at 54%. Detailed analysis of positive DNA trace samples revealed significant variability in DNA profile types across item categories. Wearable items and touched items predominantly yielded full single (FS) DNA profiles, reflecting their reliability as sources of singular and high-quality DNA. Conversely, stolen items and packaging materials showed a greater prevalence of full mixed (FM) DNA profiles, highlighting their association with complex mixtures due to handling by multiple contributors. Tools and vehicles, meanwhile, exhibited higher rates of partial profiles, presenting unique challenges related to surface irregularities and environmental factors. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring forensic strategies to item-specific characteristics, as well as the need for systematic mechanisms to categorize trace samples. Addressing operational challenges such as manual sorting and leveraging automation or AI-based systems can further streamline trace DNA analysis. The findings also underscore the importance of data sharing and standardization across forensic laboratories to enhance trace DNA recovery protocols and improve reliability in forensic investigations. Future research should focus on the effects of material properties, environmental exposure, and collection techniques on DNA retention, advancing the field of trace DNA profiling and its applications in forensic science.
