Journal Description
Applied Sciences
Applied Sciences
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of applied natural sciences published semimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Engineering)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our authors say about Applied Sciences.
- Companion journals for Applied Sciences include: Applied Nano, AppliedChem, Applied Biosciences, Virtual Worlds, Spectroscopy Journal and JETA.
Impact Factor:
2.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022)
Latest Articles
BIM Policy Trends in Europe: Insights from a Multi-Stage Analysis
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4363; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114363 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
This study offers a detailed analysis of building information modeling (BIM) policy and implementation across Europe, significantly contributing to the sector’s digital transformation. By collating data from governmental, academic, and industry sources, it identifies key trends and evaluates the effectiveness of BIM policies
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This study offers a detailed analysis of building information modeling (BIM) policy and implementation across Europe, significantly contributing to the sector’s digital transformation. By collating data from governmental, academic, and industry sources, it identifies key trends and evaluates the effectiveness of BIM policies in advancing technology within construction. A systematic literature review and text mining across major databases revealed an increasing focus on sustainability, particularly “life cycle assessment” and “energy efficiency”, aligning with the Industry 5.0 initiative. The research shows that 35% of European countries have or plan to introduce BIM mandates, highlighting BIM’s crucial role in enhancing construction practices and influencing policy frameworks. Insights from this study are valuable for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, guiding the adoption and operationalization of BIM and emphasizing the need for thorough market preparation, including funding, training, and standardization. Additionally, the study suggests a correlation between a country’s economic development and its propensity to enforce BIM mandates. Future research could explore regional policy variations and delve into the theoretical aspects of policy adoption and innovation diffusion to further understand BIM uptake dynamics.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Second Edition)
Open AccessCommunication
Novel Yellow Aromatic Imine Derivative Incorporating Oxazolone Moiety for Color Resist Applications
by
Sunwoo Park, Sangwook Park, Seyoung Oh, Yeongjae Heo, Hayoon Lee and Jongwook Park
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4362; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114362 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
A novel aromatic imine derivative, 2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis[4-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methylene]-5(4H)-oxazolone] (PBMBO), was designed and synthesized as a yellow colorant additive for green color filters used in image sensors. The optical and thermal properties of the newly developed material were evaluated both in solution and within color filter
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A novel aromatic imine derivative, 2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis[4-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methylene]-5(4H)-oxazolone] (PBMBO), was designed and synthesized as a yellow colorant additive for green color filters used in image sensors. The optical and thermal properties of the newly developed material were evaluated both in solution and within color filter film conditions. PBMBO demonstrated a molar extinction coefficient of 2.24 × 104 L/mol·cm in solution, surpassing that of the commercially employed yellow colorant MBIQO by a factor of 1.82. Color resist (CR) films incorporating PBMBO exhibited outstanding optical characteristics, displaying 0.03% transmittance at 435 nm, 99.3% transmittance at 530 nm, and a sharp slope within the 400 to 550 nm range. The decomposition temperature of PBMBO was 303 °C, indicating relatively superior thermal stability compared to MBIQO. Consequently, PBMBO emerges as a highly promising candidate for a yellow colorant additive in imaging sensor color filters, owing to its exceptional optical and thermal stability. Its potential applications are anticipated to extend across various fields of organic semiconductors.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Time-Domain Shielding Effectiveness of Lightweight Metallized Carbon Fiber Composite Chassis
by
Le Cao, Cheng-Zhi Yuan, Hao-Wei Yuan, Guang-Hui Du, Tian-Yi Zhang and Xu-Qing Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4361; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114361 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Electromagnetic interference poses a significant challenge to the reliability and performance of electronic equipment, particularly in the aerospace and aviation sectors where the demand for high-performance electromagnetic shielding materials is paramount. This study introduces an innovative solution: a lightweight nickel-plated carbon fiber composite
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Electromagnetic interference poses a significant challenge to the reliability and performance of electronic equipment, particularly in the aerospace and aviation sectors where the demand for high-performance electromagnetic shielding materials is paramount. This study introduces an innovative solution: a lightweight nickel-plated carbon fiber composite chassis, designed to meet these stringent requirements. Through comparative analysis, we prove that this composite chassis is not only comparable to traditional metal chassis in terms of time-domain shielding effect, but also close to traditional metal chassis in terms of heat dissipation capability. Notably, it achieves a substantial weight reduction of 71.43% to 76.25% compared to its metal counterparts, addressing the critical need for lighter materials in aerospace applications. The superior heat dissipation feature of the nickel-plated carbon fiber composite, quantitatively superior to conventional materials, indicates its potential to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of aerospace electronics. This research underscores the viability of nickel-plated carbon fiber composites as a groundbreaking material for electromagnetic shielding, promising significant advancements in aerospace and beyond.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Methods for Design and Analysis of Electromagnetic Devices: 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Positioning Method of Steel Belt Anchor Holes Applied in Coal Mine Underground
by
Jinsong Zeng, Yan Wang, Haotian Wu and Guoning Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4360; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114360 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In order to improve the automation and safety of underground steel belt support in coal mines, a method for the intelligent identification and positioning of steel belt anchor holes in roadway support using inductive sensors is proposed. Using STM32F407ZGT6 as the main control
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In order to improve the automation and safety of underground steel belt support in coal mines, a method for the intelligent identification and positioning of steel belt anchor holes in roadway support using inductive sensors is proposed. Using STM32F407ZGT6 as the main control chip, tasks such as data acquisition and processing, motor motion control, etc., are assigned based on the real-time operating system FreeRTOS. Using the XY mobile platform equipped with inductive sensors to detect steel belts, The collected data includes coordinate values and voltage values. Adaptive threshold generation and correction strategies are used for threshold segmentation and extraction of anchor hole boundary points. The principle of Hough circle transformation is used to fit the extracted boundary points into circles. The results show that this method can perform anchor hole positioning with a positioning error of within 5 mm, meeting the design requirements.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Influence of Exogenous Abscisic Acid on Germination and Physiological Traits of Sophora viciifolia Seedlings under Drought Conditions
by
Xin Rao, Yujun Zhang, Yang Gao, Lili Zhao and Puchang Wang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4359; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114359 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in bolstering drought resistance in plants, employing “Panjiang Sophora viciifolia” as the subject. A simulated drought scenario was created using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) to examine the impact of varying drought intensities (0%, 5%,
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This study investigates the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in bolstering drought resistance in plants, employing “Panjiang Sophora viciifolia” as the subject. A simulated drought scenario was created using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) to examine the impact of varying drought intensities (0%, 5%, 20% PEG) and ABA concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200 mg·L−1) on the germination and physiological parameters of Sophora viciifolia. The results showed that in the absence of ABA, the germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), and germination index (GI) of S. viciifolia seeds initially increased and then decreased with escalating PEG-induced drought stress. At PEG-induced drought stress levels of 5% and 20%, the activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), along with the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, were significantly higher than in the control (CK) (p < 0.05). In response to drought stress, S. viciifolia seeds adapted by modulating germination behavior, augmenting the content of osmoregulatory substances, and boosting the activity of protective enzymes. The addition of ABA markedly enhanced GR, GE, GI, activities of POD, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and CAT, as well as the levels of MDA and proline (Pro) under drought conditions (p < 0.05). Relative to CK, low ABA concentrations (10–100 mg·L−1) resulted in increased GR, GP, GI, POD, SOD, CAT, MDA, and Pro levels; whereas, at a higher concentration (200 mg·L−1), although GR, GP, and GI decreased, POD, SOD, CAT, MDA, and Pro levels increased. Through principal component analysis and membership function comprehensive evaluation, it was determined that administering 50 mg·L−1 ABA was most effective in enhancing drought resistance in S. viciifolia seedlings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Plant Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture)
Open AccessArticle
Design and Control of an Ultra-Low-Cost Logistic Delivery Fixed-Wing UAV
by
Yixuan Zhang, Qinyang Zhao, Peifu Mao, Qiaofeng Bai, Fuzhong Li and Svitlana Pavlova
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4358; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114358 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In contemporary logistics, the deployment of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a transportation platform is experiencing rapid advancements, garnering substantial application within numerous logistic operations with pronounced efficacies. There are notable impediments to the utilization of commercial logistic-oriented fixed-wing UAVs, including elevated
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In contemporary logistics, the deployment of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a transportation platform is experiencing rapid advancements, garnering substantial application within numerous logistic operations with pronounced efficacies. There are notable impediments to the utilization of commercial logistic-oriented fixed-wing UAVs, including elevated procurement and maintenance costs, extensive maintenance intervals, and unsuitability for small-volume, low-altitude transport tasks. These factors collectively exacerbate the risk associated with enterprise procurement and elevate the cost–benefit ratio. This study introduces the design and fabrication of a cost-efficient UAV for logistic delivery purposes, constructed primarily from cost-effective wood materials. This UAV is engineered to ferry payloads of up to 1000 g across a predefined aerial route at an altitude of 40 m. Upon reaching the designated location, the UAV is programmed to initiate the identification of the drop zone, thereafter descending to facilitate the release of the cargo. To mitigate the impact force during the landing phase, the payload was encapsulated within a sponge-damping layer, thereby preserving the integrity of the transported items. The empirical findings from outdoor delivery trials underscore the UAV’s ability to precisely execute payload drops at the targeted locations, confirming its potential to fulfill the logistical requirements for the transportation and delivery of small-volume items in a cost-effective, low-altitude framework. This investigation contributes to the burgeoning discourse on leveraging ultra-low-cost UAVs in logistics, offering a feasible solution to the challenges of cost and efficiency in UAV-operated delivery systems.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Atom Exchange Radical Cyclization: A Sustainable Synthetic Approach towards New Functionalized Targets
by
Biagio Anderlini, Andrea Severini, Camilla Ferrari, Claudio Fontanesi, Vittorio Ascari, Niccolò Braidi and Fabrizio Roncaglia
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4357; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114357 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, we demonstrate the direct preparation of dihalo-γ-lactams featuring two distinct halogens from dichloroamides using a novel atom exchange radical cyclization (AERC) procedure. This method integrates the established atom transfer radical cyclization (ATRC) with halogen exchange in solution. The
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In this study, we demonstrate the direct preparation of dihalo-γ-lactams featuring two distinct halogens from dichloroamides using a novel atom exchange radical cyclization (AERC) procedure. This method integrates the established atom transfer radical cyclization (ATRC) with halogen exchange in solution. The technique operates under mild conditions and requires small amounts of metallic copper, serving as both a supplemental activator and reducing agent.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Catalysis)
Open AccessArticle
Research on One-Time Pouring Construction Technology of Side-Span Cast-In-Situ Section and Closed Section
by
Changzhu Wang, Guijia Yang, Jinhan Zhang, Jiahao Wang and Yuanxun Zheng
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4356; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114356 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In recent years, in the construction process of closed-bridge side spans, construction has often been carried out in accordance with the construction sequence of, first, pouring the cast-in-place section, then preburying strong bone and pouring the closed section, and finally tensioning the closure
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In recent years, in the construction process of closed-bridge side spans, construction has often been carried out in accordance with the construction sequence of, first, pouring the cast-in-place section, then preburying strong bone and pouring the closed section, and finally tensioning the closure steel bundle. However, the temperature change during the construction process of the conventional hinges leads to a large deformation of the hinges’ strong bone, which disturbs the concrete of the hinged section, and, at the same time, its high stiffness means that the concrete of the hinged section will not be sufficiently precompressed, thus resulting in the loss of prestressing force. Therefore, it is necessary to study the one-time casting construction technology of the side-span’s cast-in-place and closed sections. In this study, on the basis of introducing the conventional side-span joint-construction technology, the one-time pouring joint-construction technology was adjusted. In order to eliminate the sunlight temperature factor, which has a great influence on the process of joining, finite element analysis was used to further compare and analyze the changes in the internal force and the linearity of the structure under different joining methods. The results of this study show that, by adjusting the counterweight, the adverse effect of the disturbance of the main girder on the concrete at the joint end under the effect of sunshine temperature can be effectively controlled. Also, one-time joint construction is more reasonable for the internal force and deflection deformation of the structure compared with the conventional side-span joining method of a continuous rigid bridge, which is more favorable to the structure. The research methods and conclusions of this paper can provide a reference for the improvement of closed side-span one-time casting construction technology.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Study on the Alkali–Sulfur Co-Activation and Mechanical Properties of Low-Carbon Cementitious Composite Materials Based on Electrolytic Manganese Residue, Carbide Slag, and Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag
by
Jianbo Liang, Rongjin Liu, Daiyan Jing, Fuhua Lu, Yanrong Zhao, Zhihan Xie, Wanyu Huang and Tingchao Chen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4355; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114355 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Industrial solid waste is characterized by complex mineral phases and various components. Low-carbon cementitious materials can be prepared through precise regulation based on the material composition and properties of various industrial solid wastes. In this study, electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), carbide slag (CS),
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Industrial solid waste is characterized by complex mineral phases and various components. Low-carbon cementitious materials can be prepared through precise regulation based on the material composition and properties of various industrial solid wastes. In this study, electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), carbide slag (CS), and granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS) were used as alternatives to cement to prepare multicomponent solid waste cementitious materials. The effects of the proportions of EMR and CS on the cementitious activity of GBFS and the activation mechanism of alkali and sulfur were studied. The results showed that with increasing EMR content, the strength first increased and then decreased. At a GBFS content of 20%, CS content of 2%, and EMR content of 8%, the compressive strength was highest, reaching 45.5 MPa after 28 days of curing, mainly because the OH− in CS and SO42− in EMR synergistically stimulated the active components in GBFS. Hydrated products such as ettringite and hydrated calcium silicate (C–S–H gel) were generated and interlaced with each other to improve the densification of the mortar. Overall, the proposed system provides an avenue to reduce or replace the production of cement clinker and achieve the high-value-added utilization of industrial solid waste.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Waste Recovery)
Open AccessArticle
Integrated Extended Kalman Filter and Deep Learning Platform for Electric Vehicle Battery Health Prediction
by
David Chunhu Li, Javio Renja Felix, Yi-Ling Chin, Leonard Valentino Jusuf and Louis Jason Susanto
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4354; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114354 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) rises globally, ensuring the safety and reliability of EV battery systems becomes paramount. Accurately predicting the state of health (SoH) and state of charge (SoC) of EV batteries is crucial for maintaining their safe and consistent
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As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) rises globally, ensuring the safety and reliability of EV battery systems becomes paramount. Accurately predicting the state of health (SoH) and state of charge (SoC) of EV batteries is crucial for maintaining their safe and consistent operation. This paper introduces a novel approach leveraging deep learning methodologies to predict battery SoH, focusing on implementing a system prototype for real-world applications. The proposed system integrates an extended Kalman filter (EKF) with a deep learning framework, forming a system prototype known as FELL, aimed at EV battery diagnosis and prediction. We devise an algorithm utilizing the EKF to estimate the SoH of the battery. We present a detailed overview of the system architecture and implementation, showcasing its predictive capabilities. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in accurately estimating battery SoH with notable improvements in prediction accuracy. Additionally, the FELL system provides users with real-time predictions and comparative analysis across multiple prediction models, offering valuable insights for EV battery management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Characteristic State of Rockfill Materials and the Evolution Mechanism at the Microscopic Scale
by
Yunchao Cui, Lingkai Zhang, Chong Shi and Runhan Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4353; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114353 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
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In this study, the real particle morphology of rockfill materials is obtained through three-dimensional scanning technology, and flexible boundary conditions are established by coupling the discrete element method and the finite element method. Then, a large-scale three-axis numerical simulation test is carried out
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In this study, the real particle morphology of rockfill materials is obtained through three-dimensional scanning technology, and flexible boundary conditions are established by coupling the discrete element method and the finite element method. Then, a large-scale three-axis numerical simulation test is carried out on the rockfill materials to study the macroscopic mechanical properties and the change rule of the microscopic view of the rockfill materials in different characteristic states. The macroscopic results show that the stress–strain curves of the rockfill materials can be divided into softening and hardening curves. The phase transition, peak, and critical states of the softening-type curves show different mechanical properties, but no clear distinction between the characteristic state changes can be seen in the hardening-type curves. The microscopic results show that the displacement of the upper and lower parts of the flexible boundary of the softening curve increases with loading, and there is no obvious displacement in the middle part, but the middle particles undergo rotational deformation. An “X” shear band appears, and the strength of the force chain and the coordination number tend to increase first and then decrease. The flexible boundary displacements of the hardening-type curves are similar to those of the softening-type curves, but the central particles show a large number of cleavages instead of shear zones, and the force chain strength and coordination number levels show a continuous upward trend.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Safety and Mobility Performance Comparison of Two-Plus-One and Two-Lane Two-Way Roads: A Simulation Study
by
Usama Elrawy Shahdah, Fayez Alanazi, Abdelhalim Azam and Marwa Elbany
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4352; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114352 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Two-plus-one (2+1) highways are a special configuration of two-lane two-way (TLTW) highways with a continuous center lane that is used to alternate passing lanes. The main objective of this paper is, therefore, to evaluate the suitability of the 2+1 design for Middle East
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Two-plus-one (2+1) highways are a special configuration of two-lane two-way (TLTW) highways with a continuous center lane that is used to alternate passing lanes. The main objective of this paper is, therefore, to evaluate the suitability of the 2+1 design for Middle East conditions as a replacement for traditional TLTW roads with higher traffic volumes or as an interim solution before transforming TLTW roads into four-lane highways. In our analysis, we considered both safety and mobility performances by comparing the 2+1 and TLTW designs. The new suggested 2+1 designs were evaluated, with the first design prohibiting overtaking in the opposite direction, while the second design permitted it. Additionally, two-speed-limit strategies, uniform speed limit (USL), and differential speed limit (DSL) were also evaluated. The results showed that the 2+1 design, which prohibited overtaking in the opposite direction, was superior to TLTW in terms of mobility and safety, while the other design compromised safety compared to TLTW. The results provide valuable information to policymakers, urban planners, and transport authorities to guide evidence-based decisions on the integration of the 2+1 design as a viable solution for sustainable and efficient transportation.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Human Key Point Identification: A Comparative Study of the High-Resolution VICON Dataset and COCO Dataset Using BPNET
by
Yunju Lee, Bibash Lama, Sunghwan Joo and Jaerock Kwon
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4351; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114351 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Accurately identifying human key points is crucial for various applications, including activity recognition, pose estimation, and gait analysis. This study introduces a high-resolution dataset formed via the VICON motion capture system and three diverse 2D cameras. It facilitates the training of neural networks
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Accurately identifying human key points is crucial for various applications, including activity recognition, pose estimation, and gait analysis. This study introduces a high-resolution dataset formed via the VICON motion capture system and three diverse 2D cameras. It facilitates the training of neural networks to estimate 2D key joint positions from images and videos. The study involved 25 healthy adults (17 males, 8 females), executing normal gait for 2 to 3 s. The VICON system captured 3D ground truth data, while the three 2D cameras collected images from different perspectives (0°, 45°, and 135°). The dataset was used to train the Body Pose Network (BPNET), a popular neural network model developed by NVIDIA TAO. Additionally, a comparison entails another BPNET model trained on the COCO 2017 dataset, featuring over 118,000 annotated images. Notably, the proposed dataset exhibited a higher level of accuracy (14.5%) than COCO 2017, despite comprising one-fourth of the image count (23,741 annotated image). This substantial reduction in data size translates to improvements in computational efficiency during model training. Furthermore, the unique dataset’s emphasis on gait and precise prediction of key joint positions during normal gait movements distinguish it from existing alternatives. This study has implications ranging from gait-based person identification, and non-invasive concussion detection through sports temporal analysis, to pathologic gait pattern identification.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensors for Postural or Gait Stability Assessment)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Compressive Interface Stress on Interfaces in Reinforced Concrete Elements under Cyclic Action
by
Vasiliki Palieraki, Christos Zeris and Elizabeth Vintzileou
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4350; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114350 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Reinforced concrete interfaces, either cracks within monolithic elements or joints between concretes cast at different times may become critical under cyclic actions, due to stiffness and interface resistance degradation. Among the numerous parameters affecting the behavior of interfaces, this paper focuses on the
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Reinforced concrete interfaces, either cracks within monolithic elements or joints between concretes cast at different times may become critical under cyclic actions, due to stiffness and interface resistance degradation. Among the numerous parameters affecting the behavior of interfaces, this paper focuses on the effect of externally applied compressive stress. In conjunction with this parameter, the diameter of the reinforcing bars crossing the interface, their embedment length, and the anchorage of the interface reinforcement, by bond or using epoxy resin, are investigated. Roughened concrete interfaces crossed by reinforcing bars were subjected to cyclic shear slips, with or without compressive stress normal to the interface. The presented experimental results prove the beneficial effect of the external compressive stress on the ultimate shear resistance of interfaces, accompanied by the reduction of the effect of small embedment length of the interface reinforcement, due to its reduced contribution: the externally imposed compression leads to smaller crack openings at the interface, in most cases smaller than 0.40 mm, and to reduction of the reinforcement clamping effect. The shear resistance is activated at reduced shear slip values (0.20 mm–0.40 mm compared to 0.20–0.80 mm for interfaces under zero external compression), while the interface resistance degradation is also reduced (e.g., during the second load cycle, to 15% on average, compared to 30% for interfaces under zero external compression). Finally, an equation previously proposed by the authors is applied for the prediction of the shear resistance of interfaces under normal force, leading to satisfying accuracy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
A Method for Evaluating Systematic Risk in Dams with Random Field Theory
by
Congyong Ran, Zhengjun Zhou, Liang Pei, Xiang Lu, Binfeng Gong and Kun He
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4349; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114349 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The parameters of gravity dams and foundation materials objectively exhibit spatial variability due to environmental and load influences, which significantly affect the safety status of dam structures. Therefore, a safety risk analysis method for a gravity dam–foundation system based on random field theory
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The parameters of gravity dams and foundation materials objectively exhibit spatial variability due to environmental and load influences, which significantly affect the safety status of dam structures. Therefore, a safety risk analysis method for a gravity dam–foundation system based on random field theory is proposed in this paper. Spatial variabilities in materials are particularly considered by using the finite element method. Then, composite response surface equations for the performance function (PF) of strength and stability failure are established, and then, the system failure risk is obtained using the Monte Carlo method. The proposed method solves the problem wherein the effect of spatial variability on failure risk cannot be reflected accurately by the performance function of multi-element sliding paths, and the difficulties in solving the failure risk of the series–parallel system due to multiple failure paths and their complex correlations. The application of a gravity dam shows that the developed method overcomes the disadvantages of the traditional method, such as the homogenization of the spatially random characteristics of parameters and the overestimation of failure risk in the system due to large variance estimation.
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(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
The Derivation of Vertical Damping Reduction Factors for the Design and Analysis of Structures Using Acceleration, Velocity, and Displacement Spectra
by
Aicha Rouabeh, Baizid Benahmed, Mehmet Palanci and Issam Aouari
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4348; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114348 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Damping reduction factors (DRFs) play a vital role in the seismic design of structures. DRFs have been widely studied due to their primary importance to the lateral resistance of structures subjected to earthquakes. On the other hand, devastating earthquakes have occurred all over
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Damping reduction factors (DRFs) play a vital role in the seismic design of structures. DRFs have been widely studied due to their primary importance to the lateral resistance of structures subjected to earthquakes. On the other hand, devastating earthquakes have occurred all over the world, and recently, the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Turkey revealed the import of the vertical component of earthquakes and their impact on structures and infrastructures. Considering the importance of this parameter, this paper aims to develop new damping reduction factor (DRF) equations for the acceleration (DRFa), velocity (DRFv), and displacement spectra (DRFd) of the vertical components of earthquakes. For this purpose, 775 real ground motion records were selected from the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) strong motion database, and the vertical elastic response spectra of selected records were computed according to linear dynamic analysis. Taking the 5%-damped vertical response spectra as the target, the vertical spectral damping reduction factors (DRFa, DRFv, and DRFd) were computed for 1%, 3%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, and 40% damping ratios. The effect of the earthquake magnitude, distance, and soil types on the DRFs was investigated. The results indicated that magnitude, distance, and soil type had no particular effect on the trend in the DRFs. Based on the evaluations, extensive statistical analyses were carried out, and new prediction equations were developed according to the nonlinear regression method. The developed equations were then compared to those found in the literature and seismic design codes. The comparisons proved that the proposed DRFa, DRFd, and DRFv models are strongly compatible with real DRFs and show strong robustness compared to existing models.
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(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effects of Different Stretching Techniques Used in Warm-Up on the Triggering of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Soccer Players
by
Kemal Kurak, İsmail İlbak, Stefan Stojanović, Ramazan Bayer, Tijana Purenović-Ivanović, Tomasz Pałka, Tadeusz Ambroży, Krzysztof Kasicki, Wojciech Czarny and Łukasz Rydzik
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4347; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114347 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male
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The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male soccer players with an average age of 22.38 ± 1.75, body height of 174.38 ± 3.94, and body mass of 72.30 ± 4.13. To determine the participants’ maximal strength performance, one repeated maximal strength (1-RM) squat exercise was applied. The PAPE protocol was then implemented with a squat exercise consisting of three repetitions at 80% of 1-RM. The warm-up protocols consisted of 5 min of cycling, followed by dynamic stretching, static stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises. These protocols were applied on four different days with a 72 h interval. A vertical jump test was conducted to measure the participants’ explosive strength performance. The research data were analyzed using IBM Statistics (SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, NY, USA) software. The findings of this study revealed statistically significant differences in vertical jump performance values after PAPE among participants based on the different stretching techniques used during warm-up (p = 0.00). In this context, the research concluded that dynamic stretching is the optimal stretching technique during warm-up exercises before PAPE to maximize its effects. On the other hand, static stretching was found to negatively affect performance by absorbing the PAPE effect.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis in Sport and Exercise Ⅱ)
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Open AccessArticle
Design of Non-Intrusive Online Monitoring System for Traction Elevators
by
Zhixing Li, Jiahui Ning and Tianhao Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4346; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114346 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
With the increase in elevator usage, more and more elevator real-time monitoring equipment is being applied to the operation of elevators. Traditional elevator monitoring equipment adopts a multi-sensor decentralized installation and layout, and the monitoring accuracy is low, which directly affects the effective
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With the increase in elevator usage, more and more elevator real-time monitoring equipment is being applied to the operation of elevators. Traditional elevator monitoring equipment adopts a multi-sensor decentralized installation and layout, and the monitoring accuracy is low, which directly affects the effective alarm of the monitoring system; however, existing online monitoring systems cannot quickly alarm for faults. Aiming to solve the above problems, an elevator online monitoring system based on narrow-band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is designed. The system is highly integrated with an STM32 main control chip, a six-axis acceleration gyroscope sensor, and an air pressure sensor to realize the edge calculation of the monitoring system. At the same time, this paper eliminates the temperature drift of the pressure sensor by using a temperature compensation algorithm and inputs the extracted characteristic parameters into the BP neural network for training to eliminate the zero drift so as to obtain the real-time height data of the elevator. The six-axis acceleration gyroscope sensor is used to calculate the posture so as to avoid the problem that a three-axis acceleration sensor or a three-axis gyroscope sensor alone cannot obtain accurate posture data. In order to further improve the monitoring accuracy, the peak-to-peak value of the signal is calculated by using a 95% confidence interval algorithm to reduce the suppression of the high-frequency components of the signal by noise and ensure that the signal has a large signal-to-noise ratio so that the obtained elevator car posture and vibration operation data are more accurate. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by experiments.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Multi-Energy Systems, 2nd Volume)
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The Stress State before the MS 6.8 Luding Earthquake on 5 September 2022 in Sichuan, China: A Retrospective View Based on the b-Value
by
Liyuan Peng, Feng Long, Min Zhao, Xiyang Ran, Di Wang, Rui Wang, Weiwei Wu and Chang He
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4345; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114345 - 21 May 2024
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On 5 September 2022 (BJT), Luding, located in southwestern Sichuan Province, China, experienced an MS 6.8 earthquake. This earthquake occurred within the historical rupture zone of the 1786 MS 7.75 event, part of the southern section of the Xianshui He Fault
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On 5 September 2022 (BJT), Luding, located in southwestern Sichuan Province, China, experienced an MS 6.8 earthquake. This earthquake occurred within the historical rupture zone of the 1786 MS 7.75 event, part of the southern section of the Xianshui He Fault belt. Given the average 155-year recurrence interval for strong earthquakes in this area, the 236 years since the last event made this earthquake somewhat expected. However, prior to this event, we did not detect any anomalies indicating low surface b-values, which are often indicative of a high-stress state in the source area before strong earthquakes, as highlighted by numerous studies. Our research focused on the northern section of the eastern boundary of the Sichuan–Yunnan sub-block, encompassing the Xianshui He, Anning He, Zemu He, and Daliang Shan fault belts. We meticulously located earthquakes of ML ≥ 1.5 from 2009 to May 2022. The catalog was divided into two periods: 2009–2014 and 2015–May 2022. Using an AIC-constraint method, we analyzed the changes in b-values (Δb) in the latter period compared to the former. Our findings revealed a significant abnormal Δb zone (Δb < −0.3), with a radius of approximately 50 km, when ΔAIC ≥ 2 was selected. Intriguingly, the epicenter of the recent Luding MS 6.8 earthquake fell within this abnormal zone. Furthermore, we calculated the b-value cross-section for the southern section of the Xianshui He fault belt using a directory of precisely located small earthquakes. This revealed that the location, scale, and shape of the abnormally low-b-value area corresponded with the large displacement co-seismic area of the main earthquake, affirming the b-value’s effectiveness in identifying asperities. The b-value’s temporal evolution prior to the mainshock exhibited a nearly decade-long continuous decrease, signifying a long-term stress-loading process akin to that observed before many strong earthquakes. The b-value anomalies observed from different profiles before the Luding earthquake underline the necessity of a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of such anomalies. Finally, our analysis indicates that nine earthquakes with MS ≥ 6.5, including the Luding MS 6.8 event, have contributed to increased Coulomb Failure Stress change (ΔCFS) in the Daofu (DF)–Kangding (KD) section of the Xianshui He fault belt and the northern section of the Anning He fault belt south of Shimian (SM), with amplitudes surpassing the 0.01 MPa threshold. This suggests the potential for strong earthquakes in these zones.
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Open AccessArticle
Cost-Effective Temperature Sensor for Monitoring the Setting Time of Concrete
by
Leticia Presa Madrigal, Juan Antonio Rodríguez Rama, Domingo A. Martín Sánchez, Jorge L. Costafreda Mustelier, Miguel Ángel Sanjuán and José Luis Parra y Alfaro
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4344; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114344 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Concrete and Portland cement-based products are the most widely used materials in the construction industry. According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), 14 billion cubic meters of concrete are consumed worldwide every year. Knowledge of their properties is essential to ensure
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Concrete and Portland cement-based products are the most widely used materials in the construction industry. According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), 14 billion cubic meters of concrete are consumed worldwide every year. Knowledge of their properties is essential to ensure the quality of concrete products and structures. Knowing the evolution of certain parameters related to their durability makes it possible to prevent situations that affect compliance with quality requirements. Thanks to advances in IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, it is possible to know the evolution of these parameters in real time. The following work pursues the development and application of a prototype to monitor the setting time of concrete. This equipment provides real-time measurements, taking advantage of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, allowing effective monitoring of the thermal behavior of concrete during its setting process. By measuring the temperature of the process and evaluating the resistance acquired during the setting time, we can correlate these two parameters, thus ensuring their correct evolution and allowing quick action to avoid future problems. For the development of this work, temperature measurements were made during the setting of 12 concrete specimens corresponding to four different mixtures (two types of cement with and without additives), assessed at three setting ages (28, 90, and 180 days). Through detailed experimental tests, the sensor was accurately and reliably validated, showing its ability to detect temperature changes, indicating the initial and final setting time. In addition, it was observed that the integration of the DS18B20 sensor does not compromise the structural properties of the concrete. The prototype’s cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and easy installation make it a valuable tool for construction professionals, offering an innovative solution to ensure the quality and durability of the concrete. This breakthrough could represent a significant step towards the digitalization and improvement of construction processes, with direct implications for the efficiency and sustainability of modern infrastructures.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability of Advanced Cement and Concrete Materials)
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