Tilt Angle Research Articles

Functional Symmetry Observation Scale, Version 2: Reliability, Construct Validity, and Potential for Clinical Use.

To examine the intrarater and interrater reliability and construct validity of the Functional Symmetry Observation Scale, Version 2 (FSOS-V2) in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). The FSOS-V2 is a video-based measure of postural and movement symmetry in infants with CMT. Four examiners scored 50 participants' videos twice. Scores obtained by the same rater and across 4 raters were compared to examine intrarater and interrater reliability, respectively. Participants' habitual head deviation from midline in supine photographs was measured using a protractor. Relationship between the head tilt angles and FSOS-V2 scores was examined to assess construct validity. Fifty infants with CMT, age range 1 to 16months, participated. Results indicated moderate to good intrarater and poor to moderate interrater reliability. The FSOS-V2 construct validity was supported. The FSOS-V2 can be used by the same therapist repeatedly to make clinical decisions. Further research will strengthen its psychometric properties.

Sustainable innovation for fermented cassava roasting: Examining the potential of parabolic dish solar collectors and thermal energy storage

Fermented cassava roasting is an energy-intensive process that is commonly used to produce gari, a popular food in Nigeria made from cassava. Traditional roasting methods use firewood as an energy source, which is inefficient and harmful to the health of those who inhale the smoke (mainly women and children in rural communities) and contributes to deforestation. This work aims to investigate a developed fermented cassava roasting system driven by a concentrated parabolic solar collector. Important data on the gari production food chain was obtained from a work-study in a rural community: temperatures and moisture content. The roasting temperatures range between 85oC - 100oC. The parabolic dish solar collector was designed and fabricated to achieve temperatures between 118oC-154oC at optimum tilt angles at Port Harcourt (4°54′ 22.86″N, 6°55′ 27.52″E) climatic conditions. The focal length ranges between 50 mm and 80 mm, and the fluctuation of the focal point position was considered for the thermal storage system design. Gravel was used as a thermal storage, and heat transfer was enhanced through small internally placed mild steel rods. The experimentally obtained average total fry/roast time per batch (40g) was 24 min, which is greater than the theoretically obtained value of 8.5 min. The fermented cassava roasting experiment was conducted for three days with favourable weather conditions, achieving a maximum temperature of 101oC. This innovation is important in addressing the health risks associated with traditional fermented cassava roasting methods and moving towards zero-emission and zero-poverty innovative systems.

Reliability analysis of WBCT-derived 3D models for comparing preoperative and postoperative alignment in total ankle arthroplasty

BackgroundTraditional imaging techniques for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) evaluation are limited by rotational bias and bone superimposition, highlighting the necessity for more precise assessment methods. The advent of weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) generated 3D enhance the visualization of foot and ankle alignment, offering unmatched detail. This study aims to assess the accuracy of preoperative and postoperative measurements in TAA across all three planes using WBCT-generated 3D models. We hypothesize that these models can be reliably used to compare preoperative and postoperative alignment. MethodsFor 81 patients undergoing TAA, preoperative and postoperative WBCT models were created. Measurements included five coronal angles: Alpha, Tibiotalar Surface Angle (TSA), Talar Tilt Angle (TT), Salzmann's 20 degrees Angle (SA), and Talocalcaneal Angle (TCA); three sagittal angles: Beta, Gamma, and Tibiotalar Ratio (TTR); and one axial angle: The Posterior Talar Rotational Angle (PTARA). Two raters evaluated these before and after surgery in two separate sessions. The study then compared preoperative to postoperative measurements, calculating inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. ResultsSignificant changes were observed in three coronal angles (TSA, TT, and SA) and two sagittal angles (Beta and Gamma), with P-values of 0.2, 0.007, 0.019, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively. No significant changes were noted in Alpha, TCA, TTR, and PTARA, with P-values of 0.2, 0.9, 0.2, and 0.6, respectively. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability scores ranged from 0.885 to 0.97, indicating good to excellent interclass correlation across all planes, both pre-and postoperatively. ConclusionWBCT-generated 3D modeling and image analysis software have enabled a detailed comparison between preoperative alignment and postoperative TAA positioning across coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, revealing significant adjustments in coronal and sagittal alignments. The high reliability and reproducibility of these measurements affirm their value in preoperative planning in improving the accuracy of surgical interventions. Level of evidenceLevel III of evidence

Performance investigation of a building-integrated collector based on spectrum splitting technology

Based on solar spectrum splitting technology, a novel concentrating photovoltaic/thermal (CPV/T) solar collector is proposed, which primarily composed of six Fresnel collector units with separate photovoltaic and photothermal modules. The compact overall structure is optimally designed that can be effectively integrated with ordinary buildings while supply both electrical and thermal energy. The proposed collector achieves the maximum annual average optical efficiency when installed north–south axially with a tilt angle approximately equal to the installation latitude, as a 64.97 % in Nanjing (32°N). Simulation analysis shows that the main influencing factors of the system performance are direct solar irradiance, working medium mass flow, and optical efficiency, the theoretical outlet working medium temperature can reach 150 °C while the photovoltaic and photothermal efficiencies are 12.37 % and 39.74 % when the normalized temperature difference T* is 0.06. Further, to verify the theoretical/simulation analysis results, the outdoor experimental tests are conducted and show that the optimal inlet working medium mass flow is 10.8 kg/h, while the efficiencies are 5.99 % and 27.59 %, respectively, that is, the proposed system comprehensive thermal efficiency can reach 43.35 %. The comparative analysis of theoretical research and experimental tests shows that the proposed system has rationality and practical value, which can provide guidance for practical engineering.

Investigation of the double layer structure of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate at the air-water interface using sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

The interfacial structure and adsorption behavior of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ionic liquids (ILs) aqueous solutions were investigated using sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS) and surface tension measurements. Polarization-dependent measurements revealed a dramatic increase in the SFG signal for both CH and CN stretching modes with increasing ILs concentration, reaching a maximum at a mole fraction of 0.01. This concentration dependence was accompanied by a dramatic drop in surface tension. Upon further increasing the concentration, surface tension varied slightly and reached a constant value, while the SFG signal decreased significantly. Quantitative polarization analysis showed that as the bulk concentration increased, the apparent molecular orientation of the SCN- transition dipole at the interface changed from 51° to 46°, and the tilt angle of CH3 group of the butyl chain attached to the imidazole cationic ring changed from 18° to 32°. The decrease in the SFG signal can be explained by the formation of a double layer adsorption structure at the air/water interface. It was also demonstrated that the anions were adsorbed at the interface simultaneously with the cationic group, rather than by successive adsorption as proposed in a previous study. Using the Shereshefsky model, the thermodynamic Gibbs free energy of adsorption deduced from surface tension data was compared with SFG results.

Reference ranges and test-retest reliability of subject visual horizontal from different head-tilt angles in young healthy adults

Objective:To establish the normal values of subjective visual horizontal（SVH） under different head tilt angles, analyze the test-retest reliability, and provide a normal value reference for the refined diagnosis and functional assessment of SVH in clinical vestibular disorders. Methods:Thirty-one healthy young people were selected to wear visual reality glasses to test SVH data in five different head tilt angles: upright head position 0°, head tilted 45°to the left（L45°）, head tilted 45° to the right（R45°）, head tilted 90° to the left（L90°）, and head tilted 90° to the right（R90°）, and were re-tested 2 weeks later. Results:①The normal values of SVH at 0°, L45°, R45°, L90°, and R90°were 0.30±1.32, 5.94±5.54, -11.44±5.32, -0.87±8.63, -2.70±8.02, respectively. ②The 95% confidence intervals of SVH at 0°, L45°, R45°, L90°, and R90° were: （-2.34,2.94）,（-5.14,17.02）,（-22.08,-0.80）,（-18.13,16.39）,（-18.74，13.34）, respectively. The ratio of asymmetry in the absolute value of bilateral 45° deviation was 26.4% and the ratio of asymmetry in the absolute value of bilateral 90° deviation was 1.3%. ③The intra-class correlation coefficient（ICC） for 0°, L45°, R45°, L90° and R90° was 0.625, 0.641, 0.564, 0.769, 0.656, respectively. Conclusion:SVH has good test-retest reliability and high clinical test stability and stability. The data on normal values of SVH at different head tilt angles established in this study can provide clinical references for the refined diagnosis and functional assessment of vestibular system disorders.

Tectonic reevaluation of West Cameroon domain: Insights from high-resolution gravity models and advanced edge detection methods

The West Cameroon region, characterized by a diverse geomorphology of highlands and plains resulting from tectonic processes across different geological ages, has been extensively explored for natural resources. Recognizing the significance of its tectonic and magmatic features associated with seismic and volcanic activity, this study focuses on geodynamic investigations of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). Despite previous efforts, detailed structural geophysical studies of the West Cameroon domain have proven inconclusive, prompting a comprehensive structural reinterpretation. Utilizing the high-resolution SGG-UGM-2 satellite gravity model and innovative processing techniques, including the horizontal gradient of a modified tilt (HGSTDR), the balanced horizontal gradient (BHG), the tilt of the horizontal gradient (TAHG), the improvised horizontal gradient tilt angle (impTAHG), and the Tilt Depth method, our research aims to enhance the interpretational quality of tectonic lineaments. By separating regional and residual anomalies in the Bouguer gravity map and applying a combination of filters to delineate geological units, the BHG filter emerges as a robust tool that highlights subsurface edges without generating false features. This approach unveils previously undetected NNW-SSE-oriented lineaments, confirming the presence of deep fractures and faults in Bafoussam, Nkongsamba, and along the Benue Trough, corroborated by newly discovered NNW-SSW trending lineaments. The study suggests that the region’s topography is overcompensated by deep mountain roots and compressive tectonism. Digitizing the BHG filter produces a structural map, revealing predominant NE trends in identified geological margins, including NNE-SSW, N-S, NW-SE, E-W, and NE-SW directions. Geological contacts between granite and high-grade gneiss are indicated by NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW trending lineaments along the Benue Trough. These results contribute significantly to the understanding of the tectonic setting of the West Cameroon Domain.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes With Body Mass Index After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a commonly employed surgical approach for recurrent patellar dislocation. However, the impact of elevated body mass index (BMI) on postoperative complication rates remains controversial. To compare the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of patients with normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and those with elevated BMI (≥25 kg/m2) who underwent MPFL reconstruction for recurrent acquired lateral traumatic patellar dislocation. Cohort Study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 70 patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation were included in this study. Patients with recurrent patellar dislocation were categorized into 2 groups based on their BMI: the normal BMI group and the elevated BMI group. Functional scores (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Tegner, and Kujala scores) and radiological measurements (patellar tilt angle, patellofemoral trochlear congruence, lateral patellofemoral angle, and lateral patellar displacement) were evaluated both preoperatively and at the last follow-up. The occurrence of postoperative complications at the last follow-up was also recorded. Differences in functional scores and radiological parameters before and after surgery were analyzed with paired-samples t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Comparisons between groups were conducted using independent-samples t tests or the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. In the normal BMI group, there were 13 male patients and 27 female patients, with a mean follow-up duration of 26.15 ± 13.16 months. The mean age in this group was 21.93 ± 7.94 years. The elevated BMI group consisted of 12 male patients and 18 female patients, with a mean follow-up duration of 27.50 ± 15.79 months and a mean age of 23.30 ± 8.43 years. At the final follow-up, the incidence of surgical failure (patellar redislocation or subluxation and necessitating secondary surgery) was significantly higher in the elevated BMI group (6 out of 30 patients; 20.0%) compared with the normal BMI group (1 out of 40 patients; 2.5%) (P < .05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in postoperative Lysholm, IKDC, Tegner, and Kujala scores compared with the preoperative period (P < .05). Notably, the normal BMI group had significantly higher preoperative Lysholm and Tegner scores compared with the elevated BMI group (P < .05). Furthermore, the elevated BMI group exhibited less improvement in Tegner and Kujala scores compared with the normal BMI group (P < .05). Postoperative radiological parameters in both groups returned to the normal range (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of radiological parameters and their corresponding differences. Our study demonstrated statistically significant increases in postoperative clinical scores for both groups, although the intergroup differences varied. Specifically, patients with elevated BMI demonstrated poorer preoperative Lysholm and Tegner scores. The postoperative improvement in radiological parameters was equally good between the 2 groups.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of {2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]ethane-1-thiolato}chloridocadmium(II)

The title compound, [Cd(C14H16N3S)Cl] or [CdLCl] (1), where LH = 2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]ethane-1-thiol, was prepared and structurally characterized. The Cd2+ complex crystallizes in P21/c with a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal metal coordination geometry. Supramolecular interactions in 1 include parallel offset face-to-face interactions between inversion-related pyridyl rings and potential hydrogen bonds with chlorine or sulfur as the acceptor. Additional cooperative pyridyl–pyridyl interactions with roughly 45° tilt angles and centroid–centroid distances of less than 5.5 Å likely also contribute to the overall solid-state stability. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H...H (51.2%), Cl...H/H...Cl (13.9%), C...H/H...C (12.3%) and S...H/H...S (11.8%) interactions are dominant in the solid state.

An experimental and numerical investigation of the thermal performance of phase change materials in different triple-glazed window configurations

Phase Change Materials (PCM) may be excellent thermal insulation due to their poor conductivity and high heat capacity. Researchers are adding PCM to windows. This integration modifies internal surface temperatures and delays peak temperatures to improve indoor thermal comfort. This work investigates experimentally and numerically the impact of the different filling materials in four Triple Glazed Windows (TGW) configurations in an Iraqi environment: the first window filled two cavities with air (standard); the second window has one cavity filled with a PCM and the other with air; the third window has blinders with various tilt angles in one cavity and PCM in the other cavity; and in the fourth window, both cavities are filled with PCM. Numerically utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics to evaluate the thermal performance of TGW. In August, when the solar radiation was at its maximum (623 W/m2), the results showed that the peak interior surface temperature dropped by 4.51, 13.28 and 11.53 % in the TGW configurations (PCM-air), (blinder-PCM), and (PCM-PCM), compared to the standard TGW. The fourth window increased the time lag by 2 h, effectively shifting the load and in the third window, the best tilt angle blinder is 45°

Design selection of experimental test rig for static thrust on micro size propeller using Pugh method

This paper aims to propose a simple, straightforward, yet robust test rig design to measure the static thrust magnitude for small propellers. Although there were advanced tools like multi-axis force or torque sensors, sophisticated equipment and complex mechanisms were required to capture the accurate thrust magnitude. Therefore, providing simple and effective test rig design for small-sized propellers is quite challenging. In this work, Pugh matrix analysis was used to evaluate three new designs of Propeller Thrust Measurement Rig (PMTR) and compare the designs against a benchmark model. The evaluation covered important design criteria during test operation, such as measurement accuracy, stability, ease of development, assembly, maintenance, versatility, electronic integration, airflow interference, adaptability for tilt angle studies, and resemblance to multicopter flight conditions. The results reveal that the PMTR-1 design scored the highest in the analysis and emerged as the most suitable candidate among the proposed designs. It showed potential superior performance in stability, ease of development and assembly, versatility, simplicity, airflow management, and adaptability for future studies. PMTR-3 demonstrated some potential but needs more enhancement in electronic integration and structural development. However, PMTR-2 faces significant potential challenges in providing stability, versatility, electronic integration, and adaptability for effective and safe operations.

Clinical significance of posterior talofibular ligament injury in chronic lateral ankle instability.

Although arthroscopic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is widely performed, the effect of posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) injury on clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the PTFL in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) and determine whether the presence or absence of PTFL injury affected the postoperative outcomes of arthroscopic ATFL repair. Forty ankles of 35 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for CLAI were included in this study as the experimental group, together with 25 ankles of 24 patients without CLAI as the control group. The PTFL thickness (PTFLT) and PTFL cross-sectional area (PTFLCSA) were measured using MRI and compared between the control and CLAI groups. The clinical outcomes of arthroscopic repair were compared between ankles with and without PTFL injuries. The mean PTFLT and PTFLCSA values were significantly higher in the CLAI group than in the control group. The PTFLT and PTFLCSA in the PTFL injury group were significantly larger than those in the non-injury group in the CLAI group. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in clinical scores and talar tilt angles on stress radiographs between ankles with and without PTFL injury; however, instability recurrence was frequently observed in ankles with PTFL injury (32.1%) compared to the ankles without PTFL injury (16.7%). Poor-quality ATFL remnant, ATFL inferior fascicle, and calcaneofibular ligament injuries were frequently observed in ankles with PTFL injuries. Our findings indicate that PTFL injury is highly associated with CLAI but it does not affect postoperative clinical scores. However, postoperative instability recurrence was more often observed in ankles with PTFL injuries, given that they frequently have poor-quality ATFL remnants and CFL injuries. Level III.

High-Q all-dielectric metasurface perfect absorber powered by quasi-bound states in the continuum

All-dielectric perfect absorbers powered by quasi-bound states in the continuum (-BIC) are of great importance for developing high-performance optoelectronic devices because they provide high Q-factor absorption. However, these structures usually require the addition of metal back reflectors or degenerate critical coupling to achieve high absorption, which often introduces problems such as Joule heat output and sensitivity to geometrical parameters. In this work, we present an all-dielectric high Q-factor metasurface perfect absorber (MPA) with a cell structure consisting of split Si elliptical disks. By adjusting the tilt angle of the gap, the metasurface can excite a single quasi-BIC resonance in a highly reflective background, corresponding to the electric quadrupole (EQ) mode. Due to the asymmetric coupling of the EQ mode, the proposed metasurface easily breaks the 50% absorption limit. At the wavelength of 894.645 nm, the metasurface achieves a perfect absorption of more than 99% and has a Q-factor of up to 1955. In addition, the structure shows excellent tolerance to geometrical parameters while ensuring high absorption performance. By adjusting the polarization angle, we have also achieved an arbitrary tuning of the absorption efficiency without frequency shift. This work provides a viable scheme for the design of tunable, large-tolerance, and high-Q all-dielectric MPAs, which have a broad potential application in the fields of optical filtering, optical switching, and polarization detection.

Optimization of Solar PV System Efficiency in Bangladesh

This paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of Sarishabari Engreen Solar Plant Ltd., a 3.3 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system located in Sarishabari, Jamalpur, Bangladesh. The study evaluates the plant's economic and operational performance, revealing a competitive payback period of 10.1 years and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.11 USD/kWh. These metrics highlight the plant's financial viability, largely due to the low cost of public land used for construction. However, profitability may be challenged if similar projects require significant investments in private land acquisition. Key areas for improvement identified include optimizing the tilt angle and integrating smart automation systems. Additionally, the potential for hybrid renewable energy systems combining solar and wind power is discussed. The paper also provides actionable recommendations for future renewable projects, emphasizing the importance of advanced technologies, and supportive policies. These insights aim to inform the optimization of existing solar PV systems and guide the development of future renewable energy projects in Bangladesh, contributing to the country's sustainable energy goals.

A Study on Offshore Anchor Selection with a Focus on Torpedo Anchor Stability and Performance

The global pursuit of renewable energy has significantly accelerated offshore wind energy development. Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are increasingly in the spotlight as they offer superior capabilities for harnessing abundant wind resources in deep-water areas, outperforming traditional fixed-bottom turbines. The deployment and station-keeping of these floating structures are critically dependent on robust mooring systems and the precise selection of anchoring solutions. This paper provides an overview of various anchors, including driven and suction caissons, torpedo, and drag anchors, and their applications in real-world projects. These commonly used anchors were discussed in relation to mooring types, soil conditions, and expected bearing capacities. Torpedo anchor installation failures have been reported in cases where excessive tilt angles occur during deployment. This motivates us to present an in-depth study on the importance of directional stability during installation of torpedo anchors. The study will utilize computational fluid dynamics Star-CCM+ 2402 to analyze and assess the impact of the center of gravity configuration on stabilization. Additionally, theoretical formulas will be used to estimate the holding capacity that the torpedo anchor can provide. These insights are designed to assist wind energy developers in making informed and effective anchoring decisions for floating wind turbine projects.

Semi-analytical Monte Carlo simulation of underwater target echoes from a small UAV-based oceanic lidar

Small unmanned airborne oceanic lidars are becoming increasingly popular for ocean surveys. They typically weigh less than 10 kg and can be mounted on commonly used commercial drones, making them easier to use than traditional large oceanic lidars, which typically weigh up to 80 kg and can only be carried on manned aircraft. Unmanned airborne oceanic lidars typically fly at lower altitudes and use higher laser emission frequencies, making them suitable for detecting underwater targets. However, most of the existing LiDAR underwater echo simulation models are designed for flat terrain and assume that the target fills the LiDAR receiving field of view, and there are few studies on the echoes of suspended targets smaller than the field of view range. Therefore, we combined ray tracing and semi-analytical Monte Carlo to model the laser echo energy of the underwater target. The study investigated the energy change of the target echo in the direction of deviation from the laser outgoing direction, and the impact of absorption and scattering coefficients on it. The difference in echo energy between different fields of view for extended and non-extended targets and the effect of water quality on it were explored. The echo waveforms of the target under different tilt angles were simulated, and it was found that the target echo pattern will be tilted with the change of tilt angle and offset position.

Biased Signaling Agonists Promote Distinct Phosphorylation and Conformational States of the Dopamine D3 Receptor

Biased agonists of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as promising selective modulators of signaling pathways by offering therapeutic advantages over unbiased agonists to minimize side effects. The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R), a pivotal GPCR in the central nervous system, has gained significant attention as a therapeutic target for neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), addiction, psychosis, depression, and anxiety. We have recently designed and tested SK609, a G-protein biased D3R selective agonist, and demonstrated its efficacy in reducing motor impairment and improving cognitive effects in a rodent model of PD. The molecular mechanism by which SK609 recruits G-protein but not β-arrestin pathways is poorly understood. Utilizing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the distinct conformational dynamics imparted by SK609 and the reference unbiased agonist Pramipexole (PRX). Results from these studies show that the flexibility of transmembrane 3 is key to unbiased signaling, with a ~30° and ~17° shift in tilt angle in the D3R-Gi and D3R-βarrestin2 complexes, respectively. Additionally, untargeted phosphoproteomics analysis reveals unique phosphorylation sites by SK609 and PRX in D3R. These results suggest that SK609 induces conformational changes and unique phosphorylation patterns that promote interactions with G-proteins and are not conducive for β-arrestin2 recruitment and signaling.

A Study on the Catch Losses and Mesh Selectivity Related to the Attachment of Marine Mammal Bycatch Reduction Devices on Midwater Trawl Gear

The National Institute of Fisheries Science in Korea is developing marine mammal bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for high-risk fishing gear, such as trawls. We experimented with two BRD types (guiding nets) attached in front of codend at 30° and 45° angles, and catch losses and mesh size selectivity were investigated. Experimental fishing operations were conducted along the East Coast of South Korea where whales and dolphins are commonly sighted. The catch was classified according to fishing location, BRD type, codend, and covernet, with measurements recorded for body length, maximum girth, and weight. The average selectivity for each haul was analyzed using the ‘selfisher’ package. The catch loss rates with the BRD attached at tilt angles of 30° and 45° were 11% and 29% for common flying squid, 6% and 28% for sailfin sandfish, and 5% and 8% for pearlside. While the mesh selectivity rates for common flying squid and pearlside remained at 0.2–0.5 across all lengths and tilt angles, the mesh selectivity curve for sailfin sandfish was estimated. There were significant differences in catch loss between 30° and 45° angles, with the 30° angle being more effective in catch loss. We observed a masking effect in the codend.

Multi-Frequency Asymmetric Absorption-Transmission Metastructures-Photonic Crystals and Their Application as a Refractive Index Sensor.

In this paper, a kind of metastructure-photonic crystal (MPC) with multi-frequency asymmetric absorption-transmission properties is proposed. It is composed of various dielectric layers arranged in a periodically tilting pattern. When electromagnetic waves (EMWs) enter from the opposite direction, MPC shows an obvious asymmetry. EMWs are absorbed at 13.71 GHz, 14.37 GHz, and 17.10 GHz in forward incidence, with maximum absorptions of 0.919, 0.917, and 0.956, respectively. In the case of backward incidence, transmission above 0.877 is achieved. Additionally, the MPC is utilized for refractive index (RI) sensing, allowing for wide RI range detection. The refractive index unit is denoted as RIU. The RI detection range is 1.4~3.0, with the corresponding absorption peak variation range being 17.054~17.194 GHz, and a sensitivity of 86 MHz/RIU. By adjusting the number of MPC cycles and tilt angle, the sensing performance and operating frequency band can be tailored to meet various operational requirements. This MPC-based RI sensor is simple to fabricate and has the potential to be used in the development of high-performance and compact sensing devices.

Unveiling the impact of climate diversity on solar PV soiling

ABSTRACT Advanced knowledge of PV soiling can aid in the economic profitability of PV plants and efficient generation. This study introduces a novel approach for evaluating energy losses from soiling deposition on PV modules. Experimental investigations conducted under real outdoor conditions in Jaipur (India) were used to validate the model’s accuracy, demonstrating close agreement (with MAPE < 3.6%). Annual soiling trends were also investigated for seven cities reflecting diverse climatic zones (hot-dry, warm-humid, composite, temperate, and cold) and pollutant (PM10) concentrations. The proposed model was also tested with three different cleaning thresholds using rainfall intensities of 1, 3, and 5 mm/day and energy yield reductions due to soiling were simulated. Consequently, the findings of this study underscore the significance of seasonal variations in soiling profiles for different cities and, thus, highlight the need to develop location-specific cleaning strategies for PV systems that also account for the soiling removal due to rain events. The significant contribution of this research is a simplistic modeling approach that addresses the relationship of PV soiling with the input parameters such as wind speed (WS), relative humidity (RH), rainfall, particulate matter (PM10), and tilt angle. Hence, the proposed method can calculate soiling losses worldwide irrespective of geographical differences.