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A zero-width layer, where dielectric permittivity experiences a discontinuous jump, is typically used to mimic a metal–dielectric interface. An epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) layer is part of the small transition area that exists in reality. By investigating propagation of surface plasmons at the boundary of semiconductor-based nanostructured metamaterial, we demonstrate that the surface plasmon’s dispersion along with the absorption is altered by a continuous dielectric function. Additional radiative losses result from the surface plasmon’s energy radiating through the ENZ layer. Plasmonic resonance in the presence of a high electric field normal to the metal sheet provides direct proof of the phenomena associated with the transition layer. The transition layer’s electron density is impacted by the electric field, which causes a discernible shift in the plasmonic resonance.

This research presents results and discussion on a novel system for real-time monitoring of the work of industrial belt conveyor, signal classification and load identification. The measurement system is based on the strain gauges measuring the pressing force of the belt on the roller during its work. Automatized operation of the measurement system was designed to minimize operator’s impact on the measurement results. The aims of the research were to create machine learning models for classification of various conditions of conveyor belt and to identify optimal signal length of tensile pressure which enables achieving the best classification accuracy. For this reason, long short-term memory (LSTM) and Transformer neural network models were developed and tested. Both models achieved >90% accuracy in identification of loaded and unloaded dynamic states using pressure raw signal from strain gauges. However, LSTM model using short signals exhibited better classification recall for unloaded conveyor belt condition, and reached the highest classification level. Thus, it was proved that the novel measurement system was able to provide reliable signals, and processing of these signals with machine learning tools gave promising results proving its feasibility for Predictive Maintenance.

This study aims at raising translator awareness by highlighting the boundaries and scope of sense shift variation of discourse relations while translating two English TED talk transcripts and their Lithuanian, Portuguese and Turkish translations. We used a coherence-based approach and quantitative and qualitative analyses to explore the overall distribution of relation types across the data for each language set. The study then focused on the differences in sense shifts in translation in the TLs (target languages). Sense shifts mostly occurred while rendering English implicit relations as TL implicit relations. The study claims that despite some common features among TLs, several differences also occur, which might give ground to an understanding of means of transmitting discourse relations in the languages that were analyzed.

This study is cross-linguistically framed to raise translator awareness by illuminating the limits and extent of variation regarding the organization of discourse relations in two English TED talk transcripts and their translation into Lithuanian, Portuguese and Turkish. Within a coherence-based approach and using quantitative and qualitative analyses, the study focused on the differences in the organization of explicit versus other relation types in the TLs (target languages) and then the distribution of relations to senses was explored, showing Portuguese diverged from English. Across languages, Condition, Contrast, and Concession were mostly expressed by explicit means, while Conjunction and to a lesser extent, Result might be implicit. Frequency analyses suggested that implicitation of discourse connectives was not frequent in the target languages, but one Portuguese transcript displayed frequent implicitations, raising the possibility that implicitation may be an option taken by some translators.

The current article presents the research results of the proposed energy-saving way in hydraulic drives based on a biomimetic approach. Experimental measuring for investigation energy consumption by different types of high-pressure hoses and its influence on the inside fluid flow are presented. The methodology presented in this paper for experimental measurement is based on fluid pressure measuring and high-pressure hose vibration measuring analysis. In the research, by experimental measuring, different braided high-pressure hoses, used in modern hydraulic drives, were compared. The research was performed to describe a high-pressure hose behavior dependency on the fluid flow inside and its influence on the energy parameters of the system. The proposed concept for energy-saving in a hydraulic drive is based on biomimetic approaches. In the research it is disclosed that, by using different types of high-pressure hoses, a reduce of power losses and an increasing hydraulic drive efficiency can be achieved, by replacing one type of a high-pressure hose with another type, during machinery hydraulic drive maintenance or on design stage.

As innovative and versatile agents with potential applications in a wide range of fields including medicine, electronics, wastewater treatment, cosmetics, and energy storage devices, magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are significant attention. However, our knowledge of the harmful effects of different-sized NPs, particularly of their effects on aquatic animals, is limited. In this study, we evaluated the impact of different-sized (sub-2, 5, and 15 nm) cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) NPs on the biological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryos and larvae. The NPs were characterized using techniques such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) for imaging, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystallographic analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental analysis, and were tested for impact through a series of toxicity, genotoxicity, and biochemical assays at a concentration of 100 mg/L. The obtained results showed that toxicity of CoFe2O4 NPs depended on the size of NPs and the developmental stage of the fish. Our results, which revealed significant changes in biological parameters of O. mykiss under exposure to CoFe2O4 NPs, imply that these NPs may be not environmentally safe. The hierarchical cluster analysis showed that embryos of the control group were clearly separated from those exposed to NPs of various sizes. However, in the exposed larvae, the effects of control and the smallest-sized NPs (sub-2 nm) differed from those induced by larger NPs (5 nm and 15 nm). Additional research is necessary to comprehend the mechanisms underlying the observed variations, which would be advantageous for both managing the risk of NPs to humans and advancing the field of aquatic nanotoxicology.

A comprehensive hydrodynamic model for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) regasification terminal operating in transport mode was presented. The model is validated using technical data that characterize real-life technological regimes of LNG regasification process in the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (Klaipeda LNG Terminal, Lithuania). During the start-up period, (hydro-) dynamic processes were studied as LNG is pumped from the storage tank to the intermediate buffer tank (suction drum). This mathematical model is released with a particular software package using Fortran programing language (MICROSOFT VISUAL STUDIO package) and MATLAB R28a. The main idea was to investigate high-speed processes and their influence on hydrodynamic and dynamic processes and obtain energy losses in the pipe system.

Climate change has a profound impact on our way of life, prompting both individuals and companies to contribute to a greener future. The logistics sector is no exception, as green logistics plays an increasingly significant role within the supply chain. To practice sustainable and ecological logistics, it is crucial to implement green practices right from the initial movement of goods. This article delves into the concept of green logistics, supply chain trends, green supply chain practices, and tools for green logistics management. The adoption of green logistics by transportation companies is seen as a means to enhance their competitive advantage in today’s economic, social, and environmental landscape. However, effectively implementing the principles of sustainable development requires the integration of different areas that are often treated separately, necessitating new methods and tools. Nevertheless, there exists a knowledge gap regarding the practical application of green logistics measures, highlighting the need for further understanding and insights in this area.

A procedure for simultaneous topology, shape, and sizing optimization of tall pinned guyed masts is presented in the paper, seeking the minimal total mass of the mast structure including guys. The typical schemes of tall telecommunication masts of four different heights with different antenna areas distributed in the top 15% of the mast height that is triangular in plan and supported by two to four guys’ clusters are examined. The mast structure is optimized for self-weight and wind loading evaluated according to Eurocodes. Since the non-gradient stochastic optimization algorithm requiring thousands of problem solutions is used, the non-linear behaviour of the guyed mast is mimicked by a suggested approximate linear analysis procedure. The optimization constraints involve all strength, local, and global stability requirements. Analysis of the optimization results leads to the following most important findings: at equal conditions of the mast scheme, a higher number of guys’ clusters always reduces the mast mass; in case of four guys’ clusters levels the anchoring points of the top and the next-to-last level guys should be superposed. Also, the optimal ranges of pre-stresses in guys of different levels, their inclination angles, and the ratios of spans between guys’ levels are provided.

The article presents an original test rig for investigating the dynamic and static properties of hydraulic hoses. A composite micro-hydraulic hose with an inner diameter of 2 mm was taken as the test object. To carry out hydrodynamic tests in a composite hydraulic micro-hose, a test rig was built. The test stand consists of a hydraulic system whose purpose is to supply the test object with working fluid, and measurement paths that allow observation of hydrodynamic phenomena occurring in the tested hose. In addition, the test stand was equipped with a working fluid temperature stabilization system. The measured values during the measurement series were: pressure at the beginning and at the end of the tested hose (AC and DC components), temperature of the fluid inside the micro-hose at the beginning and at the end, vibrations in three directions at a selected point of the micro-hose, tension force of the micro-hose (DC and AC component), reaction in the supports (DC and AC component), fluid flow rate in the micro-hose, displacement of the movable support differential with the axial deformation of the micro-hose. In the research was determined the influence of the mean pressure value on the amplitude of micro-hose vibrations. Amplitude-frequency spectra were used to analyses the results obtained.