AM Technologies (Poland)

Rapid urbanization and the growing number of private vehicles have intensified traffic congestion and inefficient parking utilization in metropolitan areas. A significant portion of urban traffic is caused by vehicles searching for available parking spaces, leading to increased fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and driver frustration. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an AI-enabled smart parking space detection and allocation system integrating Internet of Things (IoT) and computer vision technologies. The system employs a deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based object detection model for real-time vehicle and slot occupancy detection, combined with IoT sensor validation to enhance detection reliability. A hybrid edge–cloud architecture is adopted to ensure low-latency inference and scalable deployment. An intelligent allocation module dynamically assigns parking slots based on real-time availability, proximity, and congestion conditions. Experimental results demonstrate high detection accuracy, reduced parking search time, and improved parking space utilization. Security mechanisms such as encrypted communication and role-based access control are incorporated to ensure data integrity and user privacy. The proposed framework provides a practical and scalable solution for smart city parking management and future intelligent transportation systems.

This paper describes customization of a low-power tabletop hybrid GRBL-based CNC machine which is designed and manufactured for engraving, petrography, LASER cutting and milling of soft materials. The motorized spindle of the machine is upgraded by extending the rear shaft using a shaft coupler such that either a magnetic or an optical encoder can be attached to the spindle. The motor is driven by a customized PIEPP02 PC interfaced modular motor driver board. The motor voltage, current and angular position are sensed by the digital signal controller of the board with the help of a custom built external VIS01 board. It contains differential amplifiers and filters for voltage and current sensing purposes. Using a high-resolution quadrature encoder, the velocity signal is reliably estimated at a rate of 500 SPS for a broad range of motor speed. This makes the system suitable for configuring as a CNC lathe machine where tight speed control of the rotating job is needed with the help of a feedback loop. The uniqueness of the customized system is that, based on the synchronously captured spindle motor position, voltage and current, the evolution of shaft vibration with the increase of motor excitation can be captured, overcoming the PWM-related noise in the drive system. The developed electronics are useful for high-speed dynamic analysis of electromechanical systems in general, system identification, machine condition monitoring and characterization of the power wastage due to unwanted or under-optimized dynamics of a CNC machine.

Smart, linked healthcare systems are made possible by the fast developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), which have greatly changed healthcare. Wearable sensors combined with IoT technology let continuous real-time tracking of important physiological indicators including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, glucose levels, and body temperature. By means of early disease identification, remote monitoring, and prompt medical interventions, these systems improve patient care and lower hospital visits, hence increasing healthcare efficiency. By sending real-time health data to cloud-based systems, IoT-driven healthcare solutions improve data-driven decision-making and let healthcare personnel evaluate patient status from a distance. Widespread adoption will depend on issues including data privacy, cyber security threats, interoperability, and energy efficiency even with all the advantages. This article investigates how IoT and wearable sensors fit into contemporary healthcare, hence affecting real-time patient monitoring, healthcare access, and general patient outcomes.

Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and varicose veins (VV) are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated peripheral vascular diseases that pose considerable public health challenges. More research is required to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions and to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to identify shared and distinct pathways associated with angiogenesis and inflammation in LEAD, AAA, and VV. The expression of 18 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the plasma levels of six proteins were compared between groups of 40 patients with LEAD, 40 patients with AAA, and 40 patients with VV. Independent RNA-seq and microRNA-seq data were integrated to predict differentially expressed transcription factors and microRNAs associated with the most significant genes. Gene Ontology functional analysis was performed to determine the potential biological effects of the observed dysregulations. The elevated expression of VEGFB and TGFB1, along with increased plasma levels of VEGF-C and reduced plasma levels of VEGF-A, were distinguishing features of patients with LEAD compared to those with AAA and VV. Decreased plasma levels of TGF-alpha and TGF-beta 1 were found to be indicative of varicose veins compared to individuals with arterial diseases (LEAD and AAA). Transcription factors and microRNAs potentially regulating the obtained signatures were identified and integrated into a hypothetical regulatory network. The observed dysregulations were found to be functionally associated with the response to hypoxia, the positive regulation of angiogenesis, chemotaxis, vascular permeability, and cell adhesion. The presented study identified dysregulations of key angiogenesis- and inflammation-related factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma between LEAD, AAA, and VV patients, providing new insights into the shared and distinct molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases.

We present the highest-density reported single-supply Gain-Cell (GCRAM) memory macro <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$(0.069 \mu ~\mathrm{m}^{2}$</tex> bitcell) incorporating low-overhead write and retention WL-assist and a PVT-compensating dynamic reference generation. The proposed bitcell introduces a novel flipped topology that improves steady-state storage node voltage and retention performance, enabling read currents that are largely independent of data retention time. The 512 kb (1024 bit wide) logic-rule macro area in 16 nm FinFET is <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$0.044 ~\text{mm}^{2}$</tex>. Measurements demonstrate a retention time of <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$147 \mu$</tex> s at 25° C, which is the longest GCRAM retention time reported in 16 nm. The write and read currents of <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$16 \text{nA} / \text{MHz} / \text{bit}$</tex> and <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$26 \text{nA} / \text{MHz} / \text{bit}$</tex> achieve significant power reduction over SRAM.

Abstract The mechanism by which cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), a key drug target in cardiovascular disease, moves lipids between lipoproteins, has remained elusive. CETP is the primary protein that regulates plasma circulating levels of lipids (within high, low, and very low-density lipoproteins. The protein, in addition to its terminal openings, has two additional openings, plugged by two phospholipids (PLs). Small molecule inhibitors targeting CETP tunnel displace PL during CETP inhibition. Here, using steered molecular dynamics simulations followed by in-vitro mutagenesis we show that CETP-bound PLs are indispensable in establishing the optimal architecture of CETP tunnel. Our structural and functional analyses revealed that lipid traversal through CETP’s central tunnel is facilitated through hydrophobic interaction-mediated diffusion. PLs are critical in synchronizing domain movements of CETP while accelerating triglyceride traversal through the tunnel and their activity regulated through salt-bridge interactions. Most notably, we show for the first time that phospholipids (PLs) bound within CETP’s tunnel accelerate lipid movement through a novel “gliding” mechanism, representing the first known example of a lipid regulating the movement of another. We identified conserved phenylalanine (Phe) flaps that act as a regulatory valve, opening and closing concertedly to prevent lipid backflow in the absence of an active motor. This study provides in-depth understanding of the mechanism of lipid exchange by CETP guided, and accentuated by its interaction with PLs. The conservation of these critical structural elements across the BPI/LBP family suggests that this mechanism is broadly applicable, expanding our understanding of lipid transport in this clinically significant protein class. Significance Statement The mechanism of lipid transport by the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), a major drug target, has long been a scientific mystery. Neutral lipid exchange through CETP is dependent on the hydrophobic characteristics of the tunnel that has been exploited during inhibitor design. We provide a detailed, molecular-level explanation, showing for the first time that phospholipids (PLs), previously thought to be static plugs, are indispensable for lipid transfer. They actively accelerate lipid movement through a novel gliding mechanism, the first documented instance of a lipid regulating another. This discovery identifies new therapeutic targets for CETP inhibition. Our findings also suggest that this fundamental mechanism is conserved across a large protein family, with broad implications for understanding lipid transport and function.

Although society desires good animal welfare at slaughter, there is a tension between some religious requirements and modern commercial stunning methods. The DTS (Diathermic Syncope®) system has been designed with a vision of relieving that tension, rendering the animal unconscious within 0-5 s, by applying 160-200 kJ of 915 MHz electromagnetic energy to the forehead, while limiting damage or changes to the tissues. To investigate this latter aspect, surface temperature at the point of application was measured using fiber optic sensors in 12 animals; application point hide skin of 3 animals was examined histologically; 7 brains were inspected and palpated shortly after energy application; and four brains were examined histologically. There were no gross morphological changes to the brain, and limited evidence of changes on histological examination. Temperatures at the point of application remained close to the ambient (29.0-36.5 °C) prior to and for the first 8-12 s of energy application (max duration of application 12 s), then rose steadily to a peak, and began to fall when energy application ceased. Maximum recorded temperature was 54.27 (± 6.56) °C, which occurred after energy application had ceased. Although small numbers of animals were included in this study, they and the process used were representative of the normal operation through the commercial abattoir. Depilation and effects on forehead skin noted on carcases after bleed-out are likely to be exacerbated by post-mortem change. These findings may comply with religious slaughter requirements.