The relaxation processes induced by an exposure of the Ar matrices doped with CH4 (0.1 – 10%) to an electron beam were studied with a focus on the dynamics of radiolysis products – H atoms, H2 molecules, CH radicals, and energy transfer processes. Three channels of energy transfer to dopant and radiolysis products were discussed: by free charge carriers, free excitons and photons from the “intrinsic source” provided by emission of the self-trapped excitons. Radiolysis products along with the total yield of desorbing particles were monitored in a correlated manner. Analysis of methane transformation reactions induced by free excitons showed that the CH radical can be considered as a marker of the CH3 species. The competition between exciton self-trapping and energy transfer to the dopant and radiolysis products has been demonstrated. A nonlinear concentration behavior of the H atoms in doped Ar matrices has been established. Real-time correlated monitoring of optical emissions (H atom and CH3 radicals), particle ejection, and temperature revealed a nonmonotonic behavior of optical yields with a strong luminescence flash after almost an hour of exposure, which correlated with explosive pulse of particle ejection and temperature. The connection of this phenomenon with the processes of energy transfer and radical-radical recombination is discussed.

Magnesium matrix composites have attracted significant attention due to their lightweight nature and impressive mechanical properties. However, the fabrication process for these alloy compo-sites is often time-consuming, expensive, and labor-intensive. To overcome these challenges, this study employed machine learning (ML) techniques to predict the mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composites. Regression models were utilized to forecast the yield strength of magnesium alloy composites reinforced with various materials. The study incorporated previous research on matrix type, reinforcement type, heat treatment, and mechanical working. The re-gression models employed in this study included decision tree regression, random forest re-gression, extra tree regression, and XGBoost regression. Model performance was assessed using metrics such as RMSE and R2. The XGBoost Regression model out-performed others, exhibiting an R2 value of 0.94 and the lowest error rate. Feature importance analysis indicated that the rein-forcement particle form had the greatest influence on the mechanical properties. The study iden-tified the optimized parameters for achieving the highest yield strength, which was 186.99 MPa. Overall, this study successfully demonstrates the effectiveness of ML as a valuable tool for opti-mizing the production parameters of magnesium matrix composites.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are often considered biomarkers of skin fibrosis. At the early stages of the pathological process, an elevation of their enzymatic activity causes significant changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix. MMPs secreted by immune cells facilitate their migration to the site of damage. Then, the immune cells eliminate the affected cells and biomolecules. Moreover, bidirectional changes in the activity of proteolytic enzymes, including MMPs, accompany wound healing. This study aimed to assess changes in the expression of Mmp2, Mmp3, and Mmp9 after treating the mice with laser therapy using the experimental model of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. Using immunohistochemistry, we characterized the histological features of scarred skin. We also analyzed changes in the expression of MMPs using real-time polymerase chain reaction before and after the irradiation with laser. We showed that treatment of the mice with CO2 laser partially normalized the histological features of scarred skin. We also noticed a decrease in the expression of Mmp2, Mmp3 (both p < 0.05), and Mmp9 (p = 0.065) during scar healing. The obtained results suggest that normalization of skin homeostasis requires a control of MMPs activities via induction of their genes.

Viral protein 24 (VP24) from Ebola virus (EBOV) was first recognized as a minor matrix protein that associates with cellular membranes. However, more recent studies shed light on its roles in inhibiting viral genome transcription and replication, facilitating nucleocapsid assembly and transport, and interfering with immune responses in host cells through downregulation of interferon (IFN)-activated genes. Thus, whether VP24 is a peripheral protein with lipid binding ability for matrix layer recruitment has not been explored. Here we examined the lipid binding ability of VP24 with a number of lipid binding assays. The results indicated that VP24 lacked the ability to associate with lipids tested regardless of VP24 posttranslational modifications. We further demonstrate that the presence of the EBOV major matrix protein VP40 did not promote VP24 membrane association in vitro or in cells. Further, no protein-protein interactions between VP24 and VP40 were detected by co-immunoprecipitation. Confocal imaging and cellular membrane fractionation analyses in human cells suggested VP24 did not specifically localize at the plasma membrane inner leaflet. Overall, we provide evidence that EBOV VP24 is not a lipid binding protein and its presence in the viral matrix layer is likely not dependent on direct lipid interactions.

This work aims to characterize a new method to recover low-manipulated human adipose tissue, enriched of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ATD-MSCs) for autologous use in regenerative medicine applications. Lipoaspirated fat collected from patients was processed through Lipocell, a II-a medical device for dialysis of adipose tissue, by varying filter sizes and washing solutions. ATD-MSCs yield was measured with flow cytometry after SVF isolation in fresh and cultured samples. Purification from oil and blood was measured after centrifugation with spectrophotometer analysis. Extracellular matrix preservation was assessed through H&E staining and biochemical assay for total collagen, type-2 collagen, and GAGs quantification. Flow cytometry showed a 2-fold increase of ATD-MSCs yield in treated samples in comparison with untreated lipoaspirate; no differences where reported when varying filter size. The association of dialysis and washing thoroughly removed blood and oil from samples. Tissue architecture and extracellular matrix integrity were unaltered after Lipocell processing. Dialysis procedure associated with Ringer’s lactate preserves the proliferation ability of ATD-MSCs in cell culture. The characterization of the product shows that Lipocell is an efficient method to purify the tissue from undesired byproducts, preserving ATD-MSCs vitality and ECM integrity, resulting in a promising tool for regenerative medicine applications.

In the preparation of polymer-clay nanocomposites the chemical incompatibility between the clay surface and polyolefins can be overcome by using clays organically modified with short chain organic cations. The compatibility can be further enhanced by using functionalized polymer that wets the clay surface while being miscible with the non-polar polymer matrix. In this work we tried to modify the host polymer polypropylene (PP) by irradiating it with gamma-rays in air knowing that it undergoes oxidation and chain scission simultaneously. Thus lower molecular weight PP with highly polar surface due to oxidation can be expected to play double role of clay modifier and functional compatibilizer. This has been observed to be the case. Finely ground PP granules were irradiated in air in a ⁶⁰Co γ-irradiator at the dose rate of 0.08 kGy/h (low dose rate to enhance oxidation) to 5, 10, and 20 kGy total doses. The extent of oxidation and change in molecular weight were determined by ATR-FTIR and Melt Flow Rate measurements respectively. PP/MMT nanocomposites were prepared by using 20% γ-PP, 1-5 % MMT and pristine PP to make up the total 100 in a torque rheometer. Maleated PP was also used in similar quantities to compare the effectiveness of γ-PP as a compatibilizing agent. Nanocomposites prepared with 10 kGy irradiated PP was found to show optimum mechanical properties among all formulations, with 26% increase in E-modulus and 10% increase in tensile strength as compared to pristine PP. Ternary PP nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, SAXS and PALS studies.

Integration of multi-view datasets which are comprised of heterogeneous sources or different representations is challenging to understand the subtle and complex relationship in data. Such data integration methods attempt to combine efficiently the complementary information of multiple data types to construct a comprehensive view of underlying data. Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), an approach that can be used for signal compression and noise reduction, has aroused widespread attention in the last two decades. The Kullback–Leibler divergence (or relative entropy) information distance can be used to measure the loss function of NMF. In this article, we propose a fast and robust framework (RSNMF) based on symmetric nonnegative matrix factorization (SNMF) and similarity network fusion (SNF) for clustering human microbiome data including functional, metabolic and phylogenetic profiles. Many existing methods typically utilize all the information provided by each view to create a consensus representation, which often suffers a lot from noise in data and cannot provide a precise representation of the latent data structures. In contrast, RSNMF combines the strength of SNMF and the advantage of SNF to form a robust clustering indicator matrix thus can reduce the noise influence. We conduct experiments on one synthetic and two real dataset (microbiome data, text data) and the results show that the proposed RSNMF has better performance over the baseline and the state-of-art methods, which demonstrates the potential application of RSNMF for microbiome data analysis.

The research develops and validates new decomposition models for DNI estimations from Southern African data. The results demonstrated improved DNI estimation accuracy compared to the baseline models across all testing and validation datasets. These outcomes suggest that utilising a localised model can significantly enhance DNI estimations for Southern Africa and potentially for developing similar models in diverse geographic regions worldwide. Furthermore, clustered models highlighted the potential advantages of grouping data based on shared geographical and climatic attributes. This clustering approach could enhance decomposition model performance, particularly when local data is limited or data is available from multiple nearby stations. The Southern African decomposition model, which encompasses a wide spectrum of climatic regions and geographic locations, exhibited notable improvements over the baseline models despite occasional overestimation or underestimation. The overall metrics affirm the substantial advancement achieved with the Southern African model. This study focused on validating the model for hourly DNI in Southern Africa within a range of clearness index-intervals from 0.175 to 0.875. Implementing accurate decomposition models in developing countries can accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources, diminishing reliance on coal and fossil fuels.

Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) is a low-cost, earth-abundant, and non-toxic thermoelectric material for applications in the middle-high temperature range (>650 K). Although 3D printing these materials can simplify their manufacturing, elevated temperatures observed during sintering impair their crystal structure and energy conversion efficiency. In this study, we demonstrated a novel post-processing methodology to revert the thermoelectric properties of the 3D printed Cu2-xS materials back to the unimpaired state via sulfur infusion. After printing and sintering, sulfur was infused into the specimens under vacuum to optimize their crystal structure and achieve high thermoelectric efficiency. Chemical analysis and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) tests showed that after the sulfur infusion process, the Cu/S ratio was reverted close to the stoichiometric level. 3D printed Cu2-xS showed p-type thermoelectric behavior with electrical conductivity peaking at 143 S-cm-1 at 750 K and Seebeck coefficient of 175 µV-K-1 at 627 K. Figure of merit (ZT) value of 1.0 at 780 K was achieved which is the highest value ever reported for a 3D printed Cu2-xS thermoelectrics at this temperature. Fabrication of environmentally friendly thermoelectric materials with extended dimensional freedom and conversion efficiency has the potential to impact the thermoelectric industry with new energy conversion applications and lowered manufacturing costs.

The battle of currents between AC and DC reignited as a result of the development in the field of power electronics. The efficiency of DC distribution systems is highly dependent on the efficiency of distribution converter, which calls for optimized schemes for efficiency enhancement of distribution converters. Modular solid-state transformers play a vital role in DC Distribution Networks and Renewable Energy systems (RES).This paper deals with efficiency-based load distribution for Solid State Transformers (SSTs) in DC distribution networks. Aim is to achieve a set of minimum inputs that are consistent with output while considering constraints and efficiency. As the main feature of modularity is associated with a three-stage structure of SSTs. This modular structure has been optimized using Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) and validated by applying it EIA (Energy Information Agency) DC Distribution Network which contains SSTs. In the DC distribution grid, modular SSTs provide promising conversion of DC power from medium voltage to lower DC range (400V). The proposed algorithm is simulated in MATLAB and also compared with two other metaheuristic algorithms. The obtained results prove that the proposed method can significantly reduce input requirements for producing the same output while satisfying the specified constraints.

Due to species barriers and poor adaptability to new host environments, few pathogens cause global pandemics. But, SARS-CoV-2 is one exception with its high transmissivity and delayed onset of symptoms. Fortunately, the world was able to tap on the technologies especially the maturing RT-qPCR designed to combat SARS to launch an initial offensive on SARS-CoV-2. These initial efforts may have bought time for scientists to develop more refined diagnostic tests that specifically target SARS-CoV-2. This article describes the effort put forth by the biotech industry and academia in Singapore to develop diagnostic tests that aid the early detection of positive cases, and thereby help contain the virus. Direct tests such as RT-qPCR and antigen rapid test profile the virus nucleic acid and surface proteins, respectively. But, of equal importance in case detection and treatment is serological tests that measure the relative abundance of IgM and IgG which is indicative of infection phase and quality of immune response in positive cases. Other tests such as isothermal amplification, CRISPR-based diagnostics and breath tests are also in development or at initial field deployment, and would undoubtedly provide valuable use experience useful for the development of molecular assays to detect and combat the next pathogen of global concern.

As a stimulus signal, coded electrical signals can control the motion behavior of animals, which has been widely used in the field of animal robots. In current research, most of the stimulus signals used by researchers are traditional waveform, such as square waves. To enrich the stimulus waveform, a wireless animal robot stimulation system based on neuronal electrical signal characteristics is presented in this paper. The stimulator uses the CC1101 wireless module to control animal behavior through brain stimulation. The LabVIEW-based graphical user interface(GUI) can manipulate brain stimulation remotely while the stimulator powered by battery. Additionally, the spikes of animals have been simulated by this system through Direct Digital Synthesizer(DDS) algorithm. The GUI enable users to customize the combination of these analog spike signals. The recombined signals are sent to the stimulator through CC1101 as stimulus signals. In vivo experiments conducted on five pigeons verified the efficacy of the stimulation mechanism. The analog spike signal with an amplitude of 3-5V successfully caused the pigeon’s turning behavior. The feasibility of the analog spike signals as stimulus signals was successfully verified. Increased the diversity of stimulus waveform in the field of animal robots.

The aim is to evaluate a program for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) management in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients, according to patient profiles, appropriateness of dosing, patterns of crossover, effectiveness and safety. This is an observational and longitudinal retrospective study in a cohort of patients attended in daily clinical practice in a single regional hospital in Spain with a systematic follow-up plan for up to 3 years for patients initiating dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban between JAN/2012-DEC/2016. We analyzed 490 episodes of treatment (apixaban 2.5 mg: 9.4%, apixaban 5 mg: 21.4%, dabigatran 75 mg: 0.6%, dabigatran 110 mg: 12,4%, dabigatran 150 mg: 19.8%, rivaroxaban 15 mg: 17.8% and rivaroxaban 20 mg: 18.6%) in 445 patients. 13.6% of patients on dabigatran, 9.7% on rivaroxaban, and 3.9% on apixaban, switched to other DOACs or changed dosing. Apixaban was the most frequent DOAC switched to. The most frequent reasons for switching were toxicity (23.8%), bleeding (21.4%) and renal deterioration (16.7%). Inappropriateness of dose was found in 23.8% of episodes. Patients taking apixaban 2.5 mg were older, had higher CHA2DS2VASc score and lower creatinine clearance. Patients taking dabigatran 150 mg and rivaroxaban 20 mg were younger, had lower CHA2DS2VASc and higher creatinine clearance. Rates of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) were 1.64/0.54 events/100 patients-years, while rates of major, clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding and intracranial bleeding where 2.4, 5, and 0.5 events/100 patients-years. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding were the most common type of bleeding events (BE). On multivariable analysis, prior stroke (RR: 4.2; CI: 1.5-11.8; p=0.006) and age (RR: 1.2; CI: 1.1-1.4; p=0.006) were independent predictors of stroke/TIA. Concurrent platelet inhibitors (RR: 7.1; CI: 2.3-21.8; p=0.001), male gender (RR: 2.1; CI: 1.2-3.7; p=0.0012) and age (RR: 1.1; CI: 1.02-1.13; p=0.005) were independent predictors of BE. This study complements the scant data available on the use of DOACs in NVAF patients in Spain, confirming a good safety and effectiveness profile

Hydrogen peroxide is an important chemical of increasing demand in today’s world. Currently, the anthraquinone autoxidation process dominates the industrial production of hydrogen peroxide. Herein, hydrogen and oxygen are reacted indirectly in the presence of quinones to yield hydrogen peroxide. Owing to the complexity and multi-step nature of the process, it is advantageous to replace the process with an easier and straightforward one. The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from its constituent reagents is an effective and clean route to achieve this goal. Factors such as water formation due to thermodynamics, explosion risk, and the stability of the hydrogen peroxide produced hinder the applicability of this process at an industrial level. Currently, the catalysis for the direct synthesis reaction is palladium based and the research into finding an effective and active catalyst has been ongoing for more than a century now. Palladium in its pure form, or alloyed with certain metals are some of the new generation of catalysts that are extensively researched. Additionally, to prevent the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water, the process is stabilised by adding certain promoters such as mineral acids and halides. A major part of today’s research in this field focusses on the reactor and the mode of operation required for synthesising hydrogen peroxide. The emergence of microreactor technology has helped in setting up this synthesis in a continuous mode, which could possibly replace the anthraquinone process in the near future. This review will focus on the recent findings of the scientific community in terms of reaction engineering, catalyst and reactor design in the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.

Mercury (Hg) fish and seafood contamination is a global concern and needs worldwide sea investigations in order to protect consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hg concentration by means of a rapid and simple analytical technique with direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) in pelagic fish species, Tetrapturus belone (spearfish), Thunnus thynnus (tuna) and Xiphias gladius (swordfish) caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Hg contents were evaluated also in Salmo salar (salmon) as pelagic fish not belonging to the Mediterranean area. The results obtained were variable ranging between 0,015-2,562 mg kg-1 for T. thynnus specie, 0,477-3,182 mg kg-1 for X. gladius, 0,434-1,730 mg kg-1 for T. belone and 0,004-0,019 mg kg-1 for S. salar, respectively. The total Hg tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and % tolerable weekly intake (TWI%) values according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were calculated. The results highlighted that the pelagic species caught in the Mediterranean Sea should be constantly monitored due to their high Hg contents as well as their TWI and TWI% with respect to S. salar samples.

The effect of the acetylene and hydrogen gases mixture ratios in direct low-temperature vacuum carburization was investigated. The gas ratio is an important parameter for producing the free radicals in the carburization. The free radicals can remove the natural oxide film by the strong reaction of the hydrocarbons, and then thermodynamically activity can be increased. When the gas ratio was below 1, the supersaturation expanded austenite layers were formed on the surface of the AISI 316L stainless steel, which had the maximum carbon solubility up to 11.5 at.% at 743 K, were formed. On the other hand, when the gas ratio was above 1, the carbon concentration of them remained low even if the process time was enough increased to reach the maximum carbon solubility. As a result, the carbon concentration underneath the surface was determined to be highly dependent on the gas mixture ratio of acetylene and hydrogen. In conclusion, it is necessary to restrict the ratio of acetylene and hydrogen gases to total mixture gases to form the expanded austenite layer with the high carbon concentration in the direct low-temperature vacuum carburization.

Through the integration of high-resolution hydrodynamic modeling and comprehensive field measurements, this study elucidates the intricate three-dimensional hydrographic characteristics of the eastern Gulf of Thailand (eGOT). In addition to the prevalent tidal currents dictating alternating flow along the northwestern and southeastern axes, our investigation reveals pronounced seasonal variations in mean currents, water temperature, and salinity within the eGOT, closely linked to the dynamics of the Asian-Australian monsoon system. During the southwest monsoon, mean currents exhibit a southeasterly trend, contrasting with a northwesterly pattern during the northeast monsoon. Lowest water temperatures occur during the latter, while the highest levels are observed during the 1st monsoon transition (April-March). Notably, salinity levels reach their lowest levels during the southwest monsoon and the 2nd monsoon transition (October), coinciding with the seasonal stratification of the water column and the emergence of a distinct stable along-the-shore northwesterly current with the average speed of 15 cm/s, defined here as the “Chathaburi Coastal Current (CCC)”. Model experiments attribute the formation of the CCC to decreased salinity induced by direct rainfall, highlighting the significance of rainfall as a key factor influencing coastal water dynamics in tropical regions or areas experiencing high precipitation.

Combining antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action can help prevent the development of resistance by attacking the infectious agent through multiple pathways. Additionally, by using faster and more economical screening methods, effective synergistic drug candidates can be rapidly identified, facilitating faster paths to clinical testing. In this work, a rapid method was standardized to identify possible synergisms from drug combinations. We analyzed the possible reduction of antiviral effective concentration of drugs already approved by the FDA, such as ivermectin  (IVM), ribavirin (RIBA) and acyclovir (ACV) against Zika virus (ZIKV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and herpes virus type 2 (HHV-2). Essential oils (EOs) were also included in the study since they have been reported for more than a couple of decades to have broad-spectrum antiviral activity. We also continued studying the antiviral properties of one of our patented molecule with broad-spectrum antiviral activity, the ferruginol analogue 18-(phthalimid-2-yl)ferruginol (phthFGL). In general, the combination of IVM, phthFGL and Oregano EO showed the greatest synergism potential against CHIKV, ZIKV and HHV-2, obtaining a reduction in the EC99 value of up to ~8, and ~27, and ~12-fold for CHIKV, in example, respectively. The ternary combination RIBA, phthFGL, Oregano EO was slightly more efficient than the binary combination RIBA/phthFGL but much less efficient than IVM, phthFGL, Oregano EO which indicates that IVM could contribute more to the differentiations of cell targets (for example by inhibition of host heterodimeric importin IMP α/β1 complex) than ribavirin. PhthFGL showed a good pharmacokinetic profile.

The lack of accurate and feasible diagnostic tests poses a significant challenge to visceral leish-maniasis (VL) healthcare services in endemic areas. To date, various VL diagnostic tests have been or are being developed, and their diagnostic performance needs to be assessed.. In the present study, the diagnostic performance of rk39RDT, Direct Agglutination Test (DAT), Microscopy, Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), and miniature direct-on-blood polymerase chain reaction - nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (mini-dbPCR-NALFIA) was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as reference test in an endemic region of Ethiopia. In this study, 235 patients VL suspected patients and 104 non-endemic healthy controls (NEHC) were recruited. Among the VL-suspected patients, 144(61.28%) tested positive with qPCR. Sensi-tivities for rk39 RDT, DAT, Microscopy, LAMP assay, and mini-dbPCR-NALFIA were 88.11%, 96.50%, 76.58%, 94.33%, and 95.80%, respectively. Specificities were 83.33%, 97.96%, 100%, 97.38%, and 98.92% for rk39 RDT, DAT, Microscopy, LAMP assay, and mini-dbPCR-NALFIA, respectively. In conclusion, Rk39 RDT and microscopy exhibited lower sensitivity, while DAT demonstrated excellent performance. LAMP and mini-dbPCR-NALFIA showed excellent perfor-mance with feasibility to implement in remote endemic areas, although the latter requires further evaluation in such regions.

With metal oxide semiconductors being a promising candidate for accurate indoor air quality assessments, multiple drawbacks of the gas sensors prevent their widespread use. Examples include poor selectivity, instability over time, and sensor poisoning. Complex calibration methods and advanced operation modes can solve some of those drawbacks. However, this leads to long calibration times, which are unsuitable for mass production. In recent years, multiple attempts to solve calibration transfer have been made with the help of direct standardization, orthogonal signal correction, and many more methods. Besides those, a new promising approach is transfer learning from deep learning. This article will compare different calibration transfer methods, including direct standardization, piecewise direct standardization, transfer learning for deep learning models, and global model building. The machine learning methods to calibrate the initial models for calibration transfer are feature extraction, selection, and regression (established methods) and a custom convolutional neural network TCOCNN. It is shown that transfer learning can outperform the other calibration transfer methods regarding the root mean squared error, especially if the initial model is built with multiple sensors. It was possible to reduce the number of calibration samples by up to 99.3 % (from 10 days to approximately 2 hours) and still achieve an RMSE for acetone of around 18 ppb (15 ppb with extended individual calibration) if six different sensors were used for building the initial model. Furthermore, it was shown that the other calibration transfer methods (direct standardization and piecewise direct standardization) also work reasonably well for both machine learning approaches, primarily when multiple sensors are used for the initial model.

Abstract There is no research that combines behavioural and fMRI research approaches to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of working memory, verbal IQ, visuospatial and verbal reasoning on students’ performance of maths and science. This paper investigates all these multiple relationships between working memory (WM), verbal IQ, visuospatial and verbal reasoning with performance in maths and science accuracy. The multimethod research consists of a behavioural survey and a fMRI neuroscience investigating the interactive and multiple relationships of all cognitive processing independent variables (IVs) with the dependent variables (DVs) of maths and science performance. Using structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Warp Partial Least Squares (Warp PLS) analytical approach, the research discusses the findings of both, the behavioural and fMRI data. The adolescent sample (N=34) for the behavioural and fMRI study, was recruited from consenting schools in London, UK, and consisted of equal numbers of girls and boys between 11-15 years old. The hypothesised behavioural SEM model predicted positive relationships between all the independent variables (IV) of visuospatial matrix reasoning (VSMatAR), verbal analogical reasoning (VerbAR), verbal working memory (VWM), visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and verbal IQ, with performance in maths and science accuracy. The findings support all hypotheses except two and identifies verbal IQ, Verbal WM and VerbAR as the three strongest predictors of maths and science accuracy. The neuroscience fMRI data identified four brain regions of interest, namely, the bilateral DLPFC, Parietal, Temporal and pre-supplementary motor area (PSMA) as being most relevant to maths and science outcomes. The hypothesised fMRI SEM, produced mixed results which supported some of the hypothesised relationships between the IVs of verbal AR and VSMatrix AR associations with all four brain regions and in turn the associations with maths and science performance. The paper makes two original contributions, firstly, by testing the hypothesis that Verbal WM mediates the independent variables’ effects on maths and science outcomes. And secondly, by using Warp PLS to test the SEM (behavioural and fMRI) models’ multiple non-linear interactions simultaneously between the IVs with the DVs of maths and science accuracy. The Warp PLS testing of all IVs and DVs produced some interesting new insights regarding the relationships between Verbal analogical reasoning, which are deemed important to assist academics and educational practitioners in improving maths and science performance of adolescent students. The combination of behavioural and neuroscience fMRI data provides more reliable empirical evidence regarding the multiple interactive influences impacting maths and science performance for adolescents.

Fully sustainable hydrogen production demands renewable energy sources. This study uses an approach that combines solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with minimal batteries to tailor the energy supply to the unique demands of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers. An open source DC-DC adjustable converter is designed, prototyped, and tested to enable an AEM to operate at its optimum efficiency without disrupting the continuous operation of existing loads. A structured operating schedule is simulated to align PV performance with AEM electrolyzer characteristics. The results show the >90% efficiency open-source converter was able to directly power the electrolyzer while taking advantage of solar energy surplus for hydrogen production. By strategically scheduling the electrolyzer to maximize output and minimize waste the system only utilizes excess solar energy. By employing this sustainable method, the study highlights a scalable solution that not only enhances the efficiency of hydrogen production, but also promotes the deployment of PV.

The main objective of the paper is to provide a thorough analysis of currently used modulation control schemes for single phase bidirectional dual active bridge DC/DC converter. In this article, it will be shown that single phase shift, extended phase shift and Dual phase shift modulation schemes are special cases of triple phase shift (TPS) modulation scheme. The article aims to highlight six TPS switching modes and their complements with the operational constraints. Unlike previous studies that regarded TPS as a complex scheme, this paper simplifies the analysis of each mode and aims to standardize the understanding of TPS modulation in DAB converters. Power equations, range of power transferred and zero voltage switching (ZVS) are derived for all the modes under TPS without assuming fundamental component analysis. Additionally, a generic optimization algorithm is developed to show the advantages of TPS modulation and thus, detailed analysis presented in this paper provides valuable insights for single phase DAB converter designers in identifying a wide range of optimization algorithms to achieve higher efficiency under TPS modulation. This analysis contributes to the advancement of bidirectional DAB converter technology and facilitates its application in various power electronic systems.

This paper presents an optimal design for the inner current control loop of the continuous current conduction mode (CCM) power factor correction (PFC) stage, which it can be used as the front stage of the two stages alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) telecom power supply. Conventional single-phase CCM-PFC boost converter usually implemented with using of the proportional-integral (PI) controllers in both of the voltage and current control loops, to regulate the output DC voltage to the specified value, moreover to maintains the input current follows the input voltage which offers converter with high power factor (P.F) and low current total harmonic distortion (THD). However, due to the slow dynamic response of the PI controller at the zero-crossing point of the input supply current, input current can’t fully follow the input voltage which leads to high THD. Digitally controlled PFC converter with an optimal design of the inner current control loop using doubly control loops IP controller to reduce the THD and to offer input current with unity P.F was performed in this paper. Furthermore, for the economic design of the digitally control PFC converter, two isolated AC and DC voltage sensors are proposed and designed for the interfacing with the microcontroller unit (MCU). PSIM software was used to test the converter performance with using the proposed designed current controllers and isolated voltage sensors. High power density digitally controlled telecom PFC stage with P.F of about 99.93%, full load efficiency of about 98.70% and THD less 5.50% is achieved in this work.

In this paper, the active front-end (AFE) converter topology for the total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction in a wind energy system (WES) is used. A higher THD results in serious pulsations in the wind turbine (WT) output power and in several power losses at the WES. The AFE converter topology improves capability, efficiency and reliability in the energy conversion devices; by modifying a conventional back-to-back converter, from using a single voltage source converter (VSC) to use pVSC connected in parallel the AFE converter is generated. The THD reduction is done by applying a different phase shift angle at the carrier of digital sinusoidal pulse width modulation (DSPWM) switching signals of each VSC. To verify the functionality of the proposed methodology, the WES simulation in Matlab-Simulink® is analyzed, and the experimental laboratory tests using the concept of rapid control prototyping and the real-time simulator Opal-RT® Technologies is achieved. The obtained results show a type-4 WT with total output power of 6MVA, generating a THD reduction up to 5.5 times at the WES.

In this study we assessed the electrical and optical behavior of semiconductor hybrid films fabricate from octaethyl-21H,23H-porphine copper (CuP), embedded in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polystyrene (PS). The hybrid films were characterized structurally and morphologically by means of Infrared spectroscopy (IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, the PMMA:CuP and PS:CuP hybrid films were evaluated optically by UV-vis spectroscopy, as well as electrically, with the four-point collinear method. Hybrid films present a homogeneous and low roughness morphology, besides; the PS matrix allows the crystallization of the porphin, while the PMMA promotes the amorphous structure in CuP. The polymeric matrix also has an effect on the optical behavior of the films, since the smallest optical gap (2.16 eV) and onset gap (1.89 eV) and the highest transparency are obtained in the film with a PMMA matrix. Finally, the electrical behavior in hybrid films is also affected by the matrix: the largest amount of current carried is around 0.01 A for PS:CuP film, while for PMMA:CuP film it is 0.0015 A. Thanks to the above properties, hybrid films are promising candidates for use in optoelectronic devices.

Modern medical needs call for the efficient remedies against bacterial diseases including severe pulmonary infections reported as a secondary SARS-Cov-2 infection. Here, we propose imprinted drug ciprofloxacin (CF) into the polymer based on methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) via template synthesis. The obtained polycarbamide nanoparticles possess CF's sustained drug release. The interaction of human serum albumin (HSA) with CF and CF-MCD carriers was conducted by FRET, FTIR, fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. These studies uncovered that MCD decreases CF's binding efficiency by 2 times, whereas CF’s encapsulation in polymer matrix doubles the Ka value. The changes in HSA’s secondary structure indicate no alterations in the main mechanism of complex formation between CF and HSA in the presence of MCD-based carries. The drug delivery system demonstrates prolonged CF release at pH 7.4 in presence of HSA (model conditions of blood plasma). CF-MCD carriers inhibit E. coli and B. subtilis growth, but for MAX systems we observed a MIC’s increase (~2 times). We believe that our findings are important for further development of new efficient drug forms.

According to circular economy principles, the recycling and reuse of waste tyre rubber is one of the most advanced and ecological waste disposal technologies. Each year about 19 million tons of tyres are produced, and this amount is increasing each year. One of the most innovative ways to recycle rubber waste is devulcanization. There are many methods of rubber devulcanization, but the most popular are grinding and chemical. In this article devulcanized rubber granules were used for the preparation of rubber samples. Two of them were obtained by the grinding method and one by chemical devulcanization. 15 different rubber samples were produced for the experimental measurements. Multilayer constructions with two solid layers of plasterboard on both sides (GKB and GKFI) and porous acoustic material of rubber sample inside were produced. Measurements were made in an impedance tube and compared with the results of TMM analysis. The same trends of resonant frequencies were determined. According to the results, the resonant frequencies depended on the thickness of the material, since transmission loss values depended on the mass of construction. According to the test results of transmission loss, constructions with 50mm thick rubber samples had on average 3dB better results than the structures with 25mm samples and 5dB better results than structures with 12 mm thick rubber samples. In addition, it was found that higher density plasterboards (GKFI) increased the overall transmission loss value of the structure by 5 dB. The same trends were determined by the TMM method. The test results showed that multi-layered constructions with devulcanized waste rubber had high transmission loss result and could be used for sound insulating structures.

Studying various marine biomineralized ultrastructures reveals the appearance of common architectural designs and building blocks in materials with fascinating mechanical properties that match perfectly to their biological tasks. Advanced mechanical properties of biological materials are attributed to evolutionary optimized molecular architectures and structural hierarchy. One example which has not yet been structurally investigated in great detail is the shell of Mytilus edulis L. (Finnish blue mussel) found in the archipelago of SW-Finland. Through a combination of various state-of-the-art techniques such as high-resolution electron microscopy imaging, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation and protein analysis, both the inorganic mineralized components as well as the organic-rich matrix were extensively characterized. We found very similar ultra-architecture across the shell of M. edulis L. as compared to the widely studied and closely related M. edulis. However, we also found interesting differences, for instance in the thickness and degree of orientation of the mineralized layers indicating dissimilar properties and related alterations in the biomineralization processes. Our results show that the shell of M. edulis L. has a gradient of mechanical properties, with the increase in the stiffness and the hardness from anterior to the posterior region of the shell. The shell is made from distinct and recognizable mineralized layers each varying in thickness and microstructural features. At posterior regions of the shell, moving from dorsal to ventral side, these layers are an oblique prismatic layer, a prismatic layer and a nacreous layer, in which the oblique prismatic layer is found to be the main and thickest mineralized layer of the shell. Probing the calcified rods in the oblique prismatic layer using high resolution SEM imaging revealed opening of channels with a diameters of 40-50 nm and lengths up to a micrometer extending through the rods. The chitin and protein have been found to be the main component of the organic-rich interfacial matrix as expected. Protein analysis showed two abundant proteins with sizes around 100 kD and 45 kD which likely not only regulates biomineralization and adhesion of the crystals but also governing the intrinsic-extrinsic toughening in the shell. Overall, this detailed analysis provides new structural insights into biomineralization of marine shells in general.

This work focuses on the study of the microstructure, hardening and stiffening effect caused by the secondary phases formed in titanium matrices. These secondary phases were originated from reactions between the matrix and boron particles added in the starting mixtures of the composites. Not only was the composite composition studied as an influencing factor in the behaviour of the composites, but also different operational temperatures. Three volume percentages of boron content were tested (0.9, 2.5 and 5 vol % of amorphous boron). The manufacturing process used to produce the composites was inductive hot pressing, which operational temperatures were between 1000 °C to 1300 °C. Specimens showed optimal densification. Moreover, microstructural study revealed the formation of TiB in various shapes and proportions. Mechanical testing confirmed that the secondary phases had a positive influence on the properties of the composites. In general, adding boron particles increased the hardness and stiffness of the composites; however rising temperatures resulted in greater increases in stiffness than in hardness.

We study in this work a dilute granular gas immersed in a thermal bath made of smaller particles with nonnegligible masses as compared with the granular ones. The kinetic theory for this system is developed and described by an Enskog--Fokker--Planck equation for the one-particle velocity distribution function. Granular particles are assumed to have inelastic and hard interactions, losing energy in collisions as accounted by a constant coefficient of normal restitution. The interaction with the thermal bath is based on a nonlinear drag force plus a white-noise stochastic force. To get explicit results of the temperature aging and steady states, Maxwellian and first Sonine approximations are developed. The latter takes into account the coupling of the excess kurtosis with the temperature. Theoretical predictions are compared with direct simulation Monte Carlo and event-driven molecular dynamics simulations. While good results for the granular temperature are obtained from the Maxwellian approximation, a much better agreement, especially as inelasticity and drag nonlinearity increase, is found when using the first Sonine approximation. The latter approximation is, additionally, crucial to account for memory effects like Mpemba and Kovacs-like ones.

Rapid microscopic analysis of tissue is an essential diagnostic tool in oncological surgery. The gold standard for intraoperative histological tissue evaluation are frozen sections. However, frozen sections are prone to a variety of artefacts and require skilled staff and specialized lab equipment. A potential method for rapid intraoperative tissue evaluation that does not require fixation, freezing nor sectioning of the tissue, is ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM). The visualization of the structurally important extracellular matrix (ECM) in conventional ex vivo FCM lags behind the standards of conventional histology. The objective of this study was to find a stain that will improve the depiction of the ECM to resemble FFPE H&E sections as closely as possible.

Butler matrix networks are well established as beam forming networks for phased antenna arrays. The challenge we address in this work is to cover the entire, (advanced 5G or 6G), FR3 band (7-24 GHz) with a single network, while retaining low losses and minimal size. The employed multilayer topology is also well established, however, the matching between the utilized hybrid couplers and the phase shifters constitutes a major challenge for such a wideband operation. This is achieved herein employing meander lines with appropriate curvature and introducing two distinct design methods for the Butler Matrix. The first method focuses on designing individual components separately, followed by their integration into the overall Butler Matrix structure. This approach is demonstrated through the design, prototyping, measurements and validation of an 8x8 Butler Matrix beamformer, which operates across the 6-16 GHz band (FR3 Low). The second method introduces a wideband matching technique, which simplifies the implementation process by designing the Butler Matrix as a single, unified structure. This technique is applied to both 4x4 and 8x8 Butler Matrices, which are implemented and simulated for the low FR3 band. Both design methods result in wideband operation, compact size, and meet the desired performance criteria.

Many advanced technologies have been employed in the high performance active matrix displays including liquid crystal displays, organic light emitting diode displays, and micro light emitting diode displays. On the other side, there have existed the strong demand on the cost reduction and it is one of low cost schemes to integrate the driver circuit in a panel based on thin film transistor technologies. This paper reviews overall concept, operation principles, and various circuit approaches in shift registers for the scanning pulse generation. In addition, it deals with the implementation of additional functionalities in gate drivers to support pixel compensation, multi-line driving, in-cell capacitive touch screen, pixel sensing, and adaptive scanning region control.

The performance consistency of an RF MEMS switch matrix is a crucial metric, which directly impacts its operational lifespan. An improved crossbar-based RF MEMS switch matrix topology, the SR-Crossbar, was investigated in this article. An optimized port configuration scheme was proposed for the RF MEMS switch matrix. Both the utilization probability of individual switch nodes and path lengths in the switch matrix achieve best consistency simultaneously under the proposed port configuration scheme. One significant advantage of this scheme lies in that it only adjusts positions of input and output ports, with topology and individual switch nodes kept unchanged. This grants it a high level of generality and feasibility, and also introduces an additional degree of freedom for optimizations. The article also constructed a universal utilization probability function of single nodes, and formulated an optimization objective function for the SR-Crossbar RF MEMS switch matrix, which provides a convenient approach to directly solving the optimized port configuration scheme for practical applications.

Chondrocytes maintain the normal morphological structure and physiological function of articular cartilage. However, the increased expression of inflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading enzymes in chondrocytes can promote ECM degradation, consequently disrupting the physiological function of articular cartilage and ultimately leading to the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Usnic acid (UA), an extract derived from plants, possesses multiple bioactive properties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Hence, this study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying its protective effects in an in vitro simulated model of OA in rat chondrocytes. In vivo experiments encompassed three groups: Control, Model, and Usnic acid (50 mg/kg), with sample extraction following 12 weeks of administration. Pathological alterations in articular cartilage were evaluated using Safranin O-fast green staining. Immunohistochemistry (ICH) analysis was employed to assess the expression of matrix degradation-related markers. The levels of serum cytokines were quantified via ELISA assays. In this study, primary rat chondrocytes were employed as the experimental subject. After a 24-hour treatment period, culture supernatants, total RNA, total protein, and nuclear protein were extracted from the different chondrocyte groups. ELISA and qPCR methods were used to measure levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2. WB and qPCR were employed to assess levels of p65, p-p65, IκBα, p-IκBα, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 ADAMTS-4, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, INOS, COX-2, and COL2A1. IF analysis was performed to examine Nrf2, p-p65 and COL2A1. Results: (1) In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of usnic acid (50mg/kg) can alleviate pathological changes in articular cartilage and the levels of inflammatory and oxidative-related matrix in the serum. (2) UA reduced the level of inflammatory cytokines in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes supernatant. (3) UA can produce anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and inhibit chondrocytes matrix degradation through the Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. (3) The mechanism by which UA exerts a protective role in chondrocytes is mediated by Nrf2 Conclusion: UA inhibits the expression of chondrocyte matrix degradation-related components through Nrf2 mediated Nrf2 pathway and NF-κB pathway, promotes the production of protective substances, and ultimately exerts a protective effect on chondrocytes.

Although Sn has been intensively studied as one of the most promising anode materials to replace commercialized graphite, its cycling performance and rate performance are still unsatisfactory owing to insufficient control of its large volume change during cycling and poor electrochemical kinetics. Herein, we propose a Sn-TiO2-C ternary composite as a promising anode material to overcome these limitations. The hybrid TiO2-C matrix synthesized via two-step high-energy ball milling effectively regulated the irreversible lithiation/delithiation of the active Sn electrode and facilitated Li-ion diffusion. At the appropriate C concentration, Sn-TiO2-C exhibited significantly enhanced cycling performance and rate capability compared to its counterparts (Sn-TiO2 and Sn-C). Sn-TiO2-C delivers good reversible specific capacities (669 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1 and 651 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 500 mA g-1) and rate performance (446 mAh g-1 at 3000 mA g-1). The superiority of Sn-TiO2-C over Sn-TiO2 and Sn-C was corroborated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which revealed faster Li-ion diffusion kinetics in the presence of the hybrid TiO2-C matrix than in the presence of TiO2 or C alone. Therefore, Sn-TiO2-C is a potential anode for next-generation Li-ion batteries.

This paper extends the concept of weighted graphs to matrix weighted graphs. The consensus algorithms dictate that all agents reach consensus when the weighted graph is connected. However, it is not always the case for matrix weighted graphs. The conditions leading to different types of consensus have been extensively analysed based on the properties of matrix-weighted Laplacians and graph theoretic methods. However, in practice, there is concern on how to pick matrix-weights to achieve some desired consensus, or how the change of elements in matrix weights affects the consensus algorithm. By selecting the elements in the matrix weights, different clusters may be possible. In this paper, we map the roles of the elements of the matrix weights in the systems consensus algorithm. We explore the choice of matrix weights to achieve different types of consensus and clustering. Our results are demonstrated on a network of three agents where each agent has three states.

Azobenzene-containing molecules may associate with each other in systems such as self-assembled monolayers or micelles. The interaction between azobenzene units leads to a formation of exciton states in these molecular assemblies. Apart from local excitations of monomers, the electronic transitions to the exciton states may involve charge transfer excitations. Here, we perform quantum chemical calculations and apply transition density matrix analysis to quantify local and charge transfer contributions to the lowest electronic transitions in azobenzene dimers of various arrangements. We find that the transitions to the lowest exciton states of the considered dimers are dominated by local excitations, but charge transfer contributions become sizable for some of the lowest ππ* electronic transitions in stacked and slip-stacked dimers at short intermolecular distances. In addition, we assess different ways to partition the transition density matrix between fragments. In particular, we find that the inclusion of the atomic orbital overlap has a pronounced effect on quantifying charge transfer contributions if a large basis set is used.

This note shows that the well-known reverse order law $(AB)^{\dag} = B^{\dag}A^{\dag}$ for the Moore--Penrose inverse of matrix product is equivalent to many other equalities for that are composed of multiple products $(AB)^{\dag}$ and $B^{\dag}A^{\dag}$ by means of the definition of the Moore--Penrose inverse and orthogonal projector theory.

The present study analyzed light emitting diodes (LEDs) as an output load and used a Taylor series to describe the characteristic curve based on the exponential characteristic of voltage and current. A prototype circuit of a flyback LED driver system was established to verify whether the theory is consistent with actual results. This study focused on the exponential relationship of LED voltage and current. Conventional simulations usually used linear models to present LED loads. However, the linear model resulted in considerable error between simulation and actual characteristics. Therefore, this study employed a Taylor series to describe the nonlinear characteristic of an LED load. Through precise calculations with Mathcad computation software, the error was effectively reduced. Moreover, the process clarified the influence of temperature on LEDs, which benefited the characteristic analysis of the entire system. Finally, a realized circuit of 120-W flyback LED drivers was established for conducting theory verification, including theoretic analysis and evaluation of the system design process of the flyback converter. The circuit simulation software SIMPLIS was used to demonstrate the system model, which enabled quick understanding of the system framework established in this study. Regarding LEDs, a commercially available aluminum luminaire was used as the output load. The measured results of the actual circuit and the simulation results were remarkably consistent. For the same system at the same temperature, the error between the simulation and actual results was less than 3%, which proved the reliability of the Taylor series simulation.

One of the typical forms of linear matrix expressions (linear matrix-valued functions) is given by $A + B_1X_1C_1 + \cdots + B_kX_kC_k$, where $X_1, \ldots, X_k$ are independent variable matrices of appropriate sizes, which include almost all matrices with unknown entries as its special cases. The domain of the matrix expression is defined to be all possible values of the matrix expressions with respect to $X_1, \ldots, X_k$. I this article, we approach some problems on the relationships between the domains of two linear matrix expressions by means of the block matrix method (BMM), the matrix rank method (MRM), and the matrix equation method (MEM). As application, we discuss some topics on the relationships among general solutions of some linear matrix equations and their reduced equations.

Autogenous demineralized dentin matrix (ADDM), derived from human extracted tooth, is commonly used as a bone-graft substitute to reconstruct alveolar defects when placing dental implants. The purpose of this retrospective study is to examine efficacy of ADDM in terms of surgical complications and marginal bone resorption by analyzing the medical records and radiographs of patients who received ADDM graft from 2008 to 2011 in our institute. Occurrence of complications, marginal bone loss around implants were investigated with regard to the type of defect, location of bone grafting, and types of bone graft techniques. ADDM-based bone grafting was performed on 221 sites in 82 patients and 208 implants were placed afterwards: The percentage of complications after bone grafting was 15.84%, and the implant survival rate was 95.19%. All complications were resolved with conventional treatment except for the 10 cases of osseointegration failure. The average marginal bone loss was 0.31 mm at the last examination after the average follow-up period of 7.2 years. Within the limitation of this study, the results of long-term follow-up are consistent with the short-term results of relevant studies. ADDM can produce promising clinical outcomes when used for alveolar ridge augmentation around implants.

Abdominal entry is the critical initial step of laparoscopic surgery as it is associated with unexpected complications. Acceptable working space is a prerequisite for safe minimal access surgery. Direct trocar insertion (DTI) technique has been often reported to be time-consuming and capable of causing injuries. We aim to facilitate conventional DTI employing an easy-to-use self-designed abdominal wall-lifting device, OneShot-M. We tested its safety in a porcine model. 18 pigs were randomized into three groups (n=6): open laparoscopy (Group A), DTI (Group B), DTI using OneShot-M (Group C), suitable for a 5-mm trocar. Outcomes were access time, entry-related minor and major complications. Median access time was shorter in C (43 seconds; range: 35-49 seconds), followed by B (82.5; 72-90) and A (190.5; 182-240). Statistically significant differences in procedural time between techniques were detected (p-value = 0.0005). Pairwise comparisons exhibited a statistically significant difference between A and C in terms of access time. Only one difficulty in entry was seen in C; pigs experienced several occurrences in A and B. This pilot study suggests that OneShot-M appears to be a technically feasible, fast and safe method for pneumoperitoneum induction in a porcine model, as it provides sufficient exposure of the operative field without access-related complications. Further clinical studies are needed.

This study aims to explore predictors of the foreign investment from China coming into Rwanda. One of the components of Rwanda’s economy is the investment it receives from other countries. In order to achieve these objectives, the study gathers econometric secondary data from 2007 to 2020 quarterly which were availably provided by National Statistics of China, World Bank, UNCTAD, National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and the National bank of Rwanda. From literature and based on the availability of data, market size, trade openness, infrastructure, and human capital were measured as predictors of Chinese FDI. The data is analyzed using linear regression in Stata. The finding of the study showed that variables have a positive effect on FDI from China, and it found that though FDI had an effect on overall economy of Rwanda, the effect was not statistically significant. The study suggested that Rwanda’s policy on foreign investment should aim to attract and encourage Chinese investment to increase the economy of Rwanda. To encourage more FDI, the Rwandan government can offer Chinese investors greater ownership, locational, and internalization benefits. It also should continue to strengthen economic policy transparency since it lowers transaction costs and hence improves incentives for foreign investment.

Uzbekistan, as an emerging national economy, aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to foster the development of its free economic zones (FEZs). While recent policy reforms have enhanced the country's appeal to investors and facilitated the inflow of international capital, challenges persist in attracting investment. This study employs an economic geographical approach to analyze and propose solutions to these obstacles. By examining the spatial patterns of FEZs and FDI through a comprehensive geographical lens, this research utilizes document analysis as an alternative to empirical analysis, considering the broader context rather than focusing on a specific FEZ. The findings reveal that the insufficiency of an innovation-driven environment, logistical systems, energy resource-related issues, among others, negatively impact the inflow of FDI into FEZs. Moreover, the study underscores the significance of economic geography in understanding these factors. Finally, relevant insights and recommendations are provided from an economic geographical perspective.

Inscription of embedded photoluminescent microbits inside a bulk natural diamond, LiF and CaF2 crystals was performed in sub-filamentation (geometrical focusing) regime by 525nm 0.2ps laser pulses focused by 0.65NA micro-objective as a function of pulse energy, exposure and inter-layer separation. The resulting microbits were visualized by 3Dscanning confocal Raman/photoluminescence microscopy as conglomerates of photo-induced quasi-molecular color centers and tested regarding their annealing. Minimal lateral and longitudinal microbit separations, enabling their robust read-out, were measured in LiF as 1.5 and 13 microns, respectively, to be improved regarding information storage capacity by more elaborate focusing systems. These findings pave a way to novel optical storage platforms utilizing ultrashort-pulse laser inscription of photoluminescent microbits as carriers of archival memory.

This study assesses the impact of globalization on female participation in the labor force (FPLF). The increased globalization in the last several decades has created various economic opportunities for enterprises and individuals worldwide at an unprecedented rate. As a result, it has helped improve the quality of life for many men and women. In this process, the issue of women’s economic participation has been a critical topic for discussion worldwide. In that context, the objective of the paper is to determine if FPLF is influenced by a country’s participation in foreign markets through foreign direct investment (FDI) – a proxy for globalization. The paper uses a panel dataset obtained from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators database for 99 countries from 2001 to 2018. We then use system Generalized Method of Moments (system GMM) to estimate a dynamic panel model with appropriate specification tests. The results show that the positive effects of FDI on FPLF are more robust for low- and middle-income countries than high-income countries. We also find that results may be sensitive to outlier observations. Our results explain the seemingly inconclusive results within existing literatures and suggest that low- and middle-income countries should particularly focus on sectors that generate FDI as they stand to yield the greatest benefits with regards to female economic empowerment.

This paper reports the effect of silicon substrate orientation and aluminum nitride buffer layer deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on the growth of aluminum nitride thin films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering technique at low temperature. The structural analysis has revealed a strong (0001) fiber texture for both substrates Si (100) and (111) and a hetero-epitaxial growth on few nanometers AlN buffer layer grown by MBE on Si (111) substrate. SEM images and XRD characterization have shown an enhancement in AlN crystallinity thanks to AlN (MBE) buffer layer. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the AlN film was relaxed when it deposited on Si (111), in compression on Si (100) and under tension on AlN buffer layer grown by MBE/Si (111) substrates, respectively. The interface between Si (111) and AlN grown by MBE is abrupt and well defined; contrary to the interface between AlN deposited using PVD and AlN grown by MBE. Nevertheless, AlN hetero-epitaxial growth was obtained at low temperature (<250°C).

In the present work, the state of the art of the most common additive manufacturing (AM) technologies used for the manufacturing of complex shape structures of graphene-based ceramic nanocomposites, ceramic and graphene-based parts is explained. A brief overview of the AM processes for ceramic, which are grouped by the type of feedstock used in each technology, is presented. The main technical factors that affect the quality of the final product were reviewed. The AM processes used for 3D printing of graphene-based materials are described in more detail; moreover, some studies in a wide range of applications related to these AM techniques are cited. Furthermore, different feedstock formulations and their corresponding rheological behaviour were explained. Additionally, the most important works about the fabrication of composites using graphene-based ceramic pastes by Direct Ink Writing (DIW) are disclosed in detail and illustrated with representative examples. Various examples of the most relevant approaches for the manufacturing of graphene-based ceramic nanocomposites by DIW are provided.

Electronic designers nowadays are facing two challenging demands for various applications: miniaturization and increased functionality. To satisfy these seemingly opposed requirements, reducing the number of mounted components—and thus solder joints—in PCB designs becomes an attractive approach by directly printing passive components such as embedded resistors into the circuit. This approach can also potentially increase the reliability, such as “mean time between failures” (MTBF), while reducing the circuit board size. With its unique capabilities for non-contact precision material deposition, the Aerosol Jet® direct-write technology has been enabling additive manufacturing of fine-feature electronics conformally onto flexible substrates of complicated shapes. The CAD/CAM controlled relative motions between substrate and print head allows convenient adjustment of the pattern and pile height of deposited material at a given ink volumetric deposition rate. To date in the printed electronics industry, additively printing embedded polymer-thick-film (PTF) resistors has mostly been done with screen printing using carbon-based paste inks. Here we demonstrate results of Aerosol Jet® printed PTF resistors of resistance values ranging from ~50 W to > 1 kW, adjustable (among several variable parameters) by the number of stacked layers (or print passes with each pass depositing a fixed amount of ink) between contact pads of around 1 mm apart with footprint line typically < 0.3 mm. In principle, any ink material that can be atomized into fine droplets of 1 to 5 microns can be printed with the Aerosol Jet® system. However, the print quality such as line edge cleanliness can significantly influenced by ink rheology which involves solvent volatility, solids loading, and so on. Our atomizable carbon ink was made by simply diluting a screen printing paste with a compatible solvent of reasonable volatility, which can be cured at temperatures below 200 ^oC. We show that Aerosol Jet® printed overlapping lines can be stacked to large pile height (to reduce the resistance value) without significant increase of line width, which enables fabricating embedded resistors with adjustable resistance values in a limited footprint space.

Current paper investigates the influence of hardware setup and parameters of a 3D printing process based on fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology on resulting sample strength. Three-point bending of samples printed with long side oriented along Z axis was used as a measure of the interlayer bonding strength. The same CAD model was converted into NC-programs through same slicing software to be run on four different desktop FFF 3D printers, out of filament of same brand and color. Within all the printers same ranges of layer thickness values from 0.1 to 0.3 mm and feed rates from 25 to 75 mm/s were planned to be varied. All the machines demonstrated statistically almost identical values of maximum flexural strength, however the different machines exhibited maximum sample strength with different combinations of varied parameters. Among all the hardware factors observed, the most important was proved to be extruder type, direct or Bowden. This feature fundamentally changes the nature of studied parameters influence onto the resulting strength of the FFF process. For the extruders of Bowden type the length of flexible guiding tube is of great importance.All the machines demonstrated statistically almost identical values of maximum flexural strength, however the different machines exhibited maximum sample strength with different combinations of varied parameters. Among all the hardware factors observed, the most important was proved to be extruder type, direct or Bowden. This feature fundamentally changes the nature of studied parameters influence onto the resulting strength of the FFF process. For the extruders of Bowden type the length of flexible guiding tube is of great importance.

This paper aims to provide an adaptation of the TL-moments method to censored data. The present study concentrates on Type-I censored data. The idea of using TL-moments with censored data may seem conflicting. But our perspective in that, we may use data censored from one side and trimmed from the other side. This study is applied to estimate the two unknown parameters of the Weibull distribution. The suggested point is compared with Direct L-moments and ML methods. A Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to compare these method in terms of estimate average, root of mean square error (RMSE) and relative absolute biases (RAB).

The development trends of the modern world of power electronics dictate the requirements for the use of AC voltage converters as soft starters for induction motors. A direct connection of the motors to the mains voltage negatively affects both the motor itself and the mains system as a whole due to high starting currents values, which entail, as a rule, more frequent accidents and shorter the drive system service life. The paper presents a study of the control system of a multi-zone AC voltage regulator. The use of capacitive voltage dividers will also compensate for the consumed reactive power. The article analyzes the features of modern soft starters, describes the circuit design, presents a mathematical calculation by the method of algebraization of differential equations, a performed simulation modeling in Matlab/Simulink, and also an assembled experimental stand for further research. Particular attention is paid to the definition of the multizonality concept of the proposed converter and the analysis of the control method. The developed algorithm of the double-loop automatic control system will minimize the influence of induction motors on the mains voltage, and thus improve electromagnetic compatibility.

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPS) are a family of well-known enzymes which operate prevalently in the extracellular domain, where they fulfil the function of remodeling the extracellular matrix. Within the about 26 family members, encoded by 24 genes in humans, MMP-2 and MMP-9, have been regarded as the primary responsibility for the basement membrane and pericellular ECM rearrangement. In cases of infiltrating carcinomas, which arise from the epithelial tissues of a gland or of an internal organ, a marked alteration of the expression and the activity levels of both MMPs is known to occur. Present investigation represents the continuation and upgrading of our previous studies, now focusing on the occurrence and intensity levels of MMP-2 and -9, and their proteomic correlations, in a cohort of 80 breast cancer surgical tissues

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a complex clinical challenge affecting quality of life. Neurological recovery does not always ensure functional recovery as extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations affecting muscle function. This study evaluates hyaluronan (HA) and collagen concentration in gastrocnemius muscle and thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in unilateral lower limb PNI rats to ex-plore systemic ECM alterations following PNI and their impacts on functional recovery. Eighteen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental (n=12 with left sciatic nerve transection injury repaired by nerve conduit) and control (n=6) groups. After six weeks, motor function was evaluated. Muscle and TLF samples were analyzed for HA and collagen concentrations using Purple-Jelley HA Assay and Total-Collagen Assay kit. HA and collagen distribution was assessed using Alcian Blue and immunohistochemistry, and Picrosirius Red staining. In PNI rats, SFI and gait analysis were -87±9.12 and 1.32±0.29. Both sides of muscles showed significantly lower HA concentration than that in healthy rats (left p

We formulate a more straightforward, symmetry-based techniques in manually computing the determinant of any n×n matrix by revisiting Dodgson’s condensation method and strategically applying elementary row operations and the definition and properties of determinants. The result yields a more simplified mnemonical algorithm than the usual reduction by elementary row operations and co-factor expansion and with minimal terminal divisions performed compared to Dodgson’s internal divisions.

In this study, the elastic properties of composite materials are investigated, considering the effects of separation of fiber-matrix joint boundary and matrix failure. In this method, by assuming periodic microstructure and using a linear approximation of the displacement field by applying continuity and equilibrium conditions, the composite fiber composite relation is determined. The effect of separation is assumed by introducing tangential and normal scalar parameters in the equations by assuming the displacement field jump at the common boundary. In order to express the effect of matrix micro-cracks, the fracture mechanics framework of continuous environments was used and the micro-cracks parallel to the fibers, perpendicular to the fibers and in the thickness direction with scalar parameters were expressed. At the end of the effect of these parameters the results are presented in graphs. The results show that the presence of defective joint at the joint boundary and the matrix micro-components reduce the hardness of the composite and thus it’s bearing load, which is more significant at the defective joint state.

Reverse order laws for generalized inverses of matrix products is a classic object of study in the theory of generalized inverses. One of the well-known reverse order laws for a matrix product $AB$ is $(AB)^{(i,\ldots,j)} = B^{(s_2,\ldots,t_2)}A^{(s_1,\ldots,t_1)}$, where $(\cdot)^{(i,\ldots,j)}$ denotes an $\{i,\ldots, j\}$-generalized inverse of matrix. Because $\{i,\ldots, j\}$-generalized inverse of a singular matrix is unique, the relationships between both sides of the reverse order law can be divided into four situations for consideration. This paper provides a thorough coverage of the reverse order laws for $\{i,\ldots, j\}$-generalized inverses of $AB$, from the development of background and preliminary tools to the collection of miscellaneous formulas and facts on the reverse order laws in one place with cogent introduction and references for further study. We begin with the introduction of a linear mixed model $y = AB\beta + A\gamma + \epsilon$ and the presentation of two least-squares methodologies to estimate the fixed parameter vector $\beta$ in the model, and the description of connections between the two types of least-squares estimators and the reverse order laws for generalized inverses of $AB$. We then prepare some valued matrix analysis tools, including a general theory on linear or nonlinear matrix identities, a group of expansion formulas for calculating ranks of block matrices, two groups of explicit formulas for calculating the maximum and minimum ranks of $B^{(s_2,\ldots,t_2)}A^{(s_1,\ldots,t_1)}$, as well as necessary and sufficient conditions for $B^{(s_2,\ldots,t_2)}A^{(s_1,\ldots,t_1)}$ to be invariant with respect to the choice of $B^{(s_2,\ldots,t_2)}A^{(s_1,\ldots,t_1)}$. We then present a unified approach to the 512 matrix set inclusion problems associated with the above reverse order laws for the eight commonly-used types of generalized inverses of $A$, $B$, and $AB$ through use of the definitions of generalized inverses, the block matrix method (BMM), the matrix rank method (MRM), the matrix equation method (MEM), and various algebraic calculations of matrices.

Objective: Regeneration of bone defects remains a challenge for maxillofacial and reparative surgeons. The purpose of this histological study was to assess the osteogenic potential of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and bone matrix gelatin (BMG) alone and in combination in artificially created mandibular bone defects in rats. The quality of the newly formed bone was also evaluated. Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats (6-8 weeks old with 120-150 g weight) were randomly divided into four groups. Defects (3 mm in diameter and 2 mm in depth) were created in the mandible of rats and filled with 6 mg of OCP, BMG or a combination of both (1/4 ratio), respectively. Defects were left unfilled in the control group. To assess osteoinduction and bone regeneration and determine the quality of the newly formed bone, tissue specimens were harvested at seven, 14, and 21 days post-implantation. The specimens were processed, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and histologically analyzed under light microscopy. Results: In the experimental groups, new bone formation was initiated at the margins of defects from seventh day after implantation. At the end of the study period, the amount of the newly formed bone increased and the bone was relatively mature. Osteoinduction and new bone formation were greater in OCP/BMG group. In the control group, slight amount of new bone had been formed at the defect margins (next to host bone) on day 21. Conclusion: Combination of OCP/BMG may serve as an optimal biomaterial for treatment of mandibular bone defects.

In the future, the power of commercial ocean current generators can reach MW level, and the corresponding mooring rope tension is very great. But the power of the ocean current generator in research stage is KW level and it can bear less rope tension. Its main mooring rope adopts a single cable and a single foundation. This paper studies the dynamic response and rope tension of the MW-level ocean current generator mooring system. It is assumed that the commercial MW-level ocean current generator is similar to the research-type KW level, and the similarity law and several dimensionless similar parameters are proposed, including for the turbine and platform the power number, tip speed ratio, hydrodynamic damping and stiffness coefficient and others. Based on these dimensionless similar formula and the known parameters of the researched KW-level convertor, all parameters of the MW-level ocean current generator are derived. In order to overcome the extreme tension of a MW-level mooring system and provide good stability, this paper proposes the pulley-traction rope design to replace the traditional single traction rope design. The static and dynamic mathematical models of this mooring system subjected to typhoon wave impact and current are proposed and analytical solutions are obtained. The study found that the dynamic rope tension of the MW-level system with the traditional single rope system is significantly greater than its fracture strength and the dynamic tension of the pulley- traction rope system. It means that this design can effectively reduce the dynamic rope tensions of the mooring system. Moreover, if the length ratio of rope A to the seabed depth is within a safe range, the maximum rope dynamic tension will be less than the fracture strength. In addition to the MW level, the dynamic response of the 700kW level power generation system under the action of typhoon waves is also studied. It is discovered that the dynamic tension of rope D is the largest. In addition, the dynamic tension of rope D for 700kW system will exceed the original strength of design. However, only the specification of rope D is increased, the new dynamic tension is still close to the original such that the dynamic tension of rope D is significantly less than the adjusted fracture strength and the mooring system becomes safety.

The emission of black carbon (BC) particles, which cause atmospheric warming by affecting radiation budget in the atmosphere, is the result of an incomplete combustion process of organic materials. The recent wildfire event during the summer 2019-2020 in South-Eastern Australia was unprecedented in scale. The wildfires lasted for nearly 3 months over large areas of the two most populated states of New South Wales and Victoria. This study on the emission and dispersion of BC emitted from the biomass burnings of the wildfires using the Weather Research Forecast – Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model is aimed to determine the extent of the BC spatial dispersion and ground concentration distribution and the effect of BC on air quality and radiative transfer at the top of the atmosphere, the atmosphere and on the ground. The predicted aerosol concentration and AOD are compared with the observed data from the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) aethalometer and air quality network and from remote sensing data. The BC concentration as predicted from WRF-Chem model is in general less than the observed data as measured from the aethalometer monitoring network, but the spatial pattern corresponds well, and the correlation is relatively high. The total BC emission into the atmosphere during the event and the effect on radiation budget were also estimated. This study shows that the summer 2019-2020 wildfires affect not only the air quality and health impact on the east coast of Australia but also short-term weather in the region via aerosol interactions with radiation and cloud.

This article presents a proposed system that enables energy transfer from the dc grid to a single-phase onboard grid, operating at an hi frequency. In addition to the energy transfer function, it additionally enables compensation of reactive power in the ac grid when the converter operates at less than rated power. To operate in compensator mode, it is necessary to decouple the current from the grid into active and reactive components and control them independently. To achieve good dynamics, synchronizers that operate in the dq system are used. In the case of a single-phase grid, it requires such a synchronizer to generate virtual quadrature signals. The used systems based on second-order generalized integrator are good, but to improve dynamics in the work a quadrature generator based on trigonometric calculations was proposed. The developed system was implemented in a proportional resonant current control system. Tests performed in steady state and in dynamic states related to typical grid disturbances showed better dynamic properties than the standard integrator-based system.Keywords: power transfer; compensator; P+R controller

Euler-Poisson equations of a charged symmetrical body in external constant and homogeneous electric and magnetic fields are deduced starting from the variational problem, where the body is considered as a system of charged point particles subject to holonomic constraints. The final equations are written for the center-of mass-coordinate, rotation matrix and angular velocity. General solution to the equations of motion is obtained for the case of a charged ball. For the case of a symmetrical charged body (solenoid), the task of obtaining the general solution is reduced to the problem of a one-dimensional cubic pseudo-oscillator. Besides, we present a one-parametric family of solutions to the problem in elementary functions.

Abstract Background: Small Cajal body-specific RNAs (scaRNAs) are a specific subset of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) that have recently been emerged as pivotal contributors in diverse physiological and pathological processes. However, their defined roles in carcinogenesis remain largely elusive. This study aims to explore the potential function and mechanism of SCARNA12 in bladder cancer (BLCA) and to provide a theoretical basis for further investigations into the biological functionalities of scaRNAs. Materials and Methods: TCGA, GEO and GTEx data sets were used to analyze the expression of SCARNA12 and its clinicopathological significance in BLCA. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and in situ hybridization were applied to validate the expression of SCARNA12 in both BLCA cell lines and tissues. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal the changes of gene expression patterns and functional pathways in BLCA patients with different expression of SCARNA12 and T24 cell lines upon SCARNA12 knockdown. Single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) was then used to evaluate the tumor-related cell cluster affected by SCARNA12. Moreover, SCARNA12 was stably knocked down in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines by lentivirus-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 approach. The biological effects of SCARNA12 on the proliferation, clonogenic, migration, invasion, cell apoptosis, cell cycle and tumor growth were assessed by in vitro MTT, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry assays and in vivo nude mice xenograft models, respectively. Finally, chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) experiment were further conducted to delineate the potential mechanisms of SCARNA12 in BLCA. Results: The expression of SCARNA12 was significantly up-regulated in both BLCA tissues and cell lines. RNA-seq data elucidated that SCARAN12 may play a potential role in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) related signaling pathways. CyTOF results further showed that an ECM-related cell cluster with vimentin+, CD13+, CD44+, CD47+ was enriched in BLCA patients with high SCARNA12 expression. Additionally, SCARNA12 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines. SCARNA12 knockdown prompted cell arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phase, and promoted the apoptosis in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines. Furthermore, SCARNA12 knockdown could suppress the in vivo tumor growth in nude mice. ChIRP experiment further suggested that SCARNA12 may combine transcription factors H2AFZ to modulate transcription program and then affect BLCA progression. Conclusion: Our study is the first to propose aberrant alteration of SCARNA12 and elucidate its potential oncogenic roles in BLCA via the modulation of ECM signaling. The interaction of SCARNA12 with the transcriptional factor H2AFZ emerges as a key contributor to the carcinogenesis and progression of BLCA. These findings suggest SCARNA12 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the treatment of BLCA.

This research delves into the intricate dynamics underlying the impact of investments on global output, em-ploying the Leontief matrix as a robust analytical framework. Investments wield a profound influence on economies worldwide, with varying effects contingent upon investment types, development levels of coun-tries, and external factors such as trade conflicts and global shocks. The diverse range of investment forms, including physical capital, human capital, R&D, and technological investments, engenders distinct implica-tions for productivity, innovation, and efficiency. Developing and developed economies navigate unique tra-jectories, with investments playing a pivotal role in bridging infrastructure gaps, improving technology, and spurring growth. However, external disruptions, such as trade wars and global shocks, introduce an element of complexity, reshaping investment patterns and altering global output trajectories. This study centers on harnessing the Leontief matrix's prowess to evaluate the interplay of investments and global output, focusing on the Romanian economy. By analyzing input-output tables, encompassing 105 branches aggregated into 10 sectors, the research captures the intricate connections between economic segments. No-tably, the Romanian context reveals the volatility of the matrix coefficients', an outcome of ongoing transi-tional processes, technological advancements, and fluctuating relative prices. In unraveling the intricate threads weaving investments and global output, this study contributes to a nuanced comprehension of these multifaceted interactions. The findings underscore the significance of tailoring investment strategies to specific economic contexts and advocate for robust frameworks, such as the Leontief matrix, to inform pol-icy decisions and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly complex global economy.

Abstract: Chemical burns are one of the most dangerous and aggressive types of burns as they can cause significant tissue damage, leading to pain, inflammation, necrosis, and scarring. We present a burn case report associated with the use of Acellular Dermal Matrix (MatriDerm® MedSkin Solution Dr. Suwelack AG, Billerbeck, Germany) for the reconstruction of a Hallux after the patient was mistakenly administered intramuscular Nitric Acid at another institution. The patient presented with a third degree burn that compromised the medial aspect of the hallux’s skin, the distal phalanx and nail bed. Early debridement was performed, and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT VAC, 3M, US) was used to preserve and promote tissue viability. Eight days later, the patient was taken to the OR, and Acellular Dermal Matrix and split-thickness skin graft were used to reconstruct her right hallux’s defect. The patient achieved adequate clinical evolution and was discharged with complete reconstruction of the burned area. Acellular Dermal Matrix proved to be an important and viable option for reconstructive surgery after a chemical burn, and further studies are warranted to ensure its routine usage in this kind of lesions. Keywords: chemical burn, acellular matrix, hallux reconstruction, NPWT

Pulsed thermography is a commonly used non-destructive testing method, and is increasingly studied for advanced materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) evaluation. Different processing approaches are proposed to detect and characterize anomalies that may be generated in structures during the manufacturing cycle or service period. In this study, we used a type of matrix decomposition using Robust-PCA via Inexact-ALM in our experiment. We investigate this method as a pre-and post-processing method on thermal data acquired by pulsed thermography. We employed state-of-the-art methods, i.e., PCT, PPT, and PLST, as the main process. The results indicate that pre-processing on thermal data can elevate the defect detectability while post-processing, in some cases, can deteriorate the results.

The use of cow bones for biomaterial is still limited; accordingly, the cow bones waste has low economic value. Basically, a human’s and a cow’s bones are the same in terms of their forming compound. Aluminum (Al) has the potential to combine with hydroxyapatite (HAp) to make metal matrix composites (MMC) that have the potential for biomaterials. Compatible elements to be combined with Al and HAp are magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), and Copper (Cu), used self-high propagating temperatures synthesis (SHS). MMC can be processed to be a useful, solid product. Applying pressure to the SHS reaction and heating process may result in biomaterial composite product consisting of some matrix materials such as Al come from cans materials used in the experiment was HAp that was processed from cow bones calcination, added by can that contained aluminum and wetting agent, namely magnesium. The exothermic temperature was 800-900°C. The compaction process was done to allow materials to be bound. Based on the ASTM F138 standard for element of biomaterials, the porosity value was below 30% and hardness level above 40 HV. Cow bones and can-based composite sample with the composition of HAp-Al-Mg: 85%-10%-5% met the standard since the hardness value was: 73.3 HV with a porosity value of 29.88%.

Abstract: The promise of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering is founded on the ability to regenerate diseased or damaged tissues and organs into functional tissues and organs or the creation of new tissues and organs altogether. In theory, all damaged and diseased tissues and organs can be regenerated or created using different configurations and combinations of extracellular matrix, cells and inductive biomolecules. Currently, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering can allow the improvement of patients’ quality of life through availing novel treatment options. Tissues and organs have a specific ECM, with specific proteins and factors released by cells residing within the local microenvironment. The coupling of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering field with 3D printing is revolutionizing the treatment of patients in a huge way. 3D bioprinting allows the proper placement of cells and ECMs, allowing the recapitulation of native microenvironments of tissues and organs. 3D bioprinting utilizes different bioinks made up of different formulations of ECM/biomaterials, biomolecules and even cells. The choice of the bioink used during 3D bioprinting is very important as properties such as printability, compatibility and physical strength influence the final construct printed. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides both physical and mechanical microenvironment needed by cells to survive and proliferate. Decellularized ECM bioink contains biochemical cues from the original native ECM and also the right proportions of ECM proteins. Different techniques and characterization methods are used to derive bioinks from several tissues and organs and to evaluate their quality. This review discusses the uses of decellularized ECM bioinks and argues that they represent the most biomimetic bioinks available. In addition, we briefly discuss some polymer-based bioinks utilized in 3D bioprinting.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a determinant for inflammation and fibrosis in cardiac and skeletal muscle in Chagas disease. To determine its regulatory mechanisms, we investigated the response of T. cruzi-infected cardiomyocytes (CM), cardiac fibroblasts (CF) and L6E9 skeletal myoblasts to TGF-β. Cultures of CM, CF and L6E9 were infected with T. cruzi (Y strain) and treated with TGF-β (1–10 ng/mL, 1h or 48 h). Fibronectin (FN) distribution was analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot (WB). Phosphorylated SMAD2 (PS2), phospho-p38 (p-p38), and phospho-c-Jun (p-c-Jun) signaling were evaluated by WB. CF and L6E9 showed an increase in FN from 1 ng/mL of TGF-β, while CM displayed FN modulation only after 10 ng/mL treatment. CF and L6E9 showed higher PS2 levels than CM, while p38 is less stimulated in CF than CM and L6E9. After T. cruzi infection, localized FN disorganization was observed in infected CF and L6E9. T. cruzi induced an increase in FN in CF cultures, mainly in uninfected cells. Infected CF cultures treated with TGF-β showed a reduction in PS2 and an increase in p-p38 and p-c-Jun levels. Our data suggest that p38 and c-Jun pathways may be participating in the fibrosis regulatory process mediated by TGF-β after T. cruzi infection.

The myocardial extracellular matrix is not a passive entity, but rather a complex and dynamic microenvironment which represents an important structural and signaling system within the myocardium. Understanding the fundamental role of hypoxia and peroxidation in the genesis of many cardiovascular diseases has stimulated the development of strategies that can enhance the energy-producing functions of cells. Revealing the alterations in cardiac metabolism and function associated with sustained exposure to high altitude advances our understanding of hypoxia-related disease. The study was conducted on 26 adult males of Wistar rats weighing 220–310 g, divided into 3 groups. The first control group consisted of 6 intact animals, the second group included 10 rats which were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia without medication for 30 days. Third group was composed of 10 rats, which were medicated by succinic acid solution which was injected intraperitoneally once a day at the rate of 0.5 mL/100 g of animal body weight 15 minutes before hypoxic exposure for 30 days. Fibrosis in the myocardium inevitably leads to increased myocardial stiffness, resulting in systolic and diastolic dysfunction, neurohormonal activation and, ultimately, heart failure Changes in cardiac highenergy phosphate metabolism may underlie the myocardial dysfunction caused by hypobaric hypoxia. Reduced oxygen delivery by microvascular damage, increased perivascular fibrosis associated with reduced cellular oxygen availability may contribute to contractile failure. Succinic acid combined with inosine acts as a high-energy phosphate reserve, to maintain adenosine triphosphate at levels sufficient to support contractile function.

Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is widely employed for volatile analyses of plants, including mapping populations used in plant breeding research. Studies often employ a single internal surrogate standard, even when multiple analytes are measured, with the assumption that any relative changes in matrix effects among individuals would be similar for all compounds, i.e. matrix effects do not show Compound × Individual interactions. We tested this assumption using individuals from two plant populations, an interspecific grape (Vitis spp.) mapping population (n = 140) and a tomato (Solanum spp.) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (n = 148). Individual plants from the two populations were spiked with a cocktail of internal standards (n = 6, 9, respectively) prior to HS-SPME-GC-MS. Variation in the relative responses of internal standards indicated that Compound × Individual interactions exist but were different between the two populations. For the grape population, relative responses among pairs of internal standards varied considerably among individuals, with a maximum of 249% relative standard deviation (RSD) for the pair of [U13C]hexanal and [U13C]hexanol. However, in the tomato population, relative responses of internal standard pairs varied much less, with pairwise RSDs ranged from 8% to 56%. The approach described in this paper could be used to evaluate the suitability of using surrogate standards for HS-SPME-GC-MS studies in other plant populations.

This paper deals with a generic methodology to evaluate the magnetic parameters of contactless power transfer systems. Neumann's integral has been used to create a matrix method that can model the magnetics of single coils (circle, square, rectangle). The principle of superposition has been utilised to extend the theory to multi-coil geometries such as double circular, double rectangle and double rectangle quadrature assuming linearity of magnetics. Numerical and experimental validation has been performed to validate the analytical models developed. A rigorous application of the analysis has been carried out to study misalignment and hence the efficacy of various geometries to misalignment tolerance. Comparison of single-coil and multi-coil shapes considering coupling variation with misalignment, power transferred and maximum efficiency is carried out.

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of large-sized ceramic-reinforced TWIP (Twinning-Induced Plasticity) steel matrix composites using the lost foam casting technique. Various ceramic shapes and sizes, including blocky, flaky, rod-like, and granular forms, were evaluated for their suitability as reinforcement materials. The study found that rod-like and granular ceramics exhibited superior structural integrity and formed strong interfacial bonds with the TWIP steel matrix, compared to blocky and flaky ceramics, which suffered from cracking and fragmentation. Detailed microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and industrial computerized tomography (CT) revealed the mechanisms influencing the composite formation. The results demonstrated that rod-like and granular ceramics are optimal for reinforcing TWIP steel composites, providing excellent mechanical stability and enhanced performance. This work contributes to the development of advanced composite materials with potential applications in industries requiring high-strength and durable materials.

In this paper, we introduce as a pedagogical strategy an internal division-free, straightforward, and symmetrically progressing algorithm in manually computing matrix inverse and solving systems of linear equations by revisiting the application of elementary row operations in the Gauss-Jordan reduction method and connecting it to the determinant method. The proposed cross-multiplication-flip (CMF) algorithm employs cross-multiplication similar to the butterfly movement in computing determinants as a strategic application of elementary row operations to efficiently reduce the rows and then applies flipping of rows and entries to put an upper triangular matrix into lower triangular form to continue the reduction process.

Due to satisfactory mechanical properties, low specific weight and other advantages, a substantial utilization of laminated structural composites in many components and equipments of several industry sectors, especially in the past two decades, has been made. This class of materials has a good potential to be an important ally to support scientists and engineers with the main current world challenge: an energy transition process that must occur with sustainability, eco-friendly materials and based on an efficient reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, a microanalysis (scale length: 10μm to 1mm) of mechanical behavior that considers the multiphase characteristics, at leastwise a matrix and a reinforcement phase, of this kind of composites must be explored, i. e., a heterogeneous material is assumed to predict, for example, the effective tensors of stiffness or compliance by a homogenization process, modeling to damage analyses, studies about progressive delamination and other specific aspects of a composite can be previously investigated using micromechanical approaches. Therefore, the understanding of fundamental micromechanics as well as some advanced models are essential to apply these materials in structural industry components. In this sense, this literature review is designed to investigate and analize intrinsic physical hypothesis and theories behind the main basic and advanced models of polymer laminated composite micromechanics expanding possibilities to the development of more accurate approximations and showing future perspectives to the topic.

Due to the vast conformational space proteins can adopt, accurate and efficient prediction of protein structure remains still a challenging task, coupled with the intricacies of interatomic interactions and the limitations of current computational models in effectively navigating this complex molecular landscape. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive experimental data for all protein structures further exacerbates the difficulty in reliable machine learning-based prediction of the three-dimensional conformations of the proteios building block of life. Geometrically, Cartesian coordinate system (CCS, X, Y and Z) and spherical coordinate system (SCS, ρ, θ and φ) are two interconvertible coordinate systems, and are like two sides of one coin. Since the beginning of Protein Data Bank (PDB) in 1971, CCS has been the default approach to specify atomic positions with X, Y and Z in PDB. In this manuscript, therefore, I present a novel method for the reversible spherical geometric conversion of protein backbone structure coordinate matrices to three independent vectors: ρ, θ and φ. This reversible conversion facilitates lossless extraction of essential structural features from protein backbone structural data, enabling the development of advanced novel algorithms for protein structure prediction in future. In short, this inter-atomic SCS approach offers a comprehensive yet efficient means of representing protein backbone geometry, leveraging spherical coordinates to capture spatial relationships in a compact and intuitive inter-atomic manner, and to provide a robust framework for reversible feature extraction for the ongoing efforts in advancing the field of protein structure prediction, the holy grail of computational structural biology.

Matrices and their inverses allow accurate calculations to be produced quickly and compactly and can be used to control any process represented by a system of equations. Singular matrices require extensive workarounds (costing time and money) to solve these systems of equations because they have no inverse. Finding their inverse involves division by zero. Nevertheless, recently a new number set called semi-structured complex numbers was developed to enable division by zero in algebraic equations. The aim of this research was to demonstrate that the inverse of a singular matrix can be found using semi-structured complex numbers. This research reveals (1) Singular matrices and their inverses can be used to find a unique solution to a pair of simultaneous equations that appear to have infinitely many solutions or appear to have no solution; (2) Singular matrices map coordinates in projective space to coordinates in Euclidean space and their inverse maps coordinates in Euclidean space to coordinates in projective space; (3) the inverse of a singular matrix proves that parallel lines in Euclidean space do not intersect but in projective space intersect at a “point at infinity” and (4) collinear lines that intersect at infinitely many points in Euclidean space only intersect at one point in projective space.

The goal of this article is to provide a review of the experimental techniques and procedures using vibration methods for the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of Polymer-Matrix Composites (PMC). It aims to be a guide for any researchers to carry out vibration experiments. The linear methods are first introduced. But as PMC is a complex material, these classic methods showed some limits, such as low accuracy for small damages, and a high environmental dependency. This is why the nonlinear methods are secondly studied, considering that the complexity of PMC induces a nonlinear behavior of the structure after damage occurrence. The different damage mechanisms are well explained in order to evaluate the potential of each vibration method to detect them.

This study aims to investigate the influence of various economic, environmental, and social factors on sustainable development, with a specific focus on the impact of green technology and climate change adaptation. A panel dataset comprising 38 OECD member countries from 1990 to 2020 is employed, and a series of dynamic panel data models are estimated using the system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach. Numerous covariates, such as globalization, socio-economic conditions, economic and political values, climate and technological progress, and environmental determinants, are examined. The empirical findings highlight the significant role played by macroeconomic, institutional, social, and government policy-related factors in sustainable development. More importantly, our results provide novel and robust evidence that the diffusion of green technology and climate change adaptation positively affect green growth. The study's empirical outcomes are demonstrated to be robust to misspecification errors and statistically significant at traditional significance levels. These findings carry substantial policy implications for the development and implementation of strategies that promote climate change adaptation and green innovation. Consequently, policymakers should prioritize the integration of green technology and adaptive measures in their sustainable development agendas to foster a greener, more resilient future.

Ultrasonic based inspection of thin-walled structures often requires prior knowledge of their mechanical properties. Their accurate estimation could be achieved in a non-destructive manner employing, e.g., elastic guided waves. Such procedures require efficient approaches for experimental data extraction and processing, which is still a challenging task. An advanced automated technique for material properties identification of an elastic waveguide is proposed in this investigation. It relies on the information on dispersion characteristics of guided waves, which are extracted by applying the matrix pencil method to the measurements obtained via laser Doppler vibrometry. Two objective functions have been successfully tested, and the advantages of both approaches are discussed (accuracy vs computational costs). The numerical analysis employing the synthetic data generated via the mathematical model as well as experimental data shows that both approaches are stable and accurate. The influence of the presence of various modes in the extracted data is investigated. One can conclude that the influence of the corruptions related to the extraction of dispersion curves is not critical if the majority of guided waves propagating in the considered frequency range are presented. Possible extensions of the proposed technique for damaged and multi-layered structures are also discussed.

The interfacial mechanics and electrical properties of the SiC reinforced copper matrix composites were studied via the first principles method. The work of adhesion (Wad) and the interfacial energies were calculated to evaluate the stabilities of the SiC/Cu interfacial models. The carbon terminated (CT)-SiC/Cu interfaces were predicted more stable than those of the silicon terminated (ST)-SiC/Cu from the results of the Wad and interfacial energies. The interfacial electron properties of SiC/Cu were studied via the charge density distribution, charge density difference, electron localized functions and partial density of the state. The covalent C-Cu bonds were formed based on the results of the electron properties, which further explained the fact that the interfaces of the CT-SiC/Cu are stable than those of the ST-SiC/Cu. The interfacial mechanics of the SiC/Cu were investigated via the interfacial fracture toughness and ultimate tensile stress, and the results indicate that both CT- and ST-SiC/Cu interfaces are hard to fracture. The ultimate tensile stress of the CT-SiC/Cu is nearly 23GPa, which is smaller than those of the ST-SiC/Cu of 25 GPa. The strains corresponding to their ultimate tensile stresses of the CT- and ST-SiC/Cu are about 0.28 and 0.26, respectively. The higher strains of CT-SiC/Cu indicate their stronger plastic properties on the interfaces of the composites.

This study examines the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in the healing of liver injuries treated with biological adhesives Tachosil^® and GelitaSpon^® and the elastic cyanoacrylate Adhflex^®. Hepatic lesions were induced in male rats using a Stiefel biopsy punch. Healing was assessed 2, 6, and 18 days after injury by quantifying tissue levels of MMP1, 2, 8, 9, and 13. Histopathological repair was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining and immunohistochemical markers CD31 and CD68. The sealants contributed to complete healing. Histopathology and MMP findings indicate that Adhflex^® has slower degradation and a strong inflammatory reaction at the onset of healing. Early on, all MMPs showed higher levels in Adhflex^® and Tachosil^®-treated animals, and MMP2 and MMP9 expressions were significantly higher in the Adhflex-treated group at 18 days post-injury (T3). The Adhflex^® group had significantly higher MMP8 and MPP13 levels than other treated groups and showed a sustained overexpression of all MMPs, even in the latest healing stages. Notably, the overexpression did not negatively influence the histological healing process. All hepatic trauma injuries should be treated as emergencies, and any easy-to-use and rapid sealant like Adhflex^® could be considered as an option for treating liver trauma.

Data obtained by Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of pressure-driven turbulent channel flow are studied in the range 180 ≤ Reτ≤ 10,000. Reynolds number effects on the Mean Velocity Profile (MVP) and second order statistics are analyzed with a view of finding logarithmic behavior in the overlap region or even further from the wall, well in the boundary layer’s outer region. Values of Kármán constant for the MVPs and the Townsend-Perry constants for the streamwise and spanwise fluctuation variances are determined for the Reynolds numbers considered. A data-driven model of the MVP, proposed and validated for zero pressure gradient flow over a flat plate, is employed for pressure-driven channel flow by appropriately adjusting Coles’ strength of the wake function parameter, Π. There is excellent agreement between the analytic model predictions of MVP and the DNS-computed MVP as well as of the Reynolds shear stress profile. The skin friction coefficient Cf is calculated analytically. The agreement between the analytical model predictions and the DNS-based computed discrete values of Cf is excellent.

Adjustable frequency converters are widely used in modern automated asynchronous drives due to their high efficiency and high responsiveness control strategies. Control algorithms for frequency converters are divided into two main groups: constant frequency commutation and random frequency commutation. Research results on various commutation frequencies, conducted using Matlab/Simulink software, show that the use of random frequency commutation provides better efficiency by significantly reducing the amplitude of harmonic oscillations at different frequencies, with a reduction in switching losses in transistors. Currently, a converter with random frequency commutation is being researched and applied in the direct torque control system. The traditional direct control system, based on a two-level inverter, is widely used due to its simplicity and ease of implementation. However, this method results in the output current of the two-level converter, supplied to the motor stator, having many harmonic distortions, leading to strong torque fluctuations regardless of the rotation speed and ultimately causing additional losses in the stator windings and reducing the motor's lifespan. To enhance the efficiency of automated asynchronous drives, this article presents an algorithm for a direct control system based on a three-level NPC inverter using a PI speed regulator. The proposed algorithm's research is validated in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The research results show that in the absence of harmonic filtering, the stator current harmonic distortion coefficient is approximately 11%, and torque fluctuations are less than 5% of the resistive torque. The fluctuations between the two capacitors remain almost unchanged throughout the entire process.

Self-driving vehicles demand efficient and reliable depth sensing technologies. Lidar, with its capacity for long-distance, high-precision measurement, is a crucial component in this pursuit. However, conventional mechanical scanning implementations suffer from reliability, cost, and frame rate limitations. Solid-state lidar solutions have emerged as a promising alternative, but the vast amount of photon data processed and stored using conventional direct time-of-flight (dToF) prevents long-distance sensing unless power-intensive partial histogram approaches are used. In this paper, we introduce a groundbreaking ‘guided’ dToF approach, harnessing external guidance from other onboard sensors to narrow down the depth search space for a power and data-efficient solution. This approach centers around a dToF sensor in-which the exposed time widow of independent pixels can be dynamically adjusted. We utilize a 64-by-32 macropixel dToF sensor and a pair of vision cameras to provide the guiding depth estimates. Our demonstrator captures a dynamic outdoor scene at 3 fps with distances up 75 m. Compared to a conventional full histogram approach, on-chip data is reduced by over 25 times, while the total laser cycles in each frame are reduced by at least 6 times compared to any partial histogram approach. The capability of guided dToF to mitigate multipath reflections is also demonstrated. For self-driving vehicles where a wealth of sensor data is already available, guided dToF opens new possibilities for efficient solid-state lidar.

One of the stated goals of the Common Agricultural Policy reforms has been to provide a fairer distribution of payments across and within Member States, but little progress has been accomplished, with about 20% of farmers receiving 80% of the total amount of Direct Payments. The structural factors that underlie this inequity, notably the preponderance of specific types of farming systems, are investigated in this research. A logit model was developed using Agricultural Census data at the Commune level, using the evolution of the percentage of farmers receiving Direct Payments in Portugal as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that the local importance of arable crops (cereals) and cattle farming systems, as well as the existence of larger farms and younger farmers, all contributed to farmers' increasing access to DP between 2009 and 2019. In traditional Mediterranean farming systems, however, access to DP has been restricted to a smaller proportion of farmers. However, there appears to have been some redistribution in the previous two CAP programming cycles, from bigger to smaller farmers, older to younger farmers, and from olives, cereals, and cattle to other types of production, notably vineyards.

With Direct Laser Writing (DLW) maturing in all aspects as a manufacturing technology a toolset for quality assurance must be developed. In this work we want to introduce a first of its kind test artifact. Test artifacts are standardized 3D models with specific geometric feature to evaluate the performance of writing parameters. Test artifacts are already common in other 3D additive manufacturing technologies e.g. Selective Laser Melting. The test artifact introduced in this work was developed in particular to accommodate 1) the high geometrical resolution of DLW structures and 2) the limited possibilities to examine the resulting structure. Geometric accuracy, surface adhesion as well as confocal raman spectroscopy results were considered when evaluating the design of the test artifact. We will explain the individual features and design considerations of our DLW test artifact. The difference between two slicers, Cura and 3DPoli, and the implications on measured feature sizes and the general shape is quantified. The measured geometries are used to derive a general design guide for a specific combination of photoresist, laser power and scanning speed and to analyse the geometric accuracy of a structure produced using these guidelines.

Indonesia's SUMBAGUT 150 kV transmission of High Voltage Alternating Current Network (HVAC) system has considerable power losses. These power losses are a critical problem in the transmission network system. Meanwhile, this study provides one solution to reduce power losses using a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) network system. Determining the location to convert HVAC into HVDC is very important. The authors use Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to get the optimal location on the 150 kV SUMBAGUT HVAC transmission network system. The study results showed that before using the HVDC network system, the power losses were 122.26 MW. Meanwhile, power losses with one transmission HVDC in the "Paya Pasir-Sei Rotan" are 84.16 MW, "Porsa-P. Siantar" 90.83 MW, "Paya Pasir-Paya Geli" 104.14 MW. Then power losses with two transmission HVDC in "Paya Pasir-Sei Rattan" and "Porsa-P. Siantar" is 71.24 MW, "Paya Pasir-Sei Rotan" and "Paya Pasir-Paya Geli" 77.46 MW, "Porsa-P. Siantar" and "Paya Pasir-Paya Geli" 78.52 MW. The last result, power losses with three transmission HVDC in "Paya Pasir-Sei Rotan," "Porsa-P. Siantar," and "Paya Pasir-Paya Geli" lost 64.57 MW.

Graphene-based composites have been widely explored for electrode and electrocatalyst materials for electrochemical energy systems. In this paper, a novel composite material of the reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGON) with gold nanoparticles (NPs) (rGON-AuNP) is synthesized, and its morphology, structure and composition are characterized by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, Raman, and UV-Vis techniques. To confirm this material’s electrochemical activity, a glucose oxidase (GOD) is chosen as the target reagent to modify the rGON-AuNP layer to form GOD/rGON-AuNP/glassy carbon (GC) electrode. Two pairs of distinguishable redox peaks, corresponding to the redox processes of two different conformational GOD on AuNP, are observed on the cyclic voltammograms of GOD/rGON-AuNP/GC electrode. Both cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are employed to study the mechanism of direct electron transfer from GOD to GC electrode on the rGON-AuNP layer. In addition, this GOD/rGON-AuNP/GC electrode shows catalytic activity toward glucose oxidation reaction.

We demonstrate a multi-purpose plasmonic sensor based on nanovoid array fabricated via inexpensive and highly reproducible direct femtosecond laser patterning of thin glass-supported Au films. The proposed nanovoid array exhibits near-IR surface plasmon (SP) resonances, which can be excited under normal incidence and optimised for specific application by tailoring array periodicity as well as nanovoid geometric shape. Fabricated SP sensor offers competitive sensitivity of about 1600 nm/RIU at a figure of merit of 12 in bulk refractive index tests, as well as allows for identification of gases and ultra-thin analyte layers making the sensor particularly useful for common bioassay experiments. Moreover, isolated nanovoids support strong electromagnetic field enhancement at lattice SP resonance wavelength, allowing for label-free molecular identification via surface-enhanced vibration spectroscopy.

A real-time two-way direct load control (TWDLC) of central air-conditioning chillers in wide area is proposed to provide demand response. The proposed TWDLC scheme is designed to optimize the load shedding ratio of every customer under control to ensure the target load to be shed is met at every scheduling period. In order to overcome the load reduction uncertainties of TWDLC, an innovative solution is proposed by applying a certain degree of loosening on the constraint of the actual shed load. Fuzzy linear programming is utilized to solve the optimization problem with fuzzy constraints. The proposed fuzzy linear programming problem is solved by delicately transforming it into a regular liner programming problem. A selection scheme used to obtain the feasible candidates set for load shedding at every sampling interval of TWDLC is also designed along with the fuzzy linear programming.

Steel construction is used more often these days as an alternative to the R.C.C. when light weight, high strength, large-span structures with a faster erection are required. Extensive studies have been done by researchers to study the seismic performance of reinforced concrete and steel structures, both in terms of elastic and inelastic behavior. Composite construction is also a recent advancement in the building industry with similar advantages. However, no emphasis has been given to the comparison between the inelastic behavior of steel and composite structures when subjected to lateral loads. This study compares the inelastic behavior of steel and a composite frame designed to have the same plastic moment capacity for structural members. The responses, such as the formation of hinges, story drifts, story displacements, lateral stiffness, ductility, maximum strength, energy dissipated, joint accelerations, and performance points, are compared with the aid of the building analysis and design software ETABS-18. For this, response spectrum analysis, pushover analysis and nonlinear direct integration time history analysis have been performed on both frames. For design and analysis, international codes such as IS 800-2007, IS 875 (Part I, II, IV), IS 1893-2002, AISC 360 (16 &amp; 10) and FEMA 440 have been used. Part of this study also aims at comparing the response of these frames when subjected to near field and far field earthquakes. It can be concluded from the results that the post yield performance of the composite frame is superior to that of the steel frame when seismically excited.

Background: Objectives. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of direct current stimulation (DCS) applied at the transcranial, suboccipital and spinal level on experimental sensory modalities and pain outcome measures in healthy subjects. The hypothesis of this study was that systematic analysis of the efficacy of DCS on modulating evoked thermal and mechanical pain modalities and mechanisms such as endogenous pain modulation in healthy individuals would reveal sensitive outcome measures help develop this technique for the control of chronic pain. Materials and Methods. Database searches were conducted up to December 2019 for randomized controlled trials that performed sham-controlled DCS of experimental sensory modalities and pain outcomes following transcranial, suboccipital and spinal locations in healthy participants. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for sensory modalities, including random-effect metanalysis. Results: Thirty-one studies were included for analysis (647 participants). A significant decrease in pain intensity for active vs sham transcranial stimulation was identified for pain intensity (n=158; SMD=0.79; 95% CI=0.56 to 1.02), a significant increase in heat pain threshold (n=222; SMD=1.16; 95% CI=0.95 to 1.37), and a significant increase in cold pain threshold (n = 155; SMD = 0.77, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.01). No significant modulation of pressure pain threshold was identified with DCS and only a limited number of studies focused on experimental pain modulation following neuromodulation at the suboccipital or spinal level. Conclusions: These results show significant transcranial DCS neuromodulation of pain intensity and on thermal pain modalities. Future studies should focus on endogenous pain and sensory modality modulation with sham-controlled DCS applied at transcranial, suboccipital and spinal locations.

A useful and increasingly common additive manufacturing (AM) process is the selective laser melting (SLM) or direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process. SLM/DMLS can produce full-density metal parts from difficult materials, but it tends to suffer from severe residual stresses introduced during processing. This limits the usefulness and applicability of the process, particularly in the fabrication of parts with delicate overhanging and protruding features. The purpose of this study was to examine the current insight and progress made toward understanding and eliminating the problem in overhanging and protruding structures. To accomplish this, a survey of literature was undertaken, focusing on process modeling (general, heat transfer, stress and distortion, and material models), direct process control (input and environmental control, hardware-in-the-loop monitoring, parameter optimization, and post-processing), experiment development (methods for evaluation, optical and mechanical process monitoring, imaging, and design-of-experiments), support structure optimization, and overhang feature design; approximately 140 published works were examined. The major findings of this study were that a small minority of the literature on SLM/DMLS deals explicitly with the overhanging stress problem, but some fundamental work has been done on the problem. Implications, needs, and potential future research directions are discussed in-depth in light of the present review.

In this paper, we establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for solving a dual split quaternion matrix equation AXB=C, and present the general solution expression when solvability is achieved. As an application, we delve into the necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of Hermitian solution to this equation by using a newly defined real representation method. Furthermore, we obtain the solutions for the dual split quaternion matrix equations AX=C and XB=C. Finally, we provide a numerical example to demonstrate the findings of this paper.

Pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm and dissection continues to be under discussion. Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling processes in the aortic wall are hypothesized to be involved in the development of the disorders. Therefore, in a histological study, we investigated the expression of metalloproteases 1 and 9 (MMP1 and MMP9) and their inhibitors (TIMP 1 and TIMP 2) in cardiac surgery patients. In parallel, we studied the aortic roots by echocardiography. Clinical reports of 111 patients (30 women and 81 men) who suffered from aortic aneurysms and an aortic dissection were evaluated and studied by transesophageal echocardiography. Seven patients, who had coronary heart disease served as „healthy controls“ All patients were surgically operated in the period from 2007 to 2015. A tissue sample of the aortic biopsies was collected from each patient during surgery. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for MMP1, MMP9 and TIMP1, TIMP2 as well. Vascularization was monitored by an CD 31 antibody. In direct comparison, the expressions are not homogeneous. We found smallest changes in the intima area at all. An increase in MMP 1 and MMP 9 expression was detected in both media and adventitia in case of dissections. TIMP 1 and TIMP 2 distribution increases from the lumen of the vessel outward in the wall layers of the aorta. In case of arteriosclerotic changes, intima had a capillarization, but not in the media. Opposite pattern was found in the dissected aortas. Whereas the intima appears empty, vascularization was found in the media and adventitia layers, as well. There are differences in the vascularization between between the aneurysm and dissection and the different layers as well, respectively. A different remodeling process of the ECM in comparison of the vascular layers must be hypothesized. Reading the patterns of staining and with regard to the known inhibitory effect of MMP9 on ECM remodeling, but especially TIMP 2 on neoangiogenesis, a disturbed nutrition and a dysfunctional vasa vasorum remodeling must be assumed as cause of dissection.

One of the frequently used classes of the sparse reconstruction algorithms is based on the iterative shrinkage/thresholding procedure, where the thresholding parameter controls a trade-off between the algorithm accuracy and the execution time. In order to avoid this trade-off, we propose using a fast intersection of confidence interval method in order to adaptively control the threshold value through the reconstruction algorithm iterations. We have upgraded the two-step iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm with a such procedure, improving its performance. The proposed algorithm, denoted as the FICI-TwIST, along with a few selected state-of-the-art sparse reconstruction algorithms have been tested on the classical problem of image recovery by emphasizing the image sparsity in the discrete cosine and the discrete wavelet domain. Furthermore, we have derived a single wavelet transformation matrix which avoids wrapping effects achieving significantly faster execution times when compared to more traditional function based transformation. The obtained results indicate competitive performance of the proposed algorithm, even in cases where all algorithm parameters have been individually fine-tuned for best performances.

The quickest path problem in the multistate flow networks, also known as the quickest path reliability problem (QPRP), aims at calculating the probability of transmitting a minimum of d units of flow/dat/commodity from a source node to a destination node through one single path within T units of time. Several exact and approximation algorithms have been proposed in the literature to address this problem. Most of the exact algorithms in the literature need prior knowledge of all the network’s minimal paths (MPs), which is considered a weak point. In addition to the time, the budget is always limited in real-world systems, making it an essential consideration in the analysis of systems’ performance. Hence, this study considers the QPRP under the cost constraints and provides an efficient approach based on the node-child matrix to address the problem without knowing the MPs. We show the correctness of the algorithm, compute its complexity results, illustrate it through a benchmark example, and conduct extensive experimental results on the known benchmarks and one thousand randomly generated test problems to demonstrate its practical superiority compared to the existing algorithms in the literature.