Advances In Instrumentation Research Articles

Recent progress in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

Abstract Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) is a well-established experimental technique that allows probing of the electronic structure of quantum materials using relatively high-energy photons. ARPES has been extensively used to study important classes of materials such as topological insulators, high-temperature superconductors, two-dimensional materials or interface systems. Although the technique was originally developed over 60 years ago, the last decade has witnessed significant advancements in instrumentation. In this review, we survey recent progress in ARPES, with a focus on developments in novel light sources and electron detection methods, which enable the expansion of ARPES into spin-, time-, or space-resolved domains. Important examples of ARPES results are presented, together with an outlook for the field.

Screening Method for the Visual Discrimination of Olive Oil from Other Vegetable Oils by a Multispecies DNA Sensor.

Olive oil is a prominent agricultural product which, in addition to its nutritional value and unique organoleptic characteristics, offers a variety of health benefits protecting against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The assessment of olive oil authenticity is an extremely important and challenging process aimed at protecting consumers and producers. The most frequent adulteration involves blending with less expensive and readily available vegetable/seed oils. The methods for adulteration detection, whether based on changes in metabolite profiles or based on DNA markers, require advanced and expensive instrumentation combined with powerful chemometric and statistical tools. To this end, we present a simple, multiplex, and inexpensive screening method based on the development of a multispecies DNA sensor for sample interrogation with the naked eye. It is the first report of a DNA sensor for olive oil adulteration detection with other plant oils. The sensor meets the 2-fold challenge of adulteration detection, i.e., determining whether the olive oil sample is adulterated and identifying the added vegetable oil. We have identified unique, nucleotide variations, which enable the discrimination of seven plant species (olive, corn, sesame, soy, sunflower, almond, and hazelnut). Following a single PCR step, a 20 min multiplex plant-discrimination reaction is performed, and the products are applied directly to the sensing device. The plant species are visualized as red spots using functionalized gold nanoparticles as reporters. The spot position reveals the identity of the plant species. As low as <5-10% of adulterant was detected with particularly good reproducibility and specificity.

Biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanosheets using Celastrus paniculatus: Insights into antibacterial and anticancer efficacy supported by computational study

The metallic nanomaterials synthesized using green nanotechnology have recently gained attention for their low-cost, simple preparation methods, and environmental sustainability. In this study, biogenic copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NS) were synthesized using the seed extract of Celastrus paniculatus, and characterized by various advanced instrumentation techniques including FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and TEM analysis. Docking simulation studies demonstrated that the interaction between CuO NS and the Staphylococcus aureus receptor (2I80) was strong, with docking scores ranging from −4.0 to −5.1 and a free binding energy of −24.48 ± 0.63 kcal/mol. The antibacterial activity of CuO NS against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes was analyzed by well diffusion method. In addition to that, antibiofilm, ROS generation, growth kinetics, and anticancer efficacy of CuO NS was also evaluated. The anticancer results indicated that CuO NS effectively reduced the cell viability of both cancer cell lines (MCF 7 & MDA MB 231). The findings from the antibacterial and anticancer studies suggest that the biologically synthesized CuO NS could serve as a promising alternative for bacterial diseases and cancer treatments.

Sample Injection for Real-Time Analysis (SIRTA) Using GC-MS with Cold EI.

There is a continual demand for advanced methods and instruments for real-time analysis (RTA). Most of the current RTA techniques based on MS involve ambient desorption ionization technology. However, flow injection of liquid extracted samples is another option without added modifications or cost to existing LC-MS instruments. In this work, we introduce a new RTA approach named sample injection for real-time analysis (SIRTA) using GC-MS with Cold EI. In SIRTA, the standard GC column is replaced with a 1 m long 0.1 mm I.D. fused silica capillary that connects the GC injector to the MS transfer-line of Cold EI. Thus, SIRTA with Cold EI imposes no need for any additional instrumentation; hence, it is characterized by zero added cost. Like in flow injection in MS of LC-MS, the sample is dissolved in ∼1 mL methanol or another solvent. Subsequently, the vial is placed in the GC-MS autosampler while using a standard syringe for injection without any GC separation. The analysis takes merely 0.2-0.7 min, ensuring rapid and consecutive analyses. Unlike standard EI, Cold EI enables SIRTA by taking advantage of its fly through open ion source to avoid overwhelming the ion source during the elution of solvents while still providing enhanced molecular ions for nearly all analytes. In this study, we demonstrated SIRTA Cold EI analysis of 12 compounds and 7 mixtures, including various prescription and illicit drugs, cannabis and petroleum samples, and other synthetic organic compounds including those with molecular weight up to 800 g/mol.

Clinical relevance of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in gynecology.

This study reviews the progress and recent advances in vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as a minimally invasive gynecologic procedure. The proposed advantages of vaginal natural orifice transluminal surgery include enhanced cosmesis due to a scarless procedure, better exposure compared with the pure vaginal approach, tolerable pain scores, fewer perioperative complications, and a shorter hospital stay. Recent advances in surgical instrumentation and technology have improved the feasibility of vNOTES as an innovative treatment option for gynecological conditions. However, technical challenges and training issues must be overcome before its widespread use. As a promising surgical innovation, further randomized comparative studies are required to clarify the safety and effectiveness of vNOTES in gynecology.

Advancing Brain Research through Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): Current Applications and Future Prospects.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has recently emerged as a potent analytical technique with significant potential in the field of brain research. This review explores the applications and innovations of SERS in understanding the pathophysiological basis and diagnosis of brain disorders. SERS holds significant advantages over conventional Raman spectroscopy, particularly in terms of sensitivity and stability. The integration of label-free SERS presents promising opportunities for the rapid, reliable, and non-invasive diagnosis of brain-associated diseases, particularly when combined with advanced computational methods such as machine learning. SERS has potential to deepen our understanding of brain diseases, enhancing diagnosis, monitoring, and therapeutic interventions. Such advancements could significantly enhance the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and further our understanding of brain-related processes and diseases. This review assesses the utility of SERS in diagnosing and understanding the pathophysiological basis of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, stroke, and brain cancer. Recent technological advances in SERS instrumentation and techniques are discussed, including innovations in nanoparticle design, substrate materials, and imaging technologies. We also explore prospects and emerging trends, offering insights into new technologies, while also addressing various challenges and limitations associated with SERS in brain research.

Investigation of the shapes and sizes of soft molecular aggregates in solution via partial molar volume and dynamic light scattering measurements

Soft molecular aggregates are naturally dynamic and deformable nanoscale objects of various shapes and sizes. However, soft nanoparticle shape can be difficult to measure and often requires advanced instrumentation or methods. Yet, foreknowledge of soft aggregate overall shape is often critically important in many experiments that measure the aggregate’s internal structure and properties. Small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering are often used to measure soft nanoparticle shape. Molecular dynamics simulations can also give an indication of soft molecular shape but, like small-angle scattering methods, requires considerable expense and training. To complement these approaches a more straightforward experimental method of determining soft molecular aggregate shape using a combination of partial molar volume and dynamic light scattering measurements (PMV-DLS) is presented. PMV-DLS is inexpensive, requires modest instrumentation, and can be performed in any laboratory. In this article, the PMV-DLS technique is demonstrated on two separate soft molecular aggregates: AOT reverse micelles and Triton X-100 micelles. The shapes of these aggregates were investigated over a range of solution properties. In both cases, the penetration of continuous phase solvent molecules into the aggregate was found to play an important role in shape determination. AOT reverse micelles were observed to transition from ellipsoidal to spherical as the solution water content increased. Triton X-100 micelle shape was found to be critically dependent upon the amount of water that partitions into the surfactant polyethylene oxide head group region.

Research on the impact of pre‐existing geological fractures on hydraulic fracturing in high in situ stress environments

AbstractThe formation of complex fracture network is a difficult problem in the process of deep rock reservoir reconstruction, and the key to the generation of intricate fracture systems in deep reservoirs is to communicate more pre‐existing fractures through hydraulic fracturing, so as to enhance oil recovery. At present, there are few studies on the interactions of hydraulic fractures with pre‐existing fractures under high stress. Therefore, this research studied the influence of the number of pre‐existing fractures on the characteristics of hydraulic fractures by using advanced hydraulic fracturing instruments, and then analyzed the characteristics of hydraulic fractures under different pre‐existing fracture number based on three‐dimensional topography scanning technology and three‐dimensional square box fractal dimension calculation method. Based on the three‐dimensional finite element discrete element method, further research is carried out. The laboratory test findings indicated that the increase of pre‐existing fractures will make the pump pressure curve more stable during the test, and will significantly improve the roughness of hydraulic fractures. The numerical simulation indicated that as the quantity of pre‐existing fractures grows, the fracture area and width also increase, and in instances of a substantial quantity of pre‐existing fractures, the hydraulic fractures are prone to bifurcation, which contributes to the development of intricate fracture networks. With the increase of natural fracture angle, the fracture width decreased, but the fracture area increased. In this study, the influence of the number of pre‐existing fractures on hydraulic fracturing was studied through laboratory tests and numerical simulations, which provided theoretical reference for engineering practice.

Review on MALDI Imaging for Direct Tissue Imaging and its Application in Pharmaceutical Research

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) imaging has emerged as a powerful analytical technique, enabling direct tissue imaging in pharmaceutical research. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, methodologies, and applications of MALDI imaging in the context of studying drug distribution and molecular changes within tissues. provides a structured approach to exploring the principles, methodologies, applications, challenges, and future directions of MALDI Imaging in pharmaceutical research. Each section aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the technique’s significance and potential for transformative contributions to the field. The study begins by elucidating the underlying principles of MALDI imaging, highlighting the role of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization in generating spatially resolved mass spectra from biological samples. Special emphasis is placed on advancements in instrumentation and sample preparation techniques that have enhanced the spatial resolution and sensitivity of MALDI imaging. The application of MALDI imaging in pharmaceutical research is comprehensively explored, focusing on its pivotal role in drug development, pharmacokinetic studies, and toxicity assessments. Case studies and examples illustrate how MALDI imaging facilitates the visualization of drug distribution within tissues, offering valuable insights into drug metabolism, biodistribution, and pharmacodynamics.

Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Scientific Instruments and Devices

As one of the few self-powered instruments and devices, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been developed for more than 10 years since its invention in 2012. With wide material selections and diverse design structures, and without having to use an external power supply, TENG has been applied in many key technologies. By the end of 2022, more than 16,000 researchers from 83 countries and regions around the world have authored scientific papers in TENG. In this review, we start from the theoretical principles and working mechanisms of TENG, and discuss its 5 major fields of application, namely, as self-powered sensors, high-voltage energy devices, blue energy devices, micro/nano-energy devices, and solid–liquid interface probes. Next, we review the breakthrough progress made using TENG as commercial products in the following fields: medical health, intelligent security, and marine energy. Finally, we look forward to the future fields of application of TENG as advanced instruments and devices, especially in fluid dynamics sensing and aerospace fields. We firmly believe that various instruments and devices based on TENG technology will better serve the progress of human civilization.

ANALYSIS OF TRADITIONAL FISHING IN THE BHITARKANIKA

Traditional fishing communities' livelihoods solely depend on the freshwater, estuary, brackish water, creeks and coastal areas abutting the Bhitarkanika National Park, Orissa India. Bhitakanika Mangrove ecosystems serve as vital nursery grounds for the economically important nearshore fish and shellfish species. The freshwater rivers, channels, creeks, salt marsh wetlands, and associated coastal waters are highly productive. The fishing community have been pressurised by the forest department to implement restrictions in the National Park Area to protect the sea turtles, crocodiles and other endangerous wild animals. In addition to the restrictions of the Forest Department, immigrated fishermen who are using advanced instruments, crafts and gears in capture fisheries reduce the fish stock distribution and diversity. The climate change impacts also influence the fish stock population, distribution, diversity and recruitment reducing the catch per effort of the traditional fishermen. In this research paper, traditional fishermen of the Bhitakanika National Park Area fishing population, fishery, fishing culture, livelihoods, various issues, and recommendations to find alternative employment opportunities to reduce fishing pressure in the Bhitarkanika National Park have been discussed.

Inter/Micro 2024 — International Microscopy Conference

McCrone Research Institute hosted the annual Inter/Micro microscopy conference on June 11–14, 2024. This was the 76th anniversary of these meetings since they first began here on the South Side of Chicago in 1948. Professional and amateur microscopists from around the world gathered together to meet and present their latest research and advancements in new techniques, instrumentation, and practical applications in various fields of microscopy and microanalysis. The two-day author presentation schedule was followed by a two-day practical workshop on how particles of combustion are identified along with their sources.

Current concepts in adult cervical spine deformity surgery.

Cervical spine deformity surgery has significantly evolved over recent decades. There has been substantial work performed, which has furthered the true understanding of alignment and advancements in surgical technique and instrumentation. Concomitantly, understanding of cervical spine pathology and the contributing drivers have also improved, which have influenced the development of classification systems for cervical spine deformity and the development of treatment-guiding algorithms. This article aims to provide a synopsis of the current knowledge surrounding cervical spine deformity to date, with particular focus on preoperative expected alignment targets, perioperative optimization, and the whole operative strategy.

ЗАРУБІЖНИЙ ДОСВІД ТА ВІТЧИЗНЯНА ПРАКТИКА ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ТА РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ФІНАНСОВИХ ІНСТРУМЕНТІВ НЕБАНКІВСЬКИМИ ФІНАНСОВИМИ УСТАНОВАМИ В УКРАЇНІ

In the contemporary economic landscape, the non-banking financial services market has attained a significant prominence within the economies of developed countries. The primary objective is to examine the European experience, which will facilitate the selection of an appropriate model for the contemporary market of non-banking financial services and its instruments. The objective of this article is to examine the international experience of utilising and regulating financial instruments by non-bank financial institutions, with a view to assessing the feasibility of implementing this approach in Ukraine. A variety of scientific materials and individual methods were employed in the course of conducting the study. The abstract method was employed to analyze the professional literature on the subject, both domestic and foreign. To ascertain the potential for the advancement of financial instruments by non-bank financial institutions in Ukraine, the theoretical generalization and systematic methods were employed. The study's information base is comprised of official sources and data from recognized financial services market analysts. This article examines the experience of non-bank financial institutions in other countries. This study identifies the principal financial instruments and sources of financial resources for non-bank financial institutions in Ukraine. The regulatory and supervisory systems for financial institutions in Ukraine and abroad are examined, and the differences between them are identified. The primary challenges associated with regulating the activities of non-bank financial institutions in Ukraine have been identified. It has been concluded that the advancement of regulation and supervision in the Ukrainian financial market should be based on contemporary approaches and novel regulatory principles observed in European practice. This entails the unification of regulatory procedures, the implementation of risk-based supervision and the establishment of standardized risk management procedures, the reinforcement of control over the owners and managers of financial institutions, as well as the concentration and integration of regulatory functions within a single regulator. An additional crucial factor is the regulator's capacity and inclination to collaborate effectively with international financial institutions and their associations. The effective advancement of lending activities in the non-banking financial sector necessitates not only an enhancement in the level of borrower protection through the optimization of state regulation, but also an expansion in consumer financial awareness.

Innovations in the Energy Sector as a Powerful Catalyst for Financial Transformations

Conventional wisdom often posits that financial innovations are the primary drivers of energy transitions, facilitating the shift from traditional fossil fuels to renewable sources. However, a nuanced examination of this relationship suggests a reciprocal dynamic where innovations in the energy sector can significantly propel financial transformations. The global pivot towards renewable energy sources necessitates substantial financial investments, thus catalyzing the emergence of novel financial instruments, green bonds, and innovative financing models dedicated to supporting the renewable energy sector. This interdependence between energy transitions and financial innovation reflects the adaptability of financial institutions to the evolving demands of sustainable energy initiatives. As societies increasingly embrace cleaner energy solutions, the financial sector responds by devising inventive strategies to underwrite these transitions. Highlighting the growing academic interest in this symbiotic relationship, the number of publications on energy transitions and financial innovations indexed in the Web of Science database has witnessed a remarkable increase from a mere 10 in 2015 to 113 in 2023, indicating a rapidly increasing field of academic research. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the existing research literature on the interplay between energy transition and financial innovations. Utilizing a network analysis approach and the VOSviewer software – a tool renowned for its efficacy in uncovering prevailing trends and patterns in interdisciplinary research – the study aims to map out the intellectual landscape of this domain. Our findings elucidate that energy transitions do not merely benefit from financial innovations but can also act as potent drivers of financial change, as evidenced by numerous recent and historical examples. This reciprocal influence underscores the critical role of energy sector advancements in shaping financial practices and instruments. The study’s insights contribute significantly to the understanding of how energy transitions and financial innovations mutually reinforce each other, providing valuable implications for policymakers, investors, and researchers focused on fostering sustainable energy ecosystems and financial market resilience.

Philosophies And Surgical Techniques for Ewing's Sarcoma of Spine with Review of Literature.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a malignant and aggressive bony tumor affecting the most common age group of 5-20 years. It constitutes 10%-15% of all bone sarcomas and is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor after osteosarcoma. It usually presents with pain, which is typically constant and progressive in nature. The primary source of pain is due to the instability of the spine to support the weight of the body, the vertebral body's expanding cortices due to the growing mass, compression of nerve roots due to tumour mass, pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, and invasion of tissue by the tumour mass. We reviewed the literature on Ewing's Sarcoma of the spine to evaluate its etiology, clinical presentations, differential diagnosis, imaging modalities and management with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical management. PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Cochrane key articles were searched. Keywords like 'Ewing's Sarcoma,' 'Spine,' 'etiology,' 'treatment,' 'surgical management,' and 'en bloc resection' were used. The current management of Ewing's sarcoma of the spine usually involves three primary modalities: combination chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy. Recent improvements in combination chemotherapy (vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide +/- Ifosfamide and etoposide) are among the most significant factors for improving survival. Also, recent advancements in radiotherapy, instrumentation, and fusion techniques in surgical management have been demonstrated to improve local disease control and overall survival. Primary Ewing sarcoma of the spine is a rare condition affecting the most common age group of 5-20 years, accounting for 1-3 cases/million/year. About 5 % of cases have spine involvement. Recent improvements in combination chemotherapy have improved the overall survival rates. Enbloc resection and/or radiotherapy have improved local control of the disease.

Endoscopic Treatment for Gastric Subepithelial Tumor.

Most gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) are asymptomatic and are often incidentally discovered during endoscopic procedures conducted for unrelated reasons. Although surveillance is sufficient for the majority of gastric SETs, certain cases necessitate proactive management. Laparoscopic wedge resection, although a viable treatment option, has its limitations, particularly in cases where SETs (especially those with intraluminal growth) are not visualized on the peritoneal side. Recent advances in endoscopic instruments and technology have paved the way for the feasibility of endoscopic resection of SETs. Several promising endoscopic techniques have emerged for gastric SET resection, including submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR), laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), and non-exposure EFTR (non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery and non-exposure simple suturing EFTR). This study aimed to discuss the indications, methods, and outcomes of endoscopic therapy for gastric SETs. In addition, a simplified diagram of the category of SETs according to the therapeutic indications and an algorithm for the endoscopic management of SET is suggested.

Reconstruction vs. repair: a review of recent trends and controversies for management of ACL rupture

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair has become increasingly popular in recent years as an option for management of ACL rupture. Though arthroscopic reconstruction has long been the gold standard, there may be a role for repair in appropriately selected patient populations and tear patterns. Recent industry-driven advances in techniques and available instrumentation for ACL repair have regenerated interest. Proponents of ACL repair highlight the maintenance of native tissues allowing for retained proprioception, lack of need for graft usage or harvest, and the potential for accelerated rehabilitation postoperatively as compared to ACL reconstruction. Short-term and early mid-term ACL repair studies have demonstrated encouraging results; however, the authors remain in favor of ACL reconstruction at this time given a dearth of long-term outcomes following ACL repair.

Advanced nanomaterials: Fabrication, characterization and applications

Nanomaterials continue to revolutionize various scientific domains due to their unique properties and versatile applications. This study explores the forefront of nanomaterial research, presenting a comprehensive investigation into fabrication techniques, advanced characterization methodologies, and diverse application possibilities. Embarking on the escalating significance of advanced nanomaterials, this study confronts present challenges and endeavours to bridge gaps in our comprehension, establishing itself at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. Our study seeks to achieve a twofold objective - advancing the synthesis of nanomaterials with tailored properties and pushing the boundaries of characterization techniques to reveal intricate details at the nanoscale. The Fabrication section introduces innovative methods such as Top-Down Lithography, highlighting their role in achieving precise control over nanomaterial structures. Characterization, a pivotal phase, unfolds with meticulous scrutiny, using advanced technologies and instruments such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), provide precise insights into the properties and structures of nanomaterials. In the Applications section, exploring how advanced nanomaterials make a big impact in areas like electronics and medicine, showcasing their versatility and potential for groundbreaking advancements. In conclusion, the findings not only contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge but also set the stage for future research, guiding the trajectory of nanomaterial exploration towards new horizons in scientific inquiry.

Prediction of ultraviolet optical materials in the K2O-B2O3 system.

Ultraviolet (UV) birefringent crystals play a crucial role in various fields, such as laser technologies, optical telecommunications, and advanced scientific instrumentation. Alkali metal borates, with their diverse structures and remarkable ultraviolet optical properties, have garnered significant attention in recent years. In this study, employing the evolutionary crystal structure prediction algorithm USPEX, in conjunction with ionic substitutions and first-principles calculations, we systematically explored the pseudo-binary K2O-B2O3 system and predicted two stable structures (oP56-K3BO3 and mC44-K4B2O5) previously unreported, and twelve metastable structures in the K2O-B2O3 system. A comprehensive analysis of their structural, electronic and optical properties is conducted. The coplanar arrangement of BO3 and B3O6 groups is found to enhance optical anisotropy, thereby increasing the birefringence. In the K2O-B2O3 system, six structures with wide band gaps and high birefringence (mP28-1-K3BO3, tR72-KBO2, oP112-1-KB5O8, oP112-2-KB5O8, mC220-K5B19O31, and hR21-K3BO3) are found to be possible candidates for UV optical materials. Importantly, hR21-K3BO3, the only non-centrosymmetric structure in this system, exhibits a significant frequency doubling coefficient (about 4.6 KDP) and a moderate birefringence index (0.056@1064 nm), marking it a promising UV nonlinear optical material.