Controllable Method Research Articles

A controlled method for the identification of forensic traces from clandestine grave fill

Deceased human remains are often buried as a forensic countermeasure or method of disposal by homicide perpetrators. Owing to this, the excavation of clandestine grave sites is a task that forensic crime scene teams may only encounter a few times a year. Not all crime scene units have specialised teams for this task, and even those that do, may not have specific protocols for the optimal recovery of forensic traces retained within grave fill as procedures such as sieving require optimisation for the specific soil conditions of the jurisdiction. This study aimed to define the optimal sieving conditions for a sandy environment when searching for minute traces of paint, glass, hair and fibres. Furthermore, this study justifies the practice of retaining grave fill and examining it under controlled laboratory conditions, rather than in-situ adjacent to the grave site. The results demonstrate that using sieve mesh sizes as fine as 0.1 mm can recover up to 82% of the deposited traces and almost all paint, hair and glass traces. The processing of grave fill in the laboratory lead to increased yield of forensic evidence, which on a case-basis may warrant the increased time needed. These findings merit consideration for clandestine grave crime scenes where evidence is scarce or the case is likely to become cold.

Dynamic output feedback control for CPSs under transmission delays and sparse malicious attacks

In this paper, we study a class of discrete-time cyber-physical systems (CPSs) with transmission delays and sparse malicious attacks on both input and output transmission channels, and present design methods for secure observer and controller. First, the states and sparse malicious attacks of the original system are reorganized into the states of the new system obtained by an improved augmentation method (rather than a singular augmentation method). Then, based on the new system, the states and attacks can be reconstructed simultaneously by the designed Luenberger-like observer. Furthermore, a novel dynamic output feedback (DOF) controller is proposed using the estimated values of the attacks, and a cone complementarity linearization (CCL) algorithm is designed to obtain the controller gains. The results show that the closed-loop system is stable in the sense of Lyapunov that both the estimation errors and the original system states will converge to a small neighborhood of the origin. In addition, the correlation results without delay are given. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Based on Sb2S3 Microstructures via Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing.

The noble-metal-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have gained significant attention due to their abundant sources, signal uniformity, biocompatibility, and chemical stability. However, the lack of controllable synthesis and fabrication methods for high-SERS-activity noble-metal-free substrates hinders their practical applications. In this study, we demonstrate the use of a femtosecond laser direct writing technique to precisely manipulate and modify microstructures, resulting in enhanced SERS signals from Sb2S3 nonmetal-oxide semiconductor materials. Compared with unpatterned Sb2S3 samples, the Sb2S3 microstructures exhibited up to a 16-fold increase in Raman scattering intensity. Interestingly, our results indicate that the femtosecond laser can induce a transformation in the crystalline state of Sb2S3 and significantly enhance the Raman spectrum signal within the Sb2S3 microstructures. This enhancement is also highly dependent on the period and depth of the microstructures, possibly due to the cavity effects, resulting in a stronger local field enhancement.

Biodegradable flexible conductive film based on sliver nanowires and PLA electrospun fibers

AbstractBiodegradable conductive films are crucial for the sustainable development of wearable electronics. In this work, a flexible and degradable conductive film was prepared based on a carefully designed interface of polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun fibers and silver nanowires (AgNWs). The amphiphilic triblock copolymer was added to PLA solution for electrospinning, followed by solvent posttreatment to induce the hydrophilic block of the amphiphilic triblock copolymer to migrate to the fiber surface. Dopamine can be uniformly polymerized on the surface of hydrophilic PLA fibers, and the prepared PLA@PDA fiber film can form a good interface combination with AgNWs. The electrical conductivity of AgNWs/PLA@PDA flexible film can reach 258.5 S cm−1, showing obvious Joule heating effect and good mechanical properties. Degradation experiments showed that in phosphate buffered saline, the PLA molecular chain showed a dynamic equilibrium due to the scission and rearrangement of the ester groups and degraded slowly, while AgNWs/PLA@PDA degraded rapidly under alkaline conditions. Our study provides a simple and controllable method to prepare flexible degradable electronic films, which is expected to be applied to flexible wearable bioelectrodes.

A DFT study of the optoelectronic properties of B and Be-doped Graphene

The electronic and optical properties of Boron (B) and Beryllium (Be)-doped graphene were determined using the ab initio approach based on the generalized gradient approximations within the Full potential linearized Augmented Plane wave formalism (FP-LAPW) formalism. Our findings demonstrated that doping at the edges of graphene is notably stable. In both systems, Be-doped graphene proves more efficient in manipulating the band gap of graphene. Both B and Be induce P-type doping in graphene. B-doped graphene exhibits a negligible magnetic moment of 0.000742, suggesting its suitability for catalytic semiconductor devices. Conversely, Be-doped graphene displays a large magnetic moment of 1.045 µB indicating its potential in spintronics. Additionally, this study elucidates the influence of the dielectric matrices on the optical properties of graphene. These findings underscore a stable and controllable method for modelling graphene at its edges with B and Be atoms, opening new avenues for designing of these devices.

A Controllable and Effective Method to Prepare Nano-LnMOFs Film on Silk Fabric and Extend the Temperature-Sensing Range

A Controllable and Effective Method to Prepare Nano-LnMOFs Film on Silk Fabric and Extend the Temperature-Sensing Range

Case study of construction noise and vibration monitoring at an elementary school

Construction noise and vibration monitoring was performed for long-term construction activities occurring directly adjacent to an elementary school and playground area. Noise and vibration limits were determined based on measurements taken indoors and outdoors during preliminary construction activities, and in discussions with the school. Noise and vibration alerts during monitoring were provided in real-time to the construction managers during the activities, and notices of exceedances provided as methods of administrative controls. Various temporary noise mitigation barriers erected on-site were also assessed.

Chemical Aspects of Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals.

Halide perovskite nanocrystals (HPNCs) are currently among the most intensely investigated group of materials. Structurally related to the bulk halide perovskites (HPs), HPNCs are nanostructures with distinct chemical, optical, and electronic properties and significant practical potential. One of the keys to the effective exploitation of the HPNCs in advanced technologies is the development of controllable, reproducible, and scalable methods for preparation of materials with desired compositions, phases, and shapes and low defect content. Another important condition is aquantitative understanding of factors affecting the chemical stability and the optical and electronic properties of HPNCs. Here we review important recent developments in these areas. Following a brief historical prospective, we provide an overview of known chemical methods for preparation of HPNCs and approaches used to control their composition, phase, size, and shape. We then review studies of the relationship between the chemical composition and optical properties of HPNCs, degradation mechanisms, and effects of charge injection. Finally, we provide a short summary and an outlook. The aim of this review is not to provide a comprehensive summary of all relevant literature but rather aselection of highlights, which, in the subjective view of the authors, provide the most significant recent observations and relevant analyses.

A Data Mining Study for Analysis of Acupoint Selection and Combinations in Acupuncture Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent upper limb compressive neuropathy. A considerable number of clinical trials and meta-analyses have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CTS. Nevertheless, the ideal choice of acupoints remains ambiguous. A data mining analysis was conducted with the objective of determining the most effective acupoint combinations and selection for CTS. A search was conducted across seven Chinese and English electronic bibliographic databases spanning from their inception to March 2023. Selected were clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for CTS, with or without randomised controlled methods. Data extraction mainly included acupoint prescriptions. Information such as first author, study design and study setting were also extracted. The principal outcomes comprised the clinical manifestations linked to CTS. Statistical descriptions were generated using Excel 2019. The analysis of association rules was conducted using SPSS Modeler 18.0. Using SPSS Statistics 26.0, exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis were conducted. 142 trials (including 86 RCTs and 56 non RCTs) were identified, and 193 groups of effective prescriptions involving 68 acupoints were extracted. The most frequently used acupoints were Da-ling (PC7), Nei-guan (PC6), He-gu (LI4), Wai-guan (TE5), and Yang-xi (LI5). The most frequently used meridians were the pericardial meridian and the large intestine meridian. The majority of special acupoints used were Five-shu points and Yuan-source points, with acupoints on the upper limbs being the most frequently used. The core acupoint groups were analyzed and 11 groups of association rules, 8 factors, and 5 effective cluster groups were obtained. The evidence-based acupoint selection and combinations of acupuncture therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome were provided by the findings of this study.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Testing of Golden Rice Cookies With Piper Crocatum Active Extract for Preventing Foot Ulcers in Patients With Diabetes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present a formidable challenge to both patients and health care systems. DFUs significantly reduce the quality of life for patients, prolong hospital stays, and are the cause of approximately 70,000 lower limb amputations across the globe annually. Prevention of DFUs primarily involves the optimization of blood sugar levels and the effective management of complications, particularly peripheral neuropathy. Golden Rice has been proven to lower blood sugar levels due to its beta-carotene content, and Piper crocatum (P. crocatum) has been found to be effective in reducing the risk factors of DFUs through biomolecular regulation because of its polyphenol content. The principal objective of this study is to identify the efficacy of P. crocatum-enriched cookies, with Golden Rice as their primary ingredient, in preventing DFUs. The evaluation will center on their impact on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a pivotal factor in the development of DFUs. This study is an experimental clinical research that follows the randomized controlled trial method and uses a single-blind design. The participants in the study are outpatients from primary health centers in Makassar, Indonesia, who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The sample for the study will be randomly selected and subsequently categorized into 2 groups: the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group consumes P. crocatum-enriched Golden Rice cookies, while the control group receives cookies without these additives. The participants from both groups will consume their respective cookies (packaged identically) twice a day for 14 days. The cookies will be prepared according to a modified recipe with an emphasis on low glucose content, resulting in 51 calories per cookie, comprising 1% carbohydrates, 6% fat, 4% cholesterol, and 4% fiber, excluding gluten, sugar, and salt. They will be baked at 158°C for 20 minutes. The process involves the addition of 20% Golden Rice and 10% P. crocatum ethanol extract, both prepared via maceration with 96% ethanol. The dependent variable in this study is the expression of gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase, to be assessed at 2 distinct time points-preintervention (pretest) and postintervention (posttest)-with the evaluation conducted through the western blotting method. The recruitment and testing phase started in January 2024. The study is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2024. Data analysis will commence in April 2024, and the publication of the results is anticipated in the same year (2024). The study will report on the changes in primary data, encompassing gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase, as well as secondary data, including the ankle-brachial index, neuropathy score, and random blood glucose level. The findings of this trial are expected to significantly impact the selection of strategies by health care practitioners to enhance diabetes self-management, particularly in the domain of therapeutic snacking, for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20230502001; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20230502001. PRR1-10.2196/49940.

Grafting well-defined polymers onto unsaturated PVDF using thiol-ene reactions

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is commonly used in membranes, lithium-ion battery binders, and coatings due to its thermal and chemical robustness. Nevertheless, PVDF-based copolymers can broaden the application scope and performance capabilities of pristine PVDF. PVDF has been modified via grafting-from reactions. However, grafting density and graft length, two important properties of graft copolymers, cannot be accurately determined. Herein, we used grafting-onto thiol-ene reactions as a method to modify PVDF. The molar mass of pre-synthesized, thiol-terminated polymers were accurately determined, and grafting densities were calculated. Unsaturated sites were generated through dehydrofluorination and dehydrochlorination in PVDF and P(VDF-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PVDF-CTFE). Various conditions were studied, including the molar mass and chemical structure of grafts, the degree of thiol substitution, and thiol-ene reaction mechanisms. Base-catalyzed Michael addition with secondary thiols performed best, with the highest grafting density calculated to be about 4 chains per PVDF chain. Despite the low grafting density, changes in material properties between the product and starting materials were observed, validating this controlled method for PVDF modification.

Deep learning-based, fully automated, pediatric brain segmentation.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the performance of a fully automated, deep learning-based brain segmentation (DLS) method in healthy controls and in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, SCN1A mutation, under eleven. The whole, cortical, and subcortical volumes of previously enrolled 21 participants, under 11years of age, with a SCN1A mutation, and 42 healthy controls, were obtained using a DLS method, and compared to volumes measured by Freesurfer with manual correction. Additionally, the volumes which were calculated with the DLS method between the patients and the control group. The volumes of total brain gray and white matter using DLS method were consistent with that volume which were measured by Freesurfer with manual correction in healthy controls. Among 68 cortical parcellated volume analysis, the volumes of only 7 areas measured by DLS methods were significantly different from that measured by Freesurfer with manual correction, and the differences decreased with increasing age in the subgroup analysis. The subcortical volume measured by the DLS method was relatively smaller than that of the Freesurfer volume analysis. Further, the DLS method could perfectly detect the reduced volume identified by the Freesurfer software and manual correction in patients with SCN1A mutations, compared with healthy controls. In a pediatric population, this new, fully automated DLS method is compatible with the classic, volumetric analysis with Freesurfer software and manual correction, and it can also well detect brain morphological changes in children with a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Interlayer sp3 Bonds and Chirality at Bilayer Graphene Oxide/Calcium Silicate Hydrate Abnormally Enhance Its Interlayer Stress Transfer.

Graphene oxide (GO) is an ideal reinforcing material with super design capability, which can achieve the combination of strength and toughness. However, the actual effect of GO is far below the theoretical prediction. This is mainly due to the weak interface between the nanofiller and the matrix. In this paper, a controllable method for improving interlayer stress transfer of double-layer graphene oxide/C-S-H (D-GO-CSH)-layered nanostructures is proposed by using interlayer sp3 bond and chirality. The results show that, compared with the control group, the normalized shear stress and normalized pull-out energy of the OH-sp3 model are increased by 44.93 and 49.25%, respectively, while those of the OO-sp3 model are increased by 32.26 and 31.03%, respectively. The interlayer sp3 bonds lead to a great enhancement (more than 3 times) in normalized interlayer stress transfer of D-GO-CSH-layered nanostructures while exerting a little opposite effect (about 5%). The improvement effects induced by the interlayer sp3 bonds are also strongly dependent on their distributions and the chirality of GO. According to the fracture mechanic theory and molecular dynamics results, the strain energy percentage difference (bond length and bond angle) of the zigzag-cen model is 34.8% lower than that of the control group model, which proves that the interlayer sp3 bonds have a remarkably positive effect on the interlayer stress transfer of D-GO-CSH-layered nanostructures. This provides a new way to further improve the interlayer stress transfer, pull-out energy, and interlayer shear stress of D-GO-CSH-layered nanostructures.

Improving the efficiency of network controllability processes on temporal networks

The controllability of temporal networks has become an important issue for researchers in recent years. In temporal networks, the controllability is achieved through the control of dynamics. Existing studies take only some dynamics into account when controlling such networks, e.g., only adding links, and ignore the rest. Besides, conventional controllability methods on temporal networks suffer from time complexity and data overhead. In this paper, a dynamic controllability method is proposed which considers all dynamics of temporal networks to fully control the network, including adding and removing nodes and links. The proposed controllability method finds all the minimum driver nodes sets (MDSs) of a temporal network in a polynomial time. In this regard, to maintain and track the network changes, a new tree-based model, named Controllable Dynamics Temporal Network (CDTN), is proposed by which the control process is executed with high speed and low overhead. The experimental results show that the proposed controllability method outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of speed (47% improvement), overhead (33% improvement), and the size of MDS (38% improvement).

Virtual Versus Reality: A Look into the Effects of Discussion Platforms on Speaking Course Achievements in Gather.town

The fusion of education with the digital world is still a developing and crucial phenomenon, especially in light of the growth of metaverse applications and the lingering effects of pandemic-induced educational changes. Learning about the efficacy of platforms like Gather.town becomes increasingly important in this situation. This study explores the changing educational environment, focusing on the widely used technique of small group discussions. Our main goal is to compare the effects of such group discussions in real classrooms against the online setting made possible by websites like Gather.town, especially regarding academic performance. We assessed two separate groups of students using a highly controlled experimental method. One group engaged in traditional, face-to-face small group discussions, while the other participated in discussions within the virtual realm of Gather.town. Our research produced notable results, showing a significant difference in academic achievement between the two modes of interaction. Unexpectedly, the online environment displayed higher standards of academic success. These findings highlight the potential effectiveness of digital platforms in educational initiatives. While conventional, face-to-face dialogues still have significance, incorporating digital technologies could result in equal or better educational outcomes. In essence, this research offers insightful viewpoints to the continuing discussion concerning hybridized learning strategies in the modern educational environment. By highlighting the part played by digital platforms in influencing pedagogical practices, it highlights the potential for such approaches to benefit the future of education.

Severe Spontaneous Tilt of Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lenses

Purpose: To report and evaluate a multicenter series of 18 cases of severe, spontaneous IOL tilt involving the flanged intrascleral haptic fixation technique (FISHF). Design: Clinical study with historical controls Methods: We report a cross-sectional study of 46 FISHF cases using the CT Lucia 602 IOL at a single academic center over a period of 24 weeks to determine the incidence of severe rotisserie-style rotational tilt. These rates were then compared with the same time-frame the prior year to help determine if this is a new phenomenon. Additional cases of severe tilt were solicited from another four academic centers. Results: Among 46 FISHF cases at a single center, five developed severe tilt. No clear pattern in surgical technique, ocular history or ocular anatomy was evident in these cases compared with controls, although the involved IOLs clustered within a narrow diopter range, indicative of a batch effect. In the same 24-week interval the year before, 33 FISHF cases were performed, none of which exhibited severe rotational tilt. In our multi-center dataset, 18 cases of tilt were identified. Surgeons included fellow and early-career physicians as well as surgeons with multiple years of experience with the Yamane technique. A variety of surgical approaches for FISHF were represented. In at least eight of the cases, haptic rotation and/or dehiscence at the optic-haptic junction was documented. Conclusions: The identification of haptic rotation and dehiscence intraoperatively in several cases may reflect a new stability issue involving the optic-haptic junction.

Effect of fire needle combined with traditional Chinese medicine on psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The mechanism of action of fire acupuncture and Chinese medicine in psoriasis is unclear. In this paper, the efficacy of the 2 therapies was compared through a comprehensive analysis of their recurrence rates for clinical reference. In this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP, and CBM data from the establishment of the databases to May 2023. The study proposed to use randomized controlled trial research methods, excluding published literature, unpublished literature, literature with incomplete or inadequate information, animal experiments, literature reviews and systematic studies. Data were processed using STATA 15.1 software. Our group previous study found that the clinical efficacy of the fire-acupuncture group was significantly improved compared to that of Chinese herbal medicine alone (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27). Also, there were significant reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (SMD = -1.04,95% CI: -1.48 to -0.60), area of skin damage (SMD = -0.40,95% CI: -0.75 to -0.04), and pruritus (SMD = -1.04,95% CI: -1.32 to -0.76). Our previous study found that Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was significantly lower in the fire acupuncture group compared to herbal medicine alone (SMD = -1.61,95% CI: -3.08 to -0.15). The combined analysis found that the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the fire-acupuncture group compared to herbal medicine alone (RR = 0.21,95% CI:0.07-0.60). Fire needle can improve the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of psoriasis, including the area, severity and itching of skin lesions, and reduce the recurrence rate, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Research progress and development trend of flexible hand rehabilitation gloves

The flexible hand rehabilitation glove is proposed to solve the problems of long rehabilitation training time for patients and high workload for doctors, and to make the treatment more effective. With the advances in robotics, robotic-assisted therapy has developed rapidly and has become an essential complement to conventional treatment. To understand flexible hand rehabilitation glove devices, with the different construction types of actuators and drive methods as the mainline, the corresponding study of these structures as the auxiliary lines. The characteristics and the current state of research have been discussed. A brief introduction to manufacturing actuators and rehabilitation systems is also given. Through the analysis of hand rehabilitation gloves, some current advantages and disadvantages are summarized, and future directions and functional diversification are envisaged. Certain feasible research suggestions have been proposed for future development regarding structure, functional diversity, and a combination of driving methods. These include that there will be more combinations of pneumatic and motor driven, combining the advantages of both methods to overcome the disadvantages of each. The structural design will be more in line with anatomy and ergonomics, make it more esthetically pleasing. More innovative controls methods will be adopted to achieve more complex rehabilitation functions.

Application of Electrospun Drug-Loaded Nanofibers in Cancer Therapy.

In the 21st century, chemotherapy stands as a primary treatment method for prevalent diseases, yet drug resistance remains a pressing challenge. Utilizing electrospinning to support chemotherapy drugs offers sustained and controlled release methods in contrast to oral and implantable drug delivery modes, which enable localized treatment of distinct tumor types. Moreover, the core-sheath structure in electrospinning bears advantages in dual-drug loading: the core and sheath layers can carry different drugs, facilitating collaborative treatment to counter chemotherapy drug resistance. This approach minimizes patient discomfort associated with multiple-drug administration. Electrospun fibers not only transport drugs but can also integrate metal particles and targeted compounds, enabling combinations of chemotherapy with magnetic and heat therapies for comprehensive cancer treatment. This review delves into electrospinning preparation techniques and drug delivery methods tailored to various cancers, foreseeing their promising roles in cancer treatment.

Sub-10-nm-sized Au@AuxIr1-x metal-core/alloy-shell nanoparticles as highly durable catalysts for acidic water splitting.

The absence of efficient and durable catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the main obstacle to hydrogen production through water splitting in an acidic electrolyte. Here, we report a controllable synthesis method of surface IrOx with changing Au/Ir compositions by constructing a range of sub-10-nm-sized core-shell nanocatalysts composed of an Au core and AuxIr1-x alloy shell. In particular, Au@Au0.43Ir0.57 exhibits 4.5 times higher intrinsic OER activity than that of the commercial Ir/C. Synchrotron X-ray-based spectroscopies, electron microscopy and density functional theory calculations revealed a balanced binding of reaction intermediates with enhanced activity. The water-splitting cell using a load of 0.02mgIr/cm2 of Au@Au0.43Ir0.57 as both anode and cathode can reach 10mA/cm2 at 1.52V and maintain activity for at least 194h, which is better than the cell using the commercial couple Ir/C‖Pt/C (1.63V, 0.2h).