Description Of Materials Research Articles

Data managers and clinical research coordinators: a tool to collect the hourly activity

Background and Aims: the main purpose of this paper is analyzing the hourly activities performed by Data Managers (DMs) and Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) in a Clinical Trial Center (CTC) of an Italian Public Hospital in order to define and monitor the relevant job descriptions of these professionals Materials and Methods: the CTC of the Research and Innovation Departments (DAIRI) has created a tool to collect the hourly activity of DMs and CRCs. In the period between January 1 and December 31, 2022; the activities were collected and grouped in 24 macro areas. Results: the main activities conducted by staff are found in the macro areas "Study Management" (15.78%); "Briefing/Planning" (12.86%) and “Data Management/Data Entry” (12.42%). A difference was found between the activities carried out by CRCs and those conducted by DMs. Conclusions: the results of this monitoring, compared with data obtained at the national level, confirm the heterogeneity of the tasks performed by these professional figures. These differences increasingly underscore the need to obtain recognition of the figure by the National Health System (NHS) with the definition of a precise “job description”.

On the Double Moore–Gibson–Thompson System of Thermoviscoelasticity

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we address the system made by two coupled one‐dimensional Moore–Gibson–Thompson equations arising in the description of thermoviscoelastic materials. Here, while . When both the MGT equations lie in the subcritical regime, that is, we prove that the system generates an exponentially stable solution semigroup. This improves some recent results in the literature, where the exponential stability is attained only within either a stronger condition than subcriticality of both equations, or when and are sufficiently close. The key idea is to deduce the exponential stability from that of a related system, made by two coupled equations of the viscoelasticity type. The latter result has also an independent interest.

Data-driven homogenisation of viscoelastic porous elastomers: feedforward versus knowledge-based neural networks

A computational framework is established to implement time-dependent data-driven surrogate constitutive models for the homogenised mechanical response of porous elastomers at large strains. The aim is to enhance the computational efficiency of multiscale analyses through the use of these surrogate models. To achieve this, explicit finite element (FE) simulations are conducted to predict the homogenised response of a cubic unit cell of a porous elastomer, using two different viscoelastic descriptions of the parent material, subject to pseudo-random, multiaxial, non-proportional histories of macroscopic strains. The histories of homogenised variables extracted from each set of FE predictions form a training dataset, which is used to train two different surrogate models, both relying on artificial neural networks (NNs). The first model predicts the increment in macroscopic stress over a simulation step, as a function of the macroscopic stress and strain at the beginning of the step, of the prescribed macroscopic strain increment, and of the corresponding time increment. The second model uses the same inputs and outputs but tests a knowledge-based modelling approach: it relies on the aid of an additional nonlinear elastic constitutive model, which is time- and path-independent and known a priori. This model represents an existing base of knowledge which is augmented and corrected by an NN after training on viscoelastic data. The data-driven surrogate model, therefore, learns the viscoelastic behaviour of the unit cell starting from knowledge of its elastic response. The two surrogate models are found to have comparable and very high accuracies at capturing the homogenised unit cell response to highly complex loading cases across a range of viscoelastic properties. Hyperparameter optimisation shows that the second, knowledge-based model requires a simpler NN and therefore incurs a smaller computational cost.

Conductive Nanocomposites Based on Graphene and Natural Polymers

This thesis focuses on the development of conductive nanocomposite materials based on graphene and natural polymers such as cellulose and chitosan. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice, exhibits exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, making it an attractive filler for polymer composites. However, the challenge lies in effectively dispersing graphene sheets within polymer matrices. The work presented explores new strategies for grafting polysaccharide chains onto oxidized graphite (graphene oxide) to improve its compatibility and dispersion in cellulose and chitosan matrices. The resulting composites were doped with gold or nickel nanoparticles to further enhance their electrical and catalytic properties. Detailed characterization techniques, including spectroscopic and microscopic methods, were employed to analyze the structure, morphology, and properties of the developed nanocomposites. The thesis is organized into three main parts: 1) a literature review on graphene, polysaccharides, and their biocomposites; 2) a description of the experimental materials and methods; and 3) a scientific discussion of the results, presented in the form of three research publications. The findings demonstrate the successful synthesis of conductive nanocomposites with improved compatibility and performance, opening up new avenues for the application of these sustainable and multifunctional materials in areas such as electronics, catalysis, and electromagnetic shielding.

Analisis Pengaruh Lingkungan dalam Pembangunan Ibu Kota Negara (IKN) sebagai Kejahatan Lingkungan

This research aims to find out what influences arise from the development of the Indonesian Capital City. The method used in this research is literature review research which involves reviewing and critically evaluating existing literature sources. Literature reviews contain descriptions of theories, findings and other research materials obtained from reference materials to serve as a basis for research. The results of the research show that with the development of the Archipelago Capital City, there are various influences that will be experienced in the future, starting from the influence of cultural differences, disrupting the ecosystem of living things that previously existed in the Archipelago Capital environment, as well as a reduction in oxygen. due to development around forest areas in the Indonesian Capital City.

SỬ DỤNG CÂY QUYẾT ĐỊNH ĐỂ XÂY DỰNG CÔNG CỤ ĐÁNH GIÁ KẾ HOẠCH BÀI DẠY NHẰM PHÁT TRIỂN NĂNG LỰC HỌC SINH

This study explores the application of decision trees - a machine learning technique in the development of a tool for evaluating lesson plans. This is a new approach to conducting educational evaluation tools. The goal is to enhance the lesson design skills of student teachers and instructors through self-assessment and adjustment of their lesson plans. Decision trees are used to simulate the decision-making process, providing accurate and consistent evaluations of the descriptions of appropriate teaching aids and materials in line with educational objectives. The paper describes the construction of a teacher's lesson plan evaluation tool with six criteria, and the initial use of this tool to improve the quality of lesson plans for teachers and student teachers. Initial results indicate that the ability of student teachers and instructors to construct application activities and articulate objectives has been enhanced.

The FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation of the magnetic spectrometer of the FOOT experiment

The FOOT experiment of INFN is devoted to the measurement of the nuclear fragmentation double differential cross sections useful for the improvement of calculation models adopted in hadrontherapy and radioprotection. A detailed Monte Carlo simulation of the FOOT magnetic spectrometer has been implemented in order to optimize the design and to guide data analysis. This task has been accomplished by means of the FLUKA Monte Carlo code. The input files of the FLUKA simulations are created from the software framework of the experiment, in order to have a consistent generation and description of geometry and materials in both simulation and data analysis. In addition, this ensures the possibility of processing both simulated and real data with the same data analysis procedures. Databases containing specific parameters describing the setup employed in each different data taking campaign are used. A customized event-by-event output of the Monte Carlo code has been developed. It can be read out by the general software framework of FOOT, enabling access to the generation history of all particles in the same event. This output structure therefore gives the possibility to perform a detailed analysis and study of all relevant processes, allowing the detailed tracking reconstruction of all individual particles. Examples of results are presented.

ETHNOGRAPHISMS IN THE NOVEL “ELEN-ALAN”

In the modern era of developed globalization, the main driving force for the formation of a nation, integration as a people, unification as a country, preservation of national traditions is our ethnic mentality, language, religion and actual thinking. The main idea of the study is to cite ethnographic data from the historical novel “Elen-Alan”, which reflects the history, traditions and thoughts of our nation, using local color phraseology, proverbs and sayings in the language of the writer. The article aims to identify the content of individual phrases and phrases that determine the language skills of the writer by conducting an ethnolinguistic study of Ethnography in the language of A. Kekilbayev. The relevance of the study is manifested in the justification within the framework of linguistic ethnographisms that the ethnocultural unity of the writer's language forms a fund of ethnolexic words. The novelty and value of the topic of the article is emphasized by the fact that the study of phrasal phrases and parables related to domestic customs, traditions and customs that reflect the national character in the language of the writer is taken and evaluated in a holistic context. In the course of the study, methods of systematization and description of language material were used. The need to collect ethnographisms in the writer's language and create a systematic dictionary as future perspectives of the research was determined.

Peat profile database from peatlands in Canada.

Peatlands cover approximately 12% of the Canadian landscape and play an important role in the carbon cycle through their centennial- to millennial-scale storage of carbon under waterlogged and anoxic conditions. In recognizing the potential of these ecosystems as natural climate solutions and therefore the need to include them in national greenhouse gas inventories, the Canadian Model for Peatlands module (CaMP v. 2.0) was developed by the Canadian Forest Service. Model parameterization included compiling peat profiles across Canada to calibrate peat decomposition rates from different peatland types, to define typical bulk density profiles, and to describe the hydrological (i.e., water table) response of peatlands to climatic changes. A total of 1217 sites were included in the dataset from published and unpublished sources. The CORESITES table contains site location and summary data for each profile, as well as an estimate of total carbon mass per unit area (in megagrams of C per hectare). Total carbon mass per unit area at each location was calculated using bulk density and carbon content through each profile. The PROFILES table contains data for depth (in centimeters), bulk density (in grams per cubic meter), ash and carbon content (in percentage), and material descriptions for contiguous samples through each peat profile. Data gaps for bulk density and C content were filled using interpolation, regression trees, and assigned values based on material description and/or soil classification to allow for the estimation of total carbon mass per unit area. A subset of the sites (N = 374) also have pH and pore water trace-elemental geochemistry data and are found in the WATER table. The REFERENCES table contains the full citation of each source of the data and is linked to each core location through the SOURCEDATA table. The LOOKUP table defines codes in the database that required more space that what was sufficient in the metadata tables. The data can be accessed on Open Government Canada and will be useful for future work on carbon stock mapping and ecosystem modeling. All metadata and data are provided © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2023 and information contained in this publication may be reproduced for personal or public noncommercial purposes with attribution, whereas commercial reproduction and distribution are prohibited except with written permission from NRCan; complete details are noted in the Supporting Information file Metadata S1 (see Class III.B.3: Copyright restrictions).

Forms of inheritance of musical instruments in the culture of the peoples of the North Caucasus and Kazakhstan

The relevance of the research is determined by the need to identify the common and special in the cultures of peoples living on different continents and not having common borders. The goal is to identify ethnographic communities in matters of sacralization and forms of inheritance of musical instruments in the culture of the peoples of the North Caucasus and Kazakhstan. The work uses a systematic typological method and a method of ethnographic description of material and spiritual values, partly preserved to this day and partly transformed due to changed sociocultural realities. Based on modern field research in the villages of Adygea and Kazakhstan, archival sources and scientific literature, the authors were able to establish that the transfer of musical instruments from the older generation to the younger was carried out under certain conditions. One of the most important conditions was the requirement to keep the tool in working condition, i.e. do not let the instrument be silent. Another important condition is to transfer the instrument into the hands of a chosen one (a worthy musician), who takes upon himself «amanat» – undertakes to cherish the music (preserve musical traditions). The specific fulfillment of ethnographic conditions for observing the tradition of inheritance of musical instruments shows their similarities and differences in the synchrony of the past and diachrony the last one and a half centuries. Changes in the nomenclature of musical instruments in modern times have also led to changes in their forms of inheritance. Instruments began to be preserved by relatives as a memory of a famous ancestor or transferred to a museum for the same purpose. It is not the musical instruments that become more valuable, but the musical or sound documents that record the cultural heritage of the past.The novelty of the research is associated with the presentation of previously unpublished ethnographic facts collected in the field and their original interpretation.

Controlled elevation of intraocular pressure in anesthetized mice

Our purpose was to develop a protocol for prolonged anesthesia in mice and evaluate optic nerve axon injury in response to 4 h of controlled elevation of intraocular pressure (CEI). During CEI, C57BL/6 male mice (3–5 months old) were anesthetized with 1.5% isoflurane with 100% oxygen for 4 h and placed on a warm platform, with expired gas and anesthetic actively evacuated. Lactated ringers (0.5 ml) with 5% dextrose was administered subcutaneously at the start and end of CEI. Physiological parameters (oxygen saturation = O2, heart rate = HR, systolic blood pressure = SBP, and temperature) were monitored throughout the 4-h CEI. One eye was cannulated with polyurethane tubing connected to a balanced salt solution reservoir and IOP elevated to 20 (N = 18), 30 (N = 13), 50 (N = 14), and 60 mmHg (N = 16). An additional group of 22 female mice was exposed to CEI of 60 mmHg. Fourteen days after CEI, optic nerves were assessed for axonal injury by masked observers that assigned a grade on a scale from 1 (normal) to 5 (>50% of axons degenerating). CEI optic nerve injury was compared to injury assessed in contralateral optic nerves (N = 84) and naïve optic nerves (N = 18) using a one-way ANOVA followed by Kruskal-Wallis test for multiple comparisons. The relationship between optic nerve injury, physiological parameters, and IOP were assessed by linear regression analyses. Physiologic parameters remained stable throughout CEI (O2 = 95 ± 9%; HR = 450 ± 39; SBP = 102 ± 15 mmHg, and temperature = 38 ± 0.7 °C) and were not statistically different between groups (all comparisons had P > 0.5). Mean optic nerve injury grades (±SD) for naïve optic nerves (1.01 ± 0.02) were not significantly different from fellow/contralateral optic nerves (1.03 ± 0.07, P > 0.99), or from CEI of 20 mmHg (1.04 ± 0.08, P > 0.99) or 30 mmHg (1.05 ± 0.06, P = 0.6). However, animals exposed to CEI of 50 mmHg (2.09 ± 1.43, P = 0.0005) and 60 mmHg (male: 2.86 ± 1.30, P < 0.0001, female: 1.63 ± 1.00, P = 0.0006) developed significant optic nerve injury relative to their fellow/contralateral optic nerves. Axonal injury grades following a CEI of 60 mmHg were not significantly different between male and female mice (P = 0.19). Optic nerve injury positively correlated (P < 0.0001) with IOP and not with physiological parameters, indicating that the optic nerve injury is IOP-related. In conclusion, prolonged anesthesia in mice requires careful attention to animal physiology. With this, a 4-h exposure to elevated IOP can produce significant optic nerve injury with IOPs equal to or greater than 50 mmHg. We provide detailed descriptions of methods and materials for producing prolonged elevations of IOP in mice while maintaining and monitoring their physiology, as well as a unique, cost-effective transducer system for monitoring pressure delivery.

Культ гороводу (Кунде) в ритуальных практиках народов Ганы, Того, Бенина

This article is devoted to – the Gorovodu / Kunde cult, which is one of the widespread cults of Vodun in West Africa. It is grounded in the Vodun religious system. However, this order denotes peculiarities, including elements of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism and authentic interpretations. The study relies on the previous scientific realms of research, dated XX–XXI centuries. Comparative analysis is used for detailed description and generalization of anthropological materials, based on field research. Meanwhile, structural analysis, supplemented by the historical-genetic method, deploys the evolution of the cult and its practices. The research draws the following conclusions. Firstly, the emergence of the Gorovodu / Kunde cult was a form of adaptation to socio-cultural challenges. They implied the decline in the standard of living of the population, and the spread of epidemics and famine associated with colonization. Secondly, the negative consequences of colonization were interpreted as the result of the white people’s sorcery. Consequently, the resistance required new spiritual entities, borrowed from the more prosperous regions of the North. Finally, this led to the unique combination of Vodun religious and monotheistic religions elements, which continues developing these days.

Microstructural behavior of CNT-PDMS thin-films for multifunctional systems

Heterogeneous ribbed and non-ribbed carbon nanotube (CNT)-PDMS thin-film systems manufactured by large-scale rolling exhibit large-strain and high strain-rate characteristics with favorable surface behaviors, such as superhydrophobicity and drag reduction. However, it is not well understood how the multi-phase microstructure and material properties of non-ribbed thin-films are related to the surface material behavior and fracture. Hence, the objective of this investigation is to characterize the large-strain mechanical behavior and the microstructure of various CNT-PDMS compositions to understand how the CNT loading, agglomeration, distribution, and orientation affect the mechanical behavior and fracture of CNT-PDMS unribbed systems. Non-ribbed thin tensile testing specimens were fabricated for neat PDMS and CNT-PDMS with different weight CNT distributions to understand non-ribbed behavior. The ultimate strain, strength, and global stress–strain behavior were obtained by uniaxial mechanical testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surface was also obtained for each sample to analyze the microstructure and relate the damage mode to the different weight distributions. Based on these experimental measurements and observations, large-strain, hyperelastic and hyper-viscoelastic material models were used to characterize the material behavior. The hyper-viscoelastic material model was shown to provide the most accurate material description of the thin-film behavior of the viscoelastic PDMS with the high-strength CNTs.

Wigner kernels: Body-ordered equivariant machine learning without a basis.

Machine-learning models based on a point-cloud representation of a physical object are ubiquitous in scientific applications and particularly well-suited to the atomic-scale description of molecules and materials. Among the many different approaches that have been pursued, the description of local atomic environments in terms of their discretized neighbor densities has been used widely and very successfully. We propose a novel density-based method, which involves computing "Wigner kernels." These are fully equivariant and body-ordered kernels that can be computed iteratively at a cost that is independent of the basis used to discretize the density and grows only linearly with the maximum body-order considered. Wigner kernels represent the infinite-width limit of feature-space models, whose dimensionality and computational cost instead scale exponentially with the increasing order of correlations. We present several examples of the accuracy of models based on Wigner kernels in chemical applications, for both scalar and tensorial targets, reaching an accuracy that is competitive with state-of-the-art deep-learning architectures. We discuss the broader relevance of these findings to equivariant geometric machine-learning.

Evaluating the impact of filler size and filler content on the stiffness, strength, and toughness of polymer nanocomposites using coarse-grained molecular dynamics

Their great versatility makes polymer nanocomposites an important class of engineering materials. In order to gain detailed insights into the nanoscale mechanisms underlying their macroscopic mechanical properties, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are a valuable tool to complement experimental studies. In this work, we modify the analytical potential functions of an efficient bead–spring model representing a generic polymer nanocomposite to account for the breaking of covalent bonds. We perform uniaxial tensile simulations of double-notched specimens and validate the model using experimental trends for overall stiffness, strength, and toughness. First, we study the effects of sample size, notch geometry, strain rate, temperature, and molar mass for the pure thermoplastic matrix material. Second, we analyze the influence of filler size and filler content on the mechanical behavior of the polymer nanocomposite. With this study, we show that in both the development of new materials and the optimization of established materials, it is possible to gain important preliminary insights into the effects of pertinent material characteristics with a simple MD setup, which can then be further refined by increasing the complexity of the material description and the boundary conditions.

The White Glaze of Delft Blue: A Comparative Study of Historical Recipes for the White Tin Glaze Used in Delftware and Other Dutch Tin-glazed Earthenware During Their Heyday (c. 1600–1800)

ABSTRACT This research intends to enhance our understanding of the tin-glaze technology employed in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Delftware and other tin-glazed earthenware in the Netherlands. The study provides a detailed description of the raw materials utilised in Dutch tin glazes and offers a schematic overview of the production process. Additionally, 39 dated historical recipes for tin glazes are used to compare and interpret changes in the quantities of raw materials within a temporal context. Weight percentages of raw materials – estimated for the final glaze – reveal significant changes over time. The study shows that changes over time mirror the rise and decline of the Dutch tin-glazed earthenware industry, reflecting economic shifts. Most tin - the costliest glaze material – was utilised between c. 1680 and c. 1720, and the highest glaze qualities were reported during this period, marking the peak of the Dutch earthenware production. Towards the end of the heyday, a decrease in tin usage coincides with mentions of lower glaze qualities. The superior glaze quality of Delftware tin glazes compared to tin-glazes of other tin-glazed earthenware in the Netherlands could not be traced back to specific formulations. Other factors, such as the quality of raw materials, likely contributed to the perceived visual superiority.

A two-way analytical investigation of ancient gold coins: Elemental and colorimetric description of precious materials

The investigation of ancient artifacts is often constrained by their scarce availability and high protection and custody protocols. Among these, coinage represents an especially valuable kind-of-samples given their uniqueness and the subjacent information that is hidden behind their composition. Their analysis are often carried out using non-destructive techniques in order to avoid any alteration of the samples. In the field of Cultural Heritage analysis, smartphone-based methodologies have experienced a significant increase during the last few years, given their wide availability and ability to yield fast results. However, their analytical application demands a thorough and careful tuning during the methodology optimization. In this work, 21 historical gold and golden coins spanning a historical period of more than 2000 years have been analytically investigated. To that end, a two-fold approach has been implemented: first, the elemental composition has been analysed using portable X-ray fluorescence; and second, an innovative smartphone-based imaging method has been applied to measure their colour. Results allowed to describe the coins from their elemental profile, identifying some potentially debased ones, as well as some others not containing any gold. When possible, the results have been compared to previously reported cases, but our samples include some previously unreported cases representing new insights. All in all, this article provides new analytical data on unanalysed unique historical samples, in terms of their elemental profile and colorimetric properties, making use of an innovative, non-invasive nor destructive, fast and affordable colorimetric smartphone-based method to characterise historical coins.

Cosmetic Packaging: European Regulatory Aspects and Sustainability

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects related to cosmetic product packaging, highlighting both advancements and challenges in the field. Initially, it offers a general description of the main materials used in cosmetic containers, including plastic, glass, paper, and aluminum. This is followed by an analysis of the existing EU legislative frameworks that govern cosmetic packaging, encompassing chemical, food, and waste regulations. The paper also discusses recent EU regulatory proposals and guidelines from trade associations aimed at enhancing the sustainability of cosmetic packaging materials. Additionally, the role of recycled and bio-based packaging materials in promoting environmental sustainability is analyzed. Overall, this review aims to provide insights for experts in the field on how to balance safety, functionality, and environmental responsibility in cosmetic packaging.

Re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Angelica fallax (Apiaceae) and its conservation status

A re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Angelica fallax H. Boissieu (Apiaceae), a species endemic to Jejudo Island is presented. A. fallax has mostly been treated as a synonym of A. polymorpha Maxim. or sometimes as neither a species nor a synonym in Korea. A. fallax should be considered a species distinct from A. polymorpha based on a detailed re-examination of the original morphological description of the type materials. It is clearly distinguishable from A. polymorpha due to its recurved rachides, obsolete calyx teeth, four or five conspicuous bractlets, slightly zygomorphic peripheral flowers, and mericarps bearing thick primary ribs with an inflated base. Especially, A. fallax has larger mericarps than A. polymorpha; the mericarps do not overlap with each other in size. Furthermore, the two species showed significant differences in leaf and mericarp epidermal characteristics, including the arrangement and shape of epidermal cells and cuticular ornamentation. The morphological differences strongly suggest that the two species are taxonomically distinct. Thus, it is recommended that A. fallax be resurrected from the synonymy of A. polymorpha. A full description, illustrations, color photographs, taxonomic note, ecology, phenology of the species, and an identification key for all Korean species of Angelica are provided. Additionally, listing A. fallax as Vulnerable (VU D2) on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List is recommended.

Modelling internal erosion using 2D smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)

This paper presents a stabilised multi-phase smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model applicable to seepage-induced internal erosion and the resulting deformation in soils. Based on the continuum mixture theory, a new single-layer SPH model in the u-w-p formulation is derived for the mathematical description of the erodible porous material. A new modified constitutive model is formulated to account for the influence of erosion on the mechanical behaviour of soils. Extensions of a first-order consistent boundary condition as well as the diffusion algorithm for hydro-mechanical coupling in SPH are also proposed to accommodate the analysis of erosion-transport process. A novel viscous dissipation term is designed to mitigate the numerical instability commonly encountered in coupled problems. In contrast to existing stabilisation terms in the SPH literature, which operate on both the bulk component and shear component, this new stabilisation term offers the possibility to increase the dissipation of unphysical oscillation due to the shear deformation. The proposed method is validated through a series of benchmark tests. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in addressing the coupled problem in porous materials involving multi-phase flow, phase interaction/transfer, and large deformation with enhanced accuracy, stability, and robustness.