Dispersion Point Research Articles

Vulnerability Assessment for Naval Ships against Air-Explosive Impulses: Modified Damage-Extent Method Incorporating Structural Capacity

Abstract This study introduces an enhanced damage-extent method that incorporates the structural load-bearing capacity of the hull to assess the vulnerability of naval ships to explosive loads. This vulnerability assessment predicts the area of damage to the hull structure and calculates the probability of onboard equipment experiencing functional losses due to the explosive load, thus allowing various design alternatives to be evaluated. The proposed methodology improves upon traditional damage-volume-based approaches, such as damage-radius and ellipsoid methods, by considering the hull's structural stiffness and intrinsic damage resistance. It integrates the hull's structural resistance to the load, enhancing the damage assessment process for both the hull and equipment. This approach facilitates damage prediction for different hull designs by comparing the allowable impulse with the explosive pressure. In assessing the functionality loss and vulnerability of the equipment within the damaged hull, the network of equipment functions is considered. An anti-ship cruise missile with a sea-skimming trajectory is investigated as the explosive charge, with procedures established to simulate its trajectory and impact location on the hull. Hundreds of potential internal and external explosion points are generated, predicting the explosive pressure at each location. The shock wave, including incident overpressure, reflection pressure, and quasi-static gas pressure, is converted into impulses, taking into account the configuration of hull compartments to accurately predict these pressures and equivalent impulse. The resulting impulse is compared with the intrinsic damage capacity of each compartment's structure to assess potential damage. System network and fault tree analysis evaluate the loss of function and vulnerability of equipment within the damaged hull. Finally, the proposed capacity-based damage extent method demonstrates more accurate damage assessment compared to traditional methods, overcoming the limitations of damage-radius and ellipsoid approaches by considering hull strength

Enhancement in clinker hydration degrees and later stage-ettringite stability of calcium sulfoaluminate cements by the incorporation of dolomite

The hydration degrees of clinkers and ettringite stability in calcium sulfoaluminate (C S‾ A) cements in the presence of externally supplied dolomite were investigated in this study. The mineralogical and microstructural characteristics of C S‾ A cements containing different dosages of dolomite were characterized using X-ray diffractometry, Rietveld refinement-based quantification analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy observation, and energy dispersive spectroscopy point analysis. Furthermore, the binder systems were simulated using thermodynamic modeling to observe the phase changes of hydration products and the underlying hydration kinetics. The incorporation of dolomite accelerated clinker consumption and enhanced the stability of ettringite throughout the testing period, due possibly to the nucleation seeding effect and provision of carbonate ions by dolomite. The modeling outcomes showed the stability of ettringite at later stage by the incorporation of dolomite in the simulated timeframe, yet the active dissolution of dolomite assumed in the modeling procedure overestimated the Mg-bearing hydrates in the samples.

Polypyrrole as Adsorbent in Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction for Progesterone Determination from Human Plasma.

A straightforward and effective chromatographic method has been created for the analysis of progesterone from human plasma using a composite based on polypyrrole/magnetic nanoparticles in the sample preparation procedure. The quantification of progesterone is necessary due to its importance in human development and fertility. The employed conditions used acetonitrile:ultrapure water (70:30, v/v) as the mobile phase at 1.0 mL min-1 and an octadecyl silane column (Phenomenex Gemini, 250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at a wavelength of 235 nm. The composite and its precursors were synthesized and properly characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and point of zero charge. The main factors affecting the extraction recovery of progesterone from pool human plasma samples employing magnetic solid phase extraction have been studied, such as sample pH (without adjustment), sample volume (1000 μL), washing solvent (ultrapure water), eluent (acetonitrile), eluent volume (1000 μL), and amount of adsorbent (10 mg). The extraction recoveries ranged from 98% to 102%, and linearity ranged from 5 to 3000 ng mL-1. The correlation coefficient (r) was ≥0.99, and acceptable relative standard deviation (precision), relative error (accuracy), and p-values (robustness) were observed. Lastly, the plasma samples from pregnant women were successfully analyzed by the validated method.

On the transition of liquid dispersion states and their physical-thermodynamic nature in the development of gas-condensate reservoirs in depletion mode

While the depletion regime for gas-condensate fields may be more cost-effective, it often results in the loss of hydrocarbon condensate, which is economically more valuable than gas, and leads to the inefficient exploitation of the field in terms of condensate production. Therefore, the development of effective exploitation systems for such fields is essential. Effective exploitation of gas-condensate fields involves achieving maximum hydrocarbon condensate production in addition to maximum gas production. From this aspect, managing the condensate factor of reservoir system during the depletion regime is a critical issue. The article experimentally and theoretically investigates the phase transitions or mutual dispersion occurrences between hydrocarbon liquid and gas mixtures that occur with a decrease in pressure at reservoir temperature during the natural depletion of gas-condensate fields. During the exploitation of gas-condensate fields, it has been observed that even at pressures higher than retrograde condensation pressure, the hydrocarbon system undergoes complex phase transitions, resulting in distinct transition points due to the mutual dispersion of hydrocarbon liquid and gas. Additionally, pVT studies conducted in the laboratory have made it possible to determine the transition points of the reservoir fluid in the “liquid in gas” and vice versa dispersion states. The research has demonstrated that dependance of gas condensate factor on pressure under given isothermal natural conditions more clearly reflects the retrograde and maximum condensation, also dispersion points of the liquid components. It was found that proportionality coefficient between condensate ratio and pressure of gas-condensate system is unique for each production facility under isothermal conditions and characterizes the stability of fluid’s dispersion state. The importance of considering such transition points when designing gas-condensate field development projects has been highlighted.

Error Analysis and Optimization of Structural Parameters of Spatial Coordinate Testing System Based on Position-Sensitive Detector.

For the research on real-time accurate testing technology for the explosion point spatial coordinate of munitions, its currently commonly used methods such as acoustic-electric detection or high-speed imaging are limited by the field conditions, response rate, cost, and other factors. In this paper, a method of spatial coordinate testing for the explosion point based on a 2D PSD (position-sensitive detector) intersection is proposed, which has the advantages of a faster response, better real-time performance, and a lower cost. Firstly, a mathematical model of the spatial coordinate testing system was constructed, and an error propagation model for structural parameters was developed. The influence of the position of the optical axes' intersection as well as the azimuth angle and pitch angle on the test accuracy of the system was simulated and analyzed, thus obtaining the distribution and variation trend of the overall error propagation coefficient of the system. Finally, experiments were designed to obtain the test error of the system for validation. The results show that the system test accuracy is high when the azimuth angle is 20°-50°, the overall error propagation coefficient does not exceed 48.80, and the average test error is 56.17 mm. When the pitch angle is -2.5°-2.5°, the system has a higher test accuracy, with the overall error propagation coefficient not exceeding 44.82, and the average test error is 41.87 mm. The test accuracy of the system is higher when the position of the optical axes' intersection is chosen to make sure that explosion points fall in the region of the negative half-axis of the Zw-axis of the world coordinate system, with an overall error propagation coefficient of less than 44.78 and an average test error of 73.38 mm. It is shown that a reasonable selection of system structure parameters can significantly improve the system test accuracy and optimize the system deployment mode under the long-distance field conditions so as to improve the deployment efficiency.

Numerical and experimental investigations on thermal performance of Li-ion battery during explosion

Electric vehicles (EVs) are eco-friendly alternative to internal combustion (IC) engine based vehicles to combat with global warming. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are adopted in EVs and their performance and longevity depends on thermal environment. Inadequate thermal management results in suboptimal performance, thermal runaway and consequent explosion in extreme cases. The present study delves into the experimental investigation on catastrophic failure of a Lithium ion cell under abusive conditions. The temperature variations leading up to the point of explosion were meticulously monitored, revealing a critical temperature of 440 K just before the explosion. The pressure waves during the explosion gives the sound pressure levels from 46.2 dB to 83.85 dB within a 34 ms time window and the predominant portion of sound generated during the explosion lies in the range of 129 to 3488 Hz. The battery pack discharge experiments show a temperature rises above the critical limit of 313.15 K and sudden voltage drops to the cut of value of 20 V at t = 850 s during 1C discharge condition, which shows the warning of explosion. Numerical model was developed to simulate the complex conjugate heat transfer in the cell and simulation results are validated. To underscore the practical implications, a case study of fire accident during battery cooling experiment was presented. From the insights gained by explosion of single-cell and fire accident of battery, several recommendations are provided, which includes the orientation of cells within the EVs aiming at the safety of battery design and operation.

Low-energy micron dispersion of entangled polymers based on phase inversion composition of emulsion

This article aims to propose a low-energy method for micron dispersion of entangled polymers. We chose Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) as the entangled polymer and acrylic esters as the dispersants to prepare the organic dispersion of the entangled polymer based on the theory that in-situ polymerization of acrylic esters had the higher solubility parameter than the original monomer. The dispersion process of entangled polymer was similar to the phase inversion of emulsion due to the maximum viscosity and minimum interfacial tension at the point of dispersion. Specifically, the average diameter of the dispersed entangled polymer was 5–6 μm. The system could still maintain excellent dispersion stability without additional dispersants. Rheology characterized that the introduction of aliphatic isocyanate derivatives reacting with hydroxyl groups in the polyacrylate to form the cross-linked skeleton could enhance the stability of the system. Excitingly, this organic dispersion allowed flexible printed circuit to fold at any angle and direction when used as the coating, and the coating still maintained excellent dispersibility, flexibility, insulation, and adhesion after aging tests. This low-energy method for micron dispersion of entangled polymers could expand their applications in coatings and other fields while maintaining their own characteristics.

Practical Approach to Nuclear Shelter Wall Thickness Estimation

Abstract In the complex situation in which we live, preventive measures are increasingly being taken against the threat of nuclear attack and ionizing radiation, nuclear shelters are being built for private and public purposes. The purpose of the authors is to provide a practical approach to quickly calculate the thickness of the concrete shelter wall for such cases. The shelter wall thickness is assessed on the basis of published data on radiation dose calculations, corroborated by field data from nuclear tests, and information or calculations of the dose attenuation in the shelter wall. Doses from nuclear tests or simulations are summarized in tables in relation to bomb yield and distance from the explosion point. A dose criterion is chosen as the acceptable dose behind the shield. Neutron dose transmission factors, defined as ratio of the dose criterion to the dose without shielding are calculated. The concrete wall thickness corresponding to the neutron dose transmission factor was taken from reference sources. For gamma rays, the shield thickness is calculated based on an analytical relationship between dose without shield, the dose criterion, and the shield thickness. Data tables are provided with the estimated concrete wall thickness in relation to bomb yield and distance.

Simulation Study of Crack Extension in Concrete Blast Walls Under Blast Impacts

To study the crack propagation law of concrete blast wall (CBW) under explosion impact, this paper uses ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element software to numerically simulate the crack growth law under the influence of different explosion loads and explosion distances. The results show that: after the explosion, the change of composite velocity of each measuring point on the wall at a certain distance from the explosion point is mainly divided into three stages: explosive initiation stage, the composite velocity and acceleration of each measuring point are zero; In the accelerated crack growth stage, the acceleration of each measuring point reaches the peak value; At the stage of uniform crack growth, the crack will no longer accelerate its diffusion. When the explosion distance is fixed, the explosion load is positively correlated with the number of radial cracks; When the explosion load is small, there are only inconspicuous circumferential cracks in the center of the wall. When TNT equivalent is 15g, 25g, and 30g, CBW circumferential cracks increase and mainly concentrate in the center, and gradually expand outward to the boundary in the form of concentric circles. At the same time, when the explosion load is constant, the explosion distance is negatively related to the number of cracks, mainly radial cracks, while circumferential cracks are always distributed in the center of the wall. In the range of simulated explosion distance, the cracks only appear at the boundary and gradually change from square to round with the increase of explosion distance, and the crack area decreases. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for avoiding such accidents and a powerful reference for accident investigators to determine the location and intensity of explosion sources.

Exciton polariton condensation from bound states in the continuum at room temperature

Exciton–polaritons (polaritons) resulting from the strong exciton–photon interaction stimulates the development of novel low-threshold coherent light sources to circumvent the ever-increasing energy demands of optical communications1–3. Polaritons from bound states in the continuum (BICs) are promising for Bose–Einstein condensation owing to their theoretically infinite quality factors, which provide prolonged lifetimes and benefit the polariton accumulations4–7. However, BIC polariton condensation remains limited to cryogenic temperatures ascribed to the small exciton binding energies of conventional material platforms. Herein, we demonstrated room-temperature BIC polariton condensation in perovskite photonic crystal lattices. BIC polariton condensation was demonstrated at the vicinity of the saddle point of polariton dispersion that generates directional vortex beam emission with long-range coherence. We also explore the peculiar switching effect among the miniaturized BIC polariton modes through effective polariton−polariton scattering. Our work paves the way for the practical implementation of BIC polariton condensates for integrated photonic and topological circuits.

Strong Symmetry Breaking in Coupled, Identical Lengyel–Epstein Oscillators via Folded Singularities

We study pairs of symmetrically coupled, identical Lengyel-Epstein oscillators, where the coupling can be through both the fast and slow variables. We find a plethora of strong symmetry breaking rhythms, in which the two oscillators exhibit qualitatively different oscillations, and their amplitudes differ by as much as an order of magnitude. Analysis of the folded singularities in the coupled system shows that a key folded node, located off the symmetry axis, is the primary mechanism responsible for the strong symmetry breaking. Passage through the neighborhood of this folded node can result in splitting between the amplitudes of the oscillators, in which one is constrained to remain of small amplitude, while the other makes a large-amplitude oscillation or a mixed-mode oscillation. The analysis also reveals an organizing center in parameter space, where the system undergoes an asymmetric canard explosion, in which one oscillator exhibits a sequence of limit cycle canards, over an interval of parameter values centered at the explosion point, while the other oscillator executes small amplitude oscillations. Other folded singularities can also impact properties of the strong symmetry breaking rhythms. We contrast these strong symmetry breaking rhythms with asymmetric rhythms that are close to symmetric states, such as in-phase or anti-phase oscillations. In addition to the symmetry breaking rhythms, we also find an explosion of anti-phase limit cycle canards, which mediates the transition from small-amplitude, anti-phase oscillations to large-amplitude, anti-phase oscillations.

Improved ellipsoid fitting aided geomagnetic sensor calibration algorithm

Aiming at the problems that the traditional single ellipsoid fitting fails to eliminate the errors of the geomagnetic sensor and does not consider the geomagnetic anomaly information, etc., this paper proposes a robust least squares combined with the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM-RLS) algorithm to fit an accurate ellipsoid to achieve accurate data calibration. According to the geomagnetic sensor error model, the total amount of geomagnetism is used as the constraint, the fitted ellipsoid coefficients of RLS are used as the initial values, and the LM algorithm is used to calculate the magnetic field dispersion points to the nearest point of the fitted ellipsoid surface. Then, the initial calibration value is solved by the criterion of the minimum weighted sum of squares of the closest point distance. Finally, the accurate ellipsoid is obtained to realize data calibration. The results of the dynamic experiment show that after the ellipsoid is precisely fitted by the LM-RLS algorithm, the sum of the absolute values of the distance from the magnetic field discrete data to the ellipsoid surface is reduced by 48.33% (RLS) and 43.10% (RWTLS). The relative errors of the magnetic field in the X, Y, and Z axes are reduced from 0.48%, 0.78%, 1.48% (RLS) and 0.30%, 0.58%, 1.14% (RWTLS) to 0.10%, 0.04% 0.16 %, respectively. The accuracy of geomagnetic calibration is improved by 68.06% (RLS) and 61.02% (RWTLS) in the dynamic experiment. The algorithm improves the accuracy of geomagnetic measurement, which provides a new idea for the calibration of three-axis geomagnetic sensors.

COVID-19 surveillance report for Sudan, 2020 to 2021

BackgroundFollowing the World Health Organization declaration, COVID-19 was first appearance in Sudan was in March 2020. Cases were reported to the Sudan Federal Ministry of Heath through the surveillance system from different sources. This study used surveillance data from 2020 to 2021 to describe the epidemiologic patterns of COVID-19 occurrence in Sudan and provide insight for better preparedness and response. MethodsThrough a retrospective descriptive study, COVID19 cases records obtained from the national surveillance line-list in Surveillance and Information Directorate in Federal Ministry of Health. The analysis of data was done with SPSS version 21. Descriptive analysis done by frequencies and percentages, and further analysis through performing multivariate logistic regression. ResultsOut of 48,545 suspected cases tested for COVID-19 using RT-PCR, 27,453 (56.5%) tested positive with case fatality ratio of 6.5%. Higher death rate among elderly (78% > 60-year-old) and males (70.1%). From the reported cases, 53.8% showed no symptoms, while the common symptoms among symptomatic patients were; fever (26.4%), cough (19.1%), shortness of breath (16.8%) with small proportion (4.5%) reported loss of smell and taste. Specific states, Khartoum, Gezira and Red Sea showed highest prevalence. The disease peaked four times during 2020–2021, with a proposed alert threshold of 200–250 cases per week acting as an explosion point nationwide. ConclusionsThe high case fatality rate in the country requires further analysis, as well as the high proportion of asymptomatic infection. This will be ensured by improving the quality and completeness of surveillance data. A proposed threshold of 200–250 cases per week should be an alert to augment the measures of controlling the pandemic over the country, including providing enough supplies to decrease mortality.

Travelling away from home? Joining global change and recovery scenarios to anticipate the marine distribution of diadromous fish

Species Distribution Models (SDM) are useful tools providing results that can be extrapolated to anticipate species range shifts, under climate change scenarios. SDM studies integrating spatial constraints are significantly lacking in the marine environment, leading to optimistic predictions. This is particularly true for anadromous species in which marine distributions can be driven by their affinity to their natal rivers. Acipenser sturio is a critically endangered anadromous fish for which two stocked populations are currently maintained in the Gironde-Garonne-Dordogne (France) and Elbe (Germany) river systems. Benefiting from bycatch reports of A. sturio, we applied a SDM process that explicitly considers distance to home when evaluating habitat suitability. More precisely, we included the variable ‘distance to mouth of the natal river system’ into SDM inputs to test and characterize its influence on the marine distribution of A. sturio. We used this model to obtain the marine distribution under current climatic conditions with the two source populations and under population recovery scenarios (functional populations hypothesized to exist in ten currently unoccupied river systems). We projected the model under future conditions with two climatic scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) and three time slices over the 2023–2099 period. Constrained-ranges of both existing and hypothetical populations are projected to expand in the future. We observed an overall increase of habitat suitability, with new suitable sectors localized further from natal river mouths. By informing on the suitable marine surface that each hypothetical population holds and adds to the existing ones, our approach aims at informing about the feasibility of species recovery and marine habitats protection strategies. Our findings highlight the need for including dispersal information in marine SDM. The application of our dispersal-constrained approach may be considered for other less-well-known species for which dispersal point sources are identifiable, such as other diadromous species in different study areas.

Damage characteristics of ribbed cylinder in motion under near-field underwater explosion

The damage characteristics of a ribbed cylinder in the torpedo compartment shell is explored. An arbitrary Lagrange–Euler method is used to establish the fluid–structure interaction model for analyzing the ribbed cylinder’s response under near-field underwater explosion while in motion. The influence of detonation direction and standoff distance on the dynamic response of the moving ribbed cylinder is considered. The investigation reveals that the cylinder’s motion causes an uneven distribution of bubble load and secondary load, stemming from cavitation zone collapse, on the shell. This imbalance leads to a notable deflection difference between the shell’s front and rear sections, with maximum deformation concentration at the rear. In addition, in comparison to the lateral condition, static state analysis shows reduced average deflection and increased maximum deflection when the explosion point is above or below the shell, while in the sailing state, both average and maximum deflections increase. Notably, when the charge radius is between 6 and 15 times, the average damage rate in the sailing state consistently remains lower than that in the stationary state, while the maximum damage rate is higher at a specific burst distance.

Multi-domain, Autonomous Measurement Buoy as an Element of the Water Quality Monitoring and Early Warning System in Rivers and Water Reservoirs

This article presents a novel, innovative, open multi-domain platform for early warning against adverse events in reservoirs and watercourses, which can measure temperature, pH, redox, conductivity, turbidity, chlorophyll and phycocyanin. These parameters are key indicators of cyanobacteria bloom. This platform allows remote and distributed monitoring of important locations on lakes and rivers. The station's design enables the use of both wired sensors directly connected to the station and wireless data collection from locally dispersed measurement points that communicate with the station-buoy. The data aggregation system is open, and the technological solution of the station is universal, which means it can use different sensors for chemical and biological parameters that are required by, for example, the Water Framework Directive, from the market and industry standards. The platform also has built-in machine learning and data analysis mechanisms that can optimise the number of stations needed to achieve the desired level of data acquisition. The sensor dispersion and station autonomy ensure the flexibility and scalability of the measurements.

Analyzing microstructural, residual stress, and mechanical characteristics in dissimilar welds of Inconel 59 and AISI 904L through double-pulsed gas metal arc welding

In this research, dissimilar welding of the nickel-based superalloy Inconel 59 and austenitic stainless steel AISI 904L steel was successfully done with double-pulsed gas metal arc welding (DP-GMAW) using the filler ERNiCrMo-13. Macroscopic analysis showed a defect-free weld with an aspect ratio of 2.4, attributed to the efficient heat delivery (0.642 kJ/mm) in DP-GMAW. The microstructure of the weld joint was examined through both optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Examination of the microstructure of the weld interface exposed grain coarsening near the heat-affected zone on the AISI 904L side. In contrast, the weld fusion zone contained fine equiaxed dendrites. Microsegregation and alloying element migration across the entire weld area were assessed through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy point analysis and line mapping, revealing controlled microsegregation across the region. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to ascertain the average grain size (38.41 nm) and secondary phase composition. The XRD-cosα method was used to assess the residual stress of the weld joint, revealing tensile residual stress in the weld zone and compressive residual stress in other regions. Tensile, Charpy impact, and Vickers hardness tests were conducted in the study to evaluate the strength, toughness, and hardness of a dissimilar weld. The impact of two cryogenic treatments, namely shallow and deep, on tensile and toughness characteristics was investigated in this study. The cryogenic treatments significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of weld samples compared to their as-welded condition, leading to an 11.5% increase in tensile strength and a 10% improvement in toughness.

EFFECT OF HMX CONTENT ON THERMAL SAFETY CHARACTERISTICS OF MODIFIED DOUBLE-BASE PROPELLANTS

In order to explore the thermal safety characteristics of modified double-base propellants, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the thermal decomposition of modified double-base propellants with high melting explosive (HMX) content of 0%, 21%, and 40%, respectively. The thermal decomposition temperatures at the heating rates of 2, 5,10, and 20°C·min<sup>-1</sup> were obtained. The apparent activation energy, pre-exponential factor, reaction rate, Gibbs free energy, activation enthalpy, and activation entropy were calculated by thermal reaction kinetics analysis. The response characteristics of modified double-base propellants with different HMX contents were obtained through slow cook-off, 5 s explosion point, and methyl violet chemical stability tests to characterize the thermal safety of propellants. The insensitivity of modified double-base propellant containing HMX was further studied by flame sensitivity and mechanical sensitivity tests. The results showed that when HMX content was 21%, the apparent activation energy was the highest, the slow cook-off response was the lowest, the 5 s explosion point response temperature was the highest, the methyl violet test paper had the longest discoloration time, and the flame sensitivity and mechanical sensitivity were the lowest; With the increase of HMX content, the first decomposition peak temperature of DSC moves backward, and the apparent activation energy decreases. The slow cook-off response temperature of the double-base propellant moves to the high-temperature direction, and the response level increases accordingly. When the HMX content is 40% or more, the response level is explosive, which cannot pass the slow cook-off test. After HMX component is added into the sample, its 5 s explosion point temperature moves to high temperature, and the trend of rise is obvious. The discoloration time of methyl violet test paper is prolonged, and the thermal stability of modified double-base propellant is improved; The flame sensitivity and the mechanical sensitivity decreased, which was helpful to improve the low vulnerability of the formula.

EventPointMesh: Human Mesh Recovery Solely From Event Point Clouds.

How much can we infer about human shape using an event camera that only detects the pixel position where the luminance changed and its timestamp? This neuromorphic vision technology captures changes in pixel values at ultra-high speeds, regardless of the variations in environmental lighting brightness. Existing methods for human mesh recovery (HMR) from event data need to utilize intensity images captured with a generic frame-based camera, rendering them vulnerable to low-light conditions, energy/memory constraints, and privacy issues. In contrast, we explore the potential of solely utilizing event data to alleviate these issues and ascertain whether it offers adequate cues for HMR, as illustrated in Fig.1. This is a quite challenging task due to the substantially limited information ensuing from the absence of intensity images. To this end, we propose EventPointMesh, a framework which treats event data as a three-dimensional (3D) spatio-temporal point cloud for reconstructing the human mesh. By employing a coarse-to-fine pose feature extraction strategy, we extract both global features and local features. The local features are derived by processing the spatio-temporally dispersed event points into groups associated with individual body segments. This combination of global and local features allows the framework to achieve a more accurate HMR, capturing subtle differences in human movements. Experiments demonstrate that our method with only sparse event data outperforms baseline methods. The dataset and code will be available at https://github.com/RyosukeHori/EventPointMesh.

Parameter Influence, Characterization and Adsorption Mechanism Studies of Alkaline-Hydrolyzed Garcinia kola Hull Particles for Cr(VI) Sequestration.

Despite the regulations by The World Health Organization (WHO) on the permissible limit of chromium, many industries still discharge wastewater polluted with chromium into the environment irrationally. This poses a lot of risk to aquatic lives and humans because of its carcinogenic and toxic attributes. Thus, treatment of industrial wastewater polluted with chromium is highly imperative before its disposal. Nonetheless, the hulls generated from Garcinia kola in our various farmlands also causes environmental pollution when dumped unknowingly. In this present study, Garcinia kola hull particles (GK-HP) was hydrolyzed using NaOH and applied as adsorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration. The raw Garcinia kola hull particles (rGK-HP) and modified Garcinia kola hull particles (cMGK-HP) were characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-Transform-Infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The influence of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and adsorbate initial concentration on Cr(VI) sequestration were examined. The cMGK-HP was able to remove 96.25% of Cr(VI) from solution and proved to be effective than rGK-HP. The amount of Cr(VI) removed from solution decreased as the pH and adsorbate initial concentration were increased. However, the amount increased as the adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature were increased. Change in morphological structure, textural property, spectral peak, phase composition and adsorbents chemical composition before and after Cr(VI) sequestration from solution were proved by SEM, BET, FTIR, XRD, and EDS analyses respectively. The isotherm and kinetic studies suggest Cr(VI) adsorption on adsorbents' surface to be monolayer in nature and adsorption data to be well-fitted into pseudo second order model respectively. The cMGK-HP possessed excellent reusability attribute and high thermal stability as shown by TGA. In conclusion, cMGK-HP could effectively be used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration from solution.