Experimental Techniques Research Articles

Towards a data platform for multimodal 4D mechanics of material microstructures

This paper presents advances in the data management strategy applied to 4D multimodal mechanics of material sample microstructures. Guidelines to build a data platform allowing for complex workflows, involving several high-throughput experimental and numerical techniques, and complying with FAIR data management principles, are discussed. Next, their implementation within the open-source Python package Pymicro is presented, offering a high-level interface to build complex datasets through multimodal methodologies. Its capability to enable and automate complex workflows by building a digital twin of a commercially pure titanium sample under tension are then demonstrated. The digital twin contains microstructural and mechanical data for thousands of grains gathered on the same sample through synchrotron DCT and in-situ SEM experiments, as well as full-field numerical simulation. Finally, a local and statistical comparison between simulation and measurements of plastic slip and crystal rotation in hundreds of grains is shown, as an example of the contribution of this platform to multimodal data convergence and its importance for the development of a new generation of material models.

Uranium Mine Proposed Experimental Design for Natural Background Gross Gamma Exposure Rates, Post Remediation Final Status Survey Sampling Density, and Radiological Water Quality Modeling for a Worst-case Catastrophic Failure, Coles Hill, Virginia.

Completely randomized experimental design statistical modeling techniques were employed to analyze exposure rate measurements for evaluating hypothetical natural background post uranium mill operations at Coles Hill, Virginia uranium milling processes. The proposed Coles Hill Uranium Mine is situated upstream of the Banister River. This River is nearly homogenous throughout the reach length used in analysis and feeds into the mouth of Kerr Reservoir, Lake Gaston, which serves as the main drinking water source for cities in the Hampton Roads area including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. A critical scan value (=DCGLscan) was developed to flag anomalies of surface contamination during simulated post remediation final status surveys. The natural background was critical for meeting the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual guidance for post remediation final status surveys. The overarching null hypothesis suggested that the selected mean natural background is equal to the survey unit's mean natural background. Using SAS Procedures Shapiro-Wilk Test, ANOVA, and CR, it was decided the exposure rate data was normal, had no extreme outliers, and no collinearity between the number of samples (=treatment) and the areas (=block). Using the q-hyper (hypergeometric) distribution, the soil sampling density was decided for a final status survey unit. The most likely worst-case catastrophic failure analysis, 500-year event, such as the1969 Hurricane Camille of 69 centimeters of rain in Nelson County, Virginia was included in the model. The model showed impact was minimal at most to the Banister River's drinking water and likely less than the Virginia's Drinking Water Standards for gross alpha, 226Ra and 228Ra, and total uranium.

Rapid transformation of nanobodies affinity based on AlphaFold2's high-accuracy predictions and interaction analysis for enrofloxacin detection in coastal fish

High-affinity antibodies are crucial in biosensors, disease diagnostics, therapeutic drug development, and immunological analysis, making the enhancement of antibody affinity a key research focus within the field. Computer-aided design is recognized as a time-saving and labor-efficient method for nanobodies in vitro affinity maturation. Compared to experimental mutagenesis techniques, it is advantageous due to the elimination of the need for laborious library construction and screening processes. However, these approaches are constrained by structural prediction since inaccuracy in structure could readily result in maturation failures. Herein, a novel nanobodies modification method for in vitro affinity maturation, utilizing the high accuracy prediction of AlphaFold2, was employed to rapidly transform a low affinity nanobody against enrofloxacin (ENR) into one with high affinity. The molecular docking results revealed a 1.5- to 2.5-fold increase in the number of noncovalent interactions of modified nanobodies, accompanied by a reduction in binding free energy ranging from 14.1 to 62.6%. The evaluation results from ELISA and BLI indicated that the affinity of the modified nanobodies had been enhanced by 6.2–91.6 times compared to the template nanobody. Furthermore, the modified nanobodies were employed for the detection of ENR-spiked coastal fish samples. In summary, this research proposed a nanobodies modification method from a new perspective, endowing its great application potential in biosensors, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

A zero-dimensional 1-butylpiperazine-cadmium(II) hybrid material: Synthesis, structural analysis, and DFT studies

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of an organoammonium-cadmium(II) hybrid material, (BPH₂)₂[Cd₂Cl₈] (BP = 1-butylpiperazine), using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows a centrosymmetric crystal structure in the P1¯ space group, featuring a zero-dimensional (0D) arrangement where binuclear [Cd₂Cl₈]⁴⁻ anions and (C₈H₂₀N₂⁺) cations are linked by N—H···Cl and C—H···Cl hydrogen bonds. Hirshfeld surface analysis further elucidates these intermolecular noncovalent interactions, highlighting the dominant role of H···Cl contacts in the molecular packing. The crystal morphology is further investigated via the Bravais-Friedel-Donnay-Harker (BFDH) model. Infrared (IR) spectroscopic analysis was conducted to identify vibrational modes, confirm structure, and elucidate bonding features. Additionally, Experimental UV-visible study indicates an optical band gap energy of 4.75 eV, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations corroborate these findings, predicting a direct band gap of 4.45 eV. Moreover, theoretical calculations, including the complex dielectric function, band structure, and total density of states (DOS), were performed to explore the electrical and optical properties. Finally, the chemical reactivity was evaluated using conceptual-DFT descriptors at the B3LYP/SDD/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory.

Prototyping Ti2Cu Intermetallic Grain Growth Heterogeneously in Ti6Al4V Matrix through Laser Additive Manufacturing

The Ti2Cu intermetallics compound possessing an ability to release Cu2+ ions has promising antibacterial properties. This research integrates experimental and computational techniques to delve into the interfacial intermetallic (IMC) formation within the Ti6Al4V/Cu system. Heat transfer analysis is performed to numerically outline the thermal history within the microstructure during laser surface alloying (power = 1000 W and scan speed = 200 mm/s), while the phase field method is employed to describe the Ti2Cu IMC grain growth in the Ti6Al4V matrix. As the IMC and the matrix phases respectively have free energy minima of -68.52 and -61.35 kJ/mol at Taverage=1250.0 K, the growth of Ti2Cu IMC grains at the Ti6Al4V matrix located around the depth of 5 μm from the top surface is thermodynamically favorable. Laser processing can cause the nucleation of IMC precipitates of irregular sizes and curvature profiles, in which case the curvature driven effects between the adjacent grains can additionally affect their growth kinetics. Furthermore, microbiological assays underscore the superior antibacterial efficacy of the Ti6Al4V+Ti2Cu heterostructures as compared to the control (Ti6Al4V) counterpart.

Experimental, quantum chemical spectroscopic investigation, topological, molecular docking/dynamics and biological assessment studies of 2,6-Dihydroxy-4-methyl quinoline

The present work is a comprehensive investigation of the spectral, electronic structure, bonding, and reactivity of the 2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylquinoline (26DH4MQ) molecule through a wide range of experimental and quantum chemical spectroscopic calculations techniques, along with its applications as nonlinear optical materials and biological assessments. The study utilized density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) with the B3LYP method and the 6-311G++(d,p) basis set to analyze the structural and molecular properties of 26DH4MQ. The findings from UV–Vis, FT-IR, and FT-NMR spectroscopy show a strong agreement between the experimentally obtained vibrational frequencies and chemical shifts and those predicted by computational methods. Local reactivity descriptors, such as the dual descriptor, Fukui functions, and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map, were used to identify the reactive regions of the molecule. Additionally, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis provided insights into the charge transfer characteristics of 26DH4MQ, which helps to stabilize the molecular system. The study also revealed notable nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, with polarizability (18.52 × 10–24e.s.u) and first-order hyperpolarizability (2.26 × 10–30e.s.u) values that surpass those of standard organic compounds, suggesting significant potential for optoelectronic applications. The biological evaluation of 26DH4MQ assessed its drug-likeness, toxicity, enzyme inhibition, and ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) parameters, highlighting its pharmaceutical potential. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics studies illustrated the compound's interactions with proteins, indicating its potential role as an insulin inhibitor.

Thermal performance analysis and optimization of a heat pipe-based electronic thermal management system using experimental data-driven neuro-genetic technique

Heat pipes are highly efficient heat transfer devices and are used widely to dissipate heat generated by electronic components, thereby maintaining their operating temperatures and preventing overheating. The present study deals with the thermal performance prediction of a cylindrical heat pipe (length 380 mm) based electronic thermal management system using steady-state experimental investigation. The experiments are conducted under varying operational conditions, including heat inputs (10–50 W), condenser cooling water inlet temperatures (288.15, 293.15, and 298.15 K), and flow rates (10, 25, and 40 LPH). The study shows that the evaporator temperature of the heat pipe consistently rises with the increase in heat inputs for all tested conditions. The lowest evaporator temperature (311.42 K) is noticed for the cooling water inlet temperature of 288.15 K across all heat inputs. Notably, at 10 LPH, the heat pipe supplied with cooling water at 288.15 K exhibits reductions of up to 1.47 % and 2.29 % compared to 293.15 K and 298.15 K, respectively. Similar trends are also observed at 25 LPH and 40 LPH. The heat pipe’s thermal resistance is lowest (0.95 K/W) at a cooling water inlet temperature of 298.15 K. At 10 LPH, there are reductions of 10.19 % and 5.62 % compared to 288.15 K and 293.15 K, and at 40 LPH, reductions are 15.66 % and 7.89 %. The heat pipe’s evaporator heat transfer coefficient also plays a significant role and is maximum for the cooling water inlet temperature of 288.15 K at a flow rate of 10 LPH. To understand the complex behavior of the heat pipe and for better prediction of its thermal performance, a neuro-genetic (experimental data-driven artificial neural network and genetic algorithm) optimization technique is considered in the study. This predicts the optimal combination of operating parameters (heat input, cooling water inlet temperature, and flow rate) to minimize the heat pipe’s evaporator wall temperature which is found to be 312.54 K at a heat input of 10 W, flow rate of 10 LPH, and cooling water inlet temperature of 289.14 K. These input combinations are further validated through the experiments and the error in the heat pipe’s evaporator temperature is found to be 0.66 % only. Overall, this neuro-genetic technique underscores the importance of optimizing operational parameters for enhanced heat pipe performance and offers valuable insights for electronic cooling systems.

Could exhaled methane be used as a possible indicator for hemodynamic changes in trauma induced hemorrhagic shock? Scientific basis supported by a case study

IntroductionIdentification of severe blood loss and hemorrhagic shock in polytrauma patients poses a key challenge for trauma teams across the world, as there are just a few objective parameters, on which clinicians can rely. We investigated the relationship between exhaled air methane (CH4) concentration and blood loss in a polytrauma patient. Decreased blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is one of the first compensatory responses to blood loss. Gases produced by the anaerobic flora of the intestinal segment supplied by the SMA are the primary source of exhaled CH4, which diffuses through the intestinal microvessels into the circulation and is finally eliminated through the lungs. We hypothesized that diminution of exhaled CH4 indicates blood loss and tested our theory in a severely injured patient. MethodsExhaled CH4 concentrations of a severely injured patient were measured using a photoacoustic spectroscope (PAS) attached to the exhalation side of the breathing circuit. The primary objective was to investigate the relationship between exhaled CH4 and conventional indicators of hemorrhage including hemoglobin (Hb) levels, base deficit (BD) values and vital parameters (heart rate and systolic blood pressure) in the early phase of in-hospital care (first 4 h). ResultsA severely injured patient was admitted with unstable hemodynamic parameters and incomplete left lower limb amputation, (Injury Severity Score: 38, 74/36 mmHg, 76 bpm). At the time of arrival, considerably lower CH4 levels were detected (22,800 PAU) in the exhaled air. During the first 4 h fluid and massive blood resuscitation, the exhaled CH4 levels were continuously rising in parallel with Htc and Hb values. Corresponding to these changes, BD values displayed a decreasing tendency. DiscussionOur study was conducted to characterize the changes in exhaled air CH4 concentration in response to hemorrhagic shock and to provide data on a viable clinical use of an experimental technique. According to our results, the real-time detection of exhaled air CH4 concentration is an applicable and promising technique for the early detection of bleeding and hemorrhagic shock in severely injured patients. Further research on large sample size and refinement of the PAS technique is required.

Contributions of Multiple Transport Mechanisms to Intestinal Uptake of Serotonin

This study aimed to analyze the contributions of multiple transport mechanisms to the intestinal uptake of serotonin (5-HT) by employing a variety of in vitro experimental techniques, focusing on organic cation transporters expressed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as SERT, PMAT, THTR2, OCT3, and OCTN2. Analysis of the concentration dependence of 5-HT uptake by Caco-2 cells revealed multi-affinity kinetics with high-affinity and low-affinity components, suggesting that multiple transporters are involved in the intestinal 5-HT uptake. Comparative analysis of transporters using Km values obtained in Xenopus oocyte expression systems suggested that SERT is responsible for the high-affinity transport, while PMAT, THTR2, and OCT3 contribute to the low-affinity transport. Further analysis indicated that the relative contributions of SERT and PMAT to the intestinal 5-HT uptake (0.01 µM) are approximately 94.9% and 1.1%, respectively. Interestingly, at the concentration of 10 µM, the reported steady-state concentration of 5-HT in the human colon, the contributions of SERT, PMAT, THTR2, and OCT3 were estimated to be approximately 37.0%, 1.0%, 18.2%, and 20.5%, respectively. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the contributions of multiple transporters to 5-HT uptake in the GI tract are dependent upon the colon luminal concentration of 5-HT.

On Powder Bed Fusion Manufactured Parts: Porosity and its Measurement

Abstract: Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) is one of the earliest, most versatile, and popular AM processes, being well-suited for a great variety of materials. As in many other manufacturing processes, porosity is a phenomenon inevitably present in parts made by PBF. The quantity, shape, and distribution of pores, and the propensity to their formation depend strongly upon the type of process and on the processing conditions used to produce the part. It is well known that porosity influences in a dramatic way the quality and reliability of the manufactured materials and, therefore, it deserves special attention. : In this paper, porosity and the more appropriate experimental techniques for detecting and measuring porosity are reviewed. Moreover, a comparison among the results obtained by applying different methodologies to measure the porosity of parts produced by Powder Bed Fusion is reported. The final purpose of the work is to provide the reader with the tools for the correct choice of the most suitable method for measuring the porosity of additively manufactured pieces.

Can calmodulin bind to lipids of the cytosolic leaflet of plasma membranes?

Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous calcium-sensitive messenger in eukaryotic cells. It was previously shown that CaM possesses an affinity for diverse lipid moieties, including those found on CaM-binding proteins. These facts, together with our observation that CaM accumulates in membrane-rich protrusions of HeLa cells upon increased cytosolic calcium, motivated us to perform a systematic search for unmediated CaM interactions with model lipid membranes mimicking the cytosolic leaflet of plasma membranes. A range of experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations prove unambiguously that CaM interacts with lipid bilayers in the presence of calcium ions. The lipids phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) hold the key to CaM-membrane interactions. Calcium induces an essential conformational rearrangement of CaM, but calcium binding to the headgroup of PS also neutralizes the membrane negative surface charge. More intriguingly, PE plays a dual role-it not only forms hydrogen bonds with CaM, but also destabilizes the lipid bilayer increasing the exposure of hydrophobic acyl chains to the interacting proteins. Our findings suggest that upon increased intracellular calcium concentration, CaM and the cytosolic leaflet of cellular membranes can be functionally connected.

Lattice dynamics of Bi12GeO20 crystal: Polarized Raman scattering and first-principles analysis

Our paper presents a combined experimental and theoretical study of the lattice dynamics of Bi12GeO20 crystal. Polarized Raman spectra were measured in two x-ray oriented single crystals. In a crystal of cubic symmetry, phonon modes of A- and E-types are spectroscopically indistinguishable. Using a special experimental technique, we separated the phonon modes that transform according to A and E irreducible representations. Since the number of E-type lines observed in Raman scattering is higher than theoretically allowed by group theory, we performed a first-principles calculation of the Bi12GeO20 lattice dynamics to accurately identify the symmetry of phonon modes. All experimental lines observed in Raman scattering are classified according to irreducible representations of the cubic I23 group. Using samples of different thicknesses, 10 mm and 0.120 mm, we have demonstrated that the optical activity plays an insignificant role at Raman backscattering in Bi12GeO20 crystal.

Grain-based coupled thermo-mechanical modeling for stressed heterogeneous granite under thermal shock

Microscopic damage and macroscopic mechanical properties of granite under the coupling effect of thermal load and initial stress are crucial considerations for the safe construction of underground geo-energy engineering. However, visualizing real-time micro-crack processes in rocks under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions using the current experimental techniques remains challenging. In this study, a numerical method is developed to analyze the thermally induced damage in heterogeneous granite under the coupled influence of initial stress and thermal loading. A biaxial thermo-mechanical grain-based model considering real mineral distribution is established based on digital image processing technology, the grain-based modeling method, and heat conduction theory. The microscopic parameters are calibrated and the effectiveness of the model is verified based on thermal shock and uniaxial compression experiments. The thermal destruction mechanism of granite under initial stress from a microscopic perspective was unveiled for the first time. During the thermal shock process, the stress within the rock does not remain constant at the initial stress value. Instead, it changes continuously with the progression of heat conduction. The impact of the initial stress on the thermally induced cracks is relatively minor. Cooling causes more damage to the rock than heating during thermal shock. The intragranular cracks of quartz consistently outnumber other intragranular or intergranular cracks during thermal shock. The initial stress and thermal shock damage enhance and weaken the biaxial peak strength of granite, respectively. The weakening effect of thermal shock on the peak strength becomes more pronounced at a higher initial stress. These research findings and proposed research techniques contribute to the management and optimization of underground geo-energy engineering.

Using CFD to model the distortion of pollutant concentration signal at exhaust lines

The present study introduces a method for generating the distortion of species concentration signals within exhaust lines, employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling instead of experimental techniques. Understanding distortion is important when e.g. tailpipe pollutant signals need to be correlated to engine operation patterns and related correction models need to be built. The approach was initially applied on a typical exhaust line geometry of a car, demonstrating the ability of CFD modelling to simulate the CO2 signal distortion from engine out to tailpipe, and was validated against laboratory measurements. Comparisons for variable operating points, between simulations and experiments, presented a good agreement with a deviation of up to 0.04 s in the time required for the signal to reach 50 % of its final output value (t50), and of up to 0.1 s in the rise time (t90-10). The methodology was applied to a vehicular exhaust line comprising tubing and buffer volumes, simulating catalysts or mufflers. This investigation aimed to identify the parameters that influence the distortion of CO2, revealing that inlet exhaust gas velocity can significantly impact CO2 distortion. Inlet temperature variations of ± 50 K produce a negligible deviation in t50 of ± 0.01 s for low inlet velocities and of ± 0.001 s for high inlet velocities. CFD is a useful tool to characterize pollutants signal generation within exhaust line configurations not limited to cars. Such a technique can be used to any mobile or stationary combustion system to study species concentration distortions caused by the individual components.

IR Spectra Simulations by Anharmonic DFT and CDF -Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids of Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt,1869)

The Siberian sturgeon is one of the most remarkable species in the field of aquatic biology which is also has ecological importance, commercial significance, and nutritional characteristics. The purpose of this study is to determine the fatty acid content of different organs of Siberian sturgeon through both theoretical and experimental techniques to compare oxidative stability of the samples in terms of fatty acid profile. For this purpose, the fatty acid content of flesh, brain, caviar and liver of sturgeon was determined by gas chromatography and the middle infrared spectra of tissues were collected by an infrared spectrofotometer. The fatty acid content of samples was also computed by anharmonic DFT and CDFT calculations using IR spectra. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all tissues. All tissues accumulated by docosahexanoic, eicosapentanoic and linolenic acids. The PCA model was able to classified the tissues with respect to fatty acid contents. Comprehensive anharmonic DFT calculations were performed to better understand the fatty acid of samples at the atomistic level and to predict the spectra of more complex food samples with varying fatty acid compositions. Oxidative stabilities of fatty acids were also investigated through Conceptual DFT based computations. Maximum Hardness and Minimum Electrophilicity Principles accurately predicted saturated and unsaturated fatty acids of sturgeon as the experimental data revealed.

How Should the 3 R's Be Revised and Why?

The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique established what many know today as the "3 R's"-refinement, reduction, and replacement-when it was published in 1959. Since their formulation, these principles have guided decision-making for many about nonhuman animal subjects' uses in laboratory-based research. Discussion about how to amend or replace the 3 R's is ongoing, driven mainly by philosophical ethics approaches to nonhuman animal rights and by scientific advancement. This article explores merits and drawbacks of possible updates to and interpretations of the 3 R's.

Direct measurement of forces in air-based acoustic levitation systems.

Acoustic levitation is frequently used for non-contact manipulation of objects and to study the impact of microgravity on physical and biological processes. While the force field produced by sound pressure lifts particles against gravity (primary acoustic force), multiple levitating objects in the same acoustic cavity interact via forces that arise from scattered sound (secondary acoustic forces). Current experimental techniques for obtaining these force fields are not well-suited for mapping the primary force field at high spatial resolution and cannot directly measure the secondary scattering force. Here, we introduce a method that can measure both acoustic forces in situ, including secondary forces in the near-field limit between arbitrarily shaped, closely spaced objects. Operating similarly to an atomic force microscope, the method inserts into the acoustic cavity a suitably shaped probe tip at the end of a long, flexible cantilever and optically detects its deflection. This makes it possible to measure forces with a resolution better than 50 nN and also to apply stress or strain in a controlled manner to manipulate levitated objects. We demonstrate this by extracting the acoustic potential present in a levitation cavity, directly measuring the acoustic scattering force between two objects, and applying tension to a levitated granular raft of acoustically bound particles in order to obtain the force-displacement curve for its deformation.

Highly enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production via GO-modified Cu-TiO2 system for dehydrogenation of alcohols under UV & sunlight irradiation

The high efficiency of the production of hydrogen from alcohols is vital to the advancement of energy technology. This study thoroughly investigates the process of alcohol dehydrogenation utilising GO-modified Cu-TiO2 photocatalyst under UV light and sunlight exposure. GO-modified Cu-TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesised using the hydrothermal method. Various experimental techniques, including FESEM, HRTEM, XPS, and DRS, confirmed the formation of the ternary composite. The influence of different alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol) and their concentrations (same vol% and molarity) on the amount of hydrogen (H2) production was examined in this study. The study thoroughly investigated the impact of various parameters, such as the influence of GO and Cu loading on TiO2 and their combined effect, time course, nature of alcohol and the reaction conditions on the photocatalytic hydrogen production. The GO(0.5 wt%)/Cu(3 wt%)-TiO2 (G0.5C3T) composite demonstrated the highest quantity of hydrogen production during methanol dehydrogenation when subjected to both UV and sunlight irradiation. The composite exhibited remarkably about three-fold higher hydrogen evolution in sunlight(881 mmol) than in UV light(294 mmol). The exceptional performance of this composite can be attributed to the efficient transfer of charge carriers and the delayed recombination of electron-holes, which is a result of the cooperative effect of GO and Cu deposited over the TiO2 system. This approach offers a proactive strategy, signifying the synergetic effect of loading GO and Cu over TiO2 to enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen production, which is regarded as a green fuel solution, and turns these materials into useful energy sources by using inexpensively synthesised photocatalysts.

A cross-sectional study to assess the addiction towards digital gadgets using digital addiction scale among young adults

Introduction: In today's hyper-connected world, digital gadgets have become an integral part of everyday life, particularly among young adults. From smartphones, laptops to tablets and gaming consoles, these devices offer a multitude of functionalities that enhance communication, entertainment, and productivity. However, alongside the benefits, there's a growing concern about the addictive nature of these gadgets and their potential impact on the well-being of young adults. Aim:To evaluate the addiction towards digital gadgets among young adults. Methods: Non experimental research design andPurposive Sampling technique were used; 1100 people who meet the inclusion criteria make up the study's sample size. Quantitative research strategies using Digital Addiction Scale (DAS) questionnaire. The DAS is scored (1–5), the mean score is (3), and >3 is considered high risk of digital addiction; <3 is considered low risk of digital addiction. Results: The majority of participants (74%) were between the age group of 18-26 years, with UG persue (96%). The most commonly used gadgets was smart phone (96%). The maximum hours of use are 2-5 hours (97%), with the primary objective being socialmedia (79%). The study found; the level of addiction was mild (7%), Moderate (51%), severe (34%) and Very severe (8%). It illustrates the severity of addiction; the number of severe and very severely addicted participants (42%) as severity rate. Mild and moderate are removed to focus on severity of the prevalence. Conclusion: The study concluded that 42% of individuals are significantly addicted towards digital gadgets.

A multi-technique approach to unveil the composition and fabrication of a pre-Roman glass masterpiece: a double-faced human-head shape polychrome glass pendant (2nd -1st c. BC)

Pre-Roman glass craftsmanship reached its summit with the development of complex polychrome glass beads, being the Phoenician glass pendants the most exquisite and elaborate example. The uniqueness and complexity of such findings could reveal key information for the understanding of the production and trade of glass pieces at that age. However, these findings have practically never been studied from a physic-chemical perspective. In this work, a remarkable polychrome glass pendant (2nd -1st c. BC) found at the archaeological site of Pintia (Padilla de Duero, Valladolid, Spain) is studied by a multi-analytical non-destructive approach, employing X-ray tomography to understand its fabrication procedure, as well as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy, both employed in microscopic mode, to determine the composition of each glass employed in its fabrication. The outstanding preservation state and well-defined archaeological context of this glass pendant offered a unique opportunity to expand the understanding of pre-Roman glass pieces, while the combination of the experimental techniques employed provided the first complete and detailed study of a Phoenician glass pendant. The fabrication procedure of the pendant has been identified step-by-step, showing evidence of the use of pre-made pieces for the eyes, as well as hints of its fabrication in a secondary workshop. Moreover, the microchemical analysis of the vividly colored glasses by XRF and Raman spectroscopy revealed a composition compatible with the use of natron as fluxing agent, typical of Phoenician glass, the presence of surface alterations corresponding to carbonatation processes, as well as the nature of the employed chromophores or pigments: Mn, Cu, and Co for the blue, Fe-S for the black, CaSb2O7 and CaSb2O7 + TiO2 for two diverse white glasses, and a pyrochloric triple oxide (Pb2Sb2 − xSnxO7−x/2) and lead oxides for the yellow. Remarkably, the use of pyrochloric triple oxides as yellow pigments has scarcely been previously reported at that age. Finally, the identification by Raman spectroscopy of CaSb2O7 and the β-phase of CaSiO3, as well as the Raman spectra features of the glass matrix corresponding to the blue glass, indicated maximum firing temperatures below 1100 °C.