Future Applications Research Articles

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Dermatology Research Fellowship Funding.

Dermatology is a competitive field for applicants pursuing a residency, and many applicants turn to dedicated research years to try and increase their competitiveness. Our study aimed to determine the financial costs of a research year and uncover how the costs of a research year vary for different demographic groups. We administered an anonymous survey through various dermatology listservs and social media platforms to prior, current, and future dermatology applicants who had completed a research fellowship during or after medical school. We found the median total fellowship cost ($26,443.20) was higher than the median fellowship income ($23,625.00). Furthermore, we found minority respondents had significantly lower total income, lower fellowship income, and higher net fellowship cost (p<0.05). Ninety participants completed surveys, and over half reported their research year as financially stressful. The majority did state that if given the opportunity, they would choose to do their research year again. Given the overall high costs of research years and the disparity in funding of these years, steps should be taken to address the disparities in fellowship funding or de-emphasize the importance of research fellowships in the dermatology residency selection process.

Recent Patents for Optical Component Polishing Technology

Background: Fluid jet polishing, Airbag polishing, Magnetorheological polishing, and Ion beam polishing are all emerging polishing technologies commonly used for processing optical components, which can be used to manufacture various high-precision and high-quality optical components. Their processing mechanisms are to remove materials by high-speed jet impacting the surface of the workpiece; using a spherical flexible airbag as a polishing tool to obtain a super-smooth surface by adding polishing fluid containing fine abrasives; controlling the magnetic field to form a flexible polishing belt of Magnetorheological fluid, which undergoes relative motion to achieve material removal; using a neutral ion beam to bombard the surface of the workpiece to remove workpiece surface atoms and obtain a super-smooth surface through energy and momentum transfer between ions and workpiece atoms. The characteristics and removal mechanisms of various polishing methods are briefly described, and the advantages and key issues that need to be addressed for each polishing technology are pointed out, and suggestions and prospects for future research, application, and development are also given. Objective: In order to meet the growing demand for high-precision optical components and mass-manufactured optical components, this paper aims to study the various polishing technologies that are continuously improved and suggestions are made for future research and development directions. Method: This paper reviews the current patents related to various polishing technologies, such as Fluid jet polishing, Airbag polishing, Magnetorheological polishing and Ion beam polishing and other representative polishing technologies. Results: Various types of polishing technologies have been studied, and the main problem at the current stage is the lack of accuracy. The problem of the polishing device, such as fluid jet polishing, only considers the change of fluid velocity and pressure to construct the removal function model for analysis and summary, and suggestions for the latest research progress of various polishing technologies are given. Conclusion: The improvement and optimization of polishing technology are beneficial to improving the polishing accuracy and quality of optical components and have great help for the future development of related patents.

Enhancing the electrochemical performance of Ni-doped CuCo2O4 electrode material through 2D layered sheets

Abstract In the present study, the structural and electrochemical properties on Ni–CuCo2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 10 %) was studied for the use of active electrode materials in asymmetric supercapacitors prepared by a simple hydrothermal process. The synthesized material’s morphology shows that the nanosheets are assembled with an average diameter of about 50 nm, and the X-ray diffraction results show the spinel cubic structure with the space group of Fd-3mz (No. 227). CuCo2O4 electrodes exhibit a high specific capacitance for the electrodes because of the abundant redox reactions of Co2+/Co3+ and Co3+/Co4+, and Ni at the Co site has displayed exceptional charge-discharge and cyclic stability properties. The electrochemical studies show that the Ni doped CuCo2O4 electrode has the highest pseudocapacitive nature, with ultra-specific capacitances of 803 F g−1, 889 F g−1, 924 F g−1, and 1,086 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 respectively for pure, 2, 6, and 10 % Ni doped CuCo2O4 electrodes. Further, the excellent rate capability with 82 % capacitance retention and 92.3 % Coulombic efficiency were realized after 1,000 cycles. Moreover, the M-H study at room temperature showed paramagnetic behaviour. Additionally, the electrochemical and magnetic characteristics of the CuCo2O4 system is expected to improve as the doping quantity of Ni increased. This study may pave the way for enhanced properties of Ni doped CuCo2O4 for futuristic hybrid devices applications.

Feature Papers in Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are dynamic and fascinating materials as they can be designed to suit the end property requirements for any present and futuristic application [...]

Effect of scanning strategy and laser peening on microstructure and fatigue properties of laser-directed energy deposition-built 15-5 PH stainless steel

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to study the effect of laser shock peening (LSP) on mechanical behaviour of the laser-directed energy deposition (LDED)-based printed 15-5 PH stainless steel with U and V notches. The study specifically concentrates on the evaluation of effect of scan strategy, machining and LSP processing on microstructural, texture evolution and fatigue behaviour of LDED-printed 15-5 PH steel.Design/methodology/approachFor LSP treatment, 15-5 PH steel was printed using LDED process with bidirectional scanning strategy (XX [θ = 0°) and XY [θ = 90°]) at optimised laser power of 600 W with a scanning speed of 300 mm/min and a powder feed rate of 3 g/min. Furthermore, LSP treatment was conducted on the V- and U-notched fatigue specimens extracted from LDED-built samples at laser energy of 3.5 J with a pulse width of 10 ns using laser spot diameter of 3 mm. Post to the LSP treatment, the surface roughness, fatigue life assessment and microstructural evolution analysis is performed. For this, different advanced characterisation techniques are used, such as scanning electron microscopy attached with electron backscatter diffraction for microstructure and texture, X-ray diffraction for residual stress (RS) and structure information, Vicker’s hardness tester for microhardness and universal testing machine for low-cycle fatigue.FindingsIt is observed that both scanning strategies during the LDED printing of 15-5 PH steel and laser peening have played significant role in fatigue life. Specimens with the XY printing strategy shows higher fatigue life as compared to XX with both U- and V-notched conditions. Furthermore, machining and LSP treatment led to a significant improvement of fatigue life for both scanning strategies with U and V notches. The extent of increase in fatigue life for both XX and XY scanning strategy with V notch is found to be higher than U notch after LSP treatment, though without LSP samples with U notch have a higher fatigue life. As fabricated sample is found to have the lowest fatigue life as compared to machines and laser peened with both scan strategies.Originality/valueThis study presents an innovative method to improve the fatigue life of 15-5 PH stainless steel by changing the microstructure, texture and RS with the adoption of a suitable scanning strategy, machining and LSP treatment as post-processing. The combination of preferred microstructure and compressive RS in LDED-printed 15-5 PH stainless steel achieved with a synergy between microstructure and RS, which is responsible to improve the fatigue life. This can be adopted for the futuristic application of LDED-printed 15-5 PH stainless steel for different applications in aerospace and other industries.Graphical abstract

Enhanced Synaptic Characteristics Under Applied Magnetic Field in V2O5/NiMnIn Based Switching Device for Neuromorphic Computing

The present study reports a memory structure Al/V2O5/NiMnIn on a flexible stainless-steel (SS) substrate for neuromorphic applications. The fabricated device exhibits gradual SET and RESET switching characteristics with an OFF/ON resistance ratio of ~100, good consistency of 4500, and excellent data retention capability up to 3000 s. The current-voltage (I-V) study supports an Ohmic conduction mechanism in the low resistance state (LRS). In contrast, the trap-controlled modified space charge conduction mechanism demonstrated the high resistance state (HRS). The resistance versus temperature measurement (R-T) in the LRS and HRS of the device signifies that oxygen vacancies form the conduction filament. We further analyze the synaptic functioning by applying identical consecutive voltage pulses, and the device's conductance change has been observed. These characteristics show a good representation of the biological memory synapse in terms of the artificial memory device. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) show nonlinear and asymmetery behavior, which is substantial for neuromorphic applications. A considerable shift in LTP and LTD was detected by applying external temperature and magnetic field. This is explained via temperature and magnetic field strain in the functional NiMnIn bottom electrode of the fabricated device. The mechanical flexibility of the memory structure was tested by exploring the switching characteristics with various bending angles and bending cycles. Therefore, the present study offers new avenues for flexible devices with high data storage capability for futuristic neuromorphic applications.

Halide tuning in derivative organic–inorganic perovskites, MAPb(Br1-xClx)3 (x = 0–1): exploring structural, optical and vibrational characteristics

Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites (OIMHP’s), particularly CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br, Cl) and their derivatives shows favorable properties for energy harvesting such as high absorption coefficients, adjustable band gaps, and low charge recombination rate. The structure and hence nature of bonding between different atoms of these perovskites is known to affect their properties significantly. Tuning of band gap can be achieved in these systems with the help of compositional variation. These systems are studied extensively in the single halide compositions (MAPbI3, MAPbBr3 and MAPbCl3); while, their derivatives seem to have gained less attention though being important for various applications. So, in this work, halide tuning is achieved in derivative perovskite, MAPb(Br1-xClx)3 (x = 0 to 1) and further studied for structural and optical properties along with vibrational properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy techniques, respectively. A decrease in the lattice parameter is observed as the Chlorine content increases in the MAPb(Br1-xClx)3 (x = 0 to 1) perovskite. The substitution of Chlorine with Bromine also results in significant increase in the band gap value. In contrast to previous reports, it was clearly observed that the Urbach energy strongly depends on the composition. For the first time, appearance of two features for torsional mode of methylammonium (MA) is discussed even at room temperature, indicative of disorder. It is observed that although the band gap tuning is achieved with the help of halide mixing (Br and Cl), it is also found to introduce disorder in the intermediate compositions; while, the stability increases toward Chlorine compositions. Interestingly, the information of disorder is found to be contained in both the global as well as local measurements which opens up new pathways for studying these materials. This study will lay down a pathway for better understanding of key properties of these hybrid mix halide perovskites which are promising material for futuristic energy applications.

Artificial Intelligence in The Management of Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by a gradual but irreversible loss of neurological function. The ability to detect and treat these conditions successfully is crucial for ensuring the best possible quality of life for people who suffer from them. The development of effective new methods for managing and treating neurodegenerative illnesses has been made possible by recent developments in computer technology. In this overview, we take a look at the prospects for applying computational approaches, such as drug design, AI, ML, and DL, to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. To review the current state of the field, this article discusses the potential of computational methods for early disease detection, quantifying disease progression, and understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the challenges associated with these approaches and potential future directions. Moreover, it delves into the creation of computational models for the individualization of care for neurodegenerative diseases. The article concludes with suggestions for future studies and clinical applications, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of using computational techniques in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Valorization of Jatropha curcas plant leaves for Bioplasticizer: synthesis and comprehensive characterization for futuristic applications

Valorization of Jatropha curcas plant leaves for Bioplasticizer: synthesis and comprehensive characterization for futuristic applications

Hydrogen Revolution in Europe: Bibliometric Review of Industrial Hydrogen Applications for a Sustainable Future

Hydrogen Revolution in Europe: Bibliometric Review of Industrial Hydrogen Applications for a Sustainable Future

A high-performance sub-THz planar antenna array for THz sensing and imaging applications

Terahertz (THz) spectral region from 0.1 to 3 THz is envisaged to hold immense potential in the next generation of wireless technologies. Recently, research has focused on this terahertz gap, because of its unprecedented channel capacities. At the physical layer, the design complexities and fabrication of THz devices, especially antennas are the prime bottlenecks to realize its full potential. This article introduces a cost-effective, easy-to-fabricate, and reproducible sub-THz antenna design based on a single-layer planar printed circuit board technology. The antenna incorporates carefully designed quasi-cross slots and applied machine learning-assisted global optimization techniques to achieve the desired performance metrics. The antenna performance is elucidated through numerical simulations and verified through a rigorous in-house THz experimental framework around 100–110 GHz. The proposed antenna offers a peak gain of 13.90 dBi with less than 1 dB variation within the entire band of 100–110 GHz. The antenna holds the potential to achieve terabits per second data rates and futuristic high-resolution short-range THz imaging applications.

Impact of Alternating-Current Operation on All-Inorganic Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes.

In colloidal quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs), replacing organic hole transport layers (HTLs) with their inorganic counterparts is expected to yield distinct advantages due to their inherent material robustness. However, despite the promising characteristics of all-inorganic QD-LEDs, some challenges persist in achieving stable operation; for example, the electron overflow toward the inorganic HTL and charge accumulation within working devices return a temporal inconsistency in device characteristics. To address these challenges, we propose an operational approach that employs an alternating-current (AC) in all-inorganic QD-LEDs. We carry out comprehensive studies on the optoelectrical characteristics of all-inorganic QD-LEDs under direct-current (DC) or AC operation and demonstrate that AC operation can facilitate efficient charge carrier recombination within the QD emissive layer, leading to improved device efficiency and temporally invariant optoelectronic characteristics. Leveraging the intrinsic material robustness of inorganic charge transport layers (CTLs), our current study suggests a promising pathway toward enhancing the performance and stability of QD-LEDs, particularly for futuristic display applications.

Beyond Conventional Catalysts: Monoelemental Tellurium as a Game Changer for Piezo-Driven Hydrogen Evolution.

The increasing demand for clean hydrogen production over fossil fuels necessitates the development of sustainable piezoelectrochemical methods that can overcome the limitations of conventional electrocatalytic and photocatalytic approaches. In this regard, existing piezocatalysts face challenges related to their low piezoelectricity or active site coverage for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Driven by global environmental concerns, there is a compelling push to engineer practical materials for highly efficient HER. Herein, monoelemental 2D tellurium (Te) is presented as a class of layered chalcogenide with a non-centrosymmetric crystal structure (P3121 space group). The refined Te nanosheets demonstrate an unprecedented highly efficient H2 production rate ≈9000µmolg-1h-1 under ultrasonic mechanical vibration due to built-in piezo-potential in the system. The remarkable piezocatalytic performance of Te nanosheets arises from a synergistic interplay between their semi-metallic nature, favorable free energy landscape, enhanced electrical conductivity and outstanding piezoelectricity. As a proof of concept, the theoretical approach based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) validates the findings due to the gradual exposure of active sites on the Te nanosheets leading to a self-optimized catalytic performance for hydrogen generation. Therefore, mechanically driven Te emerges as a promising piezocatalyst with the potential to revolutionize highly efficient and sustainable technology for futuristic applications.

Ti‐Doped ZnO Thin Films‐Based Transparent Photovoltaic for High‐Performance Broadband and Wide‐Field‐of‐View Photocommunication Window

Transparent photovoltaics (TPVs) are crucial for developing next‐generation see‐through electronics. However, TPV devices (TPVDs) require wide‐bandgap materials that are typically only responsive to short wavelength (ultraviolet, UV) lights rather than visible lights. Is it possible to improve the TPV performance by harvesting the longer wavelength lights without degradation of transparency? It may be satisfied with the function of intermediate energy states, which can utilize the lower photon energy (longer wavelength light) by a two‐step transition. To achieve this, co‐sputtered Ti‐doped ZnO (Ti:ZnO) film‐based high‐performance TPVDs have been developed. Density functional theory analysis revealed the formation of intermediate energy states due to the hybridization of O 2p and Ti 3d orbitals in the Ti:ZnO system. The Ti:ZnO‐based TPVDs show 65% average visible transparency with a power production value of 655 μW cm−2. These devices exhibit good photodetection behavior under UV to visible illuminations with high responsivity and detectivity values of 1.85 A W−1 and 2.5 × 1013 Jones, respectively. Finally, a high‐performance UV to visible broadband and wide‐field‐of‐view photocommunication system is designed based on the TPVDs to generate the fast Morse code signal. Therefore, Ti doping in ZnO provides a good way to improve the device's functionality for futuristic applications.

Deep-Learning-Based Simulation and Inversion of Transient Electromagnetic Sounding Signals in Permafrost Monitoring Problem

Abstract —This article presents a novel approach to addressing the challenges in permafrost monitoring through the integration of deep-learning techniques with conventional electromagnetic sounding methods. Our methodology comprises a forward finite element method (FEM) solver, augmented with the Sumudu transform, and an artificial neural network (ANN) solver trained on FEM-generated data. Remarkably, the ANN solver demonstrates similar accuracy to the FEM solver but operates at a superior speed that is nearly 10,000 times faster. Furthermore, we introduce an inverse problem solution drawing on the PARS algorithm. In addition, we present an ANN-based inverse solver, where the input and output roles are inverted. The ANN inverse solver is trained on the same data, thereby offering an alternative approach to solving the inverse problem. In a computational experiment, we compare the numerical inversion results using the PARS algorithm with those obtained from the ANN forward solver, ANN inversion, and a linear combination of these solutions. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the effectiveness of our deep-learning-based approach in permafrost monitoring, providing insights for future applications in geophysics and environmental science.

Exploring the dynamics of ISR signaling in maize upon seed priming with plant growth promoting actinobacteria isolated from tea rhizosphere of Darjeeling.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer an eco-friendly alternative to agrochemicals for better plant growth and development. Here, we evaluated the plant growth promotion abilities of actinobacteria isolated from the tea (Camellia sinensis) rhizosphere of Darjeeling, India. 16S rRNA gene ribotyping of 28 isolates demonstrated the presence of nine different culturable actinobacterial genera. Assessment of the in vitro PGP traits revealed that Micrococcus sp. AB420 exhibited the highest level of phosphate solubilization (i.e., 445 ± 2.1µg/ml), whereas Kocuria sp. AB429 and Brachybacterium sp. AB440 showed the highest level of siderophore (25.8 ± 0.1%) and IAA production (101.4 ± 0.5µg/ml), respectively. Biopriming of maize seeds with the individual actinobacterial isolate revealed statistically significant growth in the treated plants compared to controls. Among them, treatment with Paenarthrobacter sp. AB416 and Brachybacterium sp. AB439 exhibited the highest shoot and root length. Biopriming has also triggered significant enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative defense reactions in maize seedlings both locally and systematically, providing a critical insight into their possible role in the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) burden. To better understand the role of actinobacterial isolates in the modulation of plant defense, three selected actinobacterial isolates, AB426 (Brevibacterium sp.), AB427 (Streptomyces sp.), and AB440 (Brachybacterium sp.) were employed to evaluate the dynamics of induced systemic resistance (ISR) in maize. The expression profile of five key genes involved in SA and JA pathways revealed that bio-priming with actinobacteria (Brevibacterium sp. AB426 and Brachybacterium sp. AB440) preferably modulates the JA pathway rather than the SA pathway. The infection studies in bio-primed maize plants resulted in a delay in disease progression by the biotrophic pathogen Ustilago maydis in infected maize plants, suggesting the positive efficacy of bio-priming in aiding plants to cope with biotic stress. Conclusively, this study unravels the intrinsic mechanisms of PGPR-mediated ISR dynamics in bio-primed plants, offering a futuristic application of these microorganisms in the agricultural fields as an eco-friendly alternative.

3D printed electret as self-powered wearable sensor and futuristic implementation for on-spot bone injury

The importance of wearable pressure sensors extends to the progress of modern society and personal healthcare. The utility of currently available self-powered sensors is restricted in complex areas due to their limited geometrical configurations. In this study, an electret composed of polylactic acid (PLA) has been developed by 3D printing technology, where the pressure sensors with the desired complicated structure are possible to design. We demonstrate that the 3D-printed electret-based pressure sensor (3D-EPS) exhibits outstanding sensitivity (∼178 mV/kPa) with ultrafast response time (6 ms). It enables the capture of the biomechanical signals from different parts of bone-joint motions, which could be utterly suitable for monitoring injury recovery. We show that if the electret structure is printed as a shoe sole shape, then it generates 65 V of open circuit voltage and 12 μA of short circuit current during the human running action, indicating to use as an effective wearable energy harvester. It is also capable of detecting different motion and foot pressure distributions, which makes it a potential candidate as a wearable biomedical sensor. To demonstrate its futuristic potential applications in patient-specific bone damage recovery monitoring, the feasibilities of electrets with commonly desired structures have been shown to print.

Optical solitons for the Hirota–Ramani equation via improved G′G-expansion method

In this work, first it is shown that the Hirota–Ramani equation, which governs the nonlinear propagation of coupled Langmuir and dust-acoustec wave in a multicomponent dusty plasma, possesses kinds of wave profile such as singular periodic profile, periodic profile, singular soliton profile, M-shape rational profile, bright soliton profile, kink profile in the form of the trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational solutions. With the aid of symbolic computation, we select the Hirota–Ramani equation with a source to investigate the validity and advantage of the improved [Formula: see text]-expansion method and construct some frames of the 3D profiles and the contour profiles to the equation along with the 2D profiles of some solutions to understand the traveling wave dynamics. Following the selection of appropriate values for the associated parameters, more generalized solutions are provided, along with certain patterns in the solutions that are examined. This improved method is effective, concise, reliable, and can be applied for further futuristic applications.

Electro-assisted sorption behavior and mechanism of low-concentration rare earth elements on carbon based materials

With increasing demands for rare earth elements (REEs) in high-tech and futuristic applications, developing efficient methods for recovering low-concentration REEs is necessary. Here, electro-assisted sorption of low-concentration REEs, La(III), Gd(III) and Y(III) (as symbol of light, medium, and heavy REEs) on carbon-based materials, activated carbon (AC), graphene, and graphite by a facile method was reported. Recovery of La(III), Gd(III) and Y(III) could reach ∼100 % under low-concentration condition where the maximum adsorption capacity was up to 342.38 mg/(g·dm2). Variants including applied voltage, electrodes-distance, pH, impurities, and concentration were considered to study the effects on REEs recovery. Interestingly, adsorption capacity and recovery under low voltage were respectively almost 20 and 14 folds than that without voltage, because voltage promoted REEs transfer and strengthened electrostatic interaction between electrodes and REEs. The mechanism for enhancing REEs recovery on carbon-based electrodes was resulted from high electric double layer (EDL) capacitance and low charge transfer resistance. Total desorption of REEs from electrodes could be quickly realized using NH4Cl or HCl solution. Overall, the study gave a new insight of low-concentration REEs recovery using carbon-based materials, and provided an efficient route using electric method with porous materials for REEs recovery.

Impact of temperature and humidity conditions as abiotic stressors on the phytochemical fingerprint of oat (Avena sativa L.) sprouts

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature (20, 25, and 30 °C) and relative humidity (RH, 50, 55, and 60 %) as abiotic stressors during oat (Avena sativa L.) germination using a 2-level factorial design with central point. UPLC-QToF-MSE identified eighty polyphenols, nine avenanthramides, twelve lignans, and five phytosterols Notably, 100 % germination was achieved at 25 °C/60 % RH from day 3, yielding the longest radicle size. The highest content of most phenolic acids, avenanthramides, and lignans occurred at 30 °C/65 % RH, where 100 % germination was attained by day 5, but with a shorter radicle size. The best flavonoid and phytosterol profle was obtained at 20 °C/55 % RH, achieving only a 67 % germination rate. Therefore, while these conditions enhance the bioactive compound profile, the associate decrease in germination metrics suggests potential distress effects. Consideration of both photochemical outcomes and germination yield is crucial for comprehensive assessments in future applications.