Heterogeneity Of Defects Research Articles

Modulation of two-dimensional Pt-based intermetallic nanoplates for fuel cells

Recently, ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) noble-metal-based nanomaterials have gained a lot of attention due to their interesting physicochemical properties and widespread promising applications. In particular, 2D Pt-based intermetallic nanoplates (IMNPs) have been widely studied in cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), anodic methanol, formic acid, and ethanol oxidation reactions (MOR, FAOR, and EOR) of fuel cells (FCs). In this article, we first give a fundamental understanding of the FCs. Subsequently, several modulation strategies for 2D Pt-based IMNPs including alloying, doping, facet engineering, heterogeneous structure construction, defect and interface engineering, as well as their applications in ORR, MOR, FAOR, and EOR are briefly summarized. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and give our perspectives on the synthesis of high-performance 2D Pt-based IMNPs toward FCs.

Heterogeneous structure and defect engineering mutual coupling of NiCoP@NiCo-LDH for high-performance supercapacitors

For hybrid supercapacitors, electrode materials possessing rational cation vacancy heterostructures are crucial in enhancing energy density and conductivity. Herein, we propose a facile strategy to synthesize defective NiCoP@NiCo-LDH (v-NPC-LDH) heterostructures with nanosheets-covered microspheres by two-step electrodeposition, and N-methylpyrrolidone solvent heat treatment. In combination with electrochemical tests and density functional theory (DFT), which clarifies that the charge redistribution generated at the heterogeneous interface facilitates charge transport. In particular, the presence of nickel and cobalt vacancies greatly increases the intrinsic electronic conductivity of NiCo-LDH and promotes the charge storage process. In a three-electrode system, the v-NPC-LDH electrode displays a conspicuously great specific charge of 1110 C g−1, and the specific capacity of v-NPC-LDH electrode material is 85.4 % after 10,000 cycles at 20 A g−1. In addition, the hybrid supercapacitor v-NPC-LDH//AC achieves a high energy density (94.44 Wh kg−1) at a power density of 850 W kg−1. Specifically, two series-connected v-NPC-LDH//AC HSCs can light up LED lamps for 10 min, which indicates their potential application.

PLS3 missense variants affecting the actin-binding domains cause X-linked congenital diaphragmatic hernia and body-wall defects

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a relatively common and genetically heterogeneous structural birth defect associated with high mortality and morbidity. We describe eight unrelated families with an X-linked condition characterized by diaphragm defects, variable anterior body-wall anomalies, and/or facial dysmorphism. Using linkage analysis and exome or genome sequencing, we found that missense variants in plastin 3 (PLS3), a gene encoding an actin bundling protein, co-segregate with disease in all families. Loss-of-function variants in PLS3 have been previously associated with X-linked osteoporosis (MIM: 300910), so we used in silico protein modeling and a mouse model to address these seemingly disparate clinical phenotypes. The missense variants in individuals with CDH are located within the actin-binding domains of the protein but are not predicted to affect protein structure, whereas the variants in individuals with osteoporosis are predicted to result in loss of function. A mouse knockin model of a variant identified in one of the CDH-affected families, c.1497G>C (p.Trp499Cys), shows partial perinatal lethality and recapitulates the key findings of the human phenotype, including diaphragm and abdominal-wall defects. Both the mouse model and one adult human male with a CDH-associated PLS3 variant were observed to have increased rather than decreased bone mineral density. Together, these clinical and functional data in humans and mice reveal that specific missense variants affecting the actin-binding domains of PLS3 might have a gain-of-function effect and cause a Mendelian congenital disorder.

Synchrotron X‐ray multiscale tomography: Visualization of heterogeneous microstructures and defects in ceramics

AbstractSynchrotron X‐ray multiscale tomography is a three‐dimensional (3D) imaging method that combines microtomography and nanotomography to perform a high spatial resolution measurement with a wide field of view. We show how this method can be used to track the 3D microstructural evolution at multiple length scales in powder processing, sintering, and microfracture of ceramics. Heterogeneity, complexity, diversity, and hierarchical structure of powder compact lead to various types of defects that control the quality, reliability, and lifetime of products. The elimination and formation of defects are affected by applied stress in spark plasma sintering and by internal stresses generated during differential sintering and constrained sintering. The complex subsurface crack system induced by Vickers indentation demonstrates how heterogeneous microstructures control the toughening mechanisms.

A Hybrid Approach to Rock Pre-conditioning Using Non-explosive Demolition Agents and Hydraulic Stimulation

This study presents a novel approach to rock pre-conditioning to promote the sustainability of low-grade ore mining applications such as in-situ recovery and cave mining. The proposed method involves a two-stage hybrid approach, utilizing soundless cracking demolition agents (SCDAs) to initiate radial fractures in a predrilled host rock, followed by hydraulic stimulation to extend the fractures. SCDA injection in the first stage creates multiple radial fractures around the injection well. However, the extent of fractures is limited to the near vicinity of the injection well. To overcome this limitation, the second stage involves the application of hydraulic stimulation to extend the initiated fractures, which produces a greater fracture density compared to pure hydraulic stimulation. The concept was assessed using a fully coupled hydro-mechanical discrete element model that simulated the hybrid fracturing method on crystalline rock at the grain scale. The results indicate that the proposed method can create a high density of fractures around the injection well. Additionally, we identify and evaluate the key factors affecting the performance of the proposed method, including rock mass heterogeneity, stress anisotropy, and pre-existing defects, providing valuable insights for further experimental design and execution. Overall, the study offers promising results for a potential solution to enhance the efficiency of low-grade ore mining through the hybrid rock pre-conditioning method.

Defect engineering the electronic and optoelectronic properties of heterostructure of MoSSe/PbS (111)

The structural, electronic and optical properties of MoSSe, PbS (111) and MoSSe/PbS (111) have been studied by the first-principles calculations, and the effect of VS on electronic and optical properties of MoSSe/PbS (111). When PbS (111) is stacked on MoSSe, an internal electric field and ohmic contact are formed at interlayer, and exhibited metal property. Compared with MoSSe and PbS (111) monolayer, MoSSe/PbS (111) heterostructure has higher absorption coefficients. Further analysis shows that this can be attributed to the orbital hybridization between the heterostructure layers. When VS is introduced, spin splitting occurs, making the spin-down channel below the Fermi level and inducing half-metallicity. What’s more, Vs MoSSe/PbS (111) still performances better optical absorption coefficient. Based on these findings, the heterogeneous structures and defects not only affect the electronic properties, but also can be used as an effective method to regulate the electrical and optical properties, providing useful theoretical guidance for further experimental studies.

Multi-Source Heterogeneous Kernel Mapping in Software Defect Prediction

Heterogeneous defect prediction (HDP) is a significant research topic in cross-project defect prediction (CPDP), due to the inconsistency of metrics used between source and target projects. While most HDP methods aim to improve the performance of models trained on data from one source project, few studies have investigated how the number of source projects affects predictive performance. In this paper, we propose a new multi-source heterogeneous kernel mapping (MSHKM) algorithm to analyze the effects of different numbers of source projects on prediction results. First, we introduce two strategies based on MSHKM for multi-source HDP. To determine the impact of the number of source projects on the predictive performance of the model, we regularly vary the number of source projects in each strategy. Then, we compare the proposed MSHKM with state-of-the-art HDP methods and within-project defect prediction (WPDP) methods, in terms of three common performance measures, using 28 data sets from five widely used projects. Our results demonstrate that, (1) in the multi-source HDP scenario, strategy 2 outperforms strategy 1; (2) for MSHKM, a lower number of source projects leads to better results and performance under strategy 1, while n = 4 is the optimal number under strategy 2; (3) MSHKM performs better than related state-of-the-art HDP methods; and (4) MSHKM outperforms WPDP. In summary, our proposed MSHKM algorithm provides a promising solution for heterogeneous cross-project defect prediction, and our findings suggest that the number of source projects should be carefully selected to achieve optimal predictive performance.

A novel de novo TP63 mutation in whole-exome sequencing of a Syrian family with Oral cleft and ectrodactyly.

Oral clefts and ectrodactyly are common, heterogeneous birth defects. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis in a Syrian family. The proband presented with both orofacial clefting and ectrodactyly but not ectodermal dysplasia as typically seen in ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleft lip/palate syndrome-3. A paternal uncle with only an oral cleft was deceased and unavailable for analysis. Variant annotation, Mendelian inconsistencies, and novel variants in known cleft genes were examined. Candidate variants were validated using Sanger sequencing, and pathogenicity assessed by knocking out the tp63 gene in zebrafish to evaluate its role during zebrafish development. Twenty-eight candidate de novo events were identified, one of which is in a known oral cleft and ectrodactyly gene, TP63 (c.956G > T, p.Arg319Leu), and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. TP63 mutations are associated with multiple autosomal dominant orofacial clefting and limb malformation disorders. The p.Arg319Leu mutation seen in this patient is de novo but also novel. Two known mutations in the same codon (c.956G > A, p.(Arg319His; rs121908839, c.955C > T), p.Arg319Cys) cause ectrodactyly, providing evidence that mutating this codon is deleterious. While this TP63 mutation is the best candidate for the patient's clinical presentation, whether it is responsible for the entire phenotype is unclear. Generation and characterization of tp63 knockout zebrafish showed necrosis and rupture of the head at 3 days post-fertilization (dpf). The embryonic phenotype could not be rescued by injection of zebrafish or human messenger RNA (mRNA). Further functional analysis is needed to determine what proportion of the phenotype is due to this mutation.

Study on the Reliability of X-ray Detection of Dissimilar Metal Welded Joints

Different steel welding joints are widely used in special equipment and often bear the role of high temperature and high pressure, and corrosive media. Because dissimilar steel welded joints are prone to residual stress and defects during welding, cracks may occur during use. Due to the tissue structure of heterogeneous steel and austenite, ultrasonic detection and surface detection methods are poor. This paper puts forward the ray detection method, including artificial defects, using the ray detection method. Detection results show that the heterogeneous steel welding joint internal defects and that the ray detection method has a good detection effect.

A deep learning approach to inverse scattering analyses: Recovering interfacial defects in laminated structures

We propose a deep learning (DL) regression strategy to solve inverse acoustic scattering problems. This strategy is capable of recovering heterogeneous defect fields in any interface and direction of composite laminates. The training procedure of the neural network (NN) model uses stochastic Gaussian fields as output, which are related to interfacial damage fields of the physical problem. We assume prior knowledge of the material properties of the ultrasound incident field and the elastic layers’ properties. Furthermore, we model the interfaces using the Quasi-Static-Approximation, a method that generates position-dependent interfacial stiffness matrices, composed of a set of uncoupled normal and tangential springs. We validate our approach and evaluate its performance for noisy input data and reduced-order models. Additionally, we also consider model errors at the composite interfaces. The obtained results show that the presented method is promising due to its generalization capability in recovering different defect field profiles, its robustness in relation to noisy data and model errors and its low computational cost, once the DL model is trained, in comparison to traditional inverse approaches (iterative).

Constructing FeCo@C core-shell structure with strong polarization behavior towards excellent microwave absorption performance

In this study, the electromagnetic wave absorption properties of derivatives of metal-organic frameworks (Prussian blue analogues) were investigated. Here, we use the co-precipitation method to combine metal ions (Mn2+, Ni2+, Co2+) with potassium ferricyanide to obtain cubic precursors. Subsequently, a series of carbon-coated bimetallic alloy absorbers with a core-shell structure were obtained by pyrolysis in a vacuum thermal environment. Moreover, the effect of temperature on the structure and electromagnetic absorption properties of FeCo@C was further explored. FeCo@C-600 achieves an effective bandwidth of 5.63 GHz at a thickness of 1.8 mm, and the minimum reflection loss is as high as −66.69 dB. Its best microwave absorption performance comes from the polarization sites provided by the abundant heterogeneous planes and defects, enabling it to obtain enhanced polarization loss. The final results show that the method of optimizing performance by enriching polarization methods can provide a new idea for obtaining high-efficiency absorbing materials with thin thickness and wide frequency coverage.

Abstract P3-05-33: High expression of MiR-99b in breast cancer is associated with cell proliferation signaling and worse patient survivals in breast cancer

Abstract Background: MicroRNA (miR) is single stranded RNA which regulates the gene expression epigenetically by inhibiting the mRNA translation as well as promoting mRNA degradation. MiR-99b is known as a regulator of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and was reported as both onco-miR that promote cell proliferation and tumor suppressor-miR in multiple cancers. We hypothesized that there is a complex interaction between miR-99b and cancer signaling pathways as well as tumor microenvironment, which may influence outcomes. Methods: We studied the clinical relevance of miR-99b expression by performing in silico analyses of 1,961 breast cancer patients using two independent large cohorts; METABRIC and TCGA. Results: We found that high miR-99b breast cancer enriched MTORC1 signaling gene set (normalized enrichment score (NES)>1.50 in both cohorts), but not epithelial mesenchymal transition, NF-kB, nor TGF-β signaling gene sets (all false discovery rate (FDR)>0.40). High miR-99b breast cancer was significantly associated with high rates of mutation scores; silent- and non-silent-mutation rate, fraction altered, single-nucleotide variant neoantigens, as well as intratumor heterogeneity and homologous recombination defects. MiR-99b high tumors also enriched several cell proliferation-related gene sets; E2F targets, G2M checkpoint, and Mitotic spindle signaling, and was significantly associated with pathological grade, but not with subtype nor AJCC stage. High miR-99b breast cancer was significantly associated with low fraction of several stromal cells, including adipocytes cells, keratinocytes cells, and lymphatic endothelial cells in tumor microenvironment (all p< 0.001). On the other hand, miR-99b expression was not associated with immune function nor immune cell infiltration in breast cancer, except for dendritic cells (p=0.006 and 0.020, respectively). Finally, breast cancer with high miR-99b expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR)=1.23 (p< 0.001) and 1.26 (p=0.027), respectively) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR=1.28 (p< 0.001) and 1.39 (p=0.022), respectively), particularly DSS for ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer (HR=1.29 (p< 0.001) and 1.82 (p=0.017), respectively), consistently in two cohorts. In conclusion, we found that high miR-99b expressing breast cancer was significantly associated with not only MTORC1 but also cell proliferation and worse patient outcomes particularly in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. Citation Format: Masanori Oshi, Yoshihisa Tokumaru, Nobuhiko Sugito, Mahato Sasamoto, Rongrong Wu, Li Yan, Akimitsu Yamada, Takashi Ishikawa, Itaru Endo, Kazuaki Takabe. High expression of MiR-99b in breast cancer is associated with cell proliferation signaling and worse patient survivals in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-33.

A Data Transfer and Relevant Metrics Matching Based Approach for Heterogeneous Defect Prediction

Heterogeneous defect prediction (HDP) is a promising research area in the software defect prediction domain to handle the unavailability of the past homogeneous data. In HDP, the prediction is performed using source dataset in which the independent features (metrics) are entirely different than the independent features of target dataset. One important assumption in machine learning is that independent features of the source and target datasets should be relevant to each other for better prediction accuracy. However, these assumptions do not generally hold in HDP. Further in HDP, the selected source dataset for a given target dataset may be of small size causing insufficient training. To resolve these issues, we have proposed a novel heterogeneous data preprocessing method, namely, Transfer of Data from Target dataset to Source dataset selected using Relevance score (TDTSR), for heterogeneous defect prediction. In the proposed approach, we have used chi-square test to select the relevant metrics between source and target datasets and have performed experiments using proposed approach with various machine learning algorithms. Our proposed method shows an improvement of at least 14% in terms of AUC score in the HDP scenario compared to the existing state of the art models.

Impact toughness and fractography of diverse microstructure in Al-Cu alloy fabricated by arc-directed energy deposition

To investigate the effects of heterogeneous microstructure, precipitates, and pore defects on dynamic impact toughness of Al-Cu alloy fabricated by arc-directed energy deposition (Arc-DED). Samples with diverse microstructures were prepared by adjusting the forming parameters, namely air cooling (AC), water cooling (WC), and the post-treatment, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), and heat treatment (T6) samples. The impact fracture behavior of samples with Charpy V-notched was studied by an instrumented drop hammer impact testing machine which can provide a load-displacement curve. The important load parameters and the absorbed energy at different stages can be determined by the load-displacement curve. The results show that the impact absorbed energy of the AC/WC/HIP/T6 sample was 1.33 ± 0.20, 1.96 ± 0.26, 1.91 ± 0.18, and 2.54 ± 0.21 J, respectively. The impact fracture mechanism was discussed as the corresponding fractographic observations. Brittle fractures with inhomogeneous dimples were observed in all the samples. The key determinant of the impact toughness was the block-shaped brittle θ phase that precipitated along the grain boundaries and pore defects. The equiaxed/columnar heterogeneous microstructure affects not only the coordinated deformation ability of grains but also the distribution of brittle θ phases. Therefore, compared with the AC sample, the impact toughness of the WC sample with a low-volume fraction θ phase, the HIP sample with low porosity, and the T6 sample with a large amount of ductile θ″/θ' phases was significantly improved. This study provides valuable insights for improving the dynamic impact resistance of Arc-DED fabricated Al-Cu alloy.

Identification of novel missense mutation related with non-syndromic sensorineural deafness, DFNA11 in korean family by NGS.

Hereditary hearing loss is one of the most common genetically heterogeneous defects in human. About 70% of hereditary hearing loss is defined as non-syndromic hearing loss showing loss of hearing ability without any other symptoms. Up to date, the identified genes associated with non-syndromic hearing loss are 128, including 52 genes for DFNA and 76 genes for DFNB. Because of high levels of heterogeneity, it is difficult to identify the causative factors for hearing loss using Sanger sequencing. Our aim was to detect causative factors and investigate pathogenic mutations, which co-segregates within the candidate family. We used Next Generation Sequencing technique to investigate whole-exome sequences of a Korean family with non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss. The family showed autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. We identified a novel missense variation, c.1978G > A in MYO7A gene, in the family with the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. c.1978G > A produced Gly660Arg in the motor head domain of Myosin VIIA disrupt the ATP- and actin-binding motif function. This study is the first to report pathogenic mutations within MYO7A gene in Korean family and our data would facilitate diagnosing the primary cause of hereditary hearing loss in Korean.

Addressing Noise and Class Imbalance Problems in Heterogeneous Cross-Project Defect Prediction

When a software project either lacks adequate historical data to build a defect prediction (DP) model or is in the initial phases of development, the DP model based on related source project's defect data might be used. This kind of SDP is categorized as heterogeneous cross-project defect prediction (HCPDP). According to a comprehensive literature review, no research has been done in the field of CPDP to deal with noise and class imbalance problem (CIP) at the same time. In this paper, the impact of noise and imbalanced data on the efficiency of the HCPDP and with-in project defect prediction (WPDP) model is examined empirically and conceptually using four different classification algorithms. In addition, CIP is handled using a novel technique known as chunk balancing algorithm (CBA). Ten prediction combinations from three open-source projects are used in the experimental investigation. The findings show that noise in an imbalanced dataset has a significant impact on defect prediction accuracy.

Postburn breast reconstruction: a scoping review.

Postburn breast deformities pose functional and aesthetic concerns for burn patients, particularly when injury occurs before puberty, as normal breast development may be hindered. Postburn breast reconstruction aims at restoration of native anatomic features, as well as re-establishment of symmetry. The objectives of this scoping review are to map the literature on scar management and breast reconstruction, highlighting strategies that are particular to postburn deformities, as well as to establish optimal timing principles. A comprehensive search of the English literature across MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, including the grey literature, was conducted. Literature of all study designs were eligible, provided it discussed the treatment of postburn breast deformities. A total of 64 studies were included. The most common study design was case series (58%) followed by retrospective cohorts (28%). Scar contracture release with split thickness skin grafts (26%) and various techniques for nipple-areola reconstruction (22%) were the most common reconstructive procedures. Scar contracture releases predominate when there is normal breast development under a contracted skin envelope, and should be performed as soon as breast mound development is restricted. Surgical techniques widely used for postmastectomy reconstruction are required for patients with amastia or hypoplastic breasts. Given the heterogeneity of defects, availability of donor sites, and patient preference, no standardized guideline is available. Surgeons should combine basic scar management principles with postmastectomy techniques, adapting the surgical approach to features that are particular to thermally injured patients, as well as taking into account ideal timing considerations. Breast deformities secondary to burn scars pose functional and aesthetic concerns for burn patients, particularly when injury occurs before puberty, as normal breast development may be hindered. Postburn breast reconstruction aims at restoration of native anatomic features, as well as re-establishment of symmetry. This literature review aimed at summarizing the available techniques to treat postburn breast deformities, as well as establishing optimal timing guidelines, given these issues may occur at any phase of breast development. When there is breast development under a scarred skin envelope, treatment entails scar contracture release and should be recommended as soon as the diagnosis is established, in order to allow the breast to further develop in an unrestricted manner. When there is absence of breast tissue, surgical techniques widely utilized for breast cancer reconstruction are warranted, and should be delayed until no further breast development is expected. Given the heterogeneity of deformities, availability of donor sites, and patience preference, no standardized guideline is available. Treatment options include several surgical techniques, in addition to non-surgical scar management, and timing considerations must take into account the patient's developmental phase and psychosocial wellness.

Dual passivation of SnO2/Perovskite heterogeneous interfacial defects for efficient perovskite solar cells

The presence of heterogeneous interfacial defects limits the efficiency and long-term stability of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Rational passivation of interfacial defects and reduction of nonradiative recombination at the perovskite active layer are effective ways to achieve efficient PSCs. Here, a heterointerface engineering strategy is presented by employing a multifunctional molecule of reduced l -glutathione (GSH). The introduction of GSH improves the crystallization of SnO 2 , resulting in a continuous and conformal coverage of SnO 2 on the FTO surface. And the GSH buffer layer improves the affinity between SnO 2 and perovskite, resulting in the formation of large grains of perovskite. In addition, GSH bridges the perovskite to SnO 2 through multi-dentate ligands (-COOH, –NH 2 , –CONH–, –HS), which passivates the multiple defects at the heterogeneous interfaces while accelerates the electron transport. As a result, the PCE of the GSH-SnO 2 ETL based PSC significantly increases to 21.66% with no noticeable hysteresis. Meanwhile, compared with the control PSC, the unencapsulated GSH-SnO 2 based PSC exhibits better environmental stability, which maintains more than 80% of its initial PCE after 600 h of placement in atmospheric environment. GSH bridges the perovskite to SnO 2 through multi-dentate ligands, which passivates the multiple defects at the heterogeneous interfaces while accelerates the electron transport. • GSH-SnO 2 has a contiguous and conformal coverage on the FTO substrate. • Multidentate ligands dually passivate various defects at the SnO 2 /perovskite heterogeneous interface. • An electron transport bridge is constructed between SnO 2 and perovskite layer. • The GSH-SnO 2 based PSCs achieve an enhanced PCE of 21.66%.

Heterogeneous Cross-Project Defect Prediction via Optimal Transport

Heterogeneous cross-project defect prediction (HCPDP) aims to learn a prediction model from a heterogeneous source project and then apply the model to a target project. Existing HCPDP works mapped the data of the source and target projects in a common space. However, the pre-defined forms of mapping methods often limit prediction performance and it is difficult to measure the distance between two data instances from different feature spaces. This paper introduced optimal transport (OT) theory for the first time to build the relationship between source and target data distributions, and two prediction algorithms were proposed based on OT theory. In particular, an algorithm based on the entropic Gromov-Wasserstein (EGW) discrepancy was developed to perform the HCPDP model. The proposed EGW model measures the distance between two metric spaces by learning an optimal transfer matrix with the minimum data transfer cost and avoids measuring the distance of two instances of different feature spaces. Then, to improve EGW performance, an EGW+ transport algorithm based on EGW was developed by integrating target labels. Experimental results showed the effectiveness of EGW and EGW+ methods, and proved that our methods can support developers to find the defects in the early phase of software development.

Estimation of the structural ρ parameter for a number of structural materials

In modern conditions, when improving methods for calculating real structure materials and products made of them, it is necessary to take into account their physical and mechanical properties and microstructure as more adequately and thoroughly as possible. All physical materials are characterized by a certain structural heterogeneity (defects and irregularities in the crystal lattice, microcracks, pores, microinclusions, scratches, marks, etc.) The microinhomogeneity of the material structure can be accounted for by a simple and quite effective theory of M. Y. Leonov and K. M. Rusynko [1–3]. According to this theory, a body is called macrohomogeneous in a certain area if mechanical properties of any elementary volume conditionally cut out of the specified area are the same. According to this model, a solid is considered as a continuous medium, around each point of which a minimum volume V0 can be identified that still has (based on statistical data) mechanical properties determined in conventional studies of macro-bodies. For this volume V0, a sphere of radius ρ is chosen, which is taken as a structural parameter of the material. The paper presents a simplified method for determining the structural parameter ρ for a number of structural materials.