Macroscopic Investigation Research Articles

Macroscopic and microscopic investigations of determining elasto-mechanical properties of limequat fruit.

Given the paramount importance of agricultural products in global health and food security, and the increasing consumer demand, understanding the mechanical behavior of these materials under various conditions is necessary yet challenging. Due to their heterogeneous and non-uniform nature, determining their mechanical behavior is complex. This study employs atomic force microscopy (AFM) to determine the modulus of elasticity of limequat fruit at the microscopic scale and compares it with macroscopic methods. The analyses revealed a statistically significant difference (at the 1% level) in the mechanical behavior determined at the macroscopic scale. The highest modulus of elasticity, 0.752 MPa, was observed using Hertz's theory under complete placement between two parallel planes. The lowest, 0.059 MPa, was noted when a spherical probe compressed a rectangular sample. The average modulus of elasticity of the limequat peel was 2.007 MPa. At the microscopic scale, the modulus of elasticity of the fruit tissue ranged from 0.370 to 0.365 MPa, and for the peel, it was 0.246 MPa. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Working principles of this innovative technique were elaborated. The AFM technique used provide elasto-mechanical properties determination of cell walls of single living cells extracted from biological materials on the nanoscale. By combining AFM topographical image and nano-indentation of living fruit cells it will be possible to investigate cells' elasto-mechanical properties. Atomic force microscopy holds great potential for monitoring fruit mechanical properties of biological materials.

ANOTHER STRAND IN THE WEB. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN NEA PAPHOS AND THE REGION OF NORTH‐WESTERN CYPRUS BASED ON AN INTEGRATED INVESTIGATION OF THE MIDDLE AND LATE ROMAN COOKING POTTERY

SummaryThe focus of this paper is the Middle and Late Roman (third–seventh centuries AD) cooking pottery recovered during the excavations at the Agora in Nea Paphos. Macroscopic investigation suggested that a part of this assemblage was imported from north‐western Cyprus. To verify this assumption, selected samples were analysed with thin section petrography and wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. The results of an integrated macroscopic and laboratory analysis indicated the presence of two typologically distinguishable groups characterized by the same fabric. Comparative studies suggest that they were likely produced in the area of Dhiorios located in north‐western Cyprus. It was also noted that the cooking pottery vessels characterized by the same fabric were being imported to Nea Paphos already in the first century AD. The continuity of the production and exportation of the Dhiorios pottery suggests the economic importance of north‐western Cyprus throughout the entire Roman period.

Adsorption of Eu(III) on rutile in the presence of complexing inorganic anions: a combined macroscopic and spectroscopic investigation

Adsorption of Eu(III) on rutile in the presence of complexing inorganic anions: a combined macroscopic and spectroscopic investigation

Synergistically controlled in situ growth of silver nanoparticles leading to organization of anisotropic liquid crystalline medium

ABSTRACT An in-depth macroscopic and microscopic investigation is carried out regarding understanding phase ordering and organisation of nematic phase of a room temperature nematic liquid crystal (NLC) MBBA (N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline) in the presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are synthesised in situ in a single step using MBBA as a template as well as a reducing and stabilising unit. A synergistic effect between anisotropic LC structure and morphologies of AgNPs is observed. The LC-AgNP composite exhibits better thermal stability and phase ordering compared to its neat LC counterpart as indicated by combined study of optical polarization microscopy (OPM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). While OPM study exhibits emergence of smectic mesophase in LC-AgNP composites, DSC manifests significant enhancement in the isotropic temperature and associated enthalpy as well as a change in the kinetic behaviour in LC-AgNP composites compared to neat LC. Also, an alternation in the electronic properties of LC-AgNP composites compared to neat LC is recognised. Such ordering at the macroscopic scale is well supported by our microscopic observations through spectroscopic studies such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) which provides valuable insights regarding understanding the organisation process more closely.

Atomic-Scale Investigation of Electromigration Behavior in Cu-to-Cu Joints at High Current Density

Three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC) packaging offers significant advantages, such as enhanced computational efficiency through greater integration and shorter interconnection distances. The effective interconnection of layers, particularly through redistribution layer (RDL) technology, is crucial for the successful operation of 3D ICs. While copper remains the preferred material for interconnections, often in conjunction with through-silicon via (TSV) technology for chip-to-chip links, the shrinking dimensions of components present challenges. In particular, the reduction in size may lead to elevated current densities in individual joints, giving rise to issues like electromigration (EM) and potential failure. EM-induced atomic migration may lead to the formation of voids in the interconnection. The accumulation of voids to a critical point may result in an open circuit in the joints, significantly impacting the conductor's reliability. This work delves into the micro-scale aspects of these challenges, complementing previous macroscopic investigations. We aim to elucidate the behavioral mechanisms through atomic-scale observations, employing an in-situ high-resolution transmission electron microscope (in-situ HRTEM) to observe atomic-scale images of EM. The insights gained from this work not only contribute to the academic understanding of industry challenges but hold potential applications in real-world manufacturing processes. Fig. 1. (a) Schematic diagram of TEM sample preparation. (b) Cross-sectional HRTEM image of copper bonding. (c, d) TEM images showing voids expansion at bonding interface. Figure 1

Micro- and Macroscopic Analysis of Fatigue Wear of Gear Wheel Top Layer-An Impact Analysis of Thermochemical Treatment.

Today, there are many diagnostic methods and advanced measurement techniques enabling the correct diagnosis and assessment of the type and degree of wear of cogwheels (gears, pumps, etc.). The present study presents an analysis of the surface defects of a cogwheel of an oil pump prototype (3PW-BPF-24). The test object operated for a certain number of hours under controlled operating and environmental parameters. The damage to the surface layer was caused by fatigue phenomena and previous thermo-chemical treatment. On the basis of the significant percentage share (~30%) of residual austenite in the volume of the diffusion layer, a hypothetical conclusion was drawn about the suboptimal parameters of the thermo-chemical treatment process (in relation to the chemical composition of the analyzed pinion). A large number of research studies indicate that the significant presence of residual austenite causes a decrease in tooth surface hardness, the initiation of brittle cracks, a sharp decrease in fatigue strength, an increase in brittleness and a tendency to develop surface layer cracks during operation. High-resolution 3D scans of randomly selected pitting defects were used in the detailed study of the present work. It was indicated that the analysis of the morphology of surface defects allowed some degree of verification of the quality of the heat/chemical treatment. The martensitic transformation of residual austenite under controlled (optimum) repeated heat treatment conditions could significantly improve the durability of the pinion (cogwheel). In the case analyzed, the preferred treatment was the low-temperature treatment. The paper concludes with detailed conclusions based on the microscopic and macroscopic investigations carried out.

Tuberculous spondylitis: Macromorphological and radiological studies on a skeleton from the Late Iron Age monument of Nor Armavir, Armenia

The skeleton in question derives from the Late Iron Age monument of Nor Armavir and was unearthed from burial No. 19. The deceased was buried in an unusual position. In this article, we characterize the pathological bony changes indicative of tuberculous spondylitis. The skeleton was subject to a detailed macroscopic investigation. Besides age at death estimation and sex determination, a careful palaeopathological evaluation was performed on the bone remains. In addition, volumetric (3D) computed tomography was carried out on four lumbar vertebrae (L2–5) to complement the macromorphology-based diagnosis.

Laboratory investigation on physical and mechanical behaviors of granite after heating and different cooling rates

As an important formation of geothermal reservoirs, granite has very complex microstructure and strong heterogeneity which play an important role in the damage and failure mechanical behavior of granite under different temperatures and cooling rates. In order to better understand the influence of microstructure on the multiscale physical and mechanical properties of granite at evaluated temperatures and cooling rates, this paper conducted a series of macroscopic and microscopic experimental investigations on the granite samples after a heating with two cooling rates treatment. The results show that the failure mode changes from brittle to ductile at 400 °C which is the critical temperature for both macroscopic and microscopic properties. The physical and mechanical properties of specimen after air cooling treatment increase at 200 °C due to the transition of macropores into micropores. Transgranular cracks take place in feldspar at 400 °C and numbers of intergranular cracks develop inside all minerals at 500 °C. The number and width of microcracks in water-cooled samples are much greater than those of air-cooled simples. Based on these experimental investigations, a cross-scale characterization method of Young’s modulus is proposed by introducing a thermal damage factor into the Mori–Tanaka method to consider the thermal damage induced by the thermal treatment.

Influence of Biomass-Modified Asphalt Binder on Rutting Resistance

Biomasses are environmentally friendly additives that lower pollution in pavement engineering because of their biodegradability. On the other hand, to build a safe, long-lasting pavement, rutting prevention is crucial. This study provides a comprehensive review of the efficacy of biomass as recyclable materials in reducing rutting and enhancing characteristics of asphalt mixtures. According to findings, the hydrocarbon polymer properties of lignin and biomass ash improve asphalt binder consistency, hardness, and function at high temperatures. The results showed that biochar, due to its solid shape, enhances the stiffness and viscosity of the mixtures. The high-temperature performance of asphalt binder is improved by bioshell waste, which increases rutting parameters. Thus, biomass like ash, lignin, and biochar can increase asphalt binder rheology and rutting resistance due to chemical forces such as Van der Waals and hydrogen ions. The macroscopic and microscopic investigation also shows higher interaction and better adhesion in bioasphalt. However, asphalt binders containing bio-oil exhibited no unique behaviors due to their lubricant impact. Based on the estimation of the life cycle assessment (LCA), it was determined that biomass utilization has the potential to decrease the cost and CO2 emissions of pavement engineering by as much as 10% and more than three times, respectively. An examination of recyclability revealed that biomass utilization can decrease the requirement for additional stabilizers by as much as 20%.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Investigation of Gypsum Slag Cement-Stabilized Recycled Aggregate Base Layers.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the macro and micro properties of stabilized recycled aggregate base layers using gypsum slag cement (GSC) and compare them with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). To achieve this, four levels of recycled aggregate content (0%, 50%, 60%, 70%) and three levels of binder materials (3.5%, 4.5%, 5.5%) were designed, where the binding materials included OPC and GSC. When GSC is used as the binding material with 0% recycled content, two scenarios for the ratio of slag to activator are considered: 4:1 and 4:2. For recycled content of 50%, 60%, and 70%, only the 4:1 ratio is considered. The macro-mechanical properties of the composite material were studied through compaction tests, unconfined compressive strength tests, and indirect tensile strength tests. Microscopic properties were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Macroscopic test results indicate that, at an equal binder content, GSC exhibits a higher moisture content and maximum dry density compared to OPC. Moreover, the unconfined compressive strength and indirect tensile strength of GSC are higher than those of OPC. Microscopic test results reveal that the hydration products of both binding materials are essentially similar; however, under identical curing conditions, the hydration products of GSC are more abundant than those of OPC.

The effect of burning on dental tissue: A macroscopic and microscopic investigation

Teeth are considered unique as fingerprints for identification purposes. Their structure and resilience mean they can remain for thousands and millions of years withstanding extreme conditions, including burning. During burning, bones undergo carbonization at approximately 400°C and calcination at approximately 700°C. This study aimed to investigate the effects of carbonization and calcination on dental tissue. It involved nondestructive analyses of 58 extracted human teeth before and after burning, using x-ray diffraction, micro-CT, and high-resolution confocal microscopy. The results revealed that during carbonization, dentin volume decreased in two thirds of the sample, accompanied by crack formation and significant reduction in hydroxyapatite crystal size (p<0.001). During calcination, dentin volume decreased in all teeth, along with a significant deepening of the cracks (p<0.001), while enamel crystal size increased slightly. Initial changes in teeth occurred at lower temperatures than had once been assumed, as indicated by the cracks during carbonization, and there was up to a 36% decrease in dentin volume during calcination, which should be considered when measuring burnt teeth. The results of this research provide new insight into understanding dental tissue response to burning. Thus, dental remains may contribute to the knowledge needed to reconstruct anthropological and forensic scenarios involving burning.

Investigation of high resistivity [formula omitted]-type FZ silicon diodes after 60Co [formula omitted]-irradiation

In this work, the effects of 60Co γ-ray irradiation on high resistivity p-type diodes have been investigated. The diodes were exposed to dose values of 0.1, 0.2, 1, and 2MGy. Both macroscopic (I–V, C–V) and microscopic investigations, by means of Thermally Stimulated Current (TSC) and Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) techniques, were conducted to characterize the radiation-induced changes. The investigated diodes were manufactured on high resistivity p-type Float Zone (FZ) silicon and were further classified into two types based on the isolation technique between the pad and guard ring: p-stop and p-spray. After irradiation, the macroscopic results of current–voltage and capacitance–voltage measurements were obtained and compared with existing literature data. Additionally, the microscopic measurements focused on the development of the concentration of different radiation-induced defects, including the Boron interstitial-Oxygen interstitial (BiOi) complex, the Carbon interstitial-Oxygen interstitial (CiOi) defect, the H40K, and the so-called IP∗.To investigate the thermal stability of induced defects in the bulk, isochronal annealing studies were performed in the temperature range of 100°C to 300°C. These annealing processes were carried out on diodes irradiated with doses of 1 and 2MGy. Furthermore, in order to investigate the unexpected results observed in the C–V measurements after irradiation with high dose values, the surface conductance between the pad and guard ring was measured as a function of both dose and annealing temperature.

Investigation of the morphological and histological features of the testes of pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in pre-puberty and post-puberty

Background: Morphological and histological examination of the testes can provide a suitable insight into the health of the reproductive system. Aim: The objective of the current study was to investigate the morphological and histological features of the testes of local pigeons (Columba livia domestica) at mature and immature stages of age. Methods: Two groups of collected specimens underwent macroscopic and microscopic investigation to evaluate and compare the main general properties of their testes. Results: The findings indicated that the testis has an oval shape in both pre-puberty and post-puberty stages, situated on the inner side of the kidney towards the caudal extreme of the lungs. However, the left testis was bigger than those on the right side. In the pre-puberty stage group, the testicular parenchyma was small, and almost collapsed seminiferous tubules containing a single layer of Spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In contrast, in the post-puberty stage, the parenchyma space between seminiferous tubules was small, and tubules adhered closely to each other. Also, mature cells including Sertoli, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes were noticed to spread within the tubules. Conclusion: The change in the histological structure of testes before and after maturity may help to evaluate the complexity of the male reproductive system of pigeons and draw attention to the organization of sex hormones and the function of several types of cells within the testes.

Macroscopic and histomorphometry investigation of pancreas in adult local partridge (Francolinus francolinus)

Macroscopic and histomorphometry investigation of pancreas in adult local partridge (Francolinus francolinus)

Comparison of adhesion prevention capabilities of the modified starch powder-based medical devices 4DryField® PH, HaemoCer™ PLUS and StarSil® in the Optimized Peritoneal Adhesion Model.

Background and Objectives: The rat Optimized Peritoneal Adhesion Model (OPAM) was developed to provoke adhesion formation with high reproducibility in incidence and extent. In a recent study, the starch-based hemostats 4DryField PH and Arista AH were tested for their capabilities to prevent adhesion formation, the former one certified for adhesion prevention and hemostasis, the latter one only certified for hemostasis. As two further starch-based hemostats, i.e., HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil, have officially been certified for adhesion prevention in the meantime, the present study was conducted to examine their efficacy. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, all three products were applied as a powder that was mixed in situ with saline solution to form a barrier gel. Adhesions were scored using the established macroscopically scoring systems by Lauder and Hoffmann, as well as histopathologically using the score by Zühlke. Animals receiving saline solution solely served as controls. Results: As previously published, 4DryField PH reduced peritoneal adhesions significantly. In contrast, HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil did not lead to a statistically significant reduction of adhesion formation. When comparing 4DryField PH, HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil, 4DryField PH was significantly more effective in preventing peritoneal adhesions. The results of the macroscopic investigation were confirmed by histopathological evaluations. Conclusions: Only 4DryField PH but neither HaemoCer PLUS nor StarSil were capable to effectively prevent adhesion formation, corroborating the assumption that starch-based hemostats do not generally have the capability to act as effective adhesion prevention devices.

Modelling the intelligence requirements and priorities process: the US response to the Rwandan genocide

ABSTRACT In the US, national security outcomes tend to be categorised as either the responsibility of the intelligence or policy community. Few discuss systemic outcomes emanating from the requirements and priorities (R&P) process, a top-level collaborative effort that determines national security objectives and establishes the means to address them. Here, a holistic model is introduced to examine the R&P process alongside the binary functions of intelligence and policy, and tested against two mandates of the US response to the Rwandan genocide: evacuation of American expats, and broader intervention. Such macroscopic investigations can better identify the root causes of national security outcomes.

SWIR digital holography and imaging through smoke and flames: unveiling the invisible

Since its inception, digital holography has been mainly carried out using visible light but soon various other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum has been fruitfully explored. The Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) region, despite its interesting peculiarities and appealing applications in the imaging field, has not yet been fully investigated in Digital Holography (DH). Here we present a compact and robust SWIR DH setup and demonstrate the peculiar and remarkable advantages offered by SWIR radiation for macroscopic object investigation. In particular, we focus our attention to a specific application, previously demonstrated using Long Wavelength IR DH, that is vision through smoke and flames and demonstrate the great potential of SWIR DH in the field of fire rescue.

Nanoparticles fabricated from the bioactive tilapia scale collagen for wound healing: Experimental approach.

The creation of innovative wound-healing nanomaterials based on natural compounds emerges as a top research goal. This research aimed to create a gel containing collagen nanoparticles and evaluate its therapeutic potential for skin lesions. Collagen nanoparticles were produced from fish scales using desolvation techniques. Using SDS PAGE electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as the structure of the isolated collagen and its similarities to collagen type 1 were identified. The surface morphology of the isolated collagen and its reformulation into nanoparticles were examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A Zeta sizer was used to examine the size, zeta potential, and distribution of the synthesized collagen nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of the nanomaterials was investigated and an experimental model was used to evaluate the wound healing capability. The overall collagen output from Tilapia fish scales was 42%. Electrophoretic patterns revealed that the isolated collagen included a unique protein with chain bands of 126-132 kDa and an elevated beta band of 255 kDa. When compared to the isolated collagen, the collagen nanoparticles' FTIR results revealed a significant drop in the amide II (42% decrease) and amide III (32% decrease) band intensities. According to SEM analysis, the generated collagen nanoparticles ranged in size from 100 to 350 nm, with an average diameter of 182 nm determined by the zeta sizer. The produced collagen nanoparticles were polydispersed in nature and had an equivalent average zeta potential of -17.7 mV. Cytotoxicity study showed that, when treating fibroblast cells with collagen nanoparticle concentrations, very mild morphological alterations were detected after human skin fibroblasts were treated with collagen nanoparticles 32 μg/ml for 24 hours, as higher concentrations of collagen nanoparticles caused cell detachment. Macroscopical and histological investigations proved that the fabricated fish scale collagen nanoparticles promoted the healing process in comparison to the saline group.

"Heal the sick": Health status and caregiving during the 17th-18th century in Northern Italy (St. Biagio cemetery, Ravenna).

The study of health-related care provision in archeology gives important indications on the culture and community organization of past populations. This study aims to assess the health status of the skeletal assemblage recovered from the burial site of St. Biagio (Ravenna, 17th-18th Centuries); next, we identified likely instances of need for and receipt of caregiving in response to the condition, to examine evidence of community attitudes toward disease and disability. The skeletal assemblage is composed of 133 individuals in a generally good state of preservation. Sex and age-at-death were estimated through classical anthropological methods. Health status was inferred through the biological index of frailty (BIF) and paleopathological analysis was performed through macroscopic and radiographic investigations. The "bioarcheology of care" approach was applied to individuals who showed evidence of impairment and disability. The skeletal assemblage of St. Biagio was equally represented by males and females (50% males), with a higher percentage of adults (83.4%) than subadults (10.5%), and this is reflected in the high life expectancy at birth (40.3 years). No significant differences in health status emerged between age groups and sexes, with a generally high percentage of joint diseases, antemortem trauma, and infectious diseases. Evidence of care and compassion was found in some individuals with a high degree of impairment or disability, as in the case of probable Angelman syndrome. This study provided important insights into the biological and social aspects of an Early Modern population in Northern Italy, showing that people with functional and/or visible abnormalities were probably cared for in life and were presumably considered full members of the society.

Content Analysis of the Postgraduate Theses Based on Wood Anatomy in Turkey

This study examines master’s theses and doctoral dissertations on wood anatomy in Turkey in terms of completion year, thesis type, titles of advisors, gender of authors and advisors, universities, subject area, related subjects, samples, stain, and name of wood species. Content analysis was carried out on the theses selected through criterion sampling. The research data were collected through document analysis and analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 program. Within the scope of the research, it was determined that 33 master’s theses and 17 doctoral dissertations, which were found in the thesis scanning center of Higher Education Council (YÖK) of Turkey, were completed in the field of wood anatomy between 1990 and 2022. According to the results, the first thesis indexed by YÖK belongs to 1990 and is master’s thesis, and theses were mainly conducted by female researchers. It was seen that the highest number of postgraduate theses were prepared in Karadeniz Technical University and Istanbul/Istanbul-Cerrahpaşa University. The most studied subject is wood anatomy with fiber morphology, and the most studied other subject is ecological wood anatomy. Both microscopic and macroscopic investigations were done, and most of the theses were only investigated by microscopically. The most used stain was safranin and theses were made on solid wood samples which were cut from the trees or woody plants. This study is very important for scientific developments and will reveal the missing points in the country and provide a vision for future studies.