Minimum Intensity Research Articles

Effect of Neem Oil in Combination with Propiconazole and Organic Amendments on Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual herbaceous legume from the genus Vigna. Anthracnoses (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) is a serious disease in cowpea growing areas and occurs as pre-harvest as well as post-harvest brown to black spots appear on the leaves. Neem oil at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%,1.5%, and 2%) along with Propiconazole were tested @ 0.1% in vivo during Kharif 2023 for their efficacy against disease incidence, plant growth and yield parameters of Cowpea at the Central Research Field of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The results of the present investigation revealed that it significantly reduced the disease incidence. Among the treatments the minimum disease intensity (%) at 75 DAS was recorded in T5 – Neem oil (2 ml/L) + Propiconazole 25 EC (0.1%) + VC@10gm/kg +SMC@10gm/kg (Foliar spray) was found to be significantly most effective treatment against Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) on Cowpea and recorded minimum disease intensity (%) at 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS, maximum plant height (cm), maximum number of branches, maximum yield (t/ha) and highest B:C ratio. The findings of the present experiment are limited to one crop season under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions, as such to validate the present findings; more such experiments should be carried out in the future.

Tight focusing of terahertz vortex beams formed by laser dielectric resonator

Wave characteristics of vortex laser beams during their tight focusing have been theoretically studied. The Rayleigh–Sommerfeld theory was used to describe propagation in free space of laser beams excited by the modes of a waveguide dielectric resonator. It is shown that at the topological charge of the spiral phase plate n = 0, the studied EH11 mode has a maximum of radiation intensity on the axis. Introduction of a topological charge leads to the appearance of a minimum of radiation intensity on the axis as well as to the increase in the size of the focal spot. However, for the TE01 mode with the topological charges n = 0 and n = 2, the intensity distribution retains a ring shape, while at n = 1 the beam profile turns into the Gaussian-like one. The wave front in the focal region of the lens for the components of the EH11 and TE01 modes transforms from spherical to spiral one with increasing the topological charge.

Evaluation of Phyto Extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf spot on black gram caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of black gram were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic clove extract, ashoka leaf extract and Mancozeb were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (25.62) and maximum yield (7.45 q/ha) and cost benefit ratio (1: 2.54), as compared to treated check mancozeb @ 0.2% and untreated check control.

Is an all-phase ITV (internal target volume) a gold standard in the target definition of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Stereotactic ablative body radiation (SABR) is a well-recognized treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the inherent motion of liver tumors, effective motion management is crucial for successful SABR. In the motion-encompassing motion management technique, all 10 respiratory phase image datasets are delineated and designated as the internal target volume (ITV). Some treatment centers use single or combination image sets to delineate the target volume. This study determines which specialty image set most closely matches an all-phase ITV contour on a synchronized contrast-enhanced 4DCT. Synchronized 4DCT contrast and delayed scans were acquired for 10 patients in the study. The maximum intensity projection (MiP), average intensity projection (AvgIP), and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) images were generated. The ITV delineation was done in all 10 phases (ITV_all_phase). The ITV_2phase combines the peak inhale and exhale phase, ITV_2M combines MiP and MinIP, and ITV_3M combines MiP, MinIP, and AvgIP. All ITVs were compared to ITV_all_phase with Dice similarity index (DSI) and volumes. Using ITV_all_phase as the reference, the DSI and the mean ITV volumes for the different ITVs were as follows: ITV_all_phase (1 and 116.69 cc), ITV_2phase (0.87 and 105.27 cc), MiP (0.76 and 98.24 cc), AvgIP (0.72 and 94.54 cc), ITV_MinIP (0.67 and 81.08 cc), ITV_2M (0.84 and 106.26 cc), and ITV_3M (0.86 and 112.51 cc). The study demonstrates that in the motion-encompassing technique of motion management, the target volume generated by delineating all phases of 4DCT provides the most accurate representation for patients with HCC. Specialty image sets and their combinations, while sometimes close, tend to result in less accurate targeting. Hence, the all-phase 4DCT method should be preferred to avoid geographical misses and ensure optimal treatment outcomes. However, our conclusion may be limited by the technique we employed.

A contactless in situ EFISH method for measuring electrostatic potential profile of semiconductor/electrolyte junctions.

In photoelectrochemical cells, promising devices for directly converting solar energy into storable chemical fuels, the spatial variation of the electrostatic potential across the semiconductor-electrolyte junction is the key parameter that determines the cell performance. In principle, electric field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) provides a contactless in situ spectroscopic tool to measure the spatial variation of electrostatic potential. However, the total second harmonic generation (SHG) signal contains the contributions of the EFISH signals of semiconductor space charge layer and the electric double layer, in addition to the SHG signal of the electrode surface. The interference of these complex quantities hinders their analysis. In this work, to understand and deconvolute their contributions to the total SHG signals, bias-dependent SHG measurements are performed on the rutile TiO2(100)-electrolyte junction as a function of light polarization and crystal azimuthal angle (angle of the incident plane relative to the crystal [001] axis). A quadratic response between SHG intensity and the applied potential is observed in both the accumulation and depletion regions of TiO2. The relative phase difference and amplitude ratio are extracted at selected azimuthal angles and light polarizations. At 0° azimuthal angle and s-in-p-out polarization, the SHG intensity minimum has the best match with the TiO2 flatband potential due to the orthogonal relative phase difference between bias-dependent and bias-independent SHG terms. We further measure the pH-dependent flatband potential and probe the photovoltage under open circuit conditions using the EFISH technique, demonstrating the capability of this contactless method for measuring electrostatic potential at semiconductor-electrolyte junctions.

Feasibility of the Compton Suppressed Gamma-ray spectrometry for proton therapy applications

The presence of the Bragg peak and its use in proton therapy cause less damage to healthy tissues. For optimal use of the proton beam in proton therapy, it is necessary to monitor the deviation of its range during treatment. The prompt gamma rays originated from the nuclear reactions of the proton beam with tissue elements can be applied for this purpose. The spatial distribution of prompt gamma rays can be used to estimate the range of the incident charged particles. Detecting a wide energy range of gamma rays, up to 10 MeV, is the most challenging step of the proton dose verification by using prompt gamma spectroscopy. Compton suppression is a system that is used to reduce the contribution of scattered gamma rays. This technique will cause better detection of the peaks of low-energy prompt gamma rays. In this research, the performance of a Compton suppression system has been investigated in two fields for proton therapy and for elemental analysis of materials using isotopes by a wide range of gamma energies. At first, by using the simulated Compton suppression system, the calculations of the prompt gamma ray spectra emitted from the brain phantom during the radiation of 150 MeV protons were presented. The results indicated that the low energy elements peaks such as 40Ca (1.37 MeV) with CSF equal to 1.138 appeared in the suppressed spectrum. Also, it was possible to detect 14N (2.31 MeV) and 16O (6.13 MeV) peaks equivalent to the CSF 2.449 and 2.067 respectively. In the next step, it was possible to detect the low energy peaks of 152Eu and 155Eu isotopes in the suppressed spectrum. For this purpose, the minimum relative intensity required to detect all 152Eu and 155Eu peaks was equivalent to 0.001 and 0.002 respectively. CSF for the lowest energies such as 105 keV and 344 keV was equal to 1.169 and 1.184. The simulation was done using the GEANT4 Monte-Carlo toolkit.

Polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for electrochemical and solar cell applications

Polyaniline nanocomposites are synthesized via in situ chemical oxidation method by reinforcing reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles of various weight percentage. Structural, optical, thermal and electrochemical studies are performed to know the significance of introducing reduced graphene oxide into polyaniline and to analyse the importance of filler weight percentage in determining various properties of the nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction peak intensity is appeared to be maximum for nanocomposite doped with 2% filler. This composite shows minimum crystallite size and maximum photoluminescence intensity. Maximum ID/IG ratio obtained for 2% filler added nanocomposite from Raman spectroscopy studies proved that the presence of more surface defects and recombination of charge carriers are the reasons for enhanced photoluminescence. Thermal stability is found to be better for a nanocomposite with 1% reduced graphene oxide and obtained a mass retention of 60% even after heating up-to 600 °C. SEM images give various shapes of nanocomposite such as nanorods, spherical nanoparticles and button shaped nanocomposites for different filler weight percentage. Carbon to oxygen ratio is observed to be decreased as the filler percentage increased from 1% to 4% in SEM-EDAX analysis. Polymer nanocomposite with 1% reinforcement possess maximum UV and visible absorption and is found to be decreased as filler concentration increased from 1 to 4%. Electrochemical analysis is performed for polyaniline and 1% reduced graphene oxide reinforced polyaniline nanocomposite. Specific capacitance of the electrode is obtained as 212 F g−1 and 609 F/g for polyaniline and nanocomposite respectively at a scan rate of 0.01 V/S. Solar cell device performance study shows that power conversion efficiency is 5.54% for 1% reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite, 4.7% for 2% reinforced, 4.16% for 3% filler and 3.61% for 4% nanocomposite.

Efficient MRI image enhancement by improved denoising techniques for better skull stripping using attention module-based convolution neural network

ABSTRACT Anatomical structure preservation throughout the denoising process is a challenge in the domain of medical imaging. The Rician noise introduced through the acquisition procedure by the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner distorts the images. In this study, denoising using Wavelet-based Non-Local Median Filter (WBNLMF) and a novel contrast-enhancement method termed Improved Minimum Intensity Error Intuitionistic Fuzzy Contrast Enhancement (IMIEIFCET) is suggested. This methodology gives superior results while maintaining the edges and the brightness of the original image. An Attention Module-based Convolution Neural Network (AM-CNN) is suggested in the research as a methodology for skull stripping from MRI data. With a mean Dice coefficient of 0.998, a Sensitivity of 0.9975, and a Specificity of 0.9985, the proposed network exhibits result that are comparable to those of the specified Deep Learning (DL)-based technique.

Evaluating the consistency of lenition measures: Neural networks' posterior probability, intensity velocity, and duration.

Predictions of gradient degree of lenition of voiceless and voiced stops in a corpus of Argentine Spanish are evaluated using three acoustic measures (minimum and maximum intensity velocity and duration) and two recurrent neural network (Phonet) measures (posterior probabilities of sonorant and continuant phonological features). While mixed and inconsistent predictions were obtained across the acoustic metrics, sonorant and continuant probability values were consistently in the direction predicted by known factors of a stop's lenition with respect to its voicing, place of articulation, and surrounding contexts. The results suggest the effectiveness of Phonet as an additional or alternative method of lenition measurement. Furthermore, this study has enhanced the accessibility of Phonet by releasing the trained Spanish Phonet model used in this study and a pipeline with step-by-step instructions for training and inferencing new models.

Value of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI for Grade Group Prediction in Prostate Cancer: A Radiomics Pilot Study

Rationale and objectivesTo determine the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI-radiomics in predicting the International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group (ISUP-GG) in therapy-naïve prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Materials and MethodsIn this ethics review board-approved retrospective study on two prospective clinical trials between 2017 and 2020, 73 men with suspected/confirmed PCa were included. All participants underwent multiparametric MRI. On MRI, dominant lesions (per PI-RADS) were identified. DCE-MRI radiomic features were extracted from the segmented volumes following the image biomarker standardization initiative (IBSI) guidelines through 14 time points. Histopathology evaluation on the cognitive-fusion targeted biopsies was set as the reference standard. Univariate regression was done to evaluate potential predictors across all calculated features. Random forest imputation was used for multivariate modelling. ResultsSeventy-three index lesions were reviewed. Histopathology revealed 28, 16, 13 and 16 lesions with ISUP-GG-Negative/1/2, ISUP-GG-3, ISUP-GG-4 and ISUP-GG-5, respectively. From the extracted features, total lesion enhancement (TLE), minimum enhancement intensity and Grey-Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) were the most significantly different parameters among ISUP-GGs (Neg/1/2 vs 3/4 vs 5). Sixteen features with significant cross-sectional associations with ISUP-GGs entered the multivariate analysis. The final DCE partitioning model used only four features (lesion sphericity, TLE, GLRLM and Grey-Level Zone Length Matrix [GLZLM]). For the binarized diagnosis (ISUP-GG≤2 vs ISUP-GG>2), the accuracy reached 81%. ConclusionDCE-MRI radiomics might be used as a non-invasive tool for aiding pathological grade group prediction in therapy-naïve PCa patients, potentially adding complementary information to PI-RADS for supporting tailored diagnostic pathways and treatment planning.

The Role of Advanced Post-processing Techniques in Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography for the Accurate Diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Study.

Background Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) isthe standard diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in many institutions. This condition, whether acute or chronic, results in both partial and complete intraluminal filling defects, which exhibit sharp interfaces with intravascular contrast material. Acute PTE that leads to complete arterial occlusion may cause the affected artery to appear enlarged. Chronic PTE often manifests as complete occlusive disease in vessels that are smaller than the adjacent patent vessels. CT imaging with iodinated contrast medium is crucial for many CT applications, including vascular CT angiography and CTPA. A comprehensive review of a case necessitates an integrated approach known as volume visualization, wherein the entire case is treated as a volume of information to be thoroughly reviewed. Advanced post-processing 3D CT techniques, such as maximum intensity projection (MIP), volume rendering (VR), and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) images, are essential for the detailed detection and assessment of the pulmonary vasculature. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, data from 50 patients with suspected PTE were analyzed over a six-month period from March 15 to August 30, 2023, at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Patients were selected based on previously recorded clinical symptoms and elevated D-dimer levels. CTPA images, acquired using multi-detector CT imaging with iodinated contrast, were reviewed. Various post-processing techniques were employed, including multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), MIP, MinIP, and VR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CTPA combined with advanced post-processing techniques in improving early detection, reducing diagnostic time, and increasing accuracy through the detailed visualization of the pulmonary arterial vasculature. Results The study included patients aged from 10 years to70 years, with the highest prevalence of PTE in the 21-35-year age group (46%). Males constituted 56% of the cases. CTPA with advanced post-processing techniques revealed filling defects in 90% of patients, confirming PTE. MPR, MIP, MinIP, and VR effectively highlighted anatomical structures and thrombi, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. These techniques demonstrated high accuracy in identifying PTE, emphasizing their critical role in the early diagnosis and management of thromboembolic events. Conclusion The findings of the study revealed a relatively high incidence of PTE especially in the 21-35-year age group with a slight male predominance. Thesignificant majority of the patients (90%) had filling defects on their CTPA scan. CTPA, in conjunction with the use of post-processing techniques, the localization of thromboembolism sites, as well as the measurement of thrombus width and length, and the calculation of the percentage of blockage were achieved more easily. This facilitatedaccurate diagnosis, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Alternative Venous Pathways: A Potential Key Imaging Feature for Early Diagnosis of Sturge-Weber Syndrome Type 1.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by cortical atrophy and calcifications on late-stage imaging. Understanding the evolution of brain lesions is crucial for effective early interventions, yet the timeline remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate early brain MRI findings and their progression longitudinally on follow up MRI in children diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome. We retrospectively included all children with a confirmed diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome between 2009 and 2023 that had at least 2 available MRIs performed before the age of 2 years. A pediatric radiologist and a pediatric neuroradiologist evaluated all the MRI scans for pial enhancement, choroid plexus enlargement, atrophy, calcifications, a prominent subarachnoid varicose network, trans medullary veins, subependymal veins, and deep extra ventricular veins. Descriptive analysis was used for demographic data and brain lesion prevalence. Cumulative incidence curves were used to show the timeline of emerging lesions. K-means clustering was used to categorize the lesions based on their prevalence at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after birth. Nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Median ages at the first and last MRIs were 35 days (IQR: 11-123) and 294 days (IQR: 208-465), respectively. The most prevalent lesions at the first MRI were subarachnoid varicose network (88.9%) and trans medullary veins (77.8%), while prevalence of atrophy and calcifications differed most between the first and last MRIs. The results of the elbow method and K-means clustering showed that we can divide Sturge-Weber syndrome lesions into 3 groups based on their timeline of emergence. The first cluster contained subarachnoid varicose network, trans medullary veins, subependymal veins, and choroid plexus enlargement. The second cluster contained deep extra ventricular veins, pial enhancement, accelerated myelination, and atrophy. The last cluster contained calcifications. Our findings suggest that dilated venous channels emerge early as a compensatory mechanism, preceding atrophy and calcification. Additionally, these dilated channels precede the appearance of abnormal contrast enhancement of the pia, often termed leptomeningeal angioma. This underscores the importance of early recognition and monitoring of these initial imaging indicators in clinical practice. ASL = Arterial Spin Labelled; MinIP = Minimum intensity projection; SWS = Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Phyto-extracts for Managing Alternaria Leaf Spot on Mung Bean

The present study was investigated to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of Alternaria leaf spot on mung bean caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of mung bean were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. The effect of neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic bulb extract, turmeric rhizome extract and Mancozeb were compared and tested the plant height (cm), pod length (cm), disease intensity (%) and B:C ratio recorded at 45, 60 and 75 DAS interval. The effect of foliar spray of T4–garlic bulb extract @ 10% was found the best for managing Alternaria leaf spot of mung bean under field conditions as minimum disease intensity (34.4%), maximum plant height (65.4cm), pod length significantly increased (8.4cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:2.05). Followed by minimum disease intensity (35.5%), plant height (60.9cm), pod length (7.8 cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:1.97) was recorded in T1–neem leaf extract @ 10% followed by T5–turmeric rhizome extract @ 10% when compared to (Treated check) T6–Mancozeb @ 0.2% and (Untreated check) T0–control. Overall results revealed that T4–garlic bulb extract @10% is significantly effective against A. alternata (Fr.) Kessler.

Exploring the thermally-controlled fentanyl transdermal therapy to provide constant drug delivery by physics-based digital twins

Transdermal drug delivery is suitable for low-molecular-weight drugs with specific lipophilicity, like fentanyl, which is widely used for cancer-induced pain management. However, fentanyl's transdermal therapy displays high intra-individual variability. Factors like skin characteristics at application sites and ambient temperature contribute to this variation. In this study, we developed a physics-based digital twin of the human body to cope with this variability and propose better adapted setups. This twin includes an in-silico skin model for drug penetration, a pharmacokinetic model, and a pharmacodynamic model. Based on the results of our simulations, applying the patch on the flank (side abdominal area) showed a 15.3 % higher maximum fentanyl concentration in the plasma than on the chest. Additionally, the time to reach this maximum concentration when delivered through the flank was 19.8 h, which was 10.3 h earlier than via the upper arm. Finally, this variation led to an 18 % lower minimum pain intensity for delivery via the flank than the chest. Moreover, the impact of seasonal changes on ambient temperature and skin temperature by considering the activity level was investigated. Based on our result, the fentanyl uptake flux by capillaries increased by up to 11.8 % from an inactive state in winter to an active state in summer. We also evaluated the effect of controlling fentanyl delivery by adjusting the temperature of the patch to alleviate the pain to reach a mild pain intensity (rated three on the VAS scale). By implementing this strategy, the average pain intensity decreased by 1.1 points, and the standard deviation for fentanyl concentration in plasma and average pain intensity reduced by 37.5 % and 33.3 %, respectively. Therefore, our digital twin demonstrated the efficacy of controlled drug release through temperature regulation, ensuring the therapy toward the intended target outcome and reducing therapy outcome variability. This holds promise as a potentially useful tool for physicians.

A Self-foaming Strategy to Construct Small Mo2C Nanoparticles Decorated 3D Carbon Foams as Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Materials with Strong Corrosion Resistance.

3D macroporous carbon-based foams are always considered as promising candidates for high-performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials due to the collaborative EM contribution and salutary structure effect. However, the uneven distribution of heterogeneous EM components and the cumbersome preparation process have become key issues to hinder their performance improvement and practical popularity. Herein, the fabrication of 3D carbon foam decorated with small and highly dispersed Mo2C nanoparticles is realized by an innovative self-foaming strategy. The foaming mechanism can be attributed to the decomposition of nitrate during the softening process of organic polymers. The good dispersion of Mo2C nanoparticles boosts interfacial polarization significantly. After regulating the content of Mo2C nanoparticles, the optimal Mo2C/CF-x exhibits good EM absorption performance, whose minimum reflection loss intensity value can reach up to -72.2dB, and effective absorption bandwidth covers 6.7GHz with a thickness of 2.30mm. Very importantly, the resultant Mo2C/CF-x exhibits hydrophobicity and strong acidic anticorrosion, and a long-time treatment in HCl solution (6.0molL-1) produces negligible impacts on their EM functions. It is believed that this extraordinary feature may render Mo2C/C foams as qualified and durable EM wave absorbing materials (EWAMs) under rigorous conditions.

Quantitative Assessment of Acute Intracranial Clot and Collaterals on High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

There has been an increasing demand for imaging methods that provide a comprehensive evaluation of intracranial clot and collateral circulation, which are helpful for clinical decision-making and predicting functional outcomes. We aimed to quantitatively evaluate acute intracranial clot burden and collaterals on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). We analyzed acute ischemic stroke patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion in a prospective multicenter study. The clot burden was scored on a scale of 0-10 based on the clot location on HR-MRI. The collateral score was assigned on a scale of 0-3 using the minimum intensity projection from HR-MRI. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess their correlation with clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale >2 at 90 days). Thresholds were defined to dichotomize into low- and high-score groups, and predictive performances were assessed for clinical and radiologic outcomes. Ninety-nine patients (mean age of 60.77 ± 11.54 years) were included in the analysis. The interobserver correlation was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.77-0.95) for the clot burden score and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.53-0.90) for the collateral score. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the collateral score (odds ratio: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.90) was significantly associated with clinical outcomes. A better functional outcome was observed in the group with clot burden scores greater than 7 (p = 0.011). A smaller final infarct size and a higher diffusion-weighted imaging-based Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score were observed in the group with collateral scores greater than 1 (all p < 0.05). HR-MRI offers a new tool for quantitative assessment of clot burden and collaterals simultaneously in future clinical practices and research endeavors.

Integrated Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods for Pre-Foundation Investigations at Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Southwestern Nigeria

The recurrence of building collapses and resulting casualties is overwhelming in Lagos State as the state records the highest cases in recent times. This work used geophysical (Ground magnetic (GM) and Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI)) and geotechnical (Dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT)) methods in delineating the subsurface conditions for its competence in foundation structures. Ten profiles of 200 m ground magnetic data were collected at 2 m spacing likewise for Wenner arrays on each profile. DCPT data were collected at points 0 m, 50 m, 100 m,150 m, and 200m to the depth of 3 m on each of the profiles occupied by GM and ERI. The data obtained were processed and interpreted using RES2DINV software for ERI, Excel package for both Magnetic and DCPT. The ground magnetic results gives the minimum relative magnetic intensity as -1689.78 nT representing possible fault/fractured zone and maximum value of 2943 nTindicating area of competence for foundation structure. ERI results gives a resistivity value ranging from 2 Ωm – 7602 Ωm depicting four zones of incompetent/sub-competent clay/sandy clay, moderately competent clayey sand, competent sand and highly competent lateritic sand. DCPT results is in the average range 11.20% to 39.87% representing Clay materials fairly competent for foundation structures, sand and well graded gravel that is competent for construction purposes. To prevent building collapsed in the study area, areas of incompetent materials should be excavated, refill and compact with lateritic sand before foundation is put in place.

Ultra-sensitive axial strain and magnetic field sensor based on three reflection surface interference and harmonic vernier effect

A high-sensitivity fiber optic strain and magnetic field (MF) sensor is designed by two Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPI) cascading and harmonic Vernier effect. Two cascaded FPIs consist of an intrinsic FPI1 and an extrinsic FPI2. FPI1 is fabricated by femtosecond laser pulse ablation on the single-mode fiber core. Then, FPI1 and another single-mode fiber are inserted into a quartz capillary from both sides to form FPI2. By adjusting the cavity length of FPI2, the cascaded FPI1 and FPI2 can form a harmonic Vernier effect sensor. Due to FPI1 being a cantilever beam, it is not subjected to axial strain. The strain of the sensor acts on a longer capillary, resulting in an extension of the effective length of the strain and a many fold increase in the strain sensitivity of the sensor. Due to the compact cascading of FPI1 and FPI2, this strain sensor has a very small structural size. The sensor average strain sensitivity obtained from the experiment reached 260.05 pm/με. Due to the extremely high axial strain sensitivity of this strain sensor, adhering it to the magnetostrictive material results in the average MF sensitivity of 6.82 nm/mT, and the minimum MF intensity detected by the MF sensor is 0.1 mT. The temperature crosstalk of the MF sensor is 0.3 mT/°C.

Lifecycle battery carbon footprint analysis for battery sustainability with energy digitalization and artificial intelligence

As an indispensable component and intermediate bridge, electrochemical battery as an indispensable component is essential for power supply reliability, stability, grid-friendly interaction, sustainability with e-transportation and building electrification. However, the lifecycle carbon intensity of electrochemical batteries is uncertain throughout lifecycle battery-related activities. In this study, a generic methodology is proposed to accurately quantify the lifecycle carbon intensity of electrochemical batteries. A cross-scale multi-stage analytic platform with inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary is formulated, involving battery materials (anode, cathode, electrolyte), charging/discharging behaviours, cascade battery utilization, recycling, and reproduction. A case study on a zero-energy district in subtropical Guangzhou indicates that lifetime EV battery carbon intensity is +556 kg CO2,eq/kWh for the scenario with pure fossil fuel-based grid reliance, while the minimum carbon intensity of EVs at −860 kg CO2,eq/kWh can be achieved for the solar-wind supported scenario. The grid mandatory EVs charging will slightly increase the battery carbon intensity to −617.2 kg CO2,eq/kWh, and the exclusion of embodied carbon on both solar PV and wind turbines will increase the battery carbon intensity to −583.8 kg CO2,eq/kWh. The proposed approach and formulated platform can enable synthetical and comprehensive analysis on battery sustainability, throughout integrated cross-disciplinary approaches for 2060 carbon neutrality in China.

OpenSTED: open-source dynamic intensity minimum system for stimulated emission depletion microscopy.

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) is a powerful super-resolution microscopy technique that can be used for imaging live cells. However, the high STED laser powers can cause significant photobleaching and sample damage in sensitive biological samples. The dynamic intensity minimum (DyMIN) technique turns on the STED laser only in regions of the sample where there is fluorescence signal, thus saving significant sample photobleaching. The reduction in photobleaching allows higher resolution images to be obtained and longer time-lapse imaging of live samples. A stand-alone module to perform DyMIN is not available commercially. In this work, we developed an open-source design to implement three-step DyMIN on a STED microscope and demonstrated reduced photobleaching for timelapse imaging of beads, cells, and tissue. The DyMIN system uses a fast multiplexer circuit and inexpensive field-programmable gate array controlled by Labview software that operates as a stand-alone module for a STED microscope. All software and circuit diagrams are freely available. We compared time-lapse images of bead samples using our custom DyMIN system to conventional STED and recorded a higher signal when using DyMIN after a 50-image sequence. We further demonstrated the DyMIN system for time-lapse STED imaging of live cells and brain tissue slices. Our open-source DyMIN system is an inexpensive add-on to a conventional STED microscope that can reduce photobleaching. The system can significantly improve signal to noise for dynamic time-lapse STED imaging of live samples.