Physical Interface Research Articles

An Effective Prevention Approach against ARP Cache Poisoning Attacks in MikroTik-based Networks

Nowadays, leading manufacturers of enterprise-grade networking devices offer the dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) feature in their Ethernet Switches to detect and prevent ARP cache poisoning attacks from malicious hosts. However, MikroTik Ethernet switches do not yet support this feature. Within MikroTik-based networks, three potential approaches exist to prevent ARP cache poisoning attacks, each with drawbacks. This paper proposes an innovative approach called Gateway-controlled ARP (GCA) to prevent ARP cache poisoning attacks on a router-on-a-stick (RoaS) network using MikroTik networking devices, where a single router performs inter-VLAN routing through one physical interface. With this approach, all Ethernet switches are configured to forward ARP messages from hosts directly to the router for inspection and handling. A RouterOS script based on the GCA approach was implemented and executed on the router to handle all incoming ARP requests from any host in all VLANs, ensuring all hosts receive legitimate ARP responses from the router. This approach can effectively prevent spoofed ARP packets sent by malicious attackers. This approach was tested and evaluated on an actual RoaS network, focusing on processing time, CPU Load, and response time. The evaluation results show that the approach effectively prevents ARP cache poisoning attacks.

Numerical simulation of the impact of casing on the buried metal pipeline cathodic protection potential

Abstract Metal casings shield the cathodic protection current and detection signals of buried metal pipelines, making the corrosion protection and detection technology of pipelines at the casing one of the challenges for safe operation and integrity evaluation of pipelines. This paper uses the primary current distribution physics interface in the COMSOL Multiphysic simulation software to study the effects of the coating quality of the casing and pipeline, the installation of sacrificial anodes in the casing, the conductivity of the electrolyte, and defects in the pipeline coating in the casing on the pipeline potential. The influence of distribution. The results show that: The coating quality of the outer surface of the casing and the pipe inside the casing has a great influence on the cathodic protection potential of the pipeline. The better the coating quality, the more negative the cathodic protection potential is, and the less cathodic protection current required by the pipeline, so the power consumption of the forced current law is reduced, and the service life of the sacrificial anode is longer. Installing sacrificial anodes in the casing has a positive effect on the cathodic protection of this special pipe section. The conductivity of the electrolyte in the casing has a certain impact on the cathodic protection potential of the pipeline. When the conductivity of the internal electrolyte is greater, the protective potential of the pipeline becomes more negative. However, impurities such as soil, groundwater, and silt make the pipeline more susceptible to corrosion, so keeping the annular space relatively dry is an important prerequisite for anti-corrosion. When there is a coating defect on the inner and outer pipes of the casing, the potential at the damaged point will have a potential peak. The larger the potential peak difference, the more serious the coating defect is.

Solid polymer electrolytes with dual salts enhance lithium-metal interfacial stability for long cycle performance of lithium batteries

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are considered to be the ideal energy storage system for achieving higher energy density and high safety. However, poor physical contact at the interface between the solid-state electrolyte and lithium metal, as well as the growth of dendrites make the cycling stability of LMBs challenging. Therefore, we developed a multifunctional ionic liquid-based polymer electrolyte including montmorillonite (MMT) and double salts (NaFSI and LiTFSI). The self-concentration effect of MMT lithium ions, combined with the electrostatic shielding effect of the double salts, resulted in homogeneous ion deposition, reducing dendritic lithium generation and improving lithium battery performance, with lithium batteries achieving a stable cycling rate of 1000 cycles at 1 C. Moreover, Due to the integrated assembly of the battery assembly process using light curing, the physical interface between the positive electrode-electrolyte-negative electrode achieves good contact and wettability. NaFSI achieves the enhancement of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) by introducing NaF/LiF to SEI of lithium metal, and the optimization of ion deposition pattern at the interface can be achieved by electrostatic shielding effect. Ultimately, stable ion transport at the solid-solid interface for lithium metal solid-state batteries can be realized. Notably, the ionic liquid-based polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity (1.2 × 10−3 S cm−1) and high oxidative stability (5.2 V vs. Li/Li+) at room temperature. In addition, the good flame retardant properties of the electrolytes indicate that dual-salt polymer electrolytes are an effective strategy for achieving high safety and long cycle stability of LMBs.

Mechanochemistry: Fundamental Principles and Applications.

Mechanochemistry is an emerging research field at the interface of physics, mechanics, materials science, and chemistry. Complementary to traditional activation methods in chemistry, such as heat, electricity, and light, mechanochemistry focuses on the activation of chemical reactions by directly or indirectly applying mechanical forces. It has evolved as a powerful tool for controlling chemical reactions in solid state systems, sensing and responding to stresses in polymer materials, regulating interfacial adhesions, and stimulating biological processes. By combining theoretical approaches, simulations and experimental techniques, researchers have gained intricate insights into the mechanisms underlying mechanochemistry. In this review, the physical chemistry principles underpinning mechanochemistry are elucidated and a comprehensive overview of recent significant achievements in the discovery of mechanically responsive chemical processes is provided, with a particular emphasis on their applications in materials science. Additionally, The perspectives and insights into potential future directions for this exciting research field are offered.

Advancements in Soft Wearable Robots: A Systematic Review of Actuation Mechanisms and Physical Interfaces

Advancements in Soft Wearable Robots: A Systematic Review of Actuation Mechanisms and Physical Interfaces

Subjective and fitting evaluation of a revised physical attachment interface for a passive exoskeleton chair

Passive exoskeleton chairs can alleviate fatigue, enhance efficiency, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal diseases for workers standing for prolonged hours and have gradually been applied in recent years. In this study, by strategically distributing elastic and non-elastic fabrics, physical interfaces of the attachment system for the exoskeleton chair were revised to better adapt to bodily deformations and movements. We conducted an experiment using motion capture systems and subjective questionnaires to evaluate the performance of the initial and revised attachment systems of an exoskeleton chair worn by participants while performing multiple simulated assembly tasks. The results indicated that when wearing the revised one, some adverse effects on gait were significant reduced, as was the relative displacement of straps and discomfort in lumbar and abdominal, and system usability was improved, all of which were considered to be helpful in design to improve the performance of the attachment system in the future.

Multimedia Human-Computer Interaction Technology in Preschool Education

With the increasing of computing and network technology, there has been a rise in children's educational and entertainment software. However, these software applications depend on mouse and keyboard input, which may be tedious and challenging for children. Moreover, these applications fail to capture the interaction between users and computers. This study proposes design principles for children's human-computer interaction based on children's cognitive, psychological, and physiological attributes, and outlines a framework accordingly. The framework integrates natural human-computer interaction technologies, such as physical operation interface, gesture interaction, low-level semantics-based human-computer interaction, and high-level semantics-based human-computer interaction, with the aim of facilitating seamless and intuitive interaction between children and computers. Finally, the results demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed human-computer interaction technology as a child-centered virtual reality application tool.

Investigation of ion desolvation in aqueous electrolyte with carbon electrode via electrochemical in-situ Raman

Energy storage is an essential means to stabilize the fluctuation of renewable energy generation. Based on desolvation of electrolyte ions, high density charge storage in nanoporous electrodes has attracted widespread attention. The mechanism of ion transport within nanopores is currently under exploration. In this work, electric double layer capacitor was established using porous carbon electrode. Electrolytes with different hydrated/desolvatd ion radii were selected. The ion desolvation process was observed indirectly and concisely by using electrochemical in situ Raman technique on the carbon electrode. It was found that for ion with bigger solvation shells, its Raman intensity fluctuated with the cell charging voltage, which was caused by the desolvation of electrolyte ions. The desolvated ion has a strong polarization effect on the electron cloud of carbon. The influence of electrolyte concentrations on desolvation was also explored. High concentration electrolyte exhibits greater increase in Raman peak intensity. Our approach provides a way to study the physical mechanism and interface behavior of ion desolvation in electrochemical devices.

A perspective on active glassy dynamics in biological systems

AbstractDynamics is central to living systems. Many experiments in the last two decades have revealed glassy dynamics in diverse biological systems, showing a transition between a solid-like and a fluid-like state. The biological systems have nontrivial characteristics: they are active with novel control parameters and immense complexity. Moreover, glassiness in these systems has many nontrivial features, such as the behavior of dynamical heterogeneity and readily found sub-Arrhenius relaxation dynamics. Theoretical treatments of these systems are generally challenging due to their nonequilibrium nature and large number of control parameters. We first discuss the primary characteristics of a glassy system and then review the experiments that started this field and simulations that have led to a deeper understanding. We also show that despite many challenges in these systems, it has been possible to develop theories that have played a significant role in unifying diverse phenomena and bringing insights. The field is at the interface of physics and biology, freely borrowing tools from both disciplines. We first discuss the known equilibrium scenario and then present the primary changes under activity.

Catalytic hydrogenation reaction micro-kinetic model for dibenzyltoluene as liquid organic hydrogen carrier

The implementation of the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology for efficient energy storage requires the development of a reliable kinetic model for both hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. In this research study, the catalytic hydrocarbon saturation for a dibenzyltoluene (DBT) mixture solution, containing dibenzylbenzene (DBB), dibenzylethylbenzene (DBEB) and impurities has been performed in the presence of Ru/Al2O3 particles. The influence of different reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure, initial reactant concentration, catalyst amount and stirring speed has been examined. A measurement-based system micro-kinetics, based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism with dissociative H2 surface adsorption, has been derived. H2 thermodynamic solubility equilibrium was defined through Henry's law. The adsorbing, desorption and reactivity of inert solvent molecules was not considered to be relevant. The mass transfer resistance over 1000 rpm stirring speed was negligible. Relative- and mean squared error of representation were 40.9% and 1.00×10−4, respectively. Expressions gave an excellent data prediction for the profile period trends with a relatively accurate estimation of H2 intermediates' rate selectivity, H2-covered area approximation and pathway rate-determining steps. Due to the lack of commercially available standard chemical compounds for quantitative analysis techniques, a novel experiment-based numerical calibration method was developed. Mean field (micro)kinetics represent an advancement in the mesoscale mechanistic understanding of physical interface phenomena. This also enables catalysis structure–activity relationships, unlocking the methodology for new LOHC reaching beyond traditional, such as ammonia, methanol and formate, which do not release H2 alone. Integrated multiscale simulations could include fluidics later on.

Chelating Additive Regulating Zn‐Ion Solvation Chemistry for Highly Efficient Aqueous Zinc‐Metal Battery

AbstractAqueous zinc‐metal batteries (AZMBs) usually suffered from poor reversibility and limited lifespan because of serious water induced side‐reactions, hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and rampant zinc (Zn) dendrite growth. Reducing the content of water molecules within Zn‐ion solvation sheaths can effectively suppress those inherent defects of AZMBs. In this work, we originally discovered that the two carbonyl groups of N‐Acetyl‐ϵ‐caprolactam (N‐ac) chelating ligand can serve as dual solvation sites to coordinate with Zn2+, thereby minimizing water molecules within Zn‐ion solvation sheaths, and greatly inhibit water‐induced side‐reactions and HER. Moreover, the N‐ac chelating additive can form a unique physical barrier interface on Zn surface, preventing the harmful contacting with water. In addition, the preferential adsorption of N‐ac on Zn (002) facets can promote highly reversible and dendrite‐free Zn2+ deposition. As a result, Zn//Cu half‐cell within N‐ac added electrolyte delivered ultra‐high 99.89 % Coulombic efficiency during 8000 cycles. Zn//Zn symmetric cells also demonstrated unprecedented long life of more than 9800 hours (over one year). Aqueous Zn//ZnV6O16 ⋅ 8H2O (Zn//ZVO) full‐cell preserved 78 % capacity even after ultra‐long 2000 cycles. A more practical pouch‐cell was also obtained (90.2 % capacity after 100 cycles). This method offers a promising strategy for accelerating the development of highly efficient AZMBs.

Chelating Additive Regulating Zn-Ion Solvation Chemistry for Highly Efficient Aqueous Zinc-Metal Battery.

Aqueous zinc-metal batteries (AZMBs) usually suffered from poor reversibility and limited lifespan because of serious water induced side-reactions, hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and rampant zinc (Zn) dendrite growth. Reducing the content of water molecules within Zn-ion solvation sheaths can effectively suppress those inherent defects of AZMBs. In this work, we originally discovered that the two carbonyl groups of N-Acetyl-ϵ-caprolactam (N-ac) chelating ligand can serve as dual solvation sites to coordinate with Zn2+, thereby minimizing water molecules within Zn-ion solvation sheaths, and greatly inhibit water-induced side-reactions and HER. Moreover, the N-ac chelating additive can form a unique physical barrier interface on Zn surface, preventing the harmful contacting with water. In addition, the preferential adsorption of N-ac on Zn (002) facets can promote highly reversible and dendrite-free Zn2+ deposition. As a result, Zn//Cu half-cell within N-ac added electrolyte delivered ultra-high 99.89 % Coulombic efficiency during 8000 cycles. Zn//Zn symmetric cells also demonstrated unprecedented long life of more than 9800 hours (over one year). Aqueous Zn//ZnV6O16 ⋅ 8H2O (Zn//ZVO) full-cell preserved 78 % capacity even after ultra-long 2000 cycles. A more practical pouch-cell was also obtained (90.2 % capacity after 100 cycles). This method offers a promising strategy for accelerating the development of highly efficient AZMBs.

Abstract 6239: Human computer interface guided approach to accelerate anticancer drug discovery: Application to human estrogen receptor interactome

Abstract Structure-based drug discovery of target specific drugs greatly rely on the existence of high resolution X-ray crystal structure of the target proteins. Flexible and dynamic regions including hinges and loops which constitute major protein-protein interaction sites as well as allosteric sites are often beyond the scope of current tools and techniques available for protein folding and modeling. Human ability in recognizing patterns and to solve complex puzzles are far superior to any existing computer program at folding these atypical regions of proteins. We have utilized an unconventional combination of using dynamic three-dimensional protein models as physical human computer interface (HCI) devices and integrated proteomics data to predict flexible and dynamic protein-protein interfaces and allosteric pockets of key regulatory proteins to accelerate compound discovery. To this end, we have successfully utilized 1) Flexible HCI devices to generate an ensemble of dynamic three dimensional structures which includes a subset of biologically active conformations among others (thereby exploring the viable chemical space) and 2) Structure refinement and efficient filtering of biologically active conformations can be accomplished by integrating protein-protein interface and fold proteomics data. Here we present AI ready, HCI guided exploration of human estrogen receptor interactome and early in vitro confirmatory analyses. AI approachs to predict 3D protein structures from amino acid sequences like AlphaFold are often on par with experimentally generated structures and AI-guided structure prediction or docking approaches have been reported to significantly reduce computer time utilization. Streamlining of HCIguided tools to enable access to dynamic druggable pockets in protein targets will accelerate drug discovery. Citation Format: Rajendram V. Rajnarayanan, Aya Alsabagh. Human computer interface guided approach to accelerate anticancer drug discovery: Application to human estrogen receptor interactome [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6239.

Shining Light in Mechanobiology: Optical Tweezers, Scissors, and Beyond.

Mechanobiology helps us to decipher cell and tissue functions by looking at changes in their mechanical properties that contribute to development, cell differentiation, physiology, and disease. Mechanobiology sits at the interface of biology, physics and engineering. One of the key technologies that enables characterization of properties of cells and tissue is microscopy. Combining microscopy with other quantitative measurement techniques such as optical tweezers and scissors, gives a very powerful tool for unraveling the intricacies of mechanobiology enabling measurement of forces, torques and displacements at play. We review the field of some light based studies of mechanobiology and optical detection of signal transduction ranging from optical micromanipulation-optical tweezers and scissors, advanced fluorescence techniques and optogenentics. In the current perspective paper, we concentrate our efforts on elucidating interesting measurements of forces, torques, positions, viscoelastic properties, and optogenetics inside and outside a cell attained when using structured light in combination with optical tweezers and scissors. We give perspective on the field concentrating on the use of structured light in imaging in combination with tweezers and scissors pointing out how novel developments in quantum imaging in combination with tweezers and scissors can bring to this fast growing field.

Internet of Bio-NanoThings privacy: securing a multi compartmental targeted cancer drug delivery scheme

The Internet of Bio-Nano Things concept (IoBNT) emerged from the need to establish connections between biological nanomachines, the intra-body nanonetwork, and the cyber internet to facilitate information exchange. While extensive research has concentrated on optimizing communication efficiency among nanodevices within networks, challenges such as IoBNT security and the interface linking nanonetwork to the internet have remained unaddressed. Consequently, this study introduces a privacy scheme designed to operate atop the Physical Cyber Interface (pHCI) within the IoBNT framework. Our proposed chaotic system derives its foundation from the command signals issued by medical personnel to pHCI devices implanted within the human body. It employs a concealed version of features generated through a Modified Quadratic Map (MQM) to enhance the privacy of patient information and to ensure a precise dosage release. Additionally, our scheme incorporates Binary Phase Shifting Key (BPSK) modulation through the incorporation of a carrier wave, along with feature extraction with zero-crossing rates. This privacy scheme significantly amplifies the key space, thereby guaranteeing an accurate right dose release with the protection of patient privacy. To assess the performance of our proposed scheme, we evaluate its operation on top of the pHCI device using various performance metrics. Subsequently, we study its performance by employing multi-compartmental models in both the forward and reverse pHCI directions of the IoBNT paradigm. The results from our simulation model clearly illustrate that the IoBNT-based privacy scheme has potential to enhance the delivery of therapeutic drugs to target cells while effectively addressing privacy concerns. An evaluation of performance metrics for two binary codes (thermal and light) reveals sensitivity and specificity rates of 95.333% and 95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of our proposed privacy scheme, as measured by EER, accuracy, NPV, and PPV, has proven to be highly satisfactory. Hence, our proposed scheme makes significant role in enhancing the security of the physical cyber interface device while remaining cost-effective, and ensuring the safety of patients' life and confidentiality.

Detection of financial bubbles using a log‐periodic power law singularity (LPPLS) model

AbstractThis article provides a systematic review of the theoretical and empirical academic literature on the development and extension of the log‐periodic power law singularity (LPPLS) model, which is also known as the Johansen–Ledoit–Sornette (JLS) model or log‐periodic power law (LPPL) model. Developed at the interface of financial economics, behavioral finance and statistical physics, the LPPLS model provides a flexible and quantitative framework for detecting financial bubbles and crashes by capturing two salient empirical characteristics of price trajectories in speculative bubble regimes: the faster‐than‐exponential growth of price leading to unsustainable growth ending with a finite crash‐time and the accelerating log‐periodic oscillations. We also demonstrate the LPPLS model by detecting the recent bubble status of the S&P 500 index between April 2020 and December 2022, during which the S&P 500 index reaches its all‐time peak at the end of 2021. We find that the strong corrections of the S&P 500 index starting from January 2022 stem from the increasingly systemic instability of the stock market itself, while the well‐known external shocks, such as the decades‐high inflation, aggressive monetary policy tightening by the Federal Reserve, and the impact of the Russia/Ukraine war, may serve as sparks.This article is categorized under: Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Finance Algorithms and Computational Methods > Computational Complexity Statistical Models > Nonlinear Models

Subtelomeric plasticity contributes to gene family expansion in the human parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni

BackgroundThe genomic region that lies between the telomere and chromosome body, termed the subtelomere, is heterochromatic, repeat-rich, and frequently undergoes rearrangement. Within this region, large-scale structural changes enable gene diversification, and, as such, large multicopy gene families are often found at the subtelomere. In some parasites, genes associated with proliferation, invasion, and survival are often found in these regions, where they benefit from the subtelomere's highly plastic, rapidly changing nature. The increasing availability of complete (or near complete) parasite genomes provides an opportunity to investigate these typically poorly defined and overlooked genomic regions and potentially reveal relevant gene families necessary for the parasite’s lifestyle.ResultsUsing the latest chromosome-scale genome assembly and hallmark repeat richness observed at chromosome termini, we have identified and characterised the subtelomeres of Schistosoma mansoni, a metazoan parasitic flatworm that infects over 250 million people worldwide. Approximately 12% of the S. mansoni genome is classified as subtelomeric, and, in line with other organisms, we find these regions to be gene-poor but rich in transposable elements. We find that S. mansoni subtelomeres have undergone extensive interchromosomal recombination and that these sites disproportionately contribute to the 2.3% of the genome derived from segmental duplications. This recombination has led to the expansion of subtelomeric gene clusters containing 103 genes, including the immunomodulatory annexins and other gene families with unknown roles. The largest of these is a 49-copy plexin domain-containing protein cluster, exclusively expressed in the tegument—the tissue located at the host-parasite physical interface—of intramolluscan life stages.ConclusionsWe propose that subtelomeric regions act as a genomic playground for trial-and-error of gene duplication and subsequent divergence. Owing to the importance of subtelomeric genes in other parasites, gene families implicated in this subtelomeric expansion within S. mansoni warrant further characterisation for a potential role in parasitism.

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) in inverted perovskite solar cells and their tandem photovoltaics application

AbstractSelf‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) employed in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved groundbreaking progress in device efficiency and stability for both single‐junction and tandem configurations, owing to their distinctive and versatile ability to manipulate chemical and physical interface properties. In this regard, we present a comprehensive review of recent research advancements concerning SAMs in inverted perovskite single‐junction and tandem solar cells, where the prevailing challenges and future development prospects in the applications of SAMs are emphasized. We thoroughly examine the mechanistic roles of diverse SAMs in energy‐level regulation, interface modification, defect passivation, and charge transportation. This is achieved by understanding how interfacial molecular interactions can be finely tuned to mitigate charge recombination losses in inverted PSCs. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to provide valuable insights and references for further investigation and utilization of SAMs in inverted perovskite single‐junction and tandem solar cells.

A Comprehensive Review on the Power Supply System of Hydrogen Production Electrolyzers for Future Integrated Energy Systems

Hydrogen energy is regarded as an ideal solution for addressing climate change issues and an indispensable part of future integrated energy systems. The most environmentally friendly hydrogen production method remains water electrolysis, where the electrolyzer constructs the physical interface between electrical energy and hydrogen energy. However, few articles have reviewed the electrolyzer from the perspective of power supply topology and control. This review is the first to discuss the positioning of the electrolyzer power supply in the future integrated energy system. The electrolyzer is reviewed from the perspective of the electrolysis method, the market, and the electrical interface modelling, reflecting the requirement of the electrolyzer for power supply. Various electrolyzer power supply topologies are studied and reviewed. Although the most widely used topology in the current hydrogen production industry is still single-stage AC/DC, the interleaved parallel LLC topology constructed by wideband gap power semiconductors and controlled by the zero-voltage switching algorithm has broad application prospects because of its advantages of high power density, high efficiency, fault tolerance, and low current ripple. Taking into account the development trend of the EL power supply, a hierarchical control framework is proposed as it can manage the operation performance of the power supply itself, the electrolyzer, the hydrogen energy domain, and the entire integrated energy system.

A Systematic Review on Rigid Exoskeleton Robot Design for Wearing Comfort: Joint Self-Alignment, Attachment Interface, and Structure Customization.

Exoskeleton robots enable individuals with impaired physical functions to perform daily activities and maintain independence. However, the discomfort experienced by users when using these devices may limit the application scope of exoskeleton robots. Therefore, this paper systematically defines and analyzes the key design factors affecting the wearing comfort of rigid exoskeleton robots by differentiating and discussing the characteristics of traditional exoskeleton robots and exoskeleton robots equipped with the self-alignment mechanism based on addressing misalignment issues. Furthermore, the various structural configurations of the Physical Human-Robot Attachment Interface (PHRAI) and related quantitative evaluation indicators are explored in depth, and the advantages and limitations of structural customized design methods combining parametric design, Three-Dimensional (3D) scanning, and 3D printing technology are evaluated. Finally, the current concerns in the research field and potential solution strategies are proposed, aiming to provide directional guidance to optimize future exoskeleton robots. The research findings are of significant value for enhancing the comfort of wearing exoskeleton robots and provide valuable theoretical and practical references for future research.