Physical Techniques Research Articles

Pneumonia stage analyzes through image processing

A physical examination and diagnostic imaging techniques including lung biopsies, ultrasounds, and chest X-rays are typically used to make the diagnosis of pneumonia infection, an infectious disease that has the potential to be life-threatening. The objective of this research is to categorize the stages of pneumonia through image processing methods. Before that, an ensemble model for diagnosing pneumonia infections is created utilizing the transfer learning algorithms ResNet50V2 and DenseNet201. The 5,857 images were taken from the PAUL MOONEY dataset for this research. The proposed ensemble averaging model recognizes lung infection appropriately and accurately. By applying a contour detection approach, the left and right chests are separated and the affected pixels from there to analyze the stage of pneumonia. It is very crucial to identify the stage for treatment purposes.

Correction: Physical modelling techniques for the dynamical characterization and sound synthesis of historical bells

Correction: Physical modelling techniques for the dynamical characterization and sound synthesis of historical bells

Common sports-related nerve injuries seen by the electrodiagnostic medical consultant.

The high physiologic demands of sports create dynamic stress on joints, soft tissues, and nerves which may lead to injuries in the athlete. Electrodiagnostic (EDx) assessment is essential to identify the correct diagnosis, localization, and prognosis, to guide management of sports-related neuropathies. A comprehensive review was performed to provide the EDx medical consultant with a practical approach to the common peripheral nerve disorders seen in athletes. Sports-related neuropathies reviewed include transient traumatic irritation of the brachial plexus and/or cervical nerve roots ("Burners and stingers,") suprascapular and axillary neuropathies, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) in throwers, ulnar neuropathy at the hand/wrist in cyclists, multi-ligamentous knee injury, and foot/ankle neuropathies including tarsal tunnel syndrome. A thorough understanding of peripheral anatomy, possible entrapment sites, mechanisms of injury, and key physical examination findings is essential for correct diagnosis. EDx assessments beyond routine studies are generally required for sports-related neuropathy, which may not necessarily follow typical entrapment patterns. Adjunct diagnostic imaging, such as point-of-care ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, are helpful tools to identify associated musculoskeletal pathology such as compressive cysts or nerve entrapment, which may be amenable to interventional or surgical treatment. When no clear reversible structural pathology exists, management of sports-related neuropathy is athlete-specific and generally multi-modal, involving a combination of physical rehabilitation techniques to address muscle imbalances, load management, protective equipment, and interventional pain procedures.

Tribute to Kenneth Sauer (1931-2022): a mentor, a role-model, and an inspiration to all in the field of photosynthesis.

Kenneth (Ken) Sauer was a mainstay of research in photosynthesis at the University of California, Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) for more than 50years. Ken will be remembered by his colleagues, and other workers in the field of photosynthesis as well, for his pioneering work that introduced the physical techniques whose application have enriched our understanding of the basic reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis. His laboratory was a training ground for many students and postdocs who went on to success in the field of photosynthesis and many others. Trained as a physical chemist, he always brought that quantitative approach to research questions and used several spectroscopic methods in his research. His broad scientific interests concerned the role of manganese in oxygen evolution, electronic properties of chlorophylls, energy transport in antenna complexes, and electron transport reactions. He was also an enthusiastic teacher, an enormously successful mentor who leaves behind a legion of scientists as his abiding legacy, a lover of music and the outdoors with many interests beyond science, and a dedicated family man with a great sense of humility. In this tribute, we summarize some aspects of Ken Sauer's life and career, illustrated with selected research achievements, and describe his approach to research and life as we perceived it, which is complemented by reminiscences of several current researchers in photosynthesis and other fields. The supporting material includes Ken Sauers's CV and publication list, as well as a list of the graduate students and postdocs he trained and of researchers that spent a sabbatical in his lab.

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Biomedical Applications of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs)

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have garnered significant attention in biomedical applications due to their unique magnetic properties, biocompatibility, and versatility. This review comprehensively examines the synthesis methods, surface functionalization techniques, and diverse biomedical applications of IONPs. Various chemical and physical synthesis techniques, including coprecipitation, sol–gel processes, thermal decomposition, hydrothermal synthesis, and sonochemical routes, are discussed in detail, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Surface functionalization strategies, such as ligand exchange, encapsulation, and silanization, are explored to enhance the biocompatibility and functionality of IONPs. Special emphasis is placed on the role of IONPs in biosensing technologies, where their magnetic and optical properties enable significant advancements, including in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensors, fluorescence biosensors, and field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors. The review explores how IONPs enhance sensitivity and selectivity in detecting biomolecules, demonstrating their potential for point-of-care diagnostics. Additionally, biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and stem cell tracking are discussed. The challenges and future perspectives in the clinical translation of IONPs are also addressed, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their properties and ensure safety and efficacy in medical applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future potential of IONPs in both biosensing and broader biomedical fields.

Melt Spinnability Comparison of Mechanically and Chemically Recycled Polyamide 6 for Plastic Waste Reuse

With the increasing volume of synthetic fiber waste, interest in plastic reuse technologies has grown. To address this issue, physical and chemical recycling techniques for polyamide, a major component of textile waste, have been developed. This study investigates the remelting and reforming properties of four types of pristine and recycled polyamide 6, focusing on how the microstructural arrangement of recycled polyamides affects polymer fiber formation. DSC and FT-IR were used to determine the thermal properties and chemical composition of the reformed thin films. Differences in the elongation behavior of molten fibers during the spinning process were also observed, and the morphology of the resulting fibers was examined via SEM. Birefringence analysis revealed that the uniformity of the molecular structure greatly influenced differences in the re-fiberization process, suggesting that chemically recycled polyamide is the most suitable material for re-fiberization with its high structural similarity to pristine polyamide.

Review of Heavy Metal Removal from Soil: Methods and Technologies

Soil health is vital for ecosystem functioning, agriculture, and human well-being, yet heavy metal contamination poses significant risks to environmental and public health. This review examines various methods for removing heavy metals from contaminated soils, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological remediation techniques. Sources of contamination, including industrial activities, mining, and improper waste disposal, are discussed, alongside the environmental and health impacts of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury. Physical techniques such as soil washing and excavation effectively reduce contamination but generate secondary waste and incur high costs. Chemical methods, including soil stabilization and chemical leaching, immobilize or extract metals but may risk recontamination. Biological approaches like phytoremediation and bioremediation leverage natural processes for eco-friendly remediation, though they often require longer timescales for significant results. Emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology and biochar application, show promise for enhancing remediation efficacy. However, challenges remain, including economic constraints, regulatory inconsistencies, and the need for sustainable, long-term solutions. Future directions include integrating various remediation techniques, developing eco-friendly technologies, and emphasizing long-term monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of remediation efforts. This comprehensive overview aims to inform future research and policy development to address heavy metal contamination sustainably.

A novel approach to double-strand DNA break analysis through γ-H2AX confocal image quantification and bio-dosimetry.

DNA damage occurs in all living cells. γ-H2AX imaging by fluorescent microscopy is widely used across disciplines in the analysis of double-strand break (DSB) DNA damage. Here we demonstrate a method for the quantitative analysis of such DBSs. Ionising radiation, well known to induce DSBs, is used in this demonstration, and additional DBSs are induced if high-Z nanoparticles are present during irradiation. As a deliberate test of the methodology, cells are exposed to a spatially fractionated ionising radiation field, characterised by regions of high and low absorbed radiation dose that are only ever qualitatively verified biologically via γ-H2AX imaging. Here we validate our bio-dosimetric quantification method using γ-H2AX assays in the assessment of DSB enhancement. Our method reliably quantifies DSB enhancement in cells when exposed to either a spatially contiguous or fractionated irradiation fields. Using the γ-H2AX assay, we deduce the biological dose response, and for the first time, demonstrate equivalence to the independently measured physical absorbed dose. Using our novel method, we are also able quantify the nanoparticle DSB enhancement at the cellular level, which is not possible using physical dose measurement techniques. Our method therefore provides a new paradigm in γ-H2AX image quantification of DSBs, as well as an independently validated bio-dosimetry technique.

Research Progress and Teaching Exploration of Physical Processing Technology for Reduced-Salt Gel Meat Products

Salt assumes a significant role in the production of meat gels. Excessive intake of salt adversely affects human health, and consumers’ demand for reduced-salt meat products is escalating. This review primarily introduces the characteristics of the physical processing technology of reduced-salt gel meat products, such as the technology of ultrasonic, high-pressure processing, beating, plasma, and magnetic field, and its role in reduced-salt gel meat processing, and explores means to improve the teaching effect of the physical processing technology of reduced-salt gel meat products in the major of Food Science and Engineering. It was found that physical processing techniques, such as ultrasound, high-pressure processing, and beating, could enhance the solubility and processing performance of myofibrillar protein by improving the meat structure and protein conformation, increasing the interaction between proteins, water, and fat molecules, and enhancing the texture, water-holding capacity, and sensory quality of reduced-salt gel meat products. In the promotion and teaching of physical processing technology, it is necessary to strengthen interdisciplinary integration and scientific research activities according to the customs, laws and regulations of different countries and regions, combined with the development frontier of the technology, and develop reduced-salt gel meat products that meet local needs according to local conditions.

Research on Reactivity-Equivalent Physical Transformation Method for Double Heterogeneity in Pressurized Water Reactors Based on Machine Learning

Traditional computational methods for pressurized water reactors are unable to handle dispersed fuel particles as the double heterogeneity and the direct volumetric homogenization can result in significant errors. In contrast, reactivity-equivalent physical transformation techniques offer high precision for addressing the double heterogeneity introduced by dispersed fuel particles. This approach converts the double heterogeneity problem into a single heterogeneity problem, which is then subsequently investigated by using the conventional pressurized water reactor computational procedure. However, it is currently empirical and takes a lot of time to obtain the right k∞. In this paper, we train the RPT model by using the existing dataset of plate-dispersed fuel and rod-dispersed fuel by a machine learning method based on a linear regression model, and we then use the new data to make predictions and derive the corresponding similarity ratios. The burnup verification, density verification, fission rate verification, and neutron energy spectrum analysis are calculated through the OpenMC program. For plate-type fuel elements, the method maintains an accuracy within 200 pcm during depletion, with deviations in the 235U density and 235U fission rate within 0.1% and neutron energy spectrum errors within 6%. For rod-type fuel elements, the method maintains an accuracy within 100 pcm during depletion, with deviations in 235U and 239Pu density within 1.5% and neutron energy spectrum errors within 1%. The numerical validation indicates that the reactivity-equivalent physical transformation method based on the linear regression model not only greatly improves the computational efficiency, but also ensures a very high accuracy to deal with double heterogeneity in nuclear reactors.

Improving the Properties of Polysaccharide-Based Films by Incorporation of Polyphenols Through Free Radical Grafting: A Review

The increasing demand for sustainable materials has propelled research into polysaccharide modifications for various applications, particularly in active packaging. This review aims to explore the incorporation of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols into polysaccharides, focusing on chemical modification through free radical grafting techniques. The methods examined include enzymatic, physical, and chemical grafting techniques, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing the properties of polysaccharide-based films. Recent studies have demonstrated that free radical grafting can significantly improve the mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of these films, extending their applicability in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, challenges such as the stability of polyphenols and the understanding of grafting mechanisms remain critical areas for further investigation. This review discusses these advancements and outlines future research directions, emphasizing the potential of polysaccharide modifications to create innovative materials that meet the evolving needs of consumers and industries alike.

A Survey on Security of UAV Swarm Networks: Attacks and Countermeasures

The increasing popularity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) swarms is attributed to their ability to generate substantial returns for various industries at a low cost. Additionally, in the future landscape of wireless networks, UAV swarms can serve as airborne base stations, alleviating the scarcity of communication resources. However, UAV swarm networks are vulnerable to various security threats that attackers can exploit with unpredictable consequences. Against this background, this paper provides a comprehensive review on security of UAV swarm networks. We begin by briefly introducing the dominant UAV swarm technologies, followed by their civilian and military applications. We then present and categorize various potential attacks that UAV swarm networks may encounter, such as denial-of-service attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks and attacks against Machine Learning (ML) models. After that, we introduce security technologies that can be utilized to address these attacks, including cryptography, physical layer security techniques, blockchain, ML, and intrusion detection. Additionally, we investigate and summarize mitigation strategies addressing different security threats in UAV swarm networks. Finally, some research directions and challenges are discussed.

Modification Strategies and Prospects for Enhancing the Stability of Black Phosphorus.

Black phosphorus is a two-dimensional layer material with promising applications due to its many excellent physicochemical properties, including high carrier mobility, ambipolar field effect and unusual in-plane anisotropy. Currently, BP has been widely used in biomedical engineering, photocatalysis, semiconductor devices, and energy storage electrode materials. However, the unique structure of BP makes it highly chemically active, leading to its easy oxidation and degradation in air, which limits its practical applications. Recently, researchers have proposed a number of initiatives that can address the environmental instability of BP, and the application of these physical and chemical passivation techniques can effectively enhance the environmental stability of BP, including four modification methods: covalent functionalization, non-covalent functionalization, surface coordination, physical encapsulation and edge passivation. This review highlights the mechanisms of the above modification techniques in addressing the severe instability of BP in different application scenarios, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each method. This review can provide guidance for more researchers in studying the marvellous properties of BP and accelerate the practical application of BP in different fields.

Submarine Groundwater Discharge at a Mega‐Tidal Beach

ABSTRACTTidally influenced groundwater systems in coastal environments represent important mixing zones of fresh groundwater and circulating seawater, manifesting as submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Water circulation induced by tidal pumping enhances the exchange of chemicals between aquifers and coastal waters and thereby influences the biogeochemistry of coastal zones. Here, we report the results of an SGD field study conducted at a steep, mega‐tidal sand and gravel beach along the Canadian coast of the Bay of Fundy, a region with the world's highest tides (semi‐diurnal tidal ranges exceeding 10 m). Several physical and geochemical measurement techniques were employed to document the spatiotemporal SGD variability. SGD was directly sampled from seepage meters installed over multiple tidal cycles and two summer campaigns. SGD rates were estimated from tracer mass balances for radon (August 2020) and radium isotopes (July 2021) over multiple tidal cycles. Tidally averaged SGD estimates from seepage meters ranged from 12 to 87 cm d−1, with an average of 42 cm d−1, while radon tracing yielded a tidally averaged rate of 86 cm d−1. SGD estimates from radium tracing ranged from 23 to 43 cm d−1 along the shoreline and 6 to 71 cm d−1 offshore, depending on the estimated residence times. Radionuclide analyses of seepage meter waters suggest that the residence time of seawater circulation through the aquifer is less than 1 day. SGD measurements in mega‐tidal settings are rare, and the results suggest that the combination of the steep slopes, highly permeable sediments and high tidal range drive very high seepage rates for diffusive SGD. Salinity gradients in the intertidal zone demonstrate that SGD is primarily comprised of circulated seawater with negligible fresh groundwater. Although the freshwater proportion of SGD is relatively low, the large volumetric rates of total SGD can still contribute large amounts of terrestrially derived and remineralized nutrients to coastal waters.

In Situ X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Atomic Layer Deposited Cerium Oxide on SiO2: Substrate Influence on the Reaction Mechanism During the Early Stages of Growth

AbstractThermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) of cerium oxide using commercial Ce(thd)4 precursor and O3 on SiO2 substrates is studied employing in‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The system presents a complex growth behavior determined by the change in the reaction mechanism when the precursor interacts with the substrate or the cerium oxide surface. During the first growth stage, non‐ALD side reactions promoted by the substrate affect the growth per cycle, the amount of carbon residue on the surface, and the oxidation degree of cerium oxide. On the contrary, the second growth stage is characterized by a constant growth per cycle in good agreement with the literature, low carbon residues, and almost fully oxidized cerium oxide films. This distinction between two growth regimes is not unique to the CeOx/SiO2 system but can be generalized to other metal oxide substrates. Furthermore, the film growth deviates from the ideal layer‐by‐layer mode, forming micrometric inhomogeneous and defective flakes that eventually coalesce for deposit thicknesses above 10 nm. The ALD‐cerium oxide films present less order and a higher density of defects than films grown by physical vapor deposition techniques, likely affecting their reactivity in oxidizing and reducing conditions.

Unlocking Genome Editing: Advances and Obstacles in CRISPR/Cas Delivery Technologies

CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with protein 9) was first identified as a component of the bacterial adaptive immune system and subsequently engineered into a genome-editing tool. The key breakthrough in this field came with the realization that CRISPR/Cas9 could be used in mammalian cells to enable transformative genetic editing. This technology has since become a vital tool for various genetic manipulations, including gene knockouts, knock-in point mutations, and gene regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. CRISPR/Cas9 holds great potential in human medicine, particularly for curing genetic disorders. However, despite significant innovation and advancement in genome editing, the technology still possesses critical limitations, such as off-target effects, immunogenicity issues, ethical considerations, regulatory hurdles, and the need for efficient delivery methods. To overcome these obstacles, efforts have focused on creating more accurate and reliable Cas9 nucleases and exploring innovative delivery methods. Recently, functional biomaterials and synthetic carriers have shown great potential as effective delivery vehicles for CRISPR/Cas9 components. In this review, we attempt to provide a comprehensive survey of the existing CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies, including viral delivery, biomaterials-based delivery, synthetic carriers, and physical delivery techniques. We underscore the urgent need for effective delivery systems to fully unlock the power of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and realize a seamless transition from benchtop research to clinical applications.

Emerging Frontiers in In Situ Forming Hydrogels for Enhanced Hemostasis and Accelerated Wound Healing.

With a surge in the number of accidents and chronic wounds worldwide, there is a growing need for advanced hemostatic and wound care solutions. In this regard, in situ forming hydrogels have emerged as a revolutionary biomaterial due to their inherent properties, which include biocompatibility, biodegradability, porosity, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-like mechanical strength, that render them ideal for biomedical applications. This review demonstrates the advancements of in situ forming hydrogels, tracing their evolution from injectable to more sophisticated forms, such as sprayable and 3-D printed hydrogels. These hydrogels are designed to modulate the pathophysiology of wounds, enhancing hemostasis and facilitating wound repair. The review presents different methodologies for in situ forming hydrogel synthesis, spanning a spectrum of physical and chemical cross-linking techniques. Furthermore, it showcases the adaptability of hydrogels to the dynamic requirements of wound healing processes. Through a detailed discussion, this article sheds light on the multifunctional capabilities of these hydrogels such as their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review aims to inform and inspire continued advancement in the field, ultimately contributing to the development of sophisticated wound care solutions that meet the complexity of clinical needs.

Giant Epididymal Cyst in the Right Testicle: Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Cystic intratesticular lesions can occur in the second and fourth decades of life and are typically identified via ultrasound. Testicular cysts, usually under 2 cm, result from epididymal-lymphatic obstruction or hormonal changes. Larger lesions with sperm and lymphocytes are spermatoceles. Epididymal cysts are asymptomatic but can cause discomfort or pain, sometimes requiring surgery. Clinical case: A 38-year-old male with no chronic diseases presented with a giant tumor in the right testicle, experiencing pain and hypersensitivity. Physical examination and ultrasound revealed an irregular, painful testicular tumor and a right epididymal cyst. A right epididymal tumor excision was performed successfully. Discussion: Testicular cysts are benign and represent 20-40% of benign testicular tumors. They may arise due to idiopathic, infectious, or traumatic causes with no established risk factors. Diagnosis is often incidental and involves physical examination and imaging techniques like ultrasound. Management is conservative for asymptomatic cases, while symptomatic cases may require surgical intervention that involves careful separation of the cyst from the adhered area. Conclusion: An epididymal cyst is a common pathology in males worldwide, occupying up to 40% of the masses in the testes at the time of a urological assessment. It is a collection at the testicular level of hyaline content and usually measures < 2 cm. They are generally asymptomatic, but when their size exceeds 2 cm or causes symptomatology, it is important to know the therapeutic options that can be offered to patients. In the case of our patient, as it is an epididymal cyst with a diameter of 5 cm and with additional symptomatology, the ideal management was surgical resection, showing adequate evolution in the postoperative follow-up.

Organic Chimeras based on Selenosugars, Steroids, and Fullerenes as Potential Inhibitors of the β-amyloid Peptide Aggregation.

The aggregation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several therapies aimed at reducing the aggregation of this peptide have emerged as potential strategies for the treatment of AD. This paper describes the design and preparation of new hybrid molecules based on steroids, selenosugars, and [60]fullerene as potential inhibitors of Aβ oligomerization. These moieties were selected based on their antioxidant properties and possible areas of interaction with the Aβ. Cyclopropanations between C60 and malonates bearing different steroid and selenosugar moieties using the Bingel-Hirsch protocol have enabled the synthesis of functionalized molecular hybrids. The obtained derivatives were characterized by physical and spectroscopic techniques. Theoretical calculations for all the selenium compounds were performed using the density functional theory DFT/B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-311G(2d,p) predicting the most stable conformations of the synthesized derivatives. Relevant geometrical parameters were investigated to relate the stereochemical behavior and the spectroscopic data obtained. The affinity of the compounds for Aβ-peptide was estimated by molecular docking simulation, which predicted an increase in affinity and interactions for Aβ for the hybrids containing the C60 core. In addition, parameters such as lipophilicity, polar surface area, and dipole moment were calculated to predict their potential interaction with membrane cells.

Security Evaluation of I/Q Offset and CFO Physical Layer Fingerprint identification model in Bluetooth Communication under Attacker Simulation

In this paper, by considering the presence of attackers, a model is established to demonstrate the process of identifying the target device by the receiver through physical fingerprinting in Bluetooth communication. Based on this model, the security and robustness of the physical layer device identification techniques using I/Q offset, as well as the combination of I/Q offset and CFO, will be evaluated. This paper will help users recognize the potential impact of attackers on the security of Bluetooth communication and understand how to enhance the security and accuracy of device identification.